Principal’s Message

My name is Barbara Viñas, and I am a proud educator that has been serving the students of Miami Dade County Public schools for 18 years.

My love of teaching began at the very tender age of six when my first-grade teacher, Ms. Brough, became my hope, inspiration, and comfort during a very trying period in my childhood. I knew that I wanted to reciprocate that experience by cultivating the young minds of tomorrow through a safe, equitable, and compassionate learning environment. I have a strong belief that all children can learn and thrive.

I began my career as an elementary inclusion teacher working alongside the most fragile students and immediately, I saw the need to close the achievement gap in reading. As a result, I pursued my masters in reading, and began learning the intricacies and the importance of building a strong foundation in the primary grades to foster avid readers and lifelong learners.

Reading catapulted my career in MDCPS and afforded me the opportunity to serve in the capacity of Reading Coach in some of our most fragile, primary and secondary schools from 2009 – 2013. This experience allowed me to increase students’ reading proficiency through systematic research-based strategies that maximized teaching and learning.

I am humbled to continue to serve the students, parents, teachers, and community stakeholders of Hibiscus Elementary School in the role of Principal. Enriching education and inspiring others to be the very best version of themselves every day is my ultimate goal.

Barbara Viñas
Principal