Bartlesville Public School District s Weekly Email Newsletter The Bruin Volume 9, Number 3...Friday, August 22, 2014...www.bps-ok.org Educating Tomorrow s Leaders It was a day of celebration on Sunday afternoon at the Fine Arts Center as GED students officially became GED graduates. GED graduation celebration held at FAC The Fine Arts Center on the campus of Bartlesville High School was full of excitement on Sunday afternoon as GED students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. In front of a large crowd of family, friends and supporters, GED graduates had the opportunity to bask in their accomplishment. For graduates, the ceremony was the culmination of hard work and determination. Graduates had various obstacles and circumstances that did not allow them to graduate with their high school class, but their quest for an education drove them back into the classroom to receive their GED. In total, 49 students passed the GED exam during the 2013-14 school year, with 21 students crossing the stage to formally receive their diploma on Sunday. Bartlesville Public School District Superintendent Dr. Gary W. Quinn spoke to students about the significance of their accomplishment. He also encouraged each graduate to use their GED diploma as a stepping stone, to continue the great work which they have started, and striving to achieve success in whatever they choose to do. GED- Continued to page 6 Superintendent s Chalkboard Implementation of LobbyGuard set to begin Monday In just a few short days on Monday, August 25, we will start implementing the Lobby- Guard visitor management system at school sites throughout our district. Purchased with funds from Dr. Gary W. Quinn the September 2013 bond issue, LobbyGuard will allow school sites to better track visitors entering and leaving our school buildings. The LobbyGuard electronic kiosk, which will be located at the entrance of BPSD school sites, will require guests to sign in by scanning a driver s license, valid identification card or passport. The CHALKBOARD- Continued to page 6 Where s my issue of The Bruin? There will be no new issue of The Bruin next week. But, look for it again with plenty of Bruin news on Friday, September 5.
Bartlesville Public School District Teacher of the Month: August Wayside Heather Boyle has been named the Bartlesville Public School District Teacher of the Month for the month of August by Arvest Bank and Oakley Chevrolet-Buick. Boyle is a kindergarten teacher at Wayside Elementary School. In recognition of her Teacher of the Month status, Boyle was presented with a plaque and a check for $300 by Stephen Colaw, Arvest Bank Senior Vice President and Trust Client Advisor, and David Oakley Jr., owner of Oakley Chevrolet-Buick. Boyle is beginning her 15th year of teaching, and has spent five years in her current position at Wayside. Prior to coming to Bartlesville, Boyle taught at Caney Valley. As a youngster, Boyle quickly became familiar with the teaching profession as her father was a high school teacher. She recalls enjoying the opportunity to watch him grade papers and write lessons plans. She also speaks fondly of the great teachers she had during her early years of schooling. It was the early exposure to the teaching profession and positive educational experiences that fueled Boyle s desire to teacher. I had some amazing teachers throughout school that I truly admired and respected, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps I m a teacher because I love children, I believe in public education and I want to make a difference in the world, said Boyle. In the classroom, Boyle believes it is important to acknowledge that each and every child can learn. As such, she forms a strong relationship with each of her students and facilitates the learning process. This process includes making sure every student feels safe, loved, respected and successful. Not only does Boyle want to enable her students to gain knowledge of topics taught in the classroom, she also wants to instill a lifelong love of learning. I want my students to become lifelong learners and to leave my classroom having experienced success and developed a true love for school and Wayside Elementary School kindergarten teacher Heather Boyle (pictured center), the Bartlesville Public School District s Teacher of the Month for August, is congratulated by Stephen Colaw (right), Arvest Bank Senior Vice President and Trust Client Advisor, and David Oakley, Jr. (left), owner of Oakley Chevrolet-Buick. learning, said Boyle. For Boyle, being a good teacher means not settling and continuing to improve professionally. She frequently attends workshops, conferences and lectures in addition to the professional development opportunities offered by the BPSD. The constant quest for learning that she instills in her students is on display through her own actions as well. Boyle added, I am constantly working to better myself as a teacher through professional development, research and reflection. Heather Boyle exemplifies excellence in the teaching profession. With a singular goal of ensuring a great education for Bartlesville students, the BPSD is fortunate to have her.
Bruins Tailgate Rally planned to kick off 2014 season Special to The Bruin The Bartlesville Bruins are ready to kick off the 2014 football season in style with the first ever downtown Tailgate Rally. A major pep rally supporting the Bartlesville Bruins, the tailgate party sponsored by Downtown Bartlesville, Inc. brings together football players from the YMCA youth programs through high school varsity, along with Bruin Brigade and cheer and pom squads for one big celebration to start the season. The tailgate runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 at Frank Phillips Boulevard and Johnstone Avenue. The fun new event recognizes Bruin pride in the community in the backdrop of historic downtown Bartlesville. The rally also provides an opportunity for boosters and clubs to make money for their organizations by setting up tailgates that feature various products Examiner-Enterprise staff members visit BHS journalism students Staff members from Bartlesville Examiner- Enterprise took time out of their busy schedules to meet with students in Ms. Darla Tresner s Bartlesville High School journalism class on Tuesday afternoon. E-E staff members pictured front from left to right include Kelli Williams (Editor of the E-E), Jeanne Strachan (Advertising Representative), Susan Albert (Editor of Bartlesville Magazine), Chris Rush (Publisher) and Nathan Thompson (E-E Education Reporter). The group spoke about their specific role at the E-E, and then took time to field questions from eager journalism students. The BPSD would like to thank the E-E for providing students with a great learning opportunity! for sale. Wilson notes in other communities where downtown rallies are held, booster clubs typically sell out of their products with so many enthusiastic fans on hand. The DBI rally will introduce the varsity team to the community just before the first big home game of the season in which Bartlesville will take on East Central at Custer Stadium at 7 p.m. Sept. 5. The team will make a march of victory through downtown and then will be introduced on stage. Tailgating booths and tables will be set up by local organizations and businesses who have the opportunity to support the Bruins and promote their community spirit all in one event. Vendors also will be selling food. To learn more about how to be a part of the Bruin Tailgate Rally, visit www.downtownbartlesvilleinc.com or call 918-876-4516. Author/Humorist Roy Blount, Jr. to speak in Bartlesville Special to The Bruin The Bartlesville Public Library presents Author/Humorist Roy Blount, Jr. speaking at the Bartlesville Community Center on Friday, September 5 at 7 p.m. Blount will be signing copies of his books in the Community Room following the speech. Limited copies of his books will be available for purchase at the event. Attendees must pick up free tickets at the Bartlesville Community Center Box Office prior to the event. This event is funded by the BLOUNT- Continued to page 6
August 30, 2014 Hensley & Tuxedo Johnstone Park Downtown Bartlesville 7:00 AM - Late Registration 8:00 AM - Fun Run 8:15 AM - 5k Walk/Run ALL PROCEEDS BENEFITTING SIGN UP FOR THE 5K, FUN RUN OR SLEEP WALKER www.earlysignup.com/dogdays Facebook.com/LFYSDOGDAYSOFSUMMER5K Oklahoma State University Foundation Arvest Bank Bartlesville Rotary Club #2476 ConocoPhillips Doenges Family of Autos Musselman Abstract Co. Phillips 66 Posters generously sponsored by:
GED- Continued from page 1 He also commended students for their great work and dedication as oftentimes the path to receiving a GED is not an easy one. The GED graduation celebration is one of my favorite events of the year. To see students who have worked so hard have a dream realized is special, commented Quinn. In addition to Quinn, BPSD Director of Federal Programs Dr. Stephanie Curtis and GED teachers Chris Cooper, Vicki Eastwood, Elaine Heitman Moore and Joni Pollin were on stage to congratulate graduates. During the 2013-14 school year, 230 students were enrolled in GED classes. Most of the students who work toward their GED diplomas which are widely recognized as a high school diploma would be are in the 18- to 24-year-old range. However, the age can vary greatly, with some senior citizens taking classes to earn their degree. The Bartlesville Adult Learning Center which is located at the Will Rogers Complex (4620 E. Frank Phillips Blvd.) offers classes during the day and evening hours. The flexibility allows students to pursue their GED diplomas while working and/or raising a family. Those who would like to learn more about the Bartlesville Adult Learning Center and the programs offered may call 918-337-6231. CHALKBOARD- Continued from page 1 system will then run a background check on the visitor. Following the background check, a photo will be taken of the visitor by the LobbyGuard kiosk. An identification badge will then be printed in the main office, and is to be worn by the visitor at all times while on school grounds. Before leaving the school site, visitors must check out with their badge using the LobbyGuard system. As I mentioned, we will begin the implementation of the visitor management system at sites throughout our district on Monday, August 25. Our plan is to gradually implement the new system. We will have BPSD staff members available near the LobbyGuard kiosks at our school sites as the system rolls out, to ensure ease of use as the new system begins. Specifically, we plan to have Safe Schools Coordinator Kerry Ickleberry, as well as our two BPSD School Resource Officers, Officer Bullen and Officer Plummer, stationed at various sites throughout the district to provide assistance. The implementation of the LobbyGuard system is another way in which we are seeking to improve the safety and security of our students and staff. The addition of a uniform sign in process will allow us to better identify and track those who visit our school sites. As is the case with any change, I understand there will be an adjustment period for our school visitors as we will now require visitors to sign in via LobbyGuard. I would like to thank people in advance for their cooperation as we implement LobbyGuard. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Safe Schools Coordinator Kerry Ickleberry at 918-337-6231 ext. 1608 or IckleberryKG@bps-ok.org. BLOUNT- Continued from page 3 James Page Harshfield Trust. During September, the Bartlesville Public Library is participating in Oklahoma Reads True Grit, a statewide project to encourage Oklahomans to read the book True Grit by Charles Portis, then come together to discuss the novel. Charles Portis, the author of True Grit, does not do public appearances, said Library Director Joan Singleton. Mr. Blount is a Portis admirer, and has written the forward to Escape Velocity, a Charles Portis Reader. His own writing has much in common with Portis s deadpan humor and affection for the American South. We thought Mr. Blount s humor would be a perfect kick-off for our monthlong focus on True Grit. An accomplished author, journalist, and historian, Blount may be best known to radio listeners as a regular panelist on NPR s weekend game show Wait Wait, Don t Tell Me. Roy Blount Jr. is the author of twenty-three books, about everything from the first woman president of the United States to what barnyard animals are thinking. His book Long Time Leaving: Dispatches From Up South, won the 2007 non-fiction award from the New England Independent Booksellers Association; and Audio- File chose the audio version as one of the year's top five books read by their authors. He is ex-president of the Authors Guild, a member of PEN and the Fellowship of Southern Authors, a New York Public Library Literary Lion, a Boston Public Library Literary Light, a usage consultant to the American Heritage Dictionary, and an original member of the Rock Bottom Remainders. He comes from Decatur, Georgia and lives in western Massachusetts. Blount s lecture kicks of a series of events celebrating TRUE GRIT by Charles Portis. Tuesday, September 2 at 7 p.m., the Library will host a discussion of the book in Meeting Room B. The 1969 movie starring John Wayne will be shown on Tuesday, September 9 at 7 p.m. in Meeting Room A. On Thursday, September 11 at 7 p.m., the Library will show the 2010 movie starring Jeff Bridges. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Bartlesville Public Library at 918-338-4161 or visit the Library s website at http://www.bartlesvillelibrary.com/.
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 websites 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. Stellar Sites - Student login information must be obtained from teachers. Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bartlesvillepublicschools or http://www.facebook.com/bartlesvillehighschool - Everyone can keep up with what s going on throughout the BPSD or at Bartlesville High School by becoming fans of these pages, which are updated regularly with news and events. Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/bpsdbruins - Keep up with the latest news and announcements from throughout the BPSD. Bartlesville Public School District Activities (August 22 - September 4) Friday, August 22 -Ranch Heights fundraiser kickoff (8 a.m.) -Band instrument rental @ FAC lobby (3 p.m. - 6 p.m.) -Varsity volleyball @ Broken Arrow Invitational -Varsity softball @ Moore Festival -Junior high softball tournament @ Bixby -Varsity football scrimmage vs. Collinsville (7 p.m.) Saturday, August 23 -Varsity volleyball @ Broken Arrow Invitational -Junior high softball tournament @ Bixby Sunday, August 24 -BMHS/BHS choir parent meeting @ BHS (2 p.m.) Monday, August 25 -Central Student Council filing period for 6th graders begins -Central back to School Night (7 p.m.) -Varsity softball vs. Bixby (5:30 p.m.) -8th grade volleyball vs. Jenks (5 p.m.) -8th grade football FVC Preview @ Union (6:30 p.m.) Tuesday, August 26 -FCCLA kick off meeting @ Central (3:15 p.m.) -BHS Parent Night (6:30 p.m.) -Ranch Heights PTO meeting (7 p.m.) -Freshman, JV and varsity volleyball vs. Broken Arrow (4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) Varsity softball vs. Tulsa Hale (5 p.m.) -Freshman football @ FVC Preview @ Union (6:30 p.m.) Wednesday, August 27 (No events scheduled) Editing, writing, design and photography by Chris Tanea, Bartlesville Public School District Community Relations Coordinator, unless otherwise noted Thursday, August 28 -Madison Parent Night (6 p.m.) -Ranch Heights Curriculum Night (5:45 p.m.) -Central 8th grade Back to School party @ Youth Canteen (6 p.m.) -Freshman, JV and varsity volleyball vs. Enid (4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.) -Junior high softball @ Sapulpa (5 p.m.) Friday, August 29 -Varsity football scrimmage @ Midwest City (7 p.m.) Saturday, August 30 -JV and varsity cross country vs. Sapulpa @ Kelley Lane Park (8:30 a.m.) Sunday, August 31 (No events scheduled) Monday, September 1 ***Labor Day-No School*** -8th grade football vs. Jenks (6 p.m.) Tuesday, September 2 -Acting Work Night @ BHS acting room (6 p.m.) -WatchDog kick off event @ Ranch Heights (6 p.m.) -Freshman, JV and varsity volleyball vs. Sapulpa (4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) -JV softball @ Broken Arrow (5 p.m.) -Freshman football vs. Bixby (6 p.m.) -Junior high softball @ Barnsdall (5 p.m.) Wednesday, September 3 -Central PSG meeting (12 p.m.) Thursday, September 4 -Central picture day -Central 6th grade Student Council elections -Bruins Tailgate Rally @ Frank Phillips and Johnstone (5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.) -Freshman, JV and varsity volleyball vs. Cascia Hall (4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) -JV and varsity softball vs. Union (5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) -Junior high softball @ Union (5 p.m.)