Principal's Message

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

It is an honor to introduce myself as the new Principal of Frank and Irene Palomino Elementary. I am thrilled to join Palomino’s dedicated staff as we work together to support student success and build a safe, welcoming community where every child feels a strong sense of belonging.

Moving forward, we will continue to focus on our District's Goals: Goal 1 Academic Skills + Goal 2 Personal Skills = Goal 3 Lifelong Success!  Our academic program is rigorous, engaging, and aligned to the state standards.  Our amazing teachers use evidence-based instructional strategies to maximize learning and foster academic excellence in every classroom.  Our teachers nurture our students' personal and socio-emotional growth through schoolwide initiatives like PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), and AVID.   Beyond the regular school day, we support the whole child through an extensive after-school opportunities—including targeted academic support alongside engaging enrichment like dance and mariachi.

I am looking forward to working together with students, staff, and parents to continue providing the best educational experience possible for our students.  In advance, I thank you for your support of Palomino and its programs.  Please do not hesitate to contact Palomino’s office at (714) 663-6418 if you have any questions or concerns.

Respectfully, 

Rene Cantoran

Our School

What’s so special about Palomino? Academic Excellence, 21st Century Technology, Student Recognition, Parent and Community Engagement, and our School Garden to name a few! 

Academic Excellence: Palomino was named a 2018 California Distinguished School and a 2018 California Honor Roll School for academic success and high levels of college readiness among students! These prestigious awards are only presented to the state's most inspiring and successful public schools. 

21st Century Technology: Palomino has a 1:1 computer to student ratio and students engage with iPads and/or Chromebooks as part of daily instruction. We have a Technology Assistant in our computer lab. Many of our students participate in an after school Coding Class and last year 60 students participated in a First Lego League Robotics Competition sponsored by Lego Land. They built and programmed several robots that completed tasks at Lego Land against many other schools from Southern California.

Modernized Campus: Palomino Elementary School boasts a recently-modernized campus with increased security and air-conditioned classrooms.

Free State Preschool:  Palomino is proud to offer a free state preschool program on campus and childcare and after-school activities in academics, art, and athletics through the Boys & Girls Club.

College Readiness: Palomino’s robust College and Career Mentoring Program pairs elementary students with college students who serve as positive role models, provide help with school work, and promote positive self-esteem.

Positive School Climate: Our positive school climate promotes student success. Students are valued by teachers and staff and feel a connection to the school through a variety of special events. Each class leads the school in a weekly Friday Flag presentation that includes a Patriotic song or topical skit. Our active Student Council sponsors many Spirit Days, Santa Grams, and Valentine Grams. Students participate in our Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Decorating Contest, Kindness Week, Read Across America Week, Red Ribbon Week, 100 Days of School celebration, March in Motion, and Monthly College Promotion Days. Our sixth grade students participate in an Overnight Aquarium Field Trip, along with many other special sixth trade activities. We also have our school garden planted with a “Salsa Garden” theme with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro that we plan to harvest in May with a tasting for students.

Parent Engagement: Palomino offers many opportunities for parents to engage in their child’s education through online resources to help with homework support as well as family technology nights, PTO, and parent education classes. Parents enjoy our welcoming climate through participation in school community events like Kite Day, Walk-a-thon Color Run, Track and Field Days, Pastries with Parents, BBQ Movie Night, Skate Nights, Santa’s Breakfast, Muffins with Moms, Donuts with Dads, Volunteer Breakfast, Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, and Family Nights with Math and Technology.