Principal Victoria Garza 

Caldwell Family,

It is a true honor and privilege to serve as the Principal of Caldwell Elementary and to be part of such an exceptional learning community. One of my core beliefs is that when we work together—as a unified team—we can accomplish extraordinary things for our students. At Caldwell, we are committed to creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences that challenge and inspire every child. Together, we will ensure that all students have the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

I bring to this role over 21 years of dedicated service in Garland ISD, where I have had the joy of working with remarkable students, families, and educators. My journey in education has included roles as a Classroom Teacher, Assistant Principal, Early College and P-TECH Principal, and now Principal at Caldwell. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education – English Language Arts from Sul Ross State University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Beyond the school doors, I am blessed with a supportive and loving family. My husband and I are proud parents of two teenage daughters, Alexandra and Cristina. As a blended family, we cherish time spent traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and participating in school and extracurricular activities. We strive to live by the values of honesty, trust, and kindness, and we believe in lifting others up while continuously working to become better versions of ourselves.

At Caldwell, our mission is to build a strong, inclusive learning environment that prepares every student for a successful academic journey. We look forward to deepening our partnership with parents, families, and community members as we grow and achieve together.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I am honored to lead the incredible staff and students of Caldwell Elementary.

Believe to Achieve,
Victoria Garza
Principal, Caldwell Elementary

 

Assistant Principal Monica Saldaña

Dear Caldwell Elementary Families and Community,

It is with great excitement and heartfelt appreciation that I introduce myself to you as the new Assistant Principal of Caldwell Elementary. My name is Monica Saldaña, and I am truly honored to become part of the Caldwell family.

I’d love to share a little about myself so you can get to know the person behind the title. I am a proud wife to my husband, AJ Martinez, and a mother to our 11-year-old son, Elijah, who is in the sixth grade at International Leadership of Texas K-8. As a family, we love spending our weekends trying new restaurants, watching movies, attending local festivals and markets, enjoying live music and concerts, and cheering at sporting events. Sundays are especially meaningful to us—we always gather at my mother’s house for lunch and quality time with my brother and his family.

Professionally, I began my journey in education 15 years ago in 2010 with Dallas ISD. Over the years, I’ve served as an elementary Instructional Aide, a 4th and 7th grade ELAR teacher, an elementary Reading Coach, and an Assistant Principal at both the elementary and middle school levels. Most recently, I was fortunate to serve as an Assistant Principal at Couch Collegiate Prep & Carver Elementary in Garland ISD.

In 2021, I faced a deeply personal and unexpected health challenge when I experienced a series of strokes. After a long journey to uncover the cause, I was diagnosed with Moyamoya syndrome, a rare condition that affects the brain’s blood vessels. In early 2023, I underwent brain surgery, and by that summer, I returned to my career with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude.

This experience has made me even more compassionate and understanding—not just as an educator, but as a person. It reminded me how important it is to show grace, to build meaningful connections, and to approach each day with empathy and care. These are the values I bring with me to Caldwell, and the principles I will carry as I serve your children and this community.

I believe that strong schools are built through collaboration—with families, staff, and the wider community. I am here to support you, listen to your insights, and work hand-in-hand to make Caldwell Elementary a place where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. I look forward to meeting each of you and learning how we can best partner together for the success of all students.

Thank you for welcoming me into this vibrant community. I am truly excited about the journey ahead and all the opportunities we will have to grow and thrive—together.

With gratitude and excitement,
Monica Saldaña
Assistant Principal, Caldwell Elementary