It is hard to put into words what your leadership has meant to our family and to the SPARK community as a whole.

There is something incredibly special about a school where children feel known, safe, celebrated, and deeply loved- and that culture starts at the top. Your presence has shaped SPARK into more than just a school. It has become a true community, one that families fight to be a part of and never really want to leave.

As a parent, thank you for the care you have shown Harlow and for helping create an environment where she has been able to grow with confidence, joy, and curiosity. I have seen firsthand how much heart you have poured into this school and the people in it.

Your impact reaches far beyond academics or programs or events. You helped create memories, traditions, friendships, and a feeling that so many of us will carry long after our children leave these halls.

SPARK is better because of you. Our family is better because of you.

Thank you for your leadership, your kindness, your steady presence, and the love you gave this community so generously. You will be deeply missed, but the mark you leave behind here will last for years and years to come.

With so much gratitude,

Carly Sinclair Brown

Francis and Messiah are absolutely heartbroken to see her leave, and honestly, so are we. She has been a constant source of love, encouragement, strength, and leadership during some of the most important years of our children’s lives. She knew our kids by name, celebrated their growth, protected their hearts, and created an environment where children felt safe, seen, and deeply valued.

Great principals manage schools. Exceptional principals shape lives, build communities, and leave lasting fingerprints on families forever. That is exactly who she has been to us.

It is hard to put into words the gratitude we feel for every early morning, every event, every hard conversation, every smile, every hug, and every moment she poured into this school community. Her impact reaches far beyond classrooms and hallways. She helped shape memories our family will carry forever.

While we are deeply saddened by her departure, we are also incredibly grateful that our children had the privilege of experiencing her leadership during these formative years. Schools may change, leadership may transition, but the love and foundation she built here will remain.

Thank you for five unforgettable years. Thank you for loving our children so well. You will always hold a special place in our family’s heart.

WE LOVE YOU & WE MEAN IT!!

The Bhatti Family

There are very few people who leave such a lasting imprint on a family’s life that you can genuinely say, “you’ll always be part of our story.” You are one of those people for ours.

Julianne and Josephine absolutely adore you. They have felt loved, safe, encouraged, challenged, and celebrated under your leadership at Springdale Park Elementary. As parents, there is no greater gift than knowing your children walk into a school each day where they are truly known and cared for.

One of my favorite Josephine moments will forever be her running up for a selfie and proudly saying, “Send this to my mom!” I have about 15 saved on my phone. :) It perfectly captures the warmth and joy you bring to the school community. The children don’t just respect you — they love you. That says everything.

You exemplify what it means to love your job and excel at it. Your leadership has never felt performative or distant. It has felt human, heartfelt, energetic, and deeply invested in the children and families around you. You created a culture that people wanted to be part of, and that is rare.

Thank you for every smile in the hallway, every hard decision made with care, every encouraging word, every long day, and every moment you poured into our children and this community. Springdale Park is better because of you, and so are our girls.

Please know this is not goodbye to us. We will absolutely stay in touch, and you will forever be part of Julianne and Josephine’s lives. We are so grateful for you and for the love you have shown our family.

With so much love and gratitude,

Alison, Jeff, Julianne, and Josephine

It takes a truly special person to lead a school with so much heart. Thank you so much for the incredible impact you’ve had on our family.

Having three Pazarbasi kids go through your school means we’ve gotten to see firsthand just how much love, leadership, and dedication you pour into your students every single day. We also had some unforgettable adventures with you- you know which kid! ☺️

We will miss you so much, and we wish you the absolute best in your next chapter!

With love and gratitude,

The Pazarbasi Family- Sude, Batu, Aylin

We can never thank you enough for all of your dedication and heart that you poured into our Spark community. Our family is forever grateful to you for leading our children through their elementary years that were filled with so many positive memories and experiences. We love you Dr. Toney.

Love,

The Antles

You always show up for the people who you love, and we know that you need to show up for your family right now. It doesn’t make the sadness any less sad, but it makes our hearts full knowing that you’re doing what you’ve always done. We have been so lucky to have had you in our lives these past 6 years and know that you are leaving behind a legacy that will continue to make spark the special place that it is. Your spark family will miss you with all of our hearts and we’ll keep you in our thoughts, sending you sparkles always.

Xoxo, Sara, Brian, Charlotte and James Offen

❤️Ms. Conklin

Love,

Erin, Ryan, Quinn, and Mia (side-eye not indicative of her love for you).

I'm a grandparent of one of your students and I have been hearing about you from day one of her elementary days! So, I feel as if I know you. I do know that you have had such a significant impact on my granddaughter, so significant in fact, that I think she is reluctant to leave SPARK because she has to leave you! Thank you for the individual attention that you give your students to help each one achieve their hopes and dreams. You are an amazing leader. All the best to you. Barb Reid

Love,

Aiden, Andy, and Abby

You welcomed little Amina even before she joined the SPARK family. One of the things she said the summer before Kindergarten was "I can't wait to get to see Dr. Toney every day!"

Even though Aniyah is transitioning to Howard... My girls, our family hate to see you leave. You will truly be missed by the SPARK community. I'm hopeful, but I don't think the girls will experience a principal with so much love for ALL their students. Whoever is next has some big shoes to fill!

Thank you for all you've done, and we pray for Blessings and miracles and for you and your family.

With love,

Ms. Neasman and the Neasman-Byfield Girls (Aniyah & Amina) :-)

Ever since meeting you at the K Center, I knew you were going to be an amazing principal. Thank you for always being there. I will miss you more than you could ever know.

With love,

Kennedy Ellis

Your calm presence, encouragement, and ability to bring people together created a space where we could take risks and grow. That is something I will carry with me.

I am so grateful to have worked alongside you and to have shared in those moments. You have left such a meaningful mark on SPARK, and on me personally.

You will always be part of SPARK. 💚

Love,

Kristin Siembieda

-Ryder Pumpelly

How to even begin to express how much you mean and have meant to SPARK? When SPARK went through changes a few years ago, you stepped up to the challenge and didn't look back. There is a feeling when you walk into the doors of SPARK that cannot be defined by words. The love, kindness, the push to be the best you can be and the enthusiasm you bring is unmatched! YOU are SPARK. I am not sure how they are going to move forward without you, but I do know that the legacy that you are leaving behind will be felt for many years to come. Thank you for loving my children and showing just how to be an incredible leader. We are certainly going to miss you and thank you for all that you have done for our little community.

XOXOXO,

Lindsay Pumpelly

Melanie, Doug, Grail, Nolan Johnson

I just want to thank you for everything you have done for SPARK, the staff, and our students. Your leadership, support, and the way you truly care about the school community has made such a huge impact. I have learned so much from you, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work under your leadership.

I’m honestly so sad to see you go, and it makes me even sadder that Paisley and Paxton will not get the chance to experience having you as their principal next year. I know you would have made such a lasting impact on them just like you have on so many students and families already.

Thank you again for all of the time, energy, and heart you poured into SPARK. You will truly be missed, and I wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter.

Brianna Warfield

This was by far the most rewarding day of my career, and I am truly honored to have experienced it under your incredible leadership. Your guidance, encouragement, and vision have inspired me every single day. I am so sad to see you go, but I want you to know how much you’ve meant to me and to all of us. Wishing you the very best in your next chapter; you will be greatly missed!

With heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes,

Mrs. Davis 💚

Working for you has been the honor of my career, thus far. You have always believed in me, even when I didn't. You have been a boss, a mentor, a friend, but above all else, an inspiration. Your love for our kids is palpable. You know each of them by name and know who they are as young people. Your vision for SPARK is what made it what it is now. You are the SPARK here at SPARK and I will be forever grateful to have been here under your leadership. I truly do mean it when I say it; love you so much, mean it so much! 💖

P.S. I am never erasing your beginning of the year message off of my board! 😫

We were truly heartbroken to hear the news that you’ll be leaving SPARK. While we completely understand that life sometimes calls us in new directions, it’s impossible to imagine the school without your warmth, leadership, and presence.

From the very first moment we arrived, you welcomed our family with open arms. You made such a lasting impact on Olive during her Kindergarten and First Grade years — helping create a school environment where she felt safe, encouraged, loved, and excited to learn every single day.

Those early school memories are so important, and we will forever be grateful that you were such a meaningful part of them.

It also meant so much knowing that Ruby would one day walk through the same doors under your care and leadership. While we’re saddened that her path won’t overlap with yours, your influence will undoubtedly still be felt in the culture and spirit you helped build at the school. She will also miss those warm hugs!!

What makes this especially difficult is that extraordinary leaders are rare ~ and even rarer are the ones who lead with genuine kindness, compassion, and heart. You made families feel seen. You made children feel valued. And you created a community that people truly wanted to be part of.

Thank you for every smile at drop-off, every encouraging word, every hard decision made with care, and every ounce of love you poured into this school community. The devastation everyone feels at your departure is simply a reflection of how deeply you are appreciated and loved.

We are better for having known you, and our girls are better for having started their school journey with someone as special as you.

Wishing you and your family peace, happiness, and every blessing in this next chapter. Your new school community or wherever you land, will be incredibly lucky to have you.

With heartfelt gratitude, Kevin Ouzts (Megan, Ruby and Olive)

It is impossible to put into words just how much your presence has meant to our school, our children, and our family personally. The impact you have had reaches far beyond academics or administration, you created a school environment where children felt safe, valued, encouraged, and truly seen. That is a gift that stays with families forever.

From the moment we became part of this school community, it was clear that your leadership came from a place of genuine love and dedication. You poured your heart into this school every single day, and it showed in the smiles of the students, the support felt by parents, and the sense of unity throughout the building. You didn’t just lead a school, you built a community.

For our family, your kindness, warmth, and unwavering care have meant more than you will ever know. Knowing our children were walking into a school led by someone who cared so deeply brought comfort and confidence as parents. You made every child feel important, celebrated, and capable, and that kind of influence changes lives.

Your absence will be felt tremendously. There will truly never be another Dr. Toney. The halls of the school, the families, the staff, and especially the students are better because of the love and leadership you gave so selflessly.

Thank you for every early morning, every encouraging word, every difficult decision, every smile, every event, every moment you gave to making this school special. Thank you for loving these children as fiercely as you did.

You will be deeply, deeply missed, and your legacy will continue to live on in every student and family whose lives you touched, including ours.

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Lauren Fleming & Family

your leadership has made Sparks to what it is today.

Your warmth, presence, and love for the kids have been visible in every moment.

And the light-heartedness and fun! Name a principal who spends a camping night with a few unruly third graders on the floor of a classroom!

Thank you for all you did for the kids, the the school, and the community.

We will terribly miss you and never forget you.

With gratitude.

Elena, Prinz, and Leo Pinakatt

The children (and parents) of Spark adore you and it’s so easy to see why. Your wit, humor and the way you make students feel valued, encouraged and seen is like no other. You brighten the halls with your wisdom and having your heart at the center of everything you do. The kids at Spark aren’t just learning - they are thriving.

We are so grateful for the love and care you have poured into Spark for almost a decade. You have shaped this elementary school into a magical institution that will stay with our children their entire lives! We will miss your leadership and your presence more than words can express, but the impact you have made with our children will be with us forever.

Wishing you all the happiness and success in your next chapter. We love you. We mean it!

Xoxoxox,

Camden, Coco, Molly and Red

Love,

Isabella (2nd grader)

P.S. This photo is from 1st grade!

Your impact can not be overstated. Your wonderful spirit has so blessed our family.

Love,

Leonie, Gabriella, and Juliet.

Thank you, truly, for giving me the opportunity to work at such an amazing school. It is impossible to put into words how much you and SPARK mean to our family, and I will be forever grateful. Thank you for creating such a special school community and for welcoming Quinn and Gus with open arms. We all love you dearly and wish you nothing but the very best.

Love,
Abby, Drew, Quinn, and Gus

Thanks to your unwavering leadership, empathy, enthusiasm, and dedication, thousands of children will carry a little bit of your magic with them wherever they go.

In every act of compassion, every brave step they take, and every dream they pursue, your influence will continue to shine.

You didn't just lead a school, you inspired generations of children, families, and teachers to believe in themselves, lift others up, and be the change they wish to see in the world.

We are beyond and forever grateful.

Love,

Renata, Ethan, and Alex Mellor

Well… this one is really hard. You have been such a huge part of our family’s SPARK story and truly such a meaningful part of so many seasons of our lives over the years. Through celebrations, hard moments, transitions, growth, and everything in between, you have led with heart, humor, honesty, and humanity in a way people genuinely feel.

Thank you for loving our kids and this community the way you do. Thank you for showing up — over and over again — for students, families, and teachers, even when things were hard. SPARK is better because of your leadership and your presence.

Once we heard you were leaving, we figured we probably had to leave too… so off to Paideia the Baby Bergs go 😂 In all seriousness though, you mean so much to Mia, Jax, Elle, and to both of us as parents. There is a reason so many people love you so deeply, and there is no question your impact on SPARK will be felt long after you are gone. We are really going to miss you and are just so grateful we got these years with you.

Hope you take some time for you! No one gives more. Here’s to living and loving in the silver linings always.

“LOVE YOU, MEAN IT!”
All of us at Bergville…

Hannah, Jonathan, Mia, Jax & Elle

I love you so much and you have done so much for me and my family. I can't believe I have to say good bye. :( you have been here for me throughout all of my spark years. So I would like to say thank you so much for all that you did from a big hug to a simple smile in the hall, and much, much more. You truly made a huge impact on all of spark and we will never stop loving you.

Lots of love,

Parker and the Pumpelly family

It has been such a privilege to be apart of your school and have you as our principal. Your impact will forever be felt at Spark, and you will be greatly missed. You've set the bar exceptionally high, and your sparkly, green, hightop Nikes will be difficult to fill. Love, Olivia, Jonathan, Monroe & Arden ('s Garden)

There aren’t words to express how much you’ve meant to us in our SPARK years. From our first days at the K center until now, you’ve been the smiling face that greets us and the comforting presence that makes SPARK home. Put simply, you are SPARK. The community you’ve created here is amazing, energetic, loving, and fun. And our girls have thrived because of it. We are all better because of the impact you’ve had on our lives. We are beyond grateful for your leadership, love, and friendship. You will be so missed and these halls will have a lot less sparkle without you in them.

So much love,

The Holdens

People never believe me when I tell them that Finn's Principal carries his saxophone to band class for him! This is just one example of the many acts of loving kindness you have shown Finn since we arrived at the K Center 5 years ago. You truly are one of the most amazing leaders I have ever seen in action. I marvel at your infectious positivity, joy, humor, and humanity. You have created such a beautiful environment where our children can flourish. I know your job must be incredibly demanding, but you always take the time to make the small moments count. I always feel better after having been in your presence. Thank you for creating a truly beloved community at SPARK through your inspired leadership. You are a bright light in this world, and we are all so grateful. Take good care of yourself, and rest easy knowing that you have truly made the world a better place. Finn adores you, and we do too. We will miss you so much!!

Love you,

Joe, Carrie, and Finn Conway

Love, the Klebanovs

It is hard to say goodbye to someone who has meant so much to our school. Thank you for leading with your heart and always putting students first. Your positive spirit and dedication helped shape a wonderful school. We are so grateful for you and wish you much health, joy and success in the future!

Thank you for everything over the years. You have been such an incredible & kind leader! SPARK is a joyful & supportive community, and we know you’ve been such a big part of that. You will be missed! 🐉💚🐉

We love you!

Asha, Nina, Radhi, & David

We are forever grateful that we and Margot got to spend her Kindergarten year wrapped in your warmth, guidance, and love! SPARK very quickly felt like home and we know that is in large part thanks to you and your hard work over the years. We (Clarky, especially!) will miss seeing you every day and can’t wait for our next chance to hug you tight!

💚💚💚,

The Tomes Family

The love you have for this community is unmatched. Not just how much you love our kiddos but our whole families and especially our wonderful teachers. We are all so lucky to have had such a loving and high-achieving leader. That is such a rarity!

Even though our time with you was short, we are so grateful for the impact you've had in making SPARK such a special place and wish you all the best as you step into your next chapter!

💚💚💚

Thank you for the extraordinary care, leadership, and dedication you have given to the Spark community! Your influence has been felt in countless ways and will carry on in the impacts Springdale Park students, staff and families continue to make. You and your family will remain in our hearts.

With gratitude and love,

The Clark Family - Kevin, Lynn, Austin, and Lauren

Love & Gratitude, Smith Family

Casey, Dustin, Rylan, Everly, Emmet

We met eight years ago at the cafeteria door on a hot August day. Eleanor was starting kindergarten, and Clementine was in the stroller, probably with a waffle in hand. You exuded warmth and excitement, and from that moment on, we all looked forward to seeing you every morning. It was the beginning of something so special. You mean a great deal to our whole family, and you will always have our love, gratitude, and support.

With love,
The Blalocks

Noah, Erica & Michael Fields

You are uncommonly special. You are a true leader, a consistently safe person my children know and love; a warm, bright smile. You are a person who views strengths and notices the small things. You truly see children. You are many things to many people in our community, and each initial thought I have of you shines brightly with positivity, warmth, and humor.

Every time I leave an event at SPARK, I am filled with gratitude. Your daily presence will be greatly missed. And, I do believe that the foundation and culture you have created and fostered will continue. That is the mark of a true leader.

Sending you love and strength as you enter this next chapter. You are doing the most important work and being there for your people. 

Please keep in touch! If and when the time comes, and you want to do some professional development, please give me a call! 

With love and gratitude,

Mary Saghafi, and Family (Ramin, Nina & Zuzu)

We you love you!!

Kelly, Chris, & Ella Downs

Elise, Jack, Jenn, and Andrew

With love, Emerson Sudmeier's family

Love, the Rothstein family

(Paul, Jill, Kacy, Bo, Reese, and Bridget)

TJ, Megan and Leo

With love and respect,

Kenny, Kingston, Weston, David, and Hannah Getachew-Smith

You truly have a heart of gold. I was saddened to read your email. Thank you for everything you have poured into the Spark community over the years. Your leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication have helped shape Spark into the incredible school and community it is today.

You have made such a lasting impact on so many families, including ours. Your warmth, encouragement, and genuine love for the students and families shine through in everything you do.

From STEAM and Garden Club to Fine Arts and International Nights, to the unforgettable auction-winning sleepouts - thank you for the countless ways you’ve supported, inspired, and cared for this community at all hours of the day and night. You will be deeply missed, but your impact will continue to be felt for years to come. 💚 We are all keeping our fingers and toes crossed that you’ll be back very soon.

As you care for and support your husband, please know that this entire community is here to support you as well. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you need absolutely anything, at any time.

With love and gratitude,

Lynda, Trav, Georgia, Isabella & Olivia
(The Jackson girls)

We will truly miss you! We are SO grateful that we had the opportunity to have you as our Principal during our first two years at SPARK! We will definitely miss your candid feedback, wisdom, positive energy, warm smile, and dancing moves!

You have truly become a part of our family, so at this point you are officially “Auntie Dr. T.” ❤️

With Love,
The Hodge Family
Zoe, Patrick & CJ

With love,

Allyson, Jason, (Tall)Tate & Declan Wiggam

Thank you for being an amazing principal from 3rd to 5th. You affected SPARK so much, you're the main reason we're top 10 in the state! You have been amazing in ways nobody could explain.

Love,

Tate Wiggam

Dear Dr. Toney,

Thank you for being an amazing principal from 3rd to 5th. You affected SPARK so much, you're the main reason we're top 10 in the state! You have been amazing in ways nobody could explain.

From_,

_{Tall Tate}

I love your ability to always brighten my day with your kindness and warm hugs. You are caring, fun-loving, and compassionate. You have worked so hard to make SPARK the amazing place it is today. You always know how to make me laugh when I am feeling sad. I will miss you and your smile so much. I hope your future is as great as you made elementary school for me.🤗

Love,

Kennedy

SPARK Class of 2025

When I think of SPARK, I think of you. You have truly left an impact on the school community and ALL of us in the building. Thank you for always bringing your SPARK! I am going to miss you!

Love you,

Bellard

Love you!

Melanie Dean