Thom Maxwell, Dixie Middle School principal
My first year as principal at Dixie Middle School was the most exciting adventure I have had in my career. I wanted to find a balance in making changes, building relationships, and celebrating all of the learning opportunities at Dixie. Working in a small farm community was a big change for me: a change that was exactly what I needed.
New Lebanon Schools has great teachers, great students, supportive parents, and a fantastic community that all helped to make my first year memorable.
I believe the most powerful effect you can have on people is rewarding respect, responsibility and achievement. We started some initiatives that were challenging for some while others excelled right away. We made PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) our focus from day one and our students really benefited from high expectations from the beginning of the school year to the end.
The New Lebanon community has been so supportive of our projects. Our biggest project was to beautify DMS with landscaping. A partnership of student groups, parent volunteers, local businesses and New Lebanon Parks and Rec transformed the entrance to Dixie Middle School in one weekend. Our strong community supports our schools in every way.
My goal for my second year is to build on all the wonderful successes that we had this past year. The foundation is set at Dixie Middle School and now it is our duty to make it thrive.