Dear Parents,

During the course of the last few years, the Aurora R-VIII Board of Education has discussed the merger of the Robinson Elementary and Robinson Intermediate Buildings.  The decision to combine the buildings was made in January 2020.  The purpose of combining the buildings is based on numerous factors.  These factors include: providing an atmosphere of collective effort to increase student learning/academic performance; enhancing the use of data related to student learning; expanding professional development/teaching strategies/curriculum for staff; establishing consistent expectations for students: clarifying safety procedures for all occupants and extending the common practices/accountability that will allow Robinson School to become a more successful environment for students.

During the April 6, 2020 meeting, the Board voted to hire Dr. Mykie Nash (current Pate Early Childhood Center principal) as the new Robinson School principal.  Dr. Nash has worked in the district for a combined six years as a teacher, assistant principal and building leader.  The success achieved by students and teachers in the Pate Early Childhood Center is related to the leadership shown by Dr. Nash and Mr. Matt Gassaway (assistant principal). 

Dr. Nash will team with Ms. Samantha Buckridge to set the new direction for Robinson School.  Ms. Buckridge has overseen the Robinson Elementary Building since August 2018.  She is an Aurora R-VIII graduate and previously worked in the McDonald County School District as a building principal.  The combination of Dr. Nash and Ms. Buckridge brings a significant amount of knowledge regarding student learning needs and effective strategies to increase academic achievement. 

After receiving notification of the decision, Dr. Nash stated she is honored to be selected to lead Robinson School in the new combined-campus format.  She also said she looks forward to working with students, teachers, families and Ms. Buckridge in order to provide a smooth transition regarding the creation of a safe, positive and enriching learning environment for students in grades 3rd through 6th.  Dr. Nash is thankful for the opportunity to continue working with students who attended Pate Early Childhood Center and are now enrolled in the Robinson School Building.