OUR SCHOOLS August 2016 | Volume 36 Issue 1
BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION
LETTER FROM SUPERINTENDENT As the school year begins, I want to welcome all new students, teachers, staff members, and parents to our Trojan family. It is a privilege for all of us at Jenks Public Schools to engage and inspire as we embrace the daily mission of providing students with every opportunity to not only succeed, but to excel in every aspect of their education. To meet the needs of our growing student population, construction and renovation projects are underway at many sites across the District. These improvements and new structures – only made possible with bond dollars approved by the community – will enhance the student experience while allowing our school sites to operate with greater efficiency and accessibility. We are fortunate to enjoy a tradition of excellence at Jenks Public Schools. As we move forward through this new school year, I know we will continue to surpass our own high expectations in the classroom, on the field of competition, and in our service to the community. Jenks Public Schools continues to be set apart by the quality of its people. Thanks to the dedication, drive, and character of our outstanding teachers and staff members, I am confident our students and our schools will reach higher and dream bigger to make the 2016-17 school year an overwhelming success. Thank you for your support of Jenks Public Schools. Go Trojans! Sincerely,
Stacey M. Butterfield Ed.D. Superintendent of Jenks Public Schools
TROJAN TALLY 12,041
Total number of students enrolled at JPS for 2016-17 school year, a 3.5 percent increase from 2015-16
1,389
Total student enrollment growth at JPS over last five years
102
Number of teachers new to JPS for 2016-17
SIGNS OF PROGRESS | JPS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE CENTRAL CAMPUS DINING HALL • Official groundbreaking ceremony took place on July 26 with JPS officials and representatives from construction partners – LDKerns Contractors, KSQ Design, Wallace Engineering, and Cyntergy. • 35,000 square-foot facility will accommodate up to 1,300 students. • The building will feature an open, inviting floor plan while incorporating natural light, various seating options, and a cantilever entrance. • Projected completion date: June 2017 HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING 5 & 6 RENOVATION Phase 1 • Updated finishes in hallways and classrooms • New technology • New classroom furniture • LED lighting to save on electric costs • Upgraded infrastructure, roofs, and mechanical systems • Completed in August 2016 Phase 2 • New main office for Building 6 • Updated entry location for increased safety • Teacher collaboration space • Updated auditorium and classrooms • Enhanced infrastructure, roofs, and mechanical systems
WEST INTERMEDIATE CLASSROOM EXPANSION • New parking lot design (completed by August 2016) • New classrooms designed to accommodate student population growth • Office updates • Completion of STEM learning lab • Completion date: July 2017 WEST ELEMENTARY WALKING TRAIL • New wellness walking trail – two ¼ mile loops that connect to complete a ½ mile trail • Completed in August 2016 EAST ELEMENTARY PARKING LOT • Expansion to include additional parking and improved traffic flow • Improved canopy for pick-up and drop-off • Completed in August 2016 NORTHWEST ELEMENTARY • Construction on schedule • 160,000 square feet • Anticipated attendance for 2017-18 school year is 1,100 students • Unique features include: playground with artificial turf surfaces, double gym, open mezzanine level • Projected completion date: June 2017
• Completion date: August 2017 Phase 3 • Focused on Building 5 • Classroom renovations and updates with new furniture • New LED lighting and technology • Modified main office design for better site view and safety • Updated exterior for improved entry • Improvements to roof and mechanical systems • Completion date: August 2018
***All projects listed are made possible through Lease Revenue Bonds except for the West Elementary Walking Trail which is a partnership between JPS Facilities Management and the West Elementary PTA.***
NEW PRINCIPALS
DAVID BEILER
JENKS HIGH SCHOOL
David Beiler steps into the role of Jenks High School Principal following the retirement of Mike Means, who held the position for the past 23 years. Named the 2016 Oklahoma Assistant Principal of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals, Beiler was one of three finalists for National Assistant Principal of the Year. He began his career in education in 2002 as a math teacher at Jenks Middle School before moving to Jenks High School in 2008. For the last five years, Beiler held the title of Assistant Principal in the Jenks Math and Science Center where he helped coordinate many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) focused courses and activities, and also led the creation of a continuous improvement team to constantly evaluate student needs and performance. Beiler and his wife Amy have three children, Josh, Caleb, and Lydia, all students at Jenks Public Schools. “Jenks is such an amazing and unique community with an extremely high standard of excellence,” Beiler said. “I am sincerely humbled for the opportunity to serve this school and I am excited to see what the future holds as our school realizes new achievements throughout this upcoming year.” July 2016 – Present JHS Site Principal August 2008 – June 2016 JHS Assistant Principal (last 5 years at JMASC) July 2007 – July 2008 Centennial Middle School Assistant Principal (Broken Arrow) September 2002 – June 2007 Jenks Middle School Math Teacher June 1998 – August 2002 Practiced as a CPA
LYNETTE TALKINGTON
NORTHWEST ELEMENTARY 2017 When Northwest Elementary opens its doors for the first time in August 2017, Lynette Talkington will bring 23 years of education experience to her role as the school’s first Site Principal. Talkington is currently serving as a Building Principal at Southeast Elementary. During her time as an administrator at Southeast, Talkington has helped develop annual Literacy Night, Math Nights, and Health Fairs, while also serving as supervisor for the Behavioral Intervention Study Team and overseeing the Committee for Safe Schools and Health and Wellness. Talkington started her teaching career at Southgate Elementary in Moore, Oklahoma and spent two years as an elementary teacher in Houston, Texas, before arriving at Jenks East Elementary in 1999. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and holds a Master of Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. Talkington and her husband Brian have three children, Olivia, Luke, and Lucy. “Northwest Elementary is going to be an amazing place for kids to learn and grow, and I’m truly looking forward to serving our students and staff members in the role of Site Principal,” Talkington stated. “As I approach my final year at Southeast, I want to say how much I appreciate Lindy Risenhoover, our teachers, students, and parents for their encouragement and support. I feel so fortunate to be a part of Jenks Public Schools and I want to thank our leadership for providing me with this incredible opportunity.”
BRITTANY HIX Finalist for State Teacher of the Year For a third consecutive year, an educator from Jenks Public Schools is a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. Brittany Hix, a 6th grade language arts and social studies teacher at Jenks West Intermediate is one of 12 finalists for the 2017 honor. “I was certainly surprised and honored to be named a finalist,” said the 25-year old Hix, a 2008 Jenks grad. “It’s great to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about and to be mentioned with so many outstanding teachers from across the state is incredible. There are so many people making an impact in the lives of students and it’s wonderful to be part of that community.” Hix was named the 2016 District Teacher of the Year for Jenks Public Schools and was selected as a finalist for the state award after submitting an application packet to a panel of educators, members of the business community, legislators, and nonprofit partners. The 2017 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be revealed August 30 in a ceremony at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. “I am thrilled to see Brittany recognized as a finalist for our state,” said Michelle Sumner, Principal at Jenks West Intermediate. “Brittany offers students the opportunity to find their voice each day in her classroom through discussion, book talks, and seminars. She is a key collaborator and facilitator for not only her grade level, but for our entire school site.” “I appreciate the collaboration at West Intermediate and the fact that our leaders push us to continuously research and learn new techniques for reaching students,” stated Hix. “It is an exciting and invigorating environment to work in because the philosophy of life-long learning is embedded in everything we do.” Romney Nesbitt, an art teacher at Jenks West Intermediate, was a finalist for State Teacher of the Year for 2015, and Jenniffer Callaway, an English teacher at the Jenks Alternative Center, followed in 2016.
WIDENER EARNS PRESIDENTIAL RECOGNITION Moriah Widener, a fifth-grade teacher at Jenks West Intermediate, was recently named a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Widener is one of 213 award-winners from across the United States. She will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation to use at her discretion, and she is invited to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony as well as visits with members of President Obama’s administration. “I am so thankful to my principals here at West Intermediate and the administration of Jenks Public Schools for providing me with the support and resources necessary to reach my students and give them a better understanding of math and science,” Widener remarked. “I am also grateful to my colleagues for their constant encouragement and to my wonderful students, who make it so much fun to be in the classroom every single day.” A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Widener has been teaching at Jenks West Intermediate for the past four years. In addition to her regular role in the classroom, Widener leads book studies, coaches and serves as a mentor for new teachers, facilitates “Math Monday” meetings, and continuously updates a library of resources and literature to help other teachers. “Moriah is a reflective practitioner of the craft of teaching,” said Michelle Sumner, Site Principal at West Intermediate. “She is always seeking new, creative instructional techniques to enhance the educational experience for her students, and she is quick to help her fellow teachers. She is so deserving of this extraordinary honor and we are incredibly proud to see her dedication recognized by the President.”
Don Osborn carefully calculates each step of every project.
MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE JPS Carpenters Cut Costs with Creativity and Craftsmanship In a non-descript warehouse on the north side of Jenks, the working conditions aren’t for everyone. Sweat and sawdust are constants. Air-conditioning is achieved only with fans and open doors. But for the carpenters of Jenks Public Schools, where they work isn’t nearly as important as why they work. “Our work goes into the schools to benefit kids and teachers,” Ron McClanahan states with a smile. “Once it’s in there, we know it’s going to be there for a while, and we all take pride in doing the best job we can.” A Navy veteran who has contributed his considerable talents to Jenks for the last two decades, McClanahan is one of four full-time carpenters employed by the District. He is joined by Terry McGrew, a former construction company owner and residential trim carpenter, and Don Osburn, a soft-spoken worker who is never far from his pencil and blueprints. Randy Craig, expert in sanding, painting, and all things related to lacquer, is responsible for finishing touches. “I like making everything look good,” says Craig. Together, the group holds over 100 years of experience in wood-working and construction. From shelving units to reception desks to trophy cases, the evidence of transforming raw materials into sturdy, functional furniture, is visible in every building and every school site. Today, the carpentry crew is assembling cabinets. Tomorrow, the job will be cabinets. From now until next August, the four men will spend 40 hours a week on one project and one project only. Northwest Elementary opens its doors for the 2017-18 school year and the carpenters are furnishing every classroom with custom cabinetry.
Randy Craig specializes in attention to detail.
“This may be the single biggest project we’ve ever done,” remarked Osburn, a 1976 Jenks grad. “It’s important because our work saves the District a lot of money and that’s very satisfying. It makes us all feel good to be able to contribute like this.” From 5,500 sheets of maple plywood, Osburn and company will assemble approximately 1,500 cabinet units. More than 1,700 student cubbies and 200 bookcases are on the to-do list, and nearly three miles worth of edge-banding material will provide a finished, polished feel to all parts and pieces. The doors, drawers, hooks, and hinges for each cabinet will also be installed, and by the time the handiwork is ready for its final destination at Northwest, the carpenters’ efforts will save JPS nearly $1 million. In the end, the cabinets will resemble the men who put them together - strong and reliable.
“These guys conform to the same standard we adhere to everywhere else in this District which is hard work of the highest quality,” stated Roger Wright, the Executive Administrator of School Operations and overseer of the carpenters. “They have a phenomenal work ethic but it’s not just those guys; we have plumbers, electricians, and many other employees who do impressive, important work. There is a culture in Jenks of high expectations and I think we have a group here who meet, and exceed those expectations every day.” Like any occupation, some tasks are monotonous and mundane. Others require a painstaking attention to detail. No matter the project, the attitude of the carpenters and their coworkers in Facilities Management is reflective of the entire District’s philosophy. “We’re a family,” McGrew said. “I like every one of the guys I work with and I’m lucky because not too many people can say that about their jobs. I’ll never quit unless they run me off or drag me out of here in ambulance because I love the work, I love the conditions we work under, and I don’t know what more you could ask for in a job.” The carpenters are usually up before dawn and they’re not alone. Before students arrive, an entire behindthe-scenes team is fueling buses, fixing leaks, replacing bulbs, trimming grass, and yes, making cabinets. A school district is only as good as its people. Some names aren’t known, but their fingerprints are everywhere.
Ron McClanahan makes a precise cut on one of the many machines utilized in the cabinet-making process.
“I don’t know what more you could ask for in a job.” – Terry McGrew
BACK TO
Photos from around the District as teachers
SCHOOL
and students return for the 2016-2017 year.
BOOKS IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD Engaging students inside the classroom can be tricky, but finding ways to enhance learning during the summer months is an entirely different challenge. The need for summer reading improvement was recognized by Kathy Oliver, an ELD teacher at Jenks East Intermediate, after an encounter with students two years ago. “I tutored a Burmese student at his apartment complex and sometimes other students would come up and join us as we read a book or worked on a project,” Oliver remembered. “The kids told me they were bored and looking for something to do. Since that experience, I wanted to do something that would keep the students engaged in learning over the summer. My heart was with the students whose parents are working during the day so the kids are usually home alone with nothing to do except watch TV and play video games.” As she started to examine ideas for how to connect with larger groups of students, Oliver discovered the Bookmobile, a “library on wheels” funded by the Tulsa City-County Library. While finalizing plans to meet kids at the Bookmobile, help them choose books, and practice their reading skills, Oliver was informed of left over student activity bags created during a service project by students from Barbara Ann Sheeley’s class, a fellow teacher at East Intermediate. The bags included games, puzzles, notebooks, coloring books, and other supplies designed to educate and entertain. Throughout the summer months, Oliver, along with Natalia Wright, an ELD teacher at East Intermediate, visited the Bandon Trails and River Chase apartment complexes to spread a love of reading and create meaningful relationships with students and parents. Language barriers were easily broken down as word of free books and activity bags spread quickly amongst families and residents. “When we laid out activities and books, it was easy to strike up conversations with everyone who stopped by,” stated Oliver. “We met many students who are new to JEI so it helped us make great connections with people in the community.” “I was happy to help Kathy and I was able to see first-hand what a valuable and frankly, fun project it was,” said Wright. “I personally was able to connect with some kids who will be my students next year along with reconnecting with some of my former students and to help them work with the marvelous ladies from the bookmobile to get them library cards.” After successful outreach this summer and a dramatic increase in interest from Burmese students and families, Oliver hopes to be able to provide more resources to the program next summer.
FACES IN THE CLASSROOM Get to know some of Jenks’ newest educators Kyle Martin Special Education | Jenks High School Hometown: Mannford, OK College: Oklahoma State University (bachelor’s degree in secondary education, master’s degree in special education) Background: Kyle served four years as a Senior Airman in the United States Air Force and worked in the restaurant industry before shifting his focus to special education. “I think Jenks will provide me with an outlet to grow as teacher and really connect with my students. I’m looking forward to learning from some amazing teachers and helping out with clubs and activities. As for special education, I love it because of the relationships I get to build with students. I found that I enjoy working with what some might think are “difficult students” and celebrating the small victories with them as they grow and learn.”
Bobby Hall English Teacher | Jenks Middle School Hometown: Olustee, OK College: University of Oklahoma (bachelor’s degree in political science) and Cornell University (master’s degree in education policy) Background: Bobby spent the last two years teaching in Tulsa through Teach for America and last year, he was named “Teacher of the Year” at Bell Elementary. “I am very excited to be joining Jenks Public Schools because Jenks has a reputation for excellence and teacher support that I believe is unparalleled in the state of Oklahoma. Two of my children attend Jenks West Elementary, and my wife and I have been very impressed with what Jenks has to offer its students and community members. The staff at Jenks Middle School has been extremely welcoming and supportive, and I look forward to sharing my passion for language arts with my amazing students.”
FACES IN THE CLASSROOM Get to know some of Jenks’ newest educators Katy Stubbs 5th Grade Teacher | Jenks East Intermediate Hometown: Broken Arrow, OK College: John Brown University (bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education and middle school education) Background: Katy was a 4th grade teacher at Jenks East Elementary from 2012-2014 and for the last two years, she taught 3rd and 4th grade at Chengdu International School in Chengdu, China. “I decided to come back to Jenks because I wanted to continue to be around positive educators who care deeply about students and who pursue excellence and innovation in teaching. I’m excited to join the team at East Intermediate and to be able to focus on engaging students in math and science.”
Macy Hula Pre-K Teacher | Jenks West Elementary Hometown: Enid, OK College: Oklahoma State University (bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, master’s degree in teaching, learning, and leadership with special education option) Background: Macy is a proud graduate of OSU and is taking the first step in her professional career at Jenks West Elementary. “I look forward to learning and growing with all of my students. This is my first year of teaching so I am excited for all of the new experiences that this year will hold!”
SEPT
16
TH
4-7:30PM
ESC parking lot south of football stadium
Carnival StyleBlock Party Pep Rally Team Walk Food Games Music Inflatables
P
SP
G
SENTIN E R
ONSOR For more info contact the Jenks Public Schools Foundation at 918-299-4463 or jenksfoundation@jenksps.org.
JENKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2016-2017 INSTRUCTIONAL CALENDAR Important Dates New Teachers Report ...................................Aug. 11 All Teachers Report ......................................Aug. 15 Classes Begin for Students ..........................Aug. 19 End of First Quarter ...................................... Oct. 14 End of First Semester ...................................Dec. 20 End of Third Quarter .................................. March 10 End of Second Semester............................... June 1 Last Day of Classes for Students .................. June 1
Dates Classes will not be in Session Labor Day .....................................................................................Sept. 5 Fall Break ............................................................................... Oct. 20-21 Parent-Teacher Conferences.........................................Oct. 19, March 3 Thanksgiving Break ................................................................Nov. 23-25 Martin Luther King Jr. Day ........................................................... Jan. 16 Holiday Break ...................................................................Dec. 21-Jan. 3 Spring Break ........................................................................March 13-17 Memorial Day .............................................................................. May 29 Professional Days................................ Aug. 15, 16, 17, Sept. 2, Feb. 20 Work Days for Teachers .................................................Aug. 18, June 2
★ School Opens/Closes ● Professional Day ✦ Parent/Teacher Conference ■ Holidays/Breaks ▲ Elem./Sec. Work Day ❑ New Teachers Report ▲District Collaboration Day ❍ FIRST SEMESTER
S M T W T F S AUG.
SEP.
OCT.
NOV.
DEC.
1
7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25
First Quarter -
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 ▲ 25 26 27
❑❑ ● ●● ❍
★
1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29
■
▲
3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26
4 11 18 25
2 ●
3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30
5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 21 26 27 28
■■ ✦▲
1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27
2 9 16 23 30
1 4 5 5 5 5 5 3 5 1 4 5 5 2 3
1 2 ▲
3 10 17 24 31
2 5 5 2 0
9 16 23 30
■■■ ■■ ■ ■ ■
Days Taught.............................39 Professional Days .....................4 Work Day for Teachers ..............1 Second Quarter - Days Taught ............................42 Professional Days .................... 0 LL0012 Rev: 8/2016
S M T W T F S
1 5 3
5 12 19 26
8 15 22 29
SECOND SEMESTER
JAN.
4 11 18 25
3 10 17 24
■■■ 7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
Days Taught
FEB.
1 8 15 22 29
2 ■ 3 4 5 6 7 ■ 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 ■ 25 26 27 28 23 24 ▲ 30 31
1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28
●
MAR.
APR.
MAY
JUNE
5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28
Days Taught
3 5 4 5 2
2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25
3 5 5 4 2
3 4 ✦ 10 11
3 5 0 5 5
▲
6 13 20 27
14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
0 5 5 5 5 0
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
5 5 5 5 2
1 2 3
1
7
2 9 16 23
17 18 ■ ■■ ■■ 24 25 ▲ 30 31 31
■
1
30 31
▲ ★❍
Third Quarter - Days Taught .......................... 46 Professional Days ................... 1 Fourth Quarter - Days Taught .......................... 53 Professional Days ................... 0 Work Day for Teachers ........... 1 (Includes 5 Weather Days) YEARLY TOTAL ................................ 187
STAY CONNECTED with Jenks Public Schools
facebook.com/jenksps | twitter.com/jenksps | instagram.com/jenksps | linkedin.com/company/jenks-public-schools