From tiny seed TO MIGHTY Nixa Education Foundation helps schools, students, staff . Nixa Education Foundation The Nixa Education Foundation often refers to the work being accomplished today as planting a tiny seed that someday will become a mighty oak for the Nixa Public Schools and the generations to come. The Foundation that is “Investing in Our Kids, Our Schools, and Our Community” focuses solely on helping the school system’s students and staff by providing much-needed funding for various classroom and school projects. In May, NEF held its annual Gala, which is its annual signature staff appreciation event where NEF celebrates and recognizes employees for their dedication to the Nixa Public Schools. More than 400 people attended the event where $14,000 was awarded in grants to Nixa classrooms. Since 2010, NEF has awarded over $63,000 in grants, which has advanced the education of Nixa kids. This funding has supported a variety of creative, innovative projects throughout the district since its inception. Awarding the NEF grants is just one highlight of the Gala. The Gala is a much-anticipated celebration for district employees and supporters — a night to shine a spotlight on achievements — recognizing individuals who are in a profession dedicated to the young people of our community. NEF awarded the Service to Education Awards to Kari Kleinsmith, Nixa High School counselor, and Pat Sutherland, Mathews Elementary principal. Left, the Nixa Education Foundation awards Kari Kleinsmith, Nixa High School counselor, with one of two Service to Education Awards. Right, Pat Sutherland, Mathews Elementary principal, also receives a Service to Education Award. NEF also recognized Nixa employees for their years of service to the district, with a pin for every fi ve years they have worked at Nixa. NEF’s partner, The Christian Associates Thrift Store, supports the Nixa community as well as education. As a result of this partnership, a check for over $11,000 was presented at the Gala to the foundation. The Committee for Educational Equality presented a check in memory of Alex Bartlett for over $7,600. To close out the night, NEF honored Nixa employees who were retiring. This fall, NEF will be toasting and roasting Superintendent Stephen Kleinsmith as the foundation raises 12 THE NEST NIXA PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAGAZINE Summer 2017
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