Meet Your Principals
Message from Principal Jennie Whitaker
Welcome to Roosevelt Elementary School, the home of the Tigers, where every student is learning today to become the leaders of tomorrow! It is an honor to serve the FDR community and I look forward to another year of learning and growing. Our school mission is our guide to ensure the decisions we make are in the best interest of our school community.
Our mission at F.D. Roosevelt is to empower our culturally diverse TK -5 students to collaborate and be creative, conscientious and critical thinkers. Through purposeful, engaging, and reflective instruction, the staff will continually refine our practice to support the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. We cultivate an environment in which a person’s character is as equally important as their academic success.
Our school believes in teaching our students to be great citizens by implementing PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support). PBIS focuses on teaching students behaviors that are appropriate at school, how to problem solve with peers, and work together collaboratively respecting each other’s opinions. Our school motto is taught throughout the year in order to ensure all students understand what our expectations are at FDR.
FDR students are: Responsible Learners, Own their actions, Act with Kindness, Remember to be a friend
FDR students ROAR!
FDR is a great school for your child and we welcome parent volunteers. There are many ways to be involved as a parent and I strongly encourage you to become active in the school community through: PTA, English Learner Advisory Council, School Site Council, assisting in the classroom, supervising games at recess or helping out with the ROAR cart.
I want to encourage you to have regular communication with your child’s teachers, talk to your child about what they are learning at school, and promote a healthy lifestyle by eating the school breakfast/lunch or sending your child with a healthy lunch. Regular school attendance is critical and I strongly encourage students to be at school on time every day and to be only absent in the case of a serious reason (fever, vomiting, flu, death in the family). Always send a note for absences.
Thank you for visiting our website and please continue to visit our website and at FDR. I am very proud of this school and I look forward to working with you throughout the year. At FDR, our students are learning today to become the leaders of tomorrow.
GO Tigers!
Sincerely,
Jennie Whitaker
Principal at F.D. Roosevelt Elementary School
Leadership Team
Assistant Principal Stephanie Fonseca
Stephanie Fonseca is a dedicated educational leader with over 12 years of experience advancing student achievement through relationship-centered leadership, restorative practices, and equitable systems of support. Prior to joining Roosevelt, she served as Assistant Principal at John Muir High School and Blair IB Magnet School in Pasadena Unified School District, where she led initiatives to strengthen school culture, expand equitable access to academic opportunities, reduce exclusionary discipline through restorative practices, and improve outcomes for historically underserved students.
Stephanie began her career as a Biology and Engineering teacher at El Monte High School, where she developed her passion for empowering students both academically and personally. As a proud Mexican American, she is committed to creating inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. Stephanie believes that meaningful relationships, collaboration, and high expectations are the foundation of student success and is dedicated to ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
Assistant Principal Olivia Parker
Ms. Olivia Parker brings 10 years of experience in education, with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and literacy for all students. As a first-generation college graduate from a working-class family, she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming an educator by moving to California as a Teach for America corps member. Olivia earned a Master of Arts in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University and began her teaching career in Lynwood before joining the Lawndale Elementary School District in 2019. Since joining LESD, Ms. Parker has made a lasting impact at Jane Addams Middle School as one of the first teachers for our Bridges program, supporting students with exceptional needs. In 2024, Olivia earned her Administrative Services Credential and served as the Interim Assistant Principal at both Jane Addams Middle School and F.D. Roosevelt Elementary in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Throughout her career, Olivia has been a passionate advocate for creating equitable learning opportunities and fostering inclusive school communities. She believes that every student deserves access to a high quality education and meaningful opportunities to thrive. Ms. Parker is dedicated to ensuring that all students are set up for success and lifelong learning.
