RROWPOINTM A G A Z I N EA

B R O K E N A R R O W P U B L I C S C H O O L S • V O L U M E 3 6 , I S S U E F O U R • G R A D U AT I O N 2 0 1 1

CONTENTS

A R R O W P O I N TA publication of

Broken Arrow Public Schools

VOLUME 36, ISSUE 4GRADUATION 2011

PublisherCommunications Department

BA Public Schools

Layout/Design/PhotographyAdam J. Foreman

Webmaster/Publications Specialist

Editing/Content/PhotographyTara Thompson

Public Information Officer

Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Jarod Mendenhall

Board of EducationCheryl Kelly, President

Shari Wilkins, Vice PresidentJerry Denton, Clerk

Sharon Whelpley, Deputy ClerkSteve Allen, Member

The ARROWPOINT is published by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is distributed to approximately 40,000 households in the Broken Arrow school district. The ARROWPOINT is printed at Western Printing Company, Inc., and is the official communication tool for parents, students, staff and patrons of BA Schools. Any information, content and photos contained herein are property of Broken Arrow Schools and are to be used by outside sources only with permission of the Communications Department. All contents are copyrighted. Notice of Non-Discrimination: Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following people at BAPS have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: The Executive Director of Human Resources should be contacted for all non-student and/or employment related issues at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. The Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services should be contacted for all student issues except those related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. The Director of Special Education should be contacted for all student issues related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. Inquiries concerning non-discrimination can also be made to the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

Broken Arrow Public SchoolsEducation Service Center

701 South Main StreetBroken Arrow, OK 74012

(918) 259-5700 | F: (918) 258-0399www.baschools.org

F R O M T H E C O V E R

CONTENTS

Another year has come and gone, and with the passage of time, more graduates from Broken Arrow High School say farewell to this stage of life and start preparations for the next. The Class of 2011 celebrated in style at the recent commencement ceremony at the ORU Mabee Center. With the 2011-2012 school year beginning on Aug. 25, stay up-to-date on information about BA Schools, the calendar or the upcoming year by visiting www.baschools.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

TABLE OF

Letter from the Superintendent

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Three

Quick News

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Three

Class of 2011 Commencement Ceremony

. . . . . . . . . Pages Four-Five

Graduates of Distinction

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Six

B&A Connections Enrollment Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Seven

2011-2012 Academic School Year Calendar

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Eight

The 2010-2011 school year has finally drawn to a close, and it was a great year to be a Tiger. In my first year as a Superintendent, I couldn’t be more proud of this district and everyone who works so hard to make Broken Arrow an exemplary school district.

Our students have excelled both academically and in extra-curricular activities. At this year’s graduation, the nearly 1,100 seniors had been offered more than $4 million in scholarships. Three of our students were candidates in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, and six BAHS students were named as National Merit Finalists. Many of this year’s graduates are lifers who have learned at all levels of Broken Arrow Public Schools, and their academic accomplishments are a great testament to educators throughout the district.

Our student artists and athletes also had a tremendous year. The Pride finished second in the nation at the Bands of America Grand Nationals, and the Jazz and Symphonic Bands garnered multiple awards and honors throughout the year. In the athletic realm, Broken Arrow Tigers claimed numerous regional and area championships, and the young men who participate on the wrestling, soccer, and baseball teams brought home the gold by claiming State titles. More than 50 athletes have signed letters of intent to continue playing their sport of choice at the college level, and I am so proud of the character these young men and women display both on and off the field.

Aside from the artistic and athletic offerings, there are many more extracurricular activities available to our students, and all are important in shaping their character. One of the biggest indicators of future student success is involvement in extra-curricular activities, and I am proud of the thousands of students who choose to take part in something greater than themselves. Drama, Student Council, Tiger TV, Student Government, Debate, Robotics, FFA – students are not just making friends and creating memories by their involvement in these groups, they are learning skills and developing traits that will help them succeed in whatever path they choose to pursue after high school.

To those students who will be returning for another year, I hope you have a great summer and return prepared to raise the bar that has been set by the Class of 2011. They have accomplished much in their time here, but I challenge you to go beyond the borders of their success. To the staff, parents and patrons who might read this, enjoy this time you have with your children and teens, because like my daughters, all too soon they will be grown, graduated, and ready to begin a new chapter that requires them to set out on their own.

To you seniors, congratulations on all you have accomplished, and remember the words written in your final yearbook, “the end is only the beginning.” Whatever path you choose to follow after high school, dream big, then dream bigger, and never forget that every day is a great day to be a Tiger.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Superintendent of Schools

f r o m t h e d e s k o f . . .

the SuperintendentThe Education Oversight Board’s

2010 School Report Card provides important student performance data for each Broken Arrow Public School site based on 2009-10 state testing results. The percentage of students scoring satisfactory and above per subject is provided for every campus and results are compared to the state average.

The Report Card also provides vital community characteristics, some of which are taken from the 2010 U.S. Census. These characteristics include information on our community’s socioeconomic status, educational level, poverty rate, unemployment rate and average household income. Other information regarding absences, mobility, suspensions, parental involvement, juvenile offenses, school enrollment, teaching staff and administrators is also available.

If you have questions about the Education Oversight Board’s 2010 School Report Card, please contact your child’s principal or the Instructional Division.

The 2010 School Report Card can be accessed at www.schoolreportcard.org. Individuals without access to this website may contact the Instructional Division at 918.259.5700.

EOB district school report card now available online

The Broken Arrow Public Schools district website will see an overhaul during the summer months, with a new design and function emerging before school begins.

BAPS has partnered with Simplified Online Communication System (SOCS), a non-profit organization to better equip parents, patrons, students and the community with a website that meets the demands of all interested stakeholders.

The new website will debut at the end of the summer before school classes start, with refinement and modifications continuing through the fall.

New BAPS website coming late summer

Q U I C K N E W S

forever tigersThe Class of 2011 celebrates commencement with capacity crowd

forever tigersThe Class of 2011 celebrates commencement with capacity crowd

With more than 12,000 parents, friends, families and teachers in attendance, the Class of 2011 said farewell to a chapter in their lives at commencement ceremonies held recently at the Mabee Center on the campus of Oral Roberts University.

More than 1,000 graduating seniors descended upon the arena floor as “Pomp And Circumstance” echoed throughout the center amidst cheers, applause and flashing cameras, forever capturing the moments for years to come.

“So much has happened in your short lifetime, but everything you have experienced thus far has been preparing your for this moment,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, Superintendent of Schools, in his address to the Class of 2011. “This graduation celebration marks the end of your high school career, but also the beginning of a new journey in which each of you will need to decide which path you will follow.”

In a graduation first, the Senior High Choir paid tribute to past, present and even future veterans by singing an Armed Forces medley salute, asking those in attendance to stand when their branch of the military was being

honored. Along with those in the audience standing proud, several graduates who had already enlisted in the military were also standing to thunderous applause.

Derek Blackburn, Senior High School Principal, spoke to the class about their accomplishments over the past year, including more than four million dollars in accepted scholarships, impressive test scores and group and individual championships at both the state and national level.

“As I think back on this past year, you’ve accomplished far more than what is reflected on your transcripts and any individual award that you received,” said Blackburn. “Many of you will look back and remember the acts of kindness performed by fellow classmates whether it involved donating blood to save another person’s life, dancing in the flash mob in the courtyard to promote unity, or your willingness to break down walls to meet fellow classmates in the cafeteria.”

As names were called and students crossed the stage throughout the three-hour event, students were reminded of how their education was more than the classroom.

“I can’t help but think you have learned more than just academics during your time at Broken Arrow, because while an education is a

necessity, so too is connecting to something larger than yourself,” said Blackburn. “Winston Churchill once stated ‘A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’ May the class of 2011 remember these words as they look toward their future and recognize that every day is an opportunity.”

Mendenhall echoed those sentiments.

“You all have unique talents and abilities, and as you hone and share those with the people around you, the world becomes a better place,” said Mendenhall. “This ceremony marks the end of your career as a high school student, but it is also the beginning of your long journey through adulthood.”

As the air above opened up with streamers, balloons and confetti, seniors hugged their friends and classmates, made preparations for Project Graduation later that evening and--maybe more importantly--took one last look at this chapter in their lives before closing the book and reaching for a new one.

Senior Class Officers Garrison Bare - President

Mackenzie Ward - Vice PresidentLance Nagy - Secretary

Kayla VanZant - Treasurer

Senior Class Favorites Flower: Tiger Lily

Song: “Live Like We’re Dying”by Kris Allen

Colors: Black and GoldMotto: “Don’t count on the days;

make the days count.”

School ColorsBlack and Gold

School MascotTIGERS

High School Alma Mater Ah…., As we look to tomorrowAnd we leave the past behind,The friendships and memories,

Will stay within our minds.For the times we share together,And the changes yet to come,Here’s to you Broken Arrow,

Our futures have begun.

Class of 2011

top3%Hunter Ash Chau Banh Matthew Bardeaux Madison Barrow

Anne Best Katie Cannon Elizabeth Ellis Molly Evans Richard Fitzhugh Geoffrey Fries Caleb Forbes

Sarah Gilcrease Bruce Haiduk Cassidy Hamilton Steven Hernandez Raiya Jensen Greg Jones Linhchi Lai

Kathryn Sommers Austin Strickland Catherine Thomas Victoria Thomas Lynna Van Mackenzie Ward Erin Westbrook

Ahmad Mustafa Lance Nagy Alexandra Ott Matthew Pelnik Micah Peters Marilynn Roberts Jacob Ruzicka

Class of 2011Graduates of Distinction

broken arrowhigh school

Broken Arrow Public Schools has always had a before and after school program, but for the coming school year, the program will now be available at all elementary sites--a first for the program.

B&A Connections is a safe and fun environment for children to attend before school begins, after school lets out and on most holidays. It is housed at the school a student is attending, and includes breakfast and a snack.

Enrollment for B&A Connections is at 601 South Main in downtown Broken Arrow on the corner of Houston and Main. Enrollment hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For those wishing to guarantee enrollment in the school of their choice, they are encouraged to act soon as capacity may be reached quickly within a designated school site.

Patrons are asked to bring immunization records and $40 for registration per family.

Newsletters and a monthly calendar are created each month for all sites. The mission of B&A Connections to provide a safe, secure, enriching environment for all families.

DHS will be accepted for the program at Liberty, Indian Springs and Rhoades.

This summer, B&A Connections will also host a summer camp, “A Summer Of Wonder,” from June 6 to Aug. 5. Students ages 5 to 12 will be able to participate in various activities at either Wolf Creek Elementary or Country Lane 4th and 5th Grade Center.

For more information about fall enrollment or summer camp, please contact B&A Connections Coordinator Jessica Swalley at (918) 259-4580.

B&A Connectionsnow enrollingfor upcoming school year

g e tc o nn e ct e d

BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS701 South Main StreetBroken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012

V I S I T U S O N T H E W E B A T : w w w . b a s c h o o l s . o r g

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

BROKEN ARROW, OKPERMIT NO. 140

Broken Arrow Public Schools PatronBroken Arrow, OK 74011Broken Arrow, OK 74012Broken Arrow, OK 74014

STATECHAMPS

It was the perfect finishing touch on two seasons as both the Boys Baseball and Soccer teams captured state championships shortly before school came to a close. Above, Archie Bradley celebrates his team’s victory, while below, the soccer team comes together to celebrate. Photos courtesy of BA Ledger

July 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Independence Day**Aug. 22-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional DaysAug. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elementary Meet Your TeacherAug. 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Day Of SchoolSept. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Labor Day**Sept. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Middle School Open HousesSept. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intermediate High School Open HousesSept. 15. . . . . . . . . . . . .Senior High School and MHP Open HousesOct. 20-21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fall BreakOct. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of First Nine WeeksNov. 23-25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thanksgiving Break**Dec. 21-30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter BreakJan. 2-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional Days*Jan. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Semester EndsJan. 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martin Luther King, Jr. DayJan. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Semester BeginsFeb. 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Presidents' DayMarch 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of Third Nine WeeksMarch 19-23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring BreakMay 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class of 2012 GraduationMay 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tentative Last Day of SchoolMay 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memorial Day**

*Denotes students dismissed from classes**Denotes both district offices and school sites closed

CONTINGENCY CALENDARThe above calendar includes five built-in days for inclement weather or

emergencies.

If NO bulit-in days are used...

The school year will end on May 23.

If 6 days of school are missed...

School will be in session on Presidents' Day.

If 7 days of school are missed...

School will be in session on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

If 8 days of school are missed... The last day of school will be June 1.

2011-2012ACADEMIC CALENDAR