2011-2012 ACADEMIC YEAR | BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Annual Report
WWW.BASCHOOLS.ORG
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Board of Education Cheryl Kelly, President Steve Allen, Vice President Jerry Denton, Clerk Shari Wilkins, Deputy Clerk Steve Majors, Member The ANNUAL REPORT is published by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is intended to inform all interested stakeholders and persons in the Broken Arrow school district, as well as being available online on the official school district website. Any information, content and photos contained herein are property of Broken Arrow Schools and are to be used by outside sources only with permission of the Communications Department. All contents are copyrighted. Broken Arrow Public Schools Education Service Center 701 South Main Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012 (918) 259-5700 | F: (918) 258-0399 www.baschools.org Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following people at BAPS have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: The Executive Director of Human Resources should be contacted for all non-student and/or employment related issues at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. The Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services should be contacted for all student issues except those related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. The Director of Special Education should be contacted for all student issues related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. Inquiries concerning non-discrimination can also be made to the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
it’s a
great day to be a TIGER
Many positive changes occurred during the 2011-2012 school year, and a great many of these changes can be seen by simply driving by one of our 25 school sites. For a few weeks, it seemed as if we were hosting a construction celebration nearly every day. From groundbreakings, to topping out parties, to ribbon cuttings, the rapid pace of construction throughout the district continued the entire school year. The portable classrooms are disappearing at a rapid rate, and in their place are permanent, state-of-the-art facilities that create the high-quality learning environment students deserve.
The 2011-2012 school year was also the year that the Common Core State Standards and the A-F Grading System were introduced to Oklahoma. The Common Core Standards were developed by teachers and educators from across the nation and designed to ensure that students graduate high school ready for college or the workforce. The deadline for the transition is still two years away, but the district is already seeing the effects of the transition: targeted instruction in the classroom, resources directed toward technology integration and the teaching of high-level literacy skills at all grade levels. The A-F Grading System is the accountability measure that takes the place of the API Scores previously issued under the No Child Left Behind Act. As a district, we received a C grade in this new grading system, and while I’m not thrilled about the grade, I’m also not upset. We have excellent teachers, intelligent students, and even though we are one of the largest schools in the state, our scores remain higher than the state average. We are still learning the terminology, requirements and calculation methods that go with this new system, but I have no doubt that we can and will improve our performance in the coming years. Many other positive changes would take place before the school year ended. Our band – The Pride of Broken Arrow – would be named the Bands of America National Champions. Our district-wide United Way Campaign would collect an astonishing $94,839, the largest amount our district had ever raised. We continued to take on Rachel’s Challenge, finding new and creative ways to spread kindness and compassion throughout our community, and as expected, our students and staff accumulated numerous trophies and accolades, both in the classroom and on the field. Finally, I would like to take just a few words to thank Ms. Sharon Whelpley for her 20 years of service to the district. Ms. Whelpley began her service as a Board Member in 1992, and throughout her 20-year tenure, she has remained a passionate champion of public education. She is a great lady who I am pleased to say will remain an active part of our community. It is thanks to the efforts of patrons like Sharon Whelpley that every day is a great day to be a Tiger!
Jarod Mendenhall, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
board of DISTRICT
EDUCATION
Broken Arrow Public Schools is a dynamic leader in public education. The sixth largest district in Oklahoma, it serves approximately 16,800 students and covers 114-square miles in the southeast portions of Tulsa County and the western portions of Wagoner County.
2011-2012 PERSONNEL Elementary Certified- 561 Secondary Certified- 497 Support Staff- 805 Administrators- 88
The Broken Arrow Board of Education is an elected Board. School Board members tackle the enormous job of governing the school district while preserving the core democratic values. The Broken Arrow Board is responsible for establishing policies under which the school system operates. While acting within the framework of Oklahoma and federal laws, the Board is responsible for the unique needs of the community.
As citizen leaders, individual school board members face complex and demanding challenges as they contribute hundreds of hours each year leading our district. Whether it’s crafting policies pertaining to the curriculum or the budget, listening to staff and students’ concerns, or recognizing outstanding programs, Broken Arrow Board members focus on student achievement. Board members’ tireless efforts play a significant role in the continuing success of students moving to college and/or the workplace. Each year, one of the Board Zones is up for election to a five year term of office. Board of Education (as of February 2012) Zone 1 – Steve Allen, Vice President Zone 2 – Steve Majors, Member Zone 3 – Shari Wilkins, Deputy Clerk Zone 4 – Cheryl Kelly, President Zone 5 – Jerry Denton, Clerk
MISSION STATEMENT “To provide all members of the school community an environment that assures intellectual, social, physical and character development appropriate for citizenship in an ever-changing world.”
DISTRICT MOTTO “Where Excellence is a Tradition.”
(L-R) Jerry Denton, Shari Wilkins, Steve Majors, Cheryl Kelly, Dr. Jarod Mendenhall and Steve Allen.
under
CONSTRUCTION In 2009, Broken Arrow patrons approved a $295 million bond issue to make major improvements to facilities throughout the district. In October of 2011, voters overwhelmingly approved a reallocation of $73.5 million of those original funds to better meet district needs identified through various data sources, including a demographic study that predicted enrollment growth for the next 10 years. Construction moved at a rapid pace throughout the 20112012 year and resulted in significant changes across the district. • Arrowhead – New classrooms, media center, interior renovations and secured entry ($3,447,387) • Country Lane Primary – interior renovations and secured entry ($804,435)
• Indian Springs – Remains open for one more year. Construction of a new elementary has begun at the 111th street property which will also house a Pre-K center to open the 2013-2014 school year. ($19,140,000) • Leisure Park – New classrooms, media center and connection to gym ($3,447,387) • Lynn Wood – New classrooms, media center, gym, interior renovations and secured entry ($9,308,467)
• Park Lane – closed, students and staff attend the new Highland Park, old facility IS BEING renovated into new Pre-K Center ($19,536,290) • Rhoades – New classrooms, media center, gym, cafeteria and kitchen, interior renovations and secured entry ($4,596,774) • Spring Creek – New classrooms, media center and interior renovations ($3,447,580)
117
Number of portable buildings in the district in 2009
Number of portable buildings left in the district in 2012
60
• Vandever – New classrooms, media center and interior renovations ($6,895,161)
• Westwood – Remains open for one more year. Construction of a new elementary has begun at the 61st street property which will also house a Pre-K center. ($19,140,000) • Wolf Creek – Secured entry and renovations ($78,880)
• Centennial - Secured entry and renovations ($464,000)
• Haskell – Remains open for one more year until students and staff move to the new middle school on Oneta Road. Following renovations, Haskell Middle School will be repurposed to better serve district needs. ($1,672,662) • Oliver – Secured entry and renovations for ADA compliance ($574,982) • South Intermediate – Fine arts and classroom addition and resurfacing of the track ($11,491,935)
• High School – Construction ongoing on a new media center, administration offices, science labs, secure entries and eating areas for students. A Fine Arts addition will include a black box theatre and other classroom/rehearsal space, new locker rooms next to the auxiliary gymnasium, and a remodeling of existing locker rooms and gymnasium. ($27,987,000)
In addition to these projects, a number of other construction projects will begin during the next phase of construction. These projects include: • Arrow Springs – Remains open for one more year, and will be closed for renovation into a Pre-K center during the 2013-2014 school year.
• Oak Crest – Renovations to the front of the building will eliminate the multiple levels within the building making it accessible to all students. • North Intermediate – Renovations
• Performing Arts Center – Practice rooms and dressing rooms • Childers – Secured entry and renovations
• Sequoyah – Classrooms and locker rooms renovations
district FINANCES Preparation of the Operating Budget begins in January, with the gathering of current year data and preparation of the budget calendar. The calendar includes major benchmarks and timelines for tasks, as well as responsible individuals for each step in the process. The budgeting cycle takes place during the spring and summer months, with final allocations and funding confirmed in the early fall. Once the Estimate of Needs is completed and approved by the County Excise Board, the district prepares the operating budget.
Local & Other Sources $2,323,274 3% Intermediate Sources $3,962,925 4% Federal Sources $6,038,887 6%
Other Uses $52,058 General Administration 1% $1,939,452 2% Central Services $4,340,381 4% Instructional Support $4,364,940 4%
Repayment $152,981 1% Community Services $586,805 1%
Campus Administration $6,703,169 6%
Student Transportation $6,060,066 6%
2011-2012 EXPENSES
Expenditures are categorized by functional areas; such as Instruction, which includes teacher salaries, textbooks, and classroom materials. Expenditures budgeted for the 201112 General Fund were $98,709,777. The Actual Expenditures were $98,898,928. (The graph on the right shows the proposed budget for 20122013).
Instruction $59,647,265 57% Student Support $8,958,919 9% Operations & Maintenance $8,883,199 9%
$721,308,901
$700,713,473
$680,968,660
$652,787,546
$614,493,128
$573,207,682
$532,146,068
$502,706,196
$467,505,986
$431,407,166
Ad Valorem-Current $26,193,893 27%
$400,572,519
State Sources $17,405,877 18%
$331,146,992
State Aid (w/ Mid-Term Ajd.) $40,342,433 42%
The General Fund is used to pay teacher, support and administrative staff salaries. Other expenses include textbooks, classroom materials, utilities, and insurance. Revenue sources for the General Fund include State Aid, Ad Valorem Taxes and various state and federal grants. For 2011-12, the budget for the General Fund was $98,949,877. The Actual Revenue received was $97,882,114, plus Carryover of $18,779,554 equals total Revenue of $116,661,668. (The graph on the left shows the proposed budget for 2012-2013).
$298,071,762
2011-2012 REVENUE
2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
The District’s Net Assessed Valuation (NAV) refers to the local property wealth. Ad Valorem Tax revenue is apportioned to the General, Building and Sinking Funds (for payment of principal and interest on bond issues). The NAV has grown steadily over the last 10 years.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • The Building Fund can be used for: erecting, repairing or maintaining school buildings; purchasing furniture, equipment or computer software; paying energy or utility costs; purchasing telecommunication services; and other building-related costs. For 2011-12, the budget for the Building Fund was $3,809,631. The Actual Expenditures were $3,530,907. The Actual Revenue received was $4,113,866 plus Carryover of $3,150,966 equals total Revenue of $7,264,832. For 2012-2013, the proposed revenue budget is $4,032,413 and the proposed expenditure budget is $5,441,573.
• The Child Nutrition Fund is used to account for the collection of all local, state, and federal monies dedicated to the District’s Child Nutrition Program. On average, the program provides lunch for about 11,500 or 67 percent of students every school day. For 2011-12, the budget for the Child Nutrition Fund was $7,490,071. The Actual Expenditures were $7,156,334. The Actual Revenue received was $7,306,922 plus Carryover of $2,996,663 equals total Revenue of $10,303,585. For 2012-2013, the proposed revenue budget is $7,394,270 and the proposed expenditure budget is $8,576,611. • Bond Funds are used to account for the spending of District bond issues, once the issue has been approved by the voters. Bond issues are used to fund new school construction, other building construction, additions, renovations and classroom equipment.
(A-F grading scale)
ACADEMICS
A-F GRADES PER SCHOOL FOR 2011-2012 ACADEMIC YEAR Arrowhead– C *Arrow Springs– C Country Lane Intermediate– B Country Lane Primary– B Highland Park– B Indian Springs– B Liberty– C Lynn Wood– C Leisure Park– B *Oak Crest – C Rhoades– B Spring Creek– B Vandever– B *Westwood– C Wolf Creek– B Centennial– B Childers– B Haskell– C Oliver– B Sequoyah– B **North Intermediate– B **South Intermediate– B High School– B
District– C ** Indicates a Reward School * Indicates a Focus School
During the 2011 school year, the State Department of Education introduced a new accountability system designed to replace the regulations of the No Child Left Behind Act. Known as the A-F School Grading System, this method of reporting was intended to be an easier way for parents to understand the academic progress of their child’s school. Instead of a numerical score as was assigned under the previous grading model, individual schools and districts now received a letter grade score based on the following percentage scale: 3.75-4.0 = A, 2.75-3.74 = B, 1.75-2.74 = C, 0.75-1.74 = D, and 0.74 and below = F. School and district grades under the A-F Grading System will be calculated in three main sections: Student Achievement (33%), Student Growth (34%), and Whole School Performance (33%). “As a district, we received a C grade. I’m not thrilled about the grade, but I’m also not upset. We have excellent teachers, intelligent students, and even though we are one of the largest schools in the state, our scores have traditionally been higher than the state average on the numerous state-mandated tests,” said Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “We are still learning the terminology, requirements and calculation methods that go with this new system, but I have no doubt that we can and will improve our performance.” Although the assignment of a letter grade seems simple enough, the grade itself is actually the result of multiple calculations using a variety of percentages, formulas, and grading scales. Twenty-three of the district’s 25 schools received a letter grade – the Alternative Academy and Margaret Hudson Programs are scored with the High School – and all schools received a B or C grade. To view any of the Broken Arrow A-F report cards, go to https://sdeweb01.sde.ok.gov/ Transparency/ReportCards/. In addition to the letter grades, the A-F System also involves four categories of overall performance classifications. A school may be classified into one of these four categories, some of which include additional regulations: 1. Reward Schools are high achieving in all state assessments or have high progress in reading and mathematics. 2. Priority Schools are in the bottom 5% of achievement in reading and mathematics, have a graduation rate below 60% for at least three years, or receive a School Improvement Grant (SIG). 3. Focus Schools are low achieving in reading and mathematics in the State’s lowest performing subgroups or have low graduation rates in the State’s lowest graduating subgroups. 4. Targeted Intervention Schools are in the bottom 25% of achievement in reading and mathematics. “As I’ve said before, testing is a necessary part of measuring the educational process, but it should not be the most important thing we do,” Mendenhall said. “If we will take care of the whole child – their social and emotional needs along with the educational component – then the test results will take care of themselves.”
outreach & beyond
COMMUNITY
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
The Broken Arrow Public Schools Partners in Education (PIE) Program celebrated its 17th year of excellence during the 2011-2012 school year. This program, which is dedicated to bringing together BAPS with the business community, helps provide community support to the school system and encourages communication between the community and the schools. Business partners provided more than $140,000 worth of financial contributions and in-kind services to the school district, individual school sites and the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation during 2011-2012. Business Partners provided financial support for such things as field trips, classroom supplies and equipment, student school supplies, student incentive programs encouraging citizenship and leadership skills, and assistance for students to attend state and national school activities. The PIE program has provided financial support for district items or functions, such as Adopt-a-Tiger, ACE Bootcamp, Teacher of the Year, and the district’s new Career Exploration Program whereby business partners can offer students hands-on experience in a real-world setting. The PIE Program has also helped the community express its appreciation for the districts’ educators by sponsoring the city-wide National Teacher Appreciation Week and Celebrating the Arts. “Community leaders enjoy being a part of the projects and are looking forward to planning other projects to promote Broken Arrow Public Schools and students,” Volunteer Coordinator Jo McCord said. “They are an active part of ensuring that our students are leaving the district prepared for their future.” Charlie’s Chicken was named the 2011-2012 District Partner of the Year, Windstream was selected as the Site Partner of the Year, and Hope Church was named the Non-Profit Organization of the Year. Bob Wagoner with McDonald’s was awarded the Above and Beyond award, and Jay Wagoner, also with McDonald’s was selected as the 2011-2012 Partners in Education Newcomer of the Year.
VOLUNTEERS IN EDUCATION
The final report on the Broken Arrow Public Schools Volunteers in Education program for the 2011-2012 school year is complete, and the results show the program enjoyed another successful year of supporting schools, students and a variety of district activities. During the 2011-2012 school year, volunteers ranging from 14 to 80 years of age logged 60,000 official volunteer hours. At $7.25 per hour, the dollar equivalent for their services would be more than $435,000. “Volunteers have provided valuable services to our school system as testing monitors, resource speakers, clerical help, chaperones as well as site and classroom volunteers,” said Jo McCord, Volunteer Coordinator. “Without their support, our district would not be able to maintain the level of service that has come to be expected at all levels.” McCord said another important aspect of the volunteer program is the understanding that it brings between the school and community. “In this time when the parental role in the education of children is being emphasized, the volunteer program assumes an even greater importance. As our volunteers acquaint themselves with our school faculty and staff and gain knowledge of our programs, they become our best public relations spokesmen. They assist us in keeping our schools safe, they provide helpful insight on a variety of topics, and they are instrumental in helping pass bond issues that allow our district to have the best possible facilities for our students.”
putting teachers first
FOUNDATION
The Thursday before Spring Break, more than 50 Broken Arrow Public School teachers received grants from the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation. The surprise visits were part of an annual tradition in which members of the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation stop by teachers’ classrooms to announce their receipt of a grant. The tradition has gone on for more than a decade, and the surprise is all part of the fun. “I was so very surprised when the members of the Foundation came to my classroom,” said Speech Pathologist Amanda Davies. “I had almost made up my mind that I did not get the grant I applied for, and I was so surprised I had tears in my eyes.” Arrowhead teacher Katy Cook was on a field trip when she received the good news via text from her principal. “I received three grants. Two of the three will be used for math, and one will be used for reading activities,” Cook said. “Most years, my students are really into sports, so I searched for activities that could combine sports and math. With the common core standards coming, it’s going to be even more important to find these types of connections.” Over the past 12 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $325,000 in grant monies to teachers at sites throughout the district. The funding pays for creative classroom grants that teachers submit in the fall. Grants are reviewed by a committee of Foundation Members, and then the classroom visits are scheduled in secret. These grants make it possible for teachers to purchase materials and implement programs that might otherwise not be possible. “Without this grant, I would have only a bare-bones program for my Engineering Club, which meets before school,” said sixth grade science teacher Lisa Sikes. “Now my 6th grade Engineering Club can use K’Nex building materials to build scale model bridges and world monuments, as well as amusement park rides.” The Broken Arrow Public School Foundation started in 1992 and has positively influenced education in Broken Arrow by providing funds for incentive grants to teachers. A Board of Directors, representing a variety of businesses, the PTA, the teaching and administrative staff and individual citizens, is elected annually to serve as trustees of the Foundation. The Foundation has only one fundraiser – an annual golf tournament held at Forest Ridge – and the proceeds of that tournament go toward funding classroom grants. “The Foundation plays a very important role within the district and directly impacts student learning” said Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Every spring, teachers across our district are surprised with checks that fund their grant requests, and these grants are used to give our students a more enriched educational experience.” Every year, teachers in the Broken Arrow School District submit applications for grants that will impact the education of Broken Arrow students. A sub-committee of the Foundation, plus educational personnel not involved in the grant writing or submission process, chooses those grants for projects it considers most exemplary. Members of the Foundation then award the checks to the teachers in the spring by paying a surprise visit to the teachers in their classroom. The grant application form is available online on the BAPS Foundation’s portion of the district website. Beginning in the fall of 2012, teachers were encouraged to spend a few minutes filling out the form in order to be considered for grant money to be awarded in the spring. Grants will be reviewed and awarded during the spring semester of 2013.
brandon chitty
TEACHER YEAR OF THE
Amidst cheers from his friends and family in the audience, Centennial science teacher Brandon Chitty was named the 2012 Broken Arrow Public Schools Teacher of the Year. “When Dr. Mendenhall said that he was going to read a passage from the 2012 Teacher of the Year’s body of work, I think we were all on the edge of our seat waiting for the first words,” Chitty said. “Just as he got out the second word I knew it was from my writings. I was in absolute shock.” Chitty was one of 11 finalists selected from the pool of 25 Site Teacher of the Year Candidates. Typically, only 10 finalists are selected, but a tie for 10th place resulted in 11 finalists being named. Joining Chitty on stage were: Marla Watts from South Intermediate, Heather Goodenough from Haskell, Chris Nichols from Arrow Springs, Teri Overton from Indian Springs, Lindsay Little from Lynn Wood, Catherine Graham from Oak Crest, Abby Weyen from Park Lane, Amanda Stone from Rhoades, Rachel Ellis from Spring Creek, and Diana Snow from Wolf Creek. Chitty has been teaching at Centennial Middle School for five years and is the first Broken Arrow teacher to pilot a paperless classroom. “Being a teacher that went from a traditional classroom to a 21st Century classroom, I was nervous about the ability to fully educate the students completely digitally, but after implementing this for a year I have seen nothing but higher student learning and engagement,” said Chitty. “Students come into my class with absolutely no supplies - they sit at their desk and log in to their laptop where they have access to multiple Google educational concepts that can be accessed from any internet connection.” After being nominated as the Centennial Site Teacher of the Year by his peers, Chitty and the other 24 candidates went through an evaluation and interview process to determine the 2012 District Teacher of the Year. The Professional Development Committee, a group composed of teachers, administrators, and both current and previous Teachers of the Year, met to evaluate each candidate’s portfolio and conduct an interview. Each candidate was scored on the various portions of the process, and after all the scores were tallied, Chitty came out on top. “Brandon’s energy and passion about teaching and learning were evident in every stage of the Teacher of the Year process,” said Director of Professional Development Diana Beaulieu. “When describing his classroom, Mr. Chitty described a classroom that is highly engaging and interactive for every student every minute of the class period. He is a fantastic communicator who willingly shares ideas and strategies with his colleagues and serves as a motivator to many of us.” As the 2012 District Teacher of the Year, Chitty received several gifts, including a $2,000 check from the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation, and the opportunity to drive the Teacher of the Year car – a black Ford Escape provided by Matthews Ford. Chitty represented Broken Arrow Public Schools in the State Teacher of the Year competition, and while he was not selected as the State Teacher of the Year, he was one of only six Oklahoma educators named as a 2012 Rising Star Teacher by State Superintendent Janet Barresi.
you can start a
CHAIN REACTION
The 2011-2012 school year began with a program unlike any other seen in Broken Arrow Public Schools. The annual Back-to-School Kickoff took place as usual, but the event featured a powerful speaker introducing a new program. Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America: Rachel’s Challenge. The mission of Rachel’s Challenge is “to inspire, equip and empower every person to create a permanent positive culture change in their school, business and community by starting a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.” Rachel’s Challenge is not simply another program to target bullying, but rather it seeks to change the culture of a school and community by teaching and promoting kindness at all levels. Used by schools and businesses around the globe, Rachel’s Challenge has been implemented by schools in 48 states, and has a presence in six countries outside the U.S. Rachel’s father, Daryl Scott, was the speaker who introduced Rachel’s Challenge at the BAPS Back-to-School Kickoff. “I was fortunate to hear Daryl Scott speak at a convention in Denver in 2011,” said BAPS Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “There were probably 2,500 people in the room, and you could have heard a pin drop during the presentation. Four members of my leadership team were sitting with me, and when the lights came on, we all said the same thing, ‘We have to bring this to Broken Arrow.’” Unlike other programs, Rachel’s Challenge does not give educators one more thing to do. The tenants of the program are easily incorporated into what teachers already do in the classroom. And, rather than relying on the teachers to pass it on, the program aims at reaching the students and empowering them to start a chain reaction of kindness. Following the presentation to the staff, Daryl Scott remained in Broken Arrow for the evening to conduct a special meeting with the parents and community leaders. A few weeks into the school year, secondary students experienced the powerful presentation as told by Craig Scott, Rachel’s brother who survived the tragedy at Columbine. The next step in the chain reaction involved the secondary students, who were willing to volunteer and receive training, presenting the program to elementary students. “We already have a great school and community, but I believe this program has the kind of transforming power to forever change everyone that lives, works, or goes to school here,” Mendenhall said. “Rachel’s Challenge has affected the way I think and respond to others, and anyone who hears the powerful words of this young lady cannot help but be changed for the better.”
performing arts center
ARTS in EDUCATION In its third year of operation, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center continued to make strides not only in educational outreach, but in programming, student opportunities and as a destination for national touring productions. It was also home to double the amount of shows and events from the previous year. At the end of the 2011-2012 school year, the theatre was named in honor of Broken Arrow’s own Kristin Chenoweth, whose success and accolades on stage, film and television have helped put Broken Arrow on the map. “Kristin was welcomed home with loving arms as the community packed a sold-out house to honor Kristin and to hear just how phenomenal her talent truly is,” said Mark Frie, executive director of the Performing Arts Center and Fine Arts in Broken Arrow. “Naming part of this facility the Kristin Chenoweth Theatre seemed natural, and the community couldn’t have been more excited.” Frie hopes Kristin’s career success will be a shining example for today’s Broken Arrow students. “Her roots in the fine arts are right here in Broken Arrow. She has shown that if someone wants something and works hard to achieve it, then anything is possible,” said Frie. With its main function being for student performance use, the BAPAC held performances for many groups and students across the district, including award-winning jazz and concert bands, choirs, drama companies and student organizations. 2011-2012 STATISTICS As the presenting arm of the BAPAC, the Spotlight Series broke new ground during its third season with performances from jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra, Cirque • Rehearsal for school Mechanics Boom Town, the Gospel sounds of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, “Elvis Lives,” a rocking events and professional tribute show honoring the King, Blast and the Oklahoma premiere of the Tony-winning musical “In The groups: 203 days Heights.” “With each national act we bring through Broken Arrow, we are always looking at a way the performers • School-related concerts and shows can connect with the student body,” said Frie. and shows: 204 shows Jazz band students were given the opportunity to perform for and be critiqued by members of the Lincoln Jazz Center Orchestra during the band’s visit. And BAHS drama students were given a live • Total attendance for question and answer 2011-12 shows: 67,000 session with the cast of “In The Heights” immediately following the performance. “I think it’s extremely important for these students to get up close and personal with these professional actors and musicians that come through our facility,” said Frie. “We want not only to entertain our young students, but to inspire them to go out in the world and actually be these people one day.” As a destination for fine arts, the BAPAC also hosted many community events and outside organizations, allowing them usage of the facility and creating a constant bridge between school and community. “We not only want to serve our own students and staff, but we also want the community at large to take part in our ongoing operations, whether it be as patron of the arts attending a national tour or an organization utilizing the facility. This building is not only a cornerstone of our downtown district, but of our entire community as well,” said Frie. Kristin Chenoweth being honored with the Kristin Chenoweth Theatre being named for her in June of 2012.
Country Lane Primary first grade student Anna Herrera performs at the Teacher of the Year awards ceremony.
school SITES 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2 P E R S O N N E L & I N F O R M AT I O N
STUDENT POPULATION
Broken Arrow Senior High School 1901 E. Albany 259-4310 Principal- Derek Blackburn
Arrowhead Elementary 915 W. Norman 259-4390 Principal- Courtney Elias
Rhoades Elementary 320 E. Midway 259-4440 Principal- Dawna Mosburg
(AS OF MAY 2012)
North Intermediate High School 808 E. College 259-4320 Principal- Kenneth Kinzer
Country Lane Primary 301 E. Omaha 259-4400 Principal- Jamie Milligan
Spring Creek Elementary 6801 S. Third St. 259-4480 Principal- Sherri Kindley
South Intermediate High School 301 W. New Orleans 259-4330 Principal-Dr. Richard Dale
Country Lane intermediate 251 E. Omaha 449-5600 Principal- Sue Katterhenry
Vandever Elementary 2200 S. Lions Ave. 259-4490 Principal- Vicki Beckwith
Centennial Middle School 225 E. Omaha 259-4340 Principal- Joan West
Indian Springs Elementary 8800 S. Fawnwood Ct. 259-4410 Principal- Larry Smith
Westwood Elementary 1712 N. 18th St. 259-4500 Principal- Melissa Galloway
Childers Middle School 301 E. Tucson 259-4350 Principal- Elizabeth Burns
Leisure Park Elementary 4300 S. Juniper Pl. 259-4420 Principal- Janet Dotson
Wolf Creek Elementary 3000 W. New Orleans 259-4510 Principal- Ron Beckwith
Haskell Middle School 412 S. 9th Street 259-4360 Principal- Dr. Pam Bradley
Liberty Elementary 4300 S. 209th East Avenue 259-4470 Principal- Karyne Gates
BA Academy 637 E. College 259-4600 Principal- Jack Pugh
Oliver Middle School 3100 W. New Orleans 259-4590 Principal- Mark Officer
Lynn Wood Elementary 1600 W. Quincy Ave. 259-4430 Principal- Dana deFreese
Margaret Hudson Program 751 W. Knoxville 251-2647 Principal- Genell Coleman
Sequoyah Middle School 2701 S. Elm Pl. 259-4370 Principal- Cindy Williamson
Oak Crest Elementary 405 E. Richmond 259-4450 Principal- Heather Adams
Arrow Springs Elementary 101 W. Twin Oaks 259-4380 Principal- Barbara Jones
Park Lane Elementary 7700 S. Shelby Lane 259-4460 Principal- Karla Dyess
ARROW SPRINGS- 351 ARROWHEAD- 446 CL PRIMARY- 835 CL INTERMEDIATE- 815 INDIAN SPRINGS- 478 LEISURE PARK- 569 LIBERTY- 806 LYNN WOOD- 515 OAK CREST- 519 PARK LANE- 722 RHOADES- 530 SPRING CREEK- 408 VANDEVER- 452 WESTWOOD- 502 WOLF CREEK- 592 CENTENNIAL- 1,009 CHILDERS- 547 HASKELL- 889 OLIVER- 746 SEQUOYAH- 529 BA VIRTUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL 7 BA ACADEMY- 95 NORTH INTERMEDIATE- 1,234 SOUTH INTERMEDIATE- 1,018 SENIOR HIGH- 2,089 BA VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL 55
TOTAL ENROLLMENT- 16,758