Principal's Message

Principal’s Message
Patrick Ham, Principal
Masuda Middle School

 

 

 

Welcome to Masuda Middle School! My name is Dr. Patrick Ham, and it is my pleasure to rejoin Masuda as your new principal. After six years of teaching in PYLUSD, I joined FVSD in 2010 as Masuda’s Assistant Principal. Since then, I have had the privilege to serve as principal at our two elementary feeder schools—Cox Elementary (2012-2020) and Plavan Elementary (2020-2025). I am truly excited to return to this wonderful community, one I am familiar with and deeply committed to.

 

I have reconnected with some familiar faces and met many new members of our dedicated staff. It is clear to me that Masuda Middle School is a dynamic, engaged community with a strong commitment to student learning and growth. I feel grateful and honored to lead such a talented group of educators and students as we continue our journey together.

Masuda Middle School is built on a positive, student-focused culture with high academic and civic expectations. Our namesake, Kazuo Masuda, exemplified unparalleled courage, honor, and sacrifice for his family, community, and country—pillars of character that guide our daily work.

 

Our mission is to inspire every student and staff member to live by the values of P.R.I.D.E.:

• Perseverance through resilience and strength
• Respect through empathy and open-mindedness
• Integrity through honesty and responsibility
• Diligence through consistent effort and accountability
• Empathy to build a compassionate and understanding community

 

Together, we create a safe, nurturing environment where everyone thrives.

Being a principal is a true joy for me. Many may not realize how much fun I have working with our students and staff. The role I hold and the people I serve are very important to me and the dedication of educators who love working with this age group remains a driving force behind the positive culture of Masuda. 

Beyond work, I enjoy a beautiful family life with my wife, Alice, and our four teenage children.  I enjoy exercising, reading, and following my beloved UCLA Bruins!  I believe that balance strengthens my dedication to supporting students through these important adolescent years.

Welcome to our Masuda Middle School family! Here is to a terrific middle school journey—one designed to nurture, guide, strengthen, and grow our kids into remarkable young adults.

With warm regards,
Patrick Ham
Principal, Masuda Middle School