leadership team

Ms. Heather Johnston

Principal

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year at Sto-Rox Upper Elementary! I am thrilled to continue serving as your principal and look forward to another exciting year of growth, learning, and community.

My journey with the Sto-Rox School District began in 1997 when I started teaching in our elementary schools. I spent 22 incredible years in the classroom before becoming the principal at SRUE in 2018. As a proud alumna of Sto-Rox High School, Class of 1992, the district has always held a special place in my heart. After high school, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Duquesne University. I later returned to Duquesne to pursue a Master’s in Educational Studies with a focus on reading, followed by a second Master’s in School Administration (K-12) and Special Education Supervision in 2014.

At SRUE, our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where every child can succeed. We are committed to Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Restorative Practices, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) as foundational elements of our school culture.

New This Year: The House System at SRUE

We are excited to introduce the House System, inspired by the Ron Clark Academy. This initiative is part of our PBIS efforts to foster community, collaboration, and school spirit. All students and staff will be sorted into one of four Houses, creating one united family at SRUE:

  • Amistad - House of Friendship

  • Reveur - House of Dreamers

  • Isibindi - House of Courage

  • Altruismo - House of Givers

The House System will help students build character, teamwork, and a sense of belonging, while having a lot of fun along the way!

Staying Connected

We believe in strong communication with families is essential for student success. To keep you informed and engaged, we share updates in a variety of ways:

  • District Facebook Page: Sto-Rox School District

  • District Website: www.srsd.k12.pa.us → Under “Schools” → Sto-Rox Upper Elementary

  • Phone blasts for important announcements

  • Monthly newsletters, sent via email and posted to Facebook and the SRUE website

  • Social Media:

Please be sure your contact information - email, address, and phone number - is up to date with the school to ensure you receive all communications.

I am truly honored to lead SRUE and excited about what we will accomplish together this year. As always, my door is open, and I welcome your questions, concerns, or ideas. Feel free to contact me at 412-771-3213 ext. 2010 or hjohnston@srsd.k12.pa.us.

Here’s to a year filled with learning, growth, and Viking pride!