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May
26, 2009 The program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is being offered weekdays June 1-26. Breakfast will be served from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sites include Coolidge Elementary, 1515 E. Ash; and Monroe Elementary, 400 W. Cottonwood. For more information about the Enid summer child nutrition program, please call 234-5270. Through
the partnership with USDA, meals will be provided to all children
without charge, and are the same for all children regardless of
age, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. There will
be no discrimination in the course of meal service. To file a complaint
of discrimination, write or call USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20250-9410
or call (800) 795-3272. May
20, 2009
Two Emerson Junior High School students and one teacher were recently recognized by Lifetouch National School Studios for their yearbook-related work.
Two ninth-grade students were named two of ten nationally recognized “Star Students” by the company. They were selected for excellence in computer software knowledge, desktop publishing and commitment.
Bonnie Vculek, yearbook advisor, was selected as Oklahoma Advisor of the Year from more than 700 school administrators, teachers and support staff members statewide. Criteria for the award included: leadership, commitment and dedication to school, students, colleagues and community.
Vculek and her students received the awards from Staci Matthesen, yearbook consultant, earlier this week during the school’s awards ceremony. May
20, 2009
Enid High School counselors will be available next week to assist new students who would like to enroll for the 2009-10 school year. The office will be open from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. May 26-29. EHS is located at 611 W. Wabash, and the counselor’s office is on the second floor.
Next year, EHS will offer a comprehensive curriculum for students in grades nine to 12, including 16 Advanced Placement courses, more than two dozen athletic and music opportunities, and four foreign language choices: French, Spanish, German and Chinese. Any
student who would like to enroll is asked to bring a transcript,
immunization record and test scores. If you have questions or would
like to schedule an appointment, please contact the EHS Guidance
Office at May
8, 2009 Current fifth- and sixth-grade students, and their families, who are interested in attending Emerson Middle School next year are invited to the school's final "Meet in the Middle" event of the 2008-09 school year. The ice cream social will be Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m. in the school's cafeteria. Emerson staff members and Irish ambassadors will be available to answer questions about the upcoming school year. Emerson
is located at 700 W. Elm. For more information, please contact the
school at 237-3017. April
22, 2009 Two Enid High School students competed over the weekend at the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association 2009 Speech and Debate Competition in Stillwater. The students qualified for the state competition at the Regional Tournament in March, hosted by Rose State College. Coach
Lisa Hamilton accepted a fourth-place Oklahoma Academic Achievement
Award on behalf of her team. The award is given to the teams with
the highest grade point averages in the state. The team is also
coached by Tana Germundson. April
16, 2009
The Enid High School Symphonic Band recently earned the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association Sweepstakes Award. This is the first time the symphonic band has received this award. It is the third sweepstakes win in Enid band history.
The symphonic band competed at the OSSAA State Concert Contest at Edmond North High School on Wednesday. They received a superior rating for their concert performance and a superior rating in sight reading. This achievement, combined with the superior rating at the OSSAA Regional Marching contest last fall, qualified the Symphonic Band for the OSSAA Sweepstakes Award.
The band is directed by Danny Powers, Eric Pennello, Brad Mitchell, and Robert Anderson. April
14, 2009 Enid Public Schools’ Native American Education Committee will host a meeting April 17 to discuss next year’s grant application for Title VII Native American education services. Members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Central Office Boardroom, located at 500 S. Independence. For more information, please contact Vivian Bunch, Director of Federal Programs, at 234-5270.
April
9, 2009 Parents interested in learning more about Enid Public Schools' early childhood program are encouraged to tune into the district's live call-in show "Great Beginnings," Tuesday night on PEGASYS, channel 12. The 30-minute program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Information about 4-year-old and kindergarten enrollment will be provided, including new information about the pre-kindergarten classes being offered at the YWCA and The Commons. Parents may call 237-0099 with questions during the broadcast. The program will feature Dr. Ruth Ann Erdner, assistant superintendent; Chris Smith, early childhood consultant; Jennifer Hennigh, full-day kindergarten teacher; and Cheryl Ivester, pre-kindergarten teacher. For more information, contact Amber Fitzgerald at 234-5270. April
3, 2009 Northwest Oklahoma students who need to make up a high school credit or wish to get ahead on their studies are invited to enroll in Enid Public Schools' 2009 Summer Academy, hosted by Enid High School and Lincoln Academy. EPS is currently accepting enrollment for the program. Tuition-based classes are available for students who were enrolled during 2008-09 in the eighth- through 12th grade. Enrollment is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis to area students. ENID
HIGH SCHOOL COURSES Tuition
for each session is $155. Classes, excluding driver's education,
require two sessions. Each session is worth ½ unit of credit. Classes include: Grammar/Composition 9, English Composition 10-12, world literature, American literature, English literature, U.S. history, world history and Oklahoma history. Tuition is $155 per session. Each session is worth ½ unit of credit. Lincoln also will offer a reading exam preparation course, which lasts two weeks and costs $155. It will be offered June 1-12. It is designed to help students pass the reading exam to obtain a driver's license. The reading exam will be administered free of charge at the end of the course. No credit is given for the class. ADDITIONAL
PROGRAMS MUSIC
PROGRAMS ATHLETIC
PROGRAMS CHILD
NUTRITION PROGRAM The program will be offered weekdays from June 1-26. Breakfast will be served from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sites include Coolidge Elementary, 1515 E. Ash; and Monroe Elementary, 400 W. Cottonwood. For more information, call 234-6324. MORE
INFORMATION Scholarships are available. For more information about summer school, please contact Amber Fitzgerald at (580) 234-5270 or arfitzgerald@enidk12.org. Enrollment can be placed by calling EHS at 234-2404 or Lincoln at 242-6170. Extensive
information about the district's summer school program can be accessed
by visiting www.enidpublicschools.org. April
2, 2009 It's time for Enid Public Schools elementary students to enroll for the 2009-10 school year, beginning with the district's youngest students. The EPS Four-Year-Old Program is expanding this year to include classes at The Commons senior center and the YWCA. District-wide enrollment for the new classes will be Friday, April 24 from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Those interested in attending at The Commons should enroll at Central Office, located at 500 S. Independence. Those interested in the YWCA program should enroll at the YWCA at 525 S. Quincy. Enrollment for the Four-Year-Old Program at all 10 elementary sites will be 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 28. "We know that a great education starts with a great beginning," Amber Graham Fitzgerald, Director of School & Community Relations, said. "We are very excited to welcome a new class of 4-year-olds to the district. We look forward to working with them and their families until they don caps and gowns as the Enid High School Class of 2023." All EPS 4-Year-Old programs focus on the social, academic, physical and emotional needs of children. Students must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2009. Parents can select from a combination of morning or afternoon classes, as room allows. Parents are responsible for transportation, and daily sign-in and sign-out by an adult is required. Classes are limited to 20 students and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must enroll at their home site, unless enrolling at The Commons or the YWCA. Transfers can be requested. EPS at The Commons, made possible through a partnership with The Commons and Smart Start, will feature an intergenerational program. Residents of the center will be invited to volunteer in the classroom, serving as "grandma" and "grandpa" buddies for the children. Students enrolled in EPS at the YWCA can spend half of the day in the EPS pre-kindergarten program and half of the day in childcare, if parents wish. Priority will be given to children enrolled in the YWCA childcare program. "The Enid Public Schools Early Childhood Program is known for hands-on learning centers, caring early childhood specialists and outstanding teacher's assistants," Fitzgerald said. "It is exciting to expand the program and to involve such strong community partners in our efforts." Full-day kindergarten enrollment is scheduled for 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 29. Parents of kindergartners should enroll their children at their home school. Transfers may be requested. Students must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2009 to enroll. Five-year-old students are required to enroll in kindergarten and are not eligible for the 4-year-old program. Parents enrolling their children as EPS students for the first time should bring the student's immunization record, birth certificate and social security number. Elementary students will pre-enroll May 4-8. Packets will be sent home with information that needs to be updated for the upcoming school year. The information should be returned to school by the date specified by the building principal. Enrollment verification for all early childhood and elementary classes will be July 31 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, contact the Board of Education at 580.234.5270. March
12, 2009 Enid
High School’s Competitive Speech and Drama Team will compete
at regional competition this weekend at Rose State College in Midwest
City.
The team is coached by Enid High School’s speech/drama teacher, Lisa Hamilton and assistant coach, Tana Germundson. Ginny Shipley also assists with the team.
EHS’ drama department has a strong tradition. In the past three years, Hamilton has had three students continue their performing arts studies in New York, California, and at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. January
6, 2009 Two more Enid Public Schools teachers recently attained National Board Certification. Reba Gregory and Matt Holtzen joined 324 other Oklahoma teachers this year in earning their profession's top honor, which is regulated by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Gregory is a kindergarten teacher at Hayes Elementary School. Holtzen is a social science teacher at Enid High School. The total number of Oklahoma teachers certified by NBPTS now stands at 2,307. EPS has 29 NBPTS certified teachers, and more than 20 other nationally certified professionals including speech and occupational therapists and school nurses. National Board Certification is the highest credential in the teaching profession. A voluntary process established by NBPTS, certification is achieved through a rigorous performance-based assessment that takes between one and three years to complete and measures what accomplished teachers and school counselors should know and be able to do. NBPTS
is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan and nongovernmental organization
governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are classroom
teachers. For more information about NBPTS, please visit http://www.nbpts.org. December
18, 2008 Enid Public Schools is proud to announce its 2008-09 building-level teachers of the year. This year's honorees include: Marva Garber, Adams; Michelle Gilliam, Coolidge; Kay Henderson, Eisenhower; Linda Reames, Emerson; Craig Liddell, Enid High School; Sheila Johnson, Garfield; Jena Bolt, Glenwood; Kathy Haworth, Hayes; Lisa Brumfield, Hoover; Gary Kirtley, Lincoln; Robin Eckert, Longfellow; Judy Manjarrez, McKinley; Marla Fuxa, Monroe; Katie Sanderson, Taft; and Pam Gilbreath, Waller. The local teacher of the year program is coordinated by the district's professional development committee. "I am very excited to recognize these outstanding educators," Shawn Hime, EPS Superintendent, said. "Every day, they shape the future of this community and of the world by working with tomorrow's leaders. Today, we celebrate their contribution, and say 'thank you' for a job well done." The building-level teachers of the year, selected by their colleagues, will now be considered for Enid Public Schools Teacher of the Year, which will be announced during the Enid Education Association banquet in May. The winner will then represent the district at the state competition. Matt Holtzen, last year's local teacher of the year and a state finalist, was the third EPS teacher in as many years to be recognized by the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year program. In 2007, Tara Scott was named a Rising Star, which recognizes outstanding educators who have taught for less than five years. In 2006, Mary McDonald, was named a state finalist. Past
EPS teachers who were selected for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year
include: Betsy Mabry, 1993; Wilda Walker, 1976; and Albert Clark,
1971. Six Enid High School graduates and a current student have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) exams. Three students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Two students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Two additional students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Examinations, with grades of 3 or higher. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. Most of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both based on successful performance on the AP Exams. More than 1,400 institutions award a full year’s credit (sophomore standing) to students presenting a sufficient number of qualifying grades. Nationwide, thirty-four AP Exams are offered in a wide variety of subject areas, each consisting of multiple-choice and free-response (essay or problem-solving) questions (except for the studio Art exam which evaluates students’ original artwork). The College Board’s mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is comprised of more than 5,000 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves over three million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT, and the Advanced Placement Program (AP). October
23, 2008 Two individuals who have contributed greatly to the Enid community will be inducted into the Enid Public School Foundation Hall of Fame this month. Harold Hamm and Dr. Garland Keithly will be honored during the organization’s annual banquet, slated for October 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cherokee Strip Conference Center. “We are so pleased to honor Mr. Hamm and Dr. Keithly,” Nancy Campbell, executive director of EPSF, said. “Both of these men, through their professional and community service, have made Enid an even better place to live and to learn.” Hamm serves as Chairman of Continental Resources. He created his first company in the mid-1960s and, today, various Hamm companies operate in 12 states, employing hundreds of people. Harold is a leading advocate of higher education in northwest Oklahoma. He played a pivotal role in bringing Northwestern to Enid, providing increased access to public higher education for students in the area. In 1996, Harold received the first honorary master’s degree ever given by Northwestern when he was awarded a master of laws degree. The City of Enid also endowed a Chair in Northwestern’s School of Business in his honor. In 2006, Mr. Hamm and his wife, Sue Ann, created a foundation to facilitate their charitable giving. In September, Continental Resources coordinated, with assistance from other corporate sponsors, a community running event that raised more than $50,000 for SMARTBoards for Enid classrooms. Keithly served 24 year as superintendent of Enid Public Schools, retiring in June 2008. During his service to EPS, district test scores exceeded state and national averages. Among his many contributions, he oversaw the creation of the district's pre-kindergarten, full-day kindergarten and alternative education programs, and led the district successfully through multiple state-level budget crises. Keithly was instrumental in the development of the district’s energy management program, which saved taxpayers nearly $5 million during a 16-year period. Keithly also assisted with the creation of the EPS Foundation in the mid-1980s. Under Keithly’s charge, the district has passed more than $40 million worth of bond improvements for facilities, transportation and technology. He also was twice named Administrator of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, and he earned the 2008 Oklahoma School Public Relations Association Administrator of the Year Award. He also was honored by the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Enid Public School Foundation is a non-profit organization, operated by a volunteer Board of Trustees, which supports Enid Public Schools. Proceeds from the Hall of Fame Banquet, as well as other fund-raisers, benefit the organization’s Grants-To-Teachers program, which provides as much as $30,000 in materials and programs to schools annually. The foundation also provides scholarships for teachers to return to college to pursue advanced degrees. EPSF has also provided EPS classrooms with SMARTBoards, with more to come in the future. Tickets for the EPSF banquet are $50. For more information, please contact Nancy Campbell at 234-5270. September
26, 2008 The National Merit Scholarship Program has recognized three Enid High School students for their outstanding scholastic abilities and academic promise. Two students were named Semifinalists, and one student earned Commended Student distinction. The students are among 16,000 semifinalists in the 54th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $35 million, that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. About 34,000 students were recognized as Commended Students. Although they will not continue in the 2009 competition, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2007 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 500 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. July
9, 2008 Matt Holtzen, 2008 Enid Public Schools Teacher of the Year, has been named one of 12 state finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. "I was honored to be recognized by my colleagues in my building and in the district," said Holtzen. "To be selected at the state level, it is a great honor because there are so many wonderful teachers out there, including many that I know." A teacher with EPS since 1999, Holtzen currently teaches social studies at Enid High School. He is also the advisor of the EHS Constitution Team, which has earned more than a dozen state championships. He is a member of numerous professional associations, including the National Council for History Educators. "We are extremely proud of Mr. Holtzen, and he is very deserving of this honor," Jim Beierschmitt, EHS principal, said. "He makes a true investment in his students, with his time and with his passion for social studies. He instills in them a sense of civic responsibility, and with his help, they are able to learn about and appreciate the democracy in which we live." Holtzen is the third EPS teachers in as many years to be recognized with a state-wide honor though the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year program. Last year, Tara Scott, 2007 EPS Teacher of the Year, was named a Rising Star, which recognizes outstanding educators who have taught for less than five years. In 2006, then-EPS Teacher of the Year, Mary McDonald, was named a state finalist as well. Past EPS teachers who were selected for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year include: Betsy Mabry, 1993; Wilda Walker, 1976; and Albert Clark, 1971. "Mr. Holtzen's selection as a finalist is exciting news," Shawn Hime, superintendent, said. "The success of EPS teachers in the state program, especially in the last few years, confirms what Enid residents already know to be true: Many of the best educators in the state teach in our classrooms." Holtzen said teaching has been a life-long passion, and that the most fulfilling aspect of his career is making history and civics relative to the lives of his students. "I find rewards in the students who have applied the knowledge gained in class and begin to use it by becoming active members in society," he wrote in his portfolio. "The student who registers to vote is a reward. The student who sees multiple sides of an issue is a reward. The student who recognizes how the events of the past shape the present and works towards changing the future is a reward." The 12 state finalists were selected by four state regional committees comprised of teachers and civic and business leaders. Three finalists were chosen by each committee. The 2009 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year will be chosen by a state committee comprised of education, business and civic leaders in a formal selection process, and will be announced in ceremonies at the Oklahoma State Fair on September 16. The
winner will be Oklahoma's representative in the national Teacher
of the Year competition and serve one year as Oklahoma's "Ambassador
of Teaching," traveling across the state conducting professional
development and making public presentations. The winner also will
be the recipient of more than $50,000 in cash and prizes and the
use of a new car and gas card during his or her tenure
as Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. All media inquiries should be forwarded to Amber Graham Fitzgerald |
