Alana S.
Mrs. Vander Laan returns to Day Creek for her first full year on campus.
Day Creek Intermediate has turned the page to a new chapter in its 20-year history, welcoming back Mrs. Jordyn Vander Laan as its new-ish principal. After serving as assistant principal, Vander Laan has returned to the top leadership role with a clear mission: strengthen academics, expand extracurriculars, and cultivate a stronger sense of community.
“I want to make sure there is professional development happening for our teachers,” Vander Laan said. “But also building a community with our kiddos.”
Vander Laan’s path to the top reflects both experience and dedication. She spent ten years teaching in the classroom before becoming a vice principal for three and a half years in the Etiwanda School District. That steady climb prepared her for the responsibilities she now carries at Day Creek.
Before she was an educator, Vander Laan balanced shifts at American Eagle and the Old Spaghetti Factory, working alongside her brother. Those early jobs, she says, not only helped her save for college but also taught her the value of perseverance.
Her academic background mirrors her passion for education. At Azusa Pacific University, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in math and a dual degree in K-12 education. She continued her studies at California Baptist University, completing a multi-subject credential with a math emphasis, an administrative credential, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Vander Laan’s transition to principal has been warmly received. Assistant Principal Mr. Lewis expressed confidence in her leadership.
“I think Mrs. Vander Laan is an amazing principal,” Lewis said. “Her leadership is going to take an exceptional school, which we already are, and make it even better.”
Teachers share that optimism. Seventh-grade teacher Mrs. Brumbaugh highlighted her supportive nature: “She loves our students and she is really supportive of our staff. Vander Laan really surpassed my expectations.”
It hasn’t taken long for students to notice the energy Vander Laan brings to the campus.
“She’s very talkative and bubbly and, like, a very energetic personality,” said sixth grader Evelyn Yao, “And she cares about students’ safety.”
That enthusiasm, along with her approachable personality, is already shaping student experiences in a positive way.
Growing up in the Alta Loma School District, Vander Laan says she was drawn to Etiwanda because of its strong sense of community. She is determined to strengthen that same bond at Day Creek.
“I noticed what other principals did for their schools, and I wanted to make sure mine is a strong community,” Vander Laan said. “The main thing I’m hoping to do here is build such a strong community that you know you’re part of a family when you’re at Day Creek.”
With back-to-school events already underway and the Back to School Dance on the horizon, staff and students say the excitement on campus feels stronger than ever. For Day Creek Intermediate, the return of Principal Vander Laan signals a bright future.