Dear Malta Avenue Community,

It is with great excitement that I write this letter to you as the incoming principal of Malta Avenue Elementary School. It is truly an honor to join the Malta Avenue community. Although I am only just beginning to get to know staff, students, and community members, I can already tell that this is an incredibly special and unique school family.

This September, I will be embarking on my 18th year in education. I have spent twelve and a half years as a special education teacher working with students ranging from elementary age to high school seniors. After teaching, I began my journey in administration in 2015 at Shenendehowa where I served as the Middle School Special Education Academic Administrator. In April of 2018 I became the Assistant Principal at Schuylerville High School and then in the summer of 2019, I became the K-8 Assistant Principal.

I grew up in the Capital Region and attended Niskayuna schools. Currently, I live in Saratoga Springs with my husband, who is a teacher, and my two kids. My daughter, Maya, is 7 and will be a second grader in the fall, and my son, Quinn, is 5 and will be a kindergartner in the fall.

We are in the midst of unprecedented and challenging times. Like many of you, during this period of remote learning I have faced the challenges of balancing being a parent of two elementary-aged students and continuing to work full-time. Despite this uncertain and arduous time, I believe that we can creatively find a way to move through this complicated moment in history together. I am confident that we will come out the other side closer to our own families, gaining new perspectives, and developing a greater appreciation of our school community.

My goal and passion as an educator and leader has been, and will continue to be, to ensure that all students receive an excellent education. I am fully committed to the well-being of our students and to educating the whole child. I believe that relationships between families and school are essential for the success of our students and I encourage you to become involved in every possible way!

As I transition into this position, my priority is to listen and learn from all of you. We are all experiencing this for the first time and as we navigate these waters together, please know that my priority will be the health and well-being of Malta Avenue students, families, and staff members.

I am truly honored to join this excellent community and look forward to meeting all of you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas you would like to share.

Sincerely,

Sarah Johnson