My name is Dawn Lewis, and I am thrilled to be joining the Belcher family as Principal. I have had twenty-one years of experience in education, most recently serving for several years as the Assistant Principal at Bay Point Elementary. Prior to this, I worked as the Assistant Principal at both Campbell Park Elementary and Oakhurst Elementary. I am a proud graduate of St. Petersburg College with a degree in Elementary Education. I have obtained graduate degrees in both Reading Education and Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. Aside from my continued commitment to education, I am also a proud wife, mother, and Glamma!  

It is my honor to take part in the academic growth and overall success of the students and families of Belcher Elementary.

Dear Families,

I am honored to introduce myself as your Assistant Principal. My name is Sarah Painter, and I began my teaching career in Pinellas County in 2003 after earning my Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. From the very beginning, I have been passionate about creating a culture of teamwork and building lasting connections with students. Whether navigating learning through a global pandemic, engaging with rigorous standards, or tackling complex tasks as second-language learners, my students have continually inspired me. Together, we chose to find joy in every circumstance.

In 2012, I earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida, and in 2023, I completed a Specialist’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida State University. I was also honored to be selected as the 2022 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year, representing nearly 185,000 educators across the state.

Beyond the classroom, I have always valued collaboration with my colleagues, serving as a teacher leader for both school-based and district-wide initiatives that promote access and achievement through data-driven instruction. Outside of school, I stay actively involved in my community by volunteering at an after-school Bible club, coaching a team for Girls on the Run, and empowering parents to make instructional decisions based on data for their children. As an advocate for foster care and adoption, I believe that every child should feel a sense of belonging and that strong family partnerships are key to success in the classroom.

Above all, I feel incredibly blessed to share my life with my husband, Leo, and our six children. I am truly excited to be joining this school community and look forward to working together to support our students in reaching their full potential. I cannot wait to meet each of you and begin this journey together!

With joy,
Sarah Painter