August 26, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

New Principal Named for McKinley Elementary School

She Began Her Career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Rural Schools

The Santa Monica-Malibu School District approved the appointment of Daniela Wiener as the new principal of McKinley Elementary School.

Wiener brings an extensive educational background, serving as the 50% assistant principal at both McKinley Elementary and Grant Elementary in SMMUSD since 2021. Previously, she held roles as an instructional coach for seven years across various elementary schools within the district, including McKinley Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, and Edison Language Academy.

With over two decades of experience in education, Wiener began her career as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural schools in Honduras. Her tenure includes work in the New York City Department of Education as a dual immersion teacher, lead teacher, and instructional coach. Additionally, she contributed to international education policy initiatives for Latin America and Africa under the United States Agency for International Development.

Wiener holds bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and linguistics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, along with master’s degrees in international education policy from Harvard University and childhood education with a focus on bilingual education from City University of New York, Hunter College. Currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Southern California, she specializes in educational psychology, expecting graduation this spring. Wiener is proficient in English, Spanish, and Czech languages.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Wiener stated, “I am honored to assume the role of McKinley Elementary’s next principal. Leading this community is more than a responsibility; it’s an incredible privilege. The school’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion deeply aligns with my own values, and I am eager to advocate for these principles while fostering a learning environment that nurtures curiosity, inclusivity, and empowerment for each student.”

Wiener succeeds Dr. Ashley Benjamin, who assumed the position of Director of Curriculum and Instruction for SMMUSD in October.

in News, Upbeat
<>Related Posts

New $21 Million Mediterranean Home Hits Market in Palisades

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

Features include a speakeasy-style bar, a 1,657-bottle refrigerated wine room, a theater, and a wellness wing A newly constructed 10,100-square-foot...

Kanye West’s Former Malibu Beach House Deal Collapses, Property Back on Market

August 24, 2025

August 24, 2025

Deal for Kanye West’s Former Malibu Home Falls Apart Amid Developer Dispute Months after developers announced a multimillion-dollar sale of...

City of Malibu Issues First Rebuild Permit After January Wildfires

August 24, 2025

August 24, 2025

Reconstruction Begins in Malibu as First Post-Fire Permit Is Granted Malibu has issued its first rebuild permit since January’s wildfires,...

Beloved Santa Monica Art Gallery to Close Amid Financial Hardships

August 24, 2025

August 24, 2025

Originally opened in 1987, the gallery was the first tenant in Frank Gehry’s Edgemar building in Santa Monica After nearly...

Frozen Shrimp Recall Expanded to California After Radioactive Contamination Concerns

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

Southwind Foods Adds California Shrimp Recall Tied to Possible Cesium-137 Exposure Southwind Foods, LLC is recalling select packages of frozen...

Santa Monica Bowls Club Marks 80th Anniversary

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

The club’s green, destroyed by heavy rains in 1982, was rebuilt in 1983 and continues to thrive as a hub...

California and Denmark Sign Partnership to Advance Climate and Technology Goals

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

The partnership focuses on achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, strengthening digital and cyber resilience, and promoting innovation California and Denmark...

LAPD Seeks Public’s Help in Finding Two Abducted Children

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

Police are urging anyone with information about the children’s whereabouts to contact Lieutenant Ku at the Olympic Division at (213)...

LA General Medical Seeks Help Identifying Patient

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

The patient is approximately 56 years old, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 121 pounds, and has black and...

Santa Monica Place Hosts Weekly Western Wednesday Line Dancing

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

No prior dance experience is required, and attendees are encouraged to bring enthusiasm and comfortable shoes Santa Monica Place will...

Coyotes Raise Safety Concerns in Santa Monica: Aggressive Incidents, Illegal Feeding Reported

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

Authorities Warn Residents After Cyclists Charged, Incidents Continue Over Three-Week Period Coyote activity continues to raise safety concerns in Santa...

Standoff in Malibu After Resident Allegedly Fires Arrow: REPORT

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

The passerby, who was not injured, told authorities the occupant of the home fired the arrow as they passed by...

SM.a.r.t Column: The Algorithm Will See You Now: Santa Monica’s Upcoming AI Reckoning

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

The thing about Santa Monica is that it has always believed its own marketing. Tech capital of the west side....

Film Review: Americana

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

By Kathryn Whitney Boole FILM REVIEWAMERICANARated R107 MinutesReleased August 15th   This movie plays like a classic Owen Wister or Zane...

Santa Monica Road Rage Incident Leads to Arrest, Hospitalization

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

Bystanders restrained the pedestrian until officers arrived A pedestrian was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly slashing...