Every month during 2025-2026 school year, Mesa Public Schools will recognize a Spotlight School. The Spotlight School at the December 11th meeting was Johnson Elementary. Below is a video about the school and Principal Omar Tabb's remarks on each honoree.
Afton Waldie (Student)
We are thrilled to celebrate Afton Waldie for being a shining example of the “Johnson Way”. She consistently exhibits essential attitudes and skills that make a great learner, classmate, and community member!
Afton is a true example of a Mesa Public Schools Portrait of a Graduate because she:
Ethical and Responsible: She acts with character and is always willing to take responsibility for her words and actions
A Great Collaborator and Community Contributor: She is excellent at working with others, learning from and supporting her classmates, and bringing people together for a common good.
A Creative Thinker: Her curiosity and imagination allow her to come up with new ideas and help solve problems in new ways that support the school community.
Inclusive: Afton knows how to find common ground with everyone and seek to understand the ideas of others. She sees strength in differences, making everyone feel valued.
We thank Afton for always demonstrating what it means to be a true leader in our school community.
Dianne Galligher (Certified)
Dianne is a truly exceptional teacher, an outstanding colleague, and a vibrant leader whose contributions significantly enrich our campus community.
Dianne's commitment to Johnson School is unparalleled, making her a true Jayhawk through and through. Her journey at the school began in the fall of 1998 as a crossing guard. She steadily expanded her role, working as a playground, cafeteria, library, and classroom aide. Driven by her passion, she decided to pursue her teaching degree. After serving as the attendance clerk for two years and completing her studies, she returned to Johnson to complete her student teaching in the fall of 2005. She began teaching full-time in the fall of 2006, making this her 20th year teaching and 25th year working at Johnson.
Dianne is a great teacher who is deeply committed to meeting the needs of her students. She continuously shows innovation in her classroom, ensuring her instruction is engaging and effective for every learner. She not only goes above and beyond in her classroom duties but also ensures a strong connection between families and the classroom.
As a leader on campus, Dianne is instrumental in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. She is an outstanding co-worker who provides consistent support for the school and her co-teachers, making her an invaluable member of the team.
Her non-stop efforts to bring joy to campus are much appreciated, making even the hardest days brighter for everyone. Dianne lovingly takes care of our courtyard garden. Her commitment is so great that she comes to the school over the weekend to water and care for the plants, ensuring our campus remains beautiful for all.
Dianne embodies the qualities of a dedicated educator, a compassionate colleague, and a thoughtful leader, all rooted in a quarter-century of service to Johnson School.
Norma Sprout (Classified)
Norma has been at Johnson for 21 years. She has spent those years in unwavering dedication to the students, families, and broader community of Johnson Elementary.
While her primary role is within her classroom, Norma's excellence is defined by her profound concern for all students in the building. She consistently goes above and beyond, engaging positively with every student she encounters to ensure they are all SOARing (Safe, Organized, Accountable,and Respectful) throughout the campus.
Her dedication to the families in her immediate classroom is truly unmatched, demonstrating a commitment that fosters strong home-school partnerships and ensures every family feels supported and valued.
Norma is a cornerstone of the Johnson Elementary team, embodying the spirit of community and ensuring a positive, supportive environment for everyone.