Nixon Elementary School serves the academic needs of approximately 250 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grade. Nixon School is characterized by high standards, high expectations, and a nurturing environment. Our school motto is "Where Dreams Begin". Our school mission is aligned with the district's mission to inspire and empower all learners to flourish as ethical and global citizens in the 21st century.

At Nixon School, the teaching and learning process is focused on the whole child with the intent of fostering and developing a growth mindset in all. Individualized student growth is supported and celebrated. Such growth is accomplished through the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum which is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards & Next Generation Science Standards; use of a workshop model of instruction in ELA and Mathematics; and hands-on, minds-on instruction in all curricular areas. A tremendous focus is also placed on infusing technology into our curriculum, so that our students are equipped with 21st-century skills and experiences.

Nixon School is identified as a Title 1 School with a Targeted Assistance Program. Title 1 funds provided for the prior school year were used to launch various programs to help children who were academically struggling to receive supplemental educational assistance. The first of which was S.A.I.L., a summer program serving students who were academically at-risk in K-4, as well as incoming Kindergarteners who demonstrated a need for Kindergarten readiness skills via our administration of the Brigance Early Childhood Screen. Title 1 funds also allow us to begin an early-intervention program entitled, Kinder S.T.A.R.S., for our academically at-risk Kindergarten students, as well as an academic-needs based program entitled, Pathways to Learning, for our academically at-risk students in Grade 1. Title 1 funding also made it possible to offer a Parent Academy four times over the course of the previous school year. Through this Academy, parents/guardians were supported in their efforts to aid their child's development at home.

At Nixon School, the focus is on the whole child; we strive to address the health, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of our students. Dedicated Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) time, infusion of Mindfulness practices, visits from varied professionals (i.e. dental specialist, nutritionist), as well as coordinated health and school counseling lessons, are just a few of the ways that the whole child is supported. As we engage in these practices, our goal is to empower our students to become effective self-advocates, while providing them with the tools and guidance to achieve this. Through the support of our full-time School Nurse, our School Counselor, and our staff, our students have the benefit of experiencing a host of opportunities that support this development.

In line with offering programming to meet the needs of all of our learners, and in our efforts to develop the whole child, our school has adopted the Bucket Fillers philosophy as the basis for our character education initiatives. The children's book, "Have you Filled a Bucket Today: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids" has become a central text at Nixon. Through a variety of means, inclusive of our Social Emotional Learning Curriculum, Be Kind to Yourself - Social and Emotional Learning Series, Peaceful Cafeteria initiative, whole-school assemblies, daily Morning Announcements conducted by staff & students, classroom initiatives, and lessons based upon core character traits -- Nixon School strives to make bucket filling a way of life for students, staff, families, and our community.

Nixon School prides itself on the inclusion of various Special Education programs. We continue to embrace all students and work to provide constant and consistent growth in an inclusive school setting. In addition to the Special Education programs that are offered at Nixon, the school environment is also designed to support the varied learning needs and styles of students. For example, Nixon School is home to The Chill Zone, a dedicated space that promotes students' self-awareness and self-regulation. Additionally, Nixon School has a Sensory Drive-Thru and two Sensory Paths that students can use to fulfill varied sensory diets.

Students' access to technology continually increases. In grades K, 1, 2, 3, and 4, Nixon School is fortunate to have a one-to-one ratio whereby students in all grades present at Nixon School have access to a Google Chromebook. A shared Google Expedition kit enables staff to guide students on virtual field trips. iPad docking stations are present in all K-2 classrooms. A host of district web subscriptions are readily accessible to students and staff (i.e. Reading A to Z, IXL, Sum Dog, Think Central). The district continues to host a STEAM Fair where students can showcase their thinking and explorations. Such efforts are also captured in the district's use of the FOSS (Full Option Science System) program.

The educational community of Nixon School is also proud to support a host of philanthropic initiatives. Early Act is a schoolwide service club offered at Nixon that is sponsored by the local Roxbury Rotary Club. The club engages students in Gr. 3 & 4 in character-building activities & prepares them for leadership roles to identify & carry out projects which benefit their school, local & global communities.

Additionally, representative Gr. 3 & 4 students at Nixon have an opportunity to serve as Rising Servant Leaders, thereby supporting & further fostering the important work of the Culture & Climate Committee. Student leadership is also found in the opportunities created by Nixon's Green Team, which has achieved Bronze Level Certification with the Sustainable Jersey for Schools initiative. Finally, Nixon has developed a "RoxBuddies" club. In this club, Nixon School students are mentored by Roxbury High School students. Through these school-based experiences, the students' social & emotional lives are enriched.