06/01/2026
We will miss Mrs. Pascoe so much! She is teaching summer school so make sure you get your goodbye's in before she's gone! Thanks for all you've done at Hawthorne!
Congrats on your retirement, Mrs. Pascoe!
For 27 years, Jennifer Pascoe has helped shape the learning experiences of countless students at Hawthorne Elementary through her kindness, dedication, and love for children and literacy.
Jennifer began her career with Mexico Public Schools in 1999 after moving to Mexico from Kentucky with her husband, Dustin, for his job. At the time, she was a stay-at-home mom with her first daughter, Abby, when an unexpected connection helped open the door to a new opportunity. Through Sunday School, Jennifer knew then-Hawthorne Principal Rick Boyce, who was looking to fill a part-time position and remembered Jennifer’s background in education. That conversation ultimately led to a career that would span more than two decades with Mexico Public Schools.
Jennifer spent the first eight years of her career teaching Kindergarten at Hawthorne Elementary, where she helped young students build confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills during some of their earliest school experiences. She later transitioned into the role of librarian at Hawthorne, where she continued encouraging a love of reading and learning in generations of Bulldogs. In addition to her classroom and library work, Jennifer also served as a TOP facilitator at Mexico Middle School for approximately five years.
Throughout her career, Jennifer became known for creating welcoming spaces for students, building relationships with families, and helping children discover the joy found in books and learning.
Hawthorne Principal Katie Lehnen shared that Jennifer’s influence reached far beyond the classroom. Lehnen completed her student teaching with Jennifer and credits her with teaching the importance of routines, consistent expectations, and relationship-building. She added that throughout her own career in education and administration, Jennifer has remained a trusted mentor, sounding board, and source of encouragement for both staff and students alike.
Outside of school, Jennifer treasures time with her family. She and her husband, Dustin, will soon celebrate 32 years of marriage. Together they have three grown children: Abby and her family, Wesley Oetting and daughter Blair; daughter Betsy; and son Brett.
As retirement begins, Jennifer is looking forward to slower mornings, more time with family, and enjoying life a little closer to home. Her plans include watching her granddaughter Blair one day each week, drinking coffee on her screened-in porch, and happily leaving behind the daily commute from Columbia.
Mexico Public Schools thanks Jennifer Pascoe for her years of service, care, and commitment to students. Her impact on Hawthorne Elementary and the lives of the students she served will continue to be felt for years to come.
