Bartlesville Public Schools’

The Bruin Weekly E-Mail Newsletter

Volume 3, Number 44 Thursday, July 23, 2009 www.bps-ok.org “BPSD: A Great school district”

Training sessions to focus on individualized instruction

Chuck Kerns, of the Washington County Chapter of the American Red Cross, addresses children at the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville this morning. Kerns was discussing emergency preparedness. Boys & Girls Club programs will soon be offered at Madison Middle School as part of a new after-school program.

Boys & Girls Club to make its way to Madison New after-school program will be offered on campus

The distance between the Madison Middle School campus and the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville is approximately five miles. That gap will soon seem much smaller. The Bartlesville Board of Education approved an action topic on Monday evening – during a regular

meeting at the Education Service Center – calling for a partnership between Madison and the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville for an after-school program. Under the terms of the agreement, the Boys & Girls Club will offer several of its programs and activities on the Madison campus from Mondays through Fridays throughout the upcoming 2009-10 academic year. The program, like the academic year, is due to begin on Wednesday, Aug. 12. “I can’t believe this partnership has fallen into our laps,” says Madison PROGRAM - Continued to Page 7

Though the 2009-10 academic year isn’t due to begin until Aug. 12, the Bartlesville High School campus has been a busy place of late. This week, approximately 275 educators took part in the 2009 Great Expectations Summer Institute, which was hosted by the Bartlesville Public School District at BHS. Next week, BHS will roll out the red carpet for district teachers and administrators as they focus on the Renzulli Learning System as well as Data Team Training. The Renzulli training is scheduled to take place from July 27-28 in the Fine Arts Center and the Library/Media Center on the BHS campus while the Data Team Training is set from July 29-30 in the Fine Arts Center’s Hospitality Room. Training will span from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on each of the four days that the pair of sessions are ongoing. The Renzulli Learning System focuses on differentiated instruction for gifted students by using a wide range of TRAINING - Continued to Page 6

An estimated 1,000 new lockers were installed at Bartlesville High School this summer, replacing the old units which had been in the building for years. The new lockers can be found in the main BHS building as well as at Custer Stadium. The new units are double-stalled as opposed to the singlestalled lockers which they replaced. The old lockers had been in use at BHS for many years.

New lockers sparkle at BHS Painted dark Bruin blue, units replace ones which had been at school for years

The Bartlesville High School campus has been transformed in recent years. Prominent products of the $30.5 million bond issue which passed in 2001 include the Science Wing, the Fine Arts Center, the BHS Fieldhouse, the Library/Media Center and the Connecting Link. More improvements and upgrades were called for under the parameters of the $29.95 million bond issue which passed in 2007 and some were taken care of this summer. Painted a dark blue which fits perfectly with the Bruins’ color scheme, an estimated 1,000 new lockers can now be found in the main BHS building as well as at Custer Stadium, where some classes are held. The lockers are doublestalled and replace all of the old single-stall units which the school used to utilize.

on their ends instead of lying flat in a locker. The new units are double-stalled, meaning they are twice as wide and approximately “I think they look great,” says half as long as the others. Their BHS principal Teri Brant. “All of shape makes them more conducive the teachers who have been up here to student use. In addition, their so far have commented on how locks and handles don’t stick out good they look. from the doors as was the case “We just have a straight, clean with the other units, which were line of blue lockers going down the tan in color. Thus, they shouldn’t hallway.” get hung up on clothes and backThe new lockers were ordered packs as students pass close by in the spring. The old ones were them. pulled out early in June and by the The double-stall engineering middle of the month, the new ones means one locker sits on top of the had been installed. Several of the one directly below it. So, while one old lockers, all of which had been in student will use the top locker, anthe building for years, were in disother will use the one below it. repair. Some had stopped working The new lockers have been and were dented and scarred from completely installed in the main extensive use. BHS building. Only a small amount The old lockers were singleof trim work remains on the ones at stall units as well, meaning they Custer Stadium. were long and thin. Thus, students’ “The new lockers really add backpacks didn’t always fit into some color to our hallways,” says them or had to be stuffed in if they Brant. “The students will be pleased did. Books often had to be placed when they return in August.”

‘Community Connection’ links district, listeners

Charlie Taraboletti, operations manager for KWON 1400 AM/KYFM 100.1/KRIG 104.9 FM/KPGM 1500 AM, listens to a comment by Dr. Gary W. Quinn, superintendent of the Bartlesville Public School District, during a live broadcast of “Community Connection” on Wednesday morning.

Live radio show offers personal insight into BPSD directly from superintendent of schools Those looking to tune into what is going on within the Bartlesville Public School District can do so on Bartlesville Radio KWON 1400 AM. BPSD superintendent Dr. Gary W. Quinn is featured once a month on the show “Community Connection.” His appearances come on Wednesday mornings following a regular Monday evening meeting of the Bartlesville Board of Education. Hosted by Charlie Taraboletti, operations manager for KWON 1400 AM/KYFM 100.1/KRIG 104.9 FM/KPGM 1500 AM, “Community Connection” airs Monday through Friday mornings beginning at 8:35 a.m. The show is typically a 20minute segment.

Quinn usually addresses a myriad of topics concerning the BPSD. On his latest show, which aired live on July 22, he discussed the upcoming 2009-10 Back to School Rally, several professional development seminars hosted at Bartlesville High School this month and the hiring of new executive director of secondary instruction Sam Herriman, in addition to details about the board meeting on July 20. Taraboletti has been hosting “Community Connection” for the last dozen years and has always enjoyed a fine rapport with Quinn, who has been the BPSD superintendent since 1999. “He’s great,” says Taraboletti. “I remember my first contact with Dr. Quinn was when I called him the

morning after the Bartlesville Board of Education chose to hire him as the superintendent of schools. It’s been a good relationship ever since.” “Community Connection” allows listeners to stay in touch with what is going on throughout Bartlesville, not just within the school district. While Quinn appears once a month on Wednesday mornings, members of the Bartlesville City Council appear on the Tuesday following a regular Monday meeting. Washington County representatives as well as those with the Bartlesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and area non-profit organizations are featured as well. Bartlesville Radio always posts MP3s of the shows on the front page of their web site – located at www. bartlesvilleradio.com – for those listeners who may have missed the live broadcast or would like to hear one again. The MP3s are typically posted for about a week after a given broadcast before they are replaced with newer material from “Community Connection.” The next broadcast of Bartlesville Radio 1400 AM’s “Community Connection” featuring Quinn is due to air on Wednesday, Aug. 19 beginning at 8:35 a.m. “My show with Dr. Quinn allows us to discuss whatever is going on within the Bartlesville Public School District at the given time,” says Taraboletti. “We’ll typically begin a show by talking about the most recent board meeting, but rarely is that the only topic. “The show allows us to supplement news coverage on the district. And since the style of the show is a one-on-one interview, I think it helps to personalize the information.”

Teaching A to Z featuring workshops Area educators offer insight at store owned by Ranch Heights Elementary reading facilitator

Teaching A to Z, an educational store located in north Bartlesville, will soon be playing host to some special workshops. Owned by Shayna Lehmer, who is the reading facilitator at Ranch Heights Elementary School, Teaching A to Z will feature Julie Silva on Thursday, July 30. Silva, a kindergarten teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, will lead the “Early Childhood Extravaganza” workshop based on the lessons of Dr. Jean Feldman, a noted instructor, author and consultant. Scheduled from 1:30-3:30 p.m., the “Early Childhood Extravaganza” will be for educators, parents and anyone else who might be interested and will focus on hands-on classroom techniques for those who lead pre-kindergarten through third grade students. There are a limited number of slots for Silva’s workshop, and the cost is $10 per person. Those who wish to learn more about the “Early Childhood Extravaganza” – or sign up – can call Teaching A to Z (3330081) or stop by the store, which is located on north Highway 75 in Bartlesville across from Arby’s. Those who wish to email queries can write to teachingatoz@

yahoo.com. The “Early Childhood Extravaganza” will be preceded by “Teaching With Children’s Literature,” a workshop which will be led by Heather Boyle, a former kindergarten teacher with the Bartlesville Public School District. It is scheduled for Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Boyle will help teachers get an early start on the holiday season when she leads the “Fantastic Fall” workshop on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 1-4 p.m. at Teaching A to Z. She will cover creative ways to work with apples, pumpkins, harvest, Thanksgiving and plenty of other holiday themes and subjects. The cost of the workshop will be $20 per person. Those who participate will be able to take home whatever they craft in the workshop, which promises to be both fun and insightful. In the near future, plans call for Casey Williams, a kindergarten teacher at the Will Rogers Early Childhood Center, to lead a workshop on classroom management. Teaching A to Z has been open since October since 2008. The store features teaching supplies as well as those for churches and daycares. There are educational toys as well. In the future, tutoring could be held at the store. Those who are interested in the possibilities of leading a workshop at Teaching A to Z or tutoring can call the store’s main number. Teaching A to Z has the capability of making special orders of educational and classroom supplies.

Great Expectations Institute Offers Chance for Professional Development Toni Shamley (pictured center standing) leads a lower elementary class during the 2009 Great Expectations Summer Institute, which is being held from July 21-24 on the Bartlesville High School campus. An estimated 275 educators are taking part in the training seminar. Great Expectations is a professional development program which offers educators the skills they need to bring harmony and excitement into their school environments. More than a dozen classes are being offered at the 2009 Great Expectations Summer Institute.

Silas spirit lifts Boys & Girls Club

Couple honored nationally for gifts to Bartlesville chapter

It’s good to know who your friends are. The Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville certainly has great friends in C.J. “Pete” Silas and his wife, Theo. Coming on the heels of the Boys & Girls Club’s “It Just Takes One” fundraising campaign last winter, the Bartlesville couple was honored as members of the Jeremiah Milbank Society for the third consecutive year. A national honor, the society recognizes those who make high level, unrestricted gifts of $10,000 or more to their local Boys & Girls Club. “I believe strongly in the power of giving,” says Pete Silas, the former chief executive officer of Phillips Petroleum Company. “Life has been good to me and I just want to put something back. “The more I give, the more that seems to come back to me – and not just monetarily.” The Jeremiah Milbank Society honors a leading philanthropist and lifelong volunteer who helped develop the national Boys & Girls Club organization. Milbank made a habit of giving generously of himself to those in need. His lifelong concern for the young and those less fortunate changed the lives of millions. Pete Silas has been active with the Boys & Girls Club since he was a child. In recent years, he has served as a member of the National Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors. He is a longtime supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville.

Photo Special to The Bruin

C.J. “Pete” Pete Silas (pictured center) is presented with his Jeremiah Milbank pin from Lura Jaquess (left), the chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville, as well as Ron Tribble, a member of the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville.

“The continued support of Pete and Theo Silas helps make it possible for us to be here each day during the critical after-school hours providing kids with homework help, an after-school snack and a smile at the end of the day,” said Lura Jaquess, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville. “A Boys & Girls Club member is more than twice as likely to attend college and is five times less likely to find themselves in trouble with law enforcement than his or her counterpart from similar circumstances. We think that’s a good way to impact the quality of life in Bartlesville now and into the future.” Pete and Theo Silas were honored for the status as members of the Jeremiah Milbank Society on both the local and national level.

Jaquess as well as some board members with the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville helped to honor the couple. They were recognized at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 103rd Annual National Conference, which was held from May 13-16 in Atlanta. Non-profit organizations, Boys & Girls Clubs of America serve more than 4.5 million youngsters between the ages of six and 18 throughout the world. The mission of the clubs is to “enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” Programs offered by the clubs – including the one in Bartlesville – typically focus on character and leadership development; education and career development; health SILAS - Continued to Page 7

School supply lists available on BPSD web site

School supply lists for the Bartlesville Public School District’s upcoming 2009-10 academic year are now available online. The lists can be accessed on the BPSD’s web site, which can be found at www.bps-ok.org. Once on the home

page, those interested can scroll down and look along the left side. The light blue box entitled “2009-10 School Supply Lists” features the lists for each of the seven elementary schools within the district - Hoover, Jane Phillips, Oak Park, Ranch Heights,

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information and exercises available online. The training which is scheduled to take place from July 27-28 will be a follow-up to a session which took place last summer and was aimed at working with elementary students. Though Renzulli training continued in various manners throughout the elementary school sites over the span of the 2008-09 academic year, the upcoming two-day session promises to be more concentrated and in depth. “The purpose of the training is to help teachers gain a better understanding of how to work with gifted children,” says Lois Howard, the BPSD’s director of Title I School Support/Videoconference who is coordinating both the Renzulli and Data Team Training sessions. “During the workshop, they will learn strategies for working with students based on their individual interests and strengths.” A teacher who utilizes the Renzulli Learning System within her classroom, Toni Kuboucek will visit Bartlesville as a consultant during the training session. In all, 27 elementary school teachers, three gifted and talented instructors, and six administrators – all of whom are from the BPSD – are expected to take part in the Renzulli training session. Whereas last summer’s Renzulli training session focused on theory, this year’s will zero in on the practical applications of the program. Within the Bartlesville Public School District, all three gifted and talented teachers at the elementary level are based at Wayside Elementary School. The trio includes lead instructor Teresa Underhill, Linda Key and Todd Rhoades. Referred to as GATE (an acronym for gifted and talented) teachers, all three instructors incorporate Renzulli methods into their respective lessons. “All of our gifted students have access to the Renzulli Learning System,” notes Howard. “It’s integrated as a part of our gifted and talented program.” During next week’s Renzulli training session, Kuboucek is expected to give those in attendance fur-

Richard Kane, Wayside and Woodrow Wilson - as well as the Will Rogers Early Childhood Center. When any of the links are clicked on, the school supply list of the respective school will open in PDF form.

ther insight into all of the tools available through the learning system. Thus, the instructors will be able to learn the best ways to developed individualized instruction plans for each of their gifted and talented students. The concept of differentiated instruction, whereby lessons are tailored to best meet the needs of each and every individual student, has been embraced throughout the BPSD, not just in the area of gifted and talented education. The Data Team Training offers yet another tool for differentiated instruction. Approximately 60 educators are expected to attend the two-day workshop, including 18 principals and assistant principals as well as at least two representatives from each of the dozen schools within the district. Data training focuses on helping teachers and administrators make the best use of the information at hand – be it test scores, classroom work or demographic material – to help best reach each and every student. The data can be used to determine if a particular segment of the student body in a given school needs further support or if an individual student needs added concentration in a particular subject field. While information is often plentiful, data initiative training helps educators best access and utilize that which will best serve the needs of the students. “Data Team Training supports our initiative to institute Professional Learning Communities,” says Howard. “The commonality of the two – Data Team Training and Professional Learning Communities – is that they work in small, collaborative groups looking at individualized student work. On the heels of the seminar, small data teams will be established at each of the school sites within the district to share and make the best use of the information at hand within their respective buildings. Both the Renzulli and Data Team Training sessions are funded by Title II, A, which is a federal funding program for education to increase teacher knowledge and skill level. Allocations from Title II, A – which are annual – are made based on the number of students within a respective school district.

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principal Lexie Radebaugh. “Somebody must really love us. A lot of people think when kids get to be middle school age, they are okay on their own. But that’s actually a time when they need to be around adults and interacting with them more than ever. It’s a very important time in life for them. They need a safe place to be.” Plans call for the Boys & Girls Club after-school program at Madison – which is home to sixth through eighth graders – to run from 2:30-5:30 p.m. each day. The Madison school day spans from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “A lot of our students, especially the sixth graders, are used to getting out of elementary school at 3:30 p.m.,” notes Radebaugh. “So, when they are released from our building at 2:30 p.m., sometimes they don’t know what to do with themselves. And obviously, we want them to be able to do something constructive and positive. “This program was a godsend.” The program was the idea of Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville officials who approached those at Madison. Non-profit organizations, Boys & Girls Clubs of America serve more than 4.5 million youngsters between the ages of six and 18 throughout the world. The mission of the clubs is to “enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” Programs offered by the

clubs – including the one in Bartlesville – typically focus on character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness and recreation. Located at 401 SW Seminole Ave., the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville boasts approximately 350 members. Around 55 to 65 members take advantage of the club’s programs and activities each day. However, club officials noticed that since their location is on the west side of town, a disproportionate number of youngsters attended from that area. Figuring their programs would be a positive influence on children living on the east side of town, Boys & Girls Club officials formulated a plan. Expected to span 11 months – throughout the 2009-10 academic year and into the summer – the after-school program at Madison will be offered for a onetime fee of $25 per youngster. The children will then be able to attend the after-school program as often or as little as they choose. Some of the Boys & Girls programs which will be offered at Madison include Power Hour/Project Learn, which is a comprehensive homework assistance and tutoring program. Other programs will focus on subjects such as conflict resolution and dealing with authority figures while promoting good health, nutrition and physical fitness. Madison and Boys & Girls Club officials are currently expect-

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and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness and recreation. So in addition to being a fun place to spend time, the Boys & Girls Club offers a constructive and educational environment for children. The donations by Pete and Theo Silas help the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville in many ways. They will go to support the “Op-Ed Back to School Program,” which allows at-risk teens who have dropped out of school an opportunity to earn their high school diploma, and “Impact 2012,” a program which focuses

ing around 20 to 30 students to take part in the after-school program at Madison. Thus, there will be one staff member and three volunteers – typically parents – who oversee it. If the program grows as officials hope it will, more staff members and volunteers will be added. “I’m excited about reaching out to the particular age group of the students at Madison,” says Lura Jaquess, the chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville. “We’ve had a tough time recruiting and keeping those young people engaged. “I think this after-school program will be a very positive influence at Madison.” The Madison after-school program will be just for students at the school. Those who wish to learn more about it can call the main office of the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville at 336-3636. The program will include some sports activities as well as games in addition to the creative and hands-on educational opportunities offered. Extensive background checks are done on all Boys & Girls Club staff members and volunteers. Though a pilot program, Madison and Boys & Girls Club officials hope the after-school program will become a permanent part of the school landscape. “I think it will be a quality, safe program of value,” says Radebaugh. “I welcome it.”

on four major concerns – crime and substance abuse, dropout rates, childhood obesity, and crisis among African American males. Founded in 1954 and located at 401 SW Seminole, the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization. Those who wish to learn more about the club – or perhaps make a donation – can call the main number at 336-3636 or go online to www. bgcbartlesville.org. The annual “It Just Takes One” fundraising campaign spans from January to April.

Simply Stellar Sites

Arvest Bank Plays Host to Training Session

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.

Bartlesville Public School District administrators met for a training session on Monday morning in the Celebrity Room of Arvest Bank’s east side branch. Pictured, Dr. Gary W. Quinn, the BPSD superintendent, addresses the group. Later during the training session, executive director of human resources Chuck McCauley, executive director of elementary instruction Dianne Martinez, executive director of secondary instruction Sam Herriman and executive director of financial services Tim Green spoke at the gathering as well. The BPSD’s 2009-10 academic year is due to begin on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Bartlesville Public School District Activities (July 23-29, 2009) Thursday, July 23 Great Expectations Summer Institute at Bartlesville High School (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Second Semester Summer School Classes in Session at Mid-High (8 a.m. – noon) Summer Food Service Program at Central, Kane, Jane Phillips, Oak Park and Wilson (8:30-9 a.m. breakfast; 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. lunch)

Monday, July 27 Second Semester Summer School Classes in Session at Mid-High (8 a.m. – noon) Summer Food Service Program at Central, Kane, Jane Phillips, Oak Park and Wilson (8:30-9 a.m. breakfast; 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. lunch) Renzulli Learning System Training on BHS Campus (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Friday, July 24 Great Expectations Summer Institute at Bartlesville High School (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Second Semester Summer School Classes in Session at Mid-High (8 a.m. – noon) Summer Food Service Program at Central, Kane, Jane Phillips, Oak Park and Wilson (8:30-9 a.m. breakfast; 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. lunch)

Tuesday, July 28 Summer Food Service Program at Central, Kane, Jane Phillips, Oak Park and Wilson (8:30-9 a.m. breakfast; 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. lunch) Renzulli Learning System Training on BHS Campus (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Saturday, July 25 (No events scheduled) Sunday, July 26 (No events scheduled)

“BPSD: A Great school district”

Wednesday, July 29 Summer Food Service Program at Central, Kane, Jane Phillips, Oak Park and Wilson (8:30-9 a.m. breakfast; 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. lunch) Data Initiative Training in Fine Arts Center on BHS Campus (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Editing, writing, design and photography by David Austin, Bartlesville Public School District’s community relations coordinator, unless otherwise noted