Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 37, Issue 6, 2011-12 School Year

ARROWPOINT} TH E OF F I CI A L M A G A Z I N E O F B RO K EN A R R O W P U B LIC S C H O O LS

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SEE IN S I D E Superintendent’s Message Graduation 2012 Rezoning Update Great Graduates returns

VOLUME 37, ISSUE SIX • GRADUATION EDITION 2012

Web & Social Media @ BAPS

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ARROWPOINT

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS

VOLUME 37, ISSUE 6 | GRADUATION EDITION 2012 Publisher Communications Department Broken Arrow Public Schools Editing/Content/Photography Tara Thompson Public Information Officer Layout/Design/Photography Adam J. Foreman Graphic Artist/Publications Specialist Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Board of Education Cheryl Kelly, President Steve Allen, Vice President Jerry Denton, Clerk Shari Wilkins, Deputy Clerk Steve Majors, 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 Schools Education Service Center 701 South Main Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012 (918) 259-5700 | F: (918) 258-0399 www.baschools.org

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SUPERINTENDENT

It seems like just yesterday we were beginning the 2011-2012 school year, and now we’re saying goodbye for the summer. How the time flies.

I think part of the speed with which this year has passed can be attributed to the many changes taking place within our district, the most obvious of which is construction. During the 2011-2012 school year, we have hosted numerous groundbreakings and ribbon cutting ceremonies, and yet we are nowhere close to completing the many construction projects made possible by the 2009 and 2010 bond issues. We have opened new media centers at three of our sites, demolished portable structures to build permanent classrooms, and will continue to build throughout the summer. Highland Park Elementary will open in August, and this summer, 19 of our sites will be under construction, including two new elementaries, a new middle school, and an enormous addition to our Senior High School. Some of the construction projects will be complete by August, but several will continue throughout the 2012-2013 school year. We will all need to be patient in dealing with the parking and traffic challenges that will be present next year, but the temporary inconvenience will be worth the lasting results.

Closely related to construction are the changes in the elementary attendance zones, which will take effect during the 2013-2014 school year. You can read more about this change on the next page but please note that this change will not affect you or your students in the coming school year. The changes do not go into effect until the 2013-2014 school year, and it will only affect elementary attendance. The middle school attendance zones have not yet been discussed, but the same committee will tackle that issue during the 2012-2013 school year.

The 2011-2012 year was also the year Broken Arrow Public Schools accepted Rachel’s Challenge to positively influence our environment with acts of kindness and compassion. I have been so pleased with the way this message has been embraced by our students, staff and community, and the message will continue to be a part of what we do here in the district. From speaking with words of kindness to looking for the best in others, these are the character qualities that I want to instill in our students as they develop into responsible citizens of our community, state and nation.

At the State level, districts across Oklahoma have been presented with a number of new programs and requirements this year, including new evaluation systems and the changeover to the Common Core State Standards. Broken Arrow Public Schools continues to be a leader in implementing these and other initiatives, but we also continue to fight for our students and staff when legislation is unfair. This year, more than any other year I can remember, public education issues received considerable attention in local news outlets. Educators and parents alike must continue to fight for Oklahoma students, so I encourage you to stay informed of the issues and be an advocate for our district.

Thank you for your role in making the 2011-2012 school year a tremendous success, and have a wonderful summer break!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, Superintendent of Schools

ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE TWO

ELEMENTARY ATTENDANCE

IN THE ZONE

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Board approves rezoning of elementary boundaries for 2013-2014 school year

After more than six months of research and debate, the Board of Education approved a plan to alter the elementary attendance zones beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. The map that was presented to the board came about from the efforts of the Long Range Planning Committee - a group of more than 60 parents and patrons charged with the task of proposing new attendance zones for all BAPS elementary schools.

In mid-October, the Long Range Planning Committee was presented with volumes of information, maps and demographic data. After months of planning, each group created a map for discussion and debate amongst the other members of the committee. Those options were combined and reduced to three final plans which were presented to the public for comment in early April.

Two community forums were held for the purpose of gathering citizens’ input on three plans.

After the forums, the Long Range Planning Committee met one more time to discuss and finalize a plan, which was then presented to the board on April 30.

“This has not been an easy task for the committee, but in going through all the data, they have arrived at very logical plan,” Mendenhall said. “They had a lot of tough conversations and even spent a great deal of time driving the district to get a better idea of what our parents and students would experience in their daily commute to school.”

In considering the attendance zones, the group had a number of things to take into consideration. For example, with the passage of the bond issue, three new elementaries will be constructed, and Arrow Springs will be transformed into an Early Childhood Development Center. New housing additions and apartment complexes will increase enrollment in some areas, and the demographic data indicates the eastern side of the district has the capacity for tremendous growth in student enrollment.

“I have been very impressed with not only the dedication shown by these parents, but also their willingness to be open to all ideas and options,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “They put the interests of all students above their personal preferences, and I am quite comfortable with the result.”

The new attendance boundaries only affect the elementary schools in the district, and the changes will not go into effect until the 2013-2014 school year.

The majority of families will not be affected by the changes, but those who will be impacted will receive information from the district outlining the changes and what options might be available to them. The LRP committee will begin looking at possible changes to middle school attendance zones in August of 2012.

GET SMART

ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE THREE

CONGR

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Class of 2012 com With more than 12,000 parents, friends, families and teachers in attendance, the Class of 2012 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.

“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 address to the Class of 2012. “I want every one of you to dream big… and then dream bigger.”

For the second 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 the 104th graduating class of Broken Arrow High School, it fills me with great pride to stand before you tonight,” said Blackburn.

“The kindness you have shown speaks volumes about your class. I pray that you continue this compassion and unselfishness into the future.”

ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE FOUR

CLASS OF 2012 Senior Class Officers Jordie Douglas - President Conner Schwab - Vice President Regina Dao - Secretary Kate-Lynn Duethman - Treasurer

RADULATIONS

mmencement celebrates graduates

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.

“There is potential for greatness in every one of you. The excitement is the journey,” said Blackburn. “I ask that you embrace the present, prepare for the future and never forget your history.”

Mendenhall encouraged the graduates to look at life with a positive attitude.

“I don’t know all the moments and decisions that led you to this point tonight. But, I do know this: the attitude you choose every day, will impact both your journey, and your destination,” said Mendenhall. “Only you can choose your attitude, and that is the one thing in your life that you can control. Attitude is the difference between obstacle and opportunity. It is the difference between a good life and a great life.

It is the difference between failure and success.”

Senior Class Favorites Flower: Tiger Lily Song: “See You When I See You”

by Jason Aldean Colors: Black and Gold Class Motto: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”

-Dr. Seuss High School Alma Mater Ah…., As we look to tomorrow And 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 Class Adkins, Alexandra G. Allen,Lexis D. Bagby, Caleb A. Batchelor-Strohm, Alex R. Bertrand, Jacob W. Claros, Nicole B. Counts, Courtney A. Cowen, Samantha D. Creed, Katherine V. Dorsett, Kevin A. Greene, Andrew C. Hazlett, Devin R. Hickey, Kyle J. Jivan, Aakash Kennard, Zachary F. Keys, Brandon K. Lee, Marina E. Mackey, Matthew R. Maduro, Dania R. Marquette, Chelsey M. Martinez, Lindsey A. Mattke, Megan E. Moore, Brittni N. Nolen, Mariah M. Pembrook, Hally E. Phan, Tavis Sawyer, Aimee E. Strom, Jana J. Talley, Erin D. Vazquez, Chandlar M. Vu, Brandon K. Wells, Rachel L. Whitson, Sarah P.

ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE FIVE

Honoring Greatness Great Graduates program accepting nominations

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Since 1999, The Broken Arrow High School Alumni Association has been honoring outstanding Broken Arrow graduates for their impact on the community. Known as “Great Graduates,” the purpose of the program is to recognize those who have brought honor to their community and to their Alma Mater through their personal and professional accomplishments.

“One of the things that sets Broken Arrow apart from so many other schools of its size is the sense of community,” said Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall.

“The contributions of past generations have built a strong school and community, and I think it only fitting to have a program that honors those men and women.”

The BAHS Alumni Association is currently accepting nominations for this year’s group of Great Graduates. To be eligible for the award, nominees must have graduated from Broken Arrow High School at least 20 years ago, and display both the integrity and courage to motivate them to have a positive impact on their community. Though hard to measure, these qualities can be evidenced by a history of selfless giving of time and talent to community service and building a better future for others. As they continue to live out their commitment to excellence, they serve as a role model to the entire community.

Nomination forms can be picked up at the reception desk at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center located at 81st and at Central on Main on the corner of College and Main Street. Nomination forms may also be found online by visiting the district website at www.baschools.org and clicking on the “Great Graduates” tab under the “Community” menu.

Completed forms should be returned to the BAHS Alumni Association at Central on Main 210 N. Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. The deadline for submitting nominations is June 29, 2012. This year’s class of Great Graduates will be honored at the Homecoming game scheduled for November 2, 2012.

“Our respect for our heritage strengthens both our school and our community,” Mendenhall said. “I am glad we can honor the pillars of our community by recognizing them with such an honor, and I am eager to see who will join the ranks of Great Graduates this year.”

ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE SIX

SOCIAL studies

WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA KEYS TO BAPS COMMUNICATIONS

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School districts across the nation are turning to technology to increase communication with students, staff and parents, and Broken Arrow is no exception.

“One of the most important tools we have for communicating with our audience is our website,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, Superintendent of Broken Arrow Public Schools. “From the timely news stories to the calendar, information on our website is constantly being updated to give our customers what they need.”

In addition to district events and information, each school site also has its own section of the website that can be used for sharing site-specific information. From report cards, to fundraisers, to site events, the website is an easy way to keep up with the many things happening at the school site.

“One of my favorite features of the website

is the teacher page,” Mendenhall said. “Each teacher has the ability to create his or her own pages for sharing information. It’s a great way for our teachers to be able to share their classroom information, and as we continue to offer trainings on how to use the website, I hope more of our teachers utilize this tool. It would be incredible if 100% of our teachers were using this as a communication tool.”

In addition to the website, the district also makes use of social media tools. Broken Arrow Public Schools has a presence on both Facebook and Twitter, and both are a great way to share brief snippets of information.

“We have new information on both accounts every day, and we encourage sites to send us information about their activities,” said Community Relations Coordinator Christian Welborn, who manages both accounts. “It’s also a great place to look for updates on activities, especially those that might be happening out of town. By networking with our employees, we are able to share information quickly.”

The BAPS Facebook and Twitter profiles can be found by clicking on the icons on the district website – www.baschools.org - at the bottom of the Quick Links menu. Those interested will need to “like” or “follow” the BAPS profile, depending on which social media tool being used.

“Right now, we have about 4,000 followers on Facebook, and almost 800 on Twitter,” Welborn said. “As the word about these outlets continues to spread, I’m hopeful that we will eventually reach thousands more people. It’s a great way to stay connected.”

In addition to these tools, research is also being done on developing an app for smart phones. Over the summer, the Communications and Technology Departments will continue to collaborate for research and development of an app that will be specific to Broken Arrow Public Schools. The goal is to launch the app in time for the 2012-2013 school year this August.

CONNECT www.baschools.org

twitter.com/baschools

facebook.com/baschools ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE SEVEN

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