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Surprise Elementary School

School Leadership

Principal Jo Ann Wick

Jo Ann Wick

Principal

Assistant Principal Moises Centeno

Moises Centeno

Assistant Principal

Letter from the Principal


My name is Jo Ann Wick, and I am excited to be joining the Surprise Cub family as the principal.  My husband, Dylan, and I live in Surprise.  We moved to Arizona 9 years ago from Wisconsin.  I have been in education since 1987.  Before becoming an administrator, in 2020, I taught Technology Education 5th – 12th grades and at the university level.  For the past twenty-two years, I have been a principal at the elementary school level (PreK-6, PreK-8).  

I received my BA from UW-Stout in technology education, MS from Southern Connecticut State University in health education, MA from The Ohio State University in education with an emphasis on diversity studies, MA from Marian College in educational administration, curriculum and instruction, and director of special education, and superintendent certification from University of Wisconsin Madison.   

My philosophy regarding education is that all students can achieve at high levels and grow as individuals.  Teachers, staff, parents, and administration need to work together to develop a dedicated team, which will allow our students to develop to their fullest potential.  As we continue to work collaboratively to develop a supportive, caring, and professional environment, we will all have an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.  As a team and doing what is best for students, I look forward to working with you to ensure we continue building a positive school climate and environment that promotes excellence for all students.  

 My door is always open, so feel free to stop by anytime. #SurpriseStrong



Letter from the Assistant Principal


Hello, Cubs. My name is Moises Centeno. I’m honored to be your Assistant Principal.  To help us get to know one another, allow me to share some of my story with each of you.  


 I grew up in Southern California in the High Desert. I enjoyed  going to  the beach, concerts, watching the Dodgers, cooking, and playing music with my friends.   I owe much to my family and mentors who encouraged my educational and professional journey.  I first attended college in California.  I received a B.A. in English from California State University San Bernardino. When My family and I moved to Arizona in December of 2011, I was blessed to begin working in the Roosevelt School District at Percy L. Julian Elementary. After leaving, I moved to Surprise and began working at Shadow Ridge High School as an English teacher. Shortly after beginning at Shadow, I went back to school to get a Masters degree in English and then shortly after another Masters in Educational Leadership. For a year, I worked at Dysart High School, serving as an Athletic Director. Then I moved back to Shadow as an Assistant Principal. Now, I’m fortunate to be serving Surprise Elementary. With the rich history Surprise Elementary holds, I’m excited to learn and grow with our school.  


 This year We are focused on growing our history at Surprise. With this focus, We are looking ahead while remembering our past and our primary goal which is to help students grow academically and offer them an experience that they can carry on for a lifetime. Former NBA Legend  Kobe Bryant said, "It's a constant quest to try to be better today than you were yesterday". I am a firm believer that we all can work together in supporting every student with achieving academic success. I know together we will make this an amazing year. We will work as a team that strives on being better each day. Let’s do this together.  I look forward to meeting and working with each of you.  


 Best,  


 Moises Centeno 

 Assistant Principal 


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