Dear Madera South Stallion Community,

It is with great excitement and deep gratitude that I introduce myself as the new Principal of Madera South High School.  My name is Jennifer Thao, and I am honored to serve our students, staff, and families.   I look forward to building on the proud traditions and strong sense of community that make Madera South such a special place.  As we prepare to stampede through the 2025-26 school year, I believe that our Stallion Family in Stallion Nation will enjoy this incredible, exciting journey that welcomes our students, staff, families, and the community at Madera South High School. 

I bring with me 27 years of experience in education, including 13 years in educational leadership. My career has been guided by a steadfast belief that ALL students can achieve at high levels when given the right support, high expectations, and a safe, inclusive environment. Whether in the classroom, in the gym, in the arts/music rooms, in the agricultural farm, on the athletic fields/courts, somewhere on our Stallion campus, or the principal’s office, my passion remains the same which is and has always been to see students grow into confident, capable, caring, and compassionate individuals.  I believe that ALL students, our Madera South Stallions, will strive to be their very best in mind, body, and spirit while upholding and stampeding forward with high standards, courage, resiliency, determination, and school pride.  This is what we, Madera South Stallions, call “Purple is Our Attitude”!

Our Vision:
In partnership with our families and community, we help create lifelong learners through strong relationships, high expectations, support, and an unwavering commitment to success.

Our Mission:
It is the mission of Madera South High School that all students will graduate with the skills to ensure they are caring, competent, critical thinkers who are prepared for college, career, and community success.

Our Collective Commitments:
At Madera South High School, we pledge to:

• Be collaborative by being open-minded, listening, and validating each other’s ideas.

   

• Be equitable, making sure that everyone feels valued, embracing differences, and working through new challenges.

   

• Build community partnerships by providing leadership and supporting all of its various members, taking into account the specific needs experienced community-wide, and addressing them all with an interest of serving the whole through serving its parts.

   

• Aim for innovation not only in our planning but also in the way we approach every aspect of our organization.

   

• Be results-oriented and focused on the outcome of our tasks.

   

• Be high-achieving and never compromise our high expectations.

   

• Ensure that decisions are student-centered and focused on their needs, growth, and success.

These commitments come to life through the many opportunities we offer our students. Our academic pathways include dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, and honors courses, giving students the chance to excel academically and earn college credit. We offer strong Career Technical Education (CTE) programs with several pathways, including our nationally recognized agricultural pathways and FFA, along with additional industry-aligned pathways that prepare students for real-world success in Arts/Media and Entertainment, Business, Public Safety, Culinary Arts, Medical Careers, Education, etc. Our Visual and Performing Arts programs allow students to explore their creativity and share their talents in music, band, orchestra, dance, visual arts, digital media, choir, etc.  Our athletic teams and programs, student leadership programs, and co-curricular clubs provide avenues for teamwork, service, leadership, community service, and personal growth in areas where students may come to high school with skills or challenges students to develop new skills.

At Madera South, we believe “Stallion is Family”—a place where we believe that everyone belongs, supports one another, and works together for the success of all. For every Stallion, “Sky is the Limit”—we encourage our students to dream big, work hard, and achieve beyond what they thought possible. As part of “Stallion Nation,” we stand united in our pride, passion, and commitment to excellence. Additionally, when we come together in spirit, determination, and school pride, we bring the unstoppable energy of the “Stallion Storm.”  S.T.O.R.M. to our Stallion Family is to have Self-Belief, be Trustworthy, be Optimistic, have Respect, and be Motivated.  

Our Stallion Commitment is to ensure that academic excellence, character development, and student voice remain at the heart of all we do. Together—with our dedicated educators, supportive families, and engaged community partners—we will continue to uphold our vision, mission, and commitments so that every Stallion Graduate is prepared to thrive as today’s learners and become tomorrow’s leaders in society.

Our Stallion Pride and Message:
“ Stallion is Family!  Take care of yourself, take care of each other, and take care of Madera South, Our Stallion Nation.”

With enthusiasm and commitment,

Jennifer Thao
Principal
Madera South High School