Suzette Burns

I became the very proud Principal of John M. Sexton Elementary beginning in the 2012/13 school year.  I spent my early years in Pinellas County Schools as a teacher assistant while I earned my degree.  I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and spent 12 years teaching students with learning disabilities.  I went on to earn my Masters in Special Education as well and then my Educational Leadership Certificate.  In 2005 I accepted the Asst. Principal position at James B. Sanderlin IB World School and spent 7 amazing years there honing my skills to prepare me to become a principal.  I was ready when that happened in the summer of 2012.

At the time I came in, Sexton was being recognized for their efforts in creating a healthy school.  In Oct 2012 we were awarded the Bronze award under the Alliance for Healthier Generation.  We continued with our healthy school quest to become a Gold level school and in October of 2013 we achieved that goal.  We were the first school in Pinellas County, and one of only a handful in the State of Florida to achieve the Gold level.  This led to our school being featured in a video produced by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that was titled Sexton’s “Green Bean Queen” Builds a Healthier School and can still be viewed on You Tube.  In the Fall of 2016 we were selected as one of 10 schools to partner with NutriBullet to engage students in making healthy choices for breakfast.  I am so proud of all of our efforts to build a healthy school community.

Academically over the years of 2012- 2017 we maintained a School grade of C.  In the 2017/18 school year we dropped to a “D” and started the year with extended hours and an even greater focus on student achievement.  We revisited all of our content areas and how to maximize our resources to enhance learning for each and every student.  The teachers and students worked harder than ever and the grade report shows us mere points from a “B” going into the 18/19 school year.

In September of 2017 we had the opportunity to serve our community as a Hurricane Shelter and housed over 900 people.  In true Sexton family style, everyone pitched in and insured that our “guests” were fed and needs were attended too.  It was a tremendous effort on everyone’s part and a memory that will not be soon forgotten.

My years at Sexton were filled with love for the students, staff and families.  I will cherish my time there and remember fondly the family events of Fall Fest, Family Valentine dances, and our Academic nights.   My connection to the families and students, as on a daily basis I greeted them at the gate and put them in cars at the end of the day, were the best parts of my day, rain or shine they always made me smile.   The staff was bar none, the best I have worked with and their dedication to each other, the students and to me means the world to me.  Sexton Stingrays rock!