Meet The Principal
Welcome to Big Walnut Elementary!
Dear BWE Families,
It is with great excitement and heartfelt gratitude that I welcome you to a brand-new school year at Big Walnut Elementary! As the new principal, I am honored to join the proud and close-knit community that has long defined BWE. It is a full-circle moment for me, as I spent some of my teaching years right here at BWE! I look forward to growing and learning alongside each of you in the days ahead.
Our primary goal is to inspire and guide our students to meet their maximum potential. To do so, our teachers and staff are committed to our culture of personalizing instruction, engaging learners, and growing minds.
This year, we are embracing two powerful themes that reflect who we are and where we’re going together.
At BWE, we encourage our students and staff to “Be Me at BWE.” It reminds us that every student and staff member is encouraged to bring their full, authentic selves to school each day — while also striving to be respectful, be responsible, be safe, and be kind. These values guide the way we learn, interact, and support one another, helping us build a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.
This year, our theme, “Learning Takes Root: Growing Tiny Seeds to Mighty Trees”, beautifully captures the spirit of growth that defines our school. Like seeds in a well-tended garden, our students will be nurtured with knowledge, creativity, and care — and in time, they will blossom into confident, capable learners. Every moment of curiosity, every question asked, and every challenge overcome adds to their strength as they grow into the mighty trees they are meant to be.
I know that staying connected and involved with your child's education is important, and I value the strong partnership between home and school. Be sure to look for my weekly newsletter, which is sent via email on Fridays. It will have important announcements and information. Also, you will receive a weekly email from your child’s teacher. These two emails will help you stay connected and involved.
Here’s to a fantastic start, full of learning, growth, and connection!
Take Care,
Sarah Sandrock
Principal
About Sarah:
Sarah grew up in Dublin, Ohio, and then attended Bowling Green State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Next, she earned her Master's degree from Ashland University in Intervention and her Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist license. Finally, she completed her Principal licensure program through Indiana Wesleyan University. Sarah began her teaching career in Columbus City Schools and then joined Big Walnut in 2006. She taught first and second grade at HSE and BWE. Prior to becoming a principal, Sarah spent five years as an Instructional Facilitator at Harrison Street Elementary. She loves teaching and has a passion for learning.
Sarah and her family live in Sunbury, and she and her husband are raising three Golden Eagles. She loves getting to know the students and families that make this community an amazing one in which to live and work.
Go Eagles!