28771 Rio Norte Dr.
Santa Clarita, CA 91354

661-295-3700
fax 257-1413

No unsolicited
faxes accepted

Rio Norte Vote

John Costanzo

Principal

I am so fortunate to be the Principal at Rio Norte Junior High School. The staff is extremely dedicated, parents are very supportive and the students are so talented in everything they do on a daily basis. My job continues to be a most fulfilling experience and I plan to carry on the traditions and outstanding reputation of the school.

Prior to coming to Rio Norte, I taught in the Glendale Unified and Arcadia Unified School Districts from 1977 to 1997. During this time, I was involved in special education and taught health, physical education, and driver education. I was also an Assistant Principal at Crescenta Valley, Saugus, and West Ranch High Schools from 1997 to 2007. These were all valuable experiences which contributed to my training for this position.

I am an alumnus of California State University, Los Angeles where I earned my bachelor’s degree in physical education and master’s degree in health and safety studies. I also attended La Verne University and Chapman University where I received my administrative credentials.

Rio Norte is a wonderful school with an outstanding staff which allows all students to achieve their goals. The students are encouraged to connect with the school to ensure a valuable learning experience that prepares them for high school. In addition, we want them to have a positive junior high school experience which motivates them to take advantage of all of the programs offered in high school.

It continues to be a pleasure to work with the staff, students and parents who are all part of the Rio Norte Community. It is a school where we all believe every student will be successful and in their own unique way, "Charting a New Course of Excellence."

Chad Powell

Assistant Principal (A-K)

Chaad Powell, who received his administrative credentials from Cal State Univ. Northridge in 2007, has been the Interim Assistant Principal at Rio Norte Junior High, in addition to serving as a history teacher and department chair, Associated Student Body Director, cross-curricular team leader, professional development team member and was previously a teacher at Placerita Junior High, is looking forward to this new position within the District. "It's been a goal of mine for a long time and I'm excited to start serving the District as an administrator," Powell said.

He was named Teacher of the Year in 2011 from Rio Norte Junior High and has previously been recognized for excellence in teaching. Powell also spent the summers of 2006 and 2007 as a summer school administrative intern in the Hart District, and is scheduled to serve in that capacity again this summer. Powell started his teaching career at Lompoc High School in 1996, where he was also a football coach.

"Chad truly represents the high standard of teacher leadership and experience expected of those individuals entering the administrative ranks," John Costanzo, Rio Norte Principal, said. "Chad routinely implements creative and dynamic programs which focus on student achievement."

Francine Dos Remedios

Assistant Pricipal (L-Z)

I am so excited to be here at Rio Norte Junior High School as the new Assistant Principal. I have served as math teacher at Valencia High School, Mentor teacher for the PAR program, and Assistant Principal at Placerita Junior High, and am excited to begin my twentieth year in education at Rio.

Education has always been so important to me. Students must understand that education opens so many doors and becoming a life-long learner will help you reach your goals.

I have lived in the SCV for about 14 years. My husband Robert is the head strength and conditioning coach for College of the Canyons and my nine year old daughter is a fourth grader at Mountainview elementary. Together as a family we like to travel, hike, and simply enjoy family time together!!