After a career in education spanning more than three decades, Principal Robin Jones has announced that she will retire at the end of the current school year.
Jones came to the Ray-Pec School District in 2014, and spent her first three years in the district as principal of Bridle Ridge Intermediate School. When the District restructured grade levels, she became principal at Eagle Glen Elementary School, a position she has held for the past five years.
“During my time with the Ray-Pec School System, I have enjoyed many opportunities to connect with students, staff and families," Jones said. "It’s been an honor to work alongside so many dedicated professionals committed to supporting the academic and social development of all students. I have greatly appreciated the many opportunities I have received that enabled me to continue my own learning and growth as an educator. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with many administrators and teachers. I have truly enjoyed getting to partner with so many families, and I will always be grateful for the students who have 'filled my bucket' forever.”
Dr. Lisa Hatfield, Assistant Principal for Human Resources, said that the district will miss her leadership and passion for students.
“During her tenure, she has built an elementary school that is a great place for students to grow and learn,” Hatfield said.
That sentiment was echoed by Dr. Michelle Hofmann, Director of Elementary Education.
“Mrs. Jones has dedicated her life’s work to making a difference in the lives of her students, staff, parents, and colleagues.” Hofmann said. “Robin has shown by example that excellence for kids is something to aim for daily. With dedication, passion, and kindness, she built a culture at Eagle Glen Elementary that provides for students a wonderful place to learn and grow. The positive impact she has made here will be felt for years to come in the lives of many. She will be greatly missed by our Ray-Pec family.
In the words of one of her teachers, “How blessed we are at Eagle Glen to have a Principal that is so hard to say goodbye to! We are excited for her next chapter but sad to lose such a caring leader. She truly has created a family here and will be greatly missed.”
Jones earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin. She went on to earn a master’s degree in elementary education and an education specialist degree in elementary school administration at the then-Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield.
She began her education career by teaching fourth and sixth grade in the Webb City R-7 School District and then fourth grade in the Aurora R-8 School District. After nine years of teaching, she became the elementary guidance counselor for the 1999-2000 school year in the Republic R-III School District. The following year, she was the junior/senior high guidance counselor and district testing coordinator in the Marionville R-9 School District. Shifting from guidance counselor to administration, she has served as assistant principal in the Lamar R-1 School District and principal in the Monett R-1 and Carthage R-9 School Districts, before coming to Ray-Pec. Collectively, Jones has served elementary school children in Missouri for over 32 years.
After retirement, Jones plans to enjoy spending time with her family and traveling to visit loved ones overseas. She would like to spend more time in her garden, spend more quality time with friends, and dedicate time to volunteering in her community.
