About General John Nixon School
The General John Nixon School was built in 1960. Over the years the school has served as an elementary school, Town Offices and as the Central Administration Offices. During the early 1990’s, Nixon underwent construction of an additional wing and reopened as a K-4 school in 1994. When the additional new space was completed, Nixon began serving K-5 students, which is our present grade level range as well. Our current enrollment is 514 students, staffed by approximately 75 highly dedicated and skilled teachers and support personnel.
In keeping with the Sudbury Public Schools tradition, this school was named after the Revolutionary War hero, General John Nixon. It was during the battle of Bunker Hill that his bravery and wisdom was most clearly displayed. As a result of John Nixon’s brilliant leadership at Bunker Hill, he was promoted to Brigadier General on August 9, 1775. He continued to serve in the military until 1780 when he returned to private life. In 1806, Nixon moved from Sudbury to Middlebury, Vermont where he died in 1815 at the age of 90.
Our mission statement and core values compliment the district’s and were developed with input from staff, parents and students. These core values are reflected in our yearly School Improvement plan and are intended to permeate the attitudes and behaviors evident in the daily life of the school. Our Core Values are: Work hard to learn and don’t give up; Be curious and excited about learning; Honor and respect differences; and Work cooperatively with adults and children.
The General John Nixon School prides itself in the fact that we are a community of learners committed to creating a climate of collegiality, shared leadership and respect in which all students can succeed academically, socially and emotionally. All members of the school community, including staff, students and parents, actively share this responsibility through participation in groups and activities such as Staff Leadership, School Advisory Council, PTO, professional development workshops, community service projects, and weekly School Meeting.
We provide strong academic and special areas programs that are aligned with state and local learning expectations. These programs include Physical Education, Music, and Library classes for students in grades K through 5; Visual Arts and Spanish for students in grades 1 through 5; band and Orchestra for students in grades 3 through 5, and chorus for grade 5. Nixon also has state- of –the- art technology equipment in all classrooms, and a computer lab designed to enhance every aspect of student learning. In addition, Literacy support, Special Education and Guidance services are available to students as needed. Nixon has a strong and supportive Parent organization comprised of committees that facilitate the critical partnership between home and school. Some of these include volunteering in the classroom, bringing cultural enrichment to students and staff, aesthetics and landscaping, parent Communication Packets (PIPS), and the publication of our monthly newsletter, The Gazette.
For more information about the General John Nixon School, please call Joni Jay, Principal or Jeanette Galliardt, Administrative Assistant, at 978-443-1080, extension 1101.
General John Nixon Mission Statement
The General John Nixon School will endeavor to provide all learners the opportunity to reach their maximum potential through vigorous and creative learning. Children will work respectfully and cooperatively with adults and children to honor differences and work in productive ways. We will reach our goals by involving all members of our educational community to strive to actively improve the depth of our curriculum and the quality of our instruction.
General John Nixon Core Values
Nixon Core Values were established as a key activity in the reopening of the General John Nixon School. At that time, both staff training and a parent information meeting were provided to clarify what we valued as a school community. These values were posted in each classroom and are being referenced by teachers, students and parents. Thanks to the generosity of the PTO, we also now have these values posted on the wall in the front lobby as a clear statement of what we believe is important in creating a safe, caring learning environment for children.
The goal of Core Values is to continue to build a positive learning environment and a strong sense of community at the Nixon School. Work hard and don't give up. Be curious and excited. Honor and respect differences. Work cooperatively with adults and children.
Who was General John Nixon?
General John Nixon was born in Framingham in 1724, the eldest of seven children. He joined the army at an early age, fighting in the French and Indian Wars. In 1754, he married Thankful Berry and settled on 32 acres on the northern side of Nobscot Hill in Sudbury. The site of his home is now part of the Nobscot Boy Scout Reservation.
In light of his strong military background, Nixon was chosen as captain of the Minute Company West Side in September, 1774. A minute company was charged to be ready for battle in a minute's notice. "Come If You Dare" was the minuteman challenge. The Sudbury West Side Company met once a week for 4 hours of training. This group was noted for its "spirit of perseverance." The roll call for 58 men had an average of only 1 absentee for each practice drill.
On April 19, 1775, when Paul Revere's last call was heard, Nixon's company started from the West Side Meeting House and marched quickly toward Concord. They met with troop from other towns at Punkatasset Hill, a mile north of the Concord Meeting House. It is believed that the battle had already begun when Captain Nixon's company reached the North Bridge. They followed the retreating British and engaged them in battle along the route to Lexington.
In April 27, Captain Nixon was promoted to Colonel. Then, on June 16 he led a march of his company to Bunker Hill. The march itself was extremely hazardous, involving many engagements with the British along the route.
It was during the Battle of Bunker Hill that Colonel Nixon's bravery and wisdom were most clearly displayed. The Sudbury soldiers were directed to cover an unguarded gap which was a most exposed position with very little protection or cover. The soldiers bravely held their position even after two assaults by the British. The company then ran out of ammunition and was forced into hand-to-hand fighting. By now, the group was caught between two fires, but refused to abandon the gap. They left their positions only after being ordered by the commanding General, and even so, Colonel Nixon's company was the last to leave the battlefield. Colonel Nixon lost three men in the battle and was himself wounded.
As a result of his brilliant leadership, Nixon was promoted to Brigadier General on August 9, 1775. Nixon continued to serve in the military until 1780 when he retired to private life. In 1806 he moved to Middlebury, Vermont, where he died in 1815 at the age of 90.
References:
Sudbury, A Pictorial History. by Laura Scott, 1989
The History of Sudbury. By Alfred Sereno Hudson, 1889