Welcome to Cabrillo
Principal's Message
Welcome to Cabrillo Elementary
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year. I am entering my 38th year as an educator in Fremont and have worked at seven different elementary schools in Fremont as well as the district office where I was the assessment coordinator. During the first Gulf war, I taught in Saudi Arabia (1991-1993) which provided opportunities for travel to Kenya, Southeast Asia, and throughout Europe. Born and raised in Fremont, I was a student in the Fremont Unified School District in the 60s and 70s. I attended Santa Clara University where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. I co a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from California State University, East Bay as well as his Administrative Credential from Brandman University.
Following a challenging June, July was a month to recover with friends in Tahoe followed by a 1400 mile road trip with my son Sam. We circumnavigated a spectacular stretch of California while listening to Cadillac Desert heading west over the Sonora Pass still flush with snow. After lunch in Bridgeport, we headed south on US 395 along the Eastern Sierra rampart stopping at Mono Lake before overnighting in Bishop. We continued along 395 with stops at Convict Lake, Alabama Hills, Mt. Whitney Portal, Fossil Falls, Manzanar, and Indian Wells Brewing Company before overnighting in Joshua Tree. Early the next morning (it was very hot in the low desert), we drove through Joshua Tree stopping for some rock scrambles before driving along the Salton Sea and Palm Springs then heading west to Koreatown in LA. Their next day was spent absorbing every curated car in the Petersen Automotive Museum as well as taking in the We are Porsche 75th year exhibition. The next day pointed north along the legendary PCH to San Luis Obispo then headed home the next day.
I am very excited to be a member of the Cabrillo community, now in my eight year as principal. My door is open to you, so please feel free to pop in any time. As I enter my 38th year in Fremont USD - 29 of those years as a teacher - I can ensure you from experience that we have an exceptional teaching staff committed to your child’s education. The students at Cabrillo receive an excellent education where teachers maximize learning opportunities, ensure personal development, and give your child opportunities to take risks that foster greater independence.
The Cabrillo office team is here to be of service to you. Welcome to a new day at Cabrillo!
David Thornley
Principal
Cabrillo Elementary