Burke Students, Residents Reflect on Legacy of Retired Robinson Secondary Principal

After 10 years as principal of Robinson Secondary School, Dan Meier said goodbye to his beloved Rams on April 1, three months after he announced his retirement plans to the Robinson community.

Read more on Patch: Robinson Secondary School Names Acting Principal

Those who met and knew Meier during his 35-year career as an educator say that he, whether it was in his role as a teacher, a guidance counselor, or a coach, always tried to positively influence the lives of the students, faculty, and families with whom he interacted.

“I have so much respect for Dan and all he has done for Robinson,” said Diane Bond, parent to a recent Robinson graduate and a current senior at Robinson. “I appreciate how visible he has been in the school and how well he knows the kids.”

Throughout his career, Meier has focused on achieving one goal: having a positive impact on the lives of every student he came in contact with.

“The best job I have had has been the ones working directly with the students as a coach and a teacher,” said Meier.

Although he enjoyed being a teacher, Meier also recognized the potentially broader impact he could have as a principal.

“I felt like it was my time to take a turn at being a principal. The principal sets the atmosphere, the culture, of a school. I tried to create a culture of confidence, to make the school feel like a community, a small town,” said Meier.

Over the years, several community groups and organizations have recognized and celebrated Meier’s excellence and contribution to the school system. According to a resolution commending Meier for his work, the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers recognized Meier as “Top Rated Principal” six times. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed “Dan Meier Day” in his honor. Meier was also honored as the Virginia “Coach of the Year” three times. In addition, the Touchdown Club of Washington DC honored him with their “Timmie Award”. Meier was most recently recognized by the Board of Supervisors for his years of service to Fairfax County.

Even with the accolades, Meier is perhaps most known for is his ability to connect with students and residents.

“Mr. Meier has been the heart and soul of Robinson Secondary,” said Burke resident Doris Paul. “With two students who are Robinson graduates and having also spent a year at Robinson as a long term substitute, I had the opportunity to observe firsthand how Mr. Meier was continually interacting with both students and faculty, encouraging them, inspiring them, and listening to their concerns. He was approachable, led by example, and motivated everyone with his positive attitude. The Robinson community has benefited tremendously from the years that he served our students as their secondary school principal,” said Paul.

Of all his responsibilities, Meier enjoyed his daily interactions with the students most of all. One of his goals as principal of Robinson Secondary was “to prepare students to succeed in the next place after high school, whatever that may be for each student, and to look back with fond memories of their time at Robinson Secondary.”  Meier attended nearly every activity, sporting event, concert, and after school event as Robinson’s principal. He gave out Robinson T-shirts and regularly proudly proclaimed Robinson as “the best school in America” on his Twitter account.

Kelly White, parent of a freshman at Robinson looks back fondly at her first meeting with Meier. “Our first encounter with Dan Meier preceded our children attending Robinson. My husband and I requested a meeting with him, because we were making the transition from private to public school. We had so many questions and were very grateful for the time he made to sit down with us and answer each one,” said White. “He was real, talked about his own kids, talked about Robinson with pride, and was straight-forward. We so appreciated that and were humbled that he'd give us the time, considering we didn't have a student there.”

Several hundred students and faculty took time to honor Meier at a pep rally last month. During the rally, Meier was escorted to a throne where he spent 40 minutes watching and listening to students and faculty offer him heartfelt goodbyes, some of which were pre-recordered. 

“I love Mr. Meier. I think everyone in Robinson loves Mr. Meier, even the people who hate school or hate teachers,” said Jena Hays, a sophomore at Robinson. “He believes in Robinson. It feels like he really believes that Robinson is the best school that could ever exist, and his positivity is so contagious. He is also genuinely interested in everything that happens at Robinson.”

“I can't think of a single person who wasn't upset when we learned he was retiring. It doesn't feel like we're losing our principal, it's like we're losing the spirit and pride of Robinson. I don't know who our new principal will be. But, whoever it is, they should be warned that they have some huge shoes to fill, and, honestly, I don't think anyone ever can,” said Hays.

Daniel Tomlin, a sophomore at Robinson, said the pride Meier felt for every student at Robinson was apparent. “He visited the classrooms every day just to check up on the kids of the school. He would always poke his head in and watch we were doing with a friendly smile,” said Tomlin.

Tomlin’s observation is one shared by both current and former Robinson students.

“First thing that Mr. Meier did was know my name. Out of all the students, he remembers so many. And not only did he know my name, he got to know me as a person,” said Rachel Saltarelli, a graduate of Robinson Secondary. “He and I would help pick up trash after lunch, as a means of serving our custodial staff. That example of leading by serving has stuck with me throughout the years, in school, work, and relationships. His door was always open too. And whenever you go there, he had a candy bar waiting for you. He still seems delighted when I have occasionally dropped in, four years after graduation.”

The admiration members of the Robinson community have for Meier is mutual, he says. He may no longer be a constant presence in the halls of Robinson, but he hopes the next principal will appreciate Robinson as much as he did.

“I feel like I was handed a jewel. With lots of polishing, I am now handing over a family heirloom to be treasured and cared for,” said Meier.

Will you miss Dan Meier as the Robinson princicpal? Share your thoughts or memories in the comments.