Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 39, Issue 2, 2013-14 School Year

DISTRICT GEARS UP FOR STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

EMPTY BOWLS PROJECT RETURNS TO HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT LIFE HEADING IN NEW DIRECTION

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | VOLUME 39, ISSUE TWO | FALL 2013

Publisher Communications Department Broken Arrow Public Schools

Layout/Design/Photography Adam J. Foreman Graphic Artist/Publications Specialist

A few words from the desk of Dr. Jarod Mendenhall

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

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Board of Education Cheryl Kelly, President Steve Allen, Vice President Jerry Denton, Clerk Steve Majors, Deputy Clerk Dr. Theresa Williamson, Member

RUMOR HAS IT Dr. Mendenhall addresses school-centered rumors floating about the community

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 nondiscrimination 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 Center 701 South Main Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012 (918) 259-5700 | F: (918) 259-4334 www.baschools.org

3 4 5

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Editing/Content/Photography Tara Thompson Public Information Officer

CONTENTS

BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOLUME 39, ISSUE 2 | FALL 2013

6-7

STRATEGIC PLAN

The district-wide long-range plans of the school and community will start being enacted this year

8 9 10-11

FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT For its 12th year, the BAPS Foundation Golf Tournament continues to support teacher grants

THE EMPTY BOWL PROJECT High School event returns bigger than ever for second year of fighting hunger

STUDENT LIFE @ BAHS

A new culture is emerging at the High School this year

.D. denhall, Ed Jarod Men ls t of Schoo Superintenden

A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {3}

te that the Sta ry few issues ve s, e er h ar ac e te er for all ents, th ahoma stud $2,000 raises . kl te ed O da r sh fo an da m y st what’s be ere quickl st plan to w g te la in es er do op h h to y of d mes war ring but m When it co on g round, e, straightfor on. Upon hea found comm nned a simpl and I ag ree t ulsa pe ad n T h on de e e n ps w th te s in om of ap Super wayne Th that perh day issue t D ur en O at F S om C a m ct in a ri r rety r dist I thought fo n in its enti ncement, ou s he article ra to her annou T . se an on pl sp . What she ha is re In oom teachers s within th sr as aw s, cl fl or e ly : at th ts on tr h t e hlig clud minis letter abou w of the hig specialists, ad ections that in here are a fe based on proj apists , media er is th t the services an ch bu pl , ee ’s rs sp , nt World, but he perintende sroom teac lors , nurses su se as e cl un t at co st sitions no e e of th ar , es “First e salari positions ering these po d” includes th m. By consid king in these ea or oo w rh sr areas, s ve as ic al cl if “o e on ec as th si termed in these sp s place in The profes ks ke c. ac ta et , tb at rs cu th ke or 2% ng w esting e learni transportation ise, and sugg ly support th ol district. e proposed ra udents direct st th ions of a scho to immediate at om r er fr fe s op of ee c si oy they pl ba e em th e cts to be in an es ri nd st th ta di g rs in de 10 ded ud un cl t of ex e does no would be ad minimum “overhead,” again that sh ore districts will cause a ce m an on y pl ols es an ’s ho m ov si sc pr re at ly th fact that Dr. Bar Dr. Barresi data, it’s like r the simple as presented, 12 fo d 20 k te or ac on w en d l il se if w ba ion, it Second, numbers are ol consolidat cit. Since her ered to tempt at scho at ed il financial defi ve t had she both a se in pay, bu . If this is st been ea li cr . t ve in pt ci ha fi ru s an de ct nk to that e do need kly go ba find distri ic at st to qu r l d il ou se w ri e in rp s at e st ld be su educator ore than the throughout th ents , she wou I agree that of $2,776 m es e d pr ag an re er e si av re sh s ar an ct ployees e distri cause we are Third, Dr. B ready pays em h some of th e state, but be it al th w ct e ri om at st fr ic di g un in ur m e. O al fund actually com quite some tim ived addition nue their own for we have rece e on us is ca th be g ecurring reve t in no do s – to a nonr is possible se s s. ea hi ce ng. cr ti T ti . in ac un pr ry um co as sala basic ac counting state minim ing cost – such d use wise ac to understand rr s an il cu e lse, fa bl re fa si a so ly on al gn on sp t nt si e to as ntende ts” is no fiscally re r state superi ly irresponsibl fitting studen ou al ct y ne sc ri tl fi st be en t is di ar s no it s pp nd h, A nk Fourt rest and fu ting in ba balances. it te nd “s in e s fu ar ct rn ri es ea st e nc il di as balanc nd bala s of da y stream – such finance. This cover the cost that district fu ol t to en ho ct sc em ri st at of st di cs r e he the basi t that money abling th Furthermore, t understand students ,” bu ons begin, en no g ti in ec es ll tt do fi co ne so x be al ta t e n s no but proves sh December whe itting in bank s from July to t of money “s ed po ne a w is on the issues e flo er sh th ca stay educated ect in that rr to co u is yo ed at e he S ag . encour und.” that are play operations comments. I Rainy Day F tical games ’s ’s li te on po ta e S ps e th om th h h throug resides in with Mr. T can you see ag ree more e only then us ca I could not be , n io public educat s. that impact and teacher our students of se n pe ex the

A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {4}

A

EARNING OUR

s 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 the piloting of a similar program at the campaign is currently under way. offer? This feature, “Earning our stripes,” middle school level.

• Secured Front Entries at School is designed to equip you with brief bits of • Mini-Hub Fiber Node – The BAPS Facilities – Thanks to the 2009 bond information you can use to educate others Technology Department in collaboration issue, the district has successfully on why Broken Arrow Public Schools with Cox Business has created the first remodeled the front entry of nearly all continues to “earn stripes” in its mission mini-hub fiber node for a public school school sites making each more secure. In to be one of Oklahoma’s premier public system in Oklahoma. The technology addition to the new design, a LobbyGuard school districts. is utilized at the Multipurpose Athletic visitor check-in system has been added to • Food for Kids –The Broken Arrow Facility, and will facilitate future demands each site, allowing district staff members Food for Kids Backpack Program provides for data, video and production from the to run registered sex offender background weekend sacks for chronically hungry athletics facility, high school and stadium. checks on every visitor who enters the children in the Broken Arrow community.

Projects such as this keep the district building.

Students are identified by counselors in the on the cutting-edge of technology • High School Addition – One of the district, and the program is the result of a innovation. district’s largest construction projects partnership among the Community Food • Comprehensive Annual Financial undertaken in the past several years, Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Broken Arrow Report (CAFR) – In 2012, the district the 93,000 sq. foot addition to the High Neighbors, St. Stephen’s began taking steps to change its United Methodist Church, financial reporting processes to the Broken Arrow School generally accepted accounting District, and the Broken principles (GAAP) recognized Arrow Parent-Teacher in all industries. This system Association. Together, these allows the district to be eligible groups work to make sure for recognition for its sound students have something to financial reporting. Last year, the eat over the weekend and on district successfully completed extended breaks. its first CAFR, a significant • Social Media – Like accomplishment in the financial many other organizations, the world, and the report is available school district utilizes social on the district website. media tools to communicate • High School Transformation with its audiences. These Committee – In an effort to • Early Childhood Centers – Using bond funds, the district has mediums allow the district research innovative high school constructed two new Early Childhood Centers and remodeled to communicate quickly and education and bring those ideas a former elementary into a third Early Childhood Center. simply with a large number to Broken Arrow, a committee Construction is now underway on the district’s fourth Early of stakeholders. The district of approximately 40 district Childhood Center, which will open in August of 2014. Each has more than 6,000 likes stakeholders was created and of the Early Childhood Centers offers parents an opportunity on Facebook, and more than tasked with this responsibility. to enroll their child in free, full-day Pre-Kindergarten program 1,000 followers on Twitter. In In their review of nearly 50 of taught by a highly-qualified early childhood teacher. addition to district accounts, the nation’s best high schools, several school sites also have the committee has identified official social media accounts. Like Broken potential programs and initiatives for School is currently under construction.

Arrow Public Schools or follow BA Public implementation at BAHS. From academics Classrooms, science labs, a TV studio, Schools to receive important information to activities to the structure of the black box theatre and more are included and timely updates. school day, all aspects of Broken Arrow in this addition which is scheduled to be • United Way – In the past two years High School are being evaluated and complete in early 2014. district employees have more than doubled transformed to better meet student needs.

• !nspire 21 – Two years ago, the their amount of giving to the United These are just a few of the accomplishments district launched its own virtual education Way Campaign. In addition to numerous and accolades that give you – a patron of program for high school students and employees participating in the annual Broken Arrow Public Schools – a better idea served more than 100 students in its first United Way Day of Caring, last year’s of how our district is earning its stripes. A year. Now in its third year, enrollment has fundraising efforts resulted in more than new list will be featured in the December issue continued to climb beyond the 400 mark, $100,000 raised, making the district of Arrowpoint Magazine, so stay tuned for and course offerings have been expanded. one of the top contributors. The 2013 the next printing of “Earning our stripes.”

The success of the program has led to

STRIPES

RUMOR HAS IT Rumor has it that construction is nearly complete.

Not quite. We successfully opened six new schools this August, but we have a number of sites that are currently under construction. Childers, Sequoyah, Oak Crest and the High School are all visible examples of ongoing construction, and we have a few projects like the PAC addition and improvements at the Transportation and Maintenance facilities that have not yet begun. The bond that was approved in 2009 was a 10 year bond, meaning that the funding for the projects would be released over a 10 year period. By our estimates, the construction from the 2009 bond issue should be complete by 2017 at the latest, but by that point, we are hoping to have another bond issue in the works. Right now, I believe we will need another bond issue in the spring of 2015 to really finish what we have started and meet newly identified needs.

Rumor has it that the district performed poorly on state tests.

If you believe the information coming from the State Department of Education, then yes, I suppose it does appear that districts across the state performed poorly on this year’s state tests. But I don’t believe those test scores are an accurate representation of our students’ performance, and here’s why. First, the measures by which we evaluate the students have completely changed, and no one, not even the State Department, has been able to tell us how to prepare for the new method of assessing students. There were major issues during the actual administration of the tests – technical issues that were the fault of the testing vendor – and after our students took the tests, it was

announced that the cut scores in some subjects had changed. We were notified by the testing vendor that hundreds of our students tests were missing – they weren’t – and within our own district, the gains and losses are so erratic that there is little usable data for us to review.

I do not believe our students performed badly on state tests. I do believe the testing tool was flawed therefore making the date invalid and unreliable.

Rumor has it that safe rooms will be a priority in all future school construction projects.

I don’t know yet. The construction of safe rooms is an expensive endeavor, and building a safe room large enough to hold hundreds of students presents some interesting logistical challenges. A district of our size will need creative solutions from architects and engineers, which is why I’ve asked for the issue to be studied within our district. Is it better to build new or retrofit facilities? Do we need to be underground or above ground? How do we quickly evacuate large numbers of students to a single safe area? Are multiple safe rooms on one campus a better option? We need information before the best decision can be made. Once we have some of these answers, the solutions would likely need to be funded by a bond issue, which will require 60% voter approval. I am acting upon the concerns I have received from patrons by dedicating time to study the issue and find plausible solutions, but ultimately, I suspect this issue could come down to a vote of the people.

Rumor has it that we are going to two high schools.

Whenever I am asked this question, I always ask the person what they would recommend. Interestingly, the responses I’ve received in the last four years have been fairly split down the middle. I don’t think this is a decision I can make single-handedly, but I do think the community will eventually decide if Broken Arrow will have one high school or two. I’ve looked at districts across the nation and I’ve identified positive examples of both options – splitting into two or remaining one. I feel confident I can lead the district in either direction. We are close to 18,000 students this year, and we continue to grow at about 300 students per year. At some point we have to make the decision, because we will need time to plan accordingly with our land purchases and bond construction projects. I have no plans to force that conversation, but I am hearing this question more frequently, and I suspect it is a matter that will have to be settled within the next five to ten years.

A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {5}

Rumor has it that the High School is going to an open campus for lunch.

That’s true, although it will be a different concept from what is seen at other high schools. Our students will have to earn open campus privileges by being a student in good standing. The option for open campus will not be available until several weeks into each semester, because students will have to maintain a certain GPA in order to earn the privilege of leaving campus for lunch. We are also staggering the timeframe – seniors will have the opportunity to enjoy open campus lunches as soon as their first grade check has taken place, but juniors will have to wait until second semester. Sophomores will be at the high school next year, but open campus lunch will not be an option for them. We want time to educate the students, parents and staff members on the rules and responsibilities that go with this change, which is why we did not launch into this program on the first day of school.

Dr. Mendenhall shares the scoop on the rumors concerning BA schools

BELIEFS We Believe...

• In utilizing 21st Century technology in achieving academic success • All students will be college or career ready • Community beliefs and values are paramount to the development of our children • In a culture of collaboration and respect for internal and external stakeholders • In fostering an atmosphere of employee engagement and open communication • In community partnerships

A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {6}

• In a culture of excellence that demonstrates trust, professionalism, integrity and character • In providing quality student opportunities • In promoting an environment which recognizes and celebrates successes • Diversity enriches our learning environment • We are responsible for building upon the rich history we have inherited

MISSION The mission of Broken Arrow Public Schools is to educate, equip and empower a community of learners by providing dynamic learning opportunities which enable all students to be successful.

VISION Broken Arrow Public Schools...

Educating Today – Leading Tomorrow

MA P

The district moves forward this school year with a Stratregic Plan developed in collaboration with the community

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he 2013-2014 school year will be the first year in which components of the district’s new Strategic Plan will be enacted. Created as a three to five year plan, the Strategic Plan consists of multiple action plans, each of which will be implemented according to a specific timeline.

“It would be impossible to tackle this entire plan as a whole, so instead we have devised a timeline in which we will complete portions of the plan at specific times,” said Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall.

“Patrons who review the overall plan can see we have assigned each of the smaller action plans to a specific year. For those action plans assigned to the first year, it is our intent to begin, and in most cases complete that action plan during the 20132014 school year.”

Each of the action plans have been assigned to a specific member of the district’s leadership team.

That administrator is responsible for gathering the team of people needed to accomplish the assigned action plan, and each administrator is also tasked with reporting back to the Board of Education on a regular basis.

“The Strategic Plan is not simply words on paper–it’s action. Our community needs to see the progress and celebrate the milestones as we carry out this plan that has been created by literally hundreds of stakeholders,” Mendenhall said. “I am pleased with the process we went through, and I am exceptionally proud of the plan we have created through that collaborative process.”

Quarterly updates will take place at Board of Education meetings throughout the year, and the next update will take place in October. Action plans will complete at various points throughout the year, and the overall Strategic Plan should be completed within three years.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Create engaging, relevant and rigorous learning experience

1.1.1 Implement district-wide flexible scheduling t student needs in which variations may include trad online courses, internships, apprenticeships and ot extensions as needed. [YR3]

1.1.2 Establish and maintain partnerships that allo gain a real world application of curriculum. These will be collaborative, mutually beneficial and addre needs by providing experiences that include studen families, community members, community-based o businesses. [YR2]

1.1.3 Create an overall connection of students with community members. [YR3]

1.1.4 Create a post-secondary plan for every second BAPS. [YR1]

1.2.1 Implement an interdisciplinary approach to a [YR2]

1.2.2 Establish expectations district-wide for the us support instruction in the classroom for both the stu [YR3]

1.3.1 Equip teachers with the background knowled reflective instruction and to develop and administer assessments. [YR3]

HUMAN RESOURCES

The district will develop and support a dynamic workforce w students to be successful.

2.1.1 Enhance the district’s benefit program to recr support a dynamic workforce which will enable all s successful. [YR2]

2.1.2 Expand the recruitment plan to include initia quality and diverse work force. [YR2]

2.2.1 Develop and implement a comprehensive pla effective staff in all areas and at all levels in the org

FUNDING AND FINANCE

All stakeholders will responsibly utilize financial resources success.

3.1.1 Develop opportunities to increase funding at through various initiatives. [YR1]

AKING PLANS

es for all students.

3.1.2 Increase state and federal grant funding. [YR2]

to meet partnership/ ditional classes, ther educational

3.2.1 Develop a three-tiered plan to educate all stakeholders regarding the district’s finances and budget. [YR1]

h peers, staff and/or

FACILITIES

Create a proactive approach that results in equitable facilities throughout the district.

4.1.1 Provide 21st Century, modern, up-to-date opportunities for one to one student and teacher learning that is relevant, effective and ongoing. [YR3]

dary student at

4.2.1 Develop a Long Range Planning Committee that prioritizes the needs of the district and assists with items for bond issues, boundary zones and land acquisitions. [YR1]

all curriculum.

4.2.2 Develop community partnerships that help the district and community provide and operate facilities for our patrons’ educational needs. [YR2]

se of technology to udents and the staff.

dge to practice r authentic

CO-CURRICULAR

Create comprehensive co-curricular offerings for every student.

5.1.1 Identify required blocks of time based on local, state and federal requirements and logistical constraints. [YR1] 5.1.2 Provide students with adequate time to engage in co-curricular activities during the school day without compromising instruction. [YR2]

which will enable all

5.2.1 Create a wider range of co-curricular activities for Broken Arrow students in grades Pre-K through 12 that are more relevant and accessible. [YR1]

ruit, develop and students to be

5.2.2 Serve students in a greater way through an extensive range of co-curricular/extra-curricular activities that are more relevant, engaging, fun and accessible with the initial goal of each student, in grades PreK through 12, being a participant in at least one co-curricular/extra-curricular activity. [YR3]

atives that provide a

COMMUNICATIONS

an to retain a highly ganization. [YR2]

to optimize student the local level

All communication should reflect the vision and mission of the district.

6.1.1 Utilize street teams to collect and disseminate district communications to all audiences. [YR1] 6.1.2 Expand the district’s communication toolkit, incorporating available technologies and concepts to reach all audiences. [YR2]

COMPLETION PROJECT GUIDE: YR1- Completed in School Year 2013-14 YR2- Completed in School Year 2014-15 YR3- Completed in School Year 2015-16

A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {7}

ow students to partnerships ess community nts, educators, organizations and/or

3.2.2 Utilize reporting and cost comparison analysis to review monetary and asset allocations. [YR2]

A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {8}

FORE! TEACHERS

BAPS Foundation golf tournament back for 12th year

T

he Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation is once again hosting a golf tournament at Forest Ridge Golf Club to benefit the students and staff of Broken Arrow Public Schools.

This is the twelfth year for this fun-filled event, and the members of the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation are working to make this the most successful tournament to date.

“We’ve always had such great community support for this event, and we’re hoping this year will be another year of strong support from our business community,” said current BAPS Foundation President Kamara Washington. “The money that is raised from this event goes to fund teacher grants, which directly impact our students’ education.”

St. Francis Hospital South will once again be the premier sponsor of the tournament, but several other businesses have already pledged their support.

The tournament is scheduled to be held

at Forest Ridge Golf Club on Friday, Oct. 11. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the shotgun start will take place at 9 a.m.

Numerous door prizes will be given away during this four-person scramble.

“This tournament is the Foundation’s only fundraiser, and the Foundation plays an important role within the district,” 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 grant application process is streamlined to make the process easier for teachers who already have busy schedules.

In just a few hours, a teacher can sit and write a grant that meets all of the requirements, and every spring the grants are personally handed out by members of the Foundation.

“I was so surprised and excited when

EVENT OCT. 11 @ 9 A.M.

FOREST RIDGE GOLF CLUB FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 918.259.5787

they walked into my classroom to inform me that I had received a foundation grant,” said elementary teacher Karen Snider.

“It was also a great relief knowing that I would be able to purchase some much needed resources that would help my students become better, lifelong readers.”

Information about the golf tournament can be obtained by calling the Broken Arrow Public Schools Communications Office at 918-259-5787.

fighting the

HUNGER

Empty Bowl Project expands in second year

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“The BAHS art students are handcrafting 500 ceramic bowls, and on November 19, we will host a simple soup and bread dinner in the BAHS Cafeteria,” said Leeburg.

“Exhibits of the many studentcreated projects will be displayed, and in addition to a tasty meal, each ticket holder will also receive one of the beautiful bowls created by our art students.”

Beginning Oct. 21, tickets to the event can be purchased at the High School or Broken Arrow Neighbors office.

Due to the limited number of bowls, only 500 Empty Bowls event tickets will be sold. Jennifer Deal, one of the high school art teachers whose students are tasked with creating the 500 bowls, is excited at the opportunity to involve even more people in this year’s project.

“I was in awe last year that we were able to involve almost 1,000 BAHS students in fighting hunger in the Broken Arrow community,” Deal said. “This year we are already finding more high school

teachers interested in participating, plus we are working to involve art teachers at other sites in the creation of bowls. This will allow even more BA students the opportunity to impact our community in a powerful way.”

There are still many details to work out and much planning to be done for this year’s BA Empty Bowls event, but Leeburg and the others are glad to see the project expand.

“It has been very exciting to see increased teacher support for this year’s event,” Leeburg said. “I love to see the spark of knowing you can help change the world grow into a fire. I am so happy to get to be a part of it.”

EVEN NOV. T 19 BAH @ 5:30 P.

M. SC TICKE AFETERIA TS O OCT. N SALE 21- $1 0

A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {9}

ast year, 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, and students and staff are already busily planning this year’s event.

“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, and a variety of classrooms will be participating in exploring these themes through their natural classroom curriculum.”

As was true last year, a number of classes will again be involved in making this project possible. From geography classes to graphic design students, and English classes to consumer sciences classes, students and teachers throughout the high school are combining their efforts to make this year’s Empty Bowl project a huge success. So far, nearly 25 classes have committed to participate in the project, and all the money raised through this event will once again go 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, which reinforced our plans to launch the event to the next level.”

Some of the new activities that will be included at this year’s event are a performance by the BAHS choir, a silent auction of artistic pieces created by local artists and all attendees are also being asked to bring one non-perishable food item. The culmination of the Empty Bowl project will take place on Nov. 19 from 5:30-8 p.m. It will be a come-and-go event held in the BAHS Cafeteria, and the $10 tickets will be on sale beginning October 21.

A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {10}

#studentli

High school transform

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quick drive down 61st Street between Lynn Lane and County Line and drivers can easily see the transformation that is taking place at the High School. The $27 million addition being added to the front of the school is completely changing the look of the campus, but the transformation goes deeper than what can be seen in the facilities.

“As part of our overall plan to transform the High School, it is very important to create an environment in which every student has a niche,” said Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “We have a large high school – the largest in the state actually – and in order to best serve students, I believe we have to fully engage them in both academics and activities.”

Part of the transformation process has included the addition of several of new staff members on the site’s leadership team, including a director of student activities. Previously in a similar position at Bentonville High School, Jason Jedamski was hired to focus his time and energy on increasing student engagement throughout Broken Arrow High School.

“My goal is to provide our students with a number of opportunities to find activities that appeal to them,” said Jedamski. “From

intramural sports an leadership teams and shortage of ways we students and simulta school spirit.”

Not yet a month transformation is evident in the activi campus.

“The first day of Senior Sunrise w was a celebration of seniors’ last first of school as a Tig Jedamski said. hosted an Aloha Bas celebrate coming b to school, and that ev came with activities mud volleyball, slip slides and inflatab Activities like these designed to simply i among our students create memories that Fans at home f also notice a transfo activities. Just behind lies the newly-design called, The Jungle. It’ for students in grades

mation is campus-wide

stand and cheer the entire game, wearing a variety of spirit accessories and following the lead of “The Jungle Squad” – the student group who leads the activities that take place in The Jungle. into school and the “Tiger Alley is also something new to already becoming football games this year – it’s a tailgating ities taking place on event that’s open to Tiger fans of all ages.

Tiger Alley is located in the street between f school, we held a the field and the athletic facility. It opens which at 5 p.m. and closes 15 our minutes before kickoff,” day “There is no shortage of said Jedamski. “It’s free to ger,” get into Tiger Alley, and ways we can creatively “We it’s a family-friendly event engage students and sh to that has something for simultaneously increase back everyone.” vent The student response our school spirit.” like to these events has been -Jason Jedamski Director of Student Activities p ‘n’ tremendous, and school bles. officials only expect the e are participation to grow. increase camaraderie “There’s a new energy on the High and enable them to School campus, and it excites me to see last forever.” more of our students getting involved football games will with school activities,” Mendenhall said. ormation in student “Studies have shown that participation in d the south end zone extracurricular activities is an indicator of nated student section future success among students, and I want ’s the gathering place all of our students to experience success, s 9-12 where students both now and in the future.”

INFO

nd spirit groups to d clubs, there is no can creatively engage aneously increase our

Homecoming Parade Change Don’t forget, this year’s Homecoming Parade is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. The parade route runs from the Community Center to the Farmer’s Market where the coronation and pep assembly will take place.

A R R O W P O I N T M A G A Z I N E {11}

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