SITES ANNOUNCE 2013-14TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

KRISTIN CHENOWETH TEAMS UPWITH BAPAC FOUNDATION

CONSTRUCTION TIMELINESHOWS DISTRICT PROGRESS

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | VOLUME 39, ISSUE THREE | WINTER 2013

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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT3EARNING OUR STRIPES

4A few words from the desk of Dr. Jarod Mendenhall

In its third year, the anti-bullying program continues to make an impact on schools

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

6-7School sites have announced their choices for

2013-14 Teacher of the Year

RACHEL’S CHALLENGE

5

Catch up on the accomplishments that continue to put BAPS at the forefront of education

ATHLETICS CONFERENCE8Student athletes attend leadership conference earlier

this semester

CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE

10-11See the amazing progress the district has made in regards to new buildings

and improvements

BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLSVOLUME 39, ISSUE 3 | WINTER 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 six times a year 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 does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or age in its employment, programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Broken Arrow Public Schools will take all necessary steps to ensure that each school and work place in the District is free from unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status or age. The following people within the District have been designated to handle inquiries regarding 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, Amy Fichtner, 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.

Inquiries concerning non-discrimination can also be made to the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Broken Arrow Public Schools Education Service Center701 South Main StreetBroken Arrow, OK 74012(918) 259-5700 | F: (918) 259-4334www.baschools.org

KRISTIN CHENOWETH9Broken Arrow’s favorite Broadway star partners with

BAPAC Foundation

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As the superintendent of the sixth largest school district in the state of Oklahoma, I feel a tremendous

sense of accountability to the tens of thousands of people I serve. That number is not an exaggeration,

because while our district serves nearly 18,000 students, 2,000 staff members and tens of thousands of

parents, our school district does not stand in isolation. For more than 100 years, our school has been part

of a community, and that community has grown to include more than 100,000 citizens.

In 1904, our district was established with a vision for excellence, and since our founding, educators

in this district have been providing a high-quality education to the students of Broken Arrow. Many

changes have taken place in public education during the last century – some positive and some negative.

That walk through history would take much more time than the space I have in this document. Many

changes have taken place just within the past few years, and while I wish I could call these changes

positive, the majority of these reforms, laws and mandates are only crippling public education. For the

first time in my 20-year career, I fear not only for the future of public education, but what the loss of

high-quality public education will mean for our state and our nation.

A few weeks ago, our district created and mailed a document called, “Pass or Fail.” The introductory

issue was mailed to homes, and the four additional issues can be found on our district website. This

document is not meant to be a scare tactic, nor is it meant to take a political stance – its intent is quite

simply to educate.

I am a product of Oklahoma’s public education system. I am a parent, and a former teacher, coach

and administrator. I know the power of education, and so the documents in the “Pass or Fail” series are

intended solely for the purpose of educating Broken Arrow citizens – the people I serve. The information

contained in these documents is factual, absent of opinion or commentary unless otherwise noted, and so

I ask you to go online to www.baschools.org and take a few moments to read through the “Pass or Fail”

material. From these facts, I ask you to form an educated opinion on what the future may hold for your

child, grandchild or great- grandchild. Regardless of race, religion or political affiliation, I believe every

Oklahoma child deserves the opportunity to receive an education, because I believe an education is the

most powerful tool we can give them for changing the world.

Jarod Mendenhall, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

As a patron of Broken Arrow Public Schools, it’s likely you are already aware of the many great

things the students and staff accomplish each and every day at sites throughout the district. But what about your neighbors who don’t have children in school, family members who live out of town or business acquaintances looking for a place to relocate – do they know about the great things Broken Arrow Public Schools has to offer? This feature, “Earning our stripes,” is designed to equip readers with brief bits of information they can use to educate others on why Broken Arrow Public Schools continues to “earn stripes” in its mission to be one of Oklahoma’s premier public school districts.

• Budget Committee – Each year a group of employees from throughout the district meets to learn about the budgeting process. These employees represent numerous sites and departments, and each plays an active role in determining the budget priorities for the next fiscal year.

• Cheer – The Broken Arrow Varsity cheerleaders dominated this year’s National Cheerleaders Association High School Competition in Dallas, Texas. The prestigious competition attracted 170 cheer teams from across the nation.

• Demographic Study – An ever-growing district, school leaders commissioned a demographic study to predict district growth over a ten year period. The demographic information has been used to drive various decisions such as land purchases and school construction.

• Long Range Planning Committee – Consisting of approximately 50 parents and patrons from throughout the district, this committee is charged with assisting district officials in long range planning. From redrawing district attendance boundaries to researching land purchases and determining bond issue priorities, this group of stakeholders plays an active role in shaping the district’s future.

• Vocal Music – The Broken Arrow Vocal Music Department had 27 high school students qualify for the second round of auditions for the OMEA High School All-State Chorus. There were also 22 7th-9th graders who qualified for the second round of auditions for the OCDA Junior High All-State Chorus.

• Radios – Through a partnership with the City of Broken Arrow, the district has implemented a sophisticated radio system for all school sites and buses. The system is compatible to that used by local emergency responders, providing for seamless communication between school

officials and law enforcement. • EBackpack – Specifically designed for

online document sharing between teachers and students, EBackpack takes classrooms into the paperless realm. The program is accessible from any location with an Internet connection, it allows teachers to share assignments with specific classes and students can turn-in their work online.

• The Pride – The Pride of Broken Arrow is the 2013 OBA State Marching Band Champions for the 12th consecutive year, and the 21st time overall. The Pride also swept all awards including Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance and Outstanding General Effect.

• Response to Intervention (RTI) – A high-quality, researched-based technique, RTI is a tiered instructional approach whereby struggling learners are identified and provided with increasing levels of

STRIPESEARNING OUR

• National Merit Semifinalists – Broken Arrow High School students Lauren Kesterson, Anthony Ash and Nina Underwood were recently named National Merit Semifinalists. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test—a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements.

intervention. Decisions about the intensity and duration of the intervention are based on the child’s response to instruction and the ongoing assessments given by the classroom teacher.

• Website – From salary schedules and conflict resolution steps to the superintendent’s contract and board agendas, the district website contains a vast amount of information that is available to the public. Patrons are able to send feedback emails on any topic, and those emails are directed to the appropriate employee for a prompt response.

These are just a few of the accomplishments and accolades that give you – a patron of Broken Arrow Public Schools – a better idea of how our district is earning its stripes. A new list will be featured in the April issue of Arrowpoint Magazine, so stay tuned for the next printing of “Earning our stripes.”

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REACTION

Bullying is a very real issue for students throughout the state. Whether online or in person, the effects of bullying can have negative effects on a student’s

academic performance, and in some instances, the effects of bullying can be deadly. A number of programs exist to support school districts in their fight to end bullying, and in Broken Arrow, students and staff members continue to turn to a program called Rachel’s Challenge.

Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. 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.

In addition to the Rachel’s Challenge Program, for the first time this year character education began in Pre-K. Thanks to the efforts of an owner-dog duo named Travis and Presley, students in grades Pre-k through first grade learned to be kind and patient with their peers.

“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.”

Rachel’s Challenge program enters third year of implementation

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN THE HOMECOMING PARADE CARRY PAPER CHAINS REPRESENTING ACTS OF KINDNESS

THAT STUDENTS EXHIBIT AT THEIR SCHOOLS.

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Just before leaving for Fall Break, each of the district’s 27 school sites proudly announced their 2013 Site

Teacher of the Year. “While our district is full of

phenomenal educators, each of these 27 individuals was elected by their peers as outstanding educators who continually display innovation and leadership at their sites,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Those serving on the committee tasked with selecting the District Teacher of the Year face a tough assignment – they must select only one educator from this group to serve as the District Teacher of the Year.”

Once all the Site Teachers of the Year are announced, the next step in the process is an informational meeting in which the candidates learn about the District Teacher of the Year process.

“The Site Teacher of the Year recipients will have until February to submit portfolios outlining their talents and accomplishments,” said Diana Beaulieu, BAPS Director of Elementary Instruction and the administrator tasking with coordinating the Teacher of the Year process. “As a committee, we will review each portfolio, interview the candidates, and eventually arrive at the person we believe to be the best candidate for the District Teacher of the Year. It’s an arduous process for both the candidates and the committee, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”

The District Teacher of the Year is announced every spring at the Teacher of the Year Gala. This year’s annual reception will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2014, at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel. The District Teacher of the Year will then go on to represent Broken Arrow Public Schools at the State Teacher of the Year Competition later in the summer of 2014.

“The recipients who have served as the District Teacher of the Year during my four years here have been phenomenal examples of the exemplary teachers we have both in the district and in the state,” Mendenhall said. “All 27 of this year’s candidates are carrying on that tradition of excellence, and I am excited to see which one will be named the District Teacher of the Year.”

District announces site Teachers of the Year

Elizabeth GuiverAspen Creek ECC

Lisa WelterCreekwood ECC

Lisa StanberyPark Lane ECC

Debra GossArrowhead Elementary

Donna MurrayLeisure Park Elementary

Shelly DuerLiberty Elementary

Marla EdmonsonLynn Wood Elementary

Terri DershemOak Crest Elementary

Michelle BennettChilders Middle School

Elizabeth SchmidtOliver Middle School

Dana BlackburnOneta Ridge Middle School

Rachel ForresterSequoyah Middle School

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District announces site Teachers of the Year

Debra GossArrowhead Elementary

Bridget CookAspen Creek Elementary

Erika VasasCountry Lane Primary

Rhonda BennettCountry Lane Intermediate

Crystal ClarkCreekwood Elementary

Gina JacksonHighland Park Elementary

Terri DershemOak Crest Elementary

Tonya BoyleRhoades Elementary

Jeni DoddSpring Creek Elementary

Chandra ShrumVandever Elementary

Tracy ReynoldsWolf Creek Elementary

Kyle LowryCentennial Middle School

Rachel ForresterSequoyah Middle School

Tamara YeldellNorth Intermediate High

Carolina GarbatoSouth Intermediate High

Cindy GharibvandBroken Arrow High School

Sharon WadsworthMargaret Hudson Program

Ashley TseleeBroken Arrow Academy

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The first annual Broken Arrow Tiger Athletic Leadership Conference was held this

summer, and 60 senior athletes from 13 sports participated in the event. These young men and women were chosen to participate because of their potential to lead their programs for the 2013-2014 school year.

“The purpose of the Tiger Athletic Leadership Conference is to challenge our athletes to lead their teams in many different facets, building champions both on and off the field,” said Athletic Director Ken Ellett. “Through motivational speakers and team-building activities, we challenged student athletes to grow into positive role models for their peers and for the young Tigers who look up to them.”

Over the course of the one-day conference, students heard from several leaders in the Broken Arrow athletic community. The lineup of speakers included longtime baseball coach Shannon Dobson, who played at Seminole Junior College and the University of Oklahoma before coming to Broken Arrow where he recently led the Tigers to a State Championship in 2011.

Students also heard from newly hired Director of Student Life and

LEADERSOF THE PACKAthletics

conferencefocuses on building futureleaders

Activities, Jason Jedamski, who was a two-sport college athlete – football at Missouri State University and soccer at Northeastern State University – before beginning his career in education.

The 2013 District Teacher of the Year, Tera Landrum, was also among those who spoke with the students. While earning her teaching degree, Landrum played softball at Northeastern State University. A graduate of Broken Arrow in 1982, coach David Alexander played football at Tulsa University before being drafted to play for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets. Alexander was the head coach of the Tulsa Talons, and now coaches on the high school football staff.

Aside from hearing the first-hand experiences of these Broken Arrow athletes turned leaders, during the conference student athletes were also introduced to the new Tiger Stripes program.

“Part of being an athlete is understanding the bigger role you play in your school and community,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Chuck Perry. “The Tiger Stripes are the pillars of what the athletic program is focused on, and they are intended to teach each student athlete how to have the character that will serve them long after their athletic career has ended.”

The Tiger Stripes program begins with those students who participated in the Tiger Athletic Leadership Conference, but looking long-term, the goal is to expand opportunities to learn these Tiger traits to each athletic grade

level in Broken Arrow. “Our community can be proud of

the accomplishments of Broken Arrow athletes, but we also want to make sure we are preparing student athletes to be good citizens,” said Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Through the Tiger Athletic Leadership Conference and the new Tiger Stripes program, our young men and women are learning how to positively impact their community both on and off the field.”

TIGER S.T.R.I.P.E.S.

Service – work done for the betterment of the school and community

Trust – rely on one another by creating healthy, dependable relationships

Respect – display good manners and compassion, and expect that in return

Integrity – character is what you do when no one is looking

Positive Attitude – be a role model of optimism in action

Excellence – set high standards of excellence in both athletics and academics

Self Control – use restraint as a tool for self-improvement

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aring for thecommunity

KRISTIN CHENOWETH PARTNERS WITH BAPAC FOUNDATION FOR EXCITING NEW ENDEAVORS

YOU CAN HELP

To donate to Kristin Chenoweth’s Fund For Arts & Education through the BAPAC Foundation, log on to brokenarrowpac.com/give.html

To donate to help students with expenses for The Carnegie Experience, call 918.259.5754 or mail a check to:The Carnegie ExperienceAttn: Mark Frie701 South Main StreetBroken Arrow, OK 74012

A dream several years in the making is finally coming true for the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center.

Broadway and Emmy-winning hometown girl Kristin Chenoweth recently decided to refocus her fundraising and philanthropy efforts. To help support fine arts and community relations in Broken Arrow, she has established the Kristin Chenoweth Fund For Arts & Education through the BAPAC Foundation.

Chenoweth was most recently involved with Maddie’s Corner, a charity she launched and helped to grow. While she is proud of her work with Maddie’s Corner, Chenoweth has decided to focus her efforts on the BAPAC.

“I am so excited to work more closely with the theater in my hometown that bears my name,” said Chenoweth. “Maddie’s Corner was a huge inspiration for me to continue to learn about how to make my mark in the world, but I am looking forward to this new partnership and the future of BAPAC!”

The mission of the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center Foundation is to bring the world of visual and performing arts to Broken Arrow. The Foundation remains dedicated to providing artistic and educational opportunities, offering entertainment and artistic enrichment to the Broken Arrow Community and serving as a vital partner in the cultural and economic vitality of our region. Some current and future initiatives include; The Spotlight Series, educational outreach and master classes with touring artists, after-school and summer arts institutes, scholarship programs, community enrichment and creating opportunities for students to travel and perform on a national level.

Chenoweth’s involvement expands beyond just fund raising for the BAPAC Foundation to engaging students and the community in the arts, including the upcoming Carnegie Experience in New York City in April of 2014.

Chenoweth has already begun planning out exciting new endeavors for the next few years, most of which are still in the early stages of development.

“What Kristin is wanting to do with our town and the PAC is nothing short of amazing,” said Mark Frie, President and CEO of the BAPAC Foundation. “She has such a passion for helping students pursue their love of the arts while at the same time wanting to get surrounding communities involved. With her help, Broken Arrow will be an arts destination like never before.”

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The landscape of

Broken Arrow Public

Schools continues to

transform thanks to

ongoing renovations

and construction of new

facilities. This timeline is

intended to give patrons

an overview of the many

construction projects

that have taken place in

the last four years, as

well as identify those

projects which are still

under construction or

have yet to begin.

December 2009 – Patrons approve a $295 million bond issue

August 2011 – Construction is completed at Central on Main and the Multipurpose Athletic Facility, and a new classroom addition is completed at Liberty Elementary.

October 2011 – In order to better meet future district needs identified in a demographic study, patrons approve a realignment of $73.5 million of the original bond issue.

August 2012 – Highland Park Elementary is opened, replacing Park Lane Elementary. Along with this new elementary, additions and renovations were also completed at six other elementary sites: Arrowhead, Leisure Park, Lynn Wood, Rhoades, Vandever and Spring Creek. Minor renovations and the construction of secured entries took place at Wolf Creek, Country Lane Primary, Oliver Middle School and Centennial Middle School. A classroom addition was completed at South Intermediate High School.

January 2013 – Students and staff begin using the new fine arts addition at South Intermediate High School.

July 2013 – The Pride students and staff begin using the new fine arts spaces that were completed as part of the new addition to the High School.

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TIMELINECONSTRUCTION

August 2012 – Highland Park Elementary is opened, replacing Park Lane Elementary. Along with this new elementary, additions and renovations were also completed at six other elementary sites: Arrowhead, Leisure Park, Lynn Wood, Rhoades, Vandever and Spring Creek. Minor renovations and the construction of secured entries took place at Wolf Creek, Country Lane Primary, Oliver Middle School and Centennial Middle School. A classroom addition was completed at South Intermediate High School.

January 2013 – Students and staff begin using the new fine arts addition at South Intermediate High School.

July 2013 – The Pride students and staff begin using the new fine arts spaces that were completed as part of the new addition to the High School.

August 2013 – Six new facilities are opened at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. Oneta Ridge Middle School, Aspen Creek Elementary and Creekwood Elementary are opened, replacing Haskell Middle School, Indian Springs Elementary and Westwood Elementary. The district also opened three new Early Childhood Centers: Park Lane ECC, Aspen Creek ECC and Creekwood ECC.

October 2013 – The High School gymnasium and locker rooms are remodeled, and the wrestling facility is expanded.

November 2013 – Construction continues as Arrow Springs Elementary is remodeled into a fourth ECC. A new addition at Oak Crest Elementary is under construction, as are remodels at Sequoyah Middle School, and the former Westwood Elementary which is being converted to an athletic facility to include a track. Childers Middle School is also under construction, and one of the features at this site will be a display honoring the Creek heritage of its namesake, Col. Ernest Childers. The 93,000 square foot addition at the High School is expected to complete in early 2014.

STILL TO COMEThe bond issue also included a number of other construction projects which have not yet begun. Planning is now under way on improvements at the Transportation Department, and other projects that will begin in the near future include improvements to the Warehouse and Maintenance facilities, as well as an addition to the Performing Arts Center. Additional renovations at the High School are also being planned.

All construction from the 2009 Bond Issue should be complete by the year 2016. The Long Range Planning Committee is beginning discussions in preparation for the next bond, which could be placed before voters in the spring of 2015.

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701 South Main StreetBroken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012WWW.BASCHOOLS.ORG

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