Spartan Families,
I hope the start of school has gone smoothly for you and your children. The first few weeks are often stressful and messy as students and adults adjust to new routines and schedules. I am confident that we are settling into our regular school operations and that any significant issues and concerns have been resolved. We look forward to a fantastic year in Bixby!
Now, in my seventh year as your superintendent, I have a unique vantage point for our district and clearly recognize our strengths and areas for growth. Our schools, while not perfect, have a distinct character and a commitment to continuous improvement that sets us apart. I am confident that we can continue to improve academically and operationally in many ways.
But our district also does many things extraordinarily well. This statement starts and ends with the positive relationships and interactions that happen every day between our employees and students. ALL students.
From the eager faces of our youngest pre-kindergarten students to the determination of students in Advanced Placement classes, our schools are filled with moments of encouragement, laughter, and connection. I wish everyone in our community could experience the uplifting scenes I am fortunate to see daily—the smiles, kind words, hugs and high-fives, and numerous affirmations that light up our schools.
We genuinely love being part of your children’s lives and partnering with you to develop well-educated, compassionate, and confident individuals. The heart of Bixby Public Schools makes our district and community truly special. This spirit of connection and care is especially evident in our interactions with students with special needs, where the commitment to inclusion shines brightly.
Our students have long embraced and celebrated each other's differences. Whether cheering at Special Olympics events, serving as peer coaches, or participating in mentorship and Buddy Programs, our students consistently demonstrate empathy, kindness, and respect.
Our baseball team’s annual Buddy Baseball game each spring is a favorite tradition, and our students frequently include peers with special needs on homecoming courts and other school events. Courses like Unified PE at the middle school level further encourage our students to learn, play, and grow alongside one another, embracing diverse abilities in everyday activities. We’re also excited about a new partnership to build friendships and connections between some of our high school special education students and our football program over the next few months.
Bixby Public Schools is unwaveringly dedicated to protecting the rights of all students to participate fully in the most suitable educational settings, programs, and classes. This commitment includes providing necessary accommodations, ensuring equal access to resources, and fostering a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive socially, academically, and emotionally. We aim to responsibly match students with the educational opportunities that best meet their needs, creating respectful and inclusive spaces for every learner.
Inclusion is more than just opening our classroom doors—it’s about building a culture where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. We strive to acknowledge our differences as strengths and ensure every student can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Our public education system is founded on serving all children, regardless of any defining characteristic. We know every parent wants a great teacher and school for their child, and at Bixby, we are committed to making this a reality. We believe every student, including those with special needs, deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness.
Upholding our values of respect, inclusion, and excellence is at the heart of our mission, and we are grateful for your partnership in this important work. Together, we can create a community that embraces these values and paves the way for a bright future for all our students.
This letter may come across as random musings of a “proud parent.” If so, I guess I’m guilty! But I am thankful daily to be a Spartan and work with such an incredible team to serve our students and families. Your trust in us is a privilege we do not take lightly. Thank you for entrusting your child's education to us. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Rob Miller
Superintendent
