Principal Message

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