Administration Info
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Patrick Walker, Principal Greetings Cerritos High School Community: Though we enter this new school year with a lot of uncertainty due to COVID-19, I am certain we will overcome all obstacles and have a school year filled with many great accomplishments in our academics, activities, arts, and athletics. At the start of each new school year (this will be my seventh!), I always wonder if it is possible for us to top the accomplishments from the previous year. For instance, last year our Model United Nations (MUN) Team continued to be amongst the top teams in the entire U.S.A-- as evidenced by their “Best School” award (18th year in a row) in New York this past year; our Regiment of Gold Marching Band advanced to the State Grand Championships in the 4A Division; our Drama students won 15 “Macy’s” Awards—including the coveted Heart and Soul Award-- for their “Putnam County Spelling Bee” production; athletically, in a sports-shortened year, our Dons won eight 605 League titles, three of our Lady Dons’ wrestlers earned CIF titles, and CHS earned the coveted Cup award as the best athletic program in the league! Of course, my fondest moments will always be my daily interactions with the most considerate, helpful, and caring students I have ever encountered. As I continually boast, Cerritos High School is a special place where kindness and respectfulness permeate the entire campus. It’s something that we’ve identified as The Cerritos Way. I am convinced that we have the best students anywhere!
Cerritos High School takes pride in educating the “whole child”. Beyond our stellar academic reputation (In 2020, U.S News and World Report ranked CHS 62nd out of 4500 high schools in California—earning their highest GOLD LEVEL ranking), we emphasize the “3 R’s” that form the foundation of The Cerritos Way: CHS students are READY (at school and on time every day), RESPECTFUL (caring, cooperative, and compassionate), and REAL (honest in their personal and academic pursuits). At Cerritos High School, we know that students who commit to our “3 R’s” will assuredly become the best that they can be—academically and socially.
As in previous years, I look forward to supporting our students in the classroom, on the athletic field, and on the stage. That being said, I encourage all of our students to enrich the short time you have here at CHS by getting more involved in the many amazing teams, clubs, and organizations we have on campus. Research validates that “involved” students are more successful academically. Besides, by getting involved, you will empower yourself to make Cerritos High School even better. While we are entering the 2020-21 school year with a lot of unknowns, I am convinced we will embark upon another great year of exceptional achievements. Because it is…The Cerritos Way! Let’s Go Dons! ext. 21802
Carey Lin, Assistant Principal "The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts." -- C. S. Lewis ext. 21823
Jen Mai, Assistant Principal Dr. Mai is a proud product of the ABCUSD (Carmenita and Cerritos HS). She attended UCLA for both her Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry and Masters of Education degree. She attended CSULB for her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. She started her career teaching high school chemistry for 8 years at Lawndale High School. She then transitioned to overseeing college and career readiness programs at the district level in Centinela Valley Union High School District. She began her journey at Cerritos High School as the College and Career Advisor before becoming the Dean of Students. This is her first year as the Assistant Principal overseeing Guidance Services. This includes curriculum and instruction, data management, career technical education, dual enrollment and the master schedule. Dr. Mai entered the field of education to build relationships and connections with children. She believes in loving the child as a whole, and teaching and training our youth to be prepared for their future. She believes that "if we lay a strong enough foundation, we'll bleed and fight for you, we'll make it right for you and you'll blow us all away" (Hamilton). She lives in Cerritos with her husband and two children (Kindergarten and 4th grade Stowers Snow Leopards).
ext. 21818
Jessica Monserratte, Assistant Principal ext. 21826
James Baek, Dean Mr. Baek first entered CHS as a counseling intern in 2007. He is also the product of the local community and is proud to serve all the stakeholders of CHS to best support our school's mission. His first job was as an after-school academy tutor in Cerritos as a sophomore in high school. He continued to work in this field with students and parents throughout his undergraduate education at the University of California, Irvine where he earned his degree of bachelor of arts in International Studies with a minor in education. Then, he completed his Masters of Science in Counseling at California State University, Long beach in addition to earning a Pupil Personnel Services credential as he discovered that it was his calling to advocate for students and their family. Recently being promoted to Dean of students, he will strive to further support the needs of all students in new ways. He is now busy spending all of his free time with his wife and two toddler sons. Still, he will make time to "school" any ballers who is brave enough to challenge him in 1 vs 1 basketball! ext. 21857
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