Winton Woods’ Jones Celebrated for Educational Excellence | Schools

FOREST PARK, OH (FOX19) - Principal Terri Holden has written many letters of recommendation for outstanding employees and colleagues, but she said she has not written any with more support, enthusiasm and conviction than the one she recently did for Kevin Jones. Holden nominated Jones, who is one of Winton Woods High School’s guidance counselors and the coordinator for the Academy of Global Studies @ Winton Woods High School (AGS), for the Hamilton County Education Foundation’s 2012 Celebrate Excellence award.

Holden has known Jones for four years, and said, “During this time, his character, dedication, passion, and commitment to children have been nothing short of excellent. I am continuously impressed with the knowledge, creativity, cultural awareness, and self-reflection he brings to his daily work at Winton Woods. He is an active listener and gives you his full attention. He is positive, encouraging, and always finds the good in everyone and every situation.”

Jones began his career as Spanish teacher at Winton Woods High School in 2000, then transitioned to guidance counselor seven years ago. During the 2011-2012 school year, he took on the additional role as the coordinator for AGS. “In this role, he organized a thriving mentor program for the ninth graders,” said Holden. “Through his panache and networking, he secured a committed group of thirty seven adults from the community to mentor AGS students for an hour every other Friday.”

Jones also secured international speakers and groups to talk to AGS students during Global Seminar, the foundational course of the program. “Students have been able to experience the story of a German woman’s life as a child in Nazi Germany during World War II,  the music of a traditional Latin group, and the experiences of Chinese natives on growing up in Communist China,” said Holden. “Kevin spends countless hours beyond those required in making sure experiences are successful for students. When I expressed concern about the amount of time he was spending, especially as it takes him away from his family I know he cherishes, he turned to me, smiled, and said, ‘Dr. Holden, I love doing this!’”

Holden said Jones “continuously reflects on his practice and seeks to find ways to deepen learning experiences for all students. These qualities make him a leader in the building. He is a diamond whose light makes others shine more brightly.”