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Kylla Leeburg broken arrow teacher of the year
BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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VOLUME 36, ISSUE THREE • SPRING 2011
ARROWPOINT A publication of Broken Arrow Public Schools VOLUME 36, ISSUE 3 SPRING 2011 Publisher Communications Department BA Public Schools Layout/Design/Photography Adam J. Foreman Webmaster/Publications Specialist Editing/Content Tara Thompson Public Information Officer Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Board of Education Cheryl Kelly, President Shari Wilkins, Vice President Jerry Denton, Clerk Sharon Whelpley, Deputy Clerk Steve Allen, Member The ARROWPOINT is published by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is distributed to approximately 40,000 households in the Broken Arrow school district. The ARROWPOINT is printed at Western Printing Company, Inc., and is the official communication tool for parents, students, staff and patrons of BA Schools. 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. Notice of Non-Discrimination: Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. 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 nondiscrimination can also be made to the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
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
TA BLE OF
CO N T E N T S C O NTEN T S Letter from the Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Three Quick News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Three Broken Arrow Teacher of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Four New Site Principals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Five Q&A with Board member Steve Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Six Pre-K Enrollment Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Seven Bond Construction Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Eight
F R O M
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It was an evening of shining stars as students and teachers from across the district gathered for the 2011 Broken Arrow Teacher of the Year awards ceremony. Above, students participate in a dramatic reading of “The Star Polisher” before Kylla Leeburg was announced as the new Teacher of the Year. With school ending on May 27, stay up-to-date on information about BA Schools, the calendar or the upcoming school year by visiting www.baschools.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
from the desk of...
the Superintendent
I hope this issue of Arrowpoint finds you enjoying the warming weather and the changes spring brings to the Oklahoma landscape. Lawns are greening, trees are blooming, and at several of our sites, we are beginning to see the long-anticipated expansions and additions that will help us provide a quality education to our growing student population. Our district recently received the results of a demographic study completed by professional statisticians and researchers from Business Information Services, LLC. The data collected in this study gives readers a thorough understanding of the historical growth trends experienced in our district over the past several decades and includes a 10year projection of what our enrollment is likely to look like in the future. I believe that good decisions are based on data, and this demographic information will be critical in shaping many of the decisions being made over the next few months – especially those decisions dealing with construction. Consideration for future generations of students and employees has been an important part of district decision-making in the past. Thanks to the forethought of our community in passing the 2009 bond issue, Broken Arrow patrons have ensured the district’s current leadership team will also be able to plan for future growth. Several bond construction projects designed to accommodate an increasing enrollment are either planned or currently underway. A nine-room classroom addition is being constructed at Liberty Elementary, an 80-acre tract of land has been purchased on the western side of the district, and construction will soon begin at six elementaries: Spring Creek, Leisure Park, Arrowhead, Vandever, Lynn Wood, and Rhoades. That’s just part of Phase 1, and we have three phases in all. The demographic study revealed that Broken Arrow is a growing school, both at the site and district level. Historically, the western half of our district has experienced the most growth and held the highest population of our students. This continues to be true; however, the data collected by these experts indicates that a majority of our new growth will be concentrated in the eastern side of our district. Before we begin our next phases of construction, I have asked a committee of 50+ community members, employees, and school administrators to review the information generated by the demographic study, and to use that data to assess and guide the remaining bond construction projects. The committee is tasked with evaluating voluminous amounts of data to ensure that we are not only building for today, but that we also have a plan for the future. My leadership team and I want to utilize every dollar of 2009 bond money to its fullest capacity for the benefit of both current and future students. I look forward to working with the volunteers on this committee in making data-based decisions about construction projects, and it will be with great pride that we present the conclusions to the Board of Education and the public in an upcoming board meeting. Our community provided us with a gift in passing the bond issue in December of 2009. Our gift to the community is to provide the best product with these funds.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Superintendent of Schools
QUICK NEWS
Proficiency Based Promotion application deadline set Wednesday, May 18, is the deadline for applications for Proficiency Based Promotion testing for students currently enrolled in Broken Arrow Public Schools. Proficiency Based Promotion is designed to award credit for students’ knowledge in the core curriculum areas, i.e., social studies, language arts, the arts, languages, mathematics, and science. It is available to all students grades 1-12 if they perform at the 90 percent level on designated assessments. Students demonstrating proficiency will have the opportunity to advance to the next level of study. Failure to demonstrate proficiency will not be noted on the student’s transcript. Testing for Grades 3-12 has been scheduled for Wed., June 1, and Thurs., June 2, 2011. Parents will be contacted to schedule testing for Grades 1-2. Application forms will be available at each school site or the Education Service Center, 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK. If you have questions, please contact Kristi Kargl at the Education Service Center, (918) 259-5700, Ext. 5728.
Annual Report now available online The Annual Report for Broken Arrow Public Schools is now available online. The newly-published report covers the 2009-2010 academic school year and contains information pertaining to the Board of Education, 2009 Bond Election, district finances, the Academic Performance Index, community programs, the BAPS Foundation and the Performing Arts Center. Log on to www.baschools.org and look under “Announcements” to read the report. For questions about the report or for a printed copy, please contact the Communications Department at (918) 259-5700.
shooting for the
STARS
Kylla Leeburg was one of 25 educators honored at the Teacher of the Year Gala held in early April. She was one of 10 finalists announced during the awards portion of the ceremony, but hers was the only name called when the 2011 Broken Arrow District Teacher of the Year was revealed to the audience. “Initially, it was shock,” Leeburg said of her first reaction. “I love my colleagues and hold them in very high esteem, so to be chosen by them to represent our school, I was very flattered and humbled.” Leeburg’s journey to District Teacher of the Year status began in October when she and 24 others were selected as Site Teachers of the Year. “After North named me their Teacher of the Year, Diana Beaulieu had a meeting with all of us to tell about the portfolio,” Leeburg said. “There were 10 reflective questions that we each answered and turned in to be graded. After that we were each interviewed by a 10 person committee in the individual interview, and then we came back for a group discussion where we were asked about current educational trends.” Diana Beaulieu, the district’s Executive Director of Professional
Development, was part of the team that evaluated the nominees’ portfolio submissions. The team also interviewed all 25 candidates over a two day period, and the portfolio scores and interview scores were combined to determine the top 10 finalists and the District Teacher of the Year. In addition to these requirements, a new element was added to the selection process this year. “We held a ‘Round Table Discussion’ with a moderator who provided discussion topics for 12 candidates on one day and 13 candidates the following day,” Beaulieu said. “This was not scored, but it did provide our teachers the opportunity to brainstorm with each other and have a professional discussion on some ‘hot’ educational topics. This activity is part of the State Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year process for the State Finalists, so our goal was to prepare our teachers for that experience.” Acting as the moderator for this discussion was former Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor. “I feel it made the process more formal by having a public figure moderate for us in the group interview,” Leeburg said. “I was glad to see her interest in what we
Kylla Leeburg is flanked by friends, family and colleagues after being named the 2011 Broken Arrow Teacher of the Year.
Kylla Leeburg named Broken Arrow Teacher of the Year
Kylla Leeburg accepts one of many gifts after being named the 2011 Broken Arrow Teacher of the Year.
thought about pending educational legislation, teacher evaluations, and the like – it is nice to be included in the debate about our profession.” The culminating activity to this selection process was the Teacher of the Year Gala in which all 25 candidates were honored. “This award [District Teacher of the Year] is significant because it is totally teacher driven and teacher owned,” said Beaulieu. “To be honored by your peers as an outstanding educator is the highest compliment that one can receive.” As the District Teacher of the Year, Leeburg will now go on to compete at the state level by submitting her winning portfolio to the State Department of Education (SDE). The SDE will then select 12 state finalists to be announced in July 2011, and the finalists then go through an interview process and a round table discussion. Based on these results, the State Teacher of the Year will be announced in September during the Oklahoma State Fair. “As the BAPS District Teacher of the Year, my message is pretty straightforward…we can change the world through our classrooms,”
says Leeburg. “We are directly communicating with America’s future leaders. We can inspire them, lead them, show them what is happening in the world, and engage their minds and their passions. Our attitudes and personal example as teachers are so critical to lighting that fire in our students. We must live out our ideals so that they will be inspired to do the same.” In preparation for the next level of competition, Leeburg will need to collect six letters of recommendation and continue to brush up on current affairs in the world of education. In the meantime, however, she will continue doing what she loves: teaching history at North Intermediate “Kylla has a love of teaching, but also a love of the young people she teaches,” says North Intermediate Principal Dr. Barbara Evans. “All of the North students and teachers are extremely proud her, and I can’t think of a better representative to tell the world about teaching and what we do each day at Broken Arrow Public Schools.”
MAKING THE
Connection Kinzer, Officer complete the picture as new site principals
With each new school year comes inevitable changes, and for two Broken Arrow schools, that change is in leadership. Interviews were recently held for principal positions at both Oliver Middle School and North Intermediate High School. Mark Officer, who has been interim principal at Oliver, will step into the role full time in the fall, while Kenneth Kinzer will replace retiring principal Steve Nida at North. “Broken Arrow is fortunate to have Mr. Officer and Mr. Kinzer leading their school sites,” said Amy Fichtner, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. “These gentlemen exemplify inspirational leadership, a commitment to students and a focus on achievement for all.”
Officer came to Broken Arrow during the present school year from Union Public Schools, where he spent six years. His tenure there was preceded by five years of service in Broken Arrow as both a teacher and assistant principal at Oliver. “We have seen things evolve at Oliver over the past school year,” Officer said. “The staff has really rallied around the thought that all kids can learn. We have worked hard to put things in place that will allow opportunities for every kid to be successful.” Although he originally wanted to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, Officer began coaching and counseling various groups of kids and discovered his true passion. “I discovered I was really motivated by seeing a middle or high school kid succeed at something that they thought they couldn’t do,” said Officer. “I loved seeing the light bulb come on. Still today, that is what keeps me coming to work each morning— the thrill of seeing a student
KENNETH KINZER
North Intermediate High School • 23 years experience in education • 20 years prior in Broken Arrow schools • Career highlights: history teacher, assistant principal, principal, ELL coordinator
experience success.” Having worked the past year with PTA groups, volunteer teachers and all his students, Officer is looking to the future of education. “I am thrilled with the direction Broken Arrow Public Schools is headed right now. There is no doubt in my mind that we will be one of the best school districts in the nation,” said Officer. Like Officer, Kinzer’s roots lie in Broken Arrow. After beginning his career in Broken Arrow, he spent 20 years (13 of them at North) in the district as a teacher, coach and administrator, gaining knowledge, experience and many colleagues along the way. “I truly have a special place in my heart for the students, staff and community,” said Kinzer. “I am excited about the positive changes I’ve observed and the opportunity to once again be a part of a district that gave so much to me.” Coming back to Broken Arrow from Oologah schools, Kinzer hopes to incorporate MARK OFFICER Oliver Middle School new ideas and technologies into • 16 years experience in education North, including • 5 years prior in Broken Arrow schools student response • Career highlights: math and science teacher, junior high administrator, assistant principal, principal
systems, electronic textbooks and student advisory programs. “First, I believe that schools must embrace technology. I know that Broken Arrow has been at the forefront of utilizing technology in the classroom,” said Kinzer. “Tailoring that technology to meet the needs of our students is paramount.” Kinzer sees the importance of many aspects of education, including principal-staff relationships, recognizing students on the verge of being adults, professional development opportunities and the vision of the district. “I am excited about returning to Broken Arrow. It is my belief that years in the classroom as well as my experiences in administration will provide the students, staff and parents with positive experience,” said Kinzer.
Currently, you work as a risk consultant for Commercial Risk Group, Inc. What does that involve, and how will you use that knowledge to benefit the district?
Q&A
I am an independent commercial insurance broker who provides risk management services to employers. I think my experiences will help the district in evaluating our risk management approach and identifying areas that we can improve the district and save money. I have dealt with the construction industry for many years and feel that with the many bond projects being built right now, I can provide knowledge that will help us make the best possible decisions.
Steve Allen is sworn into office by Cheryl Kelly.
You have already served in an interim position on the board. As a board member, what has been your proudest accomplishment thus far? I think my proudest moment was during the snow days when the district was able to provide pay for those employees who were affected by the weather. I think this shows that we really do care about our employees, and we will try to help them whenever possible.
Newly-elected Board member Steve Allen has hopes set high for Broken Arrow
When you aren’t at work or at the school, what are some hobbies you enjoy?
I think everything I’ve done in coaching will As a Broken Arrow graduate, what were some of the positive things you help me in my position as a board member. Much experienced in school that prepared you like being a good coach, it takes commitment to be a good board member in the amount of time for a real-world career?
Well, the thing I enjoy the most is going to my kids’ events, because I love being a dad. Some of my hobbies are golfing, going to the lake, and believe it or not, I collect baseball cards.
I had many great experiences at BA. I had terrific teachers in the classroom and was also blessed to have wonderful coaches who taught me discipline, dedication and hard work. I think the one big way the school prepared me for the real world was in teaching me how to compete. With Broken Arrow being a large school district, I had to compete against a large number of people throughout my schooling, and that’s similar to what I’ve experienced in the real world.
What do you believe is your most important duty as a board member?
What is your most memorable moment from your teaching career at BA? I had many, but the one thing I enjoyed was trying to make the students better as young men and women. I had a student in one of my classes who had been in some trouble and was heading down the wrong path. I asked him what he did outside of school and if he was involved in anything, and he told me he just played basketball down at the community center. Mind you, this kid was about six-foot-three in the 9th grade. As he and I were walking to class I just said, “Well, now you’re going to go and play basketball for Broken Arrow,” and I took him and introduced him to the basketball coach. He ended up going to college at TU and playing basketball.
You’ve been coaching for a number of years. What have you learned as a coach that will help you as a school board member?
it takes to prepare for meetings and learn about the issues the district faces. It requires discipline to make good decisions for all our children, and I have to work as a team with the four other board members. I think working together as a team toward a common goal is the biggest similarity between coaching and board leadership.
What importance do you place on volunteering within the community? I feel that volunteering is the ultimate gift. Many times when people talk about helping charities they seem to think it’s about giving money, but I think giving your time can have so much more of an impact. Certainly the organization and those it serves benefit from the efforts and contributions of volunteers, but many times, it’s the volunteer who benefits most from the experience. I have had the pleasure of working in our wonderful community in many organizations: Broken Arrow Education Foundation, Big Brothers and Sisters, and Broken Arrow Youth Football to name a few. I think the one thing that I enjoy the most is working with the kids in our community, helping them become better citizens and making a difference in their lives.
As a board member I have a fiscal responsibility to the residents of Broken Arrow. The other board members and I need to make sure we are making decisions that are in the best interest of the students of Broken Arrow. It’s not about us – it’s about the people of Broken Arrow who have chosen to send their children to our school. Our duty, my duty, is to serve the people and be their voice in the school district. We all have a part to play in making our school and community the best it can be, and I feel fortunate to be an elected leader in that process.
KeepingPre-K It Enrollment Simple process changing, becoming easier for parents in upcoming school year For parents and students alike, application forms online, at the new enrollment process for school sites or at the Enrollment Broken Arrow Public Schools’ Center. From now until May 13 Pre-K program has become more during open enrollment, parents convenient and easier to use will make first, second and third than in previous years choices for which school they “In the past, would like their child the Pre-K to attend. placements choices WHAT TO BRING: will“These were made on be placed in a (AT TIME OF ENROLLMENT) a first-come, program that will 1. Student’s original birth certififirst-served randomly select cate from the State, not hospital basis, which placements once required open enrollment 2. Completed immunization parents to has closed,” said records start forming Long. “The BAPS 3. Proof of residence, which lines much administration includes a current gas, water or earlier than will make every electric bill. Apartment renters the Enrollment effort to place the may bring a lease. C e n t e r majority, if not all, *You must be a resident residing opened,” said children in a Pre-K in the Broken Arrow school disKay Long, program of their trict. No out of district transfers Director of choosing.” will be granted. Community After parents Relations. “It have received caused difficulties notification of their for parents who were unable to child’s placement, each school make that time commitment for site with a Pre-K program will be enrollment.” assigned dates in which parents For the 2011-2012 school year, can formally enroll their child. a new process is under way “We want to make the that allows parents to complete enrollment process as convenient
as possible for our parents,” said Dwayne Thompson, Chief Financial Officer. “We want to be responsive to the needs of our parents and students, and if a need exists, we will certainly look for ways to increase the number of Pre-K classrooms in our district.” Currently, Broken Arrow has 10 elementary schools that offer a Pre-K program, with two of those offering two programs at each site. Each Pre-K classroom is taught by a certified teacher and has a teaching assistant present. “We have an excellent Pre-K program here in Broken Arrow that helps children acquire reading and math readiness skills as well as important socialization skills,” said Gayla Nida, Executive Director of Elementary Education. “Our children receive a lot of individual attention in an atmosphere of fun, hands-on learning activities.” For more information about the Pre-K program or questions, please call the Enrollment Center at (918) 259-4301 or visit the website at www.baschools.org.
TIPS FOR PARENTS of PRE-SCHOOLERS • Read together every day. • Give everything a name, like touching your child’s nose and asking them to name it. • Say how much you enjoy reading. • Read with fun in your voice, using humor and expression with different voices. • Know when to stop. You’ll know when your child is losing interest or is having trouble paying attention. • Be interactive by pointing out things on the page. • Read their favorite book again and again. • Talk about writing, too. • Point out print everywhere • Get your child evaluated if you have concerns with hearing or sight. Source: Reading Rockets
NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID BROKEN ARROW, OK PERMIT NO. 140
BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS 701 South Main Street Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
Broken Arrow Public Schools Patron Broken Arrow, OK 74011 Broken Arrow, OK 74012 Broken Arrow, OK 74014
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BOND UPDATE Students at Liberty Elementary were given an up-close and personal view of the latest construction on the school, courtesy of the 2009 Bond Election. Principal Karyne Gates explains to a handful of students about the changes on campus, including classroom additions to house future 4th and 5th grade students. As part of the progress of the Bond Election, members of PBK Architects, the project manager for the various bond projects, go over changes with administration pertaining to construction at the Senior High.
For more information and up-to-date construction news, log on to the Broken Arrow Public Schools website at www.baschools.org.