Family and friends gathered at the edge of the GMS School Forest on August 27 to dedicate the space in honor of retired Greendale Middle School Teacher, the late Deirdre "Dee" Dixon. The celebration welcomed members of the Dixon Family and close friends and colleagues of Dee.

Emcees Kathy Vincent and Al Hafemeister led the event, with remarks made by Mrs. Dixon's daughter, Pam. The ribbon was cut by her granddaughter Audrey. Following the formal remarks, guests in attendance were invited to speak to Mrs. Dixon's impact on their lives.

The Dixon Forest was named after a vote by the Greendale Board of Education in 2024. A nominating committee of community members sought the renaming following Mrs. Dixon's death.

That committee outlined Mrs. Dixon’s leadership and contributions to Greendale Schools that extended beyond her classroom curriculum of Language Arts and Social Studies. In her work with youth, she brought about new life experiences and opportunities for students in the district that supported development of the whole child.

Mrs. Dixon is credited with founding the Explorers, which evolved into the development of Greendale Middle School’s Outdoor Education experience. That program has continued for over 40 years, with a brief hiatus due to the pandemic. Mrs. Dixon also supported a young staff member in launching a “Splash into Science” learning experience for middle school students in the Florida Keys, which also has continued over the last 25 years. 

Upon retirement from Greendale Schools, Mrs. Dixon worked with a fellow community member to form the Reading Buddies Program. This program supports students’ development of a love of reading by fostering intergenerational connections with books and stories. Greendale's Reading Buddies is celebrating 28 years of serving the first graders of Greendale with a robust volunteer program in 2026.

The programs established by Mrs. Dixon had a tremendous impact on the district and the youth of Greendale who participated in them. Greendale Schools is grateful for her caring and understanding the importance of unique educational opportunities in shaping our future.

GHS student and Eagle Scout Candidate Tyson McCravens painted the "Dixon Forest" sign and built a Little Free Library that is located on the site. A portrait of Mrs. Dixon reading in the woods with students was painted by GHS student Samantha Dames. The painting is affixed to the back of the lending library.