INNOVATION THE
FUTURE
IS
NOW
broken arrow public schools / annual report 2012-2013
EDUCATION SERVICE CENTER FLAGS FLYING AT DUSK.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 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. The following people within the District have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination 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 of Administrative Services 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; • 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.
motivation / letter from superintendent / 2 calculation / district financials / 4 communication / social media & more / 5 construction / growth in the district / 7 innovation / learning outside the box / 9 numeration / our district by the numbers / 11 perspiration / tiger athletics / 13 connection / giving back to the community / 16 imagination / arts in education / 17 organization / district personnel / 19
MOTIVATION
LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Another year has passed and with it another long list of incredible accomplishments from the students and staff of Broken Arrow Public Schools. It seems as if each year we achieve an even greater level of excellence, and the 2012-2013 year was, in my opinion, one of our most accomplished years to date. From construction projects to the classroom, Broken Arrow Public Schools is going through a transformation. We continue to build beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities, and the construction that you see is all thanks to the citizens. In 2009, Broken Arrow patrons approved a $295 million bond issue, and our students continue to benefit from that gift bestowed upon them by a supportive community. In the classroom, Broken Arrow continues to provide students with opportunities that take them far beyond the walls of their classroom. From Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs in the elementary schools to online learning in middle school and innovative programs like the Career Exploration Program at the high school, our educators continue to find ways to make sure students leave Broken Arrow ready for college or career. The 2012-2013 Annual Report theme is INNOVATION, and in each section, you will be able to learn more about the things that make Broken Arrow Public Schools the district of choice for parents, students and staff members. The section COMMUNICATION will discuss the district’s constant embracing of the current social media technologies we have at our fingertips. These tools, along with other fast-paced communications instruments, allow us to stay in close contact with our students and parents on a daily basis. The section titled CONNECTION shows the ever-growing commitment we have in giving back to our community. From our Rachel’s Challenge programs about anti-bullying to the “More For Moore” campaign we organized last year to help tornado victims, our students and staff always take up the banner to help those in need, near and far. I encourage you to take the time to read this report. If you are a Broken Arrow patron, you will be pleased with the information contained in this publication, and I guarantee it will make you proud to be a Tiger. If you are a guest to our community, take a moment to skim through these pages and learn why you should become a permanent resident in Broken Arrow. Educate, equip and empower a community of learners by providing dynamic learning opportunities which enable all students to be successful – that is the mission of Broken Arrow Public Schools. I am proud to say that 2012-2013 was another year of success in fulfilling this mission, and it brings us one step closer to realizing our district’s vision. Broken Arrow Public Schools… Educating Today – Leading Tomorrow.
Respectfully,
Jarod Mendenhall, Ed.D. Superintendent Broken Arrow Public Schools 2
“
Broken Arrow teachers are preparing our students for the future right now by equipping them with the knowledge and experiences that will foster self-confidence, positive character and a desire to perform at his/ her personal best. TEACHER, SPRING CREEK ELEMENTARY
“
RACHEL ELLIS
Preparation of the Operating Budget begins in January, with the gathering of current year data and preparation of the budget calendar. The calendar includes major benchmarks and timelines for tasks, as well as responsible individuals for each step in the process. The budgeting cycle takes place during the spring and summer months, with final allocations and funding confirmed in the early fall. Once the Estimate of Needs is completed and approved by the County Excise Board, the district prepares the operating budget that the Board of Education approves.
CALCULATION DI STRI C T
FI N AN C I ALS
2012-2013 REVENUE
State Aid
Int. Sources
(w/ Mid-term Adj.) $44,470,704 43%
$4,221,268 4%
The General Fund is used to pay teacher, support and administrative staff salaries. Other expenses include textbooks, classroom materials, utilities and insurance. Revenue sources for the General Fund include state aid, ad valorem taxes and various state and federal grants. For 2012-13, the final budget for the General Fund was $97,197,161. The Actual Revenue received was $97,733,466, plus carryover of $16,957,124 equals total Revenue of $114,690,590. (The graph on the left shows the proposed budget for 2013-2014).
2013-2014 EXPENSES
Expenditures are categorized by functional areas; such as instruction, which includes teacher salaries, textbooks and classroom materials. Expenditures budgeted for the 2012-13 General Fund were $102,657,283. The Actual Expenditures were $99,572,431. (The graph on the left shows the proposed budget for 2013-2014).
2012-2013
REVENUE Local & Other Sources $3,902,390 4%
Federal Sources $6,037,910 6%
Ad Valorem Current $26,456,820 26%
State Sources
$17,915,686 17%
Campus Administration $6,991,300 7%
$5,759,466 6%
Other Uses $5,000 1%
Community Services $667,812 1%
2012-2013
EXPENSES
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Building Fund can be used for: erecting, repairing or maintaining school buildings; purchasing furniture, equipment or computer software; paying energy or utility costs; purchasing telecommunication services; and other building-related costs. For 2012-13, the expenditure budget for the Building Fund was $5,441,573. The Actual Expenditures were $4,567,893. The Actual Revenue received was $4,175,155 plus Carryover of $2,770,103 equals total Revenue of $6,948,258. For 2013-2014, the proposed revenue budget is $4,185,199 and the proposed expenditure budget is $5,003,000. The Child Nutrition Fund is used to account for the collection of all local, state and federal monies dedicated to the district’s child nutrition program. On average, the program provides lunch for about 11,500 or 67 percent of students every school day. For 2012-13, the expenditure budget for the Child Nutrition Fund was $9,055,837. The Actual Expenditures were $7,585,221. The Actual Revenue received was $7,683,660 plus Carryover of $2,984,099 equals total Revenue of $10,667,759. For 2013-2014, the proposed revenue budget is $7,683,660 and the proposed expenditure budget is $9,199,929. Bond Funds are used to account for the spending of district bond issues, once the issue has been approved by the voters. Bond issues are used to fund new school construction, other building construction, additions, renovations and classroom equipment.
Student Transportation
Central Services $4,309,937 4%
General Administration $2,380,023 2%
Instructional Support
Student Support
$4,668,284 4%
$7,853,345 7%
Operations & Maintenance $10,742,873 10%
Instruction $62,622,960 59%
4
SOCIAL MEDIA
In the ever-changing world of social media, Broken Arrow Public Schools has stayed on the forefront of this fast-paced atmosphere. Facebook and Twitter accounts are updated daily with the latest information concerning school site and district events, relevant news stories, important late-breaking news, school closures, special event photos and more. The interaction with parents and students makes an open channel of communication easily accessible by the nearly 955 million Facebook users and more than 500 million Twitter users (as of June of 2012). By embracing this social media trend, Broken Arrow schools are ahead of the curve.
FACEBOOK FUN FACTS: • As of May 2013, Broken Arrow Public Schools Facebook page had 5,593 likes. • 1 in every 13 people on Earth is on Facebook. • In 20 minutes, 1 million links are shared on Facebook. • The average Facebook user has 130 friends. TWITTER FUN FACTS: • As of May 2013, Broken Arrow Public Schools Twitter had 2,580 followers. • 11 Twitter accounts are created every second. • 750 tweets are shared on Twitter per second.
COMMUN In the fall of 2012, the district implemented a program that allows for the live broadcasting of at least 40 athletic events. From any location across the globe, patrons can log on to watch live or archived footage of Tiger athletic events. Gameview (GVTV) is a broadcasting sports media platform and scholastic program for high school students. Students produce, direct and film sports and
VIDEO STREAMING 5
academic events, connecting the program’s curriculum with real-world broadcasting experience. Included with Gameview is an emphasis on new media including social marketing. GVTV provides the schools with custom Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. During live events, GVTV assists in social announcements to boost awareness and fan interaction. In addition to sporting events, Gameview has also been integral in bringing important district events to a broader audience, including graduation and the Teacher of the Year awards.
In 2010, the district launched a new website, designed with the end-user in mind. The website, developed with the company SOCS, is a source of extensive information, both up-to-date and recurring for students, staff, parents and patrons. Since 2003, SOCS, Simplified Online Communication System, has developed technology and tools to help nonprofits stay connected with their communities. SOCS specializes in serving those who are typically under served. Clients include K-12 schools, hospitals, municipalities and nonprofit organizations across the country. SOCS is provided by the Foundation for Educational Services, a
nonprofit organization headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. The ever-growing website links patrons and parents with pertinent information such as school personnel, starting times, lunch menus, transportation schedules, teacher biographies, district organizational charts, legislative contacts, board of education news, site fundraiser info, news and feature video programs and more. As of August of 2012, the BAPS website received more than 1,192,305 total visits, an average of 99,000 per month.
DISTRICT WEBSITE
NICATION Communication with parents is vital to the success of a students’ learning. It is also vital to the success as a whole of Broken Arrow Public Schools. Two very unique programs allow this open communication in a fast and easy manner. ParentCONNECTxp™ is a website managed by Broken Arrow Public Schools that allows parents to view their child’s grades, attendance, assignments, current report card and other demographic information. The district’s investment in PCXP allows parents 24/7 access to the portal to keep up to date with their child’s progress. Another program, the SchoolMessenger system, is
designed to automatically notify parents for reasons that impact the safety and academic performance of students. SchoolMessenger extends the district’s existing community outreach efforts and emergency preparedness procedures, as well as informs parents of upcoming school events such as statewide testing and parent meetings. As a comprehensive communication tool, SchoolMessenger contributes to the district’s involvement initiatives, allowing the district to engage the broader educational community about a wide range of topics affecting students’ academic success.
PA R E N T INTER ACTION
CONSTRUCTION
GROWTH IN THE DISTRICT
In 2009, Broken Arrow patrons approved a $295 million bond issue to make major improvements to facilities throughout the district. In October of 2011, voters overwhelmingly approved a reallocation of $73.5 million of those original funds to better meet district needs identified through various data sources, including a demographic study that predicted enrollment growth for the next 10 years. Construction moved at a rapid pace the summer of 2012 and resulted in a number of projects completed in time for the 2012-2013 school year: • Arrowhead – New classrooms, media center, interior renovations and secured entry • Country Lane Primary – Interior renovations and secured entry • Indian Springs – Remains open for one more year. Construction of a new elementary has begun at the 111th street property which will also house a Pre-K center to open for the 2013-2014 school year. • Leisure Park – New classrooms, media center and connection to gym • Lynn Wood – New classrooms, media center, gym, interior renovations and secured entry • Park Lane – closed, students and staff will attend the new Highland Park, old facility will be renovated into new Pre-K Center • Rhoades – New classrooms, media center, gym, cafeteria and kitchen, interior renovations and secured entry • Spring Creek – New classrooms, media center and interior renovations • Vandever – New classrooms, media center and interior renovations • Westwood – Remains open for one more year. Construction of a new elementary has begun at the 61st street property which will also house a Pre-K center. • Wolf Creek – Secured entry and renovations • Centennial - Secured entry and renovations • Haskell – Remains open for one more year until students and staff move to the new middle school at Highland Park. Following renovations, Haskell Middle School will be repurposed to better serve district needs. • Oliver – Secured entry and renovations for ADA compliance • South Intermediate – Fine arts and classroom addition and resurfacing of the track • High School – Construction ongoing on a new media center, administration offices, science labs, secure entries and eating areas for students. A fine arts addition will include a black box theatre and other classroom/rehearsal space, new locker rooms next to the auxiliary gymnasium, and a remodeling of existing locker rooms and gymnasium. In addition to these projects, a number of other construction projects will begin during the next phase of construction. These projects include: • Arrow Springs – Remains open for one more year, and will be closed for renovation into a Pre-K center during the 2013-2014 school year. • Oak Crest – Renovations to the front of the building will eliminate the multiple levels within the building making it accessible to all students. • North Intermediate – Renovations • Performing Arts Center – Kristin Chenoweth foyer and renovations • Childers – Secured entry and renovations • Sequoyah – Classroom and locker room renovations
“
Technology is an important part of all aspects of our children’s lives. Smart Boards, remotes, iPads and computers need to be an integral part of our lessons so that our students can be prepared for their technological future. ALISON DUNN
TEACHER, OAK CREST ELEMENTARY
“
9
I N N O VA Broken Arrow Public Schools strives to provide teachers and students with state-ofthe-art technology resources that generate an interactive classroom, promote engaging curriculum and increase student achievement. While SmartBoards and new computers have been implemented throughout the district during the past few years, newer technologies and software are emerging to create an even better learning environment. “It is our duty, as a district, to offer our teachers and students user-friendly technology tools that are readily available at their fingertips,” said Kim Vento, BAPS Assistant Director of Instructional Technology Integration. “By utilizing each of these newly implemented technologies, teachers can transform their classrooms into a 21st Century way of teaching and learning, benefiting students as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.” The first phase of SAFARI Montage was introduced in February of 2013. This premiere multi-media teaching tool gives educators access to a content bank of more than 20,000 readyto-use digital media resources, including fulllength videos, high-quality images, audio files, e-books and website tools. “The expenditure to purchase all of these resources individually would be cost prohibitive,” Vento said. “With SAFARI, we are able to give teachers access to these powerful resources, and we do so in a fiscally responsible way.” The program offers preloaded visual and digital media from leading educational video publishers, including Schlessinger Media, PBS, The History Channel, National Geographic, Scholastic, Disney Education, BBC and more. “Teachers can quickly locate resources, even a partial segment, to create powerful digital lessons that target a specific topic,” she said. “SAFARI’s simplistic interface provides fantastic tools for sparking creativity without intimidating teachers who may be uncomfortable with technology.” eBackpack provides teachers with a simple way to distribute instructions, assignments and handouts to their students via any internet-connected device. Students can view and complete assignments, as well as discuss and collaborate with other classmates in a secure environment. “I think students can be effectively engaged when a teacher uses digital tools in the classroom because it’s more relevant to those students’ lives,” said Drew Robinson, Broken Arrow High School computer science teacher. “Since our students are surrounded by technology, it only makes sense to use it in the classroom.”
LE
AT I O N
EARNING
OUTSIDE
THE
TEACHING OUTSIDE THE BOX
BOX
TERA LANDRUM Broken Arrow High School began offering a unique opportunity for juniors and seniors in 2013 through a new program called !nspire-21. !nspire-21 affords students the opportunity to have a blended schedule of traditional and online classes. This digital learning experience offers a challenging, research-based curriculum for students with certified teachers providing guidance and assistance. Core subjects as well as electives are available, and students can access the curriculum any time. “It’s more hands-on. The atmosphere is a lot more relaxed, and it gives you the responsibility to do your own work at your own pace,” said student Garrett McCafferty. While digital learning allows for students to work at their own pace, pacing guides are provided as a
guideline as to when assignments should be completed. “!nspire-21 is extremely userfriendly and is designed for kids who are self-motivated and ready for independence, but it still has a safety net with instructor availability daily,” said Amanda Westcott, !nspire-21 English instructor. Students maintain accountability with teachers throughout the week with a combination of face-to-face check-ins, classroom instructional time, phone calls, emails, and/or other means of social networking. The program is designed to provide a new and innovative way of learning traditional material. “I believe some of the advantages are student flexibility, fewer distractions for the students, and it helps students with work schedules,” said Lea Harlow, !nspire-21 world history and psychology teacher.
“It also gives students a sense of independence as well as a sense of self-control and discipline.” The online learning environment accommodates the various learning styles of students, and the !nspire-21 Lab is available every day, which also provides students the ongoing opportunity to work in a supportive educational setting. All subjects are aligned with Oklahoma State Standards and provide an innovative approach to learning through interactive and interesting approaches. “The courses are very engaging and interactive for the students,” said Digital Learning Coordinator Linda Ricks. “As students navigate through the lessons, they experience virtual tours and a variety of learning modalities that enhance comprehension and develop essential critical thinking skills.”
The Career Exploration Program (CEP), piloted in 2013, is designed to give students an authentic learning experience in the business world. “Whether a student’s plans are to go to college, trade school or straight into the workforce, the Career Exploration Program will help them gain the experience they need to succeed,” said CEP Coordinator Kylla Leeburg. Students spend part of their day at a business placement under adult supervision in which they complete real-world projects and tasks associated with that profession. “We’ve designed this program with the flexibility to meet the needs of both students and businesses,” Leeburg said. “We have the ability to place students at a variety of times throughout the school day so they are able to spend a few hours at their business placement each day.” The students who participate in CEP are able to earn academic credits as they would for any traditional class, and are able to explore career areas in which they are interested before investing time and money in college courses and trade schools.
2013 TEACHER OF THE YEAR
“I hope to inspire the people I come in contact with and show them how important kids really are, and I also look forward to learning new things along the way.”
Oak Crest fifth grade teacher Tera Landrum was named the 2013 Broken Arrow Public Schools Teacher of the Year. “My initial reaction was complete shock, which I’m sure was obvious by the look on my face!” Landrum said. “I never expected to make it into the Top 10, let alone be the one selected. I’m still shocked, to be honest, but I’m also honored to represent a great district like Broken Arrow.” Landrum was one of ten finalists selected from the pool of 25 Site Teacher of the Year candidates. She has been teaching at Oak Crest Elementary for two years. After being nominated as the Oak Crest Site Teacher of the Year by her peers, Landrum and the other 24 candidates went through an evaluation and interview process to determine the 2013 District Teacher of the Year. The Professional Development Committee met to evaluate each candidate’s portfolio and conduct an interview. “Aside from the fact that Tera has a very compelling life story, she is a fantastic educator,” said Diana Beaulieu, director of elementary education “She allows her students to learn in unconventional ways.”
1,192,305
Total visitors to district website BASCHOOLS.ORG
23
Number of action plans developed by the Strategic Planning Committee in Nov. 2012
1,286,221 TOTAL HOURS Total miles driven on school buses VOLUNTEERED AT 238,701 SCHOOL SITES Total gallons of diesel fuel used AS REPORTED BY 8,500 LOBBY GUARD Total students
1,911
Total number of elementary student textbooks purchased for 2012-2013 school year
11
115
17,028
transported each day
NUMB
By T
2012-201
TOTAL SQUARE M I L E A G E OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC S C H O O L S D I S T R I C T BOUNDARIES
STUDENTS ENROLLED DURING THE 2012-2013 YEAR (AS OF MAY 2013)
NUMERATION
BERS
The
13 YEAR
Total meals
1,855,056 1,120
Graduates in the Class of 2013
CERTIFIED 1,192 TOTAL STAFF EMPLOYEES SUPPORT 957 TOTAL STAFF EMPLOYEES
fans 5,593 Facebook as of May 2013
SERVED
47, 130 Chicken Nuggets Served
Pounds of Salad
222, 600
215,136
Cookies Baked
$96,746,457.73
Total dollars under construction from Aug. 2012 to May 2013
549,627 129,634
Total square footage of new building space under construction in 2012-2013
Additional square footage opened during the 2012-2013 school year 12
“In
this da y an
FOOTBALL
BASEBALL
d age, eve r yth
• Varsity Record – 8-4 (Quarter Finals) • JV Record – 8-1 • 16 players signed – 56 in last 4 years • Frankie Davis – Tulsa World All-State • Bo Farrow & Ryan Alger Coaches All-State • Cameron Wrenn broke individual game rushing record – 315 • Cameron Wrenn 2nd in career rushing – 2518 (1st at that time) • 18 – 6A2 All-District Players • 2 – 6A2 Honorable Mention All-District Players • 8 – Academic All-Conference Players • 4 – Honorable Mention All-Conference Players
• Record: 26 – 9 • State Semi-Finalist • Regional Champions • OSSAA Academic Award • All State – Cody Ziegler • Louisville Slugger All-American – Trey Cobb • 4 players sign college scholarships
SWIMMING
cision ing you do, ever y de
• Swimming had a dual state champion. Breonna Barker won her 2nd state championship in the 100 Free Style and her first state championship in the 50 Free Style.
PERSPIRATION
you ma
ke,
GOLF
go od
• 2012-2013 Regional Champs and 7th in State. Tate Williamson is currently at NSU and Cameron Hamilton is playing at Murray State. Another player, Matt Willingham, is in the Professional Golfer Management Program at UCO.
or
ba d,
ns
WRESTLING
t
ra
CHEER • Regional Champions • State Champions • UCA National Runner-ups • Three All-Region Cheerleaders • Three All-State Cheerleaders • Region 7 Coach of the Year
13
la
te
st
ot
he
pe
rso
ny
ou
TENNIS
are
now
and
BASKETBALL
• 2nd Gardner Edgerton, Kan. • 10th Reno • 1st Geary • 2nd Sapulpa • Dual State Semi’s • Regional Champs • 2nd State Tournament • 2013 OK 6A State Champs Boys Track and Field fore • 2013 Regional Champs v
TRACK
e r.”
M EN
• Mason Bridegan and Patrick Sims placed third in state in 1 doubles.
-Bea
u Wa
llace,
Boys
MEN
• 19 Wins, 8 Losses • 6A Regional Champs • 6A Area Consolation Champs • 6A State Tournament • Won the Willard, Missouri Tournament • Sportsmanship Award at the Willard, Missouri Tournament • Tulsa World Super 12 Teams (BA Ranked as No. 10) • Jordan Huffman – OCA All-State Team
Bask
etball
Coac
h
Why Athletics? The answer is simple: it assists the educational process in instilling and developing skills necessary for future success. Athletics are an extension of the classroom experience for the student-athlete. We are not a separate entity unto ourselves. We exist to enhance the experiences student-athletes receive first in the classroom. The Broken Arrow athletic program is consistent with THE school’s overall philosophy and objectives. We provide a vigorous and diverse athletic program, offering opportunities to all of our students.
T I G E R
A T H L E T I C S
SOFTBALL • 30 wins, 4 losses • Colorado Tournament Champions • District Champions • Regional Champions • 18 players named to the Academic All-State Conference • Elena Gambill named Pircher of the Year in District 6A-4 • 4 players named 1st Team All-District in 6A-4 • 3 players named 2nd Team All-District in 6A-4
BASKETBALL
TENNIS • 1 singles--Courtney Coon placed 5th at State • 2 singles--Madison Dabney placed 6th • 1 doubles-- Annie Hale/Shaylee Smith placed 7th • 2 doubles-- Challen Craig/Hadyn Krause placed 8th
SOCCER
WO M EN
• Made it to second round of OSSAA Class 6A championships • Two All-State Players: Lauren Wagoner and Shiloh Price
W OMEN
• 2012-2013 Record: 16-10 • Area Consolation Champions • State Quarter Finals • Willard Tournament Champions • Toree Thompson- MVP Willard Tournament, All-Tournament Team (Skiatook Tournament), Elite 8 Nominee, 1st Team All-Conference • Amari Dennis- 2nd Team All-Conference • Darian Jacson and Alexis Gaulden – 3rd Team All-Conference
SOCCER WOM EN
ME N
• Made it to second round of OSSAA Class 6A championships • Jeremy Rector- All-State • Sean Fries- All-State
VOLLEYBALL • Regional Champion • State Qualifier • OCA All-State: Abby Cachero and Sarah Mangan • Frontier Conference MVP: Abby Cachero
14
“
Preparing our students today to be the
leaders of tomorrow
is one of the most important facets of my job.
“
If we don’t give students the chances to experience the
need for leaders
and allow each of them to be a leader in the classroom,
they might never believe they have it within them to lead us into a future of great possibilities. CYNTHIA RALSTON
TEACHER, LIBERTY ELEMENTARY
More than 1,000 students and staff members at Broken Arrow High School took on a service learning project aimed at raising awareness about hunger and how it impacts people. Known as BA Empty Bowl, the project was a tremendous success in its first year. “Service learning is when a community need is addressed through the authentic curriculum of a classroom,” said project coordinator Kylla Leeburg. “The theme for the BA Empty Bowl project is hunger, homelessness and poverty.” From geography classes to graphic design students, and English classes to consumer sciences classes, students and teachers throughout the high school combined their efforts to make the Empty Bowl project a huge success by handcrafting ceramic bowls and hosting a soup dinner. All the money raised through this event went to support Broken Arrow Neighbors and BA Food for Kids organizations. “BA Empty Bowls is an incredible event that further unites the partnership between Broken Arrow Public Schools and Broken Arrow Neighbors,” said Broken Arrow Neighbors Executive Director Kim Goddard. “The event incorporates a tremendous amount of student support as well as community engagement. The first BA Empty Bowls surprised all of us with its overall success.”
After the devastating tornadoes in Moore, Okla., in May of 2013, the students of Broken Arrow High School organized an effort to do “More for Moore.” By collecting toiletry items and supplies as well as monetary donations, the students of Broken Arrow let the citizens of Moore know that BA cares. “We are fortunate to have been spared the devastation that our friends and neighbors in Moore are currently dealing with, and I am so proud of our students who lead this effort to positively impact the people of Moore,” said Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. New and unused items toiletry and food items were collected in a district-wide drive. In addition to these supplies, BAHS students also gathered monetary donations from the community. Each school site was given donation buckets for the purpose of collecting donations that went on to aid Moore Public Schools. The district goal was to raise $22,672 – one dollar for each student who attends Moore Public Schools. That goal was met—and then beaten.
CONNECTION
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. 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 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. “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.”
16
IMAGINATION A R T S
I N
E D U C A T I O N
In its fourth year of operation, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center continued to make strides not only in educational outreach, but in programming, student Total attendance for PAC: 36,596 opportunities and as a destination for Total attendance for NIHS Auditorium: 33,962 national touring productions. With its main function being for Total number of events at PAC: 67 student performance use, the BAPAC Total number of events at NIHS Auditorium: 92 held performances for many groups and students across the district, including award-winning jazz and concert bands, Boys and Blind Boys of Alabama. choirs, drama companies and student organizations. “With each national act we bring through Broken Arrow, we As the presenting arm of the BAPAC, the Spotlight Series are always looking at a way the performers and shows can broke new ground during its fourth season with performances connect with the student body,” said Frie. from the touring big band musical “In The Mood,” The Signature Cast members from “Shrek” took time after the show to meet Symphony, Gospel artist David Phelps, “Shrek! The Musical,” with middle school and high school drama students to talk to “Monty Python’s Spamalot” and the team-up of the Oak Ridge them about the real world of Broadway and touring. “I think it’s extremely important for these students to get up close and personal with these professional actors and musicians that come through our facility,” said Frie. “We want not only to entertain our young students, but to inspire them to
BY THE NUMBERS
DRAMA
go out in the world and actually be these people one day.” As a destination for fine arts, the BAPAC also hosted many community events and outside organizations, allowing them usage of the facility and creating a constant bridge between school and community. “We not only want to serve our own students and staff, but we also want the community at large to take part in our ongoing operations, whether it be as patron of the arts attending a national tour or an organization utilizing the facility. This building is not only a cornerstone of our downtown district, but of our entire community as well,” said Frie.
ORCHESTRA Broken Arrow orchestras have been a longstanding part of Broken Arrow Public Schools. String students learn to play violin, viola, cello and bass, and these orchestra instruments form the string sections for the modern symphonies. Middle school orchestra students participate in OSSAA district solo and ensemble contest as well as the district middle school contest where they perform and sight read in a contest format. At the high school level, the Chamber Orchestra learns and performs advanced level pieces that prepare them for a collegiate classroom. The high school orchestra received a superior rating at the state string contest in 2013 at Edmond Santa Fe High School.
VOCAL MUSIC
BANDS OSSAA Regional Marching Contest, OK Superior Rating / Bands of America Grand National Championships National Finalist and Grand National RunnerUp (95.70) / Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, CA, Marched in the famed Rose Parade in front on 1 million spectators in person, and an international television audience of MORE THAN 125 million / OSSAA State Concert Band Contest Wind Ensemble Sweepstakes Award, Symphonic Band, Sweepstakes Award, Concert Band, Sweepstakes Award for Band / OSSAA State Jazz Contest, Jazz I 6A State Champion, Jazz II Class E State Champion
VISUAL ARTS Here in Broken Arrow, students are offered a variety of visual arts choices, beginning in elementary school where every child experiences art during a special time each week. Through middle school, choices expand to include opportunities in sculpture, painting, pottery, ceramics, drawing and stained glass. At the high school level, PreAP offers a path into Advanced Placement art where college credit is offered in both studio and drawing portfolios. Many students from Broken Arrow have ranked nationally in the AP program.
ORGANIZATION/personnel
for 2012-2013 academic year
Broken Arrow Senior High School 1901 E. Albany 259-4310 Principal- Derek Blackburn
Haskell Middle School 412 S. 9th Street 259-4360 Principal- Mickey Replogle
Country Lane Primary 301 E. Omaha 259-4400 Principal- Jamie Milligan
Lynn Wood Elementary 1600 W. Quincy Ave. 259-4430 Principal- Dana deFreese
Westwood Elementary 1712 N. 18th St. 259-4500 Principal- Melissa Galloway
North Intermediate High School 808 E. College 259-4320 Principal- Kenneth Kinzer
Oliver Middle School 3100 W. New Orleans 259-4590 Principal- Mark Officer
Country Lane Intermediate 251 E. Omaha 449-5600 Principal- Sue Katterhenry
Oak Crest Elementary 405 E. Richmond 259-4450 Principal- Heather Adams
Wolf Creek Elementary 3000 W. New Orleans 259-4510 Principal- Stacy Strow
South Intermediate High School 301 W. New Orleans 259-4330 Principal- Dr. Richard Dale
Sequoyah Middle School 2701 S. Elm Pl. 259-4370 Principal- Cindy Williamson
Indian Springs Elementary 8800 S. Fawnwood Ct. 259-4410 Principal- Larry Smith
Rhoades Elementary 320 E. Midway 259-4440 Principal- Dawna Mosburg
BA Academy 637 E. College 259-4600 Principal- Jack Pugh
Centennial Middle School 225 E. Omaha 259-4340 Principal- Margaret Coates
Arrow Springs Elementary 101 W. Twin Oaks 259-4380 Principal- Barbara Jones
Leisure Park Elementary 4300 S. Juniper Pl. 259-4420 Principal- Janet Dotson
Spring Creek Elementary 6801 S. Third St. 259-4480 Principal- Sherri Kindley
Margaret Hudson Program 751 W. Knoxville 251-2647 Principal- Genell Coleman
Childers Middle School 301 E. Tucson 259-4350 Principal- Elizabeth Burns
Arrowhead Elementary 915 W. Norman 259-4390 Principal- Jennifer Peterson
Liberty Elementary 4300 S. 209th East Avenue 259-4470 Principal- Karyne Gates
Vandever Elementary 2200 S. Lions Ave. 259-4490 Principal- Vicki Beckwith