Dear Donner Springs Families,

My name is Mari Riggs, and I am honored to be able to introduce myself as the principal of Donner Springs Elementary School. I love being a part of this amazing community! I would like to take a minute and introduce myself, my family, and my philosophy on education.  

First and foremost, I want to tell you about my family. I have been married to my amazing husband for 19 years. We have two beautiful daughters: Makyla (15) and Briella (12). They are both redhead spitfires and keep me on my toes every day! Both girls love to swim, play volleyball, tennis, and board games! We rescued a puppy, named Daisy 2021 and she has brought so much joy to our lives! Makyla is my super shy one but is pursuing a career in acting (she just released her first commercial this summer!!). Briella is outgoing, an aspiring baker, and plays the piano. My husband, John, is an avid runner and a great helper around the building. You will see him come around a lot and he loves to volunteer! I love to be outdoors: walking, hiking, swimming, bike rides, etc. I love to go on road trips and drive my racecar (before kids, my husband and I raced in the Sports Car Club of America)! I smile and laugh A LOT!

For my professional career, I have been in education for over 17 years. My experience includes: Special Education Teacher (K-6^th), 5^th grade teacher and a Special Education Facilitator (coach) working across Washoe County School District. As an administrator, I was the Dean of Students at Anderson Elementary and Assistant Principal at Brown Elementary. I have worked with teachers and students from Pre-K all the way through High School Transition.

The foundation of my philosophy has two parts: 1. Students come first. As your administrator I promise that all decisions will be made with students as our number one priority. 2. ALL students can learn at high levels. Ignacio Estrada said it best, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” This has guided not only my teaching style but also my leadership as a coach, administrator, and life-long learner. It is our job to meet students where they are and give them the tools they need in order to excel in school and life. In short, students come first, all students can learn, and it’s our job to make that happen.

I am committed to continuing the hard work that the staff, students, and community have put in to making Donner Springs such an exceptional school. I look forward to meeting the children, teachers, parents, and community members that make up Donner Springs Elementary and can’t wait to see what we will continue to achieve together!

Principal

Donner Springs Elementary School