SHS Principal Uwe Gordon to step into superintendent role
Longtime Pioneer educator, administrator excited for new opportunities as district leader
(Stillwater, Oklahoma) During a special board meeting Thursday night, the Stillwater Board of Education approved the hire of Uwe Gordon, longtime Pioneer educator and administrator, as the district’s next superintendent.
Gordon is currently the principal at Stillwater High School, where he has served for 16 years. He will begin his duties at the end of the school year, taking over for Interim Superintendent Gay Washington.
“I am very excited for the opportunity,” Gordon said. “I know, having been here most of my professional career, that it is a big jump, and I appreciate the board giving me the opportunity to take on that challenge. Having lived in Stillwater this long, I think I have some insight into the needs of the district and community, and I hope to help make Stillwater a better school system. I’m also excited to work with a dedicated, hardworking team of teachers, staff and administrators.”
Board members partnered with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association to help facilitate the superintendent search, including hosting a community survey and conducting focus groups. According to Stillwater Board President Tim Riley, input from the community was incredibly valuable as the board navigated the search process and narrowed down the candidate pool.
“Mr. Gordon has been with the district for decades and knows the Stillwater community very well,” Riley said. “He is a well-respected leader at our high school and has built a wonderful culture there. We think his demonstrated commitment to the student experience, his connection to the community, and his understanding of the unique challenges of the times will translate well on the district level.”
After earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in science from Oklahoma State University (OSU), Gordon began his career as an educator in 1984 as a junior high social studies teacher at Stillwater Public Schools. He also gained experience as an administrator at SPS, serving as the junior high ISSP and Athletic Director from 1993-1994 and as a junior high assistant principal from 1994-2000.
After 16 years with Stillwater Public Schools, Gordon left the district in 2000, accepting the position of principal at Yale High School. He would also go on to serve as principal of Hennessey High School from 2002-2003. Gordon accepted his first job as a superintendent in 2003, leading Hennessey’s school district for three years.
After earning six years of experience as an administrator at Yale and Hennessey, Gordon returned to Stillwater Public Schools in 2006 where he currently serves as the high school principal.
Gordon is dedicated and heavily involved in the Stillwater community. He was an adjunct professor for the college of education at OSU from 1996-2015 and is also a member of the Stillwater Community Resiliency Committee, Stillwater High School Alumni Association, Stillwater High School PTA, and the OSU College of Education Advisory Committee.
“I’m looking forward to serving this amazing community in a new way,” Gordon said. “I love Stillwater.”
OSSBA has helped facilitate superintendent searches across the state, working with other school board associations throughout the country to ensure a competitive candidate pool. The non-profit organization has partnered with several Oklahoma school districts of all sizes to perform superintendent searches, including El Reno, McAlester, Cordell, Eufaula and Woodland.
Superintendent's Update - March 2, 2022
added Mar 2, 2022SPS Staff and Families,
I’m pleased to share that we continue to see minimal cases of COVID-19 in the district, with several sites going weeks with no reported cases. Thank you to everyone for taking precautions to help us get to this level.
Given this information, along with new guidance from the CDC and its classification of Payne County having a low COVID-19 Community Level, I am removing the district's masking expectation; the district will continue to strongly support any individual choosing to mask. This change will take place tomorrow, Thursday, March 3.
In keeping with the CDC’s guidance, we also recommend that individuals stay up to date on vaccines and boosters, please stay home if you are sick, and get tested as appropriate if you are exhibiting symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. Free SPS student and staff testing is still available at Skyline Elementary.
Additionally, assuming cases remain at very low levels, we anticipate ending the SPS COVID-19 dashboard on Friday, March 14.
We will continue to monitor our community’s data and make any appropriate changes as needed.
More non-COVID news from around the district:
The sunshine was a welcome change this week! Thank you to everyone for your understanding during our winter weather the previous week. It was wonderful to see our students out and about enjoying this week’s friendlier weather.
Speaking of Weather…
Following our “staffing pause” day and inclement weather days, all SPS school sites still have at least two remaining inclement weather days in reserve. Assuming continued fairer skies, we do not anticipate any need to make up days at the end of the year.
Pre-K and New to SPS Enrollment
Enrollment for any new incoming student (Pre-K-12) will go live at https://www.stillwaterschools.com/District/Enrollment/NewToSPS on March 22 at 8am. Details about documentation needed and FAQs can be found at that link. Please help us spread the word to anyone who may be seeking to enroll.
Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of surprising our three finalists for district Teacher of the Year. It was wonderful to see them in the environment where they thrive. You could feel the pride and love of the students for these special educators. Next these teachers will submit a portfolio Congratulations to all the finalists and good luck on the next step!
Pay It Forward
Mr. Mark Schooley, Richmond Elementary's Head Custodian, was surprised yesterday by KFOR-TV's Pay it Forward and four former Richmond Rockets! Payden Porter, Natalie VanDeventer, Emma Nelson, and Addison Snider nominated Mr. Mark to be featured by the news channel and to receive $400 because they appreciated the impact he had on them and continues to have on the lives of Richmond students every day. The feature will appear during the 10pm newscast on March 9 and air again during the noon news on March 10.
Black History Month
Some of our SHS students recently visited the Greenwood Rising Center to learn about the tragedy of the Tulsa Race Massacre and the destruction of Black Wall Street, to experience the learning offered by this facility, and to reflect on racial issues facing our world. Thank you to Greenwood Rising for working to increase awareness of this important event.
Thanks, Congrats, and Good Luck!
Congratulations to our 6A Wrestling State Champions!
Congrats to the SJHS orchestras! Both grades earned superior ratings at the OSSAA Orchestra Contest on Tuesday.
There are loads of SPS events happening, so please head out and support our students if you can. Good luck to all of the athletes and participants!
Fundraisers
As you probably know from school site communications, this has been SMAC Week with many different events and fundraisers happening in our schools. I’m so proud of this student led philanthropy effort. This year the program is raising funds for the Stillwater Community Health Center. A slew of dine nights are happening this month to continue that fundraising. So make dinner easy and join these local restaurants in supporting SMAC.
March 7 - Chipotle
March 8 - Texas Roadhouse
March 11 - Raising Cane's
March 15 - Mexico Joe's
Have a great rest of the week.
Go Pioneers!
Thank you,
Dr. Gay Washington
Interim Superintendent
Teacher of the year finalists announced
added Mar 2, 2022Stillwater Public Schools announced three teachers on Tuesday, March 1 as finalists for the district Teacher of the Year - Sally Buss, Theresa Campbell, and Abby Grantham.
Sally Buss
An Oklahoma State University graduate, Mathematics Teacher Sally Buss student taught at Stillwater Middle School and following graduation, accepted a job at Lincoln Academy, where she is currently in her fifth year teaching.
“Teaching at Lincoln Academy is my pride and joy,” says Buss. “At Lincoln we work with students that, for a variety of reasons, struggle in a traditional classroom. Helping students have positive learning experiences in math is incredibly important to me. My favorite thing about teaching at Lincoln is the ‘graduation walk’. Watching students in their caps and gowns, passing their peers as the counselor sings 'The Graduation March,’ I can’t help but get tears in my eyes every time.”
Theresa Campbell
Pre-K Teacher Theresa Campbell, an East Central University graduate, spent one year teaching elsewhere before joining the SPS team at Highland Park, where she has happily stayed for twenty years.
“Teaching is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” says Campbell. “Seeing a child’s face light up when something finally clicks, former students stopping by to share some exciting news, a parent relieved that their child is doing well in school are just a few of my favorite things about this profession.”
Abby Grantham
Reading Interventionist Abby Grantham graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. After twelve years in the field, she continued her education, becoming a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and has spent the last three years working for SPS at Sangre Ridge Elementary School as the reading interventionist.
“Working as the reading interventionist at Sangre Ridge has been the most rewarding job,” says Abby Grantham. “Seeing students grow in their confidence and love for learning is exciting! My goal is to give students hope, help them discover they can learn, and that they have purpose in life.”
The three finalists were selected by a group of their peers from the eleven SPS school site Teachers of the Year. Nominees for the title completed a portfolio that was used to determine each school’s honored educator and then, subsequently, the district’s finalists. These finalists will submit a second, more detailed portfolio and be voted for by their peers to help determine the district Teacher of the Year.
Other SPS school site Teachers of the Year are:
Sarah Pittman - 3rd grade at Richmond
Casey Hansen - 1st grade at Skyline
Karen Spencer - Collaborative Intervention at Will Rogers
Nicole Jarvis - Kindergarten at Westwood
Lynn Franzmann - Science at Stillwater Middle School
Heaven Meeks - Special Education at Stillwater Junior High
Traci Richardson - Science at Stillwater High School
Carmen Ryan - 3rd-5th grade at Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy
“I absolutely adored surprising these teachers to announce them as finalists,” says Superintendent Gay Washington. “It’s a wonderful chance to see them interacting with the children in their classrooms. The cheers and excitement I witnessed from their students makes it clear why these educators are loved by the children they teach and respected by their colleagues. Congratulations to all the finalists and good luck on the next step.”
The district winner will be announced this April and go on to compete with teachers from across the state for the honor of being Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
Superintendent's Update - February 18, 2022
added Feb 18, 2022SPS Staff and Families,
What an incredible week! Athletic events, an Orchestra concert featuring both our youngest and most seasoned players, exceptional teaching and learning of course, and to close out the week, the entire student body of Stillwater High School had the opportunity to see a world class musical performance in a world class facility when they attended STOMP as part of our partnership with OSU’s McKnight Center!
Bond 2023
This week, I met with the 25 person Long Range Facilities Planning Executive Committee to continue planning for Bond 2023. It’s vitally important that, despite a change in leadership, SPS does not miss a beat in these efforts. Bond issues generate roughly $1,000,000 a month, nearly a quarter of the district budget. Without these important funds, SPS would not be able to provide students with the facilities, technology, and staff they deserve. The committee looked at district enrollment projections to better prioritize possible projects for inclusion in the next bond issue and beyond.
The Dogs of Lincoln
The partnership between the Stillwater Humane Society, OSU Veterinary Medicine, and Lincoln Academy returned on Tuesday. This unique program, started in the 2014-2015 school year, brings volunteers together with Lincoln Students to work with training and caring for animals from the Humane Society. The program helps teach responsibility, pet ownership skills, and builds a great environment for the students at Lincoln Academy.
Ag Booster Fundraising
On February 5th, Stillwater Ag Boosters hosted a fundraising dinner and auction featuring both donated items and some manufactured by Stillwater FFA students. A few of my favorites the students made are below. Together they raised more than $30,000. Thank you to everyone involved for your support of this outstanding program.
Graduation Set
The 2022 Stillwater High School Graduation is set for May 20 at 7pm in Gallagher Iba Arena. Families can find more information about graduation at the SHS Senior website. I know many in the community have enjoyed the last two graduations at Pioneer Stadium, which is so special to many of our students and alumni for the memories they’ve formed there, but the logistic challenges of potential rain, heat, and wind make an interior venue a better choice for this event. I can’t wait to see the Class of 2022 cross the stage!
State Superintendent Awards for Arts Excellence
“The State Superintendent Awards for Arts Excellence are awarded to high school juniors and seniors who have achieved artistic and academic excellence and served their communities. The arts have great value and are an important component of a well-rounded education. Students who participate in the arts — whether music, drama, dance, or in visual media— acquire skills that transfer to other academic areas and carry forward into adulthood. Please encourage your students and children who meet the criteria to apply for these honorary awards, which I am honored to cosponsor with the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education.”
— Joy Hofmeister, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Nominations and applications are now open: https://sde.ok.gov/2022-state-superintendents-awards-arts-excellence
COVID
Cases have remained at some of this year’s lowest levels this week. Free SPS student and staff testing is still available at Skyline Elementary, usually with no or minimal waiting.
Thanks, Congrats, and Good Luck!
Congratulations to SHS Seniors Nick Belden, Connor Zamborsky, and Faith Ziegler on being named National Merit Finalists!
Thank you to CASA of Payne County for a generous donation of new coats to Family Support Services!
Yay for Cheer placing 11th at Nationals!
Good luck to Wrestling at (and hosting) Regionals.
I hear Avery Littlefield broke a school record in the 50 Individual Free while swimming for Stillwater at State! Best of luck to all our swimmers as competition continues.
Fundraisers & Donations
Family Support Services has a great need for donations to its project Blissful Nights providing beds to students in need.
Pioneer Spirit Sale and SMAC Shirt Sale close this Sunday, Feb 20.
Band’s largest fundraiser, their Mattress Sale is this Saturday, Feb 19, 10am-5pm in the SHS Band Room.
No school Monday for students. Have a great weekend, and go Pioneers!
Thank you,
Dr. Gay Washington
Interim Superintendent
SPS Welcomes Afghan Students to the District
added Feb 11, 2022 - By Stephanie Coca, ELL Coordinator/Diversity & Inclusion CoordinatorA few years ago, the SPS English Language Learner teacher team decided to change our focus on how we approached our students’ learning. We wanted to focus on the whole family to better support our students academically, linguistically, and emotionally. As a result, we created a program on Saturdays where we invited families to meet with us about topics of their choosing. We shared food, stories, and information with parents and their children. This program really opened our eyes to how much better we were able to serve our population. Parents felt belonging and gained understanding of our school system and culture.
Flashforward to this fall. When we learned that we would be welcoming a large group of new families to our district who would need our services, my brain started working on ways to achieve our goal of educating the whole student. I called the Interim Director of the English Language Intercultural Center at OSU and proposed the idea of using their center as a transition center for our families where we could welcome and instruct the K-12 students and their families together. The program would be language and cultural lessons with a focus on basic language, routines and procedure, computer literacy, and school topics. From there, we reached out to Dean Kluver and Cathy Walker with detailed plans of how this would work.
This program has been such a great success due to the support of so many in our community: from all of our district administration, Matt Parsel and his crew in transportation have been wonderful! They helped us transport the families every day for almost a month on a big beautiful yellow bus! The Wes Watkins Center and Randy Kluver gave us three rooms to use for our K-12 program. Numerous churches and community members donated and volunteered their time to our program.
A special thank you to Cindy Petree who was with us every day. She recruited other wonderful volunteers, retired administrators, and teachers to help us provide small group instruction to the students and their families.
The Stillwater Islamic Society was also a huge support to us. Manny Al Harake called me every few weeks and asked me, "What do you need?" Whatever I asked for, he brought to me within the week. Zahra (a long-time SPS parent) fed us every Wednesday and Friday at the mosque with delicious rice, chicken, yogurt and baklava. The mosque provided a PE location for our students on those days as well as a place to hold meetings for parents with administrators.
A wonderful volunteer interpreter known as Mr. T would help us communicate school information to the parents and make it possible for parents to ask questions. Questions like: Will my child be able to ride the bus even when he transitions to his home school? Do the schools have security measures in place for students? How will my children understand their teacher and learn new concepts?
Another big thank you goes out to the Stillwater Fire Department on Campus Corner. After learning about fire safety and what a drill bell sounds like, they allowed us to come to see the fire truck, spray the water hose, and learn how to be rescued if there is a fire. The moms had as much fun as the kids shooting the water!
A final thank you goes to Soha Elfeel and Lisa Crane. These first class ESL teachers created their own curriculum and transported their classroom to the Wes Watkins Center for about a month. Parents and children alike could not wait to get to school to participate in English lessons with them.
The day before it was time to transition to the children’s school sites, Catholic Charities volunteers were recruited to bring the families to the schools where the principals, teachers, and some students welcomed the families and showed them their classrooms, playgrounds, lockers, cafeteria, etc. Everyone was so excited! The next day, Lisa, Soha, and I waited on pins and needles for the kids to get off the bus at the school sites. They got off with huge smiles on their faces ready to face their day without their parents. There were very few tears and lots of smiles as they met new friends. The kids have transitioned well and so have their parents. After the first day or two of school, I made home visits to each of the families. They wanted all of us to know how thankful they are to be welcomed into such a friendly community.
When I review SPS core beliefs from the 2020-2021 Strategic Plan, I am proud to say that we are who we say we are at SPS. A message that I received from one of the families on Christmas day demonstrates the importance of the core beliefs at SPS to be excellent, student-centered, innovative, collaborative and intentional: “Hello my dear friend, this Christmas you are the best gift that I could ask for.”
Superintendent's Update
added Feb 11, 2022 -SPS Staff and Families,
Next Tuesday the Board of Education will meet in a special session to discuss the hiring of a Superintendent for the district. When I accepted this role in an interim capacity, I made the Board aware that I intended only to complete this academic year. While I appreciate the encouragement of the board and of friends and colleagues in the community to continue in this capacity, I plan to step out of this role in June of this year. I will, however, be involved in the process of selecting the future superintendent and will take great care to work with the Board to find someone who will lead SPS into a bright future.
To keep you better informed about the state of the district and following each month’s board meeting, I’ll be providing a summary of several key areas activities, including a portion of the information shared with the Board. While these messages will be longer than my typical weekly updates, I do hope they help you feel better informed about the structure and status of the district. You can find the summary below and more information about board meetings at https://www.stillwaterschools.com/SchoolBoard/Meetings.
Superintendent’s Monthly District Summary
Ed Services - Assistant Superintendent Cathy Walker
Last week Educational Services, along with Technology and Communications, worked to help many district teachers in applying for classroom grants through the Oklahoma State Department of Education. So far 72 of our teachers’ applications have been funded, bringing $64,659 to our district.
As I mentioned in my last update, the district has welcomed several Afghan students to our district. ELL/Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator Stephanie Coca updated the board on the process of preparing those students to join our schools and successes of this program. You can find her update here.
· Diversity & Inclusion - Coordinator Stephanie Coca
o D&I Coordinator Coco is working with school sites to arrange focus groups with parents to discuss ways in which the district can continue to build a more inclusive environment.
· Health Services - Nurses Amy Spiva and David Coates
o Continuing to maintain the SPS COVID Dashboard, which no longer lists contact tracing numbers, but now includes a second tab with daily tallies of newly reported cases by school site. From Tuesday to today, we have received 6 new reports of positive cases.
o Administering Free COVID Tests for SPS students and staff. Since beginning on Jan 10, 967 tests have been given. 32 tests were administered this week, 2 of which were positive.
· Family Support Services - District Social Worker Diana Nolan
o Continuing efforts to support or students in need
o Thank you to Furniture Showcase for their donation of 5 couches, two chairs, and a king size mattress for families in need! We are so thankful for our community partners.
o The Pioneer Pantry, which stocks all types of hygiene items, is in need of donations, learn more here.
Operations - Assistant Superintendent Dana Renner
Work continues on Long Range facilities planning for Bond 2023. Brian Thomas with 505 Architects delivered an update to the board on focus group sessions that have been occurring. He was extremely complimentary of the SHS students who participated and their ideas.
Thank you to Slim Chickens for the donation of a tract of land east of their location and south of the SHS parking lot. This space has great value to the district as we look toward future renovations at the high school.
· Facilities - Director Rob Lamecker
o The Couch Park entry and fencing project has been completed.
o Work progresses on improvements to Skyline’s roof and HVAC systems.
o Custodial and maintenance staff addressed snow damage and leaks at SJHS. Thank you to all involved in responding to that unexpected event and to all custodial staff that helped prepare our sites following the winter weather.
· Technology - Director Kevin Calvert
o Has been working with Ed Services and Facilities to procure, prepare, and distribute 1,500 chromebooks funded by the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund to the school sites.
o Interviewing candidates to fill the currently vacant Assistant Director of Technology position.
Human Resources - Director Bo Gamble
Realizing the national teacher shortage, which is particularly acute in Oklahoma, means increased competition among districts, SPS HR is doing its best to hire early. Positions for next year have been open for several weeks and numerous recruiting trips to universities are scheduled.
· Certified staffing
o 4 new hires for this year
o 3 new hires for 2022-2023
o 3 staff resignations, 1 retirement
· Support staffing
o 9 new hires
o 1 change of position
o 10 resignations
· Admin Staffing
o 1 resignation
· Substitutes
o 22 substitutes were added this month to the SPS substitute pool, bringing that group to 30.
o Kelly Education, which provides the bulk of our substitutes, currently has a pool of 103.
Financial - CFO Jericah Dawson
The total state allocation for this year is set to be $13,919,174.
District expenses are staying in line with where they should be.
While 2022 and 2023 state level outcomes look good, the district will continue to be conservative on spending due to the state of the economy, and changing levels of funding.
SJHS renovations from the 2017 Bond have come in more than $1 million under budget. Thank you to everyone who worked to make this project move along efficiently! These funds must remain within the scope of the bond and will therefore be used to fund the Skyline roofing and HVAC project.
Communications - Coordinator Barry Fuxa
Summer School and Local Area Summer Camps information is coming soon.
Researching providers in anticipation of a migration to an improved website.
Working to establish district presences at Glassdoor and Indeed to assist with HR with recruiting.
Preparing new recruitment materials for teacher job fairs.
Athletics - Director Tucker Barnard
Baseball - The season starts against Sapulpa on Feb 15th.
Basketball Regionals - Girls play Booker T. Washington at Bixby - 6:30pm, Feb 24. Boys play Owasso at Owasso - 8pm, Feb 25.
Cheer - Good luck at Nationals this weekend!
Pom - Congrats on to Pom on placing 14th in Hip Hop and 13th in Pom at Nationals!
Cheer and Pom Tryouts are coming up.
Soccer - Season kicks off with the Spring Thaw Festival on the 15th.
Swimming - Congratulations to Pioneer Swimming on a great regional performance. Avery Littlefield took 1st place in the 50 Free and numerous swimmers qualified for state. Overall Team Scores: Girls - 3rd / Boys 6th. The State Tournament is Feb 18-19 at the Edmond Aquatic Center (Tickets).
Track - SHS starts on the 19th at OU. JH Track signups are open; contact Justin Mills if interested jmills@stillwaterschools.com.
Wrestling - Dual State is this weekend in Enid (Tickets). Next weekend Stillwater hosts the Wrestling Regionals (Tickets coming soon).
Activities
Next Week is National FCCLA Week.
Feb 19-26 is National FFA Week.
The Stillwater Middle School Robotics teams swept the Blackwell TSA tournament. SMS teams took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
The SJHS Froshmore Academic Team (8th-10th Graders) won the OAAC Froshmore Science Tournament. They are undefeated through three tournaments and will compete on March 5 at the Froshmore State Tournament.
McKnight Center Programming - SHS students will enjoy a performance by STOMP next Friday, Feb 18. Details coming to SHS families very soon.
SHS Performing Arts
Tuesday, Feb. 15 - Orchestra - Side by Side Concert
Thursday, Feb. 24 - Band - Side by Side Concert
Keep an eye out for SJHS and SMS performance announcements too.
Fundraisers
o Pioneer Spirit Sale and SMAC Shirt Sale close Feb 20.
o SMAC is hosting several fundraisers including the SMAC Gala coming up on Feb 24. Contact smac@stillwaterschools.com by Feb 15 for tickets.
o Soccer Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction - Feb 12, 7:30-11:30 at SHS.
o Band Mattress Sale - Feb 19, 10am-5pm, SHS Band Room
Thank you for all of your support, have a great weekend, and go Pioneers!
Thank you,
Dr. Gay Washington
Interim Superintendent
Superintendent's Update
added Jan 28, 2022SPS Staff and Families,
It was a busy week in the district! I’ve continued to visit sites around the district to learn about and address needs the district has in order to support our students' learning and the teachers who teach them.
Teachers of the Year
All of our school sites have now announced their Teachers of the Year! Congratulations, thank you, and good luck on the next step toward District Teacher of the Year to these outstanding educators.
Highland Park - Theresa Campbell
Richmond - Sarah Pittman
Sangre Ridge - Abby Grantham
Skyline - Casey Hansen
Westwood - Nicole Jarvis
Will Rogers - Karyn Spencer
SMS - Lynn Franzmann
SJHS - Heaven Meeks
SHS - Traci Richardson
Lincoln Academy - Sally Buss
Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy - Carmen Ryan
SPEF MVP Nominations
Speaking of great employees…The Stillwater Public Education Foundation’s Most Valuable Pioneer nominations are now open! This is a great way to honor anyone on the SPS team that you think is an MVP! Two winners will be selected from the nominees and win a $250 Amazon gift card. Money raised by the MVP fundraiser will benefit SPS Special Education Services. Thanks to Oklahoma Community Credit Union and Central Rural Electric Cooperative for matching nominations dollar for dollar; when you give, they give. Learn more about the MVP program or nominate someone deserving at https://www.spef.stillwaterschools.com/events/bowl-fest/.
Black History Month
February is Black HIstory Month. This week I had the pleasure of hosting SHS Afro Am Vice President Beza Abraham and Faculty Sponsor Kelsey Turner on the Channel 31 Morning Edition. I’m excited to see some of the activities they have planned to celebrate and honor Black history. I’ll also remind our teachers and staff to please be certain to celebrate this special month with our students. The US Library of Congress has some great information to help everyone learn more at https://blackhistorymonth.gov/ this month and throughout the year.
Bouncing Back
On Thursday we hosted our first session of Bouncing Back, a mental health series for elementary parents. Thank you to District Counselor Amber Lewis and all involved in hosting that event. Three sessions remain:
Expectations & Discipline
February 24 - 5:30-6:30 pm - Highland Park Elementary
Screen Time, Social Media, & Cyber Safety
March 31 - 5:30-6:30 pm - Sangre Ridge Elementary
Substance Abuse & Experimentation
April 28 - 5:30-6:30 pm - Westwood Elementary
Afghan Families
This week the district welcomed several new students to the district who have come to us from Afghanistan. Many of the families have overcome great challenges in their journey to Stillwater. Thank you to OSU, community members, and SPS staff who have worked so hard to assist the students and their families through the transition they are making to our country and to prepare students and families for a smooth and successful beginning of their SPS experience. We are excited to welcome our new families and look forward to them being part of our special community. Stillwater is known as America’s Friendliest College Town, and we want to make sure each child and family member truly feels that.
Inclement Weather
While this weekend looks nice, next week has the potential for some less than ideal weather. Be sure you have your updated contact information in the parent portal; ensure you are opted in to receive text alerts from the district by following the directions at https://www.stillwaterschools.com/OptIn. Inclement weather closings/delays are also announced on the district website, through social media, and via OKC and Tulsa news stations.
Bond 2023 Planning
It’s a busy time in the district as we work to plan for Bond 2023, the vote for which is just over a year away. Long Range Facilities Planning continued this week as our consultant and architect met with many teachers, administrators, and students in several focus groups to discuss how a future of SHS could look. This important work is vital in ensuring that, as more concrete plans emerge, the vision for our schools reflects our community’s values.
COVID-19
Since returning to school following our recent four-day weekend, we have had 305 cases reported to us. In these two weeks, we’ve experienced approximately one third of our entire case count since August. I share this information with you to remind everyone that, while we are all weary of this pandemic, we must remain vigilant in our mitigation efforts.
I’m happy to report that numbers have come down the last few days, and I’m optimistic we are on a decline from the Omicron variant spike.
Apparel Sale
To end on a fun note, the new Peter Pioneer design has been a big hit this year, and you can now get a shirt or hoodie featuring his smiling face! Order one (or several) of this and other designs through our Pioneer Spirit Sale. Youth and adult sizes are available in a variety of colors.
Have a great weekend, and go Pioneers!
Thank you,
Dr. Gay Washington
Interim Superintendent
Superintendent's Update
added Jan 21, 2022SPS Staff and Families,
Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me into my new role as Interim Superintendent. It has been truly enjoyable to connect with former and new colleagues, students, and families. I have appreciated the kind words and honest feedback that I have received from our interactions and messages.
I think it’s vitally important for a superintendent, especially someone coming into the role midyear, to assess the state of the district. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been focused on meeting with principals, touring our sites, and observing our students and staff. I’ve been excited to see our students actively engaged in hands-on learning, laughing with friends, and thriving while learning in person. I’m looking forward to digging into additional data and reports to learn more about where we are as a district and working to effect positive student learning outcomes.
Staffing and Substitutes
I’m happy to report that staff absences due to illness have greatly reduced following our four day weekend, and I thank you for being understanding regarding our Friday closure. The number of SPS staff who were out due to COVID-19 infections today are half what they were last Thursday.
It has yet to be seen how much effect Governor Stitt’s executive order allowing state employees to substitute will have on substitute numbers in our district. We have seen an increase in applications for substitutes this week, perhaps in response to the heightened awareness of our need resulting from the governor's announcement. All substitutes, even state employees, will still be subject to a background check.
While there’s no, well, substitute for a highly trained and experienced educator in our classrooms, we value and appreciate the role subs fill in providing temporary coverage of our classes and still need many more in order to ensure proper, safe staffing levels. Please spread the word to apply, or consider applying yourself, at www.stillwaterschools.com/jobs.
Mitigation Efforts and Expectations
I am so appreciative of those in our schools and at sporting events, fundraisers, and any other SPS activity who are following district expectations around safety procedures. Thank you to every administrator, teacher, staff member, and parent who model behaviors that can help keep us all stay well. In addition to COVID-19, traditional seasonal illnesses cause increased absences this time of year, and it’s important that we work together to control the spread of all diseases to help keep our students in the schools where they belong. Cases of flu, colds, strep, and other illnesses can also be reduced if we all practice safe behaviors like wearing a mask, maintaining distance when gathered, staying home when sick, getting tested if you feel unwell, and quarantining if you have been exposed to someone who is sick, especially if that someone is in your household.
Identifying both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases is another important piece in our strategy to keep kids in school. Free testing for SPS students, staff, and subs is available weekdays at Skyline Elementary (8:30am-4pm - MWF, 8:30am-6pm - TTh). Details about this testing are available here. The funding grant limits us from extending testing beyond these groups, but numerous healthcare providers around town offer testing for our students’ and staff’s family members.
I’m happy that SPS continues to value contact tracing of positive individuals in an effort to help ensure the health and safety of our students, staff, and their families. Many districts across the state have abandoned their contact tracing efforts, but our nurses and health assistants, along with our site administrators, HR Director, and Communications Coordinator work, often after hours and on weekends, to identify close contacts and notify those individuals of ways they can protect themselves and others. While, as I’ve frequently heard it called, “the email” is never something anyone wants to receive, it does help us slow the spread of COVID in our schools. Please continue to report cases to your school site so this team can appropriately respond.
I intend for future updates to focus more on additional activities and announcements from around the district but felt that it was important that this update focus on our most important objective right now – keeping our staff and students safely in our schools. Students missed out on so much time in our classrooms, and our goal as a community should be to do everything we can to keep them there.
Go Pioneers!
Thank you,
Dr. Gay Washington
Interim Superintendent
Stillwater Board Accepts Dr. Marc Moore's Resignation
added Dec 30, 2021Dr. Marc Moore, who has served as Superintendent of Schools for Stillwater Public Schools since May 2016, submitted his resignation, effective December 31, 2021. The Stillwater Public Board accepted the resignation at a special board meeting on Dec. 30.
Dr. Moore stated, “I would like to thank the board members, administrators, teachers, and staff who’ve worked alongside me in my role as superintendent over the past five years as we’ve helped students grow academically and personally in a safe environment.”
Under his leadership, Dr. Moore noted that combined efforts have resulted in many points of pride for SPS, such as ranking higher among our peer districts when comparing student academic achievement on state tests, numerous academic awards, creation of Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy, and becoming a state leader in dyslexia programming.
Additionally, students at all elementary schools now receive regular visual art and music instruction, and partnerships with the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts on the “Every Child, Every Year” initiative and SPEF on the Onward Arts campaign will enhance arts education at SPS for years to come.
With the passage of the largest bond issue in school history in 2017, Dr. Moore noted that SPS built a world-class elementary school and renovated and expanded three other school sites.
In 2018, Dr. Moore, the Stillwater Board, and the leadership team set out to make SPS a safer district for children after a horrific school shooting in Florida. Through work with a national consultant, the district adopted new safety protocols, implemented multiple new safety enhancements, and added a fourth school resource officer, resulting in SPS being a safer place for children.
In 2018, SPS started a multi-year initiative to assist students with emotional and mental health needs by infusing trauma-informed practices across the district. This initiative led to hundreds of staff being trained, multiple counseling positions being added, and enhanced partnerships with outside agencies and a nationally-recognized consultant – all of which assisted in helping students transition into full-time learning this school year.
Dr. Moore stated that “these points of pride occurred during challenging times for SPS.” Dr. Moore noted that board members, administration, and staff worked tirelessly and collaboratively in supporting and educating students during these challenging times. “I will cherish the many relationships I formed and will always wish the best for SPS and the Stillwater community.”
Board President Camille DeYong commented, “We are sorry to receive Dr. Moore's resignation, but wish him nothing but the best. SPS was the beneficiary of his leadership, integrity, and insight for many years, and he will be missed.”
The Stillwater Board named Dr. Gay Washington as Interim Superintendent of Schools at the December 30 meeting. Moore also commented, “SPS has strong leadership in place, and I will assist Dr. Washington, Interim Superintendent of Schools, in order to ensure a smooth transition.”
Superintendent's Update
added Dec 17, 2021SPS Staff,
We’re almost there! Just a few days remain in the semester. Thank you for all your hard work getting us through a challenging semester. Despite COVID cases, contact tracing, bus driver shortages, and other challenges, we have had a great semester of performing arts, athletic, and academic events, and most importantly students in our schools everyday. SPS has enjoyed a less interrupted year than many districts in our state and across the country thanks to your ongoing efforts. I appreciate all that you do and hope that you are able to enjoy time with family and friends during the upcoming break.
A couple of highlights focused on our ongoing efforts to control COVID-19, work to address staffing shortages, and efforts to plan for the future of SPS follow:
$500,000 COVID-19 Testing Grant
SPS has been awarded a federal grant, in cooperation with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, of up to $500,000 to assist the district in providing free, in-school COVID-19 screening and testing to students, faculty/staff, and volunteers who choose to participate in the program. As part of this effort the district is seeking to employ additional health assistants .
As much as we would like for the pandemic to end, cases are currently on the rise in our community. This testing program should allow us to better identify cases and help control the spread of COVID-19 to keep our students and staff from further spread. In addition to increasing COVID cases, we are also experiencing the season uptick in cold and flu cases, so please continue to follow recommendations to help you avoid seasonal respiratory illnesses.
61 New Staff Hired
Since the start of this school year, we’ve worked to both fill openings and add new positions to the district, hiring 61 new staff members. 14 certified and 47 support staff have joined the SPS team since the start of school. I appreciate the additional efforts made by Human Resources and hiring administrators to promote and recruit for these positions, including hosting job fairs to reach candidates.
As we head into next semester, we will continue efforts to bring more talented individuals to assist you in serving the needs of Stillwater’s children, and ask that you share these opportunities with family, friends, and associates that you think might be a good fit for SPS.
10 Key Focus Groups
Following the Long Range Facilities Kickoff in November, ten key focus groups - Safety & Security, Transportation, Technology, Maintenance, Athletics, Textbooks, High School/9th Grade, Junior High, Middle School, and Elementary Schools - have begun meetings to help guide the district as it plans for future projects, including the 2023 bond issue.
Each group will meet to assess and address areas of focus in relation to need, resources, standards, and alignment to the district’s mission, vision and values, ultimately delivering a prioritized list that will be shared with the executive committee. The groups range in size from eight to twenty members, including, as appropriate, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community partners. Thank you to all who are participating in this valuable work on the future of SPS.
Pioneer Pride!
I’d like to give a special shout out to current Peter Pioneer, SHS Senior Elmer Saldivar. In the last few days, Peter Pioneer has been spotted at basketball games, a swim meet, concerts, and some of our elementary schools, and may have popped up elsewhere. Elmer is going above and beyond expectations and doing an outstanding job spreading SPS Pioneer spirit!
Go Pioneers!
Thank you,
Marc Moore, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Stillwater Public Schools Names Rob Lamecker as Facilities Director
(Stillwater, Oklahoma) The Stillwater Board of Education approved Rob Lamecker as the new Director of Facilities for Stillwater Public Schools at a December 14 meeting.
Lamecker started with Stillwater Public Schools in 2002 as a Part-Time Computer Specialist. He served the district as Assistant Director of Information Technology from 2006 until September of this year when he was appointed as Interim Director of Facilities.
“I’m grateful and honored to be given the opportunity to be the Director of Facilities for Stillwater Public Schools,” He said. “I’ll miss the team and department that Kevin Calvert, Director of IT, and I created over nearly two decades, but we’ll continue to closely work together to implement modern solutions for both Facilities and IT.”
Lamecker hopes to implement a systems and growth-based approach to the SPS Facilities management process, seeking consistency with industry standards while maintaining excellence in service and focusing on the student learning experience and fiscal responsibility. Lamecker said he’s excited to be involved with the district’s planning for an upcoming bond issue in 2023, and has already been serving as a member of the district’s Long Range Facilities Planning Committees while in his capacity as Interim Director. In addition, Lamecker has already begun work to create a community of local facilities managers to encourage collaboration in Stillwater and the surrounding area.
Lamecker received an art degree from Oklahoma State University. He is married to Lori and the father of two, Ezra and Cora, who currently attend Westwood Elementary. In his spare time he likes to ride bicycles, hike, and maintain the local multi-use trails at Lake McMurtry.
“In his time as Interim Director, district administrators and I have been impressed by Mr. Lamecker’s approach to managing the Facilities team, expectations for excellence, and new approaches to existing challenges,” said Superintendent Marc Moore. “He has established strong working relationships across the district during his nineteen years with SPS, and I’m confident he will be a great addition as we work together to provide and maintain quality facilities for Stillwater’s children."
Stillwater Marching Band Returns to COMPETITIONS
added Oct 7, 2021
On September 25, one hundred weeks since they last performed in a marching competition, the Stillwater Marching Band, performing this year’s show “Cathedrals,” once again took the field at the Owasso Invitational.
“It was great to be back at contest again,” said Director Kevin Zamborsky. “It's such a different environment to play for that crowd who understands and appreciates all the hard work that goes into performing these shows, and I'm glad the students got to experience that feeling once again.”
At Owasso, the band placed second in its division during preliminary competition and qualified for finals, where the band placed ninth overall. This marching season is the first time marching competitively for more than half of the band members. Due to the pandemic eliminating most marching contests last year, Stillwater’s freshmen and sophomores have never participated in such events.
“Marching contests are a great chance to experience talented musicians from across the state executing and continually improving upon artistic, entertaining performances,” said Zamborsky.
On October 2, the band competed again at the Mustang Marching Invitational, taking first place in their class during prelims, finishing in the top seven, and qualifying for finals. However, the band directors and many band members themselves admitted their preliminary run wasn’t their finest performance. During down time between performances and following review and encouragement from the directors, the instrumental sections reviewed their missteps and addressed ways to improve.
“I'm incredibly proud of the resiliency of our students and the improvements they made between prelims and finals. Our students worked together and had an opportunity between performances to celebrate each other and show their support for one another.” said Zamborsky. The band finished in fifth place, with the smallest margin possible, 0.025 points, between them and fourth place, and just one point separating them from the third place finisher.
Several parents in the stands commented that it was the band’s best performance so far. “It was a fantastic day, and I hope that the momentum we built on Saturday will keep our students pushing forward through the remainder of the season!” said Zamborsky.
The band will perform this year's show six more times -- at the two remaining Pioneer Football games on 10/14 and 10/28, at three competitions (Tulsa Union Renegade Review on 10/9, OSSAA on 10/26, and Oklahoma Bandmasters Association (OBA) on 10/30), and at a special parent/community performance the night before the OBA contest.
The directors, students, and boosters really hope for a great turnout at the October 29 parent/community performance. “That show is the same night as OSU Homecoming Walkaround, so we know there will be a lot of SHS alumni in town,” says Zamborsky. “We hope those returning will swing by Pioneer Stadium for our show at 7pm either before or after they head to OSU’s festivities. I know everyone in the band would love to have as many Pioneer supporters as possible in the stands at this performance and all our competitions.”
School Therapy Dog Junee with Assistant Principal Kane Mach
Mrs. Knott's School Therapy Dog Ruger
SPS Paws for Pioneers Therapy Dog Program
added Sept 17, 2021
- Kane Mach
Assistant Principal, Stillwater Junior High School
Stillwater Public Schools is excited to continue and grow its comprehensive Paws for Pioneers School Therapy Dog Program during the 2021-2022 school year. The program is in its fifth year of operation and has four nationally certified and well-trained dogs working across the district. The Paws for Pioneers mission is to provide emotional, social, and academic support through the introduction of and interaction with therapy certified dogs in Stillwater Public Schools. Through this program students, teachers, and guests have the opportunity to experience the benefits, both anticipated and unexpected, of interacting with therapy dogs.
Why dogs in schools you might ask? Research strongly indicates that school therapy dogs can help reduce the effects of trauma, anxiety, and stress in students/staff, significantly increase academic achievement, improve student behaviors, increase school attendance, and build confidence and social skills. Beyond the research, the happiness on our student’s faces as they interact with our dogs is heartwarming to all of us that work with Paws for Pioneers.
Stillwater Junior High School (SJHS) is honored to be home to two of the district's therapy dogs - Ruger, an Australian shepherd, with Mrs. Knott, our 9th grade science teacher, and my black lab border collie mix, Junee, who we call the “Assistant to the Assistant Principal. At SJHS, students have the voluntary option to interact with these therapy dogs before and after school, over lunch, recess, and during many of their classes throughout the day. Our students are able to meet, pet, play with, walk, complete homework alongside, and even read to our school therapy dogs. Junee and Ruger provide students, staff, and community members a safe and positive experience that allows them to be themselves, talk through stressful situations, provide a calm presence in times of heightened anxiety, and help make school fun!
One of our amazing 9th grade students Bela Coca had this to say: “I think having Junee at school is amazing for me and for the other students. She gives me a smile on my face everytime I see her. She makes me feel more motivated to be at school, to do my work, and to just have a great day. I myself have a puppy like Junee so having her at school makes me feel like I'm at home with mine and that helps make school feel like such a great place to be.”
SPS staff members looking to help expand the program and anyone seeking more information about the program can learn more at ttps://www.stillwaterschools.com/District/PawsforPioneers.
GO PIONEERS!
Atkins Named National Indian Education Association Classroom Teacher of the Year
added Sept 16, 2021
(Stillwater, Oklahoma) Stillwater High School Social Studies Teacher Rusty Atkins has been named the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Classroom Teacher of the Year.
Atkins was named as one of five NIEA Community Award Winners from across the country. “NIEA would like to acknowledge teachers, educators, parents, community members, and elders who work tirelessly to protect and serve Native students,” said the NIEA in its announcement of the winners. “It is our honor to recognize these individuals who have demonstrated leadership and service within their community.”
Atkins and the other Community Award Winners will be celebrated during the NIEA Annual Convention and Trade Show at an awards luncheon on Friday, October 15 in Omaha, Nebraska.
In addition to teaching social studies at SHS, Atkins is head coach for the track and field team and throughout his career has coached several different sports.
An enrolled Member of the Pawnee Nation and also Otoe-Missouria, he serves as the Native American Student Association club sponsor. The club has seen tremendous growth under his leadership and has produced many Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society inductees.
A 1984 Stillwater High School graduate, Atkins received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and a master's degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He is currently working to obtain his principal certification.
“Originally I went to school to become an interior designer but had the background working with kids,” says Atkins. “I wanted to help students obtain their goals, help them discover who their true essence is or will become. Teach our youth to do more than listen, become someone who truly hears. I also wanted to set an example for our native youth, that we can exist in the world and still be true to who we are as native peoples, and never forget where they came from.”
Superintendent Marc Moore says, “Rusty's career as an educator has certainly lived up to his words. He is a valuable asset to SPS Indian Education. He elevates our district and is a great source of Pioneer Pride. It’s wonderful to see him honored and receive the national recognition he so thoroughly deserves.”
About NIEA
Based in Washington, D.C. and formed in 1969, the National Indian Education Association mission is to advance comprehensive, culture-based educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. NIEA works to promote educational sovereignty, support continuing use of traditional knowledge and language, and improve educational opportunities and results in communities. NIEA is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors elected annually by membership.
Superintendent's Staff Update
added Sept 15, 2021
SPS Staff,
Thank you to everyone for all your hard work to date! We’re over one month into the school year, and I appreciate the great efforts being taken to ensure our commitment to five days a week, in-person instruction can be maintained. None of us imagined we’d still be dealing with the effects of the pandemic more than eighteen months after we left for Spring Break 2020.
COVID Cases
Payne County remains an area of high COVID-19 transmission, but we have seen some positive trends in our school data. As shown in the included graphic, the number of students in isolation is down significantly from 102 on August 30 to 17 at the time of this message.
I do not want any employee to take this downward trend as a reason to lessen safety measures. This drop began several days after masking increased following the announced expectation of masking, and alongside better cohorting efforts at our schools. It shows that, with reasonable safety measures, we can work to control the spread of COVID..
Across the state, some schools have been forced to transition to distance learning as a result of outbreaks. We don’t want that to happen here.I ask that everyone at SPS work together to control the spread of COVID-19 in our community and our schools. Please, monitor yourself and your children for illness, get tested, wear masks, and get vaccinated.
Educational Services Enhancements
SPS has taken several efforts to enhance the student experience.
Added three counselors funded by the Oklahoma School Counselor Corps grant.
Initiated collaborative partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services to place a school-based specialist at Stillwater Public Schools
Adequate devices and hot spots placed at secondary sites to assist with students in quarantine or isolation.
Google Classroom to assist students in quarantine and isolation at the secondary sites, and packets created to assist students in quarantine and isolation at the elementary sites.
Approved 6.5 teacher assistant positions at the elementary schools and Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy.
After-school tutoring at SMS, SJHS, and SHS.
Summer Programs
Thank you to SPS administrators Trent Swanson and Arryn Small for coordinating our outstanding, expanded summer offerings this year. 648 students benefited from the Summer Academies and Credit Recovery programs, while many more students participated in educational programs like SPS Indian Education Camps and English Language Learner programs.
Thank you to every teacher, administrator, and nutrition, transportation, custodial, and any other support employees that worked to make these programs successful.
These summer programs were featured in a KOSU story in June - https://www.kosu.org/show/stateimpact-oklahoma/2021-06-24/oklahoma-schools-boost-summer-offerings-to-combat-negative-effects-of-covid-19-on-learning
As we continue to move toward a more normal experience, I encourage everyone to attend SPS activities in a safe manner to support our talented students. Some special upcoming events are:
Softball Senior Night - Tuesday, Sept 21
Marching Band - Owasso Invitational - Saturday, Sept 25
Volleyball Senior Night - Tuesday, Sept 28
Once again, thank you all for all you do for the children of Stillwater.
Go Pioneers!
Marc Moore, Ed.D.
Superintendent
News 9 Features Stillwater Dyslexia Training
added Sept 15, 2021
Statement - Title IX Compliance
added Sept 15, 2021
The Stillwater Board of Education, SPS staff, and I are committed to equal opportunity for all student athletes, which includes providing and encouraging opportunities for participation and ensuring equal treatment and benefits regardless of gender.
The Agreement approved this past summer to address Title IX compliance at Stillwater Public Schools set forth multiple expectations in the areas of funding, facilities, personnel, communication, training, and operations. After receiving the Agreement, I assembled an administrative team to fulfill these expectations, and I’m glad to report that almost all have been completed. Meeting these expectations will allow SPS to reach desirable outcomes that will benefit not only softball, but all sports.
While most items were completed on time, we did not meet a timeline related to the bleachers. There was a delay in ordering them, but administrative staff corrected it once it became known. This delay was compounded by shipping delays as well as by initial delivery of only part of the materials necessary for installation of the bleachers. This delay, while unfortunate, in no way indicates any lack of desire to meet all expectations set forth in the Agreement.
On September 14, the Board of Education awarded an $80,800 contract for the SPS Couch Park entry and perimeter fence improvements at Couch Park Baseball and Softball Complex. This action was one of the major expectations of the Agreement and will result in high-grade fencing on the south side of the baseball and softball fields and a brick entry to our facilities. In fact, the improvements represent more than what was required by the Agreement.
Additionally, the district is working to ensure equal access to district facilities and programs, along with a deeper understanding of Title IX requirements, through training for employees and sanctioned booster organizations. All training commitments, with the exception of the booster and parent teacher organization training, scheduled September 22, have been completed. By going through this process, we have learned a lot and are better equipped to meet the needs of our students; SPS staff and I look forward to continuing to improve our programs and facilities for all students.
-Marc Moore, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Pioneer Pride - “And Other Duties as Assigned”
added Sept 14, 2021
- Bo Gamble
Director of Human Resources, Stillwater Public Schools
Over the past year and a half, we all have been shaken by the realization that much of what we think we control we really don’t, that our workplaces can be disrupted, and our work duties can be wildly rewritten. This was never more evident than on March 13, 2020, when the pandemic hit home by sending Oklahoma’s schools to distance learning for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.
Over the past eighteen months, the employees of Stillwater Public Schools, like our entire community, faced many challenges. With safety a top concern, more than 1,500 students, around a quarter of last year’s enrollment, opted for virtual learning, and safety protocols resulted in all students spending many weeks in distance learning. Faced with these new situations, SPS teachers worked diligently to provide instruction in a variety of formats while elevating their capabilities regarding instructional strategies.
Support and administrative staff adjusted too. Child nutrition workers maintained a rigorous schedule while providing thousands of meals for the children of Stillwater at drive thru locations all over town. Facilities and custodial staff continued to work day in and day out to maintain the facilities in anticipation of the return of students to school sites and to keep them sanitary when students returned. Transportation employees demonstrated great flexibility as instruction switched from in-person to distance and back to in-person while maintaining schedules as needed for daily shuttles. Throughout the district, clerical staff supported teachers and students by adjusting their roles as needed. Principals and directors led their staff in thinking outside of the box to continue to engage and provide both academic and social emotional support for their students.
Many of the tasks that SPS employees took on are not the usual tasks outlined in a job description or contract. Most are not even mentioned in the ‘fine print’. It’s unlikely any SPS employees realized that “other duties as assigned” would mean doing things like donning a mask and gloves while checking out chromebooks to students during a drive-thru technology distribution event.
All of us have learned a lot over the last eighteen months, and SPS’s employees have demonstrated the Pioneer Spirit as the district forges ahead toward a return to “normal.”
In the 2019 SPS employee Engagement Survey:
86% of SPS staff said they thought their colleagues worked well together.
92% said they could depend on their colleagues for help.
In that same survey in 2021:
92% of SPS staff said they thought their colleagues worked well together.
94% said they could depend on their colleagues for help.
As we look forward to when the daily use of the terms “COVID,” “quarantine,” and “isolation” has subsided, it’s at least good to know that through the pandemic SPS’s employees have strengthened their bonds as a workforce, learning to work better together and that they can count on each other for support. And, of course, the work that has been accomplished could not have been completed without the continued support of our parents, families, and community members.
Stillwater Band Prepares to Take the Field
added Sept 8, 2021
(Stillwater, Oklahoma) “It’s so great to hear the sounds of the marching band filling the stadium once more,” says Kevin Zamborsky, Director of Bands for Stillwater Public Schools.
Following a year filled with many disruptions caused by the pandemic, SHS Band has returned to a greater sense of normalcy. Summer band rehearsal was back in place for two weeks this summer with the band members and their directors spending six and a half hours a day working to hone their abilities and polish their music.
Things aren’t quite back to normal yet; the band continues to take precautions like distancing, spending a little more time outside than usual, and of course wearing masks when possible.
At around 145 members, the band is a little smaller than usual this year. Participation is down due to members that decided not to return following a disrupted school year and band experience, but Zamborsky is pleased with the sizes of some of the younger band classes and excited for the future of the program.
“Mr. Z,” as he’s often called by his students, is joined by his fellow directors, Megan Perkins, and Tricia Bailey-Bovenschen in welcoming back Assistant Director K.G. Robinson, who returns after two years spent directing in Perkins.
The theme of this year’s marching show is Cathedrals, featuring music from The Doxology, “Take Me to Church” by Hozier, a percussion ensemble piece entitled “Stained Glass” by David Gillingham, a piano piece named “The Sunken Cathedral” by Claude Debussy, Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, and “Gloria” by John Rutter. The show’s music is arranged by Zamborsky with percussion arrangements by Remi Thornton. The show will be enhanced this year by the inclusion of seven large props at the back of the field and ten screens at the front of the field to bring the feeling of being inside a cathedral to the audience. The band performed a selection of music from the marching show along with pregame and pep tunes for families toward the end of the summer band practices.
“Among the many things that our students missed out on last year was the chance to perform for a crowd, both during marching and concert seasons,” Zamborsky says. While some precautions may remain in place, he’s excited to let more of the community see the band’s capabilities. “This is an amazing group of kids boh musically and in their marching ability.” The band will perform at all four home football games and five marching contests throughout the fall.
One of the things about which Zamborsky is most excited won’t happen until concert season though - a planned April trip to New York City. The band is scheduled to perform over the Easter weekend at Carnegie Hall. “I can’t wait for these kids to have that experience. The history and acoustics of that concert hall will make for an unforgettable experience.”
To help raise funds for that trip the band is participating in several fundraisers - numerous restaurant fundraising nights with local businesses, a March-a-thon from September 1-13, concession sales at OSU athletic events, and a few additional fundraisers.
The Stillwater Marching Band takes the field for pregame and halftime performances when Pioneer Football faces Mustang at the 7pm, September 10 football game at Pioneer Stadium.
Stillwater Public Schools Hires Substance Abuse Counselor
added Sept 7, 2021
Stillwater Public Schools Hires Substance Abuse Counselor
(Stillwater, Oklahoma) This year Stillwater Public Schools has expanded its counseling staff, including the addition of Substance Abuse Counselor Rachel Roberts, who primarily works with middle school, junior high, and high school students, but is available to assist at all grade levels. An Oklahoma State University Graduate, Roberts was employed as Vice President of Dayspring Community Services prior to joining SPS. Roberts is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has worked in the mental health field for 12 years.
“Families need to check in on their teenagers,” says Roberts. “We already know it’s hard just being a teenager. With the disruptions of the pandemic, schools are seeing students reporting stress and anxiety. The whole world feels like it’s in a state of constant transition. Things have been cancelled or reformatted. Many families are struggling financially or dealing with medical issues. Teens may be turning to substances to cope.”
But it’s not just teens that may need help. “It starts earlier than many expect,” says Roberts. “It’s not uncommon to see substance abuse behaviors begin to emerge around fourth and fifth grade, sometimes even younger.”
Roberts wants families to know the warning signs of what to look for in children that may be abusing substances. “It’s important for families to know to look for things like unexplained behavior changes, mood swings, secretive behaviors, bloodshot eyes, strangely sized pupils, or unusual smells.”
It’s vital that families are monitoring their children and asking questions, says Roberts. “Who are your friends lately? Where are you going? When are you going to be back?” She also recommends parents ask to go through their child’s phone together and talk about their conversations or things that they’ve seen.
“It's so important to just talk to your kids about it. You can’t tiptoe around the subject. Teens are amazing at knowing if you are genuine or not,” she says. “They may act like you are frustrating them, but they know that it means that you love them.”
Vaping, alcohol, marijuana, and pills are the most common substances being used by children.
Vaping is a growing issue and concern for younger grades. Most parents are behind the curve on knowing what vaping devices look like and the problems it can cause. “The marketing was clever on that,” says Roberts, “Claiming to be a safe way to quit, a safer alternative to smoking. So that’s still in some of our parents' minds.”
Alcohol is normalized in American society and culture and available in many homes. “Normalization of a substance combined with easy access means children are more likely to experiment with a substance,” says Roberts.
The prevalence of dispensaries in Oklahoma has created some issues among teens. “Students as young as sixth and seventh grade are now more educated about marijuana and have access to it. Parent and grandparent use has normalized it to some extent. Children see that access is widely available, similar to alcohol now, and are more likely to think it’s okay for them to try it.” Some marijuana products’ packaging, flavors, and form factors such as gummer bears also seem aimed at appealing to children.
In addition to working with children facing substance abuse, Roberts also aims to work to prevent it from occurring. “I’ll be working with each school site to implement different means of reaching children - guest speakers, videos, programming through Red Ribbon Week.” Roberts also plans to highlight some drug free students at the high school and to use those students at the lower grade schools.
If a student is found to have substances at school, or to be facing addiction, Roberts will work to build a relationship with the student to help them get past the issue. “It’s okay to ask for help, whether you’re a parent or a teen,” says Roberts. “If you are a teen that’s not comfortable talking with your parents, please come to me or reach out for non-judgemental help available at the school.”
Roberts has created a substance abuse resource for students and families at https://sps.blue/SAcounselor. She will office out of SJHS, and can be reached at rroberts@stillwaterschools.com or 405-533-6420.
PIONEER PRIDE - Free School Meals
added Sept 7, 2021
-Krista Neal, RD/LD, SNS
Director - SPS School Nutrition Services
Beginning in March 2020 and continuing through May 2022, school meals are free for all public school students. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of school meals across America and throughout Stillwater. While schools and businesses were closed or at reduced capacity, families faced decreased income, while also needing to provide meals for children who used to be in school. When Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021, he said, “Every child deserves a quality education free of hunger.”
Universal free meals eliminate hurdles related to school meals. Families do not need to enroll in meal programs or accrue meal debt. Families who are reluctant to apply don’t have to worry about sharing their household information. Universal free meals reduce the stigma associated with eating school meals. There is a perception that school meals are for low-income families, but school meals are for all students.
Universal free meals help families. Free school meals save a family’s grocery budget for other meals. School meals eliminate the daily need to worry about getting bagged lunches made and packed with healthy foods. Research shows compared to bagged lunches, school lunch provides more protein, calcium, vitamin A, fruits, and vegetables. Kids who eat school meals try more foods and expand their food horizons. Students can even supplement their home lunch with a fruit, vegetable, and milk for free.
Free school meals also help the community. School nutrition programs are completely self-supported, and income is generated through federal reimbursements for meals served or from payments from families. When more students eat, Nutrition Services has more income for payroll, meal planning, and upgraded equipment. During school closures, Stillwater Nutrition Services did not furlough or lay off any employees. This was possible due to the number of families who participated in curbside or in-school meals.
Funding for free meals comes from the US Department of Agriculture. These funds are paid by taxpayers around the country. Serving free meals in Stillwater ensures that Stillwater’s fair portion of those tax dollars is returned to our local community. If Stillwater families do not participate in these programs, those tax dollars will go to other parts of the country. School Nutrition Services works diligently to make sure each child has the nutrition they need to learn and improve their future situation, making their lives and our communities better and more economically stable, and hopefully reducing the need for such programs in the long run.
School nutrition professionals want to feed students. School meals, especially for students who are learning from home, can be a comforting constant for a child who is going through a chaotic time. The kitchen staff are smiling behind their masks, and want to be a calming presence for a student during a stressful day. Just like meals from home, school meals are always made with extra love.
Dr. Moore Statement on SB 658 Injunction
added Sept 3, 2021
SPS Families and Staff,
Earlier this week, an Oklahoma County District Court judge issued a temporary injunction blocking enforcement of SB 658, the law that prohibits school districts from issuing universal mask mandates unless the governor issues a state of emergency. This injunction included that any mask mandate put into place by a school district:
must allow religious, medical, and personal exemptions.
can’t differentiate between vaccinated and unvaccinated.
Prior to this injunction being issued, I elevated SPS’s masking protocol from a recommendation to an expectation of masking for all staff, students, and visitors regardless of vaccination status. As our current protocol closely aligns with what is allowed under the injunction, I’m not making changes to the masking protocol at this time. We will, however, continue to monitor staff and student absences, available staff and substitutes needed to supervise students, and the number of positive COVID-19 cases. Should conditions change and warrant more restricted protocols, those changes may be implemented at any time.
SPS is committed to in-person learning, and I thank you for supporting the masking expectation protocol as we observed more masking in schools this week. Your efforts - combined with the school district’s - are needed to help maintain an in-person learning experience for our students.
Thank you,
Marc Moore, Ed.D.
Superintendent
SJHS Honorees
added Sept 1, 2021
Congratulations to Stillwater Junior High School Assistant Prinicipal Kane Mach and SJHS student Abhi Sukhdial for being selected as NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma Award Winners!
Now in its eleventh year, NextGen Under 30 recognizes and encourages the next generation of innovative, creative, and inspiring individuals who push the boundaries in various categories of endeavor. In addition, award winners are selected based upon their participation in and contribution to their communities.
Mach was a winner in the category of K-12 Education, while Sukhdial was selected as a winner in the Arts.
"It is very rare that we honor any teen students," says Founder Donald Swift, "but the judges felt that Abhimanyu Sukhdial was nominated, submitted an application, and is very worthy of winning our award."
Over the next few months, NextGen Under 30 will host scheduled events to honor all 2021 NextGen Award statewide Winners from 21 different career categories.
SPS Hosts Grade Configuration Community Forums
(Stillwater, Oklahoma) Beginning in 2014, Stillwater Public Schools has been guided by a long range vision for the configuration of grade levels across the district to both handle student enrollment growth and advance educational excellence for Stillwater’s students. This vision, planned for implementation no earlier than 2027, includes a PreK-4, 5-6, 7-8, & 9-12 grade configuration and has served as the foundation for multiple district plans, including SMS, SJHS and Westwood Elementary construction in Bond 2017.
In preparation for the next bond issue in 2023, the district established a committee to conduct an analysis of this grade configuration vision, with the goal of either affirming it or pursuing other options. This committee of parents, teachers, administrators, and board members met numerous times over several months, and their findings supported the established long range vision for this new grade configuration.
Superintendent Marc Moore says he is impressed by the committee’s work to date and is excited about the future of the educational experience at SPS.
The Stillwater Board of Education will take action on this configuration at its regular meeting on September 14. In order for board members to ensure community parents and stakeholders have an opportunity to provide comments and ask questions about this issue, two community forums have been set:
Sept. 2 - 6:00pm -7:00pm at Stillwater Junior High School
Sept. 9 - 6:00pm -7:00pm at Stillwater Middle School
These forums will be recorded, and all presentations, a summary of feedback and comments given, and responses to questions generated during the forum will be shared following the sessions. Those with feedback or questions for SPS’s consideration who cannot attend either forum, should email SPS Public Relations and Communications Coordinator Barry Fuxa at bfuxa@stillwaterschools.com.
August 27, 2021
SPS Families and Staff,
COVID-19 cases at SPS are increasing, resulting in operations, staff, students and families being significantly impacted. We’re running up against our limits to adequately supervise students with the staff available. We are seeing transmission of COVID-19 among students and staff, losing academic time caused by multiple isolations and quarantines, and are having difficulty managing contact tracing and isolations. These are significant areas of concern, and the trends don’t show them easing.
We’re committed to in-person learning and believe it's in the best interest of students, and we need your help for this to continue. Increased mask usage by staff and students can be part of the solution.
Beginning Tuesday, August 31, we expect that all staff, students, and visitors wear masks. Meeting this masking expectation is especially important when near the most vulnerable individuals in our schools - those who are not yet eligible to be or cannot be vaccinated. Please contact your site principal directly or fill out this form if your child cannot fulfill this expectation or needs accommodations.
Our hope is to reduce overall outbreak numbers so we can move back to “normal” instruction with fewer mitigation strategies, like masking. Thanks for your attention to this matter, and I wish you the best.
Thank you,
Marc Moore, Ed.D.
Superintendent
SPEF Donations through Payroll deduction
added August 12, 2021
SPEF offers the opportunity to donate via a payroll deduction to employees of both Stillwater Public Schools and Oklahoma State University. Whether you’re a Pioneer or a Cowboy, you can contribute to SPEF through this convenient method. No amount is too small, as it all adds up to make a big difference for our teachers and our students. Visit the link below to print and complete the required authorization form and return it to the appropriate party.
http://www.spef.stillwaterschools.com/contribute/payroll-deduction-donations/
Thank you for your support of SPEF!
SHS Swim Clinic
A FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS Clinic for students wanting to learn or advance their skills in swim for competition, cross-training, or recreation.
WHEN: Saturday, August 28, 2021
Session 1 - Beginners: 10:00am – Noon
Session 2 - Experienced: 1:00pm-3:00pm
WHERE: Stillwater YMCA
COST: $25/student- ages 7 to 18 (includes t-shirt)
SIGN UP: Print and bring completed registration form on clinic date or email form to connie.hill@okstate.edu
CONTACT: More information/questions: email SHS Swim Booster President Connie Hill at connie.hill@okstate.edu
The camp will emphasize the following fundamentals and skills:
Swim basics
Training ideas
Stroke techniques
Meet rules and competitive swim information for parents
Clinic Instructor - veteran USA Swimming Club Coach Chris Van Slooten. Clinic staff may include current Pioneer student athlete swimmers and coaches.
All participants should wear/bring swimsuit, towel, water bottle, dry clothes, and goggles if available.
Stillwater High School Swim Clinic Updated Fillable.pdf
$10 SPS T-Shirts
added August 10, 2021
Add some more blue and gold to your wardrobe! SPS shirts available for just $10 (XS-XL) (2XL-4XL adds $2-$4) at https://sps2021.itemorder.com/sale. Orders close on Sunday, August 15.
Current Openings - added July 29, 2021
Find the job that's gonna inspire you to smile for YOUR next employee ID badge at: https://www.stillwaterschools.com/District/Employment
Certified
School Counselor/Coordinator (DW)
ELL Teacher (one .5 FTE and one 1.0 FTE)
Remedial Specialist-ELL (HP, .3 FTE)
Pre-K Teacher (HP / WR)
Science Teacher (MS)
Vocal Music Teacher (MS)
3rd Grade Teacher (SR)
5th Grade Teacher (WR)
Elem Enrichment Teacher (RI, .5 FTE)
Support
Custodial Supervisor
General Maintenance
Custodian (evening)
Bus Drivers
Cook Substitutes
Noon Monitor (WR)
Mechanic (TR)
Teaching Assistants (Pre-K and SPED) - all sites
District Social Worker
Mechanical Maintenance (part-time)
Library Media Asst (HS / SK)
Pioneer PALS Teacher Assistants & Site Facilitators
Stillwater Area Sports Association - Registration Deadlines
added July 28, 2021
Registration for the youth sports ends August 13.
Youth KBall (ages 3-4)
TBall (ages 5-6)
Baseball (ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12)
Softball (ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12)
Flag Football (ages 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12)
Details at: https://www.stillwaterareasports.com/
OSU Museum of Art - Second saturdays
added July 28, 2021
Join the OSU Museum of Art for FREE hands-on activities for all ages and abilities every second Saturday. Take-home art kits are available first-come, first-serve.
August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11
11am-2pm
Come and Go
Return to Learn.pdfReturn to learn Plan announced
added July 23, 2021
July 23, 2021
SPS Families,
Welcome back to a new school year! We look forward to welcoming your students back to our schools. With the first day of school approaching on August 12, there are a few important pieces of information and dates I want to share with you and your family:
Return to Learn Plan (To Left):
The school district has planned throughout the spring and summer for the persistent pandemic situation in which our community finds itself. Families will have two options for instruction type:
Traditional in-person, five day per week instruction, and
Online instruction via the Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy.
SPS is committed to delivering a consistent in-person five days a week schedule for in-person learners and a quality online experience for virtual learners.
Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy:
Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy (SPVA) will join the SPS family of schools, allowing an avenue for Pre-K through 12th grade students and families who wish to attend public education in a virtual environment. Using what we have learned from last year's virtual learning and teacher and student experiences during distance learning, the district has continued to refine its plans for a permanent virtual option. SPVA teachers and administrators will be housed at the Wondertorium’s former building, located just north of Pioneer Stadium. More information can be found at www.stillwaterschools.com/Schools/VirtualAcademy
Federal Stimulus Funds
Multiple pieces of federal legislation related to school funding passed last year, allowing SPS to offset losses in state funding and enhance services. Over the next three years, SPS will add approximately $1.5 million annually to the budget. These funds will allow SPS to meet many district and student needs, such as the hiring of school counselors and creating a more individualized learning environment through additional certified educators, in-school instructional strategies, tutoring, and expanded learning time. In 21-22, SPS will budget $2 million new dollars toward instruction, student support, and instructional support.
Back to School Dates
Elementary Enrollment Verification: 7/28 - 9am-6pm - all sites
Elementary Meet the Teacher: 8/10 - 4:30-6pm - all sites
Secondary Schedule Pickup: August 2-6, varies depending on site (details)
Back to School Resource Fair - 8/6 - 2-6pm - Will Rogers (for any interested families of SPS students)
First Day of School – 8/12
More back to school details can be found at: https://sites.google.com/stillwaterschools.com/hub/back-to-school-2021-2022
Thank you all for your patience, grace, and diligence during the unique challenges the pandemic presents.
Go Pioneers!
Marc Moore, Ed.D.
Superintendent
SJHS Students Compete in National History Day
added July 15, 2021
Stillwater Junior High students competed at the national level in the National History Day competition this year. These outstanding rising ninth graders completed original research on topics of their choice over many months this school year and all of them came in first place in their category at the state level and competed at nationals at the end of June.
Nicole Xiang competed in Individual Paper, was a national category finalist, and won “Outstanding Affiliate” entry for the state of Oklahoma, meaning she was judged to have the best junior entry across all categories in the state. Her title was “'It’s Kind of a Mean Drive': How a Dog Led Across 261 Miles to Save the Epidemic-Stricken Town of Nome.”
Yara Ismail received superior scores for historical accuracy and research for her entry at nationals and won first place in her category at the state level for her Individual Documentary, “Allies to Adversaries: The Key to the Suez Crisis.”
Zane Abouzahr competed in Individual Website and received excellent design scores for his project titled, “Yellow Journalism: Spanish-American War,” and also won first place in his category at the state level.
Congratulations to these Pioneers on their academic excellence, high levels of engagement, outstanding work, and commitment to take their projects to the national level!
take a break with PCYS: PARENTS OF TEENS EDITION
added July 14, 2021
Join the conversation with other local parents/guardians of youth in 6th-12th grades.
Free Coffee, Free Class, A Wealth of Knowledge
Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30pm
July 20, 27 & Aug 3, 10
Topics include:
Family Communication
Parental Monitoring and Discipline
Substance Use/Abuse and Being a Good Role Model
Celebrate YOU! (Self Care & How to Make the Most of What We've Learned)
Class meets in private room @Aspen @FountainSquare
Pre-Registration Required: kims@pcys.org - 405.377.3380
Tevin Williams Named Gatorade Player of the Year
added July 13, 2021
Congratulations to Tevin Williams - Joining a 30+ year legacy as the 2020-21 Gatorade Oklahoma Track and Field Player of the Year!
Backpack Buddies
added July 12, 2021
Altrusa International of Stillwater and Noon Kiwanis will be giving out backpacks full of school supplies to students in Pre-k through 12th grade on July 17 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Skyline Elementary,
SMC, PCYS, & United Way of Payne County offer FREE SafeSitter courses.
added July 7, 2021
Upcoming classes: July 15, 23 - 9am-3pm at the PCYS Office
Space is limited. Register today!
Contact Kim @ 405.377.3380 kims@pcys.org
Students will learn:
Safety Skills
Childcare Skills
First Aid Skills
Business Skills
Graduated Senior Jaidyn Hooper earned gold in her Sports Nutrition STAR Event
Seniors, Sarah Teeman, Nichole Whitley & Anh Nguyen earned gold in their Public Policy Advocate STAR Event
FCCLA Students Earn Gold at National Leadership Convention
added July 1, 2021
Congrats to graduated seniors, Jaidyn Hooper, Sarah Teeman, Nichole Whitley, and Anh Nguyen for earning GOLD in their STAR Events at the FCCLA National Leadership Convention this week!
SJHS Technology Student Association attends national competition
added July 1, 2021
Congratulations to the Stillwater Junior High School Technology Student Association on a great performance at TSA Nationals!
Eric Wang, Albert Shang, and Marco Uscanga placed in the top 10 for Website Design, and Alex Ji and Joel Villasenor brought home FIRST PLACE in coding!
Way to go! #PioneerProud
Now Hiring...
added July 1, 2021
Come join our after-school team! We're hiring at all our elementary sites!
Pioneer After-School Learning Services (PALS) provides after-school care, exercise and playtime, crafts, tutoring, and homework assistance for SPS students from Pre-K to 5th grade.
Learn about and apply to these jobs and more at https://stillwaterschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
SoonerCare Benefits Enrollment
added June 23, 2021
Need help enrolling for Sooner Care Benefits?
Join Grand Lake Mental Health Center at the local clinic (604 S. Walnut Street) for pizza, sub sandwiches, drinks & help enrolling for benefits.
Tuesday, June 29 - 5-7pm
Tuesday, July 13 - 5-7pm
Tuesday, July 27 - 5-7pm
Jason Riggs - SJHS Assistant Principal
Christina Hutson - Will Rogers Assistant Principal
SPS Names New Assistant Principals
added June 15, 2021
(Stillwater, Oklahoma) The Stillwater Board of Education approved the hiring of two assistant principals to fill vacancies in the district at a Tuesday, June 15 meeting.
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Jason Riggs will join the Stillwater Junior High School administrative team next fall as an assistant principal, alongside fellow AP Kane Mach and Principal Crystal Szymanski.
“I am honored and humbled to accept this position at Stillwater Junior High School,” says Riggs, “Throughout my time in Stillwater, I’ve been fortunate to build impactful relationships with the incredible students and inspiring educators throughout the Stillwater community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue on this journey with the staff, students, and families of SJHS.”
A graduate of Edmond Memorial, Riggs received his elementary education bachelors from OSU in 2004. From 2004-2007, he taught seventh and eighth grade math and science at Bishop John Carroll School in Oklahoma City, followed by five years teaching fifth grade in Edmond. Since relocating to Stillwater in 2012, he has taught at Will Rogers Elementary as a math interventionist and fifth grade teacher and at Sangre Ridge Elementary, spending three years as a fifth grade teacher and the last four as a fourth grade teacher. He was the Sangre Ridge Teacher of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year.
Riggs completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Oklahoma State University in May of this year.
Riggs says he will miss his colleagues and the students of Sangre Ridge but is excited to serve the community of Stillwater in a new capacity while continuing to learn and grow in the profession. “I am eager to collaborate with teachers and staff to optimize student learning and work to improve school culture,” he says. “I’m also looking forward to reconnecting with former students and colleagues.”
Riggs and his wife, Andi, have lived in Stillwater for ten years. They have two boys, Oliver, eleven, and Theo, seven. Riggs says he loves being able to work with kids or serve the Stillwater community in any aspect when needed, whether it be coaching YMCA soccer or prior service as president for AMBUCS, an organization which provides adaptive trikes for people with mobility challenges. “I see my role as a leader is to make genuine connections with students and colleagues and to make people feel valued for who they are.”
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Christina Hutson will become the assistant principal at Will Rogers Elementary under Principal Dr. Meghan Eliason.
“I am excited to be joining Will Roger’s staff and to work with Dr. Eliason,” says Hutson, who is anticipating her new role. “My approach is for there to be a good mix of intentional, rigorous instruction mixed with good play and engagement with lots of hands-on learning. Teachers are guides for children on the journey of education, but a large part of learning comes from children exploring and their inherent curiosity.”
A Newcastle native, Hutson graduated from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 1997 with an Early Childhood Education degree. She has previously worked for SPS as a kindergarten teacher at Sangre Ridge, before moving to Perry for a second grade position. For the last fourteen years, she has taught first grade for Perkins Public Schools. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and received her master’s degree from American College of Education in Educational Leadership in 2018.
“In my 22 years as an educator, I’ve come to know that it’s my role to help foster a sense of community, whether it’s in a classroom, throughout a school, or across a community. I’m looking forward to contributing my knowledge, experience, and passion for learning to Will Rogers,” Hutson says.
Hutson and her husband of 24 years, Justin, operate a local automotive business and have called Stillwater home for most of their married life. They have three children, Colby and Jayla attending Wichita State University and Kayla attending Southern Illinois University.
“I know I’m going to miss my Perkins school family. I love that community and the people that live there. I will definitely miss seeing my work friends and students every day,” says Hutson. “But I am excited for this next chapter in my life and professional career and look forward to working with, learning in, and contributing to my new Will Rogers community.”
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“We’re excited to have these new administrators join our leadership teams,” says Superintendent Marc Moore. “I’m happy we are able to offer an avenue for Mr. Riggs to grow and expand his career while remaining in the Pioneer family. It’s also good to identify talented educators, like Ms. Hutson, in the vicinity that can be brought into our organization. I’m confident both will do well in their new roles and wish them the best of luck.”
Both administrators assume their new roles on July 20.
# # #
Return to Learn Plan
added June 15, 2021
The City of Stillwater invites the community to a grand opening of the PlayAbility Project at Strickland Park on June 25. SHS Stillwater Makes a Change SMAC worked to raise funds for this project during its 2018-2019 campaign.
Reunions
added June 15, 2021
Hosting a reunion? We've added a Reunions page to help you get reconnected. Please send any information (dates, coordinator, website, Facebook group link, etc.) you have to share to communications@stillwaterschools.com to be added there.
Return to Learn Plan
added June 15, 2021
Stillwater Public Schools has posted it's current Return to Learn documents (Operations, Educational Services, SPS Human Resources). These plans will be reviewed at least semi-annually while COVID-19 health concerns remain and as required the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP). Parents, teachers, students, and members of the public are invited to read these documents and provide feedback by emailing communications@stillwaterschools.com
Birthday Bags: Celebrate Every Child!
added June 7, 2021
We are now partnered with The Birthday Bags Celebrate Every Child Project. The project overview is to provide a birthday-themed bag for families who would like to celebrate their child’s birthday but do not have the means or resources.
Each Birthday Bag will contain a birthday cake mix (this cake mix is made with a can of sparkling water which is included and does not require eggs or oil), balloons, candles and a small gift. You can order a birthday bag for your client, siblings or any child when the family does not have the means to celebrate a birthday.
To place an order, email StillwaterBirthdayBags@gmail.com.
Book Bus Mobile Library Rolling Out
added June 2, 2021
♫ "The books on the bus fly off the shelves ...off the shelves ...off the shelves. The books on the bus fly off the shelves ...all 'round the town!" ♫
The Book Bus, SPS's mobile library, is starting its rounds today (June 2)!
Visit https://sps.blue/bookbus to find the schedule of locations, meet the Book Bus staff, learn about featured books, and help us build our Kid's Corner Reviews by submitting your thoughts on books YOU discover on the Book Bus!
Inclusive Literature for K-12 Readers
added May 24, 2021
Thank you to OSU's Dr. S. Adam Crawley, Assistant Professor, Literacy Education and Dr. Sarah J. Donovan, Assistant Professor, English Education for creating a resource for our staff covering the importance of inclusive literature and highlighting some of the books that were recently donated to the Book Bus by the SHS GSA.
All persons 12 and older are now eligible for vaccines!
added May 24, 2021
Nearby Vaccination Opportunities
Those in bold italics offer the Pfizer vaccine for children age 12-17. All locations listed serve adults 18+.Alan's - sign up online
Baker Pharmacy (Cushing) - call 918-225-2200
Charlie's - sign up online
Cushing Family Pharmacy (Cushing) - sign up online
CVS - sign up online or walk in
Foster's Corner Drug (Perry) - sign up online
Homeland Pharmacy - call or sign up online
Oklahoma Vaccine Portal See Available Appointments - sign up online
OSU - open to eligible dependents and spouses of OSU employees. Sign up at https://uhs.okstate.edu/
Pawnee Indian Health Services - call (918) 762-2517
Payne County Health Department - sign up via the OSDH portal or call 405-372-8200
Perkin's Drug - sign up online or call 405-547-2414
Perkin's Family Clinic - call 405-547-2473 for an appointment
Perry Pharmacy - call 580-336-4474
Razook's - call 405-377-4445 or sign up online
Tiger Drug - sign up online
Hosting a clinic for kids 12+ at the Stillwater Community Center on June 4th from 1pm-6pm. Sign up here.
Walgreens - call 405-377-0349 or sign up online
Walmart - sign up online
Additional vaccine locations may be found at VaccineFinder.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Students - Google Docs.pdf
Superintendent's Staff Update
added May 20, 2021
SPS Staff,
We’ve nearly made it to the end of a school year, one like no other we will ever experience again. While we may send out the occasional piece of information this summer, this will be my last superintendent’s staff update until school resumes in the fall. Thank you all for your grace, patience, and dedication to educating the children of Stillwater.
80+ Job Openings
SPS currently has over 80 jobs posted at https://stillwaterschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx.
We want our employees to continue to grow professionally, so I encourage you to visit this site to learn about opportunities that might be right for you. If you see something that you are interested in and aren’t quite qualified for, please contact your supervisor or HR to discuss steps you might take to become qualified for the position in the future.
In our annual employee survey, 84% of staff reported that they “would recommend Stillwater Public Schools to a friend or family member as a great place to work,” so I am also asking that you consider promoting these opportunities to those you know that might be a good fit.
12 Coach Openings
SPS Athletics is hiring! Athletic coaches help students build personal skills and wellness practices that can last a lifetime. These part-time positions are open to any SPS employee or community member. Apply today to help children learn teamwork, expand their horizons, and grow their abilities on and off the field!
Currently Open SPS Coaching Positions:
Varsity - Boys Assistant Basketball, Boys Head Golf, Boys & Girls Head Swimming, Assistant Volleyball
Junior High - 8th Grade Boy Assistant Basketball, 8th Grade Girls Head Basketball, 9th Grade Girls Head Basketball, 7th Grade Boys Assistant Basketball, Head Cheer, Head Softball, Head Tennis, 8th Head Volleyball
If you are interested in or have questions concerning any of these positions, please contact Brian Warwick at bwarwick@stillwaterschools.com or 405-707-5191.
Ages 12 & Up
Recently, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was approved for 12 to 15 year old children. In addition to receiving protection from the effects of the virus, students that have been fully vaccinated will not be required to quarantine if exposed to someone that tests positive for COVID-19.
We encourage all staff to protect themselves and others through vaccination. Local providers offering the Pfizer vaccine are:
CVS
Foster's Corner Drug (Perry)
Pawnee Indian Health Services
Payne County Health Department
Perkin's Family Clinic (Perkins)
Razook's Drug
Tiger Drug
Walgreens
Walmart
Scheduling information for these and other vaccine locations is available at:
https://sites.google.com/stillwaterschools.com/backtoschool2020/health-safety-strategies/vaccines
August 12 - First Day of School
As we head into the summer, I encourage all staff to take the opportunity to take some time off of work if your contract extends through the summer, relax, and enjoy time with your friends and family, or on your own, if that’s what you prefer. Taking the occasional pause from your work duties is an important part of your mental and physical health and also helps you return to work more energized and focused.
The first day of school for the 2021-2022 school year will be August 12; teachers will return on August 9. As you know, this is earlier than most years, so please plan accordingly and have a great summer!
Once again thank you all for all that you have done this year. I can’t wait to see everyone together again this fall.
Go Pioneers!
Dr. Marc Moore
Superintendent
Superintendent's Staff Update
added May 17, 2021
SPS Staff,
Friday the Class of 2021 continued the Stillwater Tradition of the Senior Walk by visiting younger students throughout SPS’s schools. This special event is a fun opportunity for our seniors to reminisce about their years spent in Stillwater’s schools, visit with their former teachers, and to help even our littlest Pioneers start to understand the educational journey our graduates are completing.
425 Graduating Seniors
Congratulations to the 425 seniors who will be graduating this Friday night as the largest SHS class ever!
101 Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy students and 4 virtual teachers
101 students so far have chosen to enroll in the Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy for the 2021-2022 school year. These enrollees are not only Stillwater students seeking a virtual option, but also students from surrounding districts and other online schools coming to SPVA to experience the flexibility, academic excellence, and student experience that its quality educators, in-person learning labs, optional SPS extracurriculars will offer. We expect more to enroll over the coming months and look forward to growing an outstanding virtual option for families.
$72,744.20 raised by SMAC this year
Last week, Stillwater Makes A Change revealed the total raised this year for the Stillwater Community Health Center - $72,744.20! This amount will help the SCHC get started and will continue to grow next year, as SMAC has selected the SCHC as the beneficiary for 2021-2022 due to the limits of fundraising during a pandemic and the importance of their mission. Thanks go out to everyone that worked to raise and donate to this fundraiser. We are INCREDIBLY proud of the student-led philanthropy efforts of our hard working SMAC students!
This week is Celebrate SHS Graduates Week! Please make an effort to make this time special for this outstanding group of students!
Go Pioneers!
Dr. Marc Moore
Superintendent
Masking Mandate Update
added May 14, 2021
SPS Staff, parents and families,
As authorized by board policy, I’m making the following adjustment to the level of masking appropriate for the district.
From now until the end of the school year on May 25, SPS will continue the current mask mandate for all students. SPS will not extend the mask mandate for students after May 25.
Isolation and quarantine guidelines for unvaccinated students have not changed, and SPS does not want any student to miss a significant end-of-the-year activity or experience due to a positive COVID-19 test or close contact to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
After May 25 and throughout the summer, SPS will continue to support guidance from health officials and:
Recommends that unvaccinated students continue to wear masks
Will support any student wishing to wear a mask
This new policy starting after May 25 will serve as the basis for all school district planning throughout the summer in preparation for the 21-22 school year, as SPS intends to start the 21-22 school year without a mask mandate.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we maneuver through this COVID-19 pandemic.
Go Pioneers!
Marc Moore
Superintendent
Open Coaching Opportunities
added May 12, 2021
SPS Athletics is hiring!
Athletic coaches help students build personal skills and wellness practices that can last a lifetime. These part-time positions are open to any SPS employee or community member.
Apply today to help children learn teamwork, expand their horizons, and grow their abilities on and off the field!
Currently Open SPS Coaching Positions
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Varsity Boys Assistant Basketball
Varsity Boys Head Golf
Varsity Boys & Girls Head Swimming
Varsity Assistant Volleyball
Junior High 8th Grade Boy Assistant Basketball
Junior High 8th Grade Girls Head Basketball
Junior High 9th Grade Girls Head Basketball
Junior High 7th Boys Assistant Basketball
Junior High Head Cheer
Junior High Head Softball
Junior High Head Tennis
Junior High 8th Head Volleyball
If you are interested in or have questions concerning any of these positions, please contact Brian Warwick at bwarwick@stillwaterschools.com or 405-707-5191.
Stillwater Schools Receive Healthy Certifications
added May 10, 2021
Stillwater Schools Receive Healthy Certifications
(Stillwater, Oklahoma) The Payne County Health Department recently announced that 30 local entities, including several Stillwater schools, have been awarded Certified Healthy status for 2020.
Certified Healthy Oklahoma is a statewide program that recognizes entities making substantial efforts to make health and wellness a priority. Certifications are awarded at Basic, Merit and Excellence levels, depending on the number of criteria fulfilled.
Stillwater Public Schools received a basic rating in the Certified Healthy Business category.
In the Certified Healthy School category, Highland Park and Will Rogers Elementary Schools, Stillwater Middle School, Lincoln Alternative Academy, and Stillwater High School attained the level of Excellence, while Westwood Elementary reached the Merit level.
The Certified Healthy Oklahoma website states, “The certification showcases businesses, campuses, communities, congregations, early childhood programs, restaurants, and schools that are committed to supporting healthy choices through environmental and policy change. These entities are working to improve the health of Oklahomans by implementing elements, policies, and programs that will help Oklahomans eat better, move more, and be tobacco free.”
Superintendent Marc Moore says, “These certifications strongly indicate that we are moving in the right direction in terms of employee and student wellness. I appreciate the hard work and commitment to health exhibited by our teachers and staff, and challenge each and every staff member to continue expanding SPS’s healthy initiatives.”
The Certified Healthy Oklahoma program is a joint effort of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, The State Chamber, The Oklahoma Academy, Oklahoma Turning Point Council, and additional partners. More information can be found at certifiedhealthyok.com.
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Superintendent's Staff Update
added May 7, 2021
SPS Staff,
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you to all of the PTO/As, parents, students, businesses and community members that have made extra efforts to reach out to our teachers with offered discounts, snacks, meals, cards, gifts of thanks, and words of kindness.
421 Certified Staff & 412 Support Staff
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to both our certified teachers, teaching support staff, and every SPS employee that makes the work of educating students possible. Each role in the district is vital in our success, and I thank you all for your excellent work, grace, determination, and dedication to the children and families of Stillwater this year.
5.3% of SPS Students
May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, a celebration of the history and cultures of hundreds of our students. Our school libraries are featuring Asian/Pacific Islander stories and authors. Additionally, we’ll be sharing out some information celebrating this month through district social media.
I encourage each of you to visit the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month page at https://asianpacificheritage.gov/. It’s filled with interesting, important information and features great resources for teachers to incorporate into lessons about the cultures of stories of this diverse group of peoples.
30+ Summer Camps
For the convenience of our families, we've put together a list of some summer activities for children including the SPS Summer Academies, Pioneer Athletics camps, OSU educational and sports camps, and other opportunities from local providers. More information is available at: https://sites.google.com/stillwaterschools.com/hub/local-summer-camps
Additionally...
Congratulations and thank you go to all of the students, teachers, and families that worked to deliver numerous performances of The Little Mermaid. Attending theatrical productions is one of my favorite activities, and this was an outstanding show.
I attended the SHS Band Performances this week. Congratulations go to Director of Bands Kevin Zamborsky and all the students on their performances. These were some of the most particularly impressive performances I’ve seen to date.
Congrats go to Stillwater Soccer - the 6A-4 District Champions for the first time in school history! Tonight they face Edmond Memorial in the quarterfinals of the 6A bracket.
Go Pioneers!
Dr. Marc Moore
Superintendent
’21-’22 School Year, Virtual Academy, Summer Academies, and Survey
added May 7, 2021SPS Families,
As we approach the last few weeks of the 2020-2021 school year, there are a few items I want to bring to your attention.
In-Person Learning, Five Days a Week for 2021-2022
As we look to the 21-22 school year, and while we can’t predict the future, we do anticipate and are planning for in-person learning, five days a week under normal operations and procedures. District administration will determine any necessary COVID safety procedures in early June, followed by a continual monitoring of the situation throughout the summer with modifications made to those plans, if needed.
It is my sincerest hope that pandemic conditions continue to improve so we can welcome and see the bright, smiling faces of every student in our schools under completely normal conditions.
If you haven’t enrolled for the 21-22 school year, please contact your school site as soon as possible.
Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy
This fall, the newly announced Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy (SPVA) will join the SPS family of schools, allowing an avenue for Pre-K through 12th grade students and families who wish to attend public education in a virtual environment.
During the early part of the 2019-2020 school year, SPS was already in the early stages of developing a virtual learning academy for students, an action prompted by an increase in the number of students in Stillwater seeking a virtual learning option and trends across the country showing an increased demand by students and families for a virtual learning option. When the long-term nature of the pandemic became apparent, SPS educators developed a preliminary virtual learning option for this school year. Using what we have learned from this year's virtual learning and teacher and student experiences during distance learning, the district has continued to refine its plans for a permanent virtual option.
Earlier this month, the Stillwater Board of Education approved Joy Cawood, who has coordinated SPS’s virtual learning option this year, to serve as the principal for SPVA. More information about SPS’s virtual learning option can be found at www.stillwaterschools.com/Schools/VirtualAcademy.
Summer Academies
SPS is still accepting enrollment for our Summer Academies, featuring expanded programs and more space for students than ever before. Schools are reaching out to families with students that might benefit from this additional instruction. As a reminder, all SPS students:
Can attend free of charge
Have easy access to free onsite meals
Will receive transportation to and from summer school
More information about the expanded Summer Academies can be found here.
Parent/Guardian Engagement Survey
The education of children is a partnership between families and schools. SPS values your feedback as we work to continually advance our schools, and a significant way the district receives your feedback is through our annual Parent/Engagement Survey. This is our standard yearly survey, not one focused on COVID procedures, but there is an opportunity to submit comments related to any topic. Input received from this survey will assist in the district’s short- and long-term planning. Key aspects of the survey are as follows:
The survey begins with a brief overall district survey and then gives you the opportunity to submit more specific information about your children’s schools.
The survey is administered by Reliant Talent Management. Using this third party vendor allows us to keep your results entirely confidential. The district will receive reports and filtered data from the vendor. No one from the school district will have access to your specific responses.
The results of this survey will be posted to the district website this summer.
You will receive an email from the SPS Announcements email account (noreply@stillwaterschools.com) on Monday, May 10, with an invitation to participate. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. We know your time is valuable and appreciate your responses.
Thank you,
Marc Moore, Ed.D.
Go Pioneers!
Summer Academy Enrollment Notification Date - May 14
added May 5, 2021Enrollment notifications for Elementary, Middle School, and Junior High Summer Academies will be sent to families on May 14. Open enrollment will be closed, but additional students with identified needs based on staff assessments will still be considered.
Stillwater Athletics Announces Summer Camps
added May 4, 2021Stillwater Pioneer Athletics announced several skills camps open to SPS students this summer this week. Additionally, the Hub now lists several additional summer activities provided by OSU and other Stillwater providers on the Local Summer Camps page.
We are looking at Friday, May 14th as an enrollment notification due date for the Elementary, Middle School, and Junior High Summer Academies. Families should be notified by this date regarding enrollment status.
Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy Announced, Interim Principal Named
added April 19, 2021Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Stillwater Public Schools was in the preliminary stages of developing a virtual learning academy for students. The district has continued to refine its plans for an ongoing virtual option throughout this school year and will launch the Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy this fall.
“Across the state we’ve seen an increase in students choosing virtual options throughout the last decade,” said Superintendent Marc Moore. “Because SPS has not had a true virtual program, Stillwater students have enrolled elsewhere for that option.” He says some students discover that virtual school works well for them, while others return to the district for in person instruction.
“One thing this pandemic has done is allow students to have a taste of online learning,” says District Technology Integration Specialist Joy Cawood, who has coordinated SPS’s Virtual Learning option this year. SPS responded to the pandemic with a “first draft” virtual program for families that were seeking a fully online alternative. Also, as COVID quickly spread throughout the community, the district provided distance lessons to students enrolled in face to face learning. “All of our students experienced quite a bit of online learning this year, and that can help them decide if Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy might be right for them,” says Cawood.
Over fifteen percent of the district’s students enrolled in the virtual offering for the 2020-2021 school year, but Cawood expects the district’s virtual enrollment to be much smaller going forward. “Virtual learning certainly isn’t for everyone, and I don’t imagine our numbers will ever approach where they are this year,” says Cawood, “but we were able to see firsthand how virtual learning can be the right fit for many students. Some students, and even some teachers, have thrived more in virtual learning than they did in person.”
Students seek virtual learning opportunities for a variety of reasons, including the ability to self pace, a desire to learn at home in a parent-controlled environment, the need for a flexible schedule, or challenges succeeding in the traditional classroom environment.
Cawood was named Interim Principal of Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy at an SPS School Board meeting on April 13 and will oversee the launch and continued development of the academy for the 2021-2022 school year. “I’m incredibly proud of what our teachers accomplished, but I’m also looking forward to next year as we begin building a more robust virtual program. We will expand support and options to ensure high levels of engagement and learning along with the quality student experience that we value at SPS.”
Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy will be an enhancement of the virtual learning the district has provided so far. One of the things Cawood says the district is most excited to offer is a physical learning lab for occasional in-person experiences, such as teacher or small group student meetings, hands-on science labs, and even student workspace if desired.
To facilitate online learning, SPS will use a multifaceted approach to content delivery. The majority of content will be delivered through Edgenuity, with Google Classroom, Seesaw, and other platforms being utilized as appropriate.
“This year we began the process of creating our own curriculum in certain courses and subject areas,” says Cawood. “We’re committed to continuing down that path and anticipate adding more SPS written courses beginning next year and throughout the coming years. During the interim period, we’re proud to partner with Edgenuity as a content provider and learning management system, knowing that they will continue to support our work, while SPS teachers add, remove, revise, or modify content as needed to better align with the goals and standards of SPS.” Students who complete their studies through the virtual academy will receive an SPS diploma.
Virtual academy students will also be eligible to participate in SPS extracurricular and co-curricular activities like performing arts classes, school dances, and athletics. “There are some things you just can’t do remotely,” says Moore. “Band, orchestra, theater, athletics—we want our virtual students to have as many opportunities to participate in SPS activities as possible. These and many more events, classes, and clubs are open to our academy kids.” Students will also have access to SPS libraries, meals, transportation, and other student services.
The district is making expectations and commitments clear to help Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy students succeed. Students will be required to attend an in-person or virtual orientation session and to commit to at least one full semester/term. To make sure they have chosen the right method of instruction and to keep their studies on track, students will be given a brief drop period (three school days for 10th-12th grade, and ten school days for PK-9th) at the beginning of each semester or term during which they can exit the academy and return to full-time, in-person learning.
If needed, internet devices and wireless hotspots can be provided by the district to participating students.
“At SPS we strive for excellence and we recognize that there are many ways to get there.” says Moore. "We're excited to offer a virtual option to our students, and we’re committed to ensuring their success.”
Interested families can learn more at www.stillwaterschools.com/Schools/VirtualAcademy.
SHS Alumnus receives Fulbright Award
added April 16, 2021Congratulations to SHS Alumnus Kayla Dunn on receiving a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award for the 2021-2022 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board!
Learn more about Kayla's award and future plans here.
Congratulations to Richmond Elementary for being recognized as a Great Expectations Model School for the school year 2020-2021. This is the 18th year in a row that Richmond has received this honor.
SJHS Pioneer Sophie Deng selected for Carnegie Hall's NY02 2021 Orchestra
added April 16, 2021Carnegie Hall Announces Teen Musicians Selected for 2021 National Youth Ensembles: National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America, NYO2, and NYO Jazz
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(New York, NY, April 15, 2021)—Carnegie Hall today announced the more than 200 outstanding young musicians selected from across the country for the Hall’s three national youth ensembles: National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA), NYO2, and NYO Jazz. The members of the 2021 ensembles—hailing from 41 US states—have been recognized by Carnegie Hall as being among the finest players in the country following a comprehensive and highly selective audition process. The Hall’s national youth ensembles are offered free of charge, ensuring that all invited musicians have the opportunity to take part. All program activities for summer 2021 are expected to take place in-person in the New York area with strict health protocols in place.
“The musicians selected to be a part of Carnegie Hall’s three national youth ensembles are among the very best players in the nation,” said Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director. “After a challenging year in which most young musicians haven’t been able to play together, we are very happy to be able to convene these groups again in person for an unforgettable summer of music-making. This will be an opportunity for these wonderful young players to connect with their peers, explore music together, and train with some of the top professional musicians in the country.”
This July, the 200+ musicians will gather at Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY), for a month-long residency with meaningful mentorship and musical activities including private lessons, master classes, and performances, led by an all-star faculty made up of principal players from top American orchestras and esteemed jazz artists. Acclaimed conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto will lead NYO-USA and conductor Mei-Ann Chen returns to lead NYO2, a sister ensemble for younger teens. Artistic Director and Bandleader Sean Jones returns for the fourth year to lead NYO Jazz.
Stillwater Board of Education Welcomes New Member and Returning President Following Elections
added April 14, 2021(Stillwater, Oklahoma) Stillwater Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, SPS answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“I am again incredibly honored and humbled to be part of a district that has such strong support for music education,” said Director of Bands Kevin Zamborsky. “Many thanks to our administration and School Board for the roles they play in this, and colossal thanks to the music educators in our district, who all do such an incredible job cultivating support for music in our students, parents, and community through all grade levels. Thanks also to the students, parents, and community members who promote such robust support for our music programs.”
Since the passage by Congress in 2015 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and a stated emphasis on a well-rounded education, many school districts have re-committed to music and arts education programs and found that in this time of a national pandemic, provides a valuable way to keep students engaged in school. ESSA provides designated funding for well-rounded educational opportunities through Title IV Part A Student Academic Success and Achievement grants. NAMM Foundation research has revealed that these grants are being widely used by school districts to address instructional gaps in access to music and arts education.
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music: After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound: young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
Music Education Program Receives National Recognition for the Fifth Consecutive Year
added April 8, 2021(Stillwater, Oklahoma) Stillwater Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, SPS answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“I am again incredibly honored and humbled to be part of a district that has such strong support for music education,” said Director of Bands Kevin Zamborsky. “Many thanks to our administration and School Board for the roles they play in this, and colossal thanks to the music educators in our district, who all do such an incredible job cultivating support for music in our students, parents, and community through all grade levels. Thanks also to the students, parents, and community members who promote such robust support for our music programs.”
Since the passage by Congress in 2015 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and a stated emphasis on a well-rounded education, many school districts have re-committed to music and arts education programs and found that in this time of a national pandemic, provides a valuable way to keep students engaged in school. ESSA provides designated funding for well-rounded educational opportunities through Title IV Part A Student Academic Success and Achievement grants. NAMM Foundation research has revealed that these grants are being widely used by school districts to address instructional gaps in access to music and arts education.
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music: After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound: young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
Zacharias named SPS Teacher of the Year
April 6, 2021(Stillwater, Oklahoma) Richmond Elementary School Fifth Grade Teacher Brenda Zacharias has been selected as the Stillwater Public Schools District Teacher of the Year.
A Stillwater High School graduate, Zacharias is in her 22nd year of teaching at Richmond. In addition to her current site, she also spent four years teaching for the district at Sangre Ridge Elementary School.
“Mrs. Zacharias has a unique ability to meet each student where they are and help them grow beyond what they could ever imagine in fifth grade," said Richmond Principal Kendra Rider. “She builds positive relationships with students and their families and makes a lasting impact on every student she teaches.”
The district announced the Teacher of the Year during a districtwide virtual ceremony on April 6, but Superintendent Marc Moore arrived in person to deliver the news.
“Mrs. Zacharias is a special kind of teacher - one who not only teaches the material well, but has great passion for her students’ success” said Moore. “She’s an outstanding example of the quality teaching occurring across the district, and is very deserving of this designation.”
Zacharias was selected from three finalists for the honor by a group of her peers. Other finalists were Skyline Elementary Second Grade Teacher Danielle Beavin and Stillwater Junior High School Special Education Teacher Marsha Nash.
“The value this community places on education, draws exceptional educators to Stillwater. That community support allows the district to continue to be graced by the presence of so many talented, dedicated teachers.” said Moore.
Other SPS school site Teachers of the Year are: Marill Myers at Highland Park, Jody Sallaska at Sangre Ridge, Michelle Schaecher at Will Rogers, Rebecca Palmatary at Westwood, Allison Taylor at Stillwater Middle School, Jody Webber at Stillwater High School, and Chad Hutcherson at Lincoln Academy.
Zacharias will go on to compete with teachers from across the state for the honor of being Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
SPS Schedules Summer Courses
March 30, 2021(Stillwater, Oklahoma) Stillwater Public Schools will significantly expand its programs for students this summer. Due to disruptions of the school year as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the theme for this year is “Bridge the Gap.”
“This was an unusual year to say the least,” says SPS Superintendent Marc Moore. “We want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to address the learning needs of our students, and make sure everyone is receiving the academic support they need going into the fall.” SPS is offering more summer programming than ever before according to Moore.
Typically, limitations on how funds can be spent mean SPS is limited in who can attend summer school, but thanks to CARES Act funding, the district is able to open up more spaces at these programs. “Most years, around 200 students participate in the elementary offerings, but this year we anticipate serving 650 children through these programs,” says Summer Academy Elementary Administrator Arryn Small. Instead of one elementary site as in the past, the district will be hosting Summer Academies at three schools.
Those same CARES funds will assist the district in serving a larger number of students participating in secondary summer programs as well.
Enrollment will be open to all SPS students, but the district will prioritize placement for those who could benefit most from the Summer Academies.
“With our focus on bridging the gap this year,” said Director of Summer Academy Programs Trent J. Swanson, “we’re looking at who most needs access to these summer programs. Over the past few weeks secondary school staff has been identifying students with educational needs.” Beginning on March 30, SMS and SJHS administrators and staff will begin contacting the families of identified students with the opportunity to sign their students up for the Summer Academy.
Calls to elementary student families will begin on April 16. “We’re in the process of identifying those elementary students that might benefit from the summer programs through assessments over the next couple weeks,” says Small. “Then we’ll go through our list as well, working to make sure that the students that are most in need of academic support have the opportunity to receive that over the summer.”
If additional student enrollment beyond these identified students exceeds available spaces, a waiting list will be created, and SPS will try to accommodate those requests.
Programming offered by SPS staff will include:
Elementary Math and Reading Program
SMS and SJHS Summer Academies
English Language Learner offerings
Extended School Year Program for Special Education students
2 day Indian Education Camps
Credit Recovery session for 9th-12th grade students
Driver’s Education
Students participating in summer programs will have easy access to free onsite meals, with the district providing breakfast and lunch for children from June 1 through July 24. The current plan calls for hot meals to be served at Will Rogers with grab and go options at sites hosting summer school programming. Meal service will not be limited to program participants; any child in Stillwater will be able to receive a meal at these locations.
Transportation will be provided by the district to and from the programs for any participating student, and all programs are free to participants with the exception of the $275 Driver’s Education course.
Enrollment for SPS’s summer programs begins Monday, April 5. To learn more about SPS’s summer offerings and to enroll, families may visit sps.blue/summeracademy.
Vaccinations
March 13, 2021Vaccination Opportunities
Alan's - sign up online
Charlie's - sign up online
Oklahoma Vaccine Portal - sign up online
Payne County Health Department - Call 405-372-8200
Razook's - Call 405-377-4445 or sign up online
Tiger Drug - sign up online
Walgreen's -Call 405-377-0349 or sign up online
Walmart - sign up online
COVID-19 Testing
March 13, 2021Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing this Saturday, March 13!
Register online at: https://osdh.force.com/selfPortal/s/selfregistration
COVID Testing Flyer.pdfSPS Announces Revised Safety Protocols
February 26, 2021(Stillwater, Oklahoma) At a special board meeting on Friday, the Stillwater Board of Education voted unanimously to approve revisions to current safety protocols that allow for all grade levels to return to five-days-per-week, in-person instruction following Spring Break.
In a letter to parents announcing potential changes, Superintendent Marc Moore said, “The dynamic nature of this COVID-19 pandemic creates the need for SPS to react and respond when factors change. Since approving the spring safety protocols over two weeks ago, two significant factors have changed.”
Moore cited vaccine efforts by the district and updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control that provided more clarity on developing pathways for reopening schools. Recent community infection rates have also been trending sharply downward.
Under the current and revised protocols, SPS will no longer adjust school status in reaction to the state’s weekly COVID-19 Alert Levels. A virtual learning option remains for those who would prefer that method of instruction, and transitions into that option will be allowed.
Moore stated in his letter, “A global pandemic does still exist, and the possibility does remain that conditions, such as an outbreak or a large number of staff absent due to quarantines, may warrant a temporary closure of individual sites across the district.” All existing safety procedures will remain in place including required face coverings, physical distancing to the greatest extent possible, handwashing, enhanced cleaning, and quarantines based on contact tracing.
SPS Hosts Vaccine Clinic for Staff
February 23, 2021Stillwater Public Schools hosted a vaccine clinic for teachers and staff on Saturday, February 20. 378 vaccines were administered to SPS employees and family members of staff that qualified under Oklahoma’s vaccine priority framework.
“Vaccinations for our teachers and staff will add an additional layer of protection for our SPS community and assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our schools,” said Superintendent Marc Moore. “This benefit to our staff would not have been possible without the collaborative effort of Passport Health, the Payne County Health Department, and the SPS Human Resources and Communications Departments. SPS Director of Human Resources Bo Gamble spent numerous hours spearheading this project and, ultimately, making it a reality,” said Moore.
In addition to SPS providing a space for the clinic, Gamble coordinated with the PCHD regarding vaccine availability and eligibility and with Passport Health to secure vaccine doses and supply healthcare professionals to administer vaccines. Additional SPS staff volunteered to conduct temperature checks, handle registration, and monitor vaccine recipients for any adverse reactions.
“Originally this clinic was just aimed at serving staff over 65 and those with direct healthcare responsibilities,” Gamble said. “We were ecstatic when the health department gave us authorization to administer doses to all teachers and staff at Saturday’s clinic. It meant a quick sign up process, but it was definitely a welcome turn of events. SPS was able to get a large number of our staff vaccinated before most districts in the state.”
In addition to hosting clinics for its staff, the district has also been texting alerts to staff when extra doses are available at local clinics.
“We want to ensure that any staff member that wants to be vaccinated, can do so in a timely manner,” said Gamble. “And want to provide them with as many avenues to do that as possible.”
COVID-19 vaccination will not be required for employees, however the district is strongly encouraging it, and teachers and staff have been very receptive to signing up.
SPS School Nurse David Coates, who worked to administer vaccines last weekend was happy to participate. “It was gratifying and humbling to participate in the vaccination of so many Stillwater Public School employees,” he said. “The emotional relief on their faces was palpable.”
Realizing that many struggle to find available appointments through the state’s vaccination portal, SPS is doing what it can to make the process as convenient as possible for employees. Participants in Saturday’s clinic are already scheduled for their second doses on March 12.
The district has several more clinics planned in the coming weeks to ensure that employees have access to the vaccine. The district’s next clinic will be Saturday, February 27 at Stillwater High School.
Dignity Drive For SPS Families - March 1-5
February 16, 2021SPS S.T.A.R. (Supporting Transitions and Resiliency) and SPS Social Workers need your help!
Our SPS Social Workers are coordinating a Dignity Drive for SPS Families! They are seeking new packs of underwear, socks, and bras of all sizes for families and students in need.
There are three ways to give:
1) DROP IT!
Drop off donations at the front office of any SPS school or the SPS Administration building.
2) PORCH PICK UP!
Text your information to 580-747-3686, and we will stop by that day and pick up your donation off your front porch.
3) MAIL IT!
Donations can be shipped to:
District Social Worker
Highland Park Elementary
400 S. Drury St. Stillwater, OK 74074
Pre-K Enrollment Opens Online March 22
February 16, 2021Important details about pre-K and new to SPS enrollment
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HOW WILL I ENROLL MY CHILD?
On Monday, March 22 at 8am, those wishing to enroll pre-K students and new to SPS kindergarteners will be able to complete an online form to secure their child’s spot.
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WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED?
- A copy of a state certified birth certificate
- An immunization record
- One proof of residency document (current utility bill, mortgage, or lease agreement)
Smartphone users will have the option to take pictures of any required documentation while completing the form. For computer users, we recommend converting your documents into an electronic file (PDF or photo) before beginning the form.
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HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE?
To participate in Pre-K for the 2021-2022 school year, children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2021.
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WHERE WILL MY STUDENT ATTEND SCHOOL?
To determine school of residence, a district map is available at http://sps.blue/elem-map.
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CAN I TRANSFER TO A DIFFERENT SCHOOL?
Pre-K transfers are not allowed. Kindergarten transfer requests will be considered. Request forms can be found at: https://www.stillwaterschools.com/Dis.../Enrollment/NewToSPS
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IS MY CHILD GUARANTEED A SPOT?
Pre-K students will be placed into the program in the order 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 applications are received. An application is not considered complete until all documents have been received by SPS.
Based on our estimates we should have enough space in the district for our expected pre-K enrollment. Pre-K space at each school site ranges from 42 to 66 students with 378 total spots available throughout the district. For those whose school of residence is full, students will be placed at other sites as space allows.
There is no limit on the number of kindergarteners at each site.
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WHEN DO I FIND OUT IF MY CHILD HAS A SPOT?
Families will be notified of their pre-K enrollment acceptance status by the end of June.
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WHAT IF I CAN"T COMPLETE THE FORM ONLINE?
Those without access to an internet connected device can call their school of residence for details on alternative enrollment methods.
Return to Classrooms Announced
February 12, 2021SPS Staff, Parents, and Guardians,
Please find the Safety Protocols here, as approved by the Board of Education, that will guide the district through a return to in-person instruction for the remainder of the school year, starting February 16.
Under this proposal:
During Phase 1 (February 16 - March 12)
All SPS sites will operate on an A/B schedule.
Spring Break
All school sites will be closed. SPS will evaluate all school operations at the end of Phase 1. If the district successfully and effectively manages school operations during Phase 1, the district will recommend to the Board a transition to Phase 2.
During Phase 2 (March 22 - May 25)
Elementary sites will be in-person five days a week
Stillwater Middle School, Stillwater Junior High, Stillwater High School, and Lincoln Academy will operate on an alternate (A/B) schedule, with each group also attending on alternating Fridays, as shown on page two of the attached document.
During both phases, the district may change the method of instruction at each individual site or across the district as needed. This decision is affected by many factors. Some factors which may be considered are: substitutes needed, staff absences, student attendance, students/staff subject to quarantine/isolation, community COVID-19 case numbers, test positivity rates, or hospitalizations. No one factor is likely to be the sole determinant of a school closure decision, but rather as many of these factors as possible will be considered within the context of the current situation.
We look forward to welcoming students back to our schools next week, weather permitting.
Thank you,
Marc Moore, Ed.D.
Safety Protocols Feb to May 2021.pdfStillwater Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced
January 28, 2021(Stillwater, Oklahoma) Stillwater Public Schools announced three teachers on Tuesday, January 26 as finalists for the Stillwater Public Schools 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year - Danielle Beavin, Marsha Nash, and Brenda Zacharias.
Danielle Beavin
“There are rare moments in our lives when we stop and think, ‘Wow. This is a moment I will never forget; I hope it lasts forever.’ These are the moments I try to create with my students,” says second grade teacher Beavin. This is her third year at Skyline after being hired following a student teaching experience under mentor teacher Karen Diaz. “I am blessed with many people in my life who have shaped me into the teacher I am today. Being named Skyline’s Teacher of the Year and now a finalist for the district is a reflection of those who have continuously supported my dreams of teaching. This honor is not my own, it also belongs to my family members, friends, colleagues, principals, and former teachers who have inspired me along the way.”
Marsha Nash
Stillwater Junior High Special Education Teacher Marsha Nash is in her 26th year teaching with the district and the 37th year of her career. This is her fifth year at SJHS, but Nash has also worked at Highland Park, Richmond, Skyline, Westwood, and the Middle School. “Watching the independence and confidence of my students develop is one of the things I like most about teaching,” says Nash. “Being named building teacher of the year and now a finalist has been a humbling experience. It is rewarding to be recognized by my peers, but I wouldn’t be here without all the mentors and colleagues who have helped me to develop into the teacher that I am today. My Special Education team at the Junior High is the most supportive and encouraging group and I wouldn’t have made it through this year without them!”
Brenda Zacharias
“Interacting with students is what I like most about teaching. I enjoy getting to know them on a personal level. I also enjoy the camaraderie between teachers and staff,” says Zacharias, who is in her 25th year of teaching. She currently teaches fifth grade at Richmond Elementary and during her 24 years with Stillwater Public Schools has also spent some time at Sangre Ridge Elementary. “Being named building teacher of the year and now a finalist for district teacher of the year is both a humbling and rewarding experience. I certainly did not get here on my own. The support and encouragement of my fellow teachers and principals have helped me to become the teacher I am today. I am honored to represent them,” she says.
A group of their peers selected the three finalists from ten SPS school site Teachers of the Year. Nominees for the title completed a portfolio that was used to determine each school’s honored educator and then, subsequently, the district’s finalists. These finalists will submit a second, more detailed portfolio and be voted for by their peers to help determine the district Teacher of the Year.
Other SPS school site Teachers of the Year are: Marill Myers at Highland Park, Jody Sallaska at Sangre Ridge, Michelle Schaecher at Will Rogers, Rebecca Palmatary at Westwood, Allison Taylor at Stillwater Middle School, Jody Webber at Stillwater High School, and Chad Hutcherson at Lincoln Academy.
The district winner will be announced this April and go on to compete with teachers from across the state for the honor of being Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. Last year’s Stillwater Public Schools Teacher of the Year Ginger Billman is currently in consideration for the statewide title.
Board approves new safety protocols
December 15, 2020An SPS Safety Protocols Committee met with Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) officials and local health professionals in September and recommended a set of safety protocols for instruction that were utilized for the remainder of the fall semester. These protocols - in coordination with the protocols and procedures implemented within the school - worked well in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in the school community and keeping students and staff safe. When the numbers of new COVID-19 cases increased, the district responded accordingly.
Over the past two weeks, the SPS Safety Protocols Committee - consisting of board members, administrators, teachers, and parents - reviewed data associated with the safety protocols, gathered feedback, including surveys, from teachers, staff, and parents, and discussed ways to improve them where possible and in alignment with recommendations from OSDH officials and health professionals. This review process determined that the safety protocols aligned both with professional recommendations and staff and parents’ comfort levels, but also that many parents and staff indicated a strong desire for greater consistency.
The School Safety Protocols Committee adjusted the protocols slightly to address the consistency issue. These recommended changes for the beginning of the spring semester are as follows:
Students enrolled in Traditional Learning will receive in-person instruction under an Alternate (A/B) Schedule when the OSDH designates Payne County as Green, Yellow, Orange 1, and Orange 2.
In the event Payne County receives an Orange 1 or lesser designation for two consecutive weeks when the OSDH releases its seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases on Friday, then SPS will transition to traditional, in-person, on-site instruction on the following Monday.
Students enrolled in Traditional Learning will continue to receive instruction through Distance Learning when in “Red.”
The board adopted this recommendation at its regular December meeting, completing on Tuesday, December 15. The safety protocols will be implemented from January 4 - February 12, and can be found at https://sites.google.com/.../traditional-learning-jan-4...
The Stillwater Board of Education will consider and approve safety protocols at a later date for the remainder of the spring semester.
These protocols balance safety with student academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being, address the issue of more consistency, and reflect the values of the Stillwater community.
The SPS Board and I have been working to make the best decisions we can with the information and guidance available to us. We’ve also engaged the community repeatedly to ensure these protocols reflect the values of the Stillwater community as a whole.
I’m proud of how our staff, parents, and students responded to the pandemic during the fall semester, especially considering teachers and students were implementing and utilizing multiple instructional methods.
This pandemic continues to be very hard on our community. Despite the divisive challenges we face at times, I know that Stillwater’s close-knit nature, indomitable spirit, and compassionate citizenry will help us get through this together.
Thank you for your understanding and grace as we all move through these challenges.
Thank you,
Marc Moore, Ed.D.
SBOE Conducts First Listening Session
Dec 3, 2020The Stillwater Board of Education is hosting a series of online listening sessions with district parents, guardians, patrons, teachers, and staff. Our first session will be this Thursday, December 3 from 7-8pm, with additional sessions on December 10 and 17.
To sign up (or submit a question/comment if you're unable to join live) please visit https://forms.gle/MWqdtu29Sp1M2ra16. Listening sessions will not be broadcast live, but will be recorded and made accessible to the public for viewing the following day.
Listening Session Number 1.mp4SPS Joined Baylor Hunger and Poverty Collaborative Project to Deliver 34,900 Meals During Pandemic
Dec 1, 2020WACO, Texas (December 1, 2020) – The Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty (BCHP), in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and key public and private organizations, announced that it served more than 38.7 million meals between March and August to more than 270,000 children impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Emergency Meals-to-You (eMTY) program.
298 Stillwater children from 116 families were served by the BCHP program from May -June, 2020. Stillwater Nutrition Services served 194,000 meals, and the Baylor eMTY program provided an additional 34,900 meals to Stillwater children. All meals were distributed at no cost to the family.
The eMTY initiative was an expansion of a regional pilot program that had previously served Texas households in 2019. As part of the federal government’s pandemic response, the USDA asked BCHP to exponentially scale its meal delivery work to meet the needs of children in rural areas nationwide. The Collaborative accepted the challenge and called in key public and private partners to assist, ultimately growing the program from its origins of more than 475,000 meals to 4,000 students in Texas only to serving a total of 38,783,700 meals to 270,483 children in 43 of 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Children in some of the most remote areas of the U.S. received meals, said Jeremy Everett, BCHP executive director.
“In this unprecedented time of so much need, children in rural areas can be among the most vulnerable,” said Jeremy Everett, BCHP executive director. “Without access to school lunch programs, public transportation and other resources, households in some of the country’s hardest hit communities were left scrambling for ways to replace much needed meal resources. BCHP’s collaboration with the USDA and its partners filled that need for more than 127,700 households nationwide as our meal delivery brought resources right to their front door.”
Everett said building strategic public and private partnerships to tackle hunger is key, and BCHP’s previously established partnerships with organizations like McLane Hunger Solutions, PepsiCo’s Food for Good and Chartwells made this rapid response not only possible, but successful.
Krista Neal, Stillwater School Nutrition Services Director said, “Participation in this program was a vital part of our overall efforts to address the serious needs of our district’s families during this pandemic. Our partnership with BCHP on this effort allowed us to reach students and families in ways we never imagined.”
McLane Hunger Solutions, which provided Meals-to-You boxes for BCHP’s Texas program, was eager to launch the emergency program in response to COVID-19. McLane has been a long-time philanthropic supporter of both hunger initiatives and Baylor University.
“When we first heard of COVID-19, no one could have imagined how vast the impact would be on our everyday lives. As school closures spread across the country, this public-private partnership with the USDA, Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, our team at McLane Global and PepsiCo, mobilized rapidly and have responded to so many in need,” said Denton McLane, chairman of McLane Global. “In such a short period of time, we have sourced for, packed and shipped nearly 40 million meals to rural students from Alaska to Florida, Hawaii to New York. The Meals-To-You home delivery program works and is an important example of how innovative solutions can help feed our nation’s children.”
PepsiCo’s Food for Good – another key partner on the rural meal program – has been an invaluable partner to the Baylor Collaborative over the years, Everett said. The PepsiCo Foundation recognized the importance of being able to ramp up the eMTY operation quickly and provided financial support to jumpstart preparations. This dual role as vendor and financial partner ensured a successful start for the program, Everett said.
“PepsiCo’s Food for Good program has been fighting childhood hunger for over 10 years, and we’re proud to bring our logistical expertise and vast resources to our partnership with the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty in the Meals-To-You program,” said Matt Smith, senior director of PepsiCo’s Food for Good program. “By embracing the unique skills and experiences of the public, private and non-profit sectors, Meals-to-You was able to provide millions of nutritious meals to families during this difficult time. We are eager to build off this partnership and continue to tackle childhood hunger together with partners across the country.”
As the program started running, BCHP heard from many other companies interested in providing meals. The team at Chartwells offered a collaboration with a commitment to nutrition and menu variety and the company came on board as the third vendor for the program.
“As a school meal partner to 675 districts across the country, our responsibility is to ensure children’s nutritional needs are not forgotten in the pandemic. In the U.S., nearly 50 percent of school-age children depend on school lunch programs and when schools are closed – or held virtually – six out of seven hungry children don’t get adequate meals,” said Belinda Oakley, CEO of Chartwells K12. “That’s why being a part of the innovative Meals-to-You Program has been so valuable. Times of crisis and uncertainty prompt innovation and collaboration and it’s a privilege to be a part of a groundbreaking program that helps ensure hunger is one thing children don’t have to worry about.”
“While this program provided an immediate lift for summer meal delivery, the work of addressing hunger and poverty in this pandemic crisis is far from over,” Everett said. “The Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty has been passionately working to create partnerships and deliver solutions for more than a decade, and COVID-19 makes that work more crucial than ever. Through our statewide and national focus, BCHP is exploring new pathways, convening strategic partners and finding creative ways to tackle the tough and pervasive topic of hunger. We are deeply appreciative of the partnerships that brought together the unprecedented work of this summer, and are looking ahead at more good work that needs to be done with the support of organizations and individuals united to find ways to end the epidemic of hunger.”
Find more information about the Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty and how to support continued efforts on the BCHP website. The Baylor Collaborative’s Hunger Data Lab has also launched an interactive website with national Emergency Meals-to-You service data. For more information and to explore this tool, visit the Hunger Data Lab website.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
Atkins Named OCIE Teacher of the Year
November 17, 2020Stillwater High School’s Rusty Atkins has been selected as the 2020 Oklahoma Council for Indian Education’s (OCIE) Teacher of the Year. for his “years of advocacy and dedication within the state of Oklahoma for Native American students.”
“I am humbled and honored to have been nominated as the OCIE Native Teacher of the Year,” said Atkins. “It is my pleasure to represent all native educators, and my hope and prayer is for continued growth and prosperity for all native people.”
Atkins will formally receive the award during the 41st Annual OCIE Conference which will be held virtually in December.
“Mr. Atkins is an exceptional teacher and coach,” said Stillwater High School Principal Uwe Gordon. “I've only ever seen great respect from his students and athletes. He also takes great pride in his ancestry and heritage. It is an honor to work with him.”
About Oklahoma Council for Indian Education: “The mission of the OCIE is to advocate within the state of Oklahoma for Native American students. OCIE will share effective educational strategies that will address the unique cultural and academic needs of our Native American students. Our guiding principles are to promote Indian education at all levels of learning, expand cultural awareness, and collaborate with other organizations to the benefit of Oklahoma Indian students. OCIE’s vision is to be the catalyst for the highest quality of education to inspire outstanding success of Native American students and to respect Native tribal diversity.”
National Runaway Prevention Month
November 2020From Payne County Youth Services:
"You are invited to participate in an important and unique awareness event, one which is designed to spotlight the critical needs of some of our most vulnerable children, youth, and young adults.
"Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) live in unsafe and unstable environments that place them at high risk of victimization from assault, sexual assault and exploitation, mental and physical illness, educational and vocational challenges, suicide, human trafficking and more. The incidence of RHY in our cities, towns and rural areas is at an epidemic level and is a major focus of federal legislation, funding, statute, and programming. Many runaways and homeless youth, some as young as 6-7 years of age, have experienced significant trauma, abuse, and neglect, leaving them without adequate support or permanent connections. PCYS serves these youth every day.
"November is National Runaway Prevention Month and November 17, 2020, is Light the Night – when Youth service agencies, community groups, and individuals across the country host candlelight vigils to “Shine a Light” on these issues and show solidarity with youth in crisis.
"Please help us light Payne County in green lights to bring awareness to this issue and to show our children, youth, and young adults that we support them and want them to find their way home. PCYS provides many programs to support RHY, partially funded by the federal Department of Health and Human Services grants as well as state funds and local donations.
"PCYS can assist you with your green light by providing green light bulbs or heat resistant cellophane (in limited supplies) for floodlights (really easy for up-lights) and in some cases, we can provide volunteers to help change out or cover your bulbs. We want to encourage this awareness for businesses and homes alike.
"PCYS will also host a candlelight vigil and Poetry Slam at Couch Park from 7:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.
"Please contact us ASAP at 405-377-3380 should you need assistance with green lighting.
"Let’s Shine a Light together for our kids!"
Board of Education Appoints New Member
October 30, 2020(Stillwater, Oklahoma) The Stillwater Board of Education has announced that Tanya Massey has been appointed to fill the recently vacated Ward 3 School Board seat. Massey was selected from five applicants for the vacant position in a special Board of Education meeting on October 29.
“In my job at Oklahoma State I have to deal in logistics for occupancy, move in and staffing; I think that experience will serve the district well in finding solutions to the issues Stillwater faces. If I’m going to be a concerned parent working with my kids' on their education, I have to also be willing to put in the time to make it better,” said Massey, when asked why she applied.
Massey hopes to use her time on the Board to help pull together the different constituents of the Stillwater community. “There are three basic groups the Stillwater Public Schools serves - students, families, and district staff. I’d like to see how we can utilize those groups working together to create the best experience possible for all involved.”
Beyond the pandemic Massey says she sees budgets and facilities as top concerns. “We’re going to run out of space, and have already really, at some of the elementaries. Budget is also going to be a concern for the foreseeable future in light of the current economic climate.”
A graduate of Pendleton High School in Pendleton, South Carolina, Massey received her Bachelors in Horticulture and Masters of Education in Counseling and Guidance from Clemson University in 1999, 2002. Along with husband Josh Massey, she has called Stillwater home for 14 years. Their three children, high school junior Garrett, middle schooler Wiley, and third grader Gracie have all attended Skyline Elementary. Massey currently serves as Assistant Director of Residential Living at Oklahoma State University.
“We were so impressed with the entire pool of candidates,” said Board President Dr. Camille DeYong. “It was a tough decision, but we feel Tanya will bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the board. We are all looking forward to working with her.”
Massey will be sworn in at the November 10 Board of Education meeting.
Board of Education Reviews Applicants
October 28, 2020(Stillwater, Oklahoma) The Stillwater Board of Education has begun review of applicants to be considered as replacements for the recently vacated Ward 3 School Board seat.
Ward 3 residents Collett Campbell, Tanya Massey, Bryan McNeil, Tracy Davis O’Connell, and Chris Richards submitted applications for the Board’s consideration.
"We appreciate these five community members stepping up and applying for the opening,” said Board of Education President Camille DeYong. “This has been a turbulent year, to say the least, and the fact that they are willing to serve our community under these circumstances says a lot about their character and dedication to Stillwater.”
The Board of Education will conduct interviews and name an appointee at a special 5:30 p.m. meeting on October 29. The new member will be sworn in at a future meeting.
Richmond Elementary First Grade Teacher Ginger Billman named finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year
October 22, 2020(Stillwater, Oklahoma) Richmond Elementary School First Grade Teacher Ginger Billman has been named one of twelve finalists for the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
Billman was named Stillwater Public Schools Teacher of the Year in May, qualifying her to be considered for the state level honor. All finalists were named teachers of the year for their districts and selected by a panel of educators, legislators, and community members after review of their application packets.
Billman has been an educator for 27 years. She has taught Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades and Special Education K-5 in Oklahoma City, Cushing, and Stillwater. Billman is in her 17th year of educating Richmond students. She is also a Great Expectations Instructor and teaches professional development to educators across Oklahoma and other states during the summer.
“This is an amazing honor,” said Billman. “I want to praise God for the strength He gives me to keep going each day. I love working with children every day and creating a love of learning during their early years. I would not be receiving this honor without the many colleagues, mentors, and principals I have worked with during my career. I have learned something from all of them. Each one has helped mold me into the teacher and person I am today.”
Richmond Principal Kendra Rider said, “There's no one more deserving of this honor than Mrs. Billman. She exemplifies an outstanding teacher. The level of excellence in everything she does is amazing. She makes every student feel acknowledged and special and develops strong relationships with them and their families.”
“Ginger is an outstanding example of the quality teaching that occurs across this district every day,” Stillwater Superintendent Marc Moore said. “But as wonderful as all the dedicated educators of Stillwater are, it’s obvious there’s something extra special about our Teacher of the Year Ginger Billman.”
The 2021 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be named in February. Beginning July 1, the honoree will begin Teacher of the Year duties, including public speaking engagements and serving as an ambassador for Oklahoma’s teachers and an advocate for the profession.
“These tremendous 12 finalists reflect the best of Oklahoma’s classroom teachers,” said State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister. “Not only do these teachers use innovative instructional strategies, but they also place great emphasis on creating meaningful relationships with students and families. All have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the success of each of their students and are highly deserving of this honor.”
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OSDE Press Release: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/OKSDE/bulletins/2a748d4?fbclid=IwAR22_tnUDdLRh3dVcXUm1k_xJus68BTnEIrIGJSvVrqEEKBZBdWfcUrkViQ
Board of Education Announces Application Process for Ward 3 Seat
October 16, 2020The Stillwater Board of Education accepted Mitsi Andrew’s resignation and declared a vacancy for the War 3 seat at an October 13 board meeting. The Board will accept applications from Ward 3 residents interested in filling the seat from October 15-28 at 5:00 p.m.
The Board will interview candidates at a special board meeting on Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. and will appoint a new member to the Ward 3 seat prior to its November 10 regular meeting.
The present term for Ward 3 commenced in February 2018 and expires in 2023. With this seat vacated during the last half of the five-year term, the newly appointed member will serve the remainder of the term, ending in April 2023.
Ward 3 residents can download the application at http://sps.blue/boardapp. Applications must be received by October 28 at 5:00 p.m. Those with questions about the application process should contact Annette Jones at 405.533.6300.
Sangre Ridge PE Teacher selected for CDC program
October 14, 2020(Stillwater, Oklahoma) Project SWITCH has selected Sange Ridge Elementary School Physical Education Teacher, Sarah Ehrlich as one of sixteen physical educators in the state to participate in the CDC leadership program, with the goal of assisting schools across the nation in adjusting to the challenges of COVID-19.
Ehrlich joins Stillwater Public Schools Nurse David Coates, announced earlier this month, on the project.
According to Shana Classen, Director of Health and Physical Education, Oklahoma State Department of Education, Project SWITCH (Strengthening Wellness and Improving Teachers and Children’s Health) is a one-year supplemental program from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that seeks to provide training and assistance to schools on the implementation of the CDC’s COVID-19 guidance in the areas of physical activity, chronic disease management, social emotional climate, nutrition services, and supporting high risk/vulnerable populations.
As part of the project, Mrs. Ehrlich will be assigned to a region of the state and attend monthly meetings and additional trainings. Mrs. Ehrlich will conduct virtual Communities of Practice meetings with her peers across the state to share CDC information and support individual professionals at other schools in the region.
SPEF Launches "True Blue Stillwater" Campaign
October 13, 2020SPEF launches "True Blue Stillwater" campaign! The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all areas of our lives and that includes SPEF's fundraising opportunities. Funds raised from "True Blue Stillwater" will help SPEF continue its important mission of providing additional resources, materials, curriculum, technology, etc. to benefit the teachers & students of Stillwater Public Schools! Visit the website for more info or to make a donation today!
http://www.spef.stillwaterschools.com/campaigns/true-blue-stillwater/
Fall Break Announcements
October 13, 2020Fall Break is this Thursday and Friday. Below are a few items for your consideration.
Travel considerations
If you travel over Fall Break or during the upcoming holidays, please remember to take steps to control the spread of COVID-19 to protect yourself and others.
Wear a mask, keeping your nose and mouth covered when in public settings.
Maintain at least 6 feet from anyone who is not from your household.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Be sure to check your destination’s current requirements and restrictions so you know what to expect when you arrive. Remember you or your travel companions may not be exhibiting any symptoms but could still have and spread the virus. The CDC has a robust set of travel recommendations and resources at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
Meals
Grab & Go Meal service will operate on Wednesday, October 14.
9-9:30am - Lincoln Academy
9-10am - Richmond, Skyline, Westwood, HS
11-11:30am - SJHS
11am-12pm - Sangre Ridge
11:30am-12:30pm - SMS
12-1pm - Highland Park, Will Rogers
There will be no meal service on October 15th or 16th.
Returning from Break
When we return from Fall Break, we will resume the alternate (A/B) schedule for one more week, October 19-23.
Beginning the week October 26-30, SPS’s Safety Protocols will be adjusted as outlined here.
Green, Yellow, and Orange-1 COVID-19 alert levels: in-person instruction
Orange-2 level: alternate (A/B) schedule
Red level: distance learning
Have a great and safe break!
Stillwater Public Schools
U.S. Grant at Stillwater Football Game Cancelled
October 8, 2020Due to limited team numbers as a result of the pandemic, U.S. Grant High School will be unable to participate in Friday’s scheduled football game against the Stillwater Pioneers. The Stillwater/U.S. Grant match up will not be able to be rescheduled. Despite efforts to host a game, Stillwater has been unable to find a replacement opponent for this week. Stillwater’s Senior Night will be rescheduled to November 6.
SPS Nurse selected for CDC program
October 1, 2020Project SWITCH has selected Stillwater Public Schools School Nurse David Coates to be one of ten school nurses in the state to participate in a CDC leadership program designed to assist schools in adjusting to the challenges of COVID-19.
According to Beverly Burk, RN, President of the School Nurse Organization of Oklahoma, Project SWITCH (Strengthening Wellness and Improving Teachers and Children’s Health) is a one-year supplemental program from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) with the goal of providing training and assistance to schools on the implementation of the CDC’s COVID-19 school-based guidance in the areas of physical activity, chronic disease management, social emotional climate, nutrition services, and supporting high risk/vulnerable populations.
As part of the project, Coates will attend monthly meetings and receive additional trainings. A region of the state will be assigned to each member of Project SWITCH, and nurses like Coates will conduct virtual Communities of Practice meetings to disseminate CDC information and provide professional support to individuals at other schools in the region.
ACT Testing
September 30, 2020Stillwater High School is communicating with parents of students who will be juniors during the 2020-21 school year.
Our school district plans to administer the ACT® test in spring 2021 to eligible juniors as part of the state contract with the Oklahoma State Department of Education and ACT.
Last year over 95% of Oklahoma schools selected to administer the ACT. Our district believes this is an excellent opportunity for all eligible juniors to take the ACT at no cost to them or their families.
Additional information on why we chose the ACT can be found at: 8 Reasons to Choose the ACT Test.
Should you have any questions/comments, please contact me at ugordon@stillwaterschools.com.
Respectfully,
Uwe Gordon
Principal
Stillwater High School
Orange Shirt Day
September 30, 2020Wednesday, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a day to remember and honour indigenous children who attended residential schools. Orange Shirt Day was started in 2013 in British Columbia, Canada by Phyllis Jack Webstad who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at the St. Joseph Mission Residential School when she was six years old in 1973, the same year the last residential school for Native Americans closed in the United States.
We invite you to join SPS Indian Education as we honor residential school survivors, who very much still live among us, and those who never came home by wearing orange on Wednesday, September 30.
Academy Sports + Outdoors donates to PE programs
September 24, 2020Thank you to Academy Sports + Outdoors for donating $2,000 to Stillwater Public Schools Physical Education programs this week!
“We value our public schools so much and are happy to provide this support for the programs that work to help our kids stay active, healthy, and happy,” said Stillwater Store Director Taylor Long.
Additionally, Academy is offering Stillwater Public Schools employees 10% off in-store and online until September 30. For details, visit: https://www.academy.com/teachers.
Stillwater Board of Education President Resigning
September 23, 2020(Stillwater, Oklahoma) The President of the Stillwater Board of Education Mitsi Andrews has tendered her resignation from the Board.
Andrews was first elected to the board in 2018. She has served on both the Policy Committee and Long Range Planning Committee, as Vice President and President, and wrote the school board handbook.
“I want to thank Superintendent Moore, the SPS administrators, teachers and staff of Stillwater Public Schools,” said Andrews. “I cannot say it enough...I was so proud to serve alongside you. I love this district. I love the people working in it.”
The School Board will accept Mitsi Andrew’s resignation at its next special or regular board meeting and declare a vacancy for Seat 3. Since the vacancy occurred during the last half of the term, the remaining members of the board shall appoint a qualified individual to fill the office. The appointed member may serve the remainder of the term, ending in April 2023.
Stillwater community members residing in Ward 3 (http://sps.blue/boardapp) may apply for the open seat once the school board determines the timeline for the selection process. Those with questions about the application process should contact Annette Jones at 405.533.6300.
"I want to thank Mitsi for her exemplary service to this district,” said Superintendent Moore. “This year has been a challenging one, filled with long board meetings, stressful decisions, and a lot of controversial issues. Mitsi’s contributions, leadership, and unwavering concern for SPS staff and students will be missed.”
Stillwater FFA hosts Cans For Community Race
September 22, 2020Stillwater FFA Hosts Cans For Community Race
(Stillwater, Oklahoma) Stillwater FFA’s Third Annual Cans for Community 5K Race will look a little different this year.
“Due to COVID-19, we are moving our run to a virtual event,” said FFA Sponsor Robby Branscum. “Participants will have from October 26 to November 12 to complete a 5K run. They can then submit finish line photos and run times to me. We’ll post the results on the Stillwater FFA Website on November 14.”
This year, the “fee” for participation will be 20 canned goods, though larger donations are welcome. All donations go to assist the Stillwater Salvation Army in assembling Thanksgiving Baskets for the families of Stillwater.
“With 35% of Stillwater living below the poverty line and the financial impact of the pandemic on our community, the need to host this event and gather donations has never been greater,” says Branscum. “We have set a goal of 3,000 canned food items this year.”
Registrants will receive a race t-shirt, medal, and be eligible for prizes in the following categories: Best Finish Line Photo, Most Cans Donated, Best Times (male/female), and several random drawing door prizes. The prizes for Most Cans Donated and Best Finish Line Photo will be $100 gift cards to local Stillwater businesses.
The event is open to everyone in the community. To register, visit https://sps.blue/ffa5k or contact Robby Branscum at rbranscum@stillwaterschools.com for more information. Participants must sign up by October 1 to receive a t-shirt and medal, but additional registrations will be accepted until October 15.
Alternate (A/B) Schedule
September 22, 2020SPS Parents and Guardians,
After last Thursday’s Board of Education meeting where the board voted to implement a blended learning model for students, Stillwater Public Schools developed an alternate (A/B) schedule to increase the time students have in a traditional classroom setting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
All students enrolled in Traditional Learning will be divided into two groups, A and B. As a general rule group A will consist of students whose last names begin A-L, while group B will consist of students whose last names begin M-Z. Individual classes may have an uneven distribution of names, so some adjustments may need to be made. Schools will work with parents to ensure all children from a family are on a schedule that works for that family. During alternate (A/B) schedule weeks, students enrolled in Traditional Learning will attend in-person two days with the other three school days consisting of Distance Learning. Parent/guardian and staff/teacher feedback identified “AA BB D” as the preferred schedule (by both groups) with Friday being a shared “distance day.”
This alternate (A/B) schedule will be followed from September 28 until October 24. However, if Payne County is designated “red” for the week under the OSDE Safety Protocols, all students enrolled in Traditional Learning will receive instruction via Distance Learning.
By noon on Wednesday, you should hear from your school site with your group assignment. If you have not received your group A or B designation by that time or need to make adjustments to your group, please contact your school site(s).
The Back to School website will be updated to reflect these protocols. You will receive additional information via email later this week about:
Meals
Checked out devices
Transportation
In summary:
Expect an email from your school soon
The SPS Back to School section of the website will be updated with all new information as its is available
Details about transportation, meals, and checked out devices will be sent later this week
Please direct specific questions to your teacher(s) or school
All other safety protocols adopted by the district will remain in effect. We look forward to seeing your students soon!
Thank you,
Barry Fuxa
Public Relations and Communications Coordinator
Stillwater Public Schools
Revised Safety Protocols
September 17, 2020Parents and Guardians,
As you know, this year is unlike any year we have ever lived through. The SPS Board and I have been working to make the best decisions we can with the information and guidance available to us. We know no decision during this pandemic will please everyone. But, that does not mean that I, nor the board, make any decision without careful thought and considerable research. Every action we take for our students is judiciously considered and thought over by a team of administrators and health care professionals, including representatives from the State Health Department, Stillwater Medical Center, Payne County Health Department, and local health professionals and physicians.
Stillwater is consistently showing up as one of the nation’s highest rates of COVID-19 spread, resulting in high levels of positive cases. While no playbook exists for how to react under these conditions, we have been working with district administrators to revise our safety protocols in an effort to better balance safety with student academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being.
At tonight’s meeting the Stillwater Board of Education voted to approve revised safety protocols. These plans will provide greater consistency in instruction, moving us to an A/B schedule for four weeks on September 28, assuming Stillwater remains at or below the Orange 2 level of the Covid Alert System. The safety protocols will adjust on October 25, provided it’s safe to do so. The full protocols can be found at:
During the week of September 21-25, district staff will prepare details for the implementation of our A/B schedule, including, transportation, meal service, 504s & Individualized Education Plans, and athletics & extracurriculars. Additional information will be released as soon as it is available.
In an effort to increase community awareness on how the pandemic is affecting SPS, we will publish a COVID-19 dashboard this Friday on our website listing current and cumulative cases in the district. This dashboard will be updated each Friday.
This pandemic has been hard on the entire community. I have faith that Stillwater will get through this pandemic, and ultimately the sounds of laughter and learning in our classrooms and cheers from our stands will help bring our town back together as one.
Thank you for your kindness, grace, and understanding.
Marc Moore
Superintendent
Stillwater Public Schools Cancels Athletic Events
September 14, 2020(Stillwater, Oklahoma) In accordance with its safety protocols Stillwater Public Schools has cancelled all athletic and extracurricular events from September 13-19.
Payne County is currently designated in the Red Level based on the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s School Safety Protocols with an average of 58.17 daily new cases per 100,000 people. Health officials have indicated much concern about the spread of coronavirus in the Stillwater community and recommend the community continue to make efforts to bring infection rates down to allow for safe participation in athletics and extracurricular activities.
Stillwater Athletics will work to reschedule district games, but some non-district games, including the football game against Bixby, are not likely to be rescheduled.
Stillwater Public Schools Expands Meal Service
September 8, 2020(Stillwater, Oklahoma) All Stillwater children are now able to receive free breakfasts and lunches from Stillwater Public Schools (SPS) regardless of school enrollment or income status. This temporary program is made possible through the receipt of additional funding from the United States Department of Agriculture. The program is scheduled to run from September 8 to December 18, contingent upon available funding.
Free meals are available for not only all SPS students but for all children ages 1-18, regardless of free or reduced lunch status. Meals can be picked up each day by a parent or guardian; the child does not need to be present. One breakfast and one lunch per child will be given each day.
Meals will be available for curbside pickup for all children daily at the following locations and times:
○ 9:00 am -10:00 am Skyline and Westwood
○ 11:00 am -12:00 pm Lincoln Academy, Richmond, Sangre Ridge, and Stillwater High School
○ 12:00 pm -1:00 pm Highland Park, Will Rogers, Stillwater Middle School, and Stillwater Junior High
When the COVID-19 Alert Level lessens and SPS transitions back to face to face instruction, SPS students in Traditional Learning will receive meals during their regular school mealtimes, while Virtual Learning students, and the other children of Stillwater, will continue to have access to school lunches as the times and locations listed above.
SPS Nutrition Services asks that families sign up weekly for meals at https://sps.blue/ns2020 to help staff prepare appropriate quantities. Families can also call the school kitchen to order meals. Families with students at multiple schools should choose one site to pick-up all meals.
To assist SPS Nutrition Services cooperation with the USDA, all families, regardless of income level, should complete a 2020-2021 Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application at www.schoolcafe.com. A new application is required every year for each family in the district. Families should list all students attending SPS, regardless of whether they are participating in Traditional, Distance, or Virtual Education.
Questions should be directed to the Stillwater School Nutrition Services Department at 405-533-6445 or nutrition@stillwaterschools.com.
The Pandemic-EBT or P-EBT benefits program is administered by Oklahoma Department of Human Services. P-EBT questions should be directed to DHS.
The Book Bus is rolling out during Distance Learning!
September 8, 2020The Book Bus is rolling out during Distance Learning!
Starting today (Tuesday September 8) SPS students can visit the Book Bus to check out (or return on future visits) some fun and educational reading material at its stops around town. One family will be allowed on the bus at a time, and everyone must wear face coverings.
TUESDAYS
10:30am-11:15am High School
11:30am-12:30pm Junior High/Skyline
12:45pm-1:30pm Richmond
1:45pm-2:30pm Highland Park
THURSDAYS
9:45am-10:30pm Lincoln
10:45am-11:30am Middle School
12:00pm-12:45pm Sangre
1:00pm-1:45pm Westwood
2:00pm-2:45pm Will Rogers
Additional options for checking out books during Distance Learning may be available to your student; contact your school for details.
Board of Education Meeting Virtually
Press Release - September 4, 2020(Stillwater, Oklahoma) The Stillwater Board of Education has announced its regular September meeting will take place entirely virtually.
With Payne County being at an elevated COVID-19 alert level next week and expecting greater than normal participation from the public, Board President Mitsi Andrews recommended that the meeting be moved online.
“We expect that we’ll have a large number of people wanting to speak to the board at this meeting,” said Andrews. “Having a large gathering in the limited space of our boardroom during elevated risk levels is counter to our efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.”
The board considered hosting the event at the Stillwater Middle School gymnasium, but ultimately decided against the option. “With the level of technology required to successfully broadcast the seven standard attendees and additional guest speakers, we felt it best to transition to the web based meeting rather than risk technical difficulties in delivering the meeting to the hundreds of viewers that typically watch our meetings,” Andrews explained.
At the meeting the Board will swear in a new member to fill the vacant Ward 5 Board Seat, conduct normal monthly business, receive updates from district administrators, and hear comments from the public.
“I want to be clear that we are hosting the meeting virtually in order to hear from the largest number of people possible,” Andrews said. “The Board of Education relies on feedback and input from the parents and teachers of Stillwater, and I want to encourage people to speak up during the public comments.”
The Board will listen to all speakers virtually, holding each speaker to a three minute time limit. Those interested in speaking should download the Request to Address the Board of Education form at https://sps.blue/publiccomments and submit the completed form to Annette Jones (annettejones@stillwaterschools.com), Secretary to the Board of Education. Speakers will receive a link to join the virtual meeting and additional details about how to participate. Those with questions about the process should call 405-533-6300.
The Board’s regular meeting is scheduled for September 8 at 6:30pm and is viewable www.stillwaterschools.com.
Board of Education Appoints New Member
Press Release - September 4, 2020(Stillwater, Oklahoma) The Stillwater Board of Education has announced that Dr. Stephen Hallgren has been appointed to fill the recently vacated Ward 5 School Board seat.
“To say this year has been challenging would be a monumental understatement,” said Board President Mitsi Andrews. “It says a lot about the character of all of the applicants that they would volunteer to be considered during these trying times. Dr. Hallgren clearly has a commitment to this district.”
“My enthusiasm and desire to serve on the board has not waned,” said Hallgren, “But I will admit to some apprehension, as I recognize this pandemic as one of the greatest challenges the school district has ever had to face.”
Hallgren said that crises can cause organizations to focus intensely on things that might otherwise have been lower priority. “Strange as it sounds, maybe we’ll be a better, stronger district when this is over. For example, in my time teaching at OSU, I learned that many students, sometimes those that have hung back and been hard to reach, responded really well to virtual learning platforms. I think we’ll better understand technology and its limitations and how and when to use it.”
During his time on the board Hallgren hopes to focus on reinforcing and increasing the transparency of the board operations. “When it’s possible again, I want to visit the schools across the district regularly and connect with parents, students, and teachers to understand their perspective and better reflect their wishes as a board member.”
“I am looking forward to working with Dr. Hallgren,” said Dr. Marc Moore, Superintendent of Stillwater Public Schools. “His years of experience as an educator, and as a parent of Stillwater students will make him a valuable member of the Board.”
Hallgren received his Ph.D. in Forest Biology from University of California, Berkeley, an M.S. in Forest Ecology from Oregon State University, and a B.S. in Forest Science from the University of Minnesota. He graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville, Minnesota. He has called Stillwater home for 30 years. He and his wife Gerry Auel raised three Westwood Eagles, Katy, Maggie, William, all of whom are now SHS Alumni.
Hallgren will be sworn in at the September 8 Board of Education meeting.
Friday's Football Game
Superintendent Message - September 3, 2020Attention Pioneer Football Fans;
As of this afternoon, the Stillwater vs. Edmond Santa Fe football game is sold out. Thank you to everyone who pre-purchased tickets via our Athletic Department.
Please note, that “sold out” does not mean that the stadium will be filled to its standard capacity. As much as we would like to welcome every fan back to Pioneer Stadium, due to heightened COVID-19 alert levels, which are projected to further increase tomorrow, ticket sales were limited to help ensure that social distancing will be possible at the event.
If you have purchased a ticket and decide not to redeem it, an automatic refund will be applied. Any non-redeemed tickets will not be resold.
To further ensure social distancing:
No pre or post game gatherings will be allowed.
Every other row will be left vacant, and visitor groups are expected to distance from each other by at least 6 feet.
The entire lower level of home side seating will be reserved as the High School Student Section.
There will be no Middle School or Junior High Sections.
These students will be expected to remain in the stands with their families.
Any students that are dropped off without adult supervision will be expected to contact someone to pick them up.
If a ticket was purchased for SMS or SJHS students without an accompanying adult ticket, you will receive an automatic refund by not redeeming that ticket.
No OSSAA or OCA passes will be accepted at the gate.
Additional safety measures that will be in effect at Friday’s game include:
Spectators are expected to self monitor for symptoms using these guidelines (https://drive.google.com/file/d/16PVMvl-QurBKIGQ6D3sLU8eSqOm-70rW/preview) before attending. If you are exhibiting symptoms, please stay home.
Masks will be required for all attendees for the duration of the event.
Concession sales will be limited to prepackaged items only.
Pioneer Fans may be asked to seat themselves on the visitor side.
Full Spectator Expectations can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T9yiLMkqll2c4WUxsFQEt1L5jTxhxymI/preview
Those unable to attend the game are invited to watch via livestream at https://livestream.com/accounts/5127255 or KWEM-TV 31 or listen at 101.1 KVRO-FM.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Stillwater community and your support of Pioneer Football.
Go Pioneers!
Marc Moore
Superintendent
Stillwater Public Schools
Stillwater Board of Education Seeks to Fill Vacant Seat
Press Release - August 27, 2020(Stillwater, Oklahoma) The Stillwater Board of Education has initiated the process to fill the seat for Ward 5, formerly held by Ashley Moore. The boundary for Ward 5 is as follows:
Beginning where the Stillwater Creek crosses 6th/Hwy 51 the boundary follows the Stillwater Creek north to McElroy; thence east on McElroy, south on Western, east on Admiral, east on Monticello, north on Cleveland, and east on Drummond to Monroe; thence south on Monroe, east on University, north on Knoblock, east on Mathews, and north on Duck to McElroy; thence east on McElroy, south on Boomer/Main, and east on 6th/Hwy 51 to Perkins Rd; thence south on Perkins Rd, west on 14th, north on Boomer/Main, and west on 12th to Gray; thence north on Gray, east on 7th, north on Adams, and west on 6th/Hwy 51 to the Stillwater Creek where this description begins. This is the only “landlocked” ward.
"I appreciate all the people who have stepped up and submitted an application so far for the Ward 5 School Board seat,” said Board of Education President Mitsi Andrews. “The School Board has dealt with some very challenging items this year, and it says a lot that they applied to fill the vacant seat. Thank you goes out to each of them for their willingness to serve on the SPS School Board!"
Any patrons residing in Ward 5 interested in being considered to fill the vacant position are required to return a completed application for the position to the secretary of the Board of Education by 5:00 p.m. on September 2, 2020. The Board of Education will conduct interviews at a special meeting on September 3. The Board of Education may reserve time to deliberate prior to making a final selection.
Patrons who would like to learn more about the application process should call Annette Jones, Secretary to the Board of Education, at 533-6300. The application is available online at www.stillwaterschools.com/SchoolBoard/Information.
Stillwater Teacher Selected for National History Day Summer Webinar Series
Press Release - August 11, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ms. Jennifer Eckel, a teacher at Stillwater Junior High School in Stillwater, Oklahoma, is one of only 98 teachers selected for a National History Day® (NHD) summer professional development program. This new course focuses on using online Library of Congress resources to develop and support historical arguments and is a feature of NHD’s membership in the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Consortium. Over the course of the series, Ms. Eckel has explored digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress, engaged in four live webinar programs and discussions with fellow educators from across the country, and developed resources to use with students in her classroom.
The National History Day program in Oklahoma selected Ms. Eckel. NHD affiliates include all 50 states and the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and international school programs in China, South Asia, and South Korea.
“As a TPS Consortium member, we are thrilled to utilize the vast array of digitized primary sources made available online by the Library of Congress,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “At the conclusion of this course, Ms. Eckel will be able to share with her students the key strategies for researching, supporting, and presenting historical arguments backed up by these primary sources. This is a crucial skill in teaching and learning good history, and is especially valuable now when so many students and teachers across the
country are engaged in remote learning due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
As one of the selected teachers, Ms. Eckel receives free tuition, graduate credits, and materials for the online program.
About National History Day® (NHD)
NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, which seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. The National History Day Contest was established in 1974 and currently engages more than half a million students every year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. Students present their research as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Projects compete first at the local and affiliate levels, where the top entries are invited to the National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD is sponsored in part by HISTORY®, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Park Service, Southwest Airlines, The Better Angels Society, Jacqueline B. Mars, and BBVA. For more information, visit www.nhd.org.
About the Oklahoma History Center:
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.