SITES ANNOUNCE 2013-14 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
KRISTIN CHENOWETH TEAMS UP WITH BAPAC FOUNDATION
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE SHOWS DISTRICT PROGRESS
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | VOLUME 39, ISSUE THREE | WINTER 2013
Publisher Communications Department Broken Arrow Public Schools
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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT A few words from the desk of Dr. Jarod Mendenhall
Editing/Content/Photography Tara Thompson Public Information Officer Layout/Design/Photography Adam J. Foreman Graphic Artist/Publications Specialist Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Board of Education Cheryl Kelly, President Steve Allen, Vice President Jerry Denton, Clerk Steve Majors, Deputy Clerk Dr. Theresa Williamson, Member The ARROWPOINT is published six times a year by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is distributed to approximately 45,000 households in the Broken Arrow school district. The ARROWPOINT is printed at Printed Products, Inc., and is the official communication tool for parents, students, staff and patrons of Broken Arrow Public 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. Broken Arrow Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or age in its employment, programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Broken Arrow Public Schools will take all necessary steps to ensure that each school and work place in the District is free from unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status or age. The following people within the District have been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination issues and concerns:
EARNING OUR STRIPES Catch up on the accomplishments that continue to put BAPS at the forefront of education
RACHEL’S CHALLENGE In its third year, the anti-bullying program continues to make an impact on schools
TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
School sites have announced their choices for 2013-14 Teacher of the Year
• The Director of Special Education, Carol Gruben, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • The Assistant Athletic Director, Melenda Knight, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title IX, of the Education Amendments of 1972, at 918-259-4310 or at 1901 E. Albany, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. Inquiries concerning non-discrimination can also be made to the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Broken Arrow Public Schools Education Service Center 701 South Main Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012 (918) 259-5700 | F: (918) 259-4334 www.baschools.org
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ATHLETICS CONFERENCE Student athletes attend leadership conference earlier this semester
• The Chief Human Resources Officer, Ed Fager, 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 Administrative Services, Amy Fichtner, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012;
CONTENTS
BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOLUME 39, ISSUE 3 | WINTER 2013
KRISTIN CHENOWETH Broken Arrow’s favorite Broadway star partners with BAPAC Foundation
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CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE See the amazing progress the district has made in regards to new buildings and improvements
.D. denhall, Ed Jarod Men ls t of Schoo Superintenden
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s a patron of Broken Arrow Public Schools, it’s likely you are already aware of the many great things the students and staff accomplish each and every day at sites throughout the district. But what about your neighbors who don’t have children in school, family members who live out of town or business acquaintances looking for a place to relocate – do they know about the great things Broken Arrow Public Schools has to offer? This feature, “Earning our stripes,” is designed to equip readers with brief bits of information they can use to educate others on why Broken Arrow Public Schools continues to “earn stripes” in its mission to be one of Oklahoma’s premier public school districts. • Budget Committee – Each year a group of employees from throughout the district meets to learn about the budgeting process. These employees represent numerous sites and departments, and each plays an active role in determining the budget priorities for the next fiscal year. • Cheer – The Broken Arrow Varsity cheerleaders dominated this year’s National Cheerleaders Association High School Competition in Dallas, Texas. The prestigious competition attracted 170 cheer teams from across the nation. • Demographic Study – An evergrowing district, school leaders commissioned a demographic study to predict district growth over a ten year period. The demographic information has been used to drive various decisions such as land purchases and school construction. • Long Range Planning Committee – Consisting of approximately 50 parents and patrons from throughout the district, this committee is charged with assisting district officials in long range planning. From redrawing district attendance boundaries to researching land purchases and determining bond issue priorities, this group of stakeholders plays an active role in shaping the district’s future. • Vocal Music – The Broken Arrow Vocal Music Department had 27 high school students qualify for the second round of auditions for the OMEA High School All-State Chorus. There were also 22 7th-9th graders who qualified for the second round of auditions for the OCDA Junior High All-State Chorus. • Radios – Through a partnership with the City of Broken Arrow, the district has implemented a sophisticated radio system for all school sites and buses. The system is compatible to that used by local emergency responders, providing for seamless communication between school
EARNING OUR
STRIPES
• National Merit Semifinalists – Broken Arrow High School students Lauren Kesterson, Anthony Ash and Nina Underwood were recently named National Merit Semifinalists. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test—a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements. officials and law enforcement. • EBackpack – Specifically designed for online document sharing between teachers and students, EBackpack takes classrooms into the paperless realm. The program is accessible from any location with an Internet connection, it allows teachers to share assignments with specific classes and students can turn-in their work online. • The Pride – The Pride of Broken Arrow is the 2013 OBA State Marching Band Champions for the 12th consecutive year, and the 21st time overall. The Pride also swept all awards including Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance and Outstanding General Effect. • Response to Intervention (RTI) – A high-quality, researched-based technique, RTI is a tiered instructional approach whereby struggling learners are identified and provided with increasing levels of
intervention. Decisions about the intensity and duration of the intervention are based on the child’s response to instruction and the ongoing assessments given by the classroom teacher. • Website – From salary schedules and conflict resolution steps to the superintendent’s contract and board agendas, the district website contains a vast amount of information that is available to the public. Patrons are able to send feedback emails on any topic, and those emails are directed to the appropriate employee for a prompt response. These are just a few of the accomplishments and accolades that give you – a patron of Broken Arrow Public Schools – a better idea of how our district is earning its stripes. A new list will be featured in the April issue of Arrowpoint Magazine, so stay tuned for the next printing of “Earning our stripes.”
RE ACT Rachel’s Challenge program enters third year of implementation
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ullying is a very real issue for students throughout the state. Whether online or in person, the effects of bullying can have negative effects on a student’s academic performance, and in some instances, the effects of bullying can be deadly. A number of programs exist to support school districts in their fight to end bullying, and in Broken Arrow, students and staff members continue to turn to a program called Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. Her acts of kindness and compassion have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America. Called “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 seeks to change the culture of a school and community by teaching
STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN THE HOMECOMING PARADE CARRY PAPER CHAINS REPRESENTING ACTS OF KINDNESS THAT STUDENTS EXHIBIT AT THEIR SCHOOLS.
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and promoting kindness at all levels. In third grade, students attend an assembly hosted by Broken Arrow High School students, and through skits, songs, videos and other tools, these upperclassmen share the importance of being kind to everyone. At middle school, the students hear the story of Rachel Scott in its entirety, helping them better understand the life and death impact of words and actions. Freshmen students attend the highly emotional Chain Reaction Day – a program that involves members of the community who volunteer to serve as mentors for this powerful one-day program. To cap off the experience, juniors participate in the Rachel’s Challenge Year 2 Assembly. Throughout the year, each site conducts its own variety of activities to promote the tenants learned through Rachel’s Challenge. In addition to the Rachel’s Challenge Program, for the first time this year character education began in Pre-K. Thanks to the efforts of an owner-dog duo named Travis and Presley, students in grades Pre-k through first grade learned to be kind and patient with their peers. “We realize the best learning environment is one where students feel safe and valued,” said Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Bullying prevention programs and character education curriculum are a necessity for schools, and I am pleased with the way these programs – especially Rachel’s Challenge – are positively impacting students of all ages.”
District announces site
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ust before leaving for Fall Break, each of the district’s 27 school sites proudly announced their 2013 Site Teacher of the Year. “While our district is full of phenomenal educators, each of these 27 individuals was elected by their peers as outstanding educators who continually display innovation and leadership at their sites,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Those serving on the committee tasked with selecting the District Teacher of the Year face a tough assignment – they must select only one educator from this group to serve as the District Teacher of the Year.” Once all the Site Teachers of the Year are announced, the next step in the process is an informational meeting in which the candidates learn about the District Teacher of the Year process. “The Site Teacher of the Year recipients will have until February to submit portfolios outlining their talents and accomplishments,” said Diana Beaulieu, BAPS Director of Elementary Instruction and the administrator tasking with coordinating the Teacher of the Year process. “As a committee, we will review each portfolio, interview the candidates, and eventually arrive at the person we believe to be the best candidate for the District Teacher of the Year. It’s an arduous process for both the candidates and the committee, but it’s incredibly rewarding.” The District Teacher of the Year is announced every spring at the Teacher of the Year Gala. This year’s annual reception will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2014, at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel. The District Teacher of the Year will then go on to represent Broken Arrow Public Schools at the State Teacher of the Year Competition later in the summer of 2014. “The recipients who have served as the District Teacher of the Year during my four years here have been phenomenal examples of the exemplary teachers we have both in the district and in the state,” Mendenhall said. “All 27 of this year’s candidates are carrying on that tradition of excellence, and I am excited to see which one will be named the District Teacher of the Year.”
Elizabeth Guiver Aspen Creek ECC
Lisa Welter Creekwood ECC
Lisa Stanbery Park Lane ECC
Debra Gos Arrowhead Eleme
Donna Murray Leisure Park Elementary
Shelly Duer Liberty Elementary
Marla Edmonson Lynn Wood Elementary
Terri Dershe Oak Crest Eleme
Michelle Bennett Childers Middle School
Elizabeth Schmidt Oliver Middle School
Dana Blackburn Oneta Ridge Middle School
Rachel Forre Sequoyah Middle S
e Teachers of the Year
Bridget Cook Aspen Creek Elementary
Erika Vasas Country Lane Primary
Rhonda Bennett Country Lane Intermediate
Crystal Clark Creekwood Elementary
Gina Jackson Highland Park Elementary
em entary
Tonya Boyle Rhoades Elementary
Jeni Dodd Spring Creek Elementary
Chandra Shrum Vandever Elementary
Tracy Reynolds Wolf Creek Elementary
Kyle Lowry Centennial Middle School
ester School
Tamara Yeldell North Intermediate High
Carolina Garbato South Intermediate High
Cindy Gharibvand Broken Arrow High School
Sharon Wadsworth Margaret Hudson Program
Ashley Tselee Broken Arrow Academy
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LEADERS OF THE PACK Athletics conference focuses on building future leaders
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he first annual Broken Arrow Tiger Athletic Leadership Conference was held this summer, and 60 senior athletes from 13 sports participated in the event. These young men and women were chosen to participate because of their potential to lead their programs for the 20132014 school year. “The purpose of the Tiger Athletic Leadership Conference is to challenge our athletes to lead their teams in many different facets, building champions both on and off the field,” said Athletic Director Ken Ellett. “Through motivational speakers and team-building activities, we challenged student athletes to grow into positive role models for their peers and for the young Tigers who look up to them.” Over the course of the one-day conference, students heard from several leaders in the Broken Arrow athletic community. The lineup of speakers included longtime baseball coach Shannon Dobson, who played at Seminole Junior College and the University of Oklahoma before coming to Broken Arrow where he recently led the Tigers to a State Championship in 2011. Students also heard from newly hired Director of Student Life and
Activities, Jason Jedamski, who was a two-sport college athlete – football at Missouri State University and soccer at Northeastern State University – before beginning his career in education. The 2013 District Teacher of the Year, Tera Landrum, was also among those who spoke with the students. While earning her teaching degree, Landrum played softball at Northeastern State University. A graduate of Broken Arrow in 1982, coach David Alexander played football at Tulsa University before being drafted to play for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets. Alexander was the head coach of the Tulsa Talons, and now coaches on the high school football staff. Aside from hearing the first-hand experiences of these Broken Arrow athletes turned leaders, during the conference student athletes were also introduced to the new Tiger Stripes program. “Part of being an athlete is understanding the bigger role you play in your school and community,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Chuck Perry. “The Tiger Stripes are the pillars of what the athletic program is focused on, and they are intended to teach each student athlete how to have the character that will serve them long after their athletic career has ended.” The Tiger Stripes program begins with those students who participated in the Tiger Athletic Leadership Conference, but looking long-term, the goal is to expand opportunities to learn these Tiger traits to each athletic grade
TIGER S.T.R.I.P.E.S. Service – work done for the betterment of the school and community Trust – rely on one another by creating healthy, dependable relationships Respect – display good manners and compassion, and expect that in return Integrity – character is what you do when no one is looking Positive Attitude – be a role model of optimism in action Excellence – set high standards of excellence in both athletics and academics Self Control – use restraint as a tool for self-improvement level in Broken Arrow. “Our community can be proud of the accomplishments of Broken Arrow athletes, but we also want to make sure we are preparing student athletes to be good citizens,” said Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Through the Tiger Athletic Leadership Conference and the new Tiger Stripes program, our young men and women are learning how to positively impact their community both on and off the field.”
aring for the
community
KRISTIN CHENOWETH PARTNERS WITH B APAC FOUNDATION FOR EXCITING NEW ENDEAVORS
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dream several years in the making is finally coming true for the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center. Broadway and Emmy-winning hometown girl Kristin Chenoweth recently decided to refocus her fundraising and philanthropy efforts. To help support fine arts and community relations in Broken Arrow, she has established the Kristin Chenoweth Fund For Arts & Education through the BAPAC Foundation. Chenoweth was most recently involved with Maddie’s Corner, a charity she launched and helped to grow. While she is proud of her work with Maddie’s Corner, Chenoweth has decided to focus her efforts on the BAPAC. “I am so excited to work more closely with the theater in my hometown that bears my name,” said Chenoweth. “Maddie’s Corner was a huge inspiration for me to continue to learn about how to make my mark in the world, but I am looking forward to this new partnership and the future of BAPAC!” The mission of the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center Foundation is to bring the world of visual and performing arts to Broken Arrow. The Foundation remains dedicated to providing artistic and educational opportunities, offering entertainment and artistic enrichment to the Broken Arrow Community and serving as a vital partner in the cultural and economic vitality of our region. Some current and future initiatives include; The Spotlight Series, educational outreach and master classes with touring artists, after-school and summer arts institutes, scholarship programs, community enrichment and creating opportunities for students to travel and perform on a national level. Chenoweth’s involvement expands beyond just fund raising for the BAPAC Foundation to engaging students and the community in the arts, including the upcoming Carnegie Experience in New York City in April of 2014. Chenoweth has already begun planning out exciting new endeavors for the next few years, most of which are still in the early stages of development. “What Kristin is wanting to do with our town and the PAC is nothing short of amazing,” said Mark Frie, President and CEO of the BAPAC Foundation. “She has such a passion for helping students pursue their love of the arts while at the same time wanting to get surrounding communities involved. With her help, Broken Arrow will be an arts destination like never before.”
YOU CAN HELP To donate to Kristin Chenoweth’s Fund For Arts & Education through the BAPAC Foundation, log on to brokenarrowpac.com/give.html To donate to help students with expenses for The Carnegie Experience, call 918.259.5754 or mail a check to: The Carnegie Experience Attn: Mark Frie 701 South Main Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012
The landscape of Broken Arrow Public Schools continues to transform thanks to
October 2011 – In order to better meet future district needs identified in a demographic study, patrons approve a realignment of $73.5 million of the original bond issue.
ongoing renovations and construction of new
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facilities. This timeline is intended to give patrons
December 2009 – Patrons approve a $295 million bond issue
an overview of the many
August 2012 – Highland Park Elementary is opened, replacing Pa Lane Elementary. Along with this ne elementary, additions and renovatio were also completed at six other elementary sites: Arrowhead, Leisu Park, Lynn Wood, Rhoades, Vandev and Spring Creek. Minor renovation and the construction of secured ent took place at Wolf Creek, Country L Primary, Oliver Middle School and Centennial Middle School. A classro addition was completed at South Intermediate High School.
July 2013 – Th the new fine a the new addit
construction projects that have taken place in the last four years, as well as identify those projects which are still under construction or have yet to begin.
January 2013 – Students and staff begin us new fine arts addition at South Intermediate School. August 2011 – Construction is completed at Central on Main and the Multipurpose Athletic Facility, and a new classroom addition is completed at Liberty Elementary.
August 2013 – Six new facilities are opened at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. Oneta Ridge Middle School, Aspen Creek Elementary and Creekwood Elementary are opened, replacing Haskell Middle School, Indian Springs Elementary and Westwood Elementary. The district also opened three new Early Childhood Centers: Park Lane ECC, Aspen Creek ECC and Creekwood ECC.
STILL TO COME
The bond issue also included a number of other construction projects which have not yet begun. Planning is now under way on improvements at the Transportation Department, and other projects that will begin in the near future include improvements to the Warehouse and Maintenance facilities, as well as an addition to the Performing Arts Center. Additional renovations at the High School are also being planned.
ark ew ons
ure ver ns tries Lane
oom
he Pride students and staff begin using arts spaces that were completed as part of tion to the High School.
sing the e High
November 2013 – Construction continues as Arrow Springs Elementary is remodeled into a fourth ECC. A new addition at Oak Crest Elementary is under construction, as are remodels at Sequoyah Middle School, and the former Westwood Elementary which is being converted to an athletic facility to include a track. Childers Middle School is also under construction, and one of the features at this site will be a display honoring the Creek heritage of its namesake, Col. Ernest Childers. The 93,000 square foot addition at the High School is expected to complete in early 2014.
October 2013 – The High School gymnasium and locker rooms are remodeled, and the wrestling facility is expanded.
CONSTRUCTION
TIMELINE
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All construction from the 2009 Bond Issue should be complete by the year 2016. The Long Range Planning Committee is beginning discussions in preparation for the next bond, which could be placed before voters in the spring of 2015.
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