Administration
Administration
Embedded Files
Earl Smith
Principal
Dear Students and Parents,
It is with great pleasure that I say welcome back to school! I trust your time away, whether counted in days or weeks, has been enjoyable, renewing, and adventurous.
Students, you have wonderful opportunities ahead to make a difference in your life and the lives of your peers. Achieving your goals will take commitment and a willingness to do the work. To help you along the way, we have a dedicated staff ready to assist you. Our staff, your hard work, along with informed parents and a community that is involved and values education, will help to put you well on your way to fulfilling your educational goals.
Parents, together we can make this the best school year yet, by making sure your students are in the classroom, focused on learning and celebrating success along the way. When our students succeed, we all succeed. I wish everyone a year filled with academic success, and many memorable experiences, while taking in all Apple Valley Unified School District has to offer.
Proud to be a Coyote!
Proud to be a Coyote!
Sarah Garcia
Assistant Principal
Hello Students and Families!
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. This is my 18th year in education - I have worked as an ELA teacher, Counselor, and Administrator. I am a proud wife and mother, I love to travel, try new foods, and read when I get the chance! I have a passion for education and believe in building solid relationships that will, in turn, build a strong academic and healthy social emotional environment for all of our students.
We are excited to see everyone and to see what new opportunities this year will bring!! I can not wait to see all of you in person and meet all our Coyote Families! Please don’t be shy and stay connected by reaching out if you have any questions, comments or just want to chat.
Proud to be a coyote!
Proud to be a coyote!
Office Staff
Office Staff
Teachers
Teachers
Mrs. Lucy Vargas
Kindergarten/First Grade
760-247-8001 x 83110
Bio: Hi! My name is Lucy Vargas. I am so excited to be a part of the Apple Valley Virtual Academy! I have been a part of AVUSD as a parent volunteer, substitute teacher, and teacher since 2011. I have a son who is a sophomore and a daughter who is a senior at AVHS. Prior to working for AVUSD, I taught first grade for 7 years in Long Beach and 2 years in Barstow. Since 2020, I have been enjoying working with students and their families in a virtual setting.
Mr. Joseph Trujillo
Third Grade
760-247-8001 x 83106
Bio: Mr. Trujillo is a highly qualified, experienced teacher that has worked in AVUSD since 1999. Before joining the Apple Valley Virtual Academy, he worked in a 3rd grade classroom at Sycamore Rocks until 2020, and was an integral part of the school's Blue Ribbon Award for High Performing School each year the award was earned. He joins AVVA with the goal of helping students increase their academic abilities.
Mr. Brian Kirby
Fourth Grade
760-247-8001 x 83112
Bio: My name is Brian Kirby. I was born and raised in Long Beach. I received my Bachelor’s degree and my teaching credential from Long Beach State. I have been teaching for 15 years and have worked in Apple Valley for the last 13 years. I have been married for 23 years and I have 3 awesome children. Mia just graduated from Chico State, Kayla is a junior at my alma mater, and Tyler is a sophomore at the Lewis Center. Teaching is my passion (along with the Raiders)! I’m excited to be a part of the brand new Apple Valley Virtual Academy!
Mr. Grover Swick
Fifth Grade
760-247-8001 x 83111
Bio: Hi! My name is Mr. Swick. I have been an AVUSD employee for 30 years and a teacher for 26. I am a 1992 AVHS Alumni and my only begotten daughter is a junior at AVHS. Three of my cousins, my baby sister and my dad, all work for or have worked for AVUSD. I am excited to return to teaching 5th grade, it is my absolute favorite grade to teach. I have a minor in American political thought (Political Science), so studying the American Revolution, America's founding documents, and our government is a joy I love to share with my students. When I was in 5th grade, reading was fun for me and math was not. Now I love them both. You can learn ANYTHING! I am committed to making a long-term multigenerational difference in the lives of the students and families here in Apple Valley. When I am not changing lives, I enjoy many recreational pursuits, including, but not limited to: bird dogs, snowboarding, and softball. Let's make it a great year!
Mrs. Jessica Alvaranza
Sixth Grade
760-247-8001 x 83103
Bio: Hello families! I've worked as a teacher for Apple Valley Unified School District since 2005. I have a range of experience working with various grade levels and students with different learning needs. I look forward to helping your student shine and see their potential. When I'm not at work, I love spending times with my warm-hearted husband and full-of-energy little girl. I also enjoy walking around my neighborhood, indulging in pizza, and reading, listening, and watching things that inspire me.
Mrs. Monica Avina-Avilez
Seventh/Eighth Grades
Math
760-247-8001 x 83101
Bio: I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful staff at AVVA. I have worked in education for 20 years now and more than half of those years have been with AVUSD. I previously worked as a high school Spanish teacher and now I absolutely love working with amazing 7th and 8th grade students, supporting their individual needs and helping them learn to love Math and Social Studies. Let's go Coyotes! When I am not working, I love spending time with my awesome family and friends, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Mr. Jeramy Mathews
Seventh/Eighth Grades
Science/Social Studies
760-247-8001 x 83104
Bio: Hello Virtual Families. This is my 7th year teaching and my first at AVVA. I spent my first 6 years at Sitting Bull Academy where I taught Math, Robotics, Science and Social Studies. I have been married to my wife for almost 3 years now and we have 10- and 6-year old fur babies, who we love to spoil. I grew up in Apple Valley and attended Mariana, Sandia, AVMS (now the District Office) and AVHS (Class of 2006!). I am looking forward to this new chapter in my teaching career!
Mrs. Natalie Ratliff
Seventh/Eighth Grades
ELA
760-247-8001 x 83102
Bio: Hello! My name is Natalie Ratliff and I am excited to welcome parents, guardians, and students to my classes at the new Apple Valley Virtual Academy! I have been employed with AVUSD as a Paraeducator, Site Coordinator, and teacher since 2007. Each year I love meeting new students and learning right beside them and watching them grow! I am excited this year to try out new applications and programs while helping students determine what their own personal academic goals are. My goal is to not only help them reach those goals, but to exceed them! When I am not spending time with my students, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, family, pets, and in my garden. I am looking forward to an awesome year full of communication, collaboration, and success!
Support Staff
Support Staff
Bio: Hi! My name is Jennifer Ledbetter and I am so happy to be part of the new Apple Valley Virtual Academy. It is exciting to be a teacher in this new adventure in learning! I graduated from Apple Valley High School and have been educating in the AVUSD for 20 years. I enjoy teaching second grade and especially sharing my love of reading with my students! I am never without a book to read. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and two dogs. I have traveled to over 10 different countries and 20 different states. I am proud of competing in a triathlon; I learned a lot about the power of mindfulness. I look forward to a great year!
Bio: Hello Families! My name is Ms. Burch. I am excited to be part of the Apple Valley Virtual Academy as our School Counselor! This is my 19th year in education. Prior to coming to AVUSD, I had the opportunity to teach various elementary grade levels. Previously, I worked as a high school and K-8 Counselor. I have one furbaby kitty that I adopted this year, who is extremely spoiled. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching movies, cooking or baking, working out at the gym, learning yoga, and practicing mindfulness. I look forward to meeting the needs of our students! I am here to support our students academically, socially and emotionally. My goal is to create a community of learners where students feel cared for and are connected to their community to help them become successful learners. I look forward to working with our families this year and starting a new journey in my educational career. Let’s Go Coyotes!
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