Dear Paul Knox Families and Community Members,
My name is Jason Holt and I am excited to introduce myself as the new principal of Paul Knox Middle School. I am honored to have been selected to continue to serve Aiken County Public Schools, which is known far and wide for its dedication to excellence, but more importantly, to children. Over the past 13 years, I have worked as a teacher and administrator, but I consider my most important job to be that of a child and teacher advocate. I will look to always take time to understand your children, along with their teachers and staff, getting to know their personalities, learning styles and interests. As part of a team, I will celebrate their successes, small and large. I will encourage them every day and let them know they are valued and have a special place in our school community.
Not only am I excited to begin working with the faculty, staff, and students of Paul Knox Middle, but also I look forward to the work we will do together. And of course, we will be here to work with you should they need any help navigating any aspect of the school day.
My initial goals are centered on three simple priorities. The three priorities are (1) safety, (2) highly effective, student centered learning, and (3) supporting an environment that students are excited to attend. Safety is paramount and number one in my priority list. Instructionally, working with teachers to foster an environment that focuses on collaboration and excellence is imperative for 21st century students. Using processes of ongoing teacher, student, and parent engagement, we will also work to build on the engaging learning environment at our school.
After attending North Augusta community schools in elementary, middle, and high school, I chose to attend the University of South Carolina Aiken. After graduating, it was important for me to give back to the district that gave me so much. While continuing my post-graduate studies, I spent two years teaching middle and five years teaching high school level students. I spent two years as a high school administrator and the last four years as the principal at Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School. But my greatest achievement comes not professionally, but personally, as I am the father of two children: Natalie (7) and Coleman (4). My wife is also an educator and continues to serve young students in her 12th year in education. All of us are excited to further embed ourselves into this great community.
I look forward to meeting you soon. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please let me know by calling the school or sending me an email at jasonh@acpsd.net.
Go Patriots!
Jason Holt
Paul Knox Middle School, Principal
*Curriculum Vita*
