Principal's Message

Dear Tuffree Families,

I want to express both my excitement and profound honor to be teaming up with you and your student as the Principal at Tuffree Middle School!  As you may know, Tuffree’s three core values are Respect, Responsibility, and Teamwork.  To me, these are more than just words as they provide a framework for how I lead, teach, and serve as a school administrator each day!

For the past four years, I have served at Yorba Linda High School as both the Assistant Principal of Student Services and Curriculum/Instruction.  My first role as an Administrator was as Assistant Principal at Sycamore Junior High School in Anaheim.  Prior to that, I taught science for ten years at Glendora High School and worked as an Athletic Trainer.  I am proud of the experiences that have shaped me as an educational leader in the various settings and roles I have served in.

On a personal note, my wife and I are also parents of PYLUSD and have lived in Placentia for 18 years.  One detail you should know about my family is that my son and daughter both went to Tuffree.  My son went on from Tuffree to graduate from El Dorado in 2020 and is currently attending and playing baseball at a college in Boston. My daughter will be a senior at El Dorado in the fall and is in the school’s band and Digital Media Arts Academy.  To be clear, both had an excellent experience at Tuffree, which helped shape who they are today.  A personal goal that I have is that you ALL can say the same thing when your student promotes from Tuffree!

One area that I would encourage you all to consider is to get involved with PTA.  This is a very tangible way to team with us!  Through your membership, it directly impacts opportunities for all students at Tuffree Middle School.

Looking forward to a great school year and partnering with you!  

Respectfully, 

David Okamoto

Principal