Flying As are "A-Plus" Quality

What is a Flying A, anyway?

Some say that Adams Elementary School adopted the mascot after students won more than their share of races in the annual Little Olympics competition. Others believe it was borrowed from the "Flying A Ranch," owned by Gene Autry.

Regardless of its origin, the mascot is certainly fitting for the school today. It is full of A-plus quality students and teachers.

According to a book compiled by Stella Campbell Rockwell, Adams opened in 1915 across from Phillips University. Four teachers taught 184 students, with an average class size of 46.
Today, Adams has 44 non-certified and certified staff members who serve the needs of its 274 students. The teachers have more than 375 years of combined teaching experience.
Beverly James, school principal, said it is the efforts of students and teachers that make the school a great success.

" The children work really hard and the staff is very dedicated," James said. "All the teachers here work together. They are willing to chip in anywhere they are needed. It is like one big family."

The parents also play an important role in the school's positive atmosphere.

"During my 32 years at Adams, I have seen a lot of changes in the school staff and the school community," teacher Carolyn Harwood said. "I am now teaching children of my former students. The parents want the best education for their children."

At Adams school, which has North Central Accreditation, children have the opportunity to participate in multiple programs. The school receives Title I reading and math assistance. Other programs include English-as-a-Second Language, parent liaisons, all-day kindergarten, Accelerated Reader, Literacy First, among many other programs.

In addition the students participate in Great Expectations, a character education program, which fosters a positive school and classroom environment. Many Adams teachers are also Schools Attuned trained, which allows them to better identify students' strengths and weaknesses then apply the information to better encourage academic success.

Adams also has a number of community partnerships, including volunteer readers who visit the school each week. Integris Bass Baptist Hospital has also "adopted" the school.

All of these programs combined offer students just the right equation for academic progress.

"I think Adams is special because of the kindhearted kids, the great teachers and the excellent education," one student said. "The classrooms are great, and I feel safe. I love the classes."

As for the building itself, Adams includes 41,873 square feet. It has had five additions in its history. Long-range plans for the building, if funding becomes available through a bond issue next year, include a sidewalk replacement, technology advances, electrical upgrades, new doors, new windows, new carpet, lighting upgrades, HVAC upgrades, restroom improvements, among many other projects.

This column is a first in a special series featuring the different schools in our district. "The School Zone" runs twice monthly, and one column each month will be dedicated to a "School Spotlight."




Amber Graham Fitzgerald is the school/community relations director for Enid Public Schools. She can be reached at (580) 234-5270. She can be reached by e-mail at arfitzgerald@enidk12.org. The School Zone is published two Thursdays each month by the Enid News & Eagle.