Hello Dunlap Families! A Warm Welcome from Mrs. Adler

Hello Dunlap Families,  

I am thrilled to join the Ralph Dunlap community as your Vice Principal!  

I truly love working with kids. My core belief as an educator is simple: school should be a place where kids love to learn, feel seen for who they are, and are encouraged to bring out their absolute best. I know our students do their best work when families and schools work closely together.  

Before entering education, I spent 15 years with Starbucks in various leadership roles. During my time as a training store manager, I discovered my passion for developing others and realized I wanted to make a direct impact on children’s lives. Over the years, I have taught in the classroom at OUSD and worked as a Teacher on Special Assignment supporting literacy, Transitional Kindergarten, and multilingual learners.  

You might already see a familiar face in me around campus! OSIS shares our Dunlap grounds, and after supporting Dunlap last year, I am thrilled to step into the Vice Principal role alongside my work with OSIS. You’ll see me out on campus during drop-off, recess, and dismissal—please feel free to come by and say hello!  

On a personal note, I grew up right here on the Central Coast in Los Osos. Outside of school, you can usually find me gardening or out for walks with my dog, Rex. I am also walking alongside many of you as a school parent this year—my daughter, Jamie, is entering Kindergarten in a neighboring district.

I've attached a quick visual cheat sheet below with photos of my family and Rex so you can get to know us a bit better!  

I am excited to meet you and your students on campus soon. Please feel free to say hello when you see me around school.  

Warmest regards,  

Katherine Emily Adler

Vice Principal, Ralph Dunlap Elementary  

"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." —Christopher Robin