Administration

714 - 445 - 5100

Dear Washington Families,

I am immensely proud and honored to serve as your principal this year. After more than 30 years as an educator in the Santa Ana Unified School District, stepping into this role and serving the Washington community truly feels like a dream come true.

My professional journey has provided me with a wide range of experiences that have prepared me for this opportunity. I have had the privilege of serving as Interim Principal and Assistant Principal at Washington Elementary, Interim Principal at Pío Pico Dual Language Academy, Assistant Principal at Madison Elementary School, and Instructional Coach here at Washington from 2019–2021. In addition, I have taught students in grades 2–5 and 7–8 and worked as a district ELD and literacy coach supporting educators and students across all grade levels, from Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade.

My connection to SAUSD runs deep. Not only have I dedicated my entire career to this district, but I am also a proud product of its schools. I attended McFadden Intermediate School and Saddleback High School in the 1980s. I even lived in the Washington neighborhood on Birch Street, and my younger sisters attended Washington Elementary many years ago. Returning to Washington as principal feels like coming home.

Because I have been part of the SAUSD community since seventh grade, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary dedication of our teachers and staff. The support, encouragement, and high expectations I received from educators helped me earn a full-ride scholarship to the university of my choice and opened doors that shaped my future. I am deeply grateful for those opportunities and feel privileged to pay that gift forward each day by serving our students and families.

One of the reasons I am so excited to lead Washington is the exceptional team that serves our students. I have tremendous trust and confidence in our dedicated teachers, support staff, office personnel, custodians, instructional assistants, and every member of the Washington family. Their commitment to students extends far beyond academics; they build meaningful relationships, create welcoming classrooms, and work tirelessly to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and supported. I have had the opportunity to work alongside many of these outstanding professionals, and I know firsthand the passion, expertise, and care they bring to our school each day. Together, we are committed to helping every student thrive.

My goal is to partner with our families, community members, and staff to create a nurturing and inspiring environment filled with opportunities for every child. By working together, we can ensure that all students are challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community. I look forward to getting to know each of you and to an incredible year of learning, growth, and success at Washington Elementary.

With gratitude,

Vivian Bedrosian Hanson
Proud Principal of Washington Elementary School