“Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ~ William Ward
November 19, 2018
Dear Spartan Family,
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who make Bixby Schools a wonderful place to teach, learn, and work. Time passes by so quickly and the upcoming holiday season is a reminder to reflect and think of ways we can use our talents and positive spirit to give back to others in need.
I am personally thankful for the kind support I have received in my first year as Superintendent of Schools. Our school board, community, parents, staff, and students have all made me feel extremely welcome. I am very proud of this district and am blessed to work with exceptional people in serving the children of Bixby.
Every day, our teachers, support staff, volunteers and administrators come to school prepared to provide the best possible experience for our students. Not only do we work together to help students learn, but we also strive to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment. When I visit schools and classrooms in our district, I see hardworking, dedicated professionals working together to develop students who are not only academically prepared for success, but that have also been inculcated with positive character traits, a spirit of caring, and social/emotional resiliency. Every week, we have staff members who collaborate with churches and community groups to provide clothing, school supplies, and “weekend backpacks” full of food for some of our neediest students. We have students who show their compassion and respect for each other every day, including students who have used their own money to purchase new shoes for a classmate or voluntarily decorated lockers with notes of encouragement. We have quiet angels who take care of needs – students who need jackets; girls who need prom dresses; a child who needs money for a field trip; and countless other everyday needs quietly cared for by these angels in our system.
I am thankful that there are too many examples to list. Our school system is full of wonderful people, and superb programs. Our community is especially supportive, and contributes immeasurable amounts of time, resources, and money to our students and schools. Bixby is much more than a school district - it is truly a community.
Finally, whether you are traveling long distances over the break or simply sharing the holiday with family or friends in town, please take the opportunity to relax, enjoy the blessings that surround us, and remember to be thankful for all you have. As Elbert Hubbard aptly stated, “I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have than to have things I am not able to appreciate.”
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Rob Miller, Superintendent