Arrowpoint Magazine, Vol. 40, Issue Four, Late Winter 2015

HERE WE GROW: BOND ISSUE 2015

STUDENT SAFETY A PRIORITY TO BAPS

STEM EDUCATION EXPANDS TO MIDDLE SCHOOLS

VOTE FEBRUARY 10, 2015 THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | VOLUME 40, ISSUE FOUR | LATE WINTER 2015

A few words from the desk of Dr. Jarod Mendenhall BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOLUME 40, ISSUE 4 | LATE WINTER 2015 Publisher Communications Department Broken Arrow Public Schools Layout/Design/Photography Adam J. Foreman Graphic Artist/Publications Specialist Editing/Content Shelli Holland-Handy Chief Communications Officer Christina Dixon Communications & Community Relations Coordinator Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Board of Education Cheryl Kelly, President Steve Allen, Vice President Steve Majors, Clerk Jerry Denton, Deputy Clerk Dr. 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 48,500 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, Administrative Services, Chuck Perry, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, at 918259-5700 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. • The Chief Operating Officer, Michelle Bergwall, should be contacted for issues related to accessibility to facilities, services and activities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, 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 Office for Civil Rights. The contact information for the Kansas City Enforcement Office is: Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106; Telephone: (816) 268-0550; TTY: (877) 521-2172; Facsimile: (816) 823-1404; Email: OCR.KansasCity@ ed.gov

HERE WE GROW: 2015 BOND ISSUE New bond issue is up for a vote on February 10, proposing new ways to help Broken Arrow grow

SAFETY IN SCHOOLS Broken Arrow Public Schools strives to keep students safe every day for a better learning environment

BIOGRAPHY: DARRIN DAVIS The Pride of Broken Arrow’s leader has musical roots steeped in BA tradition

BOARD RECOGNITION January is National Board of Education Recognition Month

GATEWAY TO TECHNOLOGY STEM curriculum expands to include middle school students

CONTENTS

3 4-7 8 9 10 11

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

all things g Pre-K

THIRD ANNUAL PARENT MEETINGS February 3 and 19, 2015, 6:30 p.m.

BROKEN ARROW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Pre-kindergarten is an exciting time for children and the district’s Early Childhood Centers (ECC) are making the transition easier for parents by providing two informational meetings that will focus on what to expect as the new school year approaches. The third annual “All Things Pre-K” meetings will take place on Feb. 3 and Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center located at 81st and Main Street. Parents may choose to attend on the date most convenient for them. Early Childhood principals will be available for questions.

For more information, please contact the Elementary Education Administration office at 918-259-7725 or visit BASCHOOLS.ORG.

d exciting ginnings an

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.D. denhall, Ed Jarod Men ls oo ch S of t Superintenden

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

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BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOND ISSUE 2015

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

T

he 2009 bond issue and the reallocation of bond funds in 2011 were a major step in addressing some long overdue needs of the district.

As a result of these bond issues, Broken Arrow Public Schools made immense improvements to facilities and provided safe, enriching learning environments for all students.

Thanks to voters, portable buildings were completely eliminated, security and technology were vastly improved at every site, and there is equity for all students across the district as a result of these funds.

The 2015 bond issue provides an

opportunity to continue this momentum.

Projects total $370 million and will be completed over the course of 12 years. By planning for long-term capital improvement projects, resources can be better utilized while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.

These projects were carefully identified by the Long Range Planning Committee and include classrooms for growth, facilities for student programs, improvements in security and facility maintenance, advances in technology and instruction, and upgrades in transportation.

The structure of this bond issue was intentionally designed to provide flexibility.

If at any time a new need is identified, approved projects that have not yet begun can be postponed until a later date.

Additionally, much like in 2011, the district can present a new proposal to voters if a reallocation of funds is needed. This bond issue is an opportunity to meet the needs of a growing district while continuing the trajectory of excellence.

The election for the bond issue will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2015. For additional information, visit BASCHOOLS. ORG/2015Bond. For questions about specific proposals, contact your school, email the district at feedback@baschools. org or call 918-259-5700.

2015 BOND PROJECTS CLASSROOMS FOR GROWTH Three New Elementary Schools – $80,000,000

$195,500,000

With over half of our growth at the elementary school level, the district will build three new facilities which could accommodate up to 900 elementary school students. The schools will be located in various areas of the district to relieve overcrowding, with at least one new school in the north and one in the south. Amenities would include a media center, full-size gymnasium, music room, art room and science room as well as hardened areas of refuge for storm safety.

High School STEM Classroom Addition - $21,000,000

To meet the needs of the district’s growing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program, new classroom space, labs and STEM focused learning areas will be added at the high school. This state of the art addition to the high school would be specifically designed for our STEM program and also provide a hardened area of refuge for storm safety.

New Middle School - $30,000,000

The district will build a new facility for middle school students to accommodate for student growth. Amenities would include a media center, full-size gymnasium, music room, art and science rooms as well as hardened areas of refuge for storm safety.

Sequoyah Middle School Renovation and Expansion- $19,500,000

At Sequoyah, the oldest parts of the building will be updated and a new, larger cafeteria will be added. The old cafeteria will be converted to a new media center and additional classrooms will be created along with a new space for fine arts. The project will also include the addition of an elevator to the two-story section of the building along with other upgrades to meet ADA accessibility requirements. The new addition would also provide a hardened area of refuge for storm safety.

2015 BOND PROJECTS

(CONTINUED)

CLASSROOMS FOR GROWTH Childers and Oliver Middle School Renovation and Expansion - $12,000,000

$195,500,000

These schools will both receive updates and additions. At both schools, the district will construct a new media center and convert the existing media centers to classrooms. New flooring will be added in the classrooms and hallways, along with new paint, code upgrades, and appropriate storage. Some of the new spaces would act as a hardened areas of refuge for storm safety.

Freshman Academy Classroom Expansion - $15,000,000

To meet the needs of our freshmen students, the district will construct new classrooms at the Freshman Academy to accommodate for growth. The new structure would also act as a hardened area of refuge. During the renovation, various needs throughout the site would be addressed including upgrading science rooms, pavement, and enhancing common space for student collaboration.

Special Education Classrooms - $4,000,000

To accommodate our most profoundly disabled students, BAPS will improve special education classrooms throughout the district.

Additional classrooms will be added to appropriate early childhood, elementary, middle school and high school sites to accommodate special education students.

Land Acquisition - $14,000,000

FACILITIES FOR STUDENT PROGRAMS Kirkland Activity Complex - $39,000,000

$89,000,000

The site formerly used as North Intermediate High School will be repurposed with special recognition given to its historical significance in the district. Plans include renovations to the current auditorium and gymnasium. Kirkland Field will be repurposed as the Kirkland Soccer Complex which will feature a full-size competition soccer field. Additionally, a swimming facility will be constructed which will house an Olympic size swimming pool for district and community use.

Two School Auditoriums - $34,000,000

To provide much needed large performance and meeting space on both the high school and Freshman Academy, the district will construct an auditorium on each campus which would hold approximately 750 students. The structures would also act as hardened areas of refuge for storm safety.

Westwood Spirit and Auxiliary Gymnasium - $12,000,000

The former Westwood Elementary school will be repurposed to accommodate spirit squads, dance curriculum, and track teams. Appropriate locker rooms will be added along with site upgrades and amenities to the softball and baseball complex. Additionally, a new auxiliary gymnasium will be constructed for use by athletic programs across the district as well as space for high school PE classes and events. It would also act as a hardened area of refuge for storm safety.

Vocational Agricultural Facility - $4,000,000

Currently, the district does not own the land or structure used by our Vocational Agricultural Program. Funds will be allocated to purchase land and construct a show barn along with livestock pens needed to support students pursuing careers in agricultural production, agribusiness and other agricultural related occupations.

2015 BOND ISSUE FACTS • $370 million bond issue over the span of 12 years • Will NOT increase taxes • Meets the demands of growing enrollment by adding new schools and classrooms as well as maintaining existing facilities • Supports academic achievement through investments in facilities, instruction and technology • Keeps students engaged in school by providing facilities for student programs For additional information, visit BASCHOOLS.ORG/2015Bond.

If you have questions about specific bond project proposals, contact your school, email the district at feedback@baschools. org or call 918-259-5700.

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

To accommodate new facilities and infrastructure, BAPS will purchase tracts of land for future district needs. These properties would be purchased throughout our 115 square mile district in areas of growth and expansion.

2015 BOND PROJECTS

(CONTINUED)

SECURITY and MAINTENANCE Elementary Renovations - $5,000,000

$38,500,000

The district will continue the process of updating and renovating several of our elementary schools. At Arrowhead, Country Lane Primary, Leisure Park, Liberty, Rhoades, Spring Creek, Vandever, and Wolf Creek Elementary Schools, buildings would receive new flooring in the classrooms and hallways as well as new paint and storage areas.

High School Renovation – $12,000,000

At the high school, several areas in need of updates would be addressed. Several classroom buildings would receive new carpet, paint, and storage. Lockers would be removed to create common space for better student collaboration. Several restroom facilities will be remodeled, and hallways and classrooms will be retrofitted with necessary safety systems.

Broken Arrow Alternative Academy Renovation - $4,000,000

At the Broken Arrow Alternative Academy which is housed in the former Haskell Middle School, the building would receive several improvements to accommodate growth.

Additionally, new virtual education labs will be created to meet the needs of the district’s growing virtual education program.

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

District Maintenance, Security, and Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment $17,500,000 To address ongoing maintenance needs, funds will be allocated to maintain and replace roofs, HVAC equipment, parking lots, fencing, concrete and other projects. Additionally, these funds will be used to replace copiers, vehicles and safety related equipment. Funds will also be used for new furniture to accommodate district growth including student and teacher desks, and to replace broken desks and chairs. New equipment for playgrounds and other areas will also be provided with these funds.

TECHNOLOGY and INSTRUCTION District Technology Allocation - $20,000,000

$38,000,000

In order to provide the best learning technology, funds will be allocated to update existing computers, and to replace software and hardware as needed. These funds will also provide increased technology in classrooms, moving the district toward a 1:1 student to computer ratio. The technology allocation will also enable the district to make the necessary Wi-Fi and infrastructure upgrades needed to accommodate this expansion.

District Instructional Allocation - $18,000,000

These funds will provide for district-wide allocations for textbooks and software as well as equipment and materials for media centers, special education, science and other instructional areas. Additionally, funds will be allocated for purchasing equipment and satisfying the needs of the fine arts and athletic programs.

TRANSPORTATION Buses and Student Transportation - $9,000,000

$9,000,000

To accommodate the needs of our growing district and to ensure the safety of our students, the district must keep our fleet current and in good repair. These funds will allow for the annual purchase of buses and vehicles needed for student transportation to make sure we can meet the transportation needs of our 115 square mile district.

PROGRESS AS PR

Project highlights from the 2009 bond is

In 2009, Broken Arrow citizens helped ensure the Schools students by passing a $295 million bond reallocate a portion of that bond to address the ne result, students now have safer, more enriching le positive impact on student success. Highlights from

• Added 830,000 square feet to our buildings and faciliti • Opened four early childhood centers, three elementa • Removed 117 portable buildings and added 311 class • Improved the safety and security of our schools by ad 1,300 security cameras • Added 28 fine arts spaces with 13 at secondary sites a • Added 23 science/STEM spaces with 13 at secondary • Added 12 media centers and seven gymnasiums • Improved technology across the district with the addi 1,000 Wi-Fi access points

FAQs

ssue and 2011 reallocation

e success of Broken Arrow Public issue. In 2011, voters elected to eeds of our growing district. As a earning environments that have a m those bond elections include:

ties ary schools and one middle school srooms dding 23 secured front entries and

and 15 at elementary sites sites and 10 elementary sites

ition of 883 interactive boards and

With a current enrollment of approximately 18,400 students, the BAPS district is growing at a rate of about 3% per year. We must continue to add new facilities as well as maintain existing ones to meet the demands of this growth.

Will the 2015 bond issue increase taxes?

No, the 2015 bond issue will not increase taxes. Through careful planning, BAPS has ensured that we can meet the needs of our growing district without requesting a tax increase from Broken Arrow taxpayers.

Will all schools benefit from the bond issue?

Yes, every student and school site in the BAPS district will benefit from the passage of the 2015 bond.

Each school site will receive annual allocations for instruction and technology needs. Additionally, all schools will benefit from the transportation and furniture, fixture, and equipment improvements.

The ultimate goal is to ensure there is equity across the district so that every student has the same educational opportunities in a safe, enriching learning environment.

If this bond issue passes, what will we do if we need to build another high school?

In the fall of 2015, we will begin to research and facilitate a conversation with the community about high school configuration. This process will be very thoughtful and thorough, with expert guidance and input from parents, the community, staff and students. If the research and dialogue with the community indicate we should change our high school configuration, we can assess whether bond funds need to be reallocated. None of the projects proposed on the 2015 bond issue precludes us from moving toward an additional high school.

What if the bond issue does not pass?

Due to projected student growth, without a new bond issue, our schools will become overcrowded. If we do not build new classrooms and schools soon, we risk returning to portable buildings.

Can money from the bond proposal be used to pay teacher salaries and benefits?

No. By law, school districts are not allowed to use bond funds for salaries. Bond funds must be kept separate from operating funds and utilized for capital improvement projects.

How many votes are required for the bond to pass?

School bond elections require a 60 % supermajority vote for passage.

TOTAL BOND:

$370,000,000

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

ROMISED

Why is BAPS proposing a new bond issue?

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

Safe&Sound

District remains focused on keeping learning environment safe

B

roken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) is committed to creating and maintaining safe environments for its students and staff through a number of initiatives, policies and programs.

From securing school entrances to the removal of portable classrooms, BAPS has worked diligently since the passing of the 2009 bond issue to implement major security enhancements across the district.

“As school began in August, we concluded a great period of transformation in our district,” Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall said. “Over the past five years, the district has successfully improved school facilities to provide safer, more enriching learning environments that provide a positive impact on student success.”

Removal of prefabricated buildings One of the key facets of the 2009 bond issue was to remove 117 portable classrooms and replace each with permanent structures. Over the past five years, BAPS has added 311 new classrooms encompassing more than 800,000 square feet. For the first time

in more than 30 years, BAPS began the 2014-15 school year without a single prefabricated building in use.

Securing school entrances Certain practices, such as monitored and locked school entrances, limit and control access to school sites. The 2009 bond issue provided funds for BAPS to install secured front entries at every school site.

In addition, a LobbyGuard visitor checkin kiosk was added at each site, allowing school administrators to monitor building visitors.

Security cameras Also a result of the 2009 bond issue, the district is currently completing a security camera upgrade, which includes the installation of more than 1,300 new IPbased surveillance cameras at all 27 school sites and district offices. Supplementary security cameras will be implemented as needed.

A layered approach to a safer school district BAPS provides annual training to staff on safety procedures, drills and emergency

plans. In addition, more than 300 handheld radios are utilized by school site administrators daily, providing effective and reliable coverage, especially during emergencies.

The district also maintains a strong partnership with local emergency responders, assuring these entities have updated information about each school facility.

Three Student Resource Officers, provided by the Broken Arrow Police Department (BAPD), serve all five middle schools but can respond to elementary sites if needed. Five BAPS Patrol Officers provide an additional layer of security at the Freshman Academy, the Broken Arrow Academy and Broken Arrow High School. These off-duty officers work in partnership with the BAPD. “It is vital that we provide our students with facilities that are permanent, secure and monitored,” said Derek Blackburn, BAPS Executive Director of Student Support. “A safe, conducive atmosphere means that our students are able to learn to the best of their abilities and parents are confident that their children’s safety is our top priority.”

Davis teaches life lessons, instills leadership in students with Pride

A

s he confidently steps onto his podium with baton in hand, Darrin Davis’ mind races back to his own years at Broken Arrow High School – a time when he spent countless hours perfecting his craft on the trumpet.

From a Pride member in the late 80s to the director of the “grandest band in all the land,” Davis has watched the band program’s traditions grow and develop over the past several decades.

“I always dreamed of leading the Broken Arrow band program, and words can’t adequately explain my ‘Pride’ and appreciation for all that this program has accomplished,” said Davis, who is enjoying his 22nd year of teaching at Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS). “To educate in a district that values the arts as much as it does, to teach the finest and most dedicated band students in America, to work with an incredibly talented band staff, to have the parental support we do…

I’m overwhelmingly grateful.”

In 1929, the Broken Arrow High School Band was founded under F.A. Duncan, and later under directors including Paris York, Ken Grass and Tom Stout, beginning a history rich in tradition

“Every day he and his team of directors strive to create an environment focused on student engagement, building relationships and, of course, excellence.”

Dr. Richard Dale Executive Director, Fine Arts

and excellence. Since then, the Pride has become nationally renowned under the direction of Davis and has earned a lofty pedigree, including two Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Championships,

two BOA Class National Championships, 13 BOA Regional Championships and 13 consecutive Oklahoma State Marching Championships.

“Mr. Davis’ dedication and vision for the program is unwavering,” said Dr. Richard Dale, BAPS Executive Director of Fine Arts. “Every day he and his team of directors strive to create an environment focused on student engagement, building relationships and, of course, excellence.”

His philosophies? Teaching life lessons that serve Broken Arrow students well after their school days have ended.

“Although the students will walk away with musical experience, I believe the sense of community that our students receive is what they’ll remember most,” Davis said. “They will look back at their days at Broken Arrow, just as I do, recalling that nothing worthwhile in life rarely comes easy, and that the more effort that’s put into something, the more likely success will follow.

“I am honored that these students give so freely of themselves to help make each other better, committing themselves to greatness both on and off of the marching field and concert stage.”

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

Proud Legacy

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

BOARD OF E D UC ATI ON

Elected officials honored for service to district

I

n salute and thanks to more than 2,700 Oklahoma school board members, January is designated as National School Board Recognition Month—a time to focus on the crucial role an elected board of trustees plays within their school districts and communities.

“In Broken Arrow, we are fortunate to have five dedicated individuals who give a significant amount of time to serving as Board of Education members,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, Superintendent of Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS).

“Each brings a unique perspective to the decisions we make as a district.”

The Board is responsible for establishing policies under which the school system operates while acting within the framework of Oklahoma and federal laws.

As citizen leaders, individual school board members face complex and demanding challenges as they contribute hundreds of hours each year to leading the district.

The five members of the BAPS Board of Education are Cheryl Kelly, President; Steve Allen, Vice President; Steve Majors, Clerk; Jerry Denton, Deputy Clerk; and Dr. Theresa Williamson, Member.

Meet the Board Cheryl Kelly, who represents the

southwest corner of the district, has been both a teacher and an administrator in Broken Arrow schools. She was twice named a Site Teacher of the Year and was recognized as one of 10 finalists for BAPS District Teacher of the Year. Kelly is a member of the Broken Arrow Chamber and serves on the Chamber’s Legislative Committee. Most recently, she was appointed to serve on the Oklahoma State School Boards Association’s Board of Directors for a two-year term beginning this school year.

Steve Allen serves patrons living in the northeast corner of the district. Allen is a 1989 Broken Arrow High School graduate and has served as both a teacher and coach in the district. He is employed as a senior risk consultant for Commercial Risk Group Inc. and belongs to several community organizations.

Jerry Denton represents those citizens in the central and southeast corner of the district. Denton is also a Broken Arrow alumnus. In addition to serving in the United States Navy, he graduated from the University of Phoenix. Currently, he works as a manager for RelayHealth, a company that provides solutions to health care facilities. He was unopposed in his

(L-R) Dr. Theresa Williamson, Steve Majors, Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, Jerry Denton, Steve Allen and Cheryl Kelly.

latest bid for his seat.

Steve Majors was elected to the board in 2012, representing patrons living in the district’s western and central portions. Majors graduated from East Central High School, attended the University of Oklahoma on a baseball scholarship and graduated from Spartan School of Aeronautics. He is active in the community’s youth sports programs and is currently the plant manager for P&M Industries.

Dr. Theresa Williamson is the newest member of the board, and represents those citizens living in the northwest section of the district. Dr. Williamson moved to Broken Arrow in 1980, taught at South Intermediate High School and worked as an administrator at North Intermediate High School. She holds a doctorate in educational administration from Oklahoma State University and is currently employed as a counselor at Tulsa Public Schools’ Bell Elementary.

“I hope patrons take a moment to express their appreciation for our board members and all they do for our district,” Mendenhall said. “Their actions affect the present and future lives of Broken Arrow students, and I’m appreciative of the time and effort these individuals invest in improving our district.

Opening the

Gates

Broken Arrow expands STEM curriculum to middle school students

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

T

hrough activities such as robotics and computer coding, Broken Arrow middle school students engage in engineering design processes to identify real-world problems with a program called Gateway to Technology (GTT). This program teaches seventh and eighth grade students the concepts of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) using activity-based learning.

“Middle school students are highenergy and need the freedom to explore and use their imaginations,” said Shannon Turner, Senior Executive Director of Federal and District Programs at Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS). “Gateway to Technology helps students move beyond the pages of a book to develop and hone skills that allow students to be innovative and productive leaders in a STEM world.”

In spring 2014, BAPS received state and community funding from the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, the Schusterman Family Foundation, Paragon Films and Zeeco to provide GTT curriculum at all five middle schools. This curriculum is part of the nation’s leading provider of K-12 STEM programs called Project Lead the Way, which is currently utilized at Broken Arrow High School through engineering and manufacturing courses.

Beginning in sixth grade, all students are introduced to Gateway to Technology in their science classes. Students in seventh and eighth grade may then select

STUDENTS IN GAYLE HAHN’S GATEWAY TO TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT SEQUOYAH MIDDLE SCHOOL TINKER WITH PROJECTS INVOLVING ENGINEERING AND INVENTION.

GTT courses as an elective. These classes focus on the history of inventions and innovations, learning the core concepts of technology and various approaches to problem solving, including engineering design and construction. More than 550 students are currently enrolled in the program.

“Students learn through trial and error with this project-based program that is both exciting and fun,” Turner said.

“GTT promotes communication and collaboration by emphasizing a teaming approach through lessons that span across the curriculum. They learn technical

reading skills and analytical thought processes that they will use in everyday life.”

Dr. Janet Dunlop, BAPS Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, agrees.

“With STEM labs in four Broken Arrow elementary schools, coupled with GTT and Project Lead the Way, we have created a pipeline for students to reach goals of pursuing careers in STEM,” Dunlop said. “Filling high-skill and high-salary careers with Broken Arrow graduates is key to the economic development of our community.”

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