Dear BWI Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year. It’s going to be a great year at BWI! The transition to the Intermediate is always exciting as it brings together students from our four elementary schools for the first time. It brings many unique opportunities to meet new people, try new things, and grow as a fourth and fifth grader. This year is even more unique as we transition from 5th/6th grade to 4th/5th grade. We are more than ready and eager to welcome over 650 new students to BWI!
Big Walnut Intermediate is a great place to teach and learn! 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.
I am honored to be part of the team helping to raise our students to RISE! Through our RISE program, we teach and celebrate positive social and academic behavior. The guiding principles of RISE are Responsibility, Integrity, Safety, and Empathy. These skills are taught, modeled, and reinforced in our daily interactions, common language, positive learning environment, and celebrations of student success.
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 team of teachers. These two emails will help you stay connected and involved.
Thank you for all you do to support your child(ren)'s success. We understand that this transition from elementary school can be a big one for students and families, and we truly appreciate your support. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the BWI staff or myself with any questions or concerns.
Take Care,
Sarah Sandrock
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 came to 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!