A Note From Our Principal

Sandra Velo
Miller Heights Elementary School Principal

Welcome to Miller Heights Elementary.  I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.  My name is Sandra Smith Velo and I have been the Principal for the past four years.  I am very excited to be here and I look forward to another great year. I would like to tell you about my journey so far! In 1972 my mom, two brothers and myself moved to Belton Garden Apartments now known as Belle Oaks.  I attended Belton Junior High school in 7th grade while my brothers attended Miller Heights Elementary. A great teacher/coach named Janice Douglas encouraged me to never settle for less than my personal best. 

I attended UMHB on a volleyball scholarship after graduating from Belton High School in 1979.  I completed my Bachelor of Science degree at Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma.  Upon my graduation I returned to Belton in 1986 and coached volleyball/track and taught physical education and health next door to my mentor Mrs. Douglas.  More recently, in 2002, I graduated from Tarleton State University with honors and received a Masters in Education degree.  In 1987, I married my high school friend, Tony Velo.  Tony's family has lived in the same home since 1970.  Now, I live there with Tony and our two sons, Calvin and Zack.  Calvin is a Belton High School graduate and works as a contractor for Butler International and is currently overseas.  I am proud of Calvin because he is a hard worker and has a dream of owning a business of his own someday.  Zack is also a graduate from Belton High School.  He is a freshman at Texas State University in San Marcos and is living in the dorm.  He is working towards a degree to be a dietician.  I have no idea where that came from!  He comes home to visit and still works at a barbeque business on the weekends. I am proud of both of my sons!  All of my family graduated from BHS and we are Tigers!!  GO BIG RED!!!

I have taught three years at Belton High School, six years at Southwest Elementary, two years as Assistant Principal at Lakewood Elementary, and I am now entering my fifth year as Principal at Miller Heights Elementary.

I look forward to a great year with a staff and faculty who are excited about educating and caring for our children just as much as I do.

sandra.velo@bisd.net