Sierra Vista Unified School District is excited to announce that Sarah Ray will be the new principal at Pueblo del Sol Elementary! Sarah has been with the district for 12 years and is excited to begin a new school year at PDS.
Let’s meet our new principal Mrs. Ray!
I like to say that I was born and raised in Oregon, but it was in Arizona that I truly grew up. From the time I was a toddler, I have been visiting this beautiful state, thanks to my grandfather who retired from the Army at Fort Huachuca. The allure of Arizona was undeniable, and in 1990, my Mother made the decision to call Sierra Vista our permanent home. Here, I had the privilege of attending Bella Vista Elementary School, Sierra Vista Middle School, and graduated from Buena High School in 1997.
Life took me on a remarkable journey as a military spouse, leading me to travel far and wide for ten years. However, in 2008, the threads of fate led me back to Sierra Vista, where my heart had always remained. It was in this cherished community that I discovered a sense of belonging and purpose.
My family includes my wonderful and supportive husband, Chris, my sweet son, Vincent, our faithful dog, Freya, and our four delightful kitties. My interests are somewhat eclectic, encompassing education, literature, photography, nature, animals, art, music, and anything that sparks creativity. I believe in the transformative power of education, and I have dedicated my career to supporting and uplifting students and educators alike.
I have been fortunate to be a part of the Sierra Vista Unified School District where I have worked tirelessly to make a positive impact serving in various roles since 2011. As a high school teacher, I had the privilege of kindling a love for learning in young minds. As a technology integration specialist, I bridged the gap between technology and education, empowering teachers with the tools they needed to excel. Serving as a teacher mentor allowed me to guide and nurture fellow educators on their professional journeys. And as a district administrator overseeing instructional technology, I ensured that our teachers had the resources and support required to deliver quality education.
I am proud to be a member of the Arizona Rural Teachers Caucus, advocating for regulatory state-level changes to benefit rural school districts in Arizona. In my role as a co-developer of various technology curriculum programs within the Sierra Vista Unified School District, I have been instrumental in shaping innovative educational experiences. Additionally, I have contributed to co-writing the State of Arizona Technology Standards, ensuring that our students are prepared for the demands of the 21st century. As a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and the International Society for Technology in Education, I am deeply committed to life-long learning and advancing 21st century instructional and learning practices. These affiliations truly reflect my unwavering passion for transforming education in the digital age.
Over time my passion for education extended beyond the classroom and my interests grew. I yearned to contribute to the larger conversation surrounding public education. This drive led me to pursue a master's degree in education administration from Grand Canyon University, which I proudly earned in 2023.
And now, the time has come for me to take on the role of principal at Pueblo Del Sol Elementary School. It is a privilege to be entrusted with such a vital position in the heart of this remarkable community. As I step into this new chapter, my focus is clear.
First and foremost, I aim to integrate myself seamlessly into the school's culture. Building meaningful relationships with the staff, students, and families is at the core of my approach. Collaboration and teamwork are the foundations of success, and I am excited to work hand-in-hand with each member of our community to continue the incredible work already underway at Pueblo Del Sol.
Equity, safety, and inclusivity are non-negotiable values for me. Every student deserves an education that embraces their unique needs and provides a safe and inclusive environment. Inspired by the Fab-5 initiative, I am committed to fostering a holistic educational experience where everyone feels valued and supported.
As principal, I am dedicated to providing staff with the resources and professional development opportunities they need to excel. We will explore innovative teaching strategies, adapt to the ever-changing needs of our students, and ensure they are prepared for a bright future.
I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm as I embark on this incredible journey as the principal of Pueblo Del Sol Elementary School. Together, we have the power to shape the lives of our students, to ignite their passions, and to guide them towards success. As Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." With a strong sense of purpose and a deep belief in the transformative power of public education, I look forward to working hand-in-hand, embracing the challenges and celebrating the triumphs, towards a brighter future for each and every child.