Sonoma’s Prestwood School has new principal

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District has appointed Catherine Larkin as principal of Prestwood Elementary School for the next  school year.

Larkin, 34, has been working in San Francisco Unified School District for the past eight years. She begins here in Sonoma on July 1.

Announcing the hire, the SVUSD said Larkin values a strong school culture and collaborative environment with parents, students, and staff. She hopes to build strong partnerships with all families and teachers to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

Born in Santa Rosa, Larkin is a graduate of Sonoma State University, and has held the role of classroom teacher, Literacy Coach and Assistant Principal.

In her roles as Literacy Coach and Assistant Principal, Ms. Larkin led instructional initiatives, coordinated Special Education for multiple pathways, and partnered with parents and teachers to create an authentic and rigorous learning environment for all students.

Larkin is well-versed in supporting English Language Development of students, specifically in strategies on how English Learners obtain proficiency levels towards reclassification.

She is basic conversational in Spanish, loves spending time with her two young boys, exploring the beautiful Bay Area. She enjoys hiking, cycling, and spending time with friends.