Welcome to Monte Cristo Elementary!
Letter from Principal Losee
Dear Monte Cristo Elementary Families,
I am honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Monte Cristo Elementary! I am truly excited to serve the students, families, and staff of this wonderful community, and I look forward to partnering with you as we begin this new school year together.
My career in education began in Alaska, where I spent more than 20 years as a classroom teacher in the Anchorage School District. During that time, I taught every grade level from kindergarten through sixth grade at least once before moving into a district-level role as a Title I Reading Specialist. In 2005, I transitioned to the University of Washington’s Center for Educational Leadership, where I spent the next chapter of my career working with schools and districts across the country. My focus was on improving leadership and literacy instruction to help close achievement gaps and ensure all students had the opportunity to succeed.
When the world went into lockdown in 2020, I decided it was time to shift away from constant travel and return full-time to school leadership. For the past four years, I have served as a principal in the Edmonds School District, and I am thrilled to now join Monte Cristo Elementary as your principal.
Student safety is always my number one priority. Our school safety team and I are currently reviewing the existing MCE Safety Plan and will be making any necessary revisions before sharing it out with staff and families. Stay tuned!
At the heart of my leadership is a simple but powerful value: building relationships. I believe that when students and families feel a strong sense of belonging and know that they are valued, schools become places where every child can thrive. I am proud to join a staff at MCE that is deeply skilled and fully committed to showing up every day to do what is best for students. Together, I know we will continue to grow a school of excellence.
I encourage you to stay connected with us by reading our weekly newsletter and watching for opportunities to participate in upcoming events. Strong family partnerships make all the difference in a child’s learning journey. Please know that my door is always open—whether you schedule a time to meet with me or catch me at arrival or dismissal. Most likely, you’ll see me in tennis shoes with a cup of coffee in hand, chatting with students about their favorite books, sports, or hobbies.
Outside of school, I’ve recently moved to the Lake Stevens/Marysville area with my husband and our Yorkie, Bella. We’re excited to be part of this community and look forward to what this school year will bring.
Warmly,
Principal Maria Losee
About Our School
Welcome to Monte Cristo Elementary! We are proud to be the home of the 2024 Success in Education Award Winner, Shaleen Cook, and to serve our incredible students in grades 3-5. Our dedicated team of nearly 80 teachers and support staff work together to create a safe, nurturing, and dynamic learning environment where every child is supported and challenged.
With close to 500 students, we offer a fill academic program enriched by music, library/digital media, physical education, special education and school counseling services. At Monte Cristo Elementary, we believe in lifting each other up and inspiring every student to succeed.
Join us in celebrating our strong, supportive community--we are MINER Pride Strong!
Reach Us
1201 100th Street NE
Granite Falls, WA 98252
Phone: 360.691.7718
Fax: 360.283.4417
School Hours
Regular School Day:
8:35am – 3:05pm
Early Release Wednesday:
8:35am – 1:51pm
Half-Day Early Release:
8:35am - 11:50am
School Leaders