Hey Missiles! My name is Linda Gifford, and I was born right here in Lincoln. When I was five my family and I moved to Hannibal, MO. I lived there until I was nine, and then we moved back to Lincoln second semester of my third grade year. I entered Ruth Hill Elementary and became a Hill Hawk–I can still sing the school song! I then became an Irving Aardvark, and then moved on to Lincoln Southeast high school where I graduated as a Knight! I attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln before moving to Colby, KS. I finished my teaching degree at Fort Hays State University.
My first teaching job was at Colby Middle School. It was a wonderful school with amazing teachers who helped me grow professionally. I was a Colby Eagle for fourteen years. For the second time in my life, I moved back home to Lincoln, NE. When I returned, I was fortunate enough to have become a Mickle Missile. That was a little over five years ago! I am beginning my sixth year at Mickle, and my twentieth year teaching sixth graders! I LOVE my sixth graders!
The other kids in my life who I love beyond measure are Ryley who is 23 and is a student at Kansas University! He just finished eligibility as a student athlete–golfing for KU, and is now working on graduating. Alexa is 19 and is also a student at Kansas University. She was a basketball player, but is no longer playing. She is super savvy at any and every sport, and is really artistic and creative. Jaxon is 17, and is a student at Lincoln Southeast High School. He loves to play lacrosse! This past spring I was blessed enough to add three more children to my family when I married my husband, Tom. I now have three amazing step-daughters–Alix, Karis, and Julie! They all are 12 and will be 7th graders at Pound Middle School.
In my free time I love to do anything creative. I enjoy music, gardening, attending sporting events, concerts, shoe shopping, having fun with family and friends, and just making my house a home!
I am so excited to be spending this year with you! It’s going to be a great one!