I am very elated and excited to be serving as principal at Farine Elementary.  I earned my bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Texas at Dallas and my principal certification from the University of Texas at Arlington. This will be my 16^th year serving our students and families in Irving ISD. I began my educational career at F.M. Gilbert Elementary as a special education teacher.  I served in that position for three years and then entered the classroom as a 5^thgrade Bilingual teacher.  My desire to be an administrator was fulfilled the following year at M.C. Lively Elementary where I served as an assistant principal for four years.  After having two sons, I returned to the classroom for four years as a 5^th grade Bilingual teacher.  I love being in the classroom teaching our students, inspiring them, and motivating them to DO GOOD and BE GREAT!  My two oldest sons attend Farine Elementary and participate in the Dual Language Program.  Four years ago, I had the opportunity to join the Farine Falcons Family as a 5^th grade science dual teacher and it was a memorable experience. I LOVE my Farine Falcons!  This school year will be my third year to serve as one of the assistant principals. I look forward to another fantastic school year at Farine Elementary!  I can’t wait to meet and get to know all of our Farine Falcons and see all of the wonderful learning taking place throughout our building! GO FALCONS!

Melissa Colvin is an Irving ISD graduate. Her qualifications include an MBA in Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University, a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of North Texas, and 23 years of experience in education. Mrs. Colvin is working toward completion of a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. She has served for 10 years in Irving ISD as a band director at de Zavala Middle School and a Digital Learning Coach at Lamar Middle School and de Zavala Middle School. She is very excited to support staff, students, and the community of Farine Elementary as a Principal Resident this year. Guiding others in discovering powers within, creating engaging learning opportunities, and embracing a growth mindset are a few of her passions. In her free time, Mrs. Colvin enjoys swimming and spending time with her husband and three children.

Ms. Ramirez is honored and excited to serve Farine Elementary as Assistant Principal! She is an Irving ISD graduate and knew exactly what district she wanted to teach in after graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington.

She started as a Pre-K bilingual teacher at Pierce Early Childhood School. Since then, she received her Master’s in Library Science from the University of North Texas, as well as her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. She has served as a Librarian, Instructional Technology Specialist, and as a two-way Dual Language and GT teacher at T. J. Lee Elementary. 

Ms. Ramirez embraces the need to build strong and meaningful relationships with all students, teachers, and parents. She looks forward to working with the exceptional and dedicated Stipes staff and community to build a positive climate where every child can reach their full potential!

Mauricio Valdovinos is ecstatic to be in his home district beginning his third year as an assistant principal. As an Irving ISD graduate, he attended Elliot ES, Barton ES, Good ES, De Zavala MS, and Nimitz HS. He received his bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from UTA and a master’s and doctorate in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech. This will be his 10^th year in education. Prior to joining the Farine Family, he was a 2nd grade teacher, 3^rd grade teacher, administrative intern, and instructional coach, all in Grand Prairie. He is excited to be in Irving and give back to his hometown!