DISTRICT ANNOUNCES SITE TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
HERE WE GROW: BOND ISSUE 2015
SNEAK PREVIEW: 2013-14 ANNUAL REPORT
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | VOLUME 40, ISSUE THREE | WINTER 2014
A few words from the desk of Dr. Jarod Mendenhall BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOLUME 40, ISSUE 3 | WINTER 2014 Publisher Communications Department Broken Arrow Public Schools Layout/Design/Photography Adam J. Foreman Graphic Artist/Publications Specialist Editing/Content Shelli Holland-Handy Chief Communications Officer Christina Dixon Communications & Community Relations Coordinator 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 48,500 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: • 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, Administrative Services, Chuck Perry, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, at 918259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • 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. • The Chief Operating Officer, Michelle Bergwall, should be contacted for issues related to accessibility to facilities, services and activities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, 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 Office for Civil Rights. The contact information for the Kansas City Enforcement Office is: Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106; Telephone: (816) 268-0550; TTY: (877) 521-2172; Facsimile: (816) 823-1404; Email: OCR.KansasCity@ ed.gov
EARNING OUR STRIPES
Catch up on the accomplishments that continue to put BAPS at the forefront of education
STEM: ROOTS OF LEARNING
Teachers earn kudos for integrating STEM teaching into the classroom
SITE TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
School sites have announced their choices for 2014-15 Teacher of the Year
HERE WE GROW: 2015 BOND ISSUE New bond issue is up for a vote in February 2015, proposing new ways to help Broken Arrow grow
SNEAK PREVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT
Relive the 2013-14 academic year with a comprehensive look at the BAPS district
CONTENTS
3 4 5 6-7 8-9 10-11
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
DON’T FORGET THE LITTLE ONES!
, and 5 school year
-201 r of the 2014 first semeste
.D. denhall, Ed Jarod Men ls oo ch t of S Superintenden
A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {3}
the g the end of e approachin ar e w e deal. ts. Rachel ev li be it Semifinalis ished a g reat pl er m It is hard to M co al n ac io e ed Nat d staff hav proximately ts were nam students an e among ap ar chool studen l S h el already our h ig S H s vi ow Arr to d Tra r, six Broken opportunity ett Parker an In Septembe ow have the ly Harper, R n ol d H an e, L or m , Tra is hon ret Morton alified for th Pribble, Gar ion who qu at n e th ss ro ents need ents from ac ng. tion our stud di da an st un t 16,000 stud fo is e al th ide s erit Fin e may prov organization e National M nd so that w community pa th ex advance to th bo to s om ue fr ed ntin nding prog ram co funds are us ant g rant fu e combined Our STEM es ived import h ce T re . ct on ri ti st e di Educa two of century. Th dditionally, Technolog y for the 21st this year. A Career and ls of oo t h sc en e tm dl ar ve mid ey are doing ahoma Dep lum at all fi the work th r cu ri fo n ur and the Okl C io it y n g reco echnolog ely, received ateway to T d Andrea Sag to provide G an l de ra G onna A State educators, D o-Ed OSSA our STEM ht Large C ig ra st d ir eir th At Super ts. ders won th Champions. ea te rl ta S ee h ic with studen C m ty Acade r Varsi er Regional 14 Class 6A activities, ou America Sup amed the 20 n of In student e er ds w an s B er at e 2014 ady Tig s. Recently, as named th ip, and the L nd National ken Arrow w ra Championsh ro G B at of d n de ri co se he P the area St. Louis, T , they placed pionship in Indianapolis Regionals in State Cham in o 6A a ag ks on w ee w Team and several t’s One Act e top notch! Champion, a departmen am dr 15 e r students ar th ou , y, on sa ti ti to ility of a 20 pe fe m k it is sa r the possib in fo th g their state co I in . ar m ea ep ong s of pr nical T ctober, the L w and Tech d the proces so continue ms held in O of Stage Cre al ru e fo av y h it e w un r, Now comm t the semeste Education. trons at five Throughou the Board of from our pa to ck ts ba ec ed oj fe g pr in community mended After receiv ith various st of recom w li g a n bond issue. ti d si te vi en e ill be ittee pres election, I w e. I encourag ning Comm for the bond the bond issu t Range Plan ed ou ll ab ca n as io h tion format , 2015. rd of Educa s to share in February 10 that the Boa t few month on ex te n e vo th to er y, ts ov ultimatel district and f, and paren l bring our r input, and il fe w of ar s, g roups, staf ye on ti s the new , ask ques citing thing me informed to all the ex d you to beco ar rw fo look ude 2014, I a Tiger! As we concl at year to be re g a be l il 2015 w community.
A
t Broken Arrow Public Schools, we strive to earn our stripes as we educate our students, and engage them both in and outside of the classroom. Here are a few highlights of the many great things being achieved each day in our district. Not only do we hope to inform BAPS patrons, but we also hope you will share the accomplishments of our students and staff with friends and family members who live outside the district.
EARNING OUR
STRIPES
A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {4}
• Cheer – Broken Arrow’s varsity cheer squad won their third consecutive Large Coed Division Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) State Championship by a margin of 12 points. • The Pride of Broken Arrow – In keeping with tradition, the Pride of Broken Arrow took first place in the Bands of America (BOA) Super Regional held in St. Louis. In November, the Pride represented Broken Arrow Public Schools at the Grand National Championship where they took second place. The group also took first in the 2014 Oklahoma Bandmasters Association contest. • Tulsa Area United Way District Campaign – As a longtime supporter of the Tulsa Area United Way, the employees of Broken Arrow Public Schools raised more than $114,000 this year, surpassing their goal of $110,000. In addition to monetary donations, district employees participated in various community service projects benefiting local organizations such as Broken Arrow Neighbors, the Margaret Hudson Program and A New Leaf. • Softball – The Lady Tigers were the State runner-ups and the 2014 Class 6A Academic State Champions with an overall 3.83 GPA. • Rising Star Awards – Broken Arrow student Kamesha Boykin was honored with a $5,000 scholarship from the U.S. business group of Sun Life Financial as one of two student recipients of its Sun Life Rising Star Awards in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. As a student in the BAPS Margaret Hudson program, Boykin was nominated for displaying exemplary leadership skills within her school and community.
• National Merit Semifinalists – Six BAHS students were honored as this year’s National Merit Semifinalists for their prestigious academic accomplishments. Tram Le, Travis Shell , Holly Harper, Garret Morton, Rachel Pribble and James “Rett” Parker and are among approximately 16,000 students from across the nation who have qualified for this honor.
• BAHS Drama – The 10th grade drama students placed third at the Regional One-Act competition, and their production of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” qualified them for the 6A State One-Act Competition. At State, they received first in Outstanding Stage Crew and Technical Team. • Construction Celebrations – From constructing new sites to renovating longstanding buildings, Broken Arrow Public Schools has worked diligently since the passing of the 2009 bond issue to make major improvements. Since August, the district has hosted five ribbon cutting ceremonies at various sites, including Arrow Springs Early Childhood Center, Oak Crest Elementary, Sequoyah Middle School, the Freshman Academy, and Tiger Threads, the official BA spirit store of Broken Arrow Public Schools.
• Gateway To Technology – In the secondary schools, BAPS received a $100,000 gift from Schusterman Foundation, ZEECO and Paragon Films to start Gateway to Technology classes in all five middle schools. This curriculum, produced by Career Tech, is also embedded in all six grade science classes. Additionally, the Freshman Academy and BAHS implemented a new Introduction to Manufacturing course series, in cooperation with Tulsa Technology Center, to provide students with a pathway to Tulsa Tech certification courses, or to receive national certification through Broken Arrow High school. While we are proud of all we have done to earn our stripes, our success is the direct result of the support of our community. Your patronage is appreciated and crucial to the success of Broken Arrow Public Schools.
Roots of Learning
Educators recognized for integration of STEM in the classroom
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to every elementary school. As part of the program, kindergarten through fifth grade students visit the lab once a week for hour-long, grade appropriate challenges, such as computer coding, bridge construction, Lego robotics and more. “STEM allows our students to take ownership of the learning process,” said Denise Maguire, STEM teacher at Arrowhead. “The process teaches our students critical thinking skills. The ability to view a problem, make a plan to solve it and implement the plan is an important skill at all points of life.” A group of Broken Arrow High School (BAHS) students and their teacher are currently following the same critical-thinking process on a much larger scale to solve a real-world problem half way across the world. BAHS science teacher Donna Gradel and 13 students are gaining national attention for recently receiving a $10,000 Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam grant to create a low-cost, sustainable fish food for developing countries. Her team is the first in Oklahoma to receive this grant that was established in 2002 and is one of 15 in the nation this year. Their challenge? Concocting an indigenous and all-natural food made of a mealworm and algae mixture for tilapia in Kenya. This process includes harvesting the ingredients and designing a solar dehydrator to
A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {5}
rom elementary to high school, Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) educators are integrating a strong balance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the classroom, igniting an inventive spirit among their students. “By introducing STEM at an early level, we can build upon our students’ curiosities, helping them explore their talents and preparing them for future successes,” said Andrea Sagely, BAPS STEM instructional specialist who was recognized by the International STEM Education Association as one of two STEM Champions for her work in advancing STEM education. Sagely launched the first elementary STEM lab program at Rhoades Elementary in January 2013. She has since been integral in expanding the program in other elementary schools across the district, with plans to eventually add labs
produce the pellets. “This project is STEM in action,” said Donna Gradel, who is this year’s BAHS Teacher of the Year. “The goal is having students go through the process of invention, meaning they begin at point A, and learn how to overcome and adjust to the many setbacks they might encounter along the way. Although inventing a costeffective alternative to traditional fish food would be fantastic, it’s the process of invention that are the true life lessons.” The team showcases their project at EurekaFest at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Mass., next June. To follow their journey, please visit brokenarrowinventeam. wordpress.com “These students are engaged in a higher level learning project that affords them the opportunity to have a global impact, and that is something we can all be proud of,” Gradel said.
District announces sit
P
A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {6}
rior to fall break, each of the district’s 27 schools announced their 2014-15 Site Teacher of the
Year. “Each of these 27 individuals were selected by their peers as outstanding teachers who continually display qualities of leadership and innovation,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “I hope every employee will join me in congratulating these individuals on their accomplishment.” The Teacher of the Year process continues as the site representatives compete for the District Teacher of the Year. Each Site Teacher of the Year will submit a portfolio to the Teacher of the Year Professional Development Committee, a group composed of teachers, administrators and previous Teachers of the Year. This year’s District Teacher of the Year will be announced at the annual Star Awards Gala taking place at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel on April 16, 2015. From there, this educator represents Broken Arrow Public Schools in the State Teacher of the Year competition next summer. “As a committee, we meet to thoroughly evaluate each portfolio, conduct interviews and select the best candidate for District Teacher of the Year,” said Jennifer Peterson, Senior Executive Director of Elementary Instruction. “Although the process is quite rigorous, it allows us to not only honor outstanding educators in our district but also helps all of our educators strive to be the best they can be for the benefit of our students.”
Kyle Cole Arrow Springs ECC
Marla Warwick Aspen Creek ECC
Jessica Hendricks Creekwood ECC
Kimberly Lit Park Lane EC
Deanna Calvert Highland Park Elementary
Helen Hester Leisure Park Elementary
Amy Napier Liberty Elementary
Lynn Loren Lynn Wood Eleme
Kelly Docto Centennial Middle School
Penny Crofford Childers Middle School
Debbie Coffman Oliver Middle School
Andrea For Oneta Ridge Middle
te Teachers of the Year
Donna Chadwick Arrowhead Elementary
Alison Sutton Aspen Creek Elementary
Jessica Thornton Country Lane Primary
Kim Archer Country Lane Intermediate
Rachel Hammon Creekwood Elementary
nz entary
Amanda Bowser Oak Crest Elementary
Serenity Thompson Rhoades Elementary
Karen Snider Spring Creek Elementary
Judy Mullins Vandever Elementary
Dana Lawson Wolf Creek Elementary
Beth Davis Sequoyah Middle School
Chris Ennis Freshman Academy
Donna Gradel Broken Arrow High School
Michael Lugar Broken Arrow Academy
Ashley Nickelson Margaret Hudson Program
rt e School
A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {7}
tton CC
BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOND ISSUE 2015
A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {8}
T
he 2009 bond issue and the reallocation of bond funds in 2011 were a major step in addressing some long overdue needs of the district. As a result of these bond issues, Broken Arrow Public Schools made immense improvements to facilities and provided safe, enriching learning environments for all students. Thanks to voters, portable buildings were completely eliminated, security and technology were vastly improved at every site, and there is equity for all students across the district as a result of these funds. The 2015 bond issue projects total
$370 million and will be completed over the course of 12 years. By planning for long-term capital improvement projects, resources can be better utilized while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. These projects were carefully identified by the Long Range Planning Committee and include classrooms for growth, facilities for student programs, improvements in security and facility maintenance, advances in technology and instruction, and upgrades in transportation. The structure of this bond issue was intentionally designed to provide flexibility. If at any time a new need is identified,
approved projects that have not yet begun can be postponed until a later date. Additionally, much like in 2011, the district can present a new proposal to voters if a reallocation of funds is needed. This bond issue is an opportunity to meet the needs of a growing district while continuing the momentum of excellence. The election for the bond issue will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2015. For additional information, visit BASCHOOLS. ORG/2015Bond. For questions about specific bond project proposals, contact your school, email the district at feedback@baschools.org or call 918-2595700.
FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS Why is BAPS proposing a new bond issue?
thorough, with expert guidance and input from parents, the community, staff and students. If the research and dialogue with the community indicate we should change our high school configuration, we can assess whether bond funds need to be reallocated. None of the projects proposed on the 2015 bond issue precludes us from moving toward an additional high school.
With a current enrollment of approximately 18,400 students, the BAPS district is growing at a rate of about 3% per year. We must continue to add new facilities as well as maintain existing ones to meet the demands of this growth.
Will the 2015 bond issue increase taxes?
No, the 2015 bond issue will not increase taxes. Through careful planning, BAPS has ensured that we can meet the needs of our growing district without requesting a tax increase from Broken Arrow taxpayers.
Will all schools benefit from the bond issue?
Yes, every student and school site in the BAPS district will benefit from the passage of the 2015 bond. Each school site will receive annual allocations for instruction and technology needs. Additionally, all schools will benefit from
the transportation and furniture, fixture, and equipment improvements. The ultimate goal is to ensure there is equity across the district so that every student has the same educational opportunities in a safe, enriching learning environment.
If this bond issue passes, what will we do if we need to build another high school?
In the fall of 2015, we will begin to research and facilitate a conversation with the community about high school configuration. This process will be very thoughtful and
What if the bond issue does not pass?
Due to projected student growth, without a new bond issue, our schools will become overcrowded. If we do not build new classrooms and schools soon, we risk returning to portable buildings.
Can money from the bond proposal be used to pay teacher salaries and benefits?
No. By law, school districts are not allowed to use bond funds for salaries. Bond funds must be kept separate from operating funds and utilized for capital improvement projects.
2015 BOND PROJECTS CLASSROOMS FOR GROWTH • Three New Elementary Schools • High School STEM Classroom Addition • New Middle School • Sequoyah Middle School Renovation and Expansion • Childers and Oliver Middle School Renovation and Expansion • Freshman Academy Classroom Expansion • Special Education Classrooms • Land Acquisition
$195,500,000
FACILITIES FOR STUDENT PROGRAMS • Kirkland Activity Complex • Two School Auditoriums • Westwood Spirit and Auxiliary Gymnasium • Vocational Agricultural Facility
$89,000,000
$38,500,000
SEQUOYAH MIDDLE SCHOOL
• Elementary Renovations • High School Renovation • Broken Arrow Alternative Academy Renovation • District Maintenance, Security, and Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment
TECHNOLOGY and INSTRUCTION • District Technology Allocation • District Instructional Allocation
TRANSPORTATION • Buses and Student Transportation
$38,000,000 BROKEN ARROW HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
$9,000,000
TOTAL BOND:
$370,000,000
KIRKLAND ACTIVITY COMPLEX
PROGRESS AS PROMISED Project highlights from the 2009 bond issue and 2011 reallocation • Added 830,000 square feet to our buildings and facilities • Opened four early childhood centers, three elementary schools and one middle school • Removed 117 portable buildings and added 311 classrooms • Improved the safety and security of our schools by adding 23 secured front entries and 1,300 security cameras • Added 28 fine arts spaces with 13 at secondary sites and 15 at elementary sites • Added 23 science/STEM spaces with 13 at secondary sites and 10 elementary sites • Added 12 media centers and seven gymnasiums • Improved technology across the district with the addition of 883 interactive boards and 1,000 Wi-Fi access points
NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {9}
SECURITY and MAINTENANCE
SNEAK PEEK
“Education gives me the
freedom
to choose any job I want when I grow up. A great education will also get me into a good
college.
A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {10}
THE WRITING
IS ON THE
WALL
2 013 - 2 014 A N N U A L R E P O R T The 2013-14 school year was one of much progress and history-making student moments. From instructional breakthroughs to superior athletic displays of team building, Broken Arrow Public Schools always had the future in mind for its students, staff and patrons. All of this is captured in the Annual Report, a comprehensive publication showcasing how the district is always thinking one step ahead of current educational trends. Reports are available at each school site and the Education Service Center. Pick one up today and see why the writing is on the wall for the future of BAPS–and it looks incredibly bright. You can also view the report online at baschools.org/annualreport.
I want to study medicine so I can be a doctor when I grow up. What I learn now in math and science will help me when I become a doctor. Each year I am in school, I will be
learning more and more.”
MATTHEW RAGAN
Leisure Park Elementary Third Grade
What does education mean to the fut See what seve BAPS students staff have to sa their own wor throughout th report.
INSTRUCTION
Broken Arrow is at the forefront of education, with unique and exciting programs such as the STEM program, Reading Recovery, Gateway To Technology and others leading the way. In the past five years, the average ACT score for Broken Arrow students has continually exceeded both national and state averages. Tonya Boyle of Rhoades Elementary represented the district well as the 2013-14 Teacher of the Year, even being named a Top 12 finalist for State Teacher of the Year.
BY THE NUMBERS
Ever wonder how many miles our school buses are driven each year? In the social media age, do you wonder how many “fans” our district has on Facebook? Just how many students were there in the district at the conclusion of last school year? And did you ever wonder just how much milk is served to students for lunch?
The connection between school and community is as important as ever. Students have the chance of gaining real world work experience through the district’s Career Exploration Program. Both the BAPS Foundation and Partners In Education contribute significantly to teachers and students through grants and giving. The district itself pitches in on many worthy causes, including food drives and the United Way campaign.
s
ture? eral s and ay in rds he
FINE ARTS
Academics are a priority in Broken Arrow schools, but a well-rounded education is also enhanced by many other endeavors, including fine arts. In April 2014, several groups of fine arts students– including band, choir, orchestra and drama–made an historical trip to New York City to perform at the famed Carnegie Hall. Back at home, the various programs achieved many honors, including The Pride of Broken Arrow capturing its 21st Oklahoma Bandmasters Association State Marching Championship.
THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL: 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT features the above articles and much more. Pick one up today and see how Broken Arrow Public Schools continues its mission of “Educating Today, Leading Tomorrow.”
A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {11}
COMMUNITY
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