INSIDE Google Chromedesk Pre-K Enrollment Project Graduation Student Engagement
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
VOLUME 41, ISSUE 4 | SPRING 2016
contents
INSIDE
ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOLUME 41, ISSUE 4 | SPRING 2016 Publisher Communications Department Broken Arrow Public Schools Layout/Design/Photography Adam J. Foreman Graphic Artist/Publications Specialist
WIND ENSEMBLE AT MIDWEST CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO
Editing/Content Shelli Holland-Handy Chief Communications Officer Christina Dixon Communications & Community Relations Coordinator Amanda Summers Executive Director of Public Relations 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
From the Superintendent Page Three
Earning Our Stripes Page Four
The ARROWPOINT is published six times a year by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is distributed to approximately 50,000 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.
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA DIXON
Google Chromedesk at Freshman Academy Page Five
Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment Pages Six & Seven
Project Graduation 2016 Pages Eight & Nine
Something For Everyone: Student Engagement Pages Ten & Eleven There will be no discrimination in the District because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender expression or identity, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, or genetic information in its programs, services, activities and employment. The district also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America 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. The following people within the District have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the District’s non-discrimination policies, issues and concerns: • For all student issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (questions or complaints based on race, color, and national origin), the Assistant Superintendent, Student Services, Chuck Perry, should be contacted at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • 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) (for questions or complaints based on disability),The Director of Special Education, Debbie Renz, should be contacted at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • For all student issues related to Title IX, of the Education Amendments of 1972 (for questions or complaints based on sex, pregnancy, gender, gender expression or identity), the Assistant Athletic Director, Melenda Knight, should be contacted at 918-259-4310 or at 1901 E. Albany, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. • For issues related to accessibility to facilities, services and activities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Chief Operating Officer, Michelle Bergwall, should be contacted at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • For all non-student and/or employment related issues (including questions or complaints based on age), or for any individual who has experienced some other form of discrimination, including discrimination not listed above, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Ed Fager, should be contacted 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.
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greetings
letter from the
SUPERINTENDENT Since 1904, Broken Arrow Public Schools has laid a foundation of excellence by providing a high-quality education to its students. Throughout the years, many changes have taken place at the state level in public education – some positive and several negative. As you may be aware, the 2016 legislative session is well underway, and a number of educational topics are being addressed, including funding, budget cuts and teacher pay raises. I would like to take a moment to focus on the latter. The starting salary for an Oklahoma teacher is about $31,000, and the average salary is roughly $44,000. Both numbers are the lowest in the region and a number that, I believe, is completely unacceptable. During the past eight years, Oklahoma has gained more than 45,000 students but has lost millions of dollars in state aid funding. During this time, the state has failed to provide teachers with pay raises, forcing teachers to leave the profession and our state for higher paying jobs which has resulted in a severe teacher shortage. Because of our inability to pay teachers appropriately, it has become increasingly difficult to retain teachers to serve Oklahoma students. In an attempt to solve this problem, lawmakers, educators and civic leaders are proposing solutions. Last year, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister proposed the #OKhigh5, which would provide teachers with a $5,000 pay increase in five years. This year, Governor Mary Fallin is suggesting to appropriate $178 million in new money to provide a $3,000 pay raise for every Oklahoma teacher. Another solution being proposed by University of Oklahoma President David Boren is to create a penny sales tax on the ballot for $5,000 raises. Regardless of which plan you support, I hope you’ll become engaged in the process as an Oklahoma citizen. I believe there is always a silver lining, and this is the perfect opportunity to reprioritize what is important. I encourage you to reach out to legislators and let them know how much you appreciate our teachers. After all, behind every great person is a great teacher – and that is something I hope we never forget.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Superintendent of Schools
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h o n o r s
Earning Our
STRIPES
At 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. • National Signing Day – More than 40 Broken Arrow High School students signed national letters of intent on Feb. 3, officially announcing where they will continue to showcase their athletic talents beyond high school. • Athletics – Freshman swimmer Annie Kramer broke a 22-year-old school record in the 100-yard backstroke with 1:01.74. In addition, Tiger baseball coach Shannon Dobson was inducted into the Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association (OBCA) Hall of Fame, and assistant coach Andy Summers was named the OBCA Assistant Coach of the Year. • JROTC Program – This year, the district began an Air Force National Defense Cadet Corps program, and it is proving to be popular at Broken Arrow High School. A ceremony was held in November to officially activate the district’s unit and the 94 students who are enrolled. The curriculum for the elective course is composed of 40 percent aerospace science, 40 percent leadership education and 20 percent physical fitness. Students also participate in field trips to military bases, aerospace facilities and aviation museums. • Junior Botball Robotics Challenge – Earlier this year, BAPS hosted its second annual Junior Botball Robotics Challenge. Twenty-one teams from 12 Broken Arrow elementary schools and one middle school participated
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• Broken Arrow High School Wind Ensemble – In December, the BAHS Wind Ensemble was one of four high school bands from across the nation selected to perform at the Midwest Clinic – the world’s largest instrumental music education conference in Chicago. After the Midwest Clinic, the Sousa Foundation announced that the Broken Arrow High School band and the Keller High School band in Texas were this year’s winners of the Sudler Shield - an international award recognizing marching bands of world-class excellence. This is the third time Broken Arrow has been the recipient of the Sudler Shield.
in a number of challenges that help them prepare for state in April. This program teaches students how to write code and apply the engineering design process using robots. Learn more at juniorbotballchallenge.org. • 2016 Man of Distinction – BAPS Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall was recently named as a Man of Distinction by Tulsa Business and Legal News. He was one of 19 to be honored for his professional, civic and personal efforts in the betterment of the community. • 2014-15 Annual Report – To highlight the district’s successes both inside and outside of the classroom,
BAPS’ comprehensive annual report, “Mosaic: Pieces of Education,” showcases a variety of programs, initiatives and accomplishments from the previous school year. To view the annual report online, please visit baschools.org. You can also pick up a copy at the Education Service Center, located at 701 S. Main St., or at any school site. 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.
®
technology
FRESHMEN COLIN WATSON AND ISAAC ROGERS WORK AT THE STUDENT CHROMEDESK AT THE FRESHMAN ACADEMY.
Laptop Learning
Student-led Chromedesk gives first-hand experience with technology At the beginning of the school year, Broken Arrow Public Schools enhanced student learning with the implementation of a one-to-one computer initiative by providing personal Chromebooks for each student at the Freshman Academy. To provide troubleshooting and repairs through exceptional customer service, a student-run Chromedesk was created for ninth graders to gain hands-on experience in the field of information technology. “The Chromedesk is the first stop for students who are experiencing issues with their Chromebook computers,” said Brandon Chitty, BAPS digital learning integrationist and developer. “The students who run the Chromedesk enroll in the semester-long class and help solve software and hardware issues, as well as make certain that every freshman has a functional device for learning.” Through a collaborative effort between instruction and technology, the district began planning and laying the groundwork
for the one-to-one initiative nearly two years ago. In addition to bolstering wireless infrastructure, the team spent months researching the best device for Broken Arrow students, evaluating what worked well for other districts and implementing best practices for student internet safety. “We selected the Google Chromebook due to its ease of use, synchronization with Google Apps for Education, long battery life and education-focused programming,” Chitty said. By providing students with increased access to technology, the classroom becomes more interactive, assignments more collaborative and students more engaged. “This student-run help desk is an intricate part of Broken Arrow’s digital learning program,” said Linda Nymeyer, Chromedesk instructor. “With the assistance of these student experts at our Chromedesk, students and teachers are
realizing the full benefits of an e-learning environment.” Chromedesk student Peyton Bell is enjoying the opportunity to assist and provide technical support for his classmates. “This class has been a great learning tool for me,” Bell said. “It has taught me social skills, problem solving and, most importantly, patience. Every day is different, and we never know what kind of technical issue we’ll see.” Next year, the one-to-one program will expand to include students in grades 1012. “The Chromedesk will be a vital piece of the puzzle when introducing the computers at the high school,” said Bell. “With more than 3,500 students on campus, technical support will be crucial in making the Chromebook experience as smooth as possible.”
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instruction
Early Developmen
Enrollment opens for BAPS’ successful pre-k Four-year-old Karsyn Gann sits on the magic carpet with 19 of her newest friends, excitedly awaiting for Mrs. Perrier’s announcement of their next classroom activity. “Now, we are going to sing ‘Wish You Well’ and send kind thoughts to our friends who are not here today,” Park Lane Early Childhood Center teacher Lorey Perrier said. As she begins to sing, tiny voices and smiles fill the room. Mrs. Perrier’s pre-kindergarten classroom is one of 63 that teaches students social skills, problem solving and literacy, in addition to kindness. “Broken Arrow is committed to providing a full-day option for all eligible four year olds in the district,” said Karla Dyess, BAPS executive director of elementary education. “We know a strong foundation in early childhood education has a huge impact on future learning. Our students learn how to read and write,
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instruction
transitionhelp Easing Transition Into School:
• Talk with and read to your child. • Build a happy attitude towards school. • Teach your child to dress independently. • Teach your child safety rules. • Let your child make decisions at home. • Encourage your child to pick up toys, etc. • See that your child eats well and gets enough sleep. • Let your child play with other children of the same age. • Encourage naming shapes, colors, sizes, pictures and things in the environment. • Encourage your child to take care of toilet needs independently. • Help your child learn to follow directions. • Teach your child his/her full name.
Your Child’s Day Will Include:
• Breakfast/Lunch/Snack • Gross Motor Activities (outdoor play) • Fine Motor Development (purposeful play during learning centers) • Brain Break (rest time) • Art/Creative Movement/Music • Math, listening, speaking, reading and writing opportunities integrated throughout the day
nt
BA Early Childhood Centers Offer:
kindergarten program while also refining their gross and fine motor skills in a fun way.” Now in its third year, this all-day program is staying on the forefront of childhood education, serving more than 1,000 Pre-K students at four Broken Arrow early childhood centers (ECC) – Arrow Springs ECC, Aspen Creek ECC, Creekwood ECC and Park Lane ECC. In 2011, Broken Arrow patrons voted to reallocate $73.5 million bond dollars of the original $295 million bond passed in 2009, making construction of all four ECCs possible. With engaging classrooms and architectural building designs, these stateof-the-art facilities were built specifically with four year olds in mind. “Broken Arrow’s early childhood centers were designed to address the needs of the whole child by guiding their cognitive, social, emotional, physical and creative development,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Our Pre-K administrators and teachers accomplish this through purposeful play
and differentiated instruction to actively engage our youngest Tigers.” Each ECC is equipped with early childhood certified teachers and teaching aides who educate no more than 20 students per classroom. Through activities centered on reading, writing, math, art and music, students begin developing early reasoning and problem solving skills – all of which support the district’s mantra of Literacy, Engagement and, eventually, Graduation. “Full-day Pre-K is a tremendous gift to our community,” said Park Lane ECC Principal Barbara Jones. “We believe this program sets the stage for student success at Broken Arrow Public Schools and beyond.” Enrollment for Broken Arrow’s Pre-K program is currently taking place and is open to all age eligible children who reside in the district. For more information, please visit baschools.org or call the enrollment office at 918-259-4301.
• Early Childhood Certified Teacher • Full-time Teaching Aide • Family involvement to support the child’s educational experience • Researched-based curriculum • Developmentally appropriate practices through Oklahoma State Standards • Full-day program • School Readiness Program • Ongoing authentic assessment
Strategies to Support Positive Learning
• Curiosity and Initiative: Encourage students to learn new things, have new experiences and try new activities • Engagement: Promote engagement in play as a means of exploration and learning. • Creativity and Imagination: Assist students in developing reasoning and problem solving to further his/her knowledge. • Persistence: Teach students to maintain focus, seek assistance and modified strategies to complete a task.
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students
Class Project
Project Graduation carries on tradition of safety, traditio For more than 20 years, Broken Arrow High School’s (BAHS) Project Graduation has given graduating seniors a way to celebrate their achievement with classmates in a supervised, fun and safe environment. This all-night “lock-in” party in the BAHS Field House will bring the Class of 2016 together for one last hoorah following this year’s commencement ceremony on May 16. “Graduation is the culminating event of a student’s high school career and Project Graduation allows our kids to celebrate in style,” Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall said. “More importantly, it provides a safe venue for the graduating class to come together one last time to enjoy food, activities and fellowship.” Nationwide, prom and graduation nights are statistically the most fatal for high school students. Project Graduation offers each and every graduating
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“As students, we have the honor of providing a fun night to keep our fellow students safe.” – Morgan Jones Broken Arrow High School senior senior a safe place to experience their achievement, and Broken Arrow families may take comfort knowing that their children remain safe while celebrating. For many years, the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) has facilitated
Project Graduation and established it as the wonderful tradition it has become. Their foundation and guidance has made it possible for Broken Arrow students to now take the reins and work together to make this event a night to remember. Guided by BAPS Director of Student Life and Activities Jason Jedamski and his team, the 2016 COLABASH (Committee on Life at Broken Arrow Senior High) student leaders are learning how to fundraise, network, negotiate, budget and facilitate an event on a larger scale. “They are now in the process of raising funds, securing contracts with vendors, scheduling facilities, solidifying food options, developing programming, and securing and organizing volunteers,” Jedamski said. “These are skills that will serve them well past their high school years. They have really taken pride in making this event their own for
students
themselves and their classmates.” Senior Morgan Jones is excited about helping plan this year’s event. “Starting a new tradition and setting the bar high for future Project Graduations are
our main goals,” Jones said. “As students, we have the honor of providing a fun night to keep our fellow students safe, while enjoying the very last time that most of us will all be together at once.”
how you can help
on after commencement ceremony
While graduation marks the end of students’ high school career, it also marks the beginning of their journey beyond BA. It is cause for great celebration, and since 1990, Broken Arrow Public Schools has partnered with organizations and businesses throughout the community to honor graduating seniors with one last celebration together – Project Graduation. Become a project Graduation sponsor and receive visibility at the graduation ceremony on Monday, May 16, 2016, and at Project Graduation later that evening. You can also become involved as a volunteer or donate items for the event such as food, drinks or prizes. “Our Broken Arrow seniors belong to the community, and for many years, the community has partnered with the district to make certain that Project Graduation continues to happen each and every year,” Dr. Mendenhall said. “Your support means that more than 1,100 students will experience the celebration of a lifetime and their families may take comfort knowing that their children remain safe.” For more information, please visit www.baschools. org/projectgraduation.
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outreach
profile Jason JEDAMSKI
Director of Student Life And Activities Always recognizing the link between student activity involvement and student success, Jason Jedamski attended a presentation at the National Dropout Convention several years ago. There, he learned that aside from family connectedness, school connectedness is the most influential factor for school success. In his three years as director of student life and activities at Broken Arrow, he has witnessed student involvement on the high school campus dramatically increase. From creating new events to revamping traditional ones, he is continually seeking ways to connect BAHS students to each other and the school. These events include dances, homecoming activities, a back-to-school Aloha Bash, student section support at athletic and fine art events, leadership opportunities and more.
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Something fo
District strives to offer student engagem Two years ago, Broken Arrow Public Schools’ (BAPS) Director of Student Life and Activities Jason Jedamski said, “I’m confident that as participation in student activities becomes the ‘new normal’ for our students, a renewed energy will overtake Broken Arrow.” As Tiger pride reaches an all-time high, this statement couldn’t be more accurate. From fine arts opportunities to athletic events and from extracurricular activities to increased student involvement, BAPS is taking its mantra, “Literacy, Engagement and Graduation – every student, every day” to heart. “Research proves that school connectedness is one of most influential factors for success both inside and outside of the classroom,” Jedamski said. “From the elementary level to the secondary level, it is important to create an environment in which every student has a niche.”
STARTING AT SQUARE ONE At Broken Arrow’s 14 elementary schools, students become engaged through a variety of activities. “Early school engagement jumpstarts our students’ love for learning, not only academically but also socially and mentally,” said Jennifer Peterson, director of elementary instruction. Classes such as physical education, music and art are required for every student in grades 1-5. Students can also participate in various clubs and groups, including safety patrol, yearbook, honor choirs and bands, and many others. “It is our hope that if we can engage students at a young age, then they will eventually find and continue their passions at the secondary level and beyond,” Peterson said.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS At the middle school and high school levels, there are a number of activities, clubs, athletics and fine arts opportunities in which students can engage before, during and after school.
“Engagement occurs when students make an emotional investment in learning, whether through routine classroom requirements, athletics, fine arts or through the many opportunities that BAPS offers its students to become involved,” said Chuck Perry, assistant superintendent of administrative services. “The skills they learn by being active participants in their schools lay the foundation for success after high school.” Senior Abril Aguirre believes her involvement on the high school campus has provided her with unlimited opportunities this year. “It’s been incredible to work with other students who have the same goals as me, and together, I believe we have completely transformed the high school’s culture,” Abril said. “When people ask what school I go to, I’m so proud to say I attend Broken Arrow High School.” Jedamski, who teaches Abril’s Student Council Officer Leadership class, believes his students recognize they are in control of their experience at Broken Arrow High School. “Students are craving opportunities
outreach
or Everyone
ment opportunities at all grade levels
district. “The journey to reach that ultimate goal of graduation begins the moment they enter the district,” he said. “If students are literate and engaged, graduation for each and every student at the high school becomes possible, and when our students have diplomas in their hands, success is sure to follow.”
High School
Highlights • Homecoming Dance – Attendance grew from 100 students to more than 1,000 in two years. • Applied Leadership Class – In 2013, there was one applied leadership class. This year, there are four with an enrollment of 119.
to be creative and be part of something bigger than themselves,” he said. “I believe the increased involvement is directly related to students embracing the opportunities to invest in making themselves and their school better.”
A LONG ENGAGEMENT Having meaningful relationships with peers is a key factor, and parents play a crucial role in keeping their children engaged in school. Because students spend a large portion of their day at school, educators and district employees are in a unique position to help students stay engaged. “We truly believe it is every employee’s responsibility to keep students engaged through simple kindness and having a heart for kids,” said Perry. “We want every student to have a connection with at least one adult in our district, whether that is a teacher, bus driver or coach.” Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall agrees that the three principles of success – literacy, engagement and graduation – are pertinent to every student in the
• The Jungle – BAHS is now home to The Jungle, a student spirit section that has been recognized both locally and nationally for the support of athletics, academics and fine arts. • Social Media – This year, students are actively using their social media channels to get the word out about various school events and activities. Jedamski and his team engage students in thinking critically, behaving safely and participating responsibly online. • Tiger Camp – This annual orientation for sophomores helps the transition to the high school campus become seamless. Led by seniors and administrators, students receive a detailed campus tour and introduction to the student services offered. • Student Involvement in the 2015 Lip Dub – This year, BAHS received attention for its lip dub video and was featured on local and national media outlets, including USA Today High School Sports, Seventeen, MTV, Billboard, BuzzFeed and many others. The 12-minute video showcased the student body coming together to lip sync today’s most popular songs.
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