DOWAGIAC — Benton Harbor resident Nicole Robinson has spent several days over the last couple weeks roaming the halls of Patrick Hamilton Elementary School, learning the names of teachers and introducing herself to students. Going over the school’s computer system Tuesday afternoon, Robinson she needs to become as acquainted with the school as she can before the fall — after all, she will be the head of the school’s leadership.

Robinson, 37, was recently chosen to be the new principal of Patrick Hamilton Elementary School. Her position will be effective July 1. Originally from Niles, Robinson has taught at Benton Harbor Charter Schools and served as the vice president and principal for Creative Montessori Academy in Southgate, Michigan.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Robinson said, sitting inside the Patrick Hamilton Elementary office. “I was looking for an opportunity to be a principal in a community that was similar to where I grew up. I found the opportunity here, and it felt like the right fit.”

Robinson will be filling the position left vacant by the death of former principal Heather Nash. Nash died unexpectedly Dec. 27, 2018, following surgical complications. Former Buchanan Community Schools Superintendent Andrea van der Laan has been serving as interim principal of Patrick Hamilton Elementary since January.

“I think my biggest opportunity is to help the staff and community heal from what happened,” Robinson said.

Robinson said she takes her role and an educator seriously, something she has done since she first fell in love with teaching as a student at Niles High School. As a student of the high school’s teacher program, Robinson had the chance at a young age to get inside of the classroom to learn about teaching and shadow teachers. It was through that experience that she was inspired to pursue education as a career. 

“I like helping people, and I like working with kids,” she said. “I like little kids. I like giving them a strong foundation for education throughout their lifetime. If they have a positive experience when they are really young, it helps them with their education going into high school.”

Now, Robinson said she is excited to bring her love of teaching to Patrick Hamilton Elementary, where she said the staff and community have already made her feel welcome. Though she is learning and training at the school, Robinson said she already has plans for the 2019-2020 school year. Her plans include getting more involved in the Dowagiac community and taking a look at the school’s curriculum to help students increase their test scores.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work with these children, and I will love them like they are my own,” Robinson said. “I look forward to working with the school community to ensure students achieve their full potential.”