About Your Child's Principal

My name is Elizabeth Rios. I am the principal at Burbank Elementary School in the Houston Independent School District. I like to be called Liz instead of Elizabeth when using a first name basis. I prepared for my teaching career by working with the youth group at my church, and teaching a Sunday School Class. I attended Houston Baptist University in Houston, Texas, and received my Bachelor of Arts Degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Elementary Education and Bilingual Education. I obtained Mid-Management Certification at the University of Houston with a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision. I have hours towards a doctorate degree as well. I’ve been an educator for over 25 years.  I have been at Burbank Elementary since 1990.  This year I will celebrate my 54th birthday.

I can still recall the first day that I became a classroom teacher. I was assigned to a fourth grade bilingual classroom. At the beginning of the day, I was filled with excitement and an eagerness to begin. I found that I still felt that way at the end of the day. I had so much fun in my new career that I thought to myself, "Hmm—they’re going to pay me for this?" I have felt this way ever since! I have a desire within me to help as many children as I can succeed with their educational endeavors. I believe in the saying that states, "Knowledge is power!" However, I further add to it, "Knowledge is power, BUT IT’S ONLY POWER WHEN IT’S SHARED!"

I enjoy making learning fun for each of the students at Burbank Elementary. I also want each student to have the very best teacher and staff available. I continually strive to make BURBANK THE VERY BEST THAT IT CAN BE by bringing faculty and staff members who share our school vision.  Everyone at Burbank Elementary works very hard.

I have been married for 37 years and have one daughter. My daughter is 31 years old, and has been married for five years. I also have a son-in-law.  My daughter, son-in-law, and husband are all educators with HISD as well. I have had the experience of raising an only child through day care, elementary, middle school, high school, and college. Throughout these years, I was actively involved as a parent volunteer at each of her educational institutions.

I enjoy doing many things that you may not believe I would, such as, salt-water fishing, wallpapering, painting rooms in my home, sanding and refinishing furniture, photography, building and putting together furniture requiring assembly, and crocheting. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter and new son-in-law, and just sitting and watching a video together. I also enjoy spending time with my Burbank family at events that we hold such as carnivals, field trips, awards ceremonies, fundraising events, and many other times that we share together.

This year our theme is Aspiring Student Success. You'd be surprised what we can do when we work together in meeting our dials if we all work together. I want to welcome you to another exciting school year. WE WILL SUCCEED TOGETHER! Welcome to the 2007-2008 Burbank Elementary School year!  I am honored to serve as your child’s school principal.