Principal, Dana Stinson

Mrs. Stinson joins The Academies at Blue Oak's first Principal. She brings 15 years of educational experience to her leadership role at BOA. Dana has been in instructional leadership for five years and is currently serving students as English Language Arts Coordinator in the office of Curriculum and Instruction at Burton School District. Prior to her position in Curriculum and Instruction, Dana taught grades 1, 4, 5, and 6.  She possesses her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Child and Adolescent Studies, Master of Arts in Teaching, and an Administrative Credential.

Mrs. Stinson is honored and excited to be the principal of Blue Oak Academy. Dana has already immersed herself in the culture of our organization as an SVA parent. She radiates with energy, positivity, and passion for education. She envisions a world where every child has equal opportunities to succeed. 

When she is not working tirelessly to provide the best education possible by empowering parents, teachers, and students, you can find her seeking hidden treasures at yard sales, rereading Pride and Prejudice, playing with her amazing children, or watching a movie with her high school sweetheart, Kirk. 

Classroom Teacher Grades 1/2, Dona Johnson

Mrs. Johnson is a veteran teacher with classroom experience in nearly every elementary grade level. She is eagerly waiting to meet her incoming 1st and 2nd graders this fall. As a teacher, building a relationship with each one of them is her focus. As she builds the relationships, she simultaneously is goal driven to ensure each and every one of her students build their own personal confidence in all aspects of learning and growing. As a result of her style of teaching, she is a driven, organized teacher who develops inspiring relationships with all of her students. As a professional educator, her goal is to be a positive role model for her students to look up to and respect. She teaches with compassion, love, and positive discipline. At her current school, Mrs. Johnson is popular with students, families, and colleagues.

In addition to her passion for teaching, her love for her family is apparent. Mrs. Johnson resides in Visalia with her husband and children. She is a mother of three; Ashley, Brooke, and Philip. Her determination for success in life is driven from her family. She strives to be a role model for her kids demonstrating the importance of love and compassion of giving back to others. Success for her, as well as her children, should be measured by the generosity within ones heart. Family, friends, and her classroom kids are clearly what define her as a teacher, wife, and mother. As a result of her core values, Mrs. Johnson comes to us with glowing recommendations from supervisors, colleagues, and parents. We are so grateful to have her as part of The Academies family at Blue Oak Academy.

About 40 students took part in the march which was held under on-and-off rain showers. "They were very enthusiastic," said Rasner. "They learned about farmworkers from the 1800s to Chávez's life and changes he made. The lessons, she said, steered away from the politics and focused, instead, on farmworkers' lives and the issues they still face today. "It was just awareness of the people who help feed us," said Rasner. "The topic is close to my heart because I grew up in a neighborhood of all farmworkers."

The entire school took part in an essay contest. There were cash prizes for the K-8 contest winners. The older students wrote their essays on current farmworker issues and what Chávez would fight for if he were alive today. Rasner hopes the academy project becomes part of the Chávez celebration. "We want to do this every year," she said.