Principal – Kara Abbatello
E-mail Address – kabbatel@pasco.k12.fl.us
My name is Kara Abbatello and it is with great pleasure that I introduce myself to you as Principal of Gulf Trace Elementary! It is truly an honor to be a part of the Gulf Trace family and community!
I come to you with over twenty years of experience as an educator, fifteen of those years as a classroom teacher in Kindergarten, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Although I have always felt at home in the classroom, it was my position as an Assistant Principal at Dr. Mary Giella Elementary and then at James M. Marlowe where I have been most fulfilled in my life’s work.
The elementary principalship provides me the chance to work collaboratively with teachers on a daily basis, while also remaining connected to young students learning and growing in the classroom. I firmly believe that every child can excel and that the partnership between home and school builds confidence in students to use their powers to shape their future and the future of our community.
Assistant Principal – Hannah Bartz
E-mail Address – hbartz@pasco.k12.fl.us
Hello Sea Star Families! My name is Hannah Bartz and I am proud to introduce myself as your Assistant Principal! I could not be more excited to continue my Education journey with the Sea Star community.
I graduated from the University of South Florida with my Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education in 2019. Upon graduating, I taught both sixth and eighth grade humanities at Cypress Creek Middle School in Wesley Chapel. I then attended Saint Leo University where I earned my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. I served as an Administrative Assistant Principal Intern at both Moon Lake Elementary School and at Paul R. Smith Middle School. During the 2023-2024 school year, I was Gulf Trace Elementary’s Science and Math Instructional Trainer Coach.
I am blessed to continue my journey of being a Sea Star – I cannot wait to see the growth, learning, and excitement our Sea Star learners will continue to have as we start a new school year. I have learned so much from our Sea Stars and I know we will have a great year!
