Annual Report, 2013-14 Academic Year, Broken Arrow Public Schools

WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF

THE STUDENTS OF BROKEN ARROW, THE WRITING

IS ON THE WALL. THE FUTURE LOOKS AMAZI NG F OR

MANY OF TOMORROW’S LEADERS. 2 013 - 2 014 A N N U A L R E P O R T BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS

building the future TA BL E

3

OF

CO N T ENT S

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

5 6 10

4

DISTRICT FINANCIALS

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INSTRUCTION & CURRICULUM DISTRICT BY THE NUMBERS

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14 VISION STATEMENT

Broken Arrow Public Schools... Educating Today – Leading Tomorrow

FROM THE COVER...

Freshmen Aubrey Patty and Steven Rios are already on their journey toward the future as part of the first class of the Freshman Academy.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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TIGER ATHLETICS

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

18 19

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FINE ARTS

CONSTRUCTION REPORT SITES & PERSONNEL

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, 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 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; 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 included below: 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.

BUILDING

BRICK BRICK BY

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT The 2013-2014 school year is behind us, and what an incredible year it was.

Our students and staff reached an entirely new level of excellence, and as a result, the future at Broken Arrow Public Schools looks very bright.

We worked tirelessly to complete projects associated with the 2009 and 2011 bond

issues, removing all portable buildings and securing entrances at all sites. At the conclusion of these improvements, 311 classrooms and over 800,000 square feet were added including two new elementary schools, a middle school and a 93,000 square foot addition to our high school.

Thanks to our patrons, there is equity across the district so that every student has the same educational opportunities in a safe, enriching learning environment.

One of our biggest accomplishments of the 2013-14 school year was the implementation of a full day Pre-K program.

At the beginning of the school year, we opened three new early childhood centers: Aspen Creek ECC, Creekwood ECC and Park Lane ECC. These early childhood centers afforded our students an opportunity to learn through developmentally appropriate activities led by a certified teacher and paraprofessional in each classroom.

I encourage you to review this annual report for a closer look at all of the exciting things that happened during the 20132014 school year. You will find the average

Named 2014 District No. 5 Superintendent of the Year by Oklahoma Association of School Administrators ACT score for Broken Arrow students has exceeded both national and state averages over the past five years, Reading Recovery has continued to help our first graders improve their reading skills, and district technology consistently improves to better prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow’s world.

At Broken Arrow Public Schools, we are focused on our mission to educate, equip and empower a community of learners by providing dynamic learning opportunities which enable all students to be successful.

I think you will agree after reading through this report that the future looks amazing for tomorrow’s leaders.

Jarod Mendenhall, Ed.D. Superintendent

Broken Arrow Public Schools 3

districtFINANCES

Preparation of the Operating Budget begins in January with the gathering of current year data and preparation of the budget calendar. The calendar includes major benchmarks and timelines for tasks as well as responsible individuals for each step in the process. The budgeting cycle takes place during the spring and summer months with final allocations and funding confirmed in the early fall. Once the Estimate of Needs is completed and approved by the County Excise Board, the district prepares the operating budget that the Board of Education approves.

State Aid (w/ Mid-Term Adjustment)- $44,274,693

43%

27% 19% revenue

Ad Valorem Current- $27,266,329

State Sources- $19,505,552

6% 4% 1% 59% EXPENSES Federal Sources- $6,133,489

Int. Sources- $4,163,544 Local & Other Sources$964,318

2013-2014 REVENUE

The General Fund is used to pay teacher, support and administrative staff salaries.

Other expenses include textbooks, classroom materials, utilities and insurance.

Revenue sources for the General Fund include state aid, ad valorem taxes, and various state and federal grants. For 2013-14, the final budget for the General Fund was $103,972,129. The Actual Revenue received was $102,307,925, plus carryover of $16,957,124 equals total Revenue of $119,265,049. The graph on the left shows actual revenue collections for 2013-2014.

Instruction- $62,622,960

2013-2014 EXPENSES

9% 7% 7% 6% 5% 4% 2% 1% 0%

Expenditures are categorized by functional areas such as instruction, which includes teacher salaries, textbooks and classroom materials. Expenditures budgeted for the 2013-14 General Fund were $108,234,441. The Actual Expenditures were $106,843,874. The graph on the right shows actual expenditures for 2013-2014.

COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT

Broken Arrow Public Schools was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its CAFR for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, a governmental unit must publish an easily-readable and efficiently organized Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The report must satisfy both accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and applicable legal requirements.

Additionally, the district was awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Association of School Business Official International (ASBO) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2013.

This award has been received for two consecutive years.

Operations & Maintenance- $9,615,055 Student Support- $8,500,501 Campus Administration- $7,135,645 Student Transportation- $5,886,685 Instructional Support- $4,993,881 Central Services- $4,264,073 General Administration- $2,397,205 Community Services- $620,805 Other Outlays- $477,756

a

Future Forward Early Childhood Centers set the pace for the exciting academic journey ahead

In 2011, the patrons of Broken Arrow aides with class sizes of 20 students or less. voted to reallocate $73.5 million dollars of Through activities centered on reading, the original $295 million bond passed in writing, math, art and music, students begin 2009. developing early reasoning and problem This reallocation of funds made solving skills. Parent involvement is a construction possible for three early critical component of student success. childhood centers (ECC), including Park “Our program is designed to be a Lane ECC, Aspen Creek collaborative effort ECC and Creekwood involving parents, ECC. Each opened students and teachers, their doors in August and by working as a 2013 to welcome team, I have no doubt 67 percent of students educated in Broken Arrow’s we will be successful in a Pre-K program had an IQ of more youngest Tigers to preour mission to create kindergarten. a solid foundation for than 90, versus only 28 percent “The Early Childhood lifelong learning,” said without Pre-K. Learning Philosophy of Julie Gateley, Aspen Broken Arrow Public Creek ECC principal.

65 percent of students enrolled in Schools is designed From engaging to address the needs classrooms to the Pre-K graduated high school, versus of the whole child by architectural design only 45 percent without Pre-K. guiding their cognitive, of the buildings, each social, emotional, ECC stimulates the Source: The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study Through physical and creative natural curiosities of Age 40, Center For Public Education development,” said young children and Superintendent Dr. was built specifically Jarod Mendenhall. “This is accomplished with four year olds in mind. through a variety of teaching strategies, Creekwood ECC’s décor celebrates including purposeful play, differentiated Oklahoma’s western heritage, Aspen Creek instruction and a stimulating curriculum ECC utilizes colors and shapes in its outer that actively engages all students.” space theme and Park Lane ECC uses Each ECC is equipped with early the beauty found in nature to nurture its childhood certified teachers and teaching earliest learners.

DID YOU KNOW…?

“As an early childhood educator, I have

tremendous opportunity

to not only let children explore their own personal

strengths and interests in a rich

meaningful learning environment, but also foster growth and excitement in these areas.”

Kyle Cole

Arrow Springs Early Childhood Center

5

WRITINGTHEPAGES

Instruction & Curriculum lay the foundation for building the future

success, education is the

“On the path to

largest stepping stone.

Use education like an

elevator and let it take you to

the next level.”

LINDA MOSELY

Sequoyah Middle School Seventh Grade

STEM PROGRAM

STEM, an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is designed with the goal of creating critical thinkers, STEM instruction focuses on engagement in inquiry, logical reasoning, collaboration and investigation. Broken Arrow’s first elementary STEM lab program launched in 2013, and students in kindergarten through fifth grade are able to experience STEM enrichment labs as part of their weekly curriculum.

In December 2014, Broken Arrow Public Schools received a Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) grant from the State Department of Education for $146,985.01.

This grant funded a summer workshop entitled “STEMulating Teaching!” to assist math and science teachers embed STEM instruction in their classroom.

Through this grant, Broken Arrow Public Schools partnered with the University of Tulsa and the Jenks and Owasso school districts to provide resources that help teachers become

familiar with newly-adopted science standards. Educators also learned ways to incorporate STEM into crosscurricular lesson plans.

“This is a training that will have a wonderful ripple effect,” BAPS Secondary Instructional Specialist Kerry Weingartner said. “The 21 teachers trained in the summer are required to collaborate with a total of four teachers from their district.

Eighty-four secondary teachers, each teaching a minimum of 125 kids a day, may potentially affect over 10,000 students in northeastern Oklahoma.”

Broken Arrow is one of only seven districts to receive this STEM training grant and is the only district in eastern Oklahoma. BAPS strives to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, fostering competitiveness in an increasingly global economy.

Reading Recovery is a short-term reading intervention program designed for the 15 to 20 percent of first grade students who are experiencing extreme difficulty in reading.

Now in its third year at Broken Arrow, this evidence-based program has proven that it is successful in identifying first graders who are having trouble and then providing them with intensive one-on-one, 20-minute instructional lessons for 12 to 20 weeks. All students who participated in Reading Recover in the first grade passed the third grade reading test.

Broken Arrow is only one of two districts in the state of Oklahoma to offer this program to its students and was able to do so through a partnership with Texas Women’s University, which operates one of 22 Reading Recovery

training centers in the U.S. In 2010-11, the university was granted $3.7 million as part of a literacy initiative to train 50 teachers a year for five years; and as a result, Broken Arrow was able to fully implement this exemplary program with minimal district funding.

Currently, the program has provided training to 25 teachers at BAPS. “Reading is the key,” said Jan Grisham, the Reading Recovery teacher leader for the district. “It unlocks all the doors to a productive education and life. Reading Recovery is successfully providing a safe, esteem-building environment where we take kids from where they are and use their strengths to move them forward.”

READING RECOVERY

2013-14 Broken Arrow ACT Scores VS State ACT Scores

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In the past five years, the average ACT score for Broken arrow students has continually exceeded both national and state averages.

SUCCESS AFTER GRADUATION

Known as one of the largest graduating classes in Broken Arrow’s history and the first to receive their diplomas at the renowned BOK Center, the Class of 2014 proved themselves to be one of a kind. On May 22, more than 1,100 students celebrated their commencement and together were offered more than $6.1 million in scholarships, the highest total to date at Broken Arrow High School (BAHS).

In order to empower students to continue building upon their foundation, BAHS offers a variety of resources. Located within BAHS, the College and Career Center provides students with personal and academic guidance for college and career preparation.

BAHS also provides off-campus learning opportunities, including career training at Tulsa Technology Center, online classes through Inspire21 and local internships through the Career Exploration Program.

Early college credit can be earned through a partnership with NSU-Broken Arrow and TCC through the EXCELerate program and concurrent enrollment.

“I believe that my role as a Broken Arrow educator is to the success of our students as I help them search out and meaningful educational experiences that allow them to solve problems, and to read, speak and think critically and clearly.”

essential construct real-world

MARLA WATTS

Teacher, Freshman Academy

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“Broken Arrow has helped me to grow more as a

leader

and to build more

effective

relationships. Also, if I try my hardest and never give up, I can

reach

the goals I set.”

LUZ ROJAS

Broken Arrow High School Junior

FUTUREFOCU

GATEWAY TO TECHNOLOGY

Broken Arrow Public Schools received both state and community funding to implement a new program called Gateway to Technology.

This program teaches students the concepts of science, technology, engineering and math using project-based learning. Middle school students engage in engineering design processes to identify possible solutions to real-world problems.

Beginning in sixth grade, all students are introduced to Gateway to Technology in their science classes. Students in seventh and eighth grade then have the opportunity to select Gateway to Technology courses as one of their electives. Students who complete the necessary prerequisites in middle school can continue with STEM learning in high school through Project Lead the Way, an intensive course series that explores engineering, biomedicine and other STEM-related careers.

BAPS facilitates learning and creativity through innovative technology, providing students with access to modern, state-of-theart equipment that enhances their ability to succeed in tomorrow’s world. The district promotes substantial increases in student achievement motivated by interactive technology resources.

In 2013-14, the district continued to enhance its technological infrastructure and instructional devices with funds provided by the 2009 bond issue. With 100 servers split between district sites, the technology department supports approximately 18,000 students, more than 2,000 district staff and more than 6,000 computers. As of the 2013-14 school year, every classroom is equipped with a SmartBoard and more students have access to instructional technology than ever before through computer labs, mobile computer lab carts, iPads, devices and software such as SAFARI Montage and eBackpack.

The vision of the technology team is to make BAPS a choice destination for education by creating an environment that supports and enhances the technological capabilities provided to students and staff members.

Science Olympiad is a competitive academic team devoted to encouraging student involvement in all disciplines of science by engineering a number of competitions that focus on teamwork – an essential skill

DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY

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SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

“As a 21st century educator, I know that I must set

high

expectations

for my students and myself to ensure that -students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities in

US

Technology, programs continue to prepare the students of today for the challenges of tomorrow

in most scientific careers today. Only in its second year at BAPS, the Science Olympiad competitions are proving to be successful in providing students the opportunity to explore new areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Last year, more than 16,000 elementary and secondary schools from across the nation participated in Science Olympiad competitions. Ranging from social science to engineering to chemistry, these competitions resemble hands-on academic track meets, consisting of three divisions–Division A is elementary, Division B is middle school and Division C is high school. Broken Arrow currently participates in the middle school division with student involvement from Oneta Ridge, Oliver and Sequoyah.

This year, Oliver and Sequoyah created teams alongside Oneta Ridge, and in March all three schools participated in the state tournament against more than 25 teams at the University of Central Oklahoma. Together the schools medaled in five events. Oneta Ridge placed seventh in the state, Oliver placed 10th and Sequoyah placed 13th.

“Science Olympiad is special to me because it has allowed me to see the potential I have for science,” said Drevin Vang, eighth grader at Oneta Ridge.

Vang’s classmate Oriana Moreno agrees.

“It makes you stronger knowing that you can be challenged to find out what’s really there and discovering things that not a lot of people know about,” Moreno said.

MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE

From designing French drains to learning about campus energy audits to participating in recycling programs, Donna Gradel’s Broken Arrow High School students are presented with real-world environmental problems and are challenged to find solutions every day. Because of her passion to instruct and to inspire her students, Gradel was named a 2014 Medal for Excellence recipient by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.

Gradel is one of only five Oklahoma public educators selected to receive the medal, a $5,000 cash prize and a glass “Roots and Wings” sculpture, designed by the late Oklahoma artist Ron Roberts and produced

by Jim Triffo of Oklahoma City. Since its establishment in 1985, the foundation has provided more than $4 million in scholarships and cash awards to honor outstanding students and exceptional educators.

today’s world.

I try to make learning motivational and engaging by providing a purpose that relates to real world experiences.”

LINDSAY LITTLE

Lynn Wood Elementary Special Education Teacher

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21 9,077

TONS OF PAPER RECYCLED ANNUALLY

BY BAPS

Facebook fans as of May 2014

540,097 VISITORS TO BASCHOOLS.OR

2,542,581 TOTAL MEALS SERVED

BY THE N

T HE DI

2,421,454 Cartons of milk served (1,489,516 were chocolate!)

119,000+ Pounds of chicken served 400,000 Apples eaten by students 45,013 Pounds of salad served to students

1,696,979

Route miles driven in

264,22

Gallons of d used for bu 2013-14

10,517 10

Students tra on buses da

7 1.8 MILLION

SQUARE SQUARE FOOTAGE FOOTAGE OF OF BUILDINGS BUILDINGS CLEANED CLEANED DAILY DAILY BY

BY PLANT PLANT OPERATIONS OPERATIONS

RG

$393,755 6,680

NUMBERS

Grant dollars received from community organizations and foundations

IS TR IC T I N FAC T S & F I G U RE S

1,107

Graduates of the Class of 2014

2013-14

29

diesel fuel uses in

7

ansported aily

$6.1m

Computers in operation across the district

1,264 1,108 Total Certified Staff Employees

Scholarship money reported to the College and Career Center for the Class of 2014

17,828

Total Support Staff Employees

STUDENT POPULATION AS OF MAY 2014 11

TEACHING FOR THE

FUTURE

Tonya Boyle named 2014 District Teacher of the Year Amidst the gratitude, laughter and applause from more than 650 people in attendance at the inaugural Star Awards Gala at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel on April 3, 2014, Rhoades Elementary fifth grade teacher Tonya Boyle was crowned the 2014 District Teacher of the Year.

“My philosophy begins with the belief that all children can learn, and it is often on their own time schedule, in their own style, starting at their own level,” Boyle said.

“It is my job as a teacher to facilitate that learning, which is why I spend the first two weeks of school every year getting to know my students, checking their academic levels and understanding their learning styles. I want to create a learning environment where mistakes are accepted, redos are welcomed and successes are applauded.”

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With 22 years of teaching experience, Boyle was one of five finalists selected from the pool of 27 Site Teacher of the Year candidates. Joining her on stage was Debra Goss of Arrowhead Elementary, Bridget Cook of Aspen Creek Elementary, Tamara Yeldell of North Intermediate High School and Cindy Gharibvand of Broken Arrow High School.

“When Dr. Mendenhall started reading the winner’s statement, I heard the words, ‘happy dance,’” Boyle said. “I immediately turned to my right and then to my left and asked if any of them did the happy dance. I knew it was me. I said to myself, ‘I do the happy dance.’”

With happy tears streaming down her cheeks as BAPS Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall formally announced the winner, Boyle approached the podium to thank the Rhoades staff members, her family and the

Teacher of the Year Professional Development Committee.

Boyle and the other candidates went through an intensive evaluation and interview process with the Professional Development Committee, a group composed of teachers, administrators and previous Teachers of the Year. The candidates were scored on their portfolio and interviews, and after each was tallied, Boyle was named the winner.

“Ms. Boyle really touched our hearts,” said Diana Beaulieu, BAPS Director of Elementary Education and a member of the committee.

“Her love and compassion for her students is very evident. Not only does she masterfully teach her students the necessary fifth grade content, but she also teaches them to care for each other and make a difference in the lives of others.”

As the District Teacher of the Year, Boyle received a $2,500 check from the BAPS Foundation and the opportunity to drive the Teacher of the Year SUV, a Ford Escape generously provided by Matthews Ford in Broken Arrow. She also represented BAPS in the fall when she was named one of 12 State Teacher of the Year finalists.

“This is such a huge honor,” Boyle said. “I truly believe teachers change the world one student at a time, although most of us don’t know which child we are really influencing until after they have left our room. My many rewards in teaching come from those returning students. Whether they call me, come see me the next year or find me on Facebook as an adult, my former students have a way of reconnecting to let me know that I did make a positive difference in their lives.”

tigerathletics

TEAMBUILDING BUILDING FUTURE LEADERS

Broken Arrow athletics assists the educational process by instilling and developing skills necessary for future success.

The athletic program is consistent with the district’s overall philosophy and objectives.

The school district offers its students a wide variety of athletic programs, including baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, Tigettes, track and field, volleyball and wrestling.

During the 2013-14 season, several Broken Arrow teams competed in the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association’s (OSSAA) Class 6A State playoffs, including girls and boys basketball, girls and boys

TIGER STRIPES

Part of being a Broken Arrow athlete is understanding the vital role he or she plays on the team as well as in the classroom and community. BAPS’ vigorous athletic program is founded on its character recognition program known as Tiger STRIPES. This program, which guides athletes outside of their performances on the team, stands for service, trust, respect, integrity, positive attitude, excellence and selfdiscipline. Athletic director Ken Ellett created this program in 2013 to assist students in becoming successful citizens well after their athletic career has ended.

From participating in community service projects to setting high standards academically, Broken Arrow’s student athletes are provided with a number of character building opportunities throughout the year, such as volunteer work at local events and school sites across the district.

tennis, volleyball, baseball, fast pitch and slow pitch softball, football, girls and boys track and cross country, boys and girls golf, boys and girls swimming, wrestling, and boys and girls soccer. Broken Arrow’s varsity wrestling team achieved the status of Class 6A Dual State Champions, the seventh for the district.

The varsity cheer squad and girls basketball team each capped their seasons by bringing home the gold in their respective state championships.

Additionally, the girls golf team was honored as the 6A Academic State Champions with a cumulative 3.93 GPA, and baseball earned the Distinguished Academic Award with a team GPA of 3.59.

“I try to help students understand how school is

preparing

them for the rest of their lives. I hope kids learn how

time management

and doing things right the first time can and will enhance their

futures.”

BEAU WALLACE Youth Development Specialist Indian Education

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 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-Discipline– Use restraint as a tool for selfimprovement 13

EDUCATION&BEYOND

COMMUNIT Y SPIRIT THRIVES ON VOLUNTEERS, BUSINESSES & MORE

BAPS FOUNDATION and PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Every spring, two important groups—the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation and Partners In Education— award several teachers with thousands of dollars in grant monies. This money provides financial support for field trips, classroom supplies and equipment, student incentive programs and more.

“The Foundation and Partners In Education play an important role within the district and directly impact student learning with their grant programs,” said BAPS Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “I am thankful for the citizens and business owners who choose to give their time to provide our teachers with grants and our students with a more enriched educational experience.”

Established in 1992, the BAPS Foundation has positively influenced education in Broken Arrow by providing funds for incentive grants to teachers. A Board of Directors, representing a variety of businesses, the PTA, the teaching and administrative staff and individual citizens, is elected annually

to serve as trustees of the Foundation. The Foundation has only one fundraiser – an annual golf tournament held at Forest Ridge – and the proceeds of that tournament go toward funding classroom grants. The group delivered $31,333.62 to teachers last year.

Like the Foundation, Partners In Education also showed their support by awarding more than $9,000 in grants. Initiated in 1994 to connect businesses with schools in a mutually-beneficial cooperative program, Partners In Education promotes academic and personal growth for students, as well as fosters a working, healthy relationship between community and education.

Together, the Foundation and Partners In Education supplied more than $41,000 in classroom grants in 2014.

CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM

The Career Exploration Program (CEP), piloted in 2013, gives students an authentic learning experience in the business world.

Students spend part of their school day at local businesses, completing real-world projects and tasks associated with that profession.

Kaitlyn Kaitlyn Wood Wood and and Holly Holly Green, Green, ninth ninth graders, graders, display display their their medals medals proudly proudly at at last last year’s year’s Special Special Olympics.

Olympics.

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Through CEP, students earn academic credits as they would for any traditional class. They are also able to hone their own talents, goals, abilities and interests as they go forward in their academic and professional careers.

During the 2013-14 school year, more than 100 high school students took advantage of CEP, and more than 30 businesses participated in the program.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEAM

Thousands of athletes, coaches and volunteers traveled to Stillwater, Okla., for the 45th annual Special Olympics in May 2014.

After three days of exciting Olympic-style competitions and ceremonies, 35 Broken Arrow students in grades 6-12 brought home 25 gold medals, 15 silver medals, 10 bronze medals and several fourth place ribbons.

“I cannot put into words how proud I am of our athletes,” said Greg James, Special Olympics head coach and Oneta Ridge Middle School teacher. “These kids train and practice for months to prepare for these summer games. To see the growth and improvement in their abilities is what fuels me to continue to do what I do.”

Every year, Special Olympics students from across Oklahoma compete in activities that range from bocce ball to a number of track and field events.

“Broken Arrow student athletes are a powerhouse in Oklahoma, and there is no doubt that BA’s Special Olympics athletes have proven themselves to be part of that very same powerhouse,” said BAPS Director of Secondary Special Education Gena Koster.

Eighteen coaches, 18 peer partners and 56 family members attended the games to cheer on BA’s team.

“The event is such a rewarding experience overall, but the highlight is getting to see the students who took time away from their own school studies to become a ‘unified peer partner’ for athletes with special needs, exhibiting qualities of character and compassion that we don’t always have the chance to see,” Koster said.

DISTRICT-WIDE FOOD DRIVE

According to a report by Feeding America,

“Education gives me the

freedom

to choose any job I want when I grow up. A great education will also get me into a good

college.

Kamara Washington, BAPS Foundation president, receives a warm welcome from Cindy Ellett’s kindergarten students at Oak Crest Elementary after their teacher receives a grant.

17.2 percent of people in Oklahoma suffer from food insecurity. In Tulsa County alone, more than 102,000 struggle with hunger and nearly 37,000 of those are children. To help reduce hunger in our community, BAPS joined together with Move For Hunger, a nationwide nonprofit organization, and Broken Arrow’s Accent Moving and Storage to host the second annual district-wide food drive in the spring.

For five days, students and staff from across the Broken Arrow district brought nonperishable food items. All donations from the drive benefited Broken Arrow Neighbors, a nonprofit that provides basic needs and emergency assistance to Broken Arrow families.

“The food collected from the Broken Arrow Public Schools Food Drive provides substantial support to local hunger relief organizations during the times that they need it the most,” Move For Hunger Events Coordinator Gina Campagnola said. “It’s amazing to see the dedication of the students and faculty of Broken Arrow Public Schools year after year.”

This year, the drive brought in more than 12,000 pounds of food.

support these efforts and improve the lives of Broken Arrow residents through a variety of events. BAPS employees raised $109,141 in September for the 2013 United Way Campaign. In addition to monetary donations, district employees participated in various community service projects benefiting local organizations such as Broken Arrow Neighbors, the Margaret Hudson Program and A New Leaf.

I want to study medicine so I can be a doctor when I grow up.

What I learn now in math and science will help me when I become a doctor. Each year I am in school, I will be

learning more and more.”

MATTHEW RAGAN

Leisure Park Elementary Third Grade

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Broken Arrow Public Schools values its relationship with other governmental entities. The City of Broken Arrow, Chamber of Commerce and the Broken Arrow school district continually exchange representation on boards and committees to promote communication, collaboration and improved quality of life in Broken Arrow.

Success of this relationship was evident as BAPS’ executive leadership team was honored in February 2014 as the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year.”

Since 1959, the “Citizen of the Year” award has been given to an individual who displays a “service above self” mentality, consistently working with organizations in the community to improve Broken Arrow. For the first time Broken Arrow Public Schools is a longtime ever, it was awarded to an organization. supporter of the Tulsa Area United Way. The “The leadership team of Broken Arrow Tulsa Area United Way works to advance Public Schools should be commended on a the common good by focusing on the three job well done,” said Dr. Christee Jenlink, dean building blocks of a better quality of life— at Northeastern State University – Broken education, financial stability, and health and Arrow. “They have changed the look and safety. BAPS welcomes the opportunity to perception of our schools and community.”

UNITED WAY DISTRICT CAMPAIGN

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FINEARTS

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND CARNEGIE HALL, NEW YORK CITY

It’s been noted that the only way to get to Carnegie Hall is with practice. This old saying has become part of the legendary concert hall folklore and was a constant reminder for Broken Arrow’s fine arts students. After a year of fine tuning their crafts, more than 170 Broken Arrow band, orchestra, choir and drama students received the opportunity of a lifetime—to showcase their talents at Carnegie Hall in April 2014.

When invited to perform at Carnegie, most public school productions are blended with other public schools. Such was not the

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case with Broken Arrow, as it was the first Oklahoma high school to get a standalone date at Carnegie. MidAmerica Productions, founded in 1983 by conductor Peter Tibrois, was the presenting arm of this production.

In addition to works from J.S. Bach and John Philip Sousa, the students performed the world premiere of “The Voices of Broken Arrow.”

This choral-orchestral work was constructed

by Tulsa-based composer Dan Wootton, and the text of the movement was compiled from the essay responses of more than 100 Broken Arrow fine arts students. Each student was asked open-ended questions such as, “One

word that brings me joy is…” or “One word that gives me strength is…” The composition conveyed the joy, fear, sorrow and strength of these student responses.

“I was completely overwhelmed with emotions,” Broken Arrow High School senior Bekah York said. “It was so vast, and I felt so small on that stage. I almost felt... unworthy.

There have been so many legends that have performed on that very stage, and I was standing there about to sing! It was a once-ina-lifetime experience.”

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Fine arts at Broken Arrow Public Schools has an established tradition of excellence and has been recognized for its high standards and accomplishments at regional, state and national levels. The fine arts offerings encourage students to explore their creativity and humanity through a comprehensive aesthetic education. The program offers an array of classes, including sculpture, photography, painting, drawing, dance, theater arts, technical theater, men’s choir, chamber choir, women’s choir, show choir, chamber and symphonic orchestra, several levels of concert bands, the Pride marching band, instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles, and speech and debate.

“Receiving a good education will

prepare me

to be successful in my

future career

and my adult life. An education will build my knowledge, my

character

Broken Arrow invades the Big Apple for a performance in the hallowed walls of Carnegie THE PRIDE OF BROKEN ARROW

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Team received the Academic Achievement Award for their collective 3.25 GPA • Two Bands of America Super Regional Championships in St. Louis and Atlanta • Received their 21st Oklahoma Bandmasters VOCAL MUSIC Association State Marching Championship • BAHS choir received the OSSAA Sweepstakes at State Choir Contest • The Show Choir was the grand champion at the Webb CONCERT BANDS City Showcase in addition to winning Best Vocals and • Four Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Best Opener Association (OSSAA) Sweepstakes Awards for Superior Ratings in concert performance, sight reading performance and marching band VISUAL ARTS • Four Middle School Superior Ratings at the Junior • BAHS Art Department hosted the second annual High OSSAA Concert Contest Empty Bowls event, more than $4,000 was donated • All five Middle School bands earned Superior Ratings to local hunger relief organizations, Broken Arrow at the Frontier City Band Festival Neighbors and BA Food for Kids • Annual district-wide art show displayed the art work of students from the elementary level to the JAZZ ENSEMBLES secondary level • Earned two OSSAA Superior Ratings

ORCHESTRA

• Thirty-five BAHS students selected for Northeastern Oklahoma All-District String Orchestra • Superior Rating at State String Contest

SPEECH AND DEBATE

• Second place Sweepstakes at the Regional Tournament

and prepare me for life.”

KYLEE GOODMAN Aspen Creek Elementary Fourth Grade

DRAMA

• BAHS’ fall production of “Sabrina Fair” was performed in a small studio setting, providing students with a closer connection with the audience • The BAHS actors and crew spent months preparing for their highly-anticipated spring production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” 17

“Broken Arrow Schools has prepared me for the

future by offering

comprehensive and flexible education that allows me to learn at my

own pace.

Broken Arrow offers advanced and on-level courses, and by offering these courses, I have been able to

better myself

while in the district.”

JAKE WILCOXEN Freshman Academy

BRICK&MORTAR

Construction keeps the district moving forward From constructing new sites to renovating longstanding buildings, Broken Arrow Public Schools has worked diligently since the passing of the 2009 bond issue to make major improvements across the district.

These improvements included eliminating all modular buildings, securing school entrances and building additional school sites to meet the demands of enrollment growth.

“One of the key facets of the $295 million bond issue was to remove more than 100 portable classrooms and replace them with permanent structures to better our student’s safety as well as their learning environment,” BAPS Chief Operating Officer Michelle Bergwall said. “We are proud to say each has finally been removed due to the addition of 311 new classrooms encompassing more than 800,000 square feet.”

At the beginning of the 2013-14 school year, BAPS welcomed six new schools to the district—three early childhood centers, two elementary sites and one middle school. In addition, more than 93,000 square feet were added to the high school campus.

One of the primary

ASPEN CREEK ELEMENTARY

ASPEN CREEK EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

CREEKWOOD ELEMENTARY

goals of the 2009 bond issue was to

CREEKWOOD EARLY EARLY CHILDHOOD CHILDHOOD CENTER CENTER CREEKWOOD

eliminate modular buildings located at sites across the district.

PARK LANE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

No. in 2009: 117

No. in 2014: 0 18

ONETA RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

PERSONNEL

F O R 2 013 - 2 014 A C A D E M I C Y E A R

92% 90%

BAPS staff that feel proud of our district and believe it is a good place to work

Broken Arrow Senior High School 1901 E. Albany 259-4310 Principal - Debbie Renz

Country Lane Primary 301 E. Omaha 259-4400 Principal - Leslie Officer

North Intermediate High School 808 E. College 259-4320 Principal - Kenneth Kinzer

Country Lane Intermediate 251 E. Omaha 449-5600 Principal - Jill Whitaker

South Intermediate High School 301 W. New Orleans 259-4330 Principal - Dr. Richard Dale

Creekwood Elementary 1301 E. Albany St. 259-4500 Principal - Melissa Galloway

Centennial Middle School 225 E. Omaha 259-4340 Principal - Margaret Coates

Highland Park Elementary 7200 E. Quincy Pl. 505-5930 Principal - Karen Morrison

Vandever Elementary 2200 S. Lions Ave. 259-4490 Principal - Vicki Beckwith

Childers Middle School 301 E. Tucson 259-4350 Principal - Elizabeth Burns

Leisure Park Elementary 4300 S. Juniper Pl. 259-4420 Principal - Janet Dotson

Wolf Creek Elementary 3000 W. New Orleans 259-4510 Principal - Stacy Strow

Oneta Ridge Middle School 6800 E. Quincy Pl. 259-4360 Principal - Mickey Replogle

Liberty Elementary 4300 S. 209th East Avenue 259-4470 Principal - Karyne Gates

Aspen Creek Early Childhood Center 2700 W. Florence 505-5290 Principal - Julie Gateley

Oliver Middle School 3100 W. New Orleans 259-4590 Principal - Mark Officer

Lynn Wood Elementary 1600 W. Quincy Ave. 259-4430 Principal - Lance Crawley

Creekwood Early Childhood Center 1351 E. Albany St. 505-5280 Principal - Teresa Bowker

Sequoyah Middle School 2701 S. Elm Pl. 259-4370 Principal - Cindy Williamson

Oak Crest Elementary 405 E. Richmond 259-4450 Principal - Heather Adams

Park Lane Early Childhood Center 7700 S. Shelby Lane 806-8665 Principal - Barbara Jones

Arrowhead Elementary 915 W. Norman 259-4390 Principal - Jennifer Peterson

Rhoades Elementary 320 E. Midway 259-4440 Principal - Dawna Mosburg

BA Academy 637 E. College 259-4600 Principal - Jack Pugh

Aspen Creek Elementary 2800 W. Florence 259-4410 Principal - Larry Smith

Spring Creek Elementary 6801 S. Third St. 259-4480 Principal - Sherri Kindley

Margaret Hudson Program 751 W. Knoxville 251-2647 Principal - Genell Coleman

BAPS staff that trust the Board of Education will make decisions in the best interest of students and is doing what it takes to make the district successful

Source: Staff Climate Survey, Spring 2014

19

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. · 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.

BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEFS

DEVELOPED BY THE BOARD, SUPERINTENDENT and COMMUNITY, JANUARY 2013

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