Bartlesville Public School District’s Weekly Email Newsletter

Leaders Bruins Volume 6, Number 8...Friday, Sept. 30, 2011...www.bps-ok.org Education

The Bruin

District taking offers for McKinley, Oak Park properties Offers are now being accepted from those who are interested in purchasing the Bartlesville Public School District’s McKinley and Oak Park properties. The Bartlesville Board of Education voted to declare the properties as surplus and offer them for sale by sealed bid during a regular meeting on June 30 at the Education Service Center. PROPERTIES - Continued to Page 12

BPSD’s beloved teacher Downing passes away A family and consumer sciences instructor at both Central and Madison middle schools, Regina Downing passed away on Tuesday. Regina has been a member of Regina Downing the Bartlesville Public School District family since August of 2005,

An estimated 30 adult mentors were on hand for the kickoff luncheon for this year’s PEBBLES (Positive Eagle Buddies Building Lasting Educational Success) program on Monday at Jane Phillips Elementary School.

PEBBLES rolls on Now in its sixth year, mentoring program continues to make positive impact at Jane Phillips Elementary School

The library at Jane Philips Elementary drew a crowd on Monday as mentors and students gathered for a special kickoff luncheon for the school’s PEBBLES program. PEBBLES is a mentoring program which originated at Jane Phillips DOWNING - Continued to Page 13 six years ago as officials worked to

get more positive adult role models into the building to work with students. The PEBBLES acronym stands for “Positive Eagle Buddies Building Lasting Educational Success.” Monday’s kickoff luncheon, which featured pizza, salad, pop and PEBBLES - Continued to Page 11

Mark Cusick is congratulated by Dr. Gary W. Quinn, the superintendent of the Bartlesville Public School District, after receiving his diploma on Sunday during the Bartlesville Adult Learning Center’s 2011 GED Graduation Ceremony in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the Bartlesville High School campus.

BALC’s 2011 GED graduates honored during annual ceremony on Sunday Dressed in their traditional commencement caps and gowns, eighteen people collected their diplomas during the Bartlesville Adult Learning Center’s 2011 GED Graduation Ceremony on Sunday in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the Bartlesville High School campus. The annual ceremony, which is free and open to the public, gave the graduates and their families an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishment. Joan Judd, the BALC’s chief GED examiner, presented the class while Dr. Gary W. Quinn, the Bartlesville Public School District superintendent, and Trudy Green, the BPSD’s director of federal programs, offered comments from the podium on the Fine Arts Center auditorium stage. “This degree,” said Quinn, addressing the graduates, “is going to mean something special to you from now on.” More than 100 graduates earned their GED diplomas during the 2010-11 academic year, making them eligible to take part in Sunday’s ceremony. However, after earning their GED diploma, which is the equivalent of a high school diploma, many graduates immediately

go on to work, sometimes outside of the area. Those who were in attendance at Sunday’s ceremony got to take in the traditional strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduates entered the Fine Arts Center auditorium. Hannah Rummel, a BALC staff member who earned her GED, offered alumni comments while Callie Wilson served as the featured speaker for the event. Wilson, who earned her GED diploma in 2003 and went on to earn a degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, now serves as an inventory accounting analyst with ConocoPhillips. “I’m very glad that each of you has earned your GED diploma,” said Wilson, addressing the graduates from the podium. “Now, I hope you will continue your education. “This GED diploma is a big step, but there is so much left to do.” Toward the end of Sunday’s ceremony, a video presentation entitled “Why Nothing is Impossible” was displayed. It helped to make the case that seemingly ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things. GRADUATES - Continued to Page 13

Several institutions expected to be represented at 2011 BHS College Fair Annual event scheduled to take place Tuesday evening at Fine Arts Center More than 40 universities and other organizations are expected to be represented on Tuesday evening during the 2011 Bartlesville High School College Fair. An annual event tailored to allow students and their families to interact with representatives from area colleges and universities and gain information, the 2011 BHS College Fair is scheduled to take place in the Fine Arts Center on the BHS campus from 5-7 p.m. It’s a free event, and all of those who are interested are invited to attend. “We encourage students from the ninth through the 12th grades to come to this event because it allows them to start collecting information and asking questions concerning colleges and universities,” says Marsha Fouts, the

college and career counselor at BHS who is coordinating the fair. “It allows them to gain insight as they begin making decisions as to which institution they’d like to attend.” The fair features tables for each college and university that is represented at the fair. They are set up on the upper and lower levels of the Fine Arts Center lobby in alphabetical order. Thus, those who attend the fair can enter through the main entrance of the Fine Arts Center and then weave through the upper and lower levels of the lobby, stopping to talk representatives of the colleges and universities that they are interested in. The tables for the institutions which typically draw the biggest crowds at the annual fair – such as the University of Oklahoma

and Oklahoma State University – will be situated on upper level of the Fine Arts Center lobby. Among the other institutions which are expected to be represented at this year’s fair include the University of Iowa, the University of Arkansas and the University of Tulsa. Local institutions which are slated to be represented include Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Rogers State University. At the fair, the tables for the represented institutions typically include brochures and other information for the particular college or university. In addition, the representatives who man the tables are from their respective institutions and are therefore able to give detailed information to the students and parents with who they interact at the fair. Also on hand at this year’s fair will be representatives from the FAIR - Continued to Page 13

2011 Bartlesville High School College Fair: List of Schools and Organizations 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.

Air Force Community College Bacone College (Muskogee) Baker University (Baldwin City, Kansas) Bethany College (Bethany) Clary Sage College (Tulsa) Colorado School of Mines (Golden, Colorado) Community Care College (Tulsa) Cottey College (Nevada, Missouri) ITT Technical Institute (Tulsa) John Brown University (Siloam Springs, Arkansas) Labette Community College (Parsons, Kansas) Langston University (Langston) League of Women Voters (Bartlesville) Mid-America Christian University (Oklahoma City) Missouri Southern State University (Joplin, Missouri) Newman University (Oklahoma City) Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (Miami) Northeastern State University (Tahlequah) Northern Oklahoma College (Tonkawa) Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Alva) Oklahoma City University (Oklahoma City) Oklahoma College Assistance Program Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education/

24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44.

Student Loans (Oklahoma City) Oklahoma State University (Stillwater) Oklahoma State Army ROTC (Stillwater) OSU Institute of Technology (Okmulgee) Oklahoma State University/Tulsa (Tulsa) Oklahoma Technical College (Tulsa) Oklahoma Wesleyan University (Bartlesville) Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kansas) Rogers State University (Claremore/Bartlesville) Southwestern Christian University (Bethany) Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford) St. Gregory’s University (Shawnee) Tulsa Community College (Tulsa) United States Air Force (Bartlesville) United States Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.) University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, Arkansas) University of Arkansas College of Business (Fayetteville, Arkansas) University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond) University of Iowa (Iowa City) University of Oklahoma (Norman) University of Tulsa (Tulsa) Westminster College (Fulton, Missouri)

Last year, 1,223 students from six schools within the Bartlesville Public School District participated in International Walk to School Day. This year’s event is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 5, and seven BPSD schools are expected to participate.

International Walk to School Day set for Wednesday throughout B’ville Seven BPSD sites scheduled to participate this year For the third straight year, Bartlesville will feature city-wide participation in International Walk to School Day. On Monday evening, during a regular meeting of the Bartlesville City Council, mayor Tom Gorman is expected to issue a proclamation declaring Wednesday, Oct. 5 to be recognized as 2011 International Walk to

School Day. The special day is due to be observed on Oct. 5 in more than 40 countries throughout the world as well. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is inviting schools and communities throughout the Sooner State to take part in this year’s International Walk to School Day. Within Oklahoma, the goal of the event is to showcase the state’s vibrant spirit while also making a point to legislators that a safe walking – and biking – environment to and from schools is important to citizens. WALK - Continued to Page 10

Raffle tickets for $5,000 drawing to benefit Bruin football available Raffle tickets for an upcoming $5,000 cash giveaway are now available. The drawing for the cash giveaway will be made during the Bartlesville High School varsity football game on Thursday, Oct. 20 at Custer Stadium. The contest is

due to kick off at 7:30 p.m. that evening as the Bruins play host to Tulsa Union in a District 6A-4 showdown. All proceeds generated from the raffle will benefit the BHS football program. Raffle tickets are available for $10 apiece and can be pur-

chased from Lisa Kennedy, of the Bruin Quarterback Club. She can be reached via email at [email protected]. The eventual winner of the raffle does not need to be present at the game. The $5,000 cash prize is being donated by Blue Sky Homes, LLC.

OK MOZART Donates Five Clarinets to Central Middle School

As part of its “No Child Clef Behind” program, which supports music programs in area schools, OK MOZART donated five clarinets to Central Middle School earlier today. The “No Child Clef Behind” program is approximately a year old, and through it, OK MOZART has made approximately $16,000 worth of donations. The donation to Central was made possible through the cooperation of the Tulsa-based Saied Music Company, which donated one of the clarinets to OK MOZART and sold the other four at a reduced price. Pictured are (from left) (front row) Central sixth grade students Adam Privett, Zach Saenz, Larry Irwin, Marlene Bustillos and Jaiden Graham, (back row) Bartlesville Public School District supervisor of instrumental music Alex Claussen, chairman of the OK MOZART board of directors Charlie Daniels, OK MOZART executive director Shane Jewell, Central band director Mike Dodson, OK MOZART development director Elizabeth Davis, Saied Music Company manager Mick Meaders and Central principal Ryan Huff.

The Independent Students Support Group held their first luncheon of the new 2011-12 academic year earlier today in the hospitality room on the Bartlesville High School campus. Pictured are (from left) juniors Sammie Chavez, Faith Privett and Eddie Stoltenberg, and Amanda Hendrix, the Bartlesville Public School District’s coordinator for Homeless Education Services. Located at 3425 SE Frank Phillips Blvd. in Bartlesville, Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers supplied a complimentary lunch for the meeting.

Independent Students Support Group Holds First Luncheon of New Year

Photo Special to The Bruin

Among the many attractions which will be offered at the 2011 Hoover Fun Night, which is scheduled to be held on Oct. 8, will be a cake walk.

Hoover Fun Night fundraiser to offer carnival-like entertainment on Oct. 8 The 2011 Hoover Fun Night is set to offer plenty of exciting activities when it unfolds on Saturday, Oct. 8 An annual fundraiser for Hoover Elementary School, the carnival-like event will be held on campus from 5-8 p.m. It will offer a dunk tank, a cake walk, skee ball, a two-liter pop toss and Bingo, among other diversions. There will even be a football watch party. Tickets will be available at the event at a cost of four for a dollar and can be used to take part in all of the exciting games and competitions. Food and beverages will be available at the Hoover

Café, which will offer pizza, nachos and pop among other goodies. The annual Hoover Fun Night is coordinated by the school’s parent-teacher organization. Money generated from the event is used to supplement the school budget in areas such as technology, classroom stipends which teachers can use to purchase materials and other academic activities. Those who would like to learn more about the 2011 Hoover Fun Night can call the school’s main office at 333-9337.

‘Education Support Personnel Week’ to span from Oct. 10-14 “Education Support Personnel Week” will stretch from Oct. 1014 this year throughout Oklahoma following a recent proclamation by Governor Mary Fallin. Also known as classified employees, support personnel serve roles within school districts such as receptionists, bus drivers and cafeteria

workers. Teachers and administrators are considered certified personnel. Following Fallin’s proclamation, the Bartlesville Board of Education is expected to proclaim the week of Oct. 10-14 as “Education Support Personnel Week” throughout the Bartlesville Public School District during its regular meeting on Oct. 6.

The BPSD holds its annual Classified Person of the Year Ceremony every spring. During the district’s 21st annual event, which was held on March 31 at the Bartlesville Community Center, payroll coordinator Mary Ponder was named the BPSD’s 2011 Classified Person of the Year.

Bartlesville Public Library scheduled to hold movie nights focused on vampires, zombies throughout month of October With fall having arrived and Halloween on its way, the Bartlesville Public Library is set to feature a series of scary movies throughout the month of October. The movies, which will feature plenty of zombies and vampires, are scheduled to be held on Thursday evenings on a screen in the library’s upstairs meeting room. The movies are due to begin at 7 p.m. each evening and will be offered to all of those who are interested free of charge. Those who choose to take in the movies are encouraged to bring their own treats – in the form of popcorn, candy and drinks – to enjoy during the showings. Some of the movies which are scheduled to be shown are rated “R,” for mature audiences only. “We’ve seen a huge increase in books, movies and comics featuring zombies lately, and of course the vampire craze is still going strong,” notes Beth DeGeer, the program coordinator for the Bartlesville Public Library. “We thought it would be fun to explore the roots of these characters as well as modern interpretations during the month of October.” In addition to the movies, the library will have

books featuring zombies and vampires on display for checkout throughout the month of October. The library will begin its movie night events on Thursday, Oct. 6 with a viewing of the original version of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” which is an early example of the zombie film genre. Next up will be the recent “Zombieland,” an R-rated movie scheduled to be shown on Oct. 13. Vampires will be the focus of the final two films of the month – the classic “House of Dracula” on Oct. 20 and the more modern (and R-rated) “The Lost Boys” on Oct. 27. “Our movie choices were dictated to a certain extent by the licenses for public performance rights that we could get,” relates DeGeer. “We have a number of zombie and vampire DVDs that can be borrowed for free from the library and viewed at home for those who want a more comprehensive experience.” Those who are interested in learning more about the movie night events scheduled for October – or anything else concerning the Bartlesville Public Library – can call the library’s main number at 918-338-4164.

Bartlesville Regional United Way: Agency Feature

Westside Community Center’s innovative programs can help area youngsters prosper Special to The Bruin When Vanessa Carreno learned about the Westside Community Center’s W.E. Pro$per summer program as an eighth grader, she knew it would be helpful in ensuring summer employment. Four years and four summer jobs later, Carreno is thankful she applied for the program. W.E. Pro$per is a program created by the Westside Community Center which equips youth ages 13-16 for summer employment. It offers boys and girls career training, business ethics and etiquette beginning in the fall and running through the academic school year. At successful completion, students are placed in summer-long apprenticeships throughout the city of Bartlesville. The WCC is a member agency of the Bartlesville Regional United Way and strives to unite and uplift the Bartlesville community and its neighbors by contributing to the nurturing, educating and empowerment of its youth. W.E. Pro$per is a program that receives funding from the BRUW, which is currently conducting their annual fundraising campaign. “This is my fourth year to be involved in W.E. Pro$per,” noted Carreno. “I worked at the Price Tower the first year, and got to know the people I worked with. I worked in the museum and filed papers, helped put together visitor guides, and sent them to members of the Price Tower.” Prior to their summer internships, W.E. Pro$per apprentices go through 28-32 hours of employment preparedness education through the school year, and upon completion, are afforded 100 hours of summer apprenticeship for which they are paid $750. During her second year, Carreno worked for City Hall. “I enjoyed working with a lot of great people,” said Carreno. “I filed papers and helped with little projects. I also helped the kids with Walk to School Day 2010 and helped make posters for that day. “I really love that W.E. Pro$per allowed me to work with these people because they help set me up for future

employment. It gives students the opportunity to meet new people and make new contacts for future jobs.” Carreno is one of more than 100 youth participants who have been involved in the program since its inception in 2006. “I have seen families who have been historically unlearned about interest rates, balancing checkbooks and the other fundamentals of prosperity, informed and educated by their children who are part of W.E. Pro$per,” said Morris McCorvey, executive director of WCC. “But, I've also seen children who come from relatively privileged homes serve as reminders of the fundamentals of ethics for their families.” Participants are also educated on saving, investing and property ownership as ways of building wealth. “Our objective is to nurture and grow a strong taxpaying middle class where generational poverty has historically prevailed in our community,” said McCorvey. During Carreno’s last summer as a W.E. Pro$per Apprentice, she worked with the Chamber of Commerce. “I did a lot of traveling around Bartlesville,” said Carreno. “I took things to City Hall and to hotels in town, made bags for visitors and helped edit their visitor’s guide. “I learned a lot about tourism and had a great experience there. It’s good to know about Bartlesville and the different things there are to do here.” Four years as a W.E. Pro$per Apprentice have taught Carreno many things. The biggest takeaway I learned from W.E. Pro$per was working with different types of people, because you never know what to expect and you have to work with different attitudes,” she said. “ W.E. Pro$per has affected my life by teaching me a lot of new things, and it also helps to have experience working while allowing you to earn money.” For more information on how you and/or your organization can participate, or to apply to become a W.E. Pro$per apprentice, contact the Westside Community Center via phone at (918) 336-6760. The Bartlesville Regional United Way’s Annual Campaign is underway. To find out how you can contribute to the Westside Community Center or other member agencies, contact the BRUW office at (918) 336-1044, drop by the main office (which is located at 501 S. Johnston Ste. 550, Bartlesville, OK 74003) or go online to www.bartlesvilleuw.org.

Bartlesville Regional United Way: Agency Feature

Fun programs have area Girl Scouts going places Special to The Bruin Few high school juniors can say they have completed a simulated Space Shuttle Mission, learned how to operate control buttons and met an astronaut at the birthplace of the U.S. Space Program, but Micah Dunkleberger certainly can. A Skiatook native, Dunkleberger, has been a member of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma for the past eight years and was recently given the opportunity to participate in the Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala., from July 3-8, 2011. Dunkleberger was awarded this rare opportunity through GSEOK as part of their Destinations program, which allows girls to choose from a list of trips located around the globe and requires Girl Scouts to pass the application process before being selected. GSEOK is a member agency of the Bartlesville Regional United Way and strives to reach all girls with an exciting, innovating program that positively influences girls – enabling them and empowering them to achieve their fullest potential. Serving approximately 13,000 girls and volunteers, GSEOK are supported by diverse, well-trained volunteers who prepare girls to become healthy, competent and resourceful women with a positive vision of their future. Destinations is part of the program that receives funding from the BRUW, which is currently conducting their annual fundraising campaign. Every year, GSEOK sponsors Destinations and offers opportunities for girls in middle school and high school. “Girl Scout Destinations fall into five categories: international, outdoors, science, people and getaways,” said Becky Simpson, marketing and community development executive for GSEOK. “Facilitated by Girl Scouts of the USA and hosted by individual Girl Scout councils, GSUSA and contracted organizations such as Outward Bound, Girl Scout Destinations events or trips open girls up to whole new world and ideas.” Dunkleberger was among only nine other girls who were able to participate in this particular Space Camp. “I was able to participate in the space mission and astronaut training,” said Dunkleberger. “We also went on a shuttle simulator complete with the full switch system.

I was a pilot for a shuttle simulator and got to land the shuttle on the screen and learned how to operate the control buttons.” Prior to their 6-hour mission, Dunklegerger and other Girl Scouts were trained by a team in the shuttle’s orbiter, space station and mission control in order to prepare them for their flight. In addition to piloting the shuttle, Dunkleberger was also able to play “Houston” while other girls were in the shuttle and directed them as to which switches to use for their flight. “During the NASA program, I also did engineering in science and math, built rockets and learned about the space shuttle and where NASA originated,” said Dunkleberger. They were also able to watch the final shuttle launch on July 8, 2011 on the big screen and had an astronaut with them explaining the takeoff. Dunkleberger was able to take many valuable lessons from her experience at Space Camp. “My favorite part of NASA was getting to fly (on a plane) for the first time,” said Dunkleberger. “This experience will help me become more confident in traveling as well as other ways. “I’ve learned a lot about confidence, and having this experience is going to help me in college because it looks great on my transcript.” Dunkleberger will receive college credit for attending Space Camp. “It will help me stand out when I apply to college and I can take something from that experience that only 10 girls got to experience,” said Dunkleberger. “I learned how to land a shuttle and got to meet an astronaut.” This experience would not have been possible without the Girl Scout’s Destinations program. “With each experience I have through Girl Scouts, I learn something new,” said Dunkleberger. “From the first time I burnt my first marshmallow to learning new equations or learning how to build a rocket, I can apply all of that to life in different ways.” The Bartlesville Regional United Way’s Annual Campaign is underway. To find out how you can contribute to the Westside Community Center or other member agencies, contact the BRUW office at (918) 336-1044, drop by the main office (which is located at 501 S. Johnston Ste. 550, Bartlesville, OK 74003) or go online to www.bartlesvilleuw.org.

Bruin pom program to play host to bingo night fundraising event on Oct. 15 The Bruin pom program will play host to a special bingo night fundraising event on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the American Legion Post 105 building in Bartlesville. The bingo night event – which will see all of the funds raised go to support the Bruin pom program

– will feature early bird specials, halftime mini’s for a 50/50 split, and raffle drawings for prizes. Concessions will be sold as well. Plenty of prizes will be awarded to the bingo winners, also. The American Legion Post 105 building is located at 501 NE Wash-

WALK - Continued from Page 4

For those schools which officially register to participate in International Walk to School Day, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation provides them with free promotional gifts such as thin and stylish backpacks and large red reflector tags. Thus far, seven sites within the Bartlesville Public School District – Hoover, Jane Phillips, Ranch Heights, Richard Kane, Wayside and Woodrow Wilson elementary schools as well as Madison Middle School – have signed up to take part. The general goal of International Walk to School Day is to educate people – especially students – about the health benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle. During the morning of the special day at Wilson last year, several volunteers were on campus to assist in event activities. So, as students walked, biked, skateboarded or took a scooter to school, they were greeted at the edge of campus and given a prize to acknowledge their participation. One of the ways in which parents can take part in International Walk to School Day is by organizing “walking school buses” in their respective neighborhoods. The walking school bus is led by an adult who walks from house to house picking up students. Once all of the “pick-ups” are made, the group heads to campus together. The City of Bartlesville is especially interested in International Walk to School Day after receiving a $200,000 grant through the national Safe Routes to School program. The grant money – which was distributed in the Sooner State through the Oklahoma Department of Transportation – was used to construct new

Did You Know?

ington Blvd. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for early birds, and regular bingo is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Advanced tickets to the bingo night event will be available for $10 apiece prior to Oct. 4. They will be sold at the door on the evening of the event for $12 each.

sidewalks and crosswalks within the Bartlesville Public School District. Approximately 5,000 linear feet of new sidewalks and crosswalks were installed in all, promoting walking – and biking – to and from school campuses in a safe manner. In the proclamation which members are expected to sign Monday evening, the Bartlesville City Council will note that a lack of physical activity plays a leading role in rising rates of obesity, diabetes and other health problems among children, and being able to walk or bicycle to school offers an opportunity to build activity into one’s daily routine. The proclamation will go on to encourage community leaders to make changes which enable children to safely walk and bike in the community. This year will be the third straight during which city officials in partnership with the local Preventative Health Partnership (a sub-committee of the Washington County Wellness Initiative) have coordinated International Walk to School Day events within Bartlesville, and participation has increased. Last year saw 1,223 students within six BPSD schools participate, up from 748 youngsters and four schools the previous year. The city has spearheaded similar efforts in conjunction with the Safe Routes to School program, including a safetyfocused bicycle rodeo, crossing guard training and increased school zone enforcement. Those who wish to learn more about International Walk to School Day or Safe Routes to School program events within Bartlesville can contact Nancy Wade, a city grants administrator who is helping coordinate grants, via phone at 338-4243.

Next month, the schedule for the Bartlesville Public School District will see a professional in-service day (Oct. 19) followed by fall break (Oct. 20-21). The BPSD’s Thanksgiving break is scheduled from Nov. 23-25 while the winter break, which will encompass Christmas and New Year’s, will stretch from Dec. 22-Jan. 2.

Plenty of volunteer opportunities available within BPSD Volunteers are needed in a variety of different areas throughout the Bartlesville Public School District. Those who are interested in volunteer opportunities within the district – perhaps as a crossing guard, tutor, classroom helper or mentor – are invited to contact Christina Rigdon, who is the BPSD’s famPEBBLES - Continued from Page 1

cookies, drew around 30 mentors. During the event, pre-kindergarten teacher Jane Mackey, who helped to found the program, discussed PEBBLES and the positive impact it has made at the school. Through the PEBBLES program, individual mentors are paired up with students. They typically visit the child at the school weekly or every other week. The focus is usually on how the student is doing academically, and the mentor can read with the child or have lunch with them. The mentors met in the Jane Phillips library around 11:30 a.m. on Monday. Around 25 minutes later, the students who have been assigned an adult mentor entered the library. They enjoyed lunch with their adult mentor and filled out a sheet listing some of their favorite things to do, so that the mentor would know more about them. While PEBBLES allows for individual mentoring, it allows different businesses and organizations to “adopt” classes as well. Ten classes at the school have been adopted during the current 2011-12 academic year, and the Jane Phil-

ily support coordinator for Title I schools, via phone (918-337-6231, ext. 1635) or email ([email protected]). Information is available online as well through the BPSD’s website at http://www.bps-ok.org/mckinley/Will_Rogers_School_Services/Volunteers.html.

lips Society and ConocoPhillips are active participants. Those businesses and organizations that adopt classrooms often work with teachers to help organize celebrations for special events such as holidays and birthdays. Mackey is working with Jane Phillips counselor Michelle Gregory and school librarian Jennifer Cubbage to coordinate the PEBBLES program this year. “Monday’s kickoff luncheon was wonderful,” said Mackey. “Each year, as people become more familiar with the program, it continues to go more smoothly. But, it’s still exciting and very well received.” Many of the mentors in the program have been with it from the very beginning. Thus, some of the pre-kindergarten students who were assigned particular adult mentors in the initial year of the program still work with them today as third graders. This year, PEBBLES has 32 individual adult mentors assigned to an equal number of students at Jane Phillips. When the mentors who are part of groups which have adopted classes at the school are factored in,

PEBBLES has opened the door for around 75 positive adult role models to be part of the Jane Phillips environment for the current 2011-12 academic year. When PEBBLES initially launched in February of 2006, it featured five mentors, all of them members of the Jane Phillips Society. Though this year’s kickoff luncheon for PEBBLES was held on Monday, adult mentors are invited to join the program at any time during the year. Those who are interested in becoming a mentor can call the main number (918-3369479) at Jane Phillips Elementary School. Though Mackey is often recognized as a pre-kindergarten teacher at Jane Phillips, she stands out for her role in PEBBLES as well. People regularly come up to her outside of the school environment to talk to her about the program. “We have a lot of people throughout the community who recognize what we are doing at Jane Phillips as far as getting positive adult role models into the building to work with our students,” says Mackey. “I’m very proud to be part of the program.”

District Word of the Month: Responsibility Every month during the academic year, the Bartlesville Public School District designates a word or words which students and staff members are encouraged to incorporate into their respective lifestyles as habit. The word of the month for September is “responsibility,” which means “the state, quality or fact of being responsible.” The Bartlesville Public School District releases a new habit word monthly from August through May.

Sonja Jenner’s first hour physical education class at Madison Middle School studied the art of fly fishing this week. As part of an outdoors unit for the eighth graders, representatives from the Green County Fly Fishers organization were brought in to assist the students. The youngsters were taught to throw the line in the school gymnasium on Monday. Then, on Tuesday, half of the class was able to test its new-found skills in a pond at nearby Sooner Park while the other half stayed back in the library to work with the Green Country Fly Fishers representatives on tying flies. The two halves of the class switched activities on Wednesday. The outdoors P.E. unit at Madison has offered the students insight into archery as well.

Green Country Fly Fishers Assist Madison Eighth Graders During P.E. Class

PROPERTIES - Continued from Page 1

The sealed bids, which were opened on Sept. 12, were later rejected in a vote by the board during a regular meeting on Sept. 19. With the rejection of the sealed bids, the district can now market and sell the properties as officials see fit, pending final approval of the transactions in a vote of the Bartlesville Board of Education. “While we are looking to sell the McKinley and Oak Park properties, we want to make sure that the transactions benefit not just the district but the community as a whole,” says Dr. Gary W. Quinn, the superintendent of the Bartlesville Public School District. “Thus, we want to ensure that whoever purchases the properties has a positive plan as to how they will utilize them.” In the offers which the school district receives, officials want to ensure that the potential buyers have the funds not just for the properties themselves but to realize their eventual plan for its intended use as well. District officials are seeking detailed offers for the properties and have the right to reject those offers that

they feel won’t benefit the community or can’t ultimately be realized. Located at 1536 SW Keeler Ave., the McKinley building had been home to several BPSD services such as its adult education program, Operation Eagle, Even Start and Child Nutrition. However, those services have since been relocated to the Will Rogers Complex. With the BPSD facing cuts to its state and federal funding, the decision was made to close Oak Park Elementary School for budget relief following the 2010-11 academic year. The school, which is located at 200 Forrest Park Rd., originally opened in 1956. The district will see an estimated annual savings of $600,000 with the closing of Oak Park. Those who are interested in making an offer for one or both of the properties can contact Chuck McCauley, the BPSD’s executive director of human resources, via phone (918-336-8600, ext. 10150) or email ([email protected]). Also, offers may be dropped off – to McCauley’s attention – at the Education Service Center, which is located at 1100 S. Jennings Ave. Offers will be accepted until the properties are sold.

PSAT testing for juniors scheduled to take place on Oct. 12 PSAT testing for juniors is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 12 - from 8:30-11:30 a.m. DOWNING - Continued from Page 1

having taught at Central and Madison as well as Bartlesville High School and the Bartlesville MidHigh School. “All of us within the Bartlesville Public School District were very saddened to hear about the passing of Regina Downing,” said Dr. Gary W. Quinn, the superintendent of the Bartlesville Public School District. “By all accounts, she was a very well respected, dedicated and beloved teacher.” Regina, who was born and raised in Seminole, is survived by two adult children. Funeral services were GRADUATES - Continued from Page 2

Among the prominent people who hold GED diplomas are Bill Cosby, Danica Patrick and Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas. This year marks the 54th of adult education in Bartlesville. The BALC offers year-round classes during the day and evening hours. The flexibility allows students to pursue their GED while working and/or raising a family. Those who would like to learn more about the BALC and the programs offered can call (918) 337-6231. For the last two years in which the information has been collected by GED examiners throughout Oklahoma – 2008 and 2009 – the BALC has boasted the highest pass percentage of its students who took the GED among all of the adult learning centers in the state. The

- at Bartlesville High School. The new date and time mark a change from the original schedule. held earlier today at Harvestime Assembly of God Church in Dewey. For the last two years, Regina had taught at both Central and Madison. This year was her seventh within the BPSD. “She was a great lady and a great teacher for our students,” said Central principal Ryan Huff. “All of our students loved and respected her. She wanted her students to know how to do the everyday skills that they would need in the world. “We were truly appreciative of her, and we’ll miss her greatly.”

BALC’s pass percentage was 89 percent in ’08 and 87 percent in ’09. The Bartlesville Adult Learning Center offers free GED classes for adults who are pursuing their diplomas. The classes are held at the Will Rogers Complex as well as at the Bartlesville chapter of the Salvation Army, Workforce Oklahoma/OneStop Career Center in Bartlesville, Dewey High School, Caney Valley Elementary School and Nowata High School. The GED classes, which prepare those who attend for the test, are held throughout a given week at different times of day to accommodate a wide range of schedules. Taking preparatory classes for the GED is recommended as the test itself focuses on five areas – math, reading, social studies, science and writing. Students are tested when-

FAIR - Continued from Page 3

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education/Student Loans and the Bartlesville-based League of Women Voters. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education/Student Loans representative will be able to answer questions focused financial aid resources and planning for college, while the League of Women Voters can help those students who are of voting age get registered. While the annual Bartlesville High School College

ever they initially begin their GED preparatory classes and later as they are wrapping them up in order to measure progress and allow them some insight as to how they will do on the test. Though the GED preparatory classes are free, there is a charge for the test itself, depending on how many classes the student has taken. The more classes a student takes, the lower the test fee is. On Sunday, immediately following the ceremony, the graduates and their families filed from the Fine Arts Center auditorium into the lobby area. There were smiles all around as congratulations were given and pictures were taken. “You all have earned your goal of earning your GED,” said Judd. “We’re so proud of each and every one of you.”

Fair is for students and their families from throughout the Bartlesville Public School District, invitations are sent to surrounding communities as well. Thus, students from school districts such as Dewey, Caney Valley, Copan and Pawhuska are often at the fair. “This will be a good event which should prove to be very insightful for those who attend,” said Fouts. “I encourage all of those who are interested to take part in this year’s fair.”

Donations to be accepted in October for One Warm Coat Drive The 2011 Washington County One Warm Coat Drive will be held during the month of October. From Monday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 30, several participating businesses will be accepting gently used and clean – or even new – coats which will be donated to local families in need. All sizes of coats are needed. Businesses and organizations which will be accepting the coats during the drive include Dentistry By Design (which is located at 701 S. Keeler Avenue), Food Pyramid (2501 SE Washington Blvd.), McAnaw & Company Realtors in Bartlesville (515 SE Delaware Ave.), Dr. Bradley Cobb (4037 Nowata Road), Elks Lodge (1060 Swan Drive), Lookin’ Sharp Laundry & Dry Cleaning (112 S. Osage Ave.), the Life Church of Bartlesville (1607 SE Swan Drive) and the Dewey Police Department (409 E. Don Tyler Ave. in Dewey). The organizations and businesses will collect the coats during their normal hours of operation. Once the drive has concluded, families in need will be invited to collect a free coat on Tuesday, Nov. 8 – from 6-8 p.m. – at the Elks Lodge, which is located at 1060 Swan Drive.

Stellar Sites

The Bartlesville Public School District offers a wide array of useful tools for students as well as parents. For some extra educational insight, give these web sites a look: PowerSchool http://www.bps-ok.org Click on the PowerSchool link toward the top of the home page. · Parents and legal guardians can check with office personnel at their student’s school to find out how to access PowerSchool. · Information on students - such as grades and attendance records available via PowerSchool. Study Island http://www.studyisland.com Use the “Member Login.” · Student login information must be obtained from teachers. Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BartlesvilleHighSchool#!/ BartlesvillePublicSchools or http://www.facebook.com/ BartlesvilleHighSchool · Everyone can keep up with what’s going throughout the BPSD or at Bartlesville High School by becoming fans of these pages, which are updated regularly with news and events.

Bartlesville Public School District Activities (September 30 - October 6, 2011) Friday, September 30 2011 Central Middle School Book Fair in library (TBA) 2011 Wayside Walk-a-Thon (TBA) Central band fundraising money due (TBA) 2011 Kane Walk-a-Thon (8 a.m.) Football: Varsity at Ponca City (7:30 p.m.) Saturday, October 1 2011 Renegade Review Band Contest at Tulsa Union (TBA) All-district orchestra auditions (TBA) Cheerleading: Varsity girls at 2011 OSSAA state tournament in Stillwater (TBA) Cross country: Varsity and junior high boys and girls at Stillwater (TBA) District honor choir auditions at Owasso (TBA) Softball: Varsity at Bixby (TBA) SAT testing at BHS (8 a.m.) Sunday, October 2 (No events scheduled)

“Leaders In Education”

Monday, October 3 2011 Wayside Walk-A-Thon (Rain Date) Volleyball: Junior varsity at Broken Arrow (TBA) Softball: Varsity hosts Coweta (5 p.m.) Football: Junior varsity hosts Ponca City (6 p.m.)

Tuesday, October 4 2011 fall picture day (Kane) 2011 fall picture day (Ranch Heights) Bruins for Christ in library (7:30 a.m.) Volleyball: Eighth grade Blue and White host Ponca City (4 p.m.) Volleyball: Freshmen host Ponca City (4 p.m.) 2011 Bartlesville High School College Fair in Fine Arts Center lobby (5-7 p.m.) Football: Eighth grade Blue at Claremore (5 p.m.) Volleyball: Junior varsity hosts Ponca City (5 p.m.) Editing, writing, design Football: Eighth grade at Claremore (6 p.m.) and photography by Volleyball: Varsity hosts Ponca City (6:30 p.m.) David Austin, Bartlesville Football: Freshmen at Claremore (7 p.m.)

Public School District’s community relations coordinator, unless otherwise noted

Wednesday, October 5 2011 fall picture day (Wayside) 2011 Walk to School Day (Kane) Softball: Varsity girls at Class 6A 2011 regional tournament (TBA) Parent support group meeting in library (noon) (Central)

Thursday, October 6 Softball: Varsity girls at Class 6A 2011 regional tournament (TBA) Volleyball: Varsity girls at Class 6A 2011 regional tournament (TBA) Student council officers meeting in Room 320 (7:45 a.m.) (Central) Marching band rehearsal (6:30 p.m.)