Administration
Monica Muñoz Principal
My name is Monica Muñoz, and I look forward to what will be an exciting 2024-25 school year! I am originally from Chicago where I taught and led bilingual programming in Chicago Public Schools for 18 years. I have taught all grades from second through eighth in both Spanish and English across all subjects. This is my sixth year as Principal of East School and my seventh year in District 6. I am married and am a mother of two sons. My eldest is a reporter and my youngest is in middle school. I love the outdoors, and I enjoy decorating my home. I also love working with and learning from my colleagues, and I love the families and students in Zion. Our students at East bring me great joy, and I feel privileged to be a part of their dual language educational experience. The work I do is centered around high academic expectations, linguistic opportunity and more than anything, love and respect for all.
Our students will experience a more enjoyable and attractive recess space---essential components to our school and community. Our students spend time outdoors daily and will experience all this area has to offer!
Beth Samuels Assistant Principal
My name is Beth Samuels and I am so excited to return to East Elementary this year. This is my 17th year in education; 4th year as an Assistant Principal. I have taught grades K – 5th; including ESL and Dual Language. My husband Rob and I live in Wadsworth. Together we have 6 children and 4 dogs. Two of our kids are college grads, 3 are college students, and our youngest is a sophomore in high school. My husband and I both grew up in Zion and graduated from ZBTHS. I am thrilled to come back home and serve the community I love. Students will ALWAYS come first.