Principal's Message
Dear Emerson Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! My name is Shandria Richmond-Roberts, and I am both honored and grateful to begin my sixth year as principal of Emerson Middle School. It is a privilege to serve a school community that is filled with dedicated educators, supportive families, and remarkable students who inspire us every day.
Emerson is more than a school—it is a community where relationships matter, student voices are valued, and every child is encouraged to discover their strengths and reach their fullest potential. I am proud to be part of a school that is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where all students can learn, grow, and thrive.
My connection to this community is deeply personal. Having grown up in Pomona, attended Harrison Elementary, Palomares Middle School, and graduated from Pomona High School, I understand firsthand the pride, resilience, and determination that define our city. Pomona helped shape who I am, and it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to spend the last 27 years serving the students and families of Pomona Unified School District.
Throughout my career—as a classroom teacher, instructional leader, and administrator—I have remained grounded in one core belief: every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and capable of achieving great things. At Emerson, we work every day to ensure our students know they belong and that they have a team of adults who believe in them and are committed to their success.
Our mission is to develop Educated and Motivated Scholars Advocating for Their Future. We strive to provide rigorous learning experiences while also supporting students' social-emotional growth, leadership development, and overall well-being. We want every Emerson Eagle to leave our campus prepared not only for high school, but for the opportunities and challenges that lie beyond.
As a Community School, we continue to strengthen the connections between our school, families, and community partners. Over the past several years, we have expanded resources and support systems for students and families, increased opportunities for family engagement, promoted student leadership and community service, and fostered a culture where students feel comfortable seeking help and advocating for their needs. These efforts have helped create a stronger sense of belonging and a more positive school climate for everyone.
The success of our students is built on partnership. I encourage all families to remain actively involved throughout the school year by attending school events, participating in parent workshops and meetings, communicating with teachers, and celebrating your child's accomplishments along the way. Together, we can ensure that every student has the support and encouragement needed to succeed.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. I look forward to partnering with you as we continue to build upon Emerson's tradition of excellence and create meaningful opportunities for every student. I am excited for all that we will accomplish together during the 2026–2027 school year.
With gratitude and excitement for the year ahead,
Shandria Richmond-Roberts
Principal, Emerson Middle School
