Creating Connection: How CAVA Principals Build a Strong Virtual School Community 

At California Virtual Academies, connection is at the center of learning. Behind every student’s success is a team of educators and leaders who believe that relationships create the foundation for growth. For CAVA principals, building connection means supporting teachers, students, and families with care, creativity, and consistency. 

Encouraging Connection Every Day 

Third-grade principal Ms. Lisa Magallanes believes that connection is what keeps a virtual school community strong. “What I enjoy most about serving as a principal at CAVA is connecting with students, families, and staff,” she says. “I love hearing about the fun things happening in classrooms, celebrating successes, and working with teachers to find creative solutions when challenges arise.” 

Ms. Magallanes focuses on communication and shared celebration. “I make sure that families and staff know they are valued and supported,” she says. “Through newsletters, messages, and virtual meetings, I do my best to highlight accomplishments and keep our community informed.” 

Her favorite moments are when she witnesses the joy in students’ learning. “I love seeing students smile when they share their projects,” she says. “It reminds me why connection matters so much in education.” 

Supporting Teachers and Building Trust 

Seventh-grade principal Ms. Cherisse Kaelin views connection as the key to building trust within her school community. “Being a principal at CAVA is deeply fulfilling because I get to support both our incredible teachers and our amazing students every day,” she says. “At CAVA, I am passionate about creating a supportive environment where teachers, staff, and students feel valued and empowered.” 

Ms. Kaelin made it a priority to personally reach out to the teachers when she transitioned to her current grade level. “I have started reaching out through connection calls and offering Zoom support to teachers experiencing technical issues,” she says. “Building strong relationships with teachers from the very beginning is essential in our virtual environment.” 

Her focus on encouragement has helped her teachers feel heard and supported. “When educators are supported, they can do their best work, and when students feel seen and understood, they thrive,” she says. 

Celebrating Success Together 

TK and kindergarten principal Ms. Connie Wissner believes that connection starts with appreciation. “I love catching staff members doing great things and recognizing them for it,” she says. “I also use our ‘I Caught You’ Google pad to track the wonderful things that I see during visits to live instruction, to celebrate students with an I Caught you card and school swag in the mail.” 

Ms. Wissner also celebrates the small moments that make a big difference for students. “I send postcards to families to recognize student achievements,” she says. “Even a small note can remind a family that we see their hard work and care deeply about their success.” 

Ms. Wissner keeps her teachers and families inspired through this type of creative communication and personal bonding. “My goal is to ensure every teacher feels supported and every student feels celebrated,” she says. 

Finding Joy in Everyday Moments 

Fifth-grade principal Ms. Megan Kelso shares that being part of the daily life of a school community is what makes her role meaningful. “What I enjoy most about serving as a principal is being part of the everyday moments that make a school feel connected,” she says. “I love seeing the excitement in a student’s eyes when they accomplish something new and celebrating both the big and small successes alongside them. Working with teachers and staff who care so deeply about kids is inspiring, and I feel grateful to walk beside them in this important work. The relationships I get to build with students, families, and staff are what fill my heart each day and remind me how lucky I am to serve in this role.” 

A Community Built on Care 

Connection looks different for every principal, but the goal is always the same: to create a caring and inclusive school community. Whether through calls, notes, meetings, or virtual celebrations, CAVA leaders make sure every teacher, student, and family feels seen and valued. 

Ms. Magallanes, Ms. Kaelin, Ms. Wissner, and Ms. Kelso show how thoughtful interaction and genuine care create a school environment where everyone feels they belong. Their leadership reminds us that connection is not something added to education; it is what makes learning come alive.