Dear Ben Holt Middle School Families,

It has been an honor to serve the Ben Holt community as a principal resident/assistant principal for the past three years and now as the principal of Ben Holt Middle School. I am extremely passionate about the work that we do at Aspire and the way in which we serve students and families. The Ben Holt community is a place where students work hard to apply themselves and succeed at high levels. BHM is also a place where families are involved in their child’s educational experience.

As a life-long learner, I myself am a first generation college student and I am passionate about Aspire’s vision and mission. I have overcome many life obstacles in order to become a college graduate and an educator. My life’s story is the Aspire story and I am thankful to work and serve in an organization that helps students overcome societal and generational barriers. Before BHM, I was a principal resident at BHA for one year, taught for 8 years in Stockton Unified/Aspire Schools, and worked in Compton Unified School District as a coach for 3 years. I love helping people better their lives through thinking critically through education.

I look forward to partnering with each of you as we strive each day to live out the Aspire core values: Purposefulness, collaboration, ownership, quality, and customer service. I recognize that middle school can signal feelings of both excitement and apprehension, and I thank you for entrusting our staff with your most precious possession, your children. We do not take our responsibility lightly in ensuring your child with an experience that is engaging, safe, and nurturing, and we are thrilled for the next leg in your child’s academic journey.

May we all commit to making greater efforts towards communicating with each other. If I can ever be of assistance, please email or call me. Thank you for choosing Ben Holt Middle School. We look forward to serving you and your child this school year.

With great positivity and gratitude,
Maria Cortez
Principal, Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle School