DISTRICT GEARS UP FORSTRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

EMPTY BOWLS PROJECTRETURNS TO HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT LIFE HEADING INNEW DIRECTION

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | VOLUME 39, ISSUE TWO | FALL 2013

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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT3EARNING OUR STRIPES

4A few words from the desk of Dr. Jarod Mendenhall

Dr. Mendenhall addresses school-centered rumors floating about the community

STRATEGIC PLAN

6-7The district-wide long-range plans of the school and

community will start being enacted this year

RUMOR HAS IT

5

Catch up on the accomplishments that continue to put BAPS at the forefront of education

FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT8For its 12th year, the BAPS Foundation Golf Tournament continues to support teacher grants

STUDENT LIFE @ BAHS

10-11A new culture is emerging at the High School this year

BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLSVOLUME 39, ISSUE 2 | FALL 2013

PublisherCommunications DepartmentBroken Arrow Public Schools

Editing/Content/PhotographyTara ThompsonPublic Information Officer

Layout/Design/PhotographyAdam J. ForemanGraphic Artist/Publications Specialist

Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Jarod Mendenhall

Board of EducationCheryl Kelly, PresidentSteve Allen, Vice PresidentJerry Denton, ClerkSteve Majors, Deputy ClerkDr. Theresa Williamson, Member

The ARROWPOINT is published six times a year by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is distributed to approximately 45,000 households in the Broken Arrow school district. The ARROWPOINT is printed at Printed Products, Inc., and is the official communication tool for parents, students, staff and patrons of Broken Arrow Public Schools. Any information, content and photos contained herein are property of Broken Arrow Schools and are to be used by outside sources only with permission of the Communications Department. All contents are copyrighted.

Broken Arrow Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or age in its employment, programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Broken Arrow Public Schools will take all necessary steps to ensure that each school and work place in the District is free from unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status or age. The following people within the District have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination issues and concerns:

• The Chief Human Resources Officer, Ed Fager, should be contacted for all non-student and/or employment related issues at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012;

• The Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Amy Fichtner, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012;

• The Director of Special Education, Carol Gruben, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012;

• The Assistant Athletic Director, Melenda Knight, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title IX, of the Education Amendments of 1972, at 918-259-4310 or at 1901 E. Albany, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.

Inquiries concerning non-discrimination can also be made to the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Broken Arrow Public Schools Education Service Center701 South Main StreetBroken Arrow, OK 74012(918) 259-5700 | F: (918) 259-4334www.baschools.org

THE EMPTY BOWL PROJECT9High School event returns bigger than ever for second year of fighting hunger

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When it comes to doing what’s best for Oklahoma students, there are very few issues that the State

Superintendent and I agree on. Upon hearing of her latest plan to mandate $2,000 raises for all teachers,

I thought for a moment that perhaps we had found common ground, but my hopes were quickly dashed.

In response to her announcement, our district CFO Dwayne Thompson penned a simple, straightforward

letter about the flaws within this plan. The article ran in its entirety in a Saturday issue of the Tulsa

World, but here are a few of the highlights:

“First, the state superintendent’s plan is based on projections that include only classroom teachers. What she has

termed as “overhead” includes the salaries of counselors, nurses, speech therapists, media specialists, administrators,

transportation workers, etc. The professionals working in these positions are not classroom teachers, but the services

they offer to students directly support the learning that takes place in the classroom. By considering these positions

“overhead,” excluding these employees from the proposed raise, and suggesting 2% cutbacks in these specific areas,

Dr. Barresi proves once again that she does not understand the basic operations of a school district.

Second, if enacted as presented, Dr. Barresi’s plan will cause a minimum of 10 districts to be in an immediate

financial deficit. Since her numbers are based on 2012 data, it’s likely that many more districts would be added

to that deficit list. If this is a veiled attempt at school consolidation, it will work for the simple fact that schools

throughout the state will quickly go bankrupt.

Third, Dr. Barresi and I agree that educators in our state do need an increase in pay, but had she bothered to

actually communicate with some of the districts she represents, she would be surprised to find districts have been

doing this on their own for quite some time. Our district already pays employees an average of $2,776 more than the

state minimum. This is possible not because we have received additional funding from the state, but because we are

fiscally responsible and use wise accounting practices.

Fourth, it is fiscally irresponsible to assign a recurring cost – such as salary increases – to a nonrecurring revenue

stream – such as district fund balances. Apparently our state superintendent also fails to understand basic accounting.

Furthermore, her statement that district fund balances are “sitting in banks not benefitting students” is not only false,

but proves she also does not understand the basics of school finance. This balance earns interest and funds district

cash flow needs from July to December when tax collections begin, enabling the district to cover the costs of daily

operations. She is correct in that there is a pot of money “sitting in banks not benefitting students,” but that money

resides in the State’s Rainy Day Fund.”

I could not agree more with Mr. Thompson’s comments. I encourage you to stay educated on the issues

that impact public education, because only then can you see through the political games that are played at

the expense of our students and teachers.

Jarod Mendenhall, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

As a patron of Broken Arrow Public Schools, it’s likely you are already aware of the many great

things the students and staff accomplish each and every day at sites throughout the district. But what about your neighbors who don’t have children in school, family members who live out of town or business acquaintances looking for a place to relocate – do they know about the great things Broken Arrow Public Schools has to offer? This feature, “Earning our stripes,” is designed to equip you with brief bits of information you can use to educate others on why Broken Arrow Public Schools continues to “earn stripes” in its mission to be one of Oklahoma’s premier public school districts.

• Food for Kids –The Broken Arrow Food for Kids Backpack Program provides weekend sacks for chronically hungry children in the Broken Arrow community. Students are identified by counselors in the district, and the program is the result of a partnership among the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Broken Arrow Neighbors, St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, the Broken Arrow School District, and the Broken Arrow Parent-Teacher Association. Together, these groups work to make sure students have something to eat over the weekend and on extended breaks.

• Social Media – Like many other organizations, the school district utilizes social media tools to communicate with its audiences. These mediums allow the district to communicate quickly and simply with a large number of stakeholders. The district has more than 6,000 likes on Facebook, and more than 1,000 followers on Twitter. In addition to district accounts, several school sites also have official social media accounts. Like Broken Arrow Public Schools or follow BA Public Schools to receive important information and timely updates.

• United Way – In the past two years district employees have more than doubled their amount of giving to the United Way Campaign. In addition to numerous employees participating in the annual United Way Day of Caring, last year’s fundraising efforts resulted in more than $100,000 raised, making the district one of the top contributors. The 2013

campaign is currently under way. • Secured Front Entries at School

Facilities – Thanks to the 2009 bond issue, the district has successfully remodeled the front entry of nearly all school sites making each more secure. In addition to the new design, a LobbyGuard visitor check-in system has been added to each site, allowing district staff members to run registered sex offender background checks on every visitor who enters the building.

• High School Addition – One of the district’s largest construction projects undertaken in the past several years, the 93,000 sq. foot addition to the High

School is currently under construction. Classrooms, science labs, a TV studio, black box theatre and more are included in this addition which is scheduled to be complete in early 2014.

• !nspire 21 – Two years ago, the district launched its own virtual education program for high school students and served more than 100 students in its first year. Now in its third year, enrollment has continued to climb beyond the 400 mark, and course offerings have been expanded. The success of the program has led to

STRIPESEARNING OUR

• Early Childhood Centers – Using bond funds, the district has constructed two new Early Childhood Centers and remodeled a former elementary into a third Early Childhood Center. Construction is now underway on the district’s fourth Early Childhood Center, which will open in August of 2014. Each of the Early Childhood Centers offers parents an opportunity to enroll their child in free, full-day Pre-Kindergarten program taught by a highly-qualified early childhood teacher.

the piloting of a similar program at the middle school level.

• Mini-Hub Fiber Node – The BAPS Technology Department in collaboration with Cox Business has created the first mini-hub fiber node for a public school system in Oklahoma. The technology is utilized at the Multipurpose Athletic Facility, and will facilitate future demands for data, video and production from the athletics facility, high school and stadium. Projects such as this keep the district on the cutting-edge of technology innovation.

• Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) – In 2012, the district

began taking steps to change its financial reporting processes to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized in all industries. This system allows the district to be eligible for recognition for its sound financial reporting. Last year, the district successfully completed its first CAFR, a significant accomplishment in the financial world, and the report is available on the district website.

• High School Transformation Committee – In an effort to research innovative high school education and bring those ideas to Broken Arrow, a committee of approximately 40 district stakeholders was created and tasked with this responsibility. In their review of nearly 50 of the nation’s best high schools, the committee has identified

potential programs and initiatives for implementation at BAHS. From academics to activities to the structure of the school day, all aspects of Broken Arrow High School are being evaluated and transformed to better meet student needs.

These are just a few of the accomplishments and accolades that give you – a patron of Broken Arrow Public Schools – a better idea of how our district is earning its stripes. A new list will be featured in the December issue of Arrowpoint Magazine, so stay tuned for the next printing of “Earning our stripes.”

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Dr. Mendenhall shares the scoop on the rumorsconcerning BA schools

RUMORHAS IT

Rumor has it that the High School is going to an open campus for lunch.

That’s true, although it will be a different concept from what is seen at other high schools. Our students will have to earn open campus privileges by being a student in good standing. The option for open campus will not be available until several weeks into each semester, because students will have to maintain a certain GPA in order to earn the privilege of leaving campus for lunch. We are also staggering the timeframe – seniors will have the opportunity to enjoy open campus lunches as soon as their first grade check has taken place, but juniors will have to wait un-til second semester. Sophomores will be at the high school next year, but open campus lunch will not be an option for them. We want time to educate the students, parents and staff members on the rules and respon-sibilities that go with this change, which is why we did not launch into this program on the first day of school.

Rumor has it that construction is near-ly complete.

Not quite. We successfully opened six new schools this August, but we have a number of sites that are currently under construction. Childers, Sequoyah, Oak Crest and the High School are all visible examples of ongo-ing construction, and we have a few projects like the PAC addition and improvements at the Transportation and Maintenance facilities that have not yet begun. The bond that was approved in 2009 was a 10 year bond, mean-ing that the funding for the projects would be released over a 10 year period. By our estimates, the construction from the 2009 bond issue should be complete by 2017 at the latest, but by that point, we are hoping to have another bond issue in the works. Right now, I believe we will need another bond issue in the spring of 2015 to really finish what we have started and meet newly identified needs.

Rumor has it that the district performed poorly on state tests.If you believe the information coming from the State Department

of Education, then yes, I suppose it does appear that districts across the state performed poorly on this year’s state tests. But I don’t be-lieve those test scores are an accurate representation of our students’ performance, and here’s why. First, the measures by which we evalu-ate the students have completely changed, and no one, not even the State Department, has been able to tell us how to prepare for the new method of assessing students. There were major issues during the actual administration of the tests – technical issues that were the fault of the testing vendor – and after our students took the tests, it was

announced that the cut scores in some subjects had changed. We were notified by the testing vendor that hundreds of our students tests were missing – they weren’t – and within our own district, the gains and losses are so erratic that there is little usable data for us to review. I do not believe our students performed badly on state tests. I do be-lieve the testing tool was flawed therefore making the date invalid and unreliable.

Rumor has it that safe rooms will be a priority in all future school construction projects.

I don’t know yet. The construction of safe rooms is an expensive endeavor, and building a safe room

large enough to hold hundreds of students presents some interesting logistical chal-

lenges. A district of our size will need creative solutions from architects and

engineers, which is why I’ve asked for the issue to be studied within our district. Is it better to build new or retrofit facilities? Do we need to be

underground or above ground? How do we quickly evacuate large numbers of

students to a single safe area? Are multiple safe rooms on one campus a better option? We

need information before the best decision can be made. Once we have some of these answers, the solutions would likely need to be funded by

a bond issue, which will require 60% voter ap-proval. I am acting upon the concerns I have

received from patrons by dedicating time to study the issue and find plausible solu-tions, but ultimately, I suspect this issue could come down to a vote of the people.

Rumor has it that we are going to two high schools. Whenever I am asked this question, I always

ask the person what they would recommend. Inter-estingly, the responses I’ve received in the last four years have been fairly split down the middle. I don’t think this is a decision I can make single-handedly, but I do think the community will eventually decide if Broken Arrow will have one high school or two. I’ve looked at dis-tricts across the nation and I’ve identified positive examples of both options – splitting into two or remaining one. I feel confident I can lead the district in either direction. We are close to 18,000 students this year, and we continue to grow at about 300 students per year. At some point we have to make the decision, because we will need time to plan accordingly with our land purchases and bond construction projects. I have no plans to force that conversation, but I am hearing this question more frequently, and I suspect it is a matter that will have to be settled within the next five to ten years.

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MAKINGThe district moves forward this school

year with a Stratregic Plan developed in collaboration with the community

The 2013-2014 school year will be the first year in which components of the district’s new

Strategic Plan will be enacted. Created as a three to five year plan, the Strategic Plan consists of multiple action plans, each of which will be implemented according to a specific timeline.

“It would be impossible to tackle this entire plan as a whole, so instead we have devised a timeline in which we will complete portions of the plan at specific times,” said Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Patrons who review the overall plan can see we have assigned each of the smaller action plans to a specific year. For those action plans assigned to the first year, it is our intent to begin, and in most cases complete that action plan during the 2013-2014 school year.”

Each of the action plans have been assigned to a specific member of the district’s leadership team. That administrator is responsible for gathering the team of people needed to accomplish the assigned action plan, and each administrator is also tasked with reporting back to the Board of Education on a regular basis.

“The Strategic Plan is not simply words on paper–it’s action. Our community needs to see the progress and celebrate the milestones as we carry out this plan that has been created by literally hundreds of stakeholders,” Mendenhall said. “I am pleased with the process we went through, and I am exceptionally proud of the plan we have created through that collaborative process.”

Quarterly updates will take place at Board of Education meetings throughout the year, and the next update will take place in October. Action plans will complete at various points throughout the year, and the overall Strategic Plan should be completed within three years.

BELIEFS

PLANSWe Believe...• In utilizing 21st Century technology in achieving academic success

• All students will be college or career ready

• Community beliefs and values are paramount to the development of our children

• In a culture of collaboration and respect for internal and external stakeholders

• In fostering an atmosphere of employee engagement and open communication

• In community partnerships

• In a culture of excellence that demonstrates trust, professionalism, integrity and character

• In providing quality student opportunities

• In promoting an environment which recognizes and celebrates successes

• Diversity enriches our learning environment

• We are responsible for building upon the rich history we have inherited

MISSIONThe mission of Broken Arrow Public Schools is to educate, equip and empower a community of learners by providing dynamic learning opportunities which enable all students to be successful.

VISIONBroken Arrow Public Schools...Educating Today – Leading Tomorrow

TEACHING AND LEARNINGCreate engaging, relevant and rigorous learning experiences for all students.

1.1.1 Implement district-wide flexible scheduling to meet partnership/student needs in which variations may include traditional classes, online courses, internships, apprenticeships and other educational extensions as needed. [YR3]

1.1.2 Establish and maintain partnerships that allow students to gain a real world application of curriculum. These partnerships will be collaborative, mutually beneficial and address community needs by providing experiences that include students, educators, families, community members, community-based organizations and/or businesses. [YR2]

1.1.3 Create an overall connection of students with peers, staff and/or community members. [YR3]

1.1.4 Create a post-secondary plan for every secondary student at BAPS. [YR1]

1.2.1 Implement an interdisciplinary approach to all curriculum. [YR2]

1.2.2 Establish expectations district-wide for the use of technology to support instruction in the classroom for both the students and the staff. [YR3]

1.3.1 Equip teachers with the background knowledge to practice reflective instruction and to develop and administer authentic assessments. [YR3]

HUMAN RESOURCESThe district will develop and support a dynamic workforce which will enable all students to be successful.

2.1.1 Enhance the district’s benefit program to recruit, develop and support a dynamic workforce which will enable all students to be successful. [YR2]

2.1.2 Expand the recruitment plan to include initiatives that provide a quality and diverse work force. [YR2]

2.2.1 Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to retain a highly effective staff in all areas and at all levels in the organization. [YR2]

FUNDING AND FINANCEAll stakeholders will responsibly utilize financial resources to optimize student success.

3.1.1 Develop opportunities to increase funding at the local level through various initiatives. [YR1]

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MAKINGPLANS

TEACHING AND LEARNINGCreate engaging, relevant and rigorous learning experiences for all students.

1.1.1 Implement district-wide flexible scheduling to meet partnership/student needs in which variations may include traditional classes, online courses, internships, apprenticeships and other educational extensions as needed. [YR3]

1.1.2 Establish and maintain partnerships that allow students to gain a real world application of curriculum. These partnerships will be collaborative, mutually beneficial and address community needs by providing experiences that include students, educators, families, community members, community-based organizations and/or businesses. [YR2]

1.1.3 Create an overall connection of students with peers, staff and/or community members. [YR3]

1.1.4 Create a post-secondary plan for every secondary student at BAPS. [YR1]

1.2.1 Implement an interdisciplinary approach to all curriculum. [YR2]

1.2.2 Establish expectations district-wide for the use of technology to support instruction in the classroom for both the students and the staff. [YR3]

1.3.1 Equip teachers with the background knowledge to practice reflective instruction and to develop and administer authentic assessments. [YR3]

HUMAN RESOURCESThe district will develop and support a dynamic workforce which will enable all students to be successful.

2.1.1 Enhance the district’s benefit program to recruit, develop and support a dynamic workforce which will enable all students to be successful. [YR2]

2.1.2 Expand the recruitment plan to include initiatives that provide a quality and diverse work force. [YR2]

2.2.1 Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to retain a highly effective staff in all areas and at all levels in the organization. [YR2]

FUNDING AND FINANCEAll stakeholders will responsibly utilize financial resources to optimize student success.

3.1.1 Develop opportunities to increase funding at the local level through various initiatives. [YR1]

3.1.2 Increase state and federal grant funding. [YR2]

3.2.1 Develop a three-tiered plan to educate all stakeholders regarding the district’s finances and budget. [YR1]

3.2.2 Utilize reporting and cost comparison analysis to review monetary and asset allocations. [YR2]

FACILITIESCreate a proactive approach that results in equitable facilities throughout the district.

4.1.1 Provide 21st Century, modern, up-to-date opportunities for one to one student and teacher learning that is relevant, effective and ongoing. [YR3]

4.2.1 Develop a Long Range Planning Committee that prioritizes the needs of the district and assists with items for bond issues, boundary zones and land acquisitions. [YR1]

4.2.2 Develop community partnerships that help the district and community provide and operate facilities for our patrons’ educational needs. [YR2]

CO-CURRICULARCreate comprehensive co-curricular offerings for every student.

5.1.1 Identify required blocks of time based on local, state and federal requirements and logistical constraints. [YR1]

5.1.2 Provide students with adequate time to engage in co-curricular activities during the school day without compromising instruction. [YR2]

5.2.1 Create a wider range of co-curricular activities for Broken Arrow students in grades Pre-K through 12 that are more relevant and accessible. [YR1]

5.2.2 Serve students in a greater way through an extensive range of co-curricular/extra-curricular activities that are more relevant, engaging, fun and accessible with the initial goal of each student, in grades PreK through 12, being a participant in at least one co-curricular/extra-curricular activity. [YR3]

COMMUNICATIONSAll communication should reflect the vision and mission of the district.

6.1.1 Utilize street teams to collect and disseminate district communications to all audiences. [YR1]

6.1.2 Expand the district’s communication toolkit, incorporating available technologies and concepts to reach all audiences. [YR2]

COMPLETION PROJECT GUIDE:YR1- Completed in School Year 2013-14YR2- Completed in School Year 2014-15YR3- Completed in School Year 2015-16

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The Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation is once again hosting a golf tournament at Forest

Ridge Golf Club to benefit the students and staff of Broken Arrow Public Schools. This is the twelfth year for this fun-filled event, and the members of the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation are working to make this the most successful tournament to date.

“We’ve always had such great community support for this event, and we’re hoping this year will be another year of strong support from our business community,” said current BAPS Foundation President Kamara Washington. “The money that is raised from this event goes to fund teacher grants, which directly impact our students’ education.”

St. Francis Hospital South will once again be the premier sponsor of the tournament, but several other businesses have already pledged their support.

The tournament is scheduled to be held

at Forest Ridge Golf Club on Friday, Oct. 11. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the shotgun start will take place at 9 a.m. Numerous door prizes will be given away during this four-person scramble.

“This tournament is the Foundation’s only fundraiser, and the Foundation plays an important role within the district,” said Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Every spring, teachers across our district are surprised with checks that fund their grant requests, and these grants are used to give our students a more enriched educational experience.”

The grant application process is streamlined to make the process easier for teachers who already have busy schedules. In just a few hours, a teacher can sit and write a grant that meets all of the requirements, and every spring the grants are personally handed out by members of the Foundation.

“I was so surprised and excited when

they walked into my classroom to inform me that I had received a foundation grant,” said elementary teacher Karen Snider. “It was also a great relief knowing that I would be able to purchase some much needed resources that would help my students become better, lifelong readers.”

Information about the golf tournament can be obtained by calling the Broken Arrow Public Schools Communications Office at 918-259-5787.

FORE! TEACHERSBAPS Foundation golf tournament back for 12th year

EVENTOCT. 11 @ 9 A.M.

FOREST RIDGE GOLF CLUBFOR MORE INFORMATION

CALL 918.259.5787

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Last year, more than 1,000 students and staff members at Broken Arrow High School took on a service

learning project aimed at raising awareness about hunger and how it impacts people. Known as BA Empty Bowl, the project was a tremendous success in its first year, and students and staff are already busily planning this year’s event.

“Service learning is when a community need is addressed through the authentic curriculum of a classroom,” said project coordinator Kylla Leeburg. “The theme for the BA Empty Bowl project is hunger, homelessness and poverty, and a variety of classrooms will be participating in exploring these themes through their natural classroom curriculum.”

As was true last year, a number of classes will again be involved in making this project possible. From geography classes to graphic design students, and English classes to consumer sciences classes, students and teachers throughout the high school are combining their efforts to make this year’s Empty Bowl project a huge success. So far, nearly 25 classes have committed to participate in the project, and all the money raised through this event will once again go to support Broken Arrow Neighbors and BA Food for Kids organizations.

“BA Empty Bowls is an incredible event that further unites the partnership between Broken Arrow Public Schools and Broken Arrow Neighbors,” said Broken Arrow Neighbors Executive Director Kim Goddard. “The event incorporates a tremendous amount of student support as well as community engagement. The first BA Empty Bowls surprised all of us with its overall success, which reinforced our plans to launch the event to the next level.”

Some of the new activities that will be included at this year’s event are a performance by the BAHS choir, a silent auction of artistic pieces created by local artists and all attendees are also being asked to bring one non-perishable food item. The culmination of the Empty Bowl project will take place on Nov. 19 from 5:30-8 p.m. It will be a come-and-go event held in the BAHS Cafeteria, and the $10 tickets will be on sale beginning October 21.

“The BAHS art students are handcrafting 500 ceramic bowls, and on November 19, we will host a simple soup and bread dinner in the BAHS Cafeteria,” said Leeburg. “Exhibits of the many student-created projects will be displayed, and in addition to a tasty meal, each ticket holder will also receive one of the beautiful bowls created by our art students.”

Beginning Oct. 21, tickets to the event can be purchased at the High School or Broken Arrow Neighbors office. Due to the limited number of bowls, only 500 Empty Bowls event tickets will be sold. Jennifer Deal, one of the high school art teachers whose students are tasked with creating the 500 bowls, is excited at the opportunity to involve even more people in this year’s project.

“I was in awe last year that we were able to involve almost 1,000 BAHS students in fighting hunger in the Broken Arrow community,” Deal said. “This year we are already finding more high school

teachers interested in participating, plus we are working to involve art teachers at other sites in the creation of bowls. This will allow even more BA students the opportunity to impact our community in a powerful way.”

There are still many details to work out and much planning to be done for this year’s BA Empty Bowls event, but Leeburg and the others are glad to see the

project expand. “It has been very exciting to see increased

teacher support for this year’s event,” Leeburg said. “I love to see the spark of knowing you can help change the world grow into a fire. I am so happy to get to be a part of it.”

Empty Bowl Project expands in second yearHUNGERfighting the

EVENTNOV. 19 @ 5:30 P.M.BAHS CAFETERIATICKETS ON SALEOCT. 21- $10

#studentlife@BAHSA quick drive down 61st Street

between Lynn Lane and County Line and drivers can easily see

the transformation that is taking place at the High School. The $27 million addition being added to the front of the school is completely changing the look of the campus, but the transformation goes deeper than what can be seen in the facilities.

“As part of our overall plan to transform the High School, it is very important to create an environment in which every student has a niche,” said Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “We have a large high school – the largest in the state actually – and in order to best serve students, I believe we have to fully engage them in both academics and activities.”

Part of the transformation process has included the addition of several of new staff members on the site’s leadership team, including a director of student activities. Previously in a similar position at Bentonville High School, Jason Jedamski was hired to focus his time and energy on increasing student engagement throughout Broken Arrow High School.

“My goal is to provide our students with a number of opportunities to find activities that appeal to them,” said Jedamski. “From

intramural sports and spirit groups to leadership teams and clubs, there is no shortage of ways we can creatively engage students and simultaneously increase our school spirit.”

Not yet a month into school and the transformation is already becoming evident in the activities taking place on campus.

“The first day of school, we held a Senior Sunrise which was a celebration of our seniors’ last first day of school as a Tiger,” Jedamski said. “We hosted an Aloha Bash to celebrate coming back to school, and that event came with activities like mud volleyball, slip ‘n’ slides and inflatables. Activities like these are designed to simply increase camaraderie among our students and enable them to create memories that last forever.”

Fans at home football games will also notice a transformation in student activities. Just behind the south end zone lies the newly-designated student section called, The Jungle. It’s the gathering place for students in grades 9-12 where students

High school transformation is campus-wide

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#studentlife@BAHSintramural sports and spirit groups to leadership teams and clubs, there is no shortage of ways we can creatively engage students and simultaneously increase our school spirit.”

Not yet a month into school and the transformation is already becoming evident in the activities taking place on campus.

“The first day of school, we held a Senior Sunrise which was a celebration of our seniors’ last first day of school as a Tiger,” Jedamski said. “We hosted an Aloha Bash to celebrate coming back to school, and that event came with activities like mud volleyball, slip ‘n’ slides and inflatables. Activities like these are designed to simply increase camaraderie among our students and enable them to create memories that last forever.”

Fans at home football games will also notice a transformation in student activities. Just behind the south end zone lies the newly-designated student section called, The Jungle. It’s the gathering place for students in grades 9-12 where students

stand and cheer the entire game, wearing a variety of spirit accessories and following the lead of “The Jungle Squad” – the student group who leads the activities that take place in The Jungle.

“Tiger Alley is also something new to football games this year – it’s a tailgating event that’s open to Tiger fans of all ages. Tiger Alley is located in the street between the field and the athletic facility. It opens

at 5 p.m. and closes 15 minutes before kickoff,” said Jedamski. “It’s free to get into Tiger Alley, and it’s a family-friendly event that has something for everyone.”

The student response to these events has been tremendous, and school officials only expect the participation to grow.

“There’s a new energy on the High School campus, and it excites me to see more of our students getting involved with school activities,” Mendenhall said. “Studies have shown that participation in extracurricular activities is an indicator of future success among students, and I want all of our students to experience success, both now and in the future.”

High school transformation is campus-wide

“There is no shortage of ways we can creatively engage students and

simultaneously increase our school spirit.”

-Jason JedamskiDirector of Student Activities

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INF

O HOMECOMING PARADE CHANGE

Don’t forget, this year’s Homecoming Parade is scheduled for Thursday, Oct.

3 at 6 p.m. The parade route runs from the Community Center to the

Farmer’s Market where the coronation and pep assembly will take place.

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