Dear friend,

This Teacher Appreciation Week, I’m reaching out with a message that’s deeply personal to me. I’m Debbi Hixon, a board member with Stand With Parkland, and as a longtime educator, this week is close to my heart. 

In honor of the incredible dedication of teachers everywhere, I invite you to support Stand With Parkland’s mission to create safer schools and empower the educators who give so much to our children.

Stand with Teachers →

As a teacher with more than 30 years of teaching experience in Florida public schools, this week holds even more profound significance for me personally. We are a family of educators; my husband, Chris Hixon, was a coach and athletic director at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. On that tragic day seven years ago, Chris gave his life to protect his students, an act of selflessness that reflects the incredible commitment so many educators bring to their work each day.

Teachers wear many hats: mentors, caregivers, protectors. They are often the first to notice when a student is struggling and the first to offer support. Their work deserves more than appreciation – it deserves action.

That’s why we’re launching the Safe Schools, Strong Teachers funding initiative — to help empower educators with the tools, training, and support they need to keep our schools safe.

Safe Schools, Strong Teachers  

I recorded a short message for you this week to say thank you, and to ask for your support in honoring educators not just with words, but with meaningful action.

If you’re able, please consider a gift to our Safe Schools, Strong Teachers effort. Your donation helps us protect students, support teachers, and build the kind of safe school community every child and every educator deserves.

From all of us at Stand With Parkland – The National Association of Families for Safe Schools, and in loving memory of Chris, thank you for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and drive to make a difference.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 

Debbi Hixon

Board Member, Stand With Parkland
Wife of Chris Hixon, Coach and Hero