Principal's Message

Dear ILC families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! My name is Sam Platis, and it is an honor and a privilege to be your principal at ILC Elementary School. I am thrilled to meet our new students and families, as well as reconnect with those who are returning. As we approach the first day of school, I want to share a bit about myself and my commitment to building relationships with you based on trust, safety, care, and a deep respect for your lived experiences and stories.

I am a third-generation educator, and started my work in the field as a teacher’s aide in 1991. My academic journey began with an Associate of Arts in Sociology from Orange Coast College (1993), followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UC San Diego (1995), and a Master of Education from UC Berkeley (1998). Throughout my career, it has been such a pleasure to serve in various teaching and leadership roles, with my most recent assignment of 15 years as an elementary principal. As a principal, launching and growing a thriving Spanish Dual Language Immersion program is a treasured highlight. Additionally, I am proud that the schools I have served earned the California Distinguished Schools Award, the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award, and the Educational Results Partnership Honors Award. While I have absolutely loved my life as an educator for nearly 30 years, I am also confident that – with all of us working together at ILC – the best is yet to come!

No introduction would be complete without sharing a true piece of my heart and soul with you. I met my wife, Laura, in 1999 while salsa and merengue dancing at the Conga Room in Los Angeles, and we have been building a joyful life together ever since. We are proud parents to our two sons, Mateos (19 years old) and Emilio (16 years old). We love traveling, grilling in the backyard, going to Dodger games, and spending time with family and friends.

Lastly, here is what I know to be true as your principal: Every child at ILC will continue to be provided with a high-quality learning environment that cultivates curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion, and all students will continue to be empowered by world-class teaching and a culture of belonging in order to grow, thrive, and succeed.

¡Nos vemos pronto! See you soon!

With gratitude and excitement,

Mr. Platis

Principal