Hugs and High Fives

We have amazing teacher and staff at Dixie Magnet Elementary and wanted a way to let them know just how great we think they are and how much we appreciate everything they do. One of our fantastic PTA members suggested starting a program that lets Dixie Families submit virtual kudos to our teachers and staff, and Hugs and High Fives was created! Please read below to see the wonderful things our families have said about the incredible teachers and staff at Dixie!

• Mrs. Peters: Thank you for always bringing a smile to my child’s face! Your class is a bright spot in our week. We appreciate all of your hard work!! - A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Bowling and Ms. Casey: Thank you for supporting and encouraging the kids through MAP testing this week. You are amazing and your hard work does not go unnoticed. - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Sword: You are absolutely incredible. Thank you for reaching out when my kiddo was having an uncharacteristically tough time in science lab. We were touched by how much you worried about how she was after class was over. You have such a big heart and Dixie is so lucky to have you looking out for these kids. We love you!! - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Bowling: Ms. Bowling goes above and beyond for her students and families. She makes sure that her students have all the materials they need for a success book day. I appreciate everything you do, and your hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. - A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Cross: All of your hard work does not go unnoticed. We are so proud of you! - A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Francis: Thank you for going above and beyond for the students. You always have a positive attitude. Thank you for working so hard to make sure that your students are learning and succeeding during this crazy time. - The Cockerell Family

• Mrs. Peters: Thank you for going above and beyond for the drum ensemble. Nathan is really enjoying the steel drums and my co workers have enjoyed hearing it in the background 😂😂. One commented that he was transported to the islands - Allyson

• Mrs. Losch: Thank you for all you do with the kids and for spending so much time helping Nathan with his portfolio submissions - Allyson

• Ms. Haggard: Thank you so much for your patience. These times are hard, but we are rocking it out & you make it less stressful for our family. Even though this year is very different, I’m so honored that all 4 of my children were blessed to have you as their 1st grade teacher!! We love you Ms. Haggard ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ - Ashley Johnson (Kevin Johnson)

• Ms. Gray: Ms Gray is always super positive and engaging and has been amazing this year during virtual learning. Anna loves going to school with you on the computer!! Thank you for all that you do!! - The Willoughby Family

• Ms. Sword: Welcome Back! Liam was so excited to have a "live" class with you! Your classes are so engaging, it has really helped him develop his love for science even more (if that is possible). Thank you for everything you do for the kids. We miss seeing you (and the animals)! - The Cockerell Family

• Mrs. Francis: Thank you for always being able to adapt to the needs of the students! Even in a virtual world you make sure that every child is getting the education they need to keep learning and growing. You are a rockstar! - The Cockerell Family

• Mrs. Mlinar: She always goes above and beyond for her students and is always thinking of creative ways to keep them engaged. The Fun Friday Zooms are a huge hit in our house! Thank you for everything you are doing for the kids! - A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Kelliher: cThank you for your engaging science videos! We always appreciate how you show videos, invite the students to make their own models and convey an authentic purpose for learning. It makes learning science fun! We love you, Mrs. Kelliher!! - Amanda and Owen Lloyd

• Ms. Ogger: We love watching your math videos! We appreciate how you always explain things in such a concrete way in ways that make math easy! :) We appreciate your time and efforts! - Amanda and Owen Lloyd

• Ms. Haggard: Thank you for your fun and engaging reading videos! Listening to your calm and soothing voice immediately helps Owen focus and listen. We appreciate the time and effort you put in! - Amanda and Owen Lloyd

• Ms. McClellan: We love watching the writing/phonics videos you make! They are so fun and engaging. We especially love the Jack Hartman songs!! :) - Amanda and Owen Lloyd

• PTA Board: Y’all are doing an awesome job! Thank you so much for your hard work and for keeping the parents involved and informed. We are so lucky to have y’all! - Kerri Dauteuil

• Ms. Sword: Thank you for working so hard to provide the differentiation that E needed. We appreciate all you are doing to meeting all of your students needs, even while virtual. You are doing a great job. - Charlie B

• Ms. Ogger: Thank you for working so hard to provide the differentiation that E needed. We appreciate all you are doing to meeting all of your students needs, even while virtual. You are doing a great job. - The Jarvis Family

• Ms. Mlinar: You are so incredible. Thank you for going above and beyond for our students. We are so grateful for everything you have done for us. - The Jarvis Family

• Ms. Sword: I am going to insist Evey unplug her headphones during all science labs from now on. I had no idea that the true color of leaves is their color during the fall. Thanks for educating the adults that have the pleasure of overhearing you. We are so glad you are feeling better and are back in the lab. Evey was so excited to have you back!! - Hilary Jarvis (Evey's Mom)

• Ms. Peters: I am going to insist Evey unplug her headphones during all science labs from now on. I had no idea that the true color of leaves is their color during the fall. Thanks for educating the adults that have the pleasure of overhearing you. We are so glad you are feeling better and are back in the lab. Evey was so excited to have you back!! - The Jarvis Family

• Ms. Gray and Ms. Garner: Thank you all for making Anna’s first year of kindergarten amazing—- despite the many challenges of NTI 2DL. ❤️ - The Willoughby Family

• Ms. Carter: Thank you for being so adaptive to the growing and changing varied needs of your students. You rock! - The Willoughby Family

• Coach Gay: PE was amazing today!!! Anna had the best time on the scavenger hunt and I know all your friends loved it too!! Thank you for all that you do. ❤️ - The Willoughby Family

• Mrs. Mlinar: Thanks for your continued availability and being willing to talk about the whole child for each of your students. I see you coordinating, informing and genuinely enjoying your students. Thanks for that extra mile every single week. - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Wang: Thank you for being patient and engaging with the 1st graders in Ms. Haggard's class this week. I could tell they were enjoying it all and still learning a lot! - A Dixie Family

• Coach Gay: Thank you for always being a fun presence in our home on gym day. You are great at calling kids to attention in a way that makes them feel seen and not shamed. Your class is always so much fun and yet packed with good information. - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Haggard: I hear you everyday validating these kids experiences and trying your best to balance a little social within the structured time. I know you've pulled kids in who were clearly not paying attention by giving them some attention, and not shaming them. It takes skill and patience and we appreciate both! - A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Losch: Thank you for always being clear with expectations and for finding ways to teach so much with so little! - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Mlinar: Liam loves the fun Friday zoom! I am so impressed with the ability of the kids to think and analyze things. Some of them were really hard! You are amazing to put these things together! - Whitney Cockerell

• Ms. Peters: The kids had so much fun in music class today. I loved seeing the Disney guessing game at the end. Thank you! - Whitney Cockerell

• Cafeteria Workers: Thank you for everything you are doing to get breakfast and lunch to the kids in the district! You all are rockstars! - A Dixie Family

• Mr. Bailes: You are an amazing teacher. Liam loves coming to math zoom every day! - Whitney Cockerell

• Ms. Wang: I love listening to my son's Chinese lesson each week. Thank you for keeping them engaged and for giving them a chance to learn a new language. - A Dixie Family

• PTA: Thank you to our wonderful PTA who keeps us informed and displays incredible positivity. - The Mlinars

• Amanda Lloyd: Thank you for your flexibility and allowing the Mlinar kiddos to visit with you and Cora. Thanks for al you do for our staff, kiddos and families - The Mlinars

• Mrs. Mlinar: We love the Fun Zooms on Friday. Thank you for putting them together. You are always trying to keep the kids excited about learning and pushing them. We know how hard you work. - A Dixie Family

• Ms, Francis: Thank you for being so patient with the kids this morning during MAP testing, I have no idea what was going on but you have the patience of an angel. Thank you for everything you are doing for the kids. We appreciate you and everyone at Dixie! - Whitney Cockerell

• Ms. Carter: Thank you for all your hard work for your students. You are amazingly adaptive to their needs and it shows! Maxwell loves “coming” to school! - The Willoughby Family

• Mrs. Gray: Thank you for making Anna’s kindergarten virtual start an amazing experience. She is learning and growing from home and we know it’s thanks to you. - The Willoughby Family

• Coach Gay: Thanks for all your hard work in making virtual PE fun and engaging. We are loving all the new things we are learning. Sock ball exercise is so fun! - The Willoughby Family

• Ms. Wang: Thank you for making virtual Chinese class so fun! Our house has beautiful Xióngmāo pictures now thanks to your class! - The Willoughby Family

• Ms. Miller: Thank you for your time and service to the PTA as a teacher rep. We are lucky to have you. - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Craft: Thank you for your time and service as a teacher rep for the PTA. We appreciate you! - A Dixie Family

• Teri Landry: Thank you to Ms. Landry for working so hard to make sure staff and students have the technology they need to work and learn! More important now than ever! - Amanda Lloyd

• Mrs. Mlinar: Mrs. Mlinar works tirelessly to provide enriching experiences for students and ensure that all students are pushed to excel without feeling overwhelmed during NTI. What a blessing it is to have her at Dixie! - Amanda & Jeremy Lloyd

• Mrs. Keliher: We are so thankful for Mrs. Kelliher’s engaging instruction, kindness and passion for teaching that comes through even through a computer screen! The entire first grade team has been so responsive to parent and children’s needs! - Amanda & Jeremy Lloyd

• Ms. Techau - Ms. Techau is so great at communicating with parents and making sure our child is challenged but not overwhelmed. We are so grateful for her and the rest of the 5th grade team!! - Amanda & Jeremy Lloyd

• Mrs. Serres: Congratulations! I caught the end of your zoom lesson today and Sawyer is adorable! Welcome back and thank you for everything you're doing for the kids! - Whitney Cockerell

• Ms. Sword: Ms. Sword is the best science teacher. Even though we are not able to have labs or class in person, we are still able to participate with home experiments that we can do with our families. - Micha Gilkison

• Ms. Pavona: She is one of the greatest teachers ever even though we can't see each other in person. She makes things easier for us and is very patient when we are not all done with our class work at the same time. - Micha Gilkison

• Coach Gay: Thanks for looking out for my girl! You are the best!! - Hilary Jarvis

• Mrs. Craft: You are rocking it with these kindergartners! Thank you!! - Lauren/MaryTaylor Pham

• Mrs. Todd: You are simply awesome! Ava loves to start the morning dancing with you! - Lauren/Ava Pham

• The 4th grade team: Thank you for putting up with Mr. Stoner! :) - Mrs. Stoner

• Kara Gray: Thank you to my BFF and team teacher for a fantastic first week of school for my newest Dixie Dolphin! Amara looks forward to “going to school” every day because she gets to spend it with Ms. Gray! We love you! - Alice Cox

• Mrs. Bowling: Thank you for all the ways you help your students connect with you and their classmates. Thank you for keeping zoom session engaging and giving them time to move around and have fun! - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Losch:Thanks to Ms. Losch, our house is being taken over by silly monsters that Evey is creating for everyone while trying to teach her little brother to make. Thanks for inspiring our little artist once again! - The Jarvis Family

• Ms. Ogger: Ms. Ogger has been so wonderful and positive through this crazy start to the year. She keeps parents very well-informed about what is happening each day and must be doing something right in zooms, since I am needed for little more than tech support! On top of it all, she’s been very responsive to and helpful with questions. Thanks, Ms. Ogger! - The Jarvis Family

• Mrs. Shelby Miller: Mrs. Miller is doing a wonderful job! She has an incredible amount of patience and is very helpful when anyone has a technical issue. Thank you Mrs. Miller! - Brianna's Family

• Dixie Staff: I am so proud and impressed at the hard work, dedication, and love you continue to demonstrate, even in the craziest of times! Great Job, Dixie! - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Gaines: Welcome to our wonderful school. Hope you have an amazing year! - Debbie Huffman

• Ms. Francis: Thank you for such a smooth NTI beginning. You truly are amazing! - Ms. Huffman

• Fifth Grade Teachers: Thank you for a wonderful start to the school year. Thanks for being so patient. You ladies are awesome! - The Barber Family

• Special area and science teachers: Thank you all for providing quality education in all the "specials"!! It's great that even at home, the boys can experience all you have to offer. They especially loved checking in on Sushi! :) - The Stoners

• Ms. Techau and the 5th Grade Team: Thank you for doing such an amazing job! Nick loves being in your class and your efforts in these less than ideal times have made working from home much easier on us. We appreciate you! - The Stoners

• Ms. Carter: Thank you for doing such an amazing job during this crazy time! Lucas loves coming to "class" and your efforts in these less than ideal times have made working from home much easier on us! - The Stoners

• Ms. Haggard: Thank you to Ms. Haggard for rocking out virtual teaching. She always starts the morning with her bright smile and keeps the kids engaged during their Zooms. Thank you for encouraging our first grader and keeping her excited for this unusual school year! - The Worrell Family

• Mrs. Losch: The monster project from Mrs Haggard 1st grade is STILL a hit in this house! Thanks for bringing the fun and creativity. - A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Haggard: We keep hearing horror stories of how others are handling NTI. Thank you for being live & not always recorded. Thank you for listening to kids who are bursting to connect.. Thank you for being patient! - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Spicer: Thank you for working so hard to meet the needs of the Dixie students and families. You are the best and we are lucky to have you! -A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Gray: Thank you for your hard work you have put in to make sure your students are learning and growing and engaged. You are amazing! - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Carter: Thank you for all that you are doing to make sure your students have the BEST online learning experience. You are doing an amazing job and we are so lucky to have you! - A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Keliher: Mrs. Kelliher has rocked this virtual learning. Music before every zoom getting the kids going and helping these 1st graders learning how to do this all on their own with great instructions. Brantley has really had lots of fun! Thank you so much! - Amanda Kerr

• Ms. Gaines: Welcome to Dixie! Thanks for helping to steer the ship. - The Mlinars

• Dixie PTA: Thank you for all your hard work and communication! . - The Mlinars

• Mrs. Lloyd: Thank you for your guidance with our little guy. We love you. - The Mlinars

• Mrs. Steiner: Thank you for your guidance with our little guy. We will miss you! - The Mlinars

• Specials Teachers: Thank you for wonderfully fun Zooms that met him engaged. - The Mlinars

• Mrs. Kelliher: Thank you for your positive attitude and loving the kiddos. - The Mlinars

• Ms. Sword: A huge thank you to Ms. Sword for Ms. Haggard's Science Lab this morning. Our first grader couldn't stop smiling. She was so happy to see Sushi and Nitro! Thank you for captivating their attention, although I think Sushi stole the class. -Worrell Family

• Crystal Peters: Thank you for getting the kids so involved in music class! I enjoyed hearing the Disney songs this morning and hearing my son calling out the names. The dancing at the end of class was an added bonus. Thank you for making the most of this crazy situation we are in and helping keep the kids engaged. - A Dixie Family

• Ms. Carter: Ms Carter ROCKS!!! We are in awe of how attentive and supportive and encouraging she manages to be to all the children through countless squares on zoom! Doing all of it with the best loving energy! Maya misses being in class with her but says she’s cool online too! Thank you for helping us with navigating assignments as well as the IT solutions!! You’re the best! We love you!! - The Zachry Family

• Ms. Francis: Thank you for an awesome start to NTI 2DL. You've handled tech issues with grace & patience and our family is so appreciative - Andria J.

• Mr. Welch: You’ve really got me through this super challenging transition! I know I can call you in a moments notice for help and you’ll do all you can for me and my team. Even when I want to be negative Nancy, you make me be positive Patricia! I don’t thank you enough so THANK YOU! - Mrs. Todd

• Leanna Todd:: Owen loves second grade! Thank you! v - Sarah Vaught

• Ms. Kubiak: Thank you for being so great and making this virtual thing fun!! - A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Todd: Thank you for making day one go so smoothly! - Anna Gunnell

• Ms. Craft: Thank you for making kindergarten so exciting! I was anxious about doing school from home, but you made it easy! - Anniella

• Food Service Employees: Thank you for making meal pickup so easy on the first day! Everything was well organized and the staff members were very friendly and efficient. - A Dixie Family

• Ms Beahler: Amazing first day!! Thank You for all your hard work!! It’s very appreciated - Debbie Palmer

• Paula Mlinar: Thank you for always being so helpful and quick to respond! We really needed help on the first day and you were right there for us! You rock! - Jennifer Siguenza

• Kara Francis: Thank you for making Grace's first day of third grade wonderful! You are a great teacher!!! - Jennifer Siguenza

• Kara Gray: You made Emma's first day special, when we worried it would be less so in a virtual format. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! You are amazing!!! - Jennifer Siguenza

• Miss Craft: Great teacher - A Dixie Family

• Mr. Bailes: Thank you for all of your hard work, preparation, and positive attitude. Sawyer had a great first day and is ready to see everyone tomorrow. - Blair Bentley

• Dixie Staff: Thank you for all of your hard work, preparation, and positive attitude. Sawyer had a great first day and is ready to see everyone tomorrow. - Marcie

• Coach Gay: Thanks for getting Mrs. Haggard's class up and moving on day 1! - Marcie

• Mrs. Haggard: Thanks for being patient with our tech issues & for being so positive today! - Marcie

• Ms. Schweitzer: You were amazing per usual! We appreciate you! - Kariah

• Coach Gay: Thank you SO much for such an exciting PE class today for Mrs. Haggard's class! It was so great to see the students loving your lessons, and having fun, Especially my energetic little boy! He loved it even though it's virtually! ♥️🐬 - Laura Glass

• Donna Beheler: Thanks for helping me with all the craziness today with Presley and answering some of the silliest questions! You’re the best! - Michelle Yeager

• Jamie Kubiak: Thanks for making today smooth and helping me along with all this new weirdness! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ - Michelle Yeager

• Mrs. Haggard: Thank you so much for making today as easy as possible for your students and for parents! ♥️🐬 - Laura Glass

• Coach Gay: Thank you for a wonderful PE lesson. I was wondering how PE class would happen on zoom and it was wonderful. My child had so much fun. Thank you for everything! - A Dixie Family

• Third Grade Teachers: Thank you for a wonderful first day! Aside from a few computer glitches it went so smoothly. My child was so excited to get to see his friends faces this morning. You all are awesome! - A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Cox: Thanks so much for a wonderful first day of kindergarten!!! - Ashley Harrison

• Dixie Staff: The entire staff has been fabulous. We appreciate their flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond. - A Dixie Family

• Coach Gay: A huge thank you to Coach Gay today for her engaging Zoom lesson with Ms. Haggard's class today. It's such a crazy time for kids and teachers and I could hear my student laughing while participating. She had a great time while learning! - A Dixie Family

• Mrs. Craft: Charlie had an awesome first day of first grade! And her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Craft went above and beyond and surprised Charlie by sending a sweet postcard, wishing her a great day. Love how much the Dixie teachers care about our children!! - Sarah Bowker

• All Staff: Thank you for your drive thru orientation efforts! Everything seemed smooth and it was great seeing smiling eyes (under the masks)!! - A. Jackson Family

• Mrs. Coach Gay: Thank you for a fantastic morning exercise, full of energy and enthusiasm! - A Jackson Family

• Alice Cox: You have made the very first day so easy, smooth and fun! We are excited to get this year started! Thank you for making this transition as smooth and easy as possible! - Bentley Miley/Sarah Lowe

• All of Henry Quinn Halcomb’s instructors in 5th grade today : I am upstairs kinda choked up right now. This is the first genuine laughing and joy I’ve heard from him in weeks. Thanks for all you are doing. - James Halcomb

• Paula Mlinar: Ms. Mlinar has been working so hard to get everything set up for the students she works with and making sure that we, as parents, have the information we need to make the best of NTI2DL. She has always been available to answer questions and kept the students engaged this summer with fun activities. Liam particularly enjoyed making sweet potato donuts with the virtual class! Thank you for everything that you do for the students at Dixie! We are lucky to have you! - Whitney Cockerell

• Everyone who works at Dixie! : Thank you to all our fabulous Dixie teachers and staff! We know this year is unlike any other, but the love and support you give to Dixie families is amazing! You all can do virtually anything! 😁 We wish we could see you and give you hugs and high fives in person, but for now this will have to do! 💙🐬 - The Timm Family