district home page     contact us

School News - Tip Sheet - 5/27/2009

District Schools Meet State Reading Goals 

5/27/2009

Nine district elementary schools have surpassed the benchmarks defined in the Oklahoma Reading Sufficiency Act, earning their principals and staff a letter of commendation from Sandy Garret, the state’s superintendent of education.

The legislation, passed by the state’s board of education in 2005, mandates that by July 1 of 2008—and for each following year—all third-grade students are able to read at or above grade level by the end of the school year.

“We congratulate these schools in meeting the benchmark set by the state,” said Jean Swanson, the district’s executive director of elementary curriculum and leadership. “Their students are better equipped to handle next year’s reading benchmarks and subject content and this in turn will make them more successful students in the years to come.”

The schools that received the Office of State Superintendent certificate are:

• Owen – Principal Angie Teas and staff (2008)
• McKinley- Principal Dr. Cassandra Funderburk and staff (2008)
• Cooper – Principal Barbara Penrose and staff (2008)
• Carnegie – Principal Martha Raybourn and staff (2008)
• Mayo- Principal Andy McKenzie and staff (received 2007 and 2008)
• Robertson – Principal Jessica Haight and staff (2008)
• Mark Twain – Dr. Diane Hensley and staff (2008)
• Wright – Principal Martie McCain and staff (2008)
• Zarrow – Principal Robin Postier and staff (received 2007)

 

Homegrown Talent on Display in Urban vs. Suburban Games 

5/28/2009, 6:30 p.m

The best student/athletes for miles around are gearing up to take part in a tournament hosted jointly by Tulsa Public Schools and an organization founded in memory of legendary Olympic great and Oklahoma native Jim Thorpe.

The Annual Jim Thorpe Urban vs. Suburban All-Star event is Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29. The event is a sports fan’s dream come true as senior athletes from 33 area high schools compete in basketball and football games marked by spirited play and good sportsmanship. As the title suggests the teams are divided into “urban”—those hailing from TPS—and “suburban”—representing 'burb communities such as Catoosa and Glenpool.

TPS athletic officials say the contests showcase talent from across the metro area. In some cases athletes accustomed to competing against each other now find themselves on the same team.

The All Star Basketball Classic is May 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Will Rogers High School. The girls tip off first, followed by the boys at 8 p.m. The All Star Football Classic is May 30 at 6:30 p.m. at East Central High School.

TPS coaches for the games include Jonita Ford, Edison (girl's basketball); Michael Parish, Edison (boy's basketball) and Tony Daniels, Memorial (football).

Ticket prices for both games are the same: $6 for general admission with children under six admitted free. OSSAA passes will be accepted.

 

East Central Teacher to Receive MetLife Award 

5/28/2009, 11:30 a.m.

Tulsa Public Schools teacher Carol Axley, selected to receive the 2009 MetLife Ambassadors in Education honor, is being formally recognized during an awards ceremony.

Axley was one of only 25 winners selected for her leadership in building bridges between local schools and communities. She will receive a $5,000 grant on Thursday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. at East Central High School, where she serves as a teacher and counselor.

Axley recruits teens across the state to participate in “Camp Anytown,” a multicultural leadership program sponsored by the Oklahoma Conference of Community and Justice. She is on the advisory board of Upward Bound, an organization that prepares at risk students for college. She facilitates Youth Leadership Tulsa, a select group of teens from the metro area who meet once a month to learn more about their community and ways to give back. Axley also coordinates services for at-risk students and works to find resources for needy families.

The award is designed to recognize educators whose influence can be felt beyond the classrooms and hallways, by recognizing educators that: build partnerships with community organizations, parents, and guardians; resolve conflicts and promote safety; and participate in civic engagement and community service efforts. Middle and high school educators in participating public school districts are eligible, and are nominated by peers, parents, students or community members and selected by a national panel of education and civic experts.

For more information about the Ambassadors In Education Award visit www.ncl.org/metlife.

 

Free Program Helps Educators Prepare and Adapt to Classroom Challenges 

6/4/2009

A recent survey reported that 94 percent of teachers believe more preparation to help them adapt their instruction to meet the needs of their diverse classrooms is a critical factor in improving teacher quality.

Help is on the way and it’s called “Schools Attuned.” The program provides a neurodevelopment framework drawn from experts in eight scientific fields to assist educators in making instructional decisions designed to engage students and promote learning success for all children. Educators prepare to understand a student’s unique learning profile of strengths and weaknesses and to specifically pinpoint learning breakdowns for students along with the neurodevelopmental challenges required of them. The program includes interactive face-to-face coursework, optional post-course learning opportunities and ongoing online implementation and sustainability support.

In Tulsa there’s a one day overview of the program on June 4 called “Understanding Learning and Learners.” The registration code is OKSA2010KYP96.

“It’s a chance to come for a day and get immersed in what the program is and walk away with usable strategies to help kids in the classroom,” said Dr. Sheryl Flowers, coordinator of the state program. Next up are two five day courses running from June 8- June 12. One of the courses is designed for elementary educators (registration code is OKSA2006TDE52) and the other for secondary educators (registration code OKSA2007MEX92).

A final course for elementary educators is July 6-July 10 (registration code OKSA2008HMP27). All of the classes take place at Tulsa Technology Center’s Lemley campus.

These courses are provided at no charge to Oklahoma certified and public school educators. To register, go to www.allkindsofminds.org click on “calendar,” scroll down to find the course and then enter the registration code provided for your specific selection. For more information e-mail Dr. Flowers at sflowers@allkindsofminds.org or call (918) 760-4435.

 

1920s-Era Stone to be Removed 

6/5/2009, 10 a.m.

A cornerstone that has sat at Clinton Middle School since 1925 is being relocated. The relic bears the Masonic Lodge's symbol with the following inscription: “The Stone was laid by the M.W. Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Okla., 1925.” Gilbert B. Bristow is recorded as the lodge’s grand master and Wm. M Anderson is the grand secretary. Also listed are members of the board of education and A.J. Love and Co, an architectural firm,

On Friday, June 5, the stone is being relocated—along with a stone above the school’s front entrance reading “19 Clinton High School 25”—to Clinton’s new location, set to open in the fall.

Clinton was a high school until Webster High opened in 1938. The removal of the stone will be attended by Masonic lodge officials, former students and teachers, historians and members of the community.

 

Choose your style.