Sacaton Elementary School District #18 would like to inform our families and community that due to the untimely resignation of our Middle School Principal, we have implemented a strong and collaborative leadership plan to ensure the continued success of our middle school students and staff.
To provide the necessary direction, supervision, and support, our current Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction Director, Marie Semodio, and Elementary Principal, Stephanie Celis, will work closely with Superintendent Robert Lewandowski to fulfill the duties of the Middle School Principal in addition to their current responsibilities.
Because of the extensive experience each of these professionals brings as both district and building administrators, we can expect a continued level of high excellence. Throughout the school year, each of these individuals has stepped in to serve as Middle School Principal, and our students are already very familiar with them.
Ms. Semodio and Ms. Celis will handle the lion’s share of building management, discipline, and staff supervision:
● Ms. Semodio will be available in the Middle School Office on odd-numbered days of the month.
● Ms. Celis will be available in the Middle School Office on even-numbered days of the month.
Superintendent Lewandowski will work closely alongside them, maintaining a consistent administrative presence through classroom visits and campus supervision.
Our Middle School Office Secretary, Becky Acuna, will continue serving as a key point of communication and will coordinate closely with the administrative team to ensure smooth daily operations.
Additionally, although not pictured, Technology Director Jacob McCormick will serve as the Interim Athletic Director to support our middle school athletic programs.
If you have any questions or concerns, please continue to call or visit the Middle School Office. Our administrative team is here to support you and your child.
The Middle School Leadership Team also shares a group email address so families can contact them collectively if needed:
msleadership@sacatonschools.org
As always, our teachers and staff remain committed to serving our students with high expectations and diligence. This group of professionals understands that communication is key when sharing administrative responsibilities. Truly, this will be a TEAM effort — Together Everyone Achieves More. This administrative trio understands one another, along with the expectations and needs of our staff and students. They recognize the responsibility of ensuring that students get what they need today.
Like always:
Be Kind. Be Considerate. And most of all, Be Brave!
Go Braves!
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM BACKGROUND
Mr. Robert Lewandowski
Superintendent, Sacaton Elementary School District #18
Robert “Bob” Lewandowski is in his 22nd year as a Superintendent and his third at Sacaton Elementary School District. He has been in education for over 35 years. Prior to coming to Sacaton, he served as superintendent in Montana and Wyoming. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Chadron State College in Secondary Education and Administration. He completed all course work for an educational doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Wyoming. Lewandowski currently holds licensure as a superintendent in Wyoming, Montana, and Arizona.
Mr. Lewandowski was born and raised in Nebraska. His high school sweetheart and wife, Debra, is also a teacher. They have three daughters, a son-in-law and a grandson. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and photography.
Lewandowski has been awarded several leadership acknowledgements through the years. He was recently named the South Eastern Montana Superintendent of the year.
Lewandowski is loyal to empowering students with an equal and equitable education. A leader that understands “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” He is committed to providing the needed safety support and belonging required of staff and students for their success. He is looking forward to serving the students and community of Sacaton.
Be Brave! Go Braves!
Mrs. Stephanie Celis
Principal, Sacaton Elementary School
Stephanie Celis is the Principal for Sacaton Elementary School, PreK-4. As the administrative and instructional leader for PreK-4, she is responsible for helping all students become innovative leaders and problem solvers who are prepared for success in college and their preferred careers.
Stephanie Celis comes to Sacaton Elementary School with 21 years of experience and a passion for teaching and learning. Stephanie’s varied experiences as an instructional leader include: Teacher, Curriculum Integration/Library Media Specialist, Instructional Coach, Senior Student Information Systems Coordinator, Director of Academic Programs and Assessments, Principal at ASU Preparatory Academy, and current position as Principal of Sacaton Elementary School. These experiences have shaped Stephanie’s unwavering belief that all children are able to learn at high levels not by accident but by design.
As an Arizona native, Stephanie attended Arizona State University and earned a B.A. in Elementary Education. She earned two Master's degrees, one in Educational Leadership and one in Curriculum and Instruction. Stephanie continues to serve this mission by pledging to elevate instructional teams to reach their highest potential so that all students may have a meaningful and purposeful school experience. A safe and positive campus climate will always be at the forefront of Stephanie’s priorities. She believes communication, being visible and available to listen to all concerns are key in ensuring a successful experience for all.
When she’s not working with students and teachers at Sacaton Elementary School, she is spending time with her husband Alex and three energetic daughters, Kylie, Teagan and Harper.
Mrs. Celis and her school staff are excited to serve the students of Sacaton Elementary School…
Be Brave! Go Braves!
Ms. Marie Semodio
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
District Communications Coordinator
Marie Semodio is honored to lead as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment for Sacaton Elementary School District #18, where she has served for the past 5 years.
With over 12 years of dedicated experience in the field of education, Ms. Semodio brings a passion for education and a commitment to fostering a thriving educational environment for both students and staff to grow into the best version of themselves. Ms. Semodio is known for her ability to nurture and develop talent, provide guidance and support to educators while continuously seeking ways to improve instructional practices. Her approach emphasizes collaborative growth, utilizing data-driven strategies to drive instructional excellence and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
Ms. Semodio has developed a meaningful career in education through a variety of leadership and service roles. She has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, team leader, mentor teacher, curriculum designer, assessment coordinator, lighthouse coordinator for a Leader in Me School, administrative representative, federal programs coordinator, communications coordinator, and her current role as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.
Ms. Semodio earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Northern Arizona University. As an educator and lifelong learner, Ms. Semodio continually looks for intentional opportunities where staff can collaborate to propel student growth and encourage staff leadership.
On a personal note, Ms. Semodio was born and raised on the island of Guam, U.S.A., and moved to Arizona in the summer of 2004. She enjoys exploring new cultures through travel, trying different cuisines, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and dog. Whether she is paddleboarding, country swing dancing, or serving in her local church, she values meaningful connections and is committed to fostering spaces where learning and community grow together. Ms. Semodio is excited and honored to serve the students and community of Sacaton.
Be Brave! Go Braves!
Mr. Jake McCormick
Director of Technology
Emergency Response Coordinator
As the Director of Technology, Jake McCormick aims to serve teachers and students by establishing an environment that encourages creative and independent use of technology throughout the school district. This includes researching new and emerging technologies and providing technical guidance in infrastructure, hardware, software, and technical support for teachers and students campus-wide.
Jake grew up in western Nebraska and earned a Bachelor of Science in Network and System Administration. Jake served as a Network Engineer for a regional school office serving twelve different school districts and later became the Technology Director for a school district in Lincoln, NE. Jake has served on teams that have developed cyber security, infrastructure, and best student computer device practices.
Jake is excited to be part of a great community and team at Sacaton Elementary School District.
Be Brave! Go Braves!