Dear Jay M. Robinson Middle School families,

Jay M. Robinson Middle School has approximately 1,270 students for the 2020-2021 school year. Surveys suggest that our community is happy, and testing outcomes, as they become available, have shown great success academically. This has been possible because we have enjoyed the help and support of parents and community, an excellent faculty and staff, and a remarkable student body.  We continue to work toward the following objectives: ensuring the high rate of academic growth for each student; a supportive and safe environment in which to learn and grow; and orderly operations that allow for students' social, emotional, and physical needs.

Our mission is fully aligned with the legacy and work of Dr. Jay M. Robinson, for whom our school is named. Dr. Robinson was born in 1929 and died in 2000 and worked for 50 years in North Carolina public education. He began his career as a high school math teacher and football coach. After serving as the principal of two high schools, he became the associate superintendent of Cabarrus County and then superintendent of Cabarrus County Schools. He went on to serve 21 years as a superintendent in North Carolina. In 1977, Dr. Robinson became superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools, a position he held for nine years. He then became vice president for public affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and, later, vice president for special projects.  He went on to become chairman of the State Board of Education, ultimately joining the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Board of Trustees in 1997.

Dr. Robinson was a graduate of Appalachian State University, East Tennessee State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He earned his doctorate in school administration and curriculum from Duke University.

Dr. Robinson was one of the most influential educators in our state's history. He had a passion for excellence for all students, teachers and administrators, and his passion was a catalyst for change in public schools. He received national acclaim for his ideas and philosophy on education. Dr. Robinson’s legacy in North Carolina's education system continues to have a profound impact on student achievement.

At Jay M. Robinson Middle, we honor Dr. Robinson’s legacy by ensuring that teachers, administrators, parents, students and community will collaborate and share responsibility for the growth of the individual child. We want our students to become confident, self-directed, lifelong learners and socially responsible members of the community. Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs.

We use a variety of effective instructional practices that engage the learner in acquiring knowledge and skills, and then demonstrating mastery through critical thinking and problem-solving. Together we will ensure a safe, comfortable environment. We are committed to teaching the whole child, encouraging respect, understanding, and tolerance of individual and cultural differences.​

Our school’s excellence has been recognized with multiple awards. Among them:

• School of Excellence (2002-2003)
• Honor School of Excellence (2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2008-2009)
• Exceed Student Growth Expectations annually
• State Winner of Safe Schools Award (2012-2013)
• National Blue Ribbon School (2016)
• Schools to Watch (2004, re-designated in 2008, 2012, 2014)

A word about Schools to Watch: It is an initiative launched by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform in 1999. The forum is an alliance of more than 60 educators, researchers and officers of national associations and foundations dedicated to improving schools for young adolescents across the country. The forum identifies schools across the United States that are well on their way to meeting the criteria for high performance.  Forum members believe that three things are true of high-performing middle-grades schools:

• They are academically excellent -- these schools challenge all students to use their minds well.
• They are developmentally responsive -- these schools are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence.
• They are socially equitable -- these schools are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports.

Let me introduce myself and my professional experiences prior to becoming principal of Jay M. Robinson Middle School. I am one of the many transplants in the area! Family is very important to me. I met my wife while living here in Charlotte and together we have dedicated our lives to supporting children. I began my teaching career in CMS after graduating from East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in middle school education. I spent six and half years teaching language arts and social studies at Carmel Middle School. In May of 2008, I earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction/educational leadership from Winthrop University. During my master’s degree program, I completed principal internships at Carmel Middle School and Elon Park Elementary School. After completing my degree, I became an assistant principal at Ballantyne Elementary School where I served the Ballantyne community for a little over a year before becoming principal of Matthews Elementary School. After almost five years there, I became principal at Jay M. Robinson in June 2014.

My wife and I are the proud parents of two wonderful little boys, Michael and Marshall. Michael has a special genetic metabolic condition, PKU, which requires a restrictive diet. As parents, we have certainly learned a lot. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our Boston terrier, Millie, as a member of our family!

As the instructional leader at Jay M. Robinson, I work to ensure that the educational experiences that we offer your child on a daily basis will educate the whole child -- because that is what I want for my own children. My vision is to see that all students have an engaging, relevant learning environment that challenges them to succeed beyond their own expectations. At Robinson, we l provide rigorous learning experiences that will enable your child to think critically, have opportunities to become an excellent communicator and a productive, caring community member. We have a strong focus on academic rigor and we are increasing our use of technology to better prepare our students for the 21st century. We will use assessment data to inform our teaching practices and research-based approaches to meet the needs of each student.

Home and school partnerships are an integral part of our success at Robinson! I encourage you to become an active partner in your child’s education by staying in close contact with your child’s teachers and with the school staff. Please consider joining our school’s PTA, volunteering at the school, and participating in our many school events. I look forward to working with you to build another year of excellence at Jay M. Robinson Middle School!

Thank you for choosing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Jay M. Robinson.

Mike Miliote, principal