OMS Principal

Welcome to Obsidian Middle School!

Welcome to Obsidian Middle School! As Obsidian Middle School prepares to open its doors to the students of Lake County, anticipation and excitement fill the air. With our passionate faculty, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and a commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals, this school is designed to be the “rock star” of middle school education.

We are embarking on an educational journey that will empower young minds, foster creativity, and build a strong foundation for their future success. Obsidian Middle School eagerly awaits your arrival, ready to provide an educational experience that will remain in the minds of our students for a lifetime. OMS places great emphasis on character education and social emotional learning. Students will be encouraged to embrace values like respect, responsibility, empathy, and integrity. We are creating a safe and supportive environment where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered.

Although our physical surroundings are evolving, Obsidian Middle School’s educational program is already a standout feature. Our rigorous and comprehensive, standard-based curriculum is designed to engage students, foster critical thinking, and start a passion for lifelong learning. Through a blend of core subjects and innovative approaches, we will equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in our ever-changing world.

As we travel on this exciting journey together, Obsidian Middle School is committed to building strong partnerships with our parents, guardians, and the local community. We believe that collaboration is the key to a successful educational experience, and we encourage open lines of communication at all times.

We are looking forward to seeing all of you very soon.

Obsidian Strong,

Michele Patterson, Principal
Obsidian Middle School
Konocti Unified School District

About the Principal

Michele M. Patterson is an accomplished and dedicated educational professional with a robust career in the California school system. Born and raised in Michigan, she later moved to California to pursue her passion for education. Her vast experience spans from teaching to administration, focusing on creating a nurturing and productive environment for students and teachers alike.

Michele earned a B.S. Degree in Social Science from Michigan State University in 1985. She continued her education in California, obtaining a Professional Clear Secondary Teaching Credential from California Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1986. Following her passion for educational administration, she pursued further studies and received an Administrative Credential Tier 1 and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from National University, Riverside, California in 1998. She later acquired an Administrative Credential Tier 2 from California State, Hayward in 2003.

In the early years of her career, Michele served as a teacher in different capacities. From 1987 to 1993, she taught History/Social Studies and then worked in a High Risk Program called "Jr. Academy". From 1993 to 1995, she taught Opportunity Class and Reading and Writing Success, and from 1996 to 1998, she served as an 8th Grade American History teacher at Truman Middle School.

Michele's administrative journey started in 1998 when she became the Dean of Students at Truman Middle School, Fontana, California. Her responsibilities continued to grow, leading her to serve as the Dean of Freshmen at Berkeley High School, the High School Summer School Principal, and finally the Vice Principal of Curriculum and Instruction between 1998 and 2001.

Between 2001 and 2005, Michele served as the Principal of Willard Middle School in the Berkeley Unified School District. During her tenure, she made notable improvements in the school, such as increasing the School-wide API by 47 points over three years, developing and implementing a Full Inclusion Special Education Program, reducing student discipline by 10-15%, and implementing a "Respect For All" School-wide Anti-Bullying Campaign.

From 2005 to 2009, Michele served as Principal of White Hill Middle School in the Ross Valley School District, Fairfax, California. Here, she continued her mission of improving school programs and performance. She designed and implemented a new modified block schedule, a school-wide Academic Intervention Program, and maintained the API for four years at 876 or above. In recognition of her exceptional leadership, White Hill Middle School received the California Distinguished School Award in 2009.

Michele served as the Assistant Principal of Hayward High School in the Hayward Unified School District from 2010 to 2015. Among her notable contributions, she organized and administrated school-wide testing, supervised the Attendance Office staff, and served as an instructional leader for the school-wide English Language Learner program.

In 2015, she launched her private practice as a Teen Life Coach, a role she continues to date. In this role, she uses her expertise to help teenagers make the right choices as they navigate the road to adulthood.

Since 2021, Michele has served as the Head of School at Tilden Preparatory School in Albany, California, a private school offering a personalized teaching model for students from grades 6 through 12.

Michele has always been an active participant in leadership activities and professional development programs. She has been a member of the ACSA since 2000 and has participated in numerous trainings, such as the ACSA Principals Academy, Data Works Analysis Training, Beyond Diversity Training with Glenn Singleton, and Restorative Justice and Mediation Training.

Throughout her career, Michele has been a catalyst for change and improvement in the schools she has served. Her dedication to fostering a safe and productive learning environment is evident in her numerous accomplishments, making her an invaluable asset to the education system.

Michele Patterson
Principal
(707) 994-6447
michele.patterson@konoctiusd.org