leadership team

Ms. Heather Johnston

Principal, Upper Elementary and Primary Center

Hello, and welcome to the 2023-2024 school year, my first complete year as principal of both the Upper Elementary and the Primary Center, grades K-6. I began teaching at SRSD in 1997. I taught for 22 years in the Elementary schools before taking over as principal at SRUE in 2018.

I am also an alumna of Sto-Rox High School. I graduated in 1992 and went on to attend Duquesne University, where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary and special education. I returned to Duquesne and earned a master’s degree in educational studies (with a focus on reading). In 2014, I went back to Duquesne a third time to earn a master’s degree in school administration (K-12) and special education supervision.

At SRUE, we work hard to create a positive, inviting, and safe school environment where all students can be successful. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, Restorative Practices, and Social/Emotional Learning help to move us toward this goal. Student success is our main goal at SRUE! In guiding each decision, we ask the question “What is best for our students?” That answer determines how we will move forward.

Staying connected with families is very important. We have developed several ways to communicate information, events and the exciting things happening at school. We post on our district Facebook page (Sto-Rox School District), and our district website (www.srsd.k12.pa.us) on the Sto-Rox Upper Elementary page, (found under Schools at the top tab on the website), and phone blasts. This year we are going to start emailing and providing monthly newsletters (posted to Facebook and SRUE website). We also have a Twitter page (@StoRoxUE). It is important that you keep your email, address and phone number up-to-date with the school.

I am honored to have the opportunity to lead SRUE to great things this year. I look forward to working with every one of you as a team to help each child at SRUE meet their goals and have a successful year. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 412-771-3213 ext. 2010 or hjohnston@srsd.k12.pa.us.