New Face, New Place: Kocher Ready to Start as Principal at Sheiko Elementary

The former Green Elementary School community is undergoing a transition as the school is renamed in honor of longtime Principal Kathy Sheiko, who retired in June after 26 years on the job.

Robin Kocher knows a thing or two about transitions. Kocher, 41, of Canton is coming to after working as principal for two years at Fischer Elementary School in the Taylor School District prior to that school's closure in June.

Previous to that experience, Kocher worked as principal at schools in Allen Park Schools and Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.

She's been a principal for seven of the past 12 years — taking five consecutive school years off at one point to help raise her family of five, including three children between the ages of 4-13.

Given these facts, transitions aren't merely a part of life that Kocher has simply become used to — she welcomes them.

"We're lucky to be in a profession where we are continuously given a fresh start," Kocher said Tuesday of the school year, which begins Sept. 7 at Sheiko Elementary. "Kathy and I have worked together to make it a smooth transition. I'm just so excited for the school year to start."

Kocher said one point she has learned in her experience is that "every school needs you to be a different principal." She's determined to maintain the school's positive reputation in the absence of its namesake.

"I will never give up on a child, no matter how much they are struggling," Kocher said. "I have had conversations with the majority of the other staff over the phone, and they have been gracious and welcoming and helpful.

"You know how warm this school is," she said. "And that will help the students."