I begin this post about me with our theme for the 2024-2025 school year: **Relentless Pursuit of Mastery: The Farewell Tour**. I am excited to begin another year here at FVES, where I feel that it is my role to challenge all teachers and students to BE RELENTLESS!

This year's theme is reflected in the relentless pursuit of excellence in every aspect of our learning journey. As we focus on mastery, we understand that true success is not just about reaching a destination but continuously striving to improve, learn, and grow every day. We will begin our journey this year on the campus of FVES and move mid-year to the Hilltop Needmore Campus. We anticipate mastery learning in both locations! 

I love children—their wonder, joy, endless learning capacity, and love never ceases to amaze me. Very early on, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I attended Wake County Public Schools K-12, then Greensboro College, and afterward came back to teach at the elementary school I attended. After teaching for three years at Aversboro Elementary School in a 4/5 combo class, my husband and I moved towards the Cary area. In 2001, I began teaching at West Lake Elementary in fourth grade. After 4 years, I transitioned into the Instructional Resource Teaching position. My journey to this role was fueled by a desire to make an even greater impact on students and take another detour in my career. I immediately found a new love for coaching and teaching teachers! After having my two girls in 2005 and 2006, I began thinking about pursuing a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. I completed my degree in December of 2011, and in May of 2012, I began as Assistant Principal of Oak Grove Elementary. The latest leg of my journey has brought me to Fuquay-Varina Elementary, where I have served as Principal since May 16th, 2016. I still love teaching, coaching, and learning! Most of all, I love doing all of these jobs as Principal here at FVES.

I believe in every one of our children at FVES. I believe in every one of our teachers and staff members at FVES. I also believe in all of our parents—you are the most important person in your child's life, and together we will make the biggest impact on their successes at school, home, and in life!

I hope you will come and meet me and get to know more about my passion for making a difference in the lives of children here in Fuquay-Varina and in our community.

See you soon!

Heather Johnson