My name is Sue Gruber, and I am the new principal of Sonoma Mountain Elementary Charter School. While I’m new to being a principal, I am not new to SoMo. I’ve been here teaching kindergarten since the school opened. There is so much to love about this school! At Sonoma Mountain we work collaboratively with our dedicated community of staff, students, and parents to deepen our charter focus in the arts and music, ensure a rigorous academic foundation for all students, and instill a sense of school pride and tremendous spirit.

I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the minute I was a kindergarten student myself. I spent my childhood in southern California playing school, but only if I could be the teacher! My family moved to northern California when I was in fifth grade. I graduated from CSU Sacramento with a degree in Geology and earned my Multiple Subject Credential, Special Education Credentials and Masters degree from Sonoma State University, I began my teaching career at La Tercera School where I taught third, fourth and fifth grade. I was ready for a challenge and when it opened, I moved to Sonoma Mountain School to teach kindergarten. Several years ago, I completed my Administrative Credential. I realized that there was only one school in the world that I wanted to be the principal of–Sonoma Mountain Elementary Charter School! After 37 years of teaching in the Old Adobe Union School District, I was ready to make the jump to principal. I loved everything about teaching. The most exciting part of teaching is experiencing first hand the transformation children undergo as they become confident learners who are willing to take risks as they gain academic skills and social-emotional skills. I love the fact that many SoMo parents are former students of mine from La Tercera. I’m so proud of you!

Serving as the Teacher in Charge, I have worked closely with our previous principal and current co-superintendent, Mrs. Gochberg, and had the opportunity to learn from a truly gifted school leader. My plan as principal is to continue our beloved Sonoma Mountain traditions, maintain our high standards and our commitment to family engagement as we forge ahead and explore new ideas and opportunities. I look forward to partnering with you this school year! I know that I will love being a principal because I’ll have the opportunity to work with all of our students and their families and all of our staff members.

My husband, Matt Fox, and I have a son, Cooper who is in college and a dog named Kevin McBarky-Pants. I love spending time with my family, reading, gardening, cooking and hiking.