ARROWPOINTTHE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS

VOLUME 38, ISSUE SIX • GRADUATION 2013

SEE INSIDESuperintendent’s Message

Financial Reporting Award

Graduation 2013

District Teacher of the Year

BAPS Foundation Grants

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Another school year has come to a close, and while we have accomplished many great things in Broken Arrow during this year, I – and those of you who support this district – cannot afford to linger too long in celebration of our accomplishments. Why, you ask? Because our school district, and the hundreds of others in our state, continue to face an uphill battle.

Last month, my friend and colleague Joe Siano, the superintendent of Norman Public Schools, penned a compelling article for the Oklahoma Gazette. Called, “Connecting the dots,” the article was an appeal to the citizens of Oklahoma, asking them to connect the dots in the picture of public education, specifically the many tax-related initiatives and bills that are created by our elected officials. In his article, Siano gave the following examples:

“Dot 1: Since 2008, Oklahoma schools have been cut more than $220 million, and fixed costs for items like fuel, utilities and insurance have increased. Our economy has performed better than most states, but Oklahoma’s school funding cuts are the nation’s third highest.

Dot 2: As school funding has declined, enrollment has climbed by more than 31,000 students. Dot 3: Less funding and more students have led to larger class sizes. Retaining teachers for crucial

shortage areas has become more difficult.Dot 4: As less funding, more students and larger class sizes have occurred, state leaders have mandated

several new unfunded reforms. While some could positively impact student achievement, they have price tags.

Dot 5: And as less funding, increased enrollment, larger class sizes and unfunded reforms have occurred, Oklahoma has cut its taxes at both state and local levels. State Question 766 is estimated to cost schools between $70 and $100 million next school year. Moreover, legislative leaders and the governor want to cut income taxes again. Their proposed cut would reduce state revenues by $237 million and return $80 in 2015 for the average household.”

He goes on to point out that in spite of these obstacles, public schools in Oklahoma remain successful in producing college and career ready citizens. I think the reason we are successful in our mission can be summed up in one word: passion. As educators, we are passionate about helping every child succeed, and despite the obstacles, setbacks and unreasonable regulations, we simply will not give up. We cannot give up, because we recognize our future is in the hands of those who are sitting in our classrooms today.

Some legislators tout that the new budget places $99 million of “new money” into education, but they fail to disclose the millions that have already been lost, coupled with the looming losses relating to State Question 766. By examining the facts, I hope citizens will connect the dots for themselves and will join in the ongoing battle to improve education for all Oklahoma children.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, Superintendent of Schools

VOLUME 38, ISSUE 6 | GRADUATION 2013

PublisherCommunications DepartmentBroken Arrow Public Schools

Editing/Content/PhotographyTara ThompsonPublic Information Officer

Layout/Design/PhotographyAdam J. ForemanGraphic Artist/Publications Specialist

Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Jarod Mendenhall

Board of EducationCheryl Kelly, PresidentSteve Allen, Vice PresidentJerry Denton, ClerkSteve Majors, Deputy ClerkDr. Theresa Williamson, Member

The ARROWPOINT is published by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is distributed to approximately 45,000 households in the Broken Arrow school district. The ARROWPOINT is printed at Printed Products, Inc., and is the official communication tool for parents, students, staff and patrons of Broken Arrow Public Schools. Any information, content and photos contained herein are property of Broken Arrow Schools and are to be used by outside sources only with permission of the Communications Department. All contents are copyrighted.

Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. 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 Center701 South Main StreetBroken Arrow, OK 74012(918) 259-5700 | F: (918) 258-0399www.baschools.org

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SUPERINTENDENT

ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE TWO

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ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE THREE

During the 2012-2013 school year, the staff within the Finance Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools began the arduous process of compiling one of the most thorough financial reports available to public organizations. Known as the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), this massive financial report adheres to the most rigorous federal standards set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Broken Arrow is one of only three districts in the state of Oklahoma to successfully complete the CAFR.

“Those of us who work in the finance realm, either the public or private sector, realize this sort of news isn’t exciting to most people,” said Broken Arrow Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Dwayne Thompson. “However, this is a significant accomplishment for our district, and something of which our patrons and community can be extremely proud. Not only did district staff members successfully complete the report, Broken Arrow Public Schools also received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for its completed CAFR.”

In preparation for the report, the district first needed to establish a comprehensive internal control framework designed to both protect the district’s assets and to gather sufficient reliable information in preparation for the report. The cost of the internal controls could not outweigh the benefit, and the result of this assessment was the creation of a framework in which the multiple offices of the finance department regularly review operations and controls. Once that work was completed, staff began work on collecting the data required for the CAFR.

Members of the Finance Department, led by Cathy Mitchem, Director of Accounting, Natalie Eneff, Director of Budget, and Donna Dollahon, Treasurer, completed BAPS’ first CAFR, a over a six month period. Once complete, the report was reviewed by an external American Institute

of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) certified accounting firm, which utilized GASB requirements in evaluating Broken Arrow’s report.

State law mandates that school districts undergo an annual single audit and publish a complete set of financial statements presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted and audited in accordance with auditing standards. The primary difference between a typical budget and a CAFR is that where the budget is a plan for a fiscal period primarily showing where income is to be allocated, the CAFR contains the results of the period with historical information. A CAFR shows the total of all financial accounting that a general purpose budget reports does not, and it provides a comparison of period budget and actual.

“The CAFR is the complete showing of financial investment and income records from

all sources, that reflects what has developed over the decade, whereas a budget report is primarily focused on what revenue is expected to be brought in and spent for just the year,” Thompson said. “By undertaking the CAFR process, we are engaging in the most thorough

and transparent type of financial reporting currently available.”

Now that Broken Arrow has completed the CAFR, the report is available to any individual or organization wishing to compare the district’s financial state to other schools as well as any other business that completes a CAFR. Broken Arrow’s CAFR is available on the district website, www.baschools.org, under the “District – Financial Services

– Financial Reporting.” Moving forward, district staff members will complete the report annually, continuing this new standard of excellence in financial reporting for Broken Arrow Public Schools.

District undergoes rigorous process for financial reportMONEY MATTERS

We are engaging in the most thorough

and transparent type of financial reporting currently available.

-Dwayne Thompson Chief Financial Officer

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ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE FOUR

With more than 12,000 parents, friends, families and teachers in attendance, the Class of 2013 said farewell to a chapter in their lives at commencement ceremonies held recently at the Mabee Center on the campus of Oral Roberts University.

Class of 2013 says farewell with graduation

More than 1,100 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.

“This world has changed a lot in the short time you have walked on the earth, and it will continue to change. But rather than sit and watch the world as it changes, you are now at the point in your life where you can play an active role in shaping your world,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, Superintendent of Schools, in his

Class of 2013 says farewell with graduation

Class of

2013 Senior Class Officers Alyssa Gaddis - President

Evan Taylor - Vice PresidentLaurel Baldwin - Treasurer

Senior Class Favorites Flower: Tiger Lily

Song: “Tattoos On This Town” by Jason AldeanColors: Black and Gold

Motto: “What lies behind us and what lies before us is a tiny matter compared to what lies within us.”

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 Distinction - Top 3% of ClassAbbott, Andrew D

Benedek, Victoria NBerg, Nikolas A

Blackstock, Lauren ABlankenship, Hannah E.

Calhoun, AmandaCastillo, Alejandro

Chang, Gold MCoster, Mercedes N

Crow, Gabriel MCruze, Jake I

Cunningham, Kyle ADorrough, Austin B

Fell, Katelynn VGentry, Kaylee R

Gillham, Graham SGriffin, Marissa K

Gullickson, Zachary JHawkins, Jordan M

Le, Thy QuynhLey, Christiane J

Lull, Bryan GMills, Mackenzie D

Moore, Kameryn LPaul, Brenna E

Price, Alexander JRosenberger, Heath K

Rowland, Emily LSpratt, Braden D

Taylor, Evan STrac. Andrew H

Underwood, Nicholette CVanderVeen, Mark B

Voskuil, Alex KWoodard, Michael T

address to the Class of 2013. “I want every one of you to dream big… and then dream bigger.”

For the third year in a row, 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 success in and out of the classroom, extracurricular activities, selfless giving to classmates in need and more. 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.

Mendenhall encouraged the graduates to go after their dreams and have the courage needed to pursue those dreams regardless of the circumstances. Alluding to Walt Disney, Abraham Lincoln and one of their own classmates, he reminded the graduates that anything is possible.

“Whatever your dream may be, I assure you that you will face obstacles in achieving that dream, and in spite of the challenges, you will need to find the courage to pursue it,” said Mendenhall. “Your dreams will only come true if you have the courage to pursue them.”

ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE FIVE

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ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE SIX

Teaching InspirationOn the evening of April 4, the district’s

annual Teacher of the Year Gala was held in the ballroom at Central on Main. Each of the 25 Site Teachers of the Year were honored throughout the evening, and amidst cheers from her friends and family in the audience, 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. Joining Landrum on stage were: Kelli Collins of Liberty, Kayte Weinacht of Indian Springs, Greg James of Haskell, Kendra Dose of Arrowhead, Jenny Smith of Oliver, Debbie Pettus of the High School, Staci Durbin of Highland Park, Mendy Schanck of Leisure Park and Kelley O’Brien of Sequoyah. Landrum has been teaching at Oak

Crest Elementary for two years and is the first to brag on her Oak Crest family.

“The people at OC are so amazing! Friday morning after the gala, I would have gone about my day as usual, but oh no, they weren’t going to let that happen,” said Landrum. “A few teachers came back to my room and decorated

the whole thing with streamers and banners and balloons everywhere. All the kids knew something was up because of the state of the room, and they all asked if I was competing for the Teacher of the World next.”

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, a group composed of teachers,

administrators and both current and previous Teachers of the Year, met to evaluate each candidate’s portfolio and conduct an interview. Each candidate was scored on the various portions of the process, and after all the scores were tallied, Landrum was the winner.

“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 does more science experiments and hands-on activities than we could count – things like making rockets out of glue sticks and throwing raw eggs at sheets to talk about force and motion – and she allows her students to learn in unconventional ways. She incorporates menus to allow students an opportunity to self-select their learning and she is masterful in her use of differentiated small group work.”

As the 2013 District Teacher of the Year, Landrum received several gifts, including a $2,500 check from the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation, and the opportunity to drive the Teacher of the Year car – a black Ford Escape provided by Matthews Ford.

Landrum will represent Broken Arrow Public Schools in the State Teacher of the Year competition, the results of which will be announced later this year at the Oklahoma State Fair. Broken Arrow has produced several State Teachers of the Year, and Landrum is looking to bring that honor back to BA.

“My main hope is to reach more people and share about what it truly means to be an educator to young people,” Landrum said. “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’s Tera Landrum named BAPS Teacher of the Year

My main hope is to reach more people and share about

what it truly means to be an educator to

young people.-Tera Landrum

Tera Landrum of Oak Crest Elementary poses with her new vehicle, courtesy of Matthews Ford, which she gets to drive during her reign as Teacher of the Year.

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ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE SEVEN

In the spring of 2013, the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation delivered 46 grants totaling $21,828.96 to Broken Arrow teachers at sites across the district.

“The Foundation plays a very important role within the district and directly impacts student learning with their grant program,” said Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Every spring, teachers across our district are surprised with checks that fund their grant requests, and these grants are used to give our students a more enriched educational experience.”

The funding for the special classroom projects that will be provided by the grants will help the students of 37 teachers – some teachers received more than one grant while some individual grants benefited more than one teacher.

The Broken Arrow Public School Foundation, started in 1992, has positively influenced education in Broken Arrow by providing funds for incentive grants to teachers. A Board of Directors, representing a variety of businesses, the PTA, the teaching and administrative staff and individual citizens, is elected annually to serve as trustees of the Foundation. The Foundation has only one fundraiser – an annual golf tournament held at Forest Ridge – and the proceeds of that tournament go toward funding classroom grants.

Every year, teachers in the Broken Arrow School District submit applications for grants that will impact the education of Broken Arrow students. A sub-committee of the Foundation,

plus educational personnel not involved in the grant writing or submission process, chooses those grants for projects it considers most exemplary. Members of the Foundation then award the checks to the teachers in the spring by paying a surprise visit to the teachers in their

BAPS Foundation delivers grants to teachersFIRM FOUNDATION

In addition to awarding teacher grants this year, the BAPS Foundation also donated $20,000 toward Project Graduation. The

Foundation donated $10,000 and promised an additional $10,000 if the Project Graduation

Committee was able to raise $10,000 through other fundraising efforts. The committee was successful, and the hundreds of students who

attended Project Graduation received the benefit of a fun-filled night.

KNOW?DID YOU

classroom. The Foundation’s annual golf tournament,

which funds the teacher grants, will take place this fall at Forest Ridge Golf Club. The tournament is open to the public, and individuals or organizations interested in entering a team should contact Tara Thompson at tsthompson@baschools.org. The proceeds raised from the tournament will fund the teacher grant requests submitted in the fall of 2013.

Kamara Washington and Connie Frieze of the BAPS Foundation present a grant check to Kellie Miller of Lynn Wood Elementary.

Students at Vandever Elementary cheer on their teacher after receiving a grant.

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