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Jan. 21, 2026 - She will be entered in the state Teacher of the Year competition, sponsored by the Florida Department of Education.
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Administration
Principal- Stephanie Blackman
My name is Stephanie Blackman, and I am the new principal of Sawgrass Lake Elementary School. It is an honor, and I am excited to be on this journey with all of you.
I joined Sawgrass with 20 years of experience in education within Pinellas County Schools, having served as a classroom teacher and administrative roles. I am a proud mother of a daughter who is a Sawgrass Lake scholar as well. Becoming a mother has directly influenced the way I lead. I am passionate about creating an environment where each child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
I firmly believe in the power of collaboration and community. I look forward to working closely with each of you, partnering with you to ensure that our scholars receive the best education possible. Your involvement and support are crucial to success, and I welcome your ideas, feedback, and participation in school activities.
As we embark on this new school year, I am confident that we will achieve great things together. Let us work together to create a school community that is vibrant, supportive and focused on the success and well-being of every student. I look forward to meeting each of you and to a wonderful school year ahead.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Blackman
Assistant Principal- Patricia Galdames
Dear Sawgrass Lake Elementary Families,
I am excited to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal at Sawgrass Lake Elementary. It is an honor to join this school community, and I am genuinely looking forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff.
I have spent over 18 years in education, both in the United States and overseas. Most recently, I have worked in Pinellas County for the past three and a half years as a Reading Coach. These experiences have shaped my belief in the importance of strong relationships, meaningful learning, and working closely with families to support every child.
I am truly excited to be at Sawgrass Lake and look forward to the rest of the school year. Thank you for welcoming me, I look forward to partnering with you to support our students.
Warm regards,
Patricia Galdames
Assistant Principal
Sawgrass Lake Elementary