Principal Message
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Welcome! I am so excited to be at Sand Springs Elementary as your new principal! My name is Kimberly Johnston, but I have the students call me “Mrs. J.” I previously was the principal at Valley View Elementary in Bountiful, Utah for six years. We have many new faces at the school for you to meet besides me:
· Emmi Novotorov-Robinson – aka Ms. Novo our new Administrative Intern
· Alex McMillan – our new Head Custodian
· Traci Manfull – our new Head Secretary
· Bobbie Jo Gifford – our new Art Prep Teacher
A little bit about me:
Prior to being a principal, I was an Assistant Principal at Endeavour, Columbia, and Heritage Elementary schools. Before that, I taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade. I was an elementary Media Specialist for seven years before becoming a teacher. I graduated from Weber State University with my BA in Elementary Education and the University of Utah with two Master’s degrees, one in Reading/Literacy and the second in Educational Leadership & Policy.
I have been married for 34 years to my husband Craig and we have two married children, Zack and Kaitlin and their spouses Brittney and Adam. After a long wait, I finally became a grandma! My first grandchild, Bridger is 3 and Lincoln is 2½! They are the light of my life!
We have a Goldendoodle name Josie, who is almost five years old and a Newfiedoodle Ruby who is 8 months. We live on an acre of land where we have 18 chickens, three wild turkeys and started beekeeping a few years ago. In my "spare" time, I like to read, sew, garden, camp, hike, and be outside in nature. We have enjoyed exploring the many off road trails in Utah in our RZR. I most enjoy spending time with my family.
I am a member of the Utah Elementary Principal's Association as well as our Davis chapter. I attended the 2018 Model Schools Conference in Orlando, Florida and attended the Deloitte University’s Courageous Principals Conference last fall. I have a passion for learning and discovering and am excited to share that with my faculty and students. I love my job and can't wait to meet all of you Stallions and parents this year at Sand Springs!
The best part about this year is - we are all experiencing new things together! As families you are transitioning from year-round school to a traditional school year, some of your friends may be attending Sunburst Elementary instead of Sand Springs, and we are ALL adjusting to the “New Normal” with COVID-19. I know by working together, we can make this year an adventure to remember!
I want you to know I am committed to providing your children a learning environment where they feel not only physically safe, but emotionally safe to learn and achieve. I value parent involvement and feedback in their child’s education. Please feel free to email me at kjohnston@dsdmail.net or call and schedule an appointment if you need to speak with me.
I look forward to a unique and wonderful school year! Do Good. Be Kind.
Mrs. J