A message from the principal
Dear Markham Timberwolf Families,
It is with great excitement and deep honor that I introduce myself as the new principal of Markham Elementary. My parents moved to Vacaville when I was five, and this is the community that raised me and educated me (Elm Elementary, Vaca Pena Middle School, Will C. Wood High School) until I left for college. Several years ago, my husband and I made a deliberate choice to move our family back to Vacaville to recapture the hometown feeling and the positive educational opportunities for our sons that were so foundational for me. 
My preparation as a bilingual educator has been filled with learning inside and outside the formal classroom. I completed my student teaching in Mexico and later lived, studied, and worked in both Spain and Mexico for almost two years. I bring to this role 23 years of experience in education, having served as an Elementary Teacher, Secondary Spanish/English Language Development Teacher, Instructional Coach, Site English Language Development Coordinator, Dean of Learning Support, and Assistant Principal. As one who is passionate about bilingualism, multicultural education, academic excellence, and college and career readiness, I am thrilled to be part of the Timberwolves community that values language and education as a bridge to greater understanding, opportunity, and unity.
Markham is a school that is fortunate to house two programs. I fully support the REACCCH Program, which serves to build the skills and knowledge that will lay a strong foundation for academic success and reaching goals that align with college and career readiness. It also helps to close achievement gaps and foster a mindset for lifelong learning. Within the SPICE program, I am committed to the tradition of providing a rich, rigorous, and culturally responsive educational experience where students become biliterate, bilingual, and bicultural. The dual immersion model empowers students to thrive in two languages—developing strong academic skills while fostering a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Each and every student, family, and staff member is important to me, and I look forward to supporting everyone in their educational endeavors on either pathway.
I consider it a privilege to help shape young lives, and this is a responsibility I take to heart in order to make a tangible difference in the realm of education. My focus is always student-centered learning and equitable outcomes for all. I believe that schools are strongest when students, staff, and families work together in partnership. I look forward to building strong relationships with each of you as we work toward our shared mission of nurturing global citizens prepared to lead and succeed in a multilingual world.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve this incredible community. My door is always open, and I welcome your ideas, input, and questions.
Con entusiasmo,
Sara Johnson
Directora de Markham (Markham Principal)