Principal's Message

Dear Zeyen Elementary School Families,

The staff and I welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year! My name is Gabriel Gonzalez and I am thrilled to join the Zeyen community as your principal. Before coming to Zeyen, I taught at both the Elementary and Intermediate level and joined Garden Grove as an Administrator in 2022. For the last four years I have served as an Assistant Principal at the Intermediate level, where I developed my skills and knowledge around instructional leadership, school culture and strategic management. Outside of school, I am a husband to Liz (my wife of 8 years), and father of two amazing little girls (Zara & Remi). 

This year Zeyen will continue to focus on our District's Strategic Plan: Academic Skills +  Personal Skills = Lifelong Success! Our academic program is rigorous, engaging, and aligned to the state standards. Our teachers remain committed to using research-based strategies to develop students' ability to collaborate, create critical thinking skills, make meaningful use of technology in instruction, and help students develop scholarly habits and motivation. In addition to building a solid academic foundation, Zeyen also prioritizes supporting the social-emotional well-being of our students and families. This year we will continue to have resources allocated to support students’ academic, behavioral and emotional needs through programs such as our in-house School Based Mental Health Program, ASPIRE.  

In addition, parent communication and connection between home and school is one of our top priorities here at Zeyen. We have the firm belief that children thrive when a strong partnership is built between campus and home. Part of this important partnership is active parent involvement. Some of the ways you can be involved at Zeyen include joining the PTO, volunteering for activities and events, or joining the School Site Council or English Learner Advisory Committee. We will also continue to strengthen our Cobra community with events such as Skate Nights, Movie Nights and amazing student performances. Some of our other continuing programs include our school wide PBIS program, Cyber Cop, field trip opportunities, educational assemblies and excellent Vocal and Instrumental Music Programs.

As your principal, I am committed to providing the best educational experience possible and look forward to building relationships with our community. Throughout the year we will be communicating through ParentSquare, the school website, and our social media accounts. Please be sure that you have downloaded the ParentSquare App and are receiving all of our school and district communication. If you have any questions or issues, please call the office for assistance and support. 

Thank you for being an important part of the Zeyen community. Together, we will make this school year one filled with learning, growth, achievement, and unforgettable memories.

Sincerely,

Mr. Gonzalez

Principal

Our School

Welcome Zeyen Cobras!

We are committed to preparing our nearly 240 students to be successful and responsible citizens who contribute and thrive in a diverse society. In order to do so, we recognize the need to develop not just academic skills, but the personal skills needed for lifelong success.  

About Zeyen:

• Named a 2018 California Distinguished School, an elite honor for schools demonstrating high academic gains and student success
• Recognized as a 2018 California Honor Roll School for high academic achievement and college readiness
• Credentialed and trained teachers  provide students with 21st century tools to excel academically and personally
• Unique Makerspace inspires students to engage in hands-on STEAM projects with our science equipment and art supplies
• Heritage language after-school programs in both Spanish and Vietnamese
• After-school Boys & Girls Club provides students with academic support and keeps students active with athletics and art
• 1:1 technology ratio with all students using Chromebooks and iPads as part of daily instruction
• Free parenting classes with helpful strategies about how parents can help their students succeed
• Weekly music lessons from a credentialed music teacher bring out students' musical talents
• Excellent PTO that works as a team to provide exciting field trips and fun opportunities for students

Parent Programs
Our incredibly active PTO meets once a month with Parents in Action and ELAC. PTO organizes family events, conducts fundraisers, and engages students in opportunities to give back. ELAC provides input and direction on the needs of our English Learners and their families. Parents In Action is comprised of nearly 50 parents who provide structured high intensity physical activity at lunch recess 3 days a week. Our teachers, staff and parents promote a sense of inclusiveness on campus. We teach students to give back to the community and participate in extracurricular activities to obtain important 21st century skills. Contact the school office to get involved. We look forward to enhancing Zeyen's educative events with you!

Student Recognition
We are committed to celebrating students for their many accomplishments during our Monthly Pride awards. Students are recognized with the Million Word Reader Awards, Boys & Girls Club Member of the Month, Presidential Academic Awards, and Principal's Awards for Writing. At Zeyen, we offer an eclectic choice of awards to highlight all students' diverse strengths! Academic achievement and character are also highly valued, facilitating the development of positive behavior and well-being. 

Please stop by our office for questions and ways to get involved. We look forward to celebrating a plethora of accomplishments with you all this school year!