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History

  • Groundbreaking ceremonies for Turtleback Elementary School were held September 29, 1989 and school opened in the Fall of 1990 with 31 teachers and over 900 students.

  • The facility was built to house 768 students with 24 regular classes, a Learning Resource Center (LRC) with 7,000 books and a computer lab. It encompasses a 12 acre lot with 44,066 square feet and cost $8.9 million to build.

  • The student body came from Westwood, Painted Rock and Rolling Hills Elementary Schools. Once Highland Ranch Elementary school opened in 1992 the student population went down to 675.

  • In July 1996 class size reduction was legislated so Turtleback increased it's teacher base to 35 by 1997 and with 765 students the average class size was 19.35, K-3 and 29.11, grades 4-5.

  • Turtleback was recognized as a California Distinguished School in 1997-1998! The parent volunteers have averaged over 30,000 hours per year and the PTA has brought in $16-25,000 per year for school needs.

  • During the 2000-2001 school year there were 38 teachers with 866 students (includes preschool). Turtleback students designed their own tiles to decorate the halls of our school as part of the 10 year celebration!

  • According to an article written January 25, 1990 in the Rancho Bernardo Journal the first principal, Charlene Bishop said, "Students will make the choice of school colors and mascot."
    • School Colors: Purple and Teal
    • Mascot: Terrapin (Swimming Turtle)

  • Julie Harris, 5th grade teacher at Turtleback, "The love, concern, sense of community and cohesive staff stands out in my mind. It's a wonderful place to work as a teacher and it extends into the community with parents and students." There are still a number of teachers and staff that have been at Turtleback since the beginning.

  • The founding philosophy by Mrs. Bishop was "widen the circle of love" which she quoted from a poem written by Edwin Markam. Our current Principal, Dr. Campbell, continues that feeling of love and acceptance.

    Charlene Bishop

    1990-1993

    Janet Barry

    1992-1998

    Kimberlie Rens

    1999-2003

    		 Charmaine Lawson

    2003-2006

     

    Celeste Campbell

    2006-present

     

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