To my new Nixa family, thank you.
You have welcomed me and my family to Nixa
with open arms. From our fi rst experience with
Nixa at the Backyard Brawl last fall, we knew
Nixa was a special place, but you have far
exceeded our expectations. We have nested
and are ready for a great experience here.
So, what can you expect from me? I know
it has been 18 years since Nixa has been
through a superintendent transition and there
are lots of questions. Well, let me put your
fears to rest and let you know that my main
goal is to keep Nixa as the shining example it
has always been. I will work to observe this
fi rst year and where things need to be tweaked
or adjusted, we will make those changes. But,
for the many things Nixa is doing well, there is
no need to change those.
One of the major things you need to know is
how much I believe in public education. I am
the product of public education, and without
that I would not be where I am. As a person
with ADHD and dyslexia, I know that public
education provides invaluable services to
students who have learning diffi culties.
I am also a strong believer in safety and
security. If our students don’t feel safe at
school, they cannot learn. With the current
climate in schools, you will fi nd my strong
support for the district’s safety and security
team and the work they have been doing.
I also believe in fi nding the best fi t for students
so they are successful in school and life. Having
a wide array of programs for students to fi nd
their God-given talents and use those to make
the world a great place to live in is one of the
best things we can do for our children. They
have each been given a unique set of skills,
and we must work to give them opportunities
to fl ourish.
We must also make sure students fi nd the
best post-secondary route for their future.
Gone are the days when we say that all
students must attend a four-year college.
Many will fi nd technical careers and postsecondary
training that will propel them to
great success. And, for those who take the
college route, we will work to make sure they are
as prepared as possible to go and fi nd success in
whatever degree they pursue.
So, over these coming weeks and months, I look
forward to meeting each of you. Our community is
strong when our schools are strong, and that takes
each and every one of you to make that happen.
Thank you for the foundation you have laid for
Nixa.
Thank you for the welcome you have given me,
Monica, and the boys.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gearl Loden
COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY
public computer access · wi-fi · e-books · online research tools · storytimes
classes and events for all ages · DVD, audiobook, magazine, and book checkout
drive-up pick up & return service in Ozark & Nixa · meeting and study spaces
local history and genealogy resources · and more, FREE!
christiancountylibrary.org
OZARK (417)581-2432 NIXA (417)724-6100 CLEVER (417)743-2277
534108hb
SUMMER 2018 THE NEST NIXA PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAGAZINE 3
/christiancountylibrary.org