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School News - Tip Sheet - 4/23/2008

Bovina Sancta! Memorial Students Score in Latin Exam 

4/15/2008

Who says Latin is a dead language? It’s not just the purview of medical professionals, American currency and the people that give out diplomas. Just take a look at Memorial High School. Students at the school studied hard for this year’s National Latin Exam, an annual test given to over 150,000 students across the country, hoping to add another feather in Memorial’s cap. The results are in and guess what?

A posse ad esse (translation: from possibility to actuality).

Nearly half of Memorial’s test-takers earned awards for their stellar performances. The exam covers Latin grammar, vocabulary, history, reading comprehension and classical mythology. Memorial’s winners are: Duncan Staggs - Summa cum Laude - gold medal (Latin IV); Grady Briggs, Summa cum Laude - gold medal (Latin IV); Sam Briggs, Summa cum Laude - gold medal (Latin III); Jayne Ratiliff, Maxima cum Laude - silver medal - (Latin II); Sarah Collier, Maxima cum Laude - silver medal - (Latin I); Emily Goodwin, Magna cum Laude – (Latin I) and Jacob Fesko - Cum Laude – (Latin I).

Memorial offers classes in a United Nations-worthy array of languages, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese and of course Latin.

 

TPS Teachers, Students Lauded For Arts Contributions 

4/22/2008

TPS students and educators were honored at the State Superintendent Awards for Arts Excellence banquet last night.

Dr. Michael Moore, band teacher at Whitney Middle School, received the Fine Arts Educator Award and Dr. Michael Burk, principal at Chouteau Elementary, was recognized for his commitment to arts education programs.

The ceremony was held at the Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie.

TPS students awarded for their musical prowess are: Erik Collins, BTW, Piano and Vocal; Rachel Coward, BTW, Visual Arts; Madalyn Luellen, BTW, Visual Arts; Jasmine Rikin, BTW, Visual Arts; Leona Thao, East Central, Visual Arts; Elizabeth Vuong, BTW, Visual Arts and Ashley Watson, East Central, Visual Arts.

The awards are sponsored by the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education, a state affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and are underwritten by the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma. The awards have been handed out for nearly three decades and are given to individuals that have made outstanding contributions to arts education.

 

T.A.T.U Fights Tobacco Use 

4/23/2008, 1:45 p.m.

Teens against Tobacco Use—TATU—is a youth empowerment program teaching teens to fight back against tobacco use. They’ll be making a presentation to students at Eugene Field this afternoon at 1:45.

“Each year we present a message to elementary students in our community about the harmful risks associated with tobacco use” said Phyllis Mabrey, a JROTC instructor and head of TATU. “Our teens are excited and eager to talk to younger kids about tobacco use. The elementary students are very impressed with our teen role models and willingly understand and accept the information they are presented.”

The Eugene Field visit is one of several TATU is making this spring. They’re also visiting Addams, Robertson and Remington elementary schools later this month.

Contact Mabrey at 746-8006 for more information.

 

Attorneys Take Hamilton Students to State Capitol 

4/24/2008

Students at Hamilton Middle School get an up-close–and-personal look at the inner workings of state government when they take a tour of the State Capitol on Thursday, April 24.

Sponsored by several local legal groups—the Tulsa County Bar Association, the Tulsa County Bar Foundation and the Oklahoma Bar Association—the tour is a reward for completing a course study called, "We the People: The Citizen and The Constitution.” The course is a nationwide curriculum funded by the U.S. Department of Education, and directed by the Center for Civic Education. It teaches the history and current application of the Constitution and the Bill Of Rights.

The bar association and foundation have been involved with Hamilton, teaming up with students for a lunch-buddy program and presenting an annual Law Day at the school.

 

Top 5 Teacher of the Year Finalists 

4/25/2008, 4:45

Dr. Zolkoski, Board member Ruth Ann Fate, and the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee had the distinct honor of visiting Tulsa Public Schools’ top five candidates for TPS Teacher of the Year at their schools on Tuesday, April 15. The vanload of district officials surprised each finalist with a “Blockbuster Movie Bucket” filled with popcorn, candies and gift cards.

The ToY selection committee observed and interviewed thirteen semifinalists through the month of March. The competition was grueling. Each and every site representative provides a shining example of education at its very best; and any one of them would make a fine Oklahoma Teacher of the Year
Sadly, Tulsa Public Schools can only have one Teacher of the Year for 2008. We believe this year’s representative will turn heads at the state competition in the summer. We may even have a national winner!

The 2008 TPS Teacher of the Year will be selected from the following five finalists:

Brian Balaskovits, Zarrow International School – Pre-K and Kindergarten
Terry Beach, East Central High School – Language Arts
Jill Davis, Kendall-Whittier Elementary School - Kindergarten
Cindy Mudroch, Eliot Elementary School – Special Education
Joey Newsom, Thoreau Demonstration Academy – Math and Science

Congratulations to all of the schools that submitted such wonderful candidates for this year’s TPS Teacher of the Year.

We hope to see you at the April 25th employee banquet, Big Band Friday Night, at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. The District Teacher of the Year will be named, along with the TPS Support Employee of the Year, TPS Retirees and 30- and 40-Year Employees.

Thanks so much to everyone who helped shine the spotlight on such a rich complement of talented, committed teachers to represent Tulsa Public Schools.

 

Check Out the Whales 

4/25/2008, 10 a.m.

They’ve been studying about aquatic life and now they get to see it up close and in person!

Third-graders at Roosevelt Elementary are taking a trip to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. It’s the culmination of a unit the tykes have been studying on sea life in particular and whales in general.

The trip has been paid for by the Williams Foundation.

 

Rock Out with Radio Disney 

4/25/2008, 1:30 p.m.

Students at Burroughs Elementary School get to have a little fun after working so hard in preparation for recent testing. On Friday, April 25, the jocks and crew from Radio Disney AM 1380 head on over to Burroughs for a live broadcast.

The radio-types are planning on leading the tykes in fun dances and games with prizes available. Don’t forget about the Burroughs Drill Team, on hand to help the celebrations by performing some of their patented routines.

 

Zarrow 5K Run 

4/26/2008, 7:30 a.m.

The sixth annual Zarrow 5K Run is coming up April 26, with the Riverside Drive event again benefiting the Foundation for Tulsa Schools.

A one kilometer fun run occurs simultaneously. Early registration costs are: $20 for the 5k run, $10 for the fun run; same-day registration for the 5k is $25, $15 for the fun run. Early registration must be postmarked by April 19. Make checks out to the TPS Athletic Department, PO Box 470208 Tulsa, OK 74147-0208.

 

Remington Celebrates Native American Week 

4/28/2008, 8:30 a.m.

With the help of Indian Education tutor Shellby Huerta, Native American Week at Remington Elementary is going to be a memorable one, administrators at the school say.

Taking place April 28 through May 2, there’s a neat activity every day. On Monday, April 28, Huerta leads the students in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Cherokee. Subsequent activities during the week feature students learning about the Trail of Tears and the history of treaties between tribes and the government, participating in a Make or Take project, building a tipi and watching Jingle, Hoop and Shell-Shaker dancers perform. Don’t forget about some authentic chow including fry bread, grape dumplings and corn soup.

 

Partners in Education Recognition Reception 

4/28/2008, 4 p.m.

Since 1983, the Partners in Education program has helped countless TPS students. On Monday, April 28, this year’s partners will be recognized during a reception at the Tulsa Marriott-Southern Hills. The fun begins at 4 p.m.

TPS Superintendent Dr. Michael Zolkoski and Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor are attending. The 2007 Partner of the Year Award was given to Rotary Club of Tulsa #145 for their outstanding partnership and commitment to Celia Clinton Elementary.

There’s going to be some neat entertainment at this year’s reception. A group of fourth and fifth-graders at Penn Elementary are performing a version of Karl Hitzemann’s “Thank You” and a rap about school testing, a performance that has Penn students and staffers seriously stoked.

“What an honor!” said Penn music teacher Jenny Reynolds. “Our school has never been invited to an event this big.”

Partners in Education is a collaborative effort between TPS and the Tulsa Metro Chamber. The program's focus is to link Tulsa students with community resources in order to provide the knowledge and skills needed for future success. Partners and schools choose their level of involvement, which may include—but not limited to—volunteering within the school, in-kind contributions or financial assistance. To view current Partners in Education success stories or for more information go to www.tulsachamber.com

 

Keeping Our Children Safe: Hale Hosts Safety Summit 

4/29/2008, 7 p.m.

What appears to be an increase in child abuse cases, assaults, robberies and other crimes worries parents and educators, and the Parent Teacher Student Association at Nathan Hale High School is no exception. They’ve decided to do something about it and on Tuesday, April 29, the PTSA is bringing together diverse groups and agencies for a Safety Summit aimed at keeping our children safe.

Neighborhood associations have been invited to the summit along with Hispanic groups, area employers, teens and their families. They’ll witness a Jaws of Life demonstration from the Tulsa Fire Department and hear from nearly 20 municipal, county, state and national organizations including Tulsa’s police and sheriff departments, Family & Children's Services, the American Red Cross, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Emergency Medical Services Authority. Information will be provided in English and Spanish.

The meeting will be broadcast live on Fox23.

 

Park Celebrates a Century 

5/2/2008, 10:30 a.m

Park Elementary School celebrates its ten carat diamond anniversary on May 2, marking a century that the school has been in existence. Taking place from 10:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., the celebration includes the school’s annual May Pole event along with a hamburger cookout and entertainment by area performers.

Located in West Tulsa’s Red Fork community, Park was established in 1908, one year after Oklahoma became a state. Park became a part of TPS in 1927. Their current building was built in 1972.

Anyone interested in attending the celebration should RSVP to stoddju@tulsaschools.org or call 746-8860.

 

Benefit Concert for Carver Legend 

5/4/2008, 2 p.m.

Local music icons Ernestine Dillard and Eldredge Jackson are coming together to pay tribute to Carver Middle School performing arts teacher and local acting legend Tyrone Wilkerson. It all happens May 4 at 2 p.m. at Carver.

The performance, hosted by the Carver Middle School Foundation, will also feature the school's speech and vocal music students and is free and open to the public. It will be held in the historic Tyrone Wilkerson Theater, recently renamed posthumously in Wilkerson’s honor.

“Wilkerson contributed significantly to the quality and availability of arts programs in the Tulsa community by introducing students to the performing arts and giving them an outlet and an interest in expressing themselves,” says foundation chair Joy Whitman. “Tyrone left a tremendous legacy through his work with the Carver speech and performing arts programs and all the students whose lives he touched. To honor his memory, we’ve not only renamed the theater, but we’re refurbishing it too so students will have a quality facility to build their talents for many years to come.”

Wilkerson, who began teaching at Carver Middle School in 1991, led the school’s drama and competitive speech programs. He once said in an interview with the Tulsa World that, “Teaching here at Carver Middle School, God, that’s the most gratifying thing I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve been able to build a speech program from the ground up, which feeds a high-school program that’s won state for five years and now travels nationally. I feel a great sense of gratitude.”

Wilkerson passed away in 2006, but his legend at Carver and in the community lives on. He was long known for playing the role of “Christmas Present” in the American Theater Company’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol.”

Guests who attend the concert may make a donation to the Carver Middle School Foundation to purchase a commemorative seat in the Tyrone Wilkerson Theater by pledging to “Take a Seat for Tyrone” as part of the efforts to finish the refurbishing of the historical art deco-style theater, or make a donation to the Foundation for educational grants for Carver teachers and students.

 

A Day at the Aquarium 

5/6/2008, 10 a.m.

Children attending Mark Twain Elementary School are taking a trip to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks courtesy of a national retailer with local stores.

The Target Corporation is footing the bill for the students to check out the aquarium’s numerous marine and aquatic animal exhibits.

The aquarium is public and non-profit, dedicated to the mission, “Conservation Through Education.” Located on the Arkansas River, the aquarium opened in 2003.

 

Teacher Job Fair 

5/10/2008, 10 a.m.

Tulsa Public Schools will conduct a teacher job fair for teaching positions available during the 2008/2009 school year. The fair will be held Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Tulsa Expo Square Pavilion located at 4145 E. 21st St.

All interested May of 2008 graduates and certified teachers are encouraged to attend. Principals from all elementary, middle schools, alternative schools, and high schools will be available to collect resumes and discuss openings at their school sites.

Pre-registration is required and may be accomplished by completing a short online form found on our web site: www.tulsaschools.org. Simply click on the “Job Fair Registration” link. Additional information regarding our schools can also be found on the web site.

Whether you are an experienced teacher, or you are just starting your career, come explore the many opportunities available with Tulsa Public Schools!

 

Saying Goodbye 

5/13/2008, 5 p.m.

With summer approaching, many school administrators in the TPS system are being forced to say goodbye to longtime, valuable employees. Two elementary schools holding retirement receptions for those employees are Eisenhower and Alcott.

Alcott is marking the departure of veteran first-grade teacher Denice Washington with an informal get-together on Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m. Over at Eisenhower, head custodian Mae Terry is hanging up her mop after 32 years. She’ll be honored by school staffers, friends and family members on Monday, May 12, at 3:20 p.m.

For more information on Terry’s retirement contact Stacy Strow at strowst@tulsaschools.org. To learn more about Washington’s swan song contact Susan Yates at yatessu@tulsaschools.org.

 

Dr. Z Teaches E=MC2 

5/21/2008

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Zolkoski grabs the chalk and erasers and heads up to the blackboard as this year’s Superintendent’s Summer Algebra Camp kicks off June 2 and runs until June 13. Yes, Dr. Z is the instructor for a fun and educational experience that’s open to all public and private school students entering the sixth through ninth grades this school year. The camp is tuition-free with transportation provided. In fact, all that interested students need to bring with them is a spiral notebook and pencil—and, of course, their thinking caps.

“I always look forward to each new Algebra Camp and sharing multiple methods of instruction that help students prepare for their next school year,” Zolkoski said.

Anyone interested in the camp should respond to Janice Jones by May 21st at 746-6298 or jonesja@tulsaschools.org.

 

Booker T Students Make Team Oklahoma 

6/6/2008

Dylan Hames and Onkur Sen have their summer plans already set.

At least for a couple of days in June that is.

The two Booker T. Washington students have earned positions on the six-member academic quiz team that will represent the state of Oklahoma at the Panasonic Academic Challenge to be held at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Hames is a senior and Sen is a sophomore. Their trip to the Sunshine State comes after the duo took part in a three- hour competition against students from Oklahoma in the areas of mathematics, science, social studies, and humanities to earn the right to be a part of Team Oklahoma this year. The Panasonic Academic Challenge runs from June 6 through June 11.

 

TPS Teachers Head North to Alaska 

7/1/2008

The incredibly diverse cultures and ecosystems in Alaska have long fascinated researchers and scientists. It’s the largest state in the union, home to 100-degree weather swings, where it’s broad daylight at 2 a.m. during the summer and you can toss a cup of hot coffee outside and watch it freeze before it hits the ground in winter. Now two teachers from Oklahoma—Nimitz Middle School Library Media Specialist Robin Leach and Leslie Brown, an Arts Resource Teacher at Addams, McKinley and Remington elementary schools—have been tapped to receive a 2008 grant award for $10,000 to pursue the Road Scholar program fellowship project.

They’ll be heading to the Great White North on July 1.

“We’re looking at alternative sources of energy and climate change,” Leach said. “We’ll be studying wildlife and Leslie is bringing a tape recorder to make sounds of the environment.”

Students of Leach and Brown will also benefit as the two teachers plan on blogging about their travel experiences and incorporating what they’ve learned in lesson plans.

The Road Scholar program is a not-for-profit service of Elderhostel, an organization providing trips with educational value. Go to www.roadscholar.org/ fore more information.

 

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