Mrs. Kasey Hopkins was named the Principal of Matt Arthur Elementary School during the Houston County Board of Education meeting held February 11, 2025. Hopkins is currently the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Quail Run Elementary School. She will begin this new role on June 2, 2025.
“I would like to thank Dr. Scott, Dr. Rogers, and the Board of Education for the amazing opportunity to lead the staff and students of Matt Arthur Elementary as its next principal,” said Hopkins. “Together, we will continue to make Matt Arthur Elementary a place where learning thrives, kindness leads, and every child is given the tools to succeed. My plan is to maintain the standard of excellence that has been set by Dr. Harrell and work hard to grow staff and students to reach their highest potential. Every child, every day, no exceptions.”
Hopkins joined the Houston County School District in 2008. She taught first and third grade at Quail Run Elementary for eleven years. Hopkins served in many leadership roles as a Better Seeking Team member, school council member, and as a contributor to the professional development of teachers. In 2018, she graduated from the Houston County Leadership Development Program. In 2019, she was named Assistant Principal of Instruction at QRES. She received the Assistant Principal of the Year Award for Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals District 11 in 2023.
Hopkins graduated with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Georgia College and State University in 2008. She earned her master’s degree in elementary reading and literacy from Walden University in 2010. She also holds a specialist degree in educational leadership from Augusta University. She is married to Matt Hopkins, and they have three children: Ellie, Jase, and Georgia.
Mrs. Robin Rooks, Assistant Principal of Instruction
Mrs. Rooks grew up in rural Ohio and has wonderful memories of her elementary school teachers. She believes teachers have such an important responsibility in the life of a child. She graduated high school in Orlando, Florida in 1992. She then graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education in 1997. In addition, she earned a master's degree From Piedmont University in Elementary Education and a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction From Piedmont University.
Mrs. Rooks began teaching second grade in Houston County in 1997 at Pearl Stephens Elementary school. Through the years she has taught kindergarten, second, third, and fifth grades. She even taught fourth grade virtually during the pandemic. Each grade level brings its own set of challenges and celebrations, and she finds enjoyment in each one. She was teacher of the year for Matt Arthur Elementary school in 2014-2015.
Mrs. Rooks has been married for 26 years and has two grown boys, Caleb and Matthew.
Mr. Shaun Parsons, Assistant Principal of Discipline
In high school, Mr. Parsons wanted to become a professional tuba player for the Chicago Symphony. He pursued a music performance degree at Valdosta State. During one of his classes where he had to observe band directors, his passion was born for influencing students for a love of music.
After graduating from Valdosta State University, Mr. Parsons taught middle school and high school band for six years. His career led him to become a youth and music pastor for 16 years. He returned to the education field in 2014, where he became the music teacher at Hilltop Elementary School.
Since returning, Mr. Parsons completed his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University and Education Specialist’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College.
Mr. Parsons loves golf, snow skiing, and anything to do with THE FLORIDA GATORS!!! He has been married to his sweetheart since 1995. He is a proud dad to three incredible kids: Tyler, Hunter, and Annlei.
