CHARLES NIX
How serious a toll do you think the pandemic took on students’ education and what, if any, special measures will be taken to remedy the situation?
Social distancing has led to social digression. Students not only lost academic skills, but they also lost social skills, such as playing together in the sandbox, sharing, and interacting with adults. Teachers have always done more than teaching their subject; they spend much of their day teaching and reminding students how to show respect, communicate, and work together in a group setting. The pandemic has once again highlighted this need.
Do you have any innovative ideas for change?
I am excited about the district’s Catoosa Connects initiative to engage businesses and community members to focus on College and Career Readiness in elementary through high school. Students who have goals for the future are typically more engaged and successful in school. Having guest speakers in different careers will help students see the many opportunities that are available for them and will help them see how education is relevant to achieve success in the future.
What are the greatest challenges you expect to face?
The pandemic has created greater challenges, including learning loss, inappropriate behaviors, social/emotional issues in all grades, and vaping in secondary schools.
What can parents do to help improve their children’s education?
Be involved. Parents are a child’s first teacher and best teacher. Parental involvement has the single largest impact on a child’s education.
Who are some people who have influenced the way you think and live?
My wife and daughters, my mother, Jack Sims, and Superintendent Reese
What are some books that have influenced the way you think and live?
♦ The Bible
♦ “Understanding Poverty” by Ruby Payne
♦ “Leadership in Turbulent Times” by Doris Kearns Goodwin
♦ “Life and Times of Frederick Douglass” by Frederick Douglass
♦ “What Great Principals Do Differently” by Todd Whitiker
♦ “The Trial and Death of Socrates” by Plato
♦ “Marching Off the Map” by Andrew Mcpeak and Tim Elmore
What is a book (or books) you wish every student would read?
♦ “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
♦ “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkein
♦ “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss
Favorite quote(s) There is some debate on who actually said it, but one of my favorites is, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.”