Administration

Dear Kokanee Staff, Families and Friends,

My name is Joel Fagundes, and I am incredibly honored to introduce myself as the principal of Kokanee Elementary! This is my sixth year in administration at Kokanee and I'm excited to continue this wonderful journey. I graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in Elementary Education Studies. My journey in education began in the Sedro-Woolley School District where I taught for a few years before relocating to Bellevue. In Bellevue, I spent a couple of years as the Athletic Director of the Boys and Girls Club before returning to the classroom. While working as an athletic director, I completed my Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership also from Western. In Bellevue, I taught at three different schools and completed my administrative internship. 

My educational journey has given me the opportunity to work in a variety of positions in multiple schools. Although it is nearly impossible to communicate all I’ve learned along the way, my beliefs as an educator can be summarized by the following key ideas:

• High Expectations - I believe ALL students have great potential and ALL students can learn at high levels.
• Sense of Urgency - What happens in our classrooms every day is incredibly important! More than at any other time, our students need and deserve a high quality education where time is maximized and excellence is the norm.
• Relationship - A basic human need is to know and be known. Valuing and understanding others is at the heart of all things. Our greatest opportunity for success can be found when we learn, support, risk, and celebrate TOGETHER!
• Joy! – What could be more joyful than spending our days with enthusiastic little learners? Not only do we get the opportunity to share in a substantial portion of our students’ “todays,” we get to significantly impact their “tomorrows.”

I am looking forward to helping guide your children in their journey at Kokanee Elementary!

With kind regards,
Joel Fagundes

I am excited and honored to join the Kokanee Elementary staff as an Associate Principal. A school with a rich history, high expectations and a focus on building community connections. I am looking forward to meeting and forming relationships with students, staff, parents, families and community members.

This is my 15th year in education, I have enjoyed the privilege of working with students as a special education teacher. I was born in Northern California, but have made Washington my home since the 8th grade. I graduated from LWSD and spent my teaching career there. My experience includes teaching K-12 Special Education, serving as Special Education Department Chair and 504 monitor. My education includes a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education from Eastern Washington University , a Master’s of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Seattle Pacific University and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy exploring the Pacific Northwest, spending time with my children, Richard and Rochelle,  and dog, Loki. Additionally, I enjoy reading and cooking.

I truly believe and will work to support student’s academically, emotionally and socially. I’m humbled and honored to join a school focused on collaboration, community and service to students and families. I am looking forward to getting to know you and  becoming part of the Kokanee community!

Icis Tirado