Sand Springs Board of Education approves hiring of new baseball coach

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Northwoods principal Laura Hamilton is presented with a Coin of Excellence by Board of Education Chairman Rusty Gunn.

The Sand Springs Board of Education met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the Sandite Performing Arts Building. 

Northwoods Fine Arts Academy principal Laura Hamilton was presented with a Coin of Excellence. "Under pressure, this girl is amazing," said Superintendent Sherry Durkee in reference to a high-speed police pursuit and shooting that occurred on school grounds last year. Prior to being promoted to Principal, Hamilton was also the site teacher of the year for the 2012-2013 school year.

The Sand Springs Pilot Club and Sand Springs Women's Chamber were also presented with special recognitions for their contributions to the school district. 

Superintendent Durkee discussed the school partnership with Daybreak for mental health services. "They've been a really healthy partner...we have a councilor in every building." She also talked about Sandites Teaming for Academic Results (STAR). School administrators will hold more frequent meetings with site representatives throughout the year.

According to Assistant Superintendent Kristin Arnold, the district doesn't expect to receive the results from Spring testing till October, while A-F report cards won't be received till March.

The district is working towards having enough chrome books to follow students from grade to grade.

Durkee also discussed the possibility of having a new sound system installed at the Ed Dubie Field House. The court was recently repaired and new LED lights are soon to be installed. "It's our premier 6A facility for three sports," said Durkee.

The Lady Sandite basketball team won a conference title and made the State Semifinals this past season while the wrestling team won both State and Dual State titles. The Boys' Basketball team fell a few games short of a winning season, but is demonstrating consistent growth and improvement under fifth-year head coach Eric Savage. The Volleyball team also had one of their best seasons in school history under Frontier Valley Conference Coach of the Year Janna Green. 

The high school is without full-time security officers on staff for the first time in years and administration doesn't have any immediate plans to hire new officers. According to Durkee, the school has gotten by fine in the past year while the previous officer missed substantial workdays due to health issues. The Sand Springs Police Department will continue to assist with security during sporting events, but for the time being the district will consider the potential cost-savings of eliminating the position for the foreseeable future.

The Board unanimously approved the filling of twenty-two positions, including that of Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Baseball Coach. Former Edmond Memorial Head Coach James Garrison will take over the reigns from retiring coach Bill Hutson. He will be joined by new pitching coach Matt Brown, also from Edmond Memorial.

James was an assistant coach at Union for two State Championship seasons. He spent one year at Edmond Memorial and amassed a 14-19 record. His contract was terminated after the season.

This Week in Sand Springs

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Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Tennis - Union Tournament
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Golf - Bartlesville Tournament
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - Home game vs Deer Creek
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - Home game vs Deer Creek
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game at Owasso
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting
  • 8:00 p.m. Sand Springs Municipal Authority Meeting

Tuesday

  • CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - Regional Tournament at Westmoore
    • times TBA
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Tennis - Union Tournament
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf Regionals - Broken Arrow
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Home game vs Owasso

Thursday

  • 4:00 p.m. Frontier Valley Conference Track Meet - Union
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game at Tulsa NOAH

Friday

  • 4:00 p.m. CPHS Tennis - Rotert Night at Home
  • 4:30 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Road game at Booker T. Washington

This Week in Sand Springs

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Monday

  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission - regular monthly meeting
  • 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Oklahoma Blood Institute blood drive
    • Sand Springs Church of Christ. 4301 S. 113th W. Ave, Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment - regular monthly meeting was CANCELED
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game
    • Bartlesville High School. 500 S Madison Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006

Tuesday

  • State and Federal Taxes are due
  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf - Union Tournament
    • Lafortune Park. 5501 S. Yale Ave. Tulsa OK 74135
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - road game
    • Union Intermediate High School. 7616 S. Garnett Rd. Tulsa OK 74012
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - home game
    • Sandite Baseball Complex. 405 W. 55th St. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum Trust Authority - regular monthly meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - home game
    • Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Band Booster Club - meeting and elections
    • Charles Page High School. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063
    • Positions up for election: President, Vice President, Secretary, Co-Treasurer, CPHS Representative. Appointed coordinator positions also open.
  • 8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - home game
    • Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063

Wednesday

  • Sand Springs Development Authority - regular monthly meeting

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Golf - 6A State Preview
    • Karsten Creek Golf Club. 1800 S. Memorial Dr. Stillwater OK 74074
  • 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Guns n' Hoses Community Challenge Blood Drive
  • 4:30 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game
    • Cascia Hall. 2520 S. Yorktown Ave. Tulsa OK 74114
  • 5:00 p.m. CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - double header road games
    • Jenks High School. 1561 N. Birch St. Jenks OK 74037
  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame dinner
    • Ed Dubie Field House. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063

Friday

  • 3:00 p.m. CPHS Choir Trip - Branson "Music in the Park" Choir Contest
  • 3:00 p.m. CPHS Track and Field - Muskogee Track Meet
    • 3200 E. Shawnee Rd. Muskogee OK 74403
  • 6:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - home game
    • CPHS Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063
  • 8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - home game
    • CPHS Memorial Stadium. 500 N. Adams Rd. Sand Springs OK 74063

Saturday

  • 9:00 a.m. 28th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival
  • 10:00 a.m. Sand Springs OKUSA Freestyle/Greco-Roman Wrestling Tournament
    • Clyde Boyd Middle School. 305 W. 35th St. Sand Springs OK 74063

Sand Springs Board of Education recognizes excellence in students and faculty

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The Charles Page High School Wrestling Team starting lineup all received Sandite Spirit Awards for winning the State and Dual State Championships this last month. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

There were plenty of awards to go around at Monday night's regular monthly Sand Springs Board of Education meeting. The Board presented Rusty Vann, Elbert Moore, and the Charles Page High School Wrestling Team with the Sandite Spirit Award. Wrestling Head Coach Kelly Smith was presented with a Coin of Excellence, and Bob Jackson, Ryan Dannar, and Eric Hartley were presented with Pacesetter Awards.

The Sandite Spirit Award recognizes students and community members who have gone above expectations while representing Sand Springs Public Schools. The Pacesetter award is a similar recognition specifically for SSPS faculty and staff members.

CPHS alumnus Rusty Vann is presented with the Sandite Spirit Award.

The Sandite wrestling team recently completed a perfect 20-0 season. They won the Owasso Ram Duals, the District Dual Quadrangle, and the first 6A Dual State Championship in school history. They also won the Perry Tournament of Champions, the Jerry Billings Invitational, the 6A East Regional, and the 6A State Tournament. Riley Weir, Daton Fix, Jack Karstetter, Beau Bratcher, and Payton Scott all brought home individual gold.

Head Wrestling Coach Kelly Smith has been with the Sandites for fifteen seasons as a coach, and is also a Charles Page alumnus. The school has crowned nine individual State Champions during his tenure, and this was their first team State Title since 1971. 

Substitute Teacher Elbert Moore receives the Sandite Spirit Award.

CPHS Class of 2006 graduate Rusty Vann was presented with the Sandite Spirit Award. Vann graduated from the University of Tulsa before entering medical school at Lincoln Memorial University and DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently in his second year of residency and often works with the Sand Springs special-needs students.

Substitute teacher Elbert Moore was also presented with the Sandite Spirit Award. "He is absolutely integral to our staff," said CPHS Principal Stan Trout. "You are not a substitute teacher, you are a part of our staff and community. He does everything we would expect out of a full time teacher and more."

Members of the SSPS IT Department are honored with the Pacesetter Award.

Bob Jackson, Ryan Dannar, and Eric Hartley were presented with the Pacesetter Award for their work in the IT department. After long-time Director of Technology Danny Wasson passed away last December, the other members of the IT department stepped up to make sure nothing missed a beat. Coworker Shannon Chapman nominated the three for the award, and did so with high commendation. "More than just coworkers, this is my family," said Chapman. "These guys are the foundation. Without them you guys wouldn't have internet in the morning." She also bestowed each of them with nicknames recognizing their varied strengths and character attributes. 

Board member Mike Mullins recites the Oath of Office.

Former Board President Mike Mullins was sworn into office for a new term after running unopposed. The Board also reorganized the various officers as they do every March. Church That Matters Pastor Rusty Gunn was named the Board President, Bo Naugle took over as Vice-President, and Jackie Wagnon was named Deputy Clerk. 

Following the awards presentations the Board also discussed matters of curriculum, finances, and political affairs.

Faculty members discussed the future of Sand Springs curriculum and the potential to focus instruction around career pathways with classes customized around certain career fields that students are interested in.

A report was given on the state of the Ed Dubie Field House gym floor. The floor has become slightly raised due to a potential leak in the slab, causing it to be unplayable. This resulted in the Girls Basketball Regional Tournament being moved to Broken Arrow last month. As of now, the floor is expected to be recoverable once the leak is fixed.

Superintendent Sherry Durkee gave an update on the ongoing plan to convert all SSPS properties to LED lighting. The district is currently considering using a company utilized by the Ponca City school district. LED lights are more expensive up front than traditional lighting, but last far longer, provide better quality lighting, and save on energy costs. The district is currently estimating between eight and ten-thousand dollars in monthly energy savings once the conversion is complete. 

Assistant Superintendent Rob Miller discussed the future of student safety precautions and the possibility of equipping school staff with a smart phone app called Crisis Go. The free app features a panic button, allowing teachers and staff to report a situation by sending a direct alert to the principal and security officer in the event that they can't reach their desk phones. SSPS teachers spend the time between classes standing in the halls to monitor the students, making it difficult to get back to their desks in the event of a fight or other emergency situation.

According to Superintendent Durkee, the district continues to be financially stable in spite of continued cuts to education funding, due to drastic measures taken during the last school year. She does not expect the district to have to make further reductions to staff in the next year, but remains concerned about the near-future as the State Legislature continues to grapple with a $900 million budget shortfall.

She also discussed current State Legislation that could be concerning for public schools, such as limiting bond elections to certain times of year.

The Board approved the hiring of a fourth grade teacher for the current school year.

Janna Burch named Frontier Valley Conference Coach of the Year

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

It was a special night for the Charles Page High School volleyball team Monday at the Sand Springs Board of Education meeting. The Board handed out several awards before getting down to official business. 

Ohio State University-committed junior Gloria Mutiri was recognized for being named Co-MVP in the Frontier Valley Conference, and Head Coach Janna Green was recognized as the FVC Coach of the Year.

When Burch took over the program in 2014, they were coming off a 14-26 season. Despite being a losing record, that was actually one of the school's best years ever. Now, for the first time ever, the Lady Sandites finished with a winning record of 23-13. They ended the year ranked No. 13 in 6A by the OSSAA with wins against Frontier Valley foes Muskogee, Union, Bartlesville, Bixby, and Sapulpa.

Additionally, Caleb Clark was presented with a Coin of Excellence, and Debbie O'Niell received the Sandite Pacesetter Award. 

 

Sen. Dossett takes on school testing issues with legislation filed for 2017 session

/ Oklahoma State Capitol/

SUBMITTED

Until the 2016 legislative session, Sen. J.J. Dossett was a classroom teacher at Owasso High School. The issues he hoped to address in the Legislature included eliminating unnecessary testing and the issue of high-stakes testing. Dossett, D-Owasso, said he was pleased with the passage of legislation last year eliminating state-mandated End of Instruction (EOI) exams, but said one unnecessary assessment test that isn’t required by the federal government remains on the books—he’s seeking to eliminate that state-mandated test with Senate Bill 2.

“Oklahoma continues to require schools to administer an assessment in U.S. history once sometime from the 9th through 12th grades,” Dossett said. “This test simply isn’t needed. Schools are still going to teach U.S. History, and just like every other class, students will take tests in the subject that will measure how well they’re learning the subject material. This just eliminates an unnecessary test and gives more time to teachers to teach and more times for students to learn.  It’s a positive thing we can do for teachers and students that won’t cost anyone a dime.”

Dossett has also filed Senate Bill 123 which would modify the Reading Sufficiency Act. The measure would eliminate the required retention component for third graders who are found not to be reading at grade level. It would keep in place the remediation and supports put in place in the last few years. The bill also retains the Student Reading Proficiency Team. These teams were created to develop individualized remediation plans for first, second and third graders who are not reading at grade level as well as third graders who take the statewide assessment and were found to be reading below grade level.

“I agree with the concept of making sure Oklahoma students have the fundamental reading skills they need to learn and succeed,” Dossett said. “But I’ve always had an issue with the idea of a high stakes test that may not even reflect a child’s actual knowledge or ability and could inadvertently cause far more harm for the student than anticipated. Furthermore, if you are waiting until the third grade, it’s really too late.  The emphasis needs to be on identifying and assisting children who aren’t reading at grade level sooner and getting them the support they need to get them up to speed. That’s what I hope to accomplish with my legislation.”

Rotary Club and Parks Department receive awards, City approves OneVoice Legislative Agenda

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at City Hall and approved several City ordinances and resolutions. Only nine citizens showed up to the public event. 

Mayor Mike Burdge presented a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing the Sand Springs Rotary Club for their contribution toward the Rotary Super Splash pad in Case Community Park. "It was great working with Parks, and we're thrilled with how the project turned out," said a representative from the Rotary Club.

City Council unanimously approved a specific use permit allowing the construction of the new Public Safety facility to be constructed in the Sheffield Crossing development. The facility will house the new Police Headquarters, Fire Station, Training/Conference areas, and a Municipal Jail. The jail is a simple local lockup similar to what's already located in downtown, but slightly larger. A special use permit is a standard requirement for any City jail and the proposed location received little-to-no objection from abutting property owners. 

Council unanimously voted to support the 2017 OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda. The seven-page agenda represents the City and surrounding area's priorities for the upcoming legislative session and what they hope the State and Federal legislatures will focus on. The agenda lays out thirty bullet points in three categories, including: creating an educated and healthy workforce, building infrastructure critical to business, and ensuring a prosperous economy. 

SEE RELATED: OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda

Council unanimously voted to approve an ordinance allowing the use of three-year rabies immunizations. Existing ordinance require an annual vaccine for dogs and cats within the City limits, but some veterinarians have begun use of a three-year vaccine that previously wouldn't have been sufficient from a legal standpoint. Pet owners may now make use of either form of vaccine.

Council unanimously voted to affirm two abandoned and dilapidated properties on the North side of the river as public nuisances, clearing the way for their demolition. The properties are located at 514 1/2 N. Washington Ave., and 521 N. Lincoln Ave.

Council unanimously voted to authorize the transfer of property located at 320 N. Lincoln Ave. This allows the City to sell or convey the property. The land is currently being looked at by an anonymous local technical school program that wants to use the property for a housing construction project. The property is now declared as surplus and neighbors have thirty days to protest its use in such a manner, if they so desire.

Consent Agenda, unanimously approved 7-0-0

Council approved a contract with R.L. Shears Company to conduct a sidewalk inventory and prepare a pedestrian improvements plan for the South side of the river. The City previously contracted with Shears Company for a similar project on the North side of the river, using grant funding from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. The South-side project will also be funded with a TSET grant of $49,880. 

Council approved resolution 17-10, redirecting $60,000 from the Economic Development Capitol Fund to the Morrow Road Widening project. The section of Morrow Road from Highway 97 to Broad Street will be expanded from two to three lanes in preparation for the construction of the Sheffield Crossing development and the future City Public Safety Facility. The City has contracted with Craig & Keithline, Inc. for the project. 

Council authorized an expenditure of up-to $30,369.25 to Garland's Backhoe Service, Inc. for a BPS Water Line Relocation project along Highway 51. As part of the same project, Council approved expenditure of up-to $67,960 to Tomcat Consultants, LLC. for the rental of temporary portable water tanks for six months while the Highway 51 Standpipe is replaced. 

Council approved an additional $2,700 payment to Nova Painting, LLC to the existing $219,100 contract for sandblasting and painting of the Prue Road water tower. 

Council approved expenses up-to $82,000 payable to Tetra Tech, Inc. for the Northside Water Distribution Disinfection System Improvement project.

In Other News:

Sand Springs citizen Gregory Fisher was recently named by Governor Mary Fallin to the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority. He is filling a newly created position and will serve as a representative of Sand Springs. 

The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge restaurant is now open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week.

City offices will be closed November 24th through 25th due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Chandler Park Lights on the Hill festival begins November 25th.

The Sand Springs Festival of Lights Christmas Parade is currently scheduled for December 2nd. There is currently no word on if the Chamber of Commerce will reschedule the event should the Sandite Football team win their playoff game Friday night. Last year the Charles Page High School Football team won their semi-final playoff game and qualified for the State Championship for the first time in 49 years. The Chamber rescheduled the Parade for that Saturday so as to not conflict with the historic game. The Sandites are once again in the semi-finals Friday and the State Championship game is once again on the same night as the parade. The theme for this year's parade is "All American Christmas" due to 2016 being both a Presidential Election year and an Olympic year.

The Sand Springs Community Theater will be putting on a free play on December 4th at the Central Ninth Grade Center. "Tomato Plant Girl" recently won its category in a competition in Stillwater and will be moving on to the Regional performance in Lafayette, Louisiana in April. The December performance will be free, but will also be taking cash donations for the April trip, as well as canned food donations for the Sand Springs Community Services. 

The Sand Springs Parks Department recently won an award for their renovation of the Jerry Adair Baseball Park following tornado damage in 2015. The award recognizes both the quality of the renovation as well as the timeliness. 

The Food for Fines amnesty day the City recently implemented saw more than 291 participants, more than 100 of whom had warrants recalled as a result of their canned food donations. The day began at 8:00 a.m. with people lined up waiting, and the two City workers involved worked till 7:30 p.m. with no lunch and no breaks. The City doesn't yet have numbers on loss/gain of revenue, but considers the event to be a large success. 

Incumbents Dan Newberry and Jadine Nollan win third terms, Oklahomans reject SQ 779

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

State and local voters turned out in record-breaking numbers Tuesday afternoon in the conclusion to one of the most bitterly contested Presidential elections in recent memory. Sand Springs precincts saw especially high turnout as this election was close to home for many Sandite voters. Several candidates for State and local government have Sand Springs ties.

Longtime Sand Springs resident Jadine Nollan was reelected to House District 66 for a third term by a large margin. In 2012 she won with 66.8% of the vote and ran unopposed in 2014 to retain her position. Democratic challenger Dianna Phillips, also of Sand Springs, brought in only 32.10% of the vote. 

Incumbent Republican Dan Newberry staved off his Democratic challenger in a battle for the Senate District 37 seat. Former Sand Springs Superintendent Lloyd Snow waged a heated campaign to unseat Newberry, but drew only 40% of the vote. Independent candidate Shawn Ketcher bought in 4%. Newberry was first elected in 2008 with 63% of the vote and was reelected in 2012 by winning the Republican primary with 67% and running unopposed in the general election.

"We thought it'd be much closer, but it isn't," said Snow, in his concession speech. "If you can't run a competitive race with 200 grand working eight hours a day knocking doors, I don't know what will do it..You get what you get. We need more advocates. I've never taken losses to be personal. I'll always be a noisy citizen, but I'll never do this again."

Incumbent Republican Vic Regalado won reelection to the office of Tulsa County Sheriff, handily defeating Democratic challenger Rex Berry with 66% of the vote. Regalado won a special election earlier this year for Stanley Glanz's unexpired term. Regalado holds a Tulsa address, but lives in the Sand Springs Public School district and his kids attend Sand Springs schools.

Democratic incumbent Karen Keith easily fended off Republican challenger Joshua Turley to retain the position of County Commissioner. Keith, a former KJRH television reporter, first won election in 2008. Turley is a lifelong Sand Springs resident and a 24-year veteran of the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office. Keith drew 57% of the vote. 

All seven justices up for retention during this election were retained by an average margin of 36%. Not surprising, as no justice has ever been ousted on the ballot in the history of Oklahoma.

State Question No. 776 passed with moderate support amounting to 60% of the vote. The question amends the State Constitution to affirm the State's right to carry out the death penalty. Its passage will allow the Legislature to designate any method of execution not prohibited by the U.S. Constitution. 

State Question No. 777, the "Right to Farm" amendment was overwhelming defeated with only 28% support. 

State Question No. 779, a constitutional amendment that would have created a 1% sales tax increase to fund raises for teachers, was defeated by a 17% margin. 

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister issued a statement in response to 779's defeat. "Until we are prepared to take bold action on behalf of public education, we will continue to suffer the consequences, as a greater and greater number of teachers leave the state or exit the profession altogether. I believe Oklahomans support teachers, but they did not want to relieve the Legislature of its responsibility. I will be back before state lawmakers this next legislative session, fighting for kids and a regionally competitive wage for teachers - one that reflects their work as highly trained professionals who change the lives of nearly 70,000 students every day."

State Question No. 780, a criminal justice reform initiative, passed with overwhelming support, as did State Question No. 781, who's passage was conditional on the passage of 780. 780 will reclassify several drug possession and property crimes from felony status to misdemeanor, while 781 will create funding for criminal rehabilitation. 780 passed by 65% and 781 passed by 62%. 

State Question No. 790 was solidly defeated with only 40% support. The bill would have abolished an existing clause in the State Constitution prohibiting the use of public funds for religious purposes. 

State Question No. 792, a law to modernize Oklahoma's liquor laws passed with overwhelming support at 72%. 

Unsurprisingly, Republican nominee Donald Trump easily secured the State's seven electoral votes, though it was by the lowest margin of victory since Bob Dole defeated Bill Clinton in 1996. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson took 6% of the popular vote as the first third-party candidate on the Oklahoma ballot since 2000. Trump's 23% victory margin was a tad bit behind the 30% cushion enjoyed by the past three Republican nominees, but was still more than enough to defeat Hillary Clinton.

Johnson's 6% was the highest third-party showing since Independent candidate Ross Perot took 10.84% in 1996, and the highest showing for a Libertarian in State history. The Libertarian Party was on the Oklahoma ballot from 1984 through 2000 and never broke the 1% mark.

Hillary Clinton's 35% was the highest mark for a Democrat in Oklahoma since Al Gore took 38% in 2000. She slightly edged out President Obama's percentage, but was significantly behind her husband's 40% in 1996. A Democrat has not won Oklahoma's electors since Lyndon B. Johnson defeated Barry Goldwater in 1964. 

State Releases A-F Report Cards: Sand Springs Schools average B-

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The State Board of Education released the 2016 A-F Report Cards for all public schools in Oklahoma Thursday, and the average Sand Springs Public School received an 80.87%, or a B-. 

"The report cards released today are likely to be the last using the A-F calculations that have been in effect since the 2012-2013 school year. Under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and a new state law, House Bill 3218, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is developing a new school accountability calculation to take effect in the 2017-2018 school year," says a press release from the Department of Education. 

“Our sights are fixed on a stronger school accountability system that will be a more meaningful and accurate measure for Oklahoma schools and districts, one that will better provide contextual information that educators, families and communities need to know about our schools, their academic performance, student growth and progress especially for high-need and at-risk student groups,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said.

"Also at today’s meeting, the SBE approved OSDE’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget request of $2.64 billion for common education, which includes an increase of $221 million over the FY 2017 budget. The increase maintains per-student funding to reflect Oklahoma’s student population growth, adding $56.7 million to the school funding formula and restoring funding for the Instructional Materials, Support of Public School Activities and Agency Support for Schools line items," says the release.

Angus Valley Elementary received the highest grade of 97%, with Central Ninth Grade Center being the only other school to receive an A. Charles Page High School received a C-. The Early Childhood Development Center did not receive a grade. 

Grades are based on three criteria. 50% of the grading is based on Student Performance, with Overall Student Growth and Bottom Growth accounting for 25% each. Student Achievement is based on the Oklahoma School Testing Program assessments in grades three through high school. Student Growth is based on annual student learning gains as measured by Oklahoma's standardized assessments in reading and mathematics in grades three through eight, and Algebra I and English II End of Instruction Exams. 

Angus Valley Elementary

Angus Valley, located at 412 West 55th Street, on the South side of town, received a 97%. Angus serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. On Student Achievement, the students received a B in all curriculum, including Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. In overall growth they received an A in both Reading and Mathematics. The bottom quarter of students received an 86% on growth. The school maintained an attendance rate greater than 95% for an additional 10 points. The strongest subject for the school was Social Studies with 88% and the weakest subject was Science with 81%. 

Northwoods Fine Arts Academy and Garfield STEAM Academy

Northwoods, located at 1691 Old North Road, in Northeast Sand Springs, and Garfield, located at 701 North Roosevelt Avenue, just north of downtown, were graded together and received a 71%. Northwoods serves students from Kindergarten through Second Grade, and Garfield serves students from Third through Fifth Grades. This will change in the next school year as both schools separate and adopt a K-5 format. On Student Achievement, the students received a C in Reading, a D in Mathematics, and Fs in Science and Social Studies. In overall growth they received a C in Reading and a D in Mathematics. The bottom quarter of students received a 46% on growth. The schools maintained a 95% attendance rate for an additional 10 points. The strongest subject for the schools was Reading with 73% and the weakest subject was Science with 42%. 

Limestone Elementary

Limestone, located at 4201 South Walnut Creek Drive, in South Sand Springs, received an 85%. Limestone serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. On Student Achievement, the students received a B in Reading, Cs in Mathematics, and Social Studies, and a D in Science. Overall Student Growth received an A in Reading and a C in Mathematics. The bottom quarter of students received a 58% on growth. The school maintained an attendance rate greater than 95% for an additional 10 points. The strongest subject for the school was Reading with 86% and the weakest subject was Science with 63%.

Pratt Elementary

Pratt, located at 305 West 35th Street, in South Sand Springs, received an 84%. Pratt serves students from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. On Student Achievement, the students received Bs in Reading and Mathematics, a D in Social Studies, and an F in Science. Overall Student Growth received Bs in both Reading and Mathematics. The bottom quarter of students received a 55% on growth. The school maintained an attendance rate of greater than 95% for an additional 10 points. The strongest subject for the school was Reading at 84% and the weakest subject was Science with 55%.

Clyde Boyde Middle School

Clyde Boyd, located at 305 West 35th Street in South Sand Springs, received a 74%. The school serves students from Sixth through Eighth Grade. On Student Achievement, the students received Cs in Reading and Mathematics, and Fs in Science and Social Studies. Overall Student Growth received Cs in both Reading and Mathematics. The bottom quarter of students received a 50% on growth. The school received 10 bonus points for a 94% attendance rate, a sub-5% dropout rate, and an advanced coursework participation rate greater than 95%. The strongest subject for the school was a tie between Reading and Mathematics at 72%, while the weakest subject was Social Studies at 48%.

Central Ninth Grade Center

CNGC, located at 14 West 4th Street in downtown, received a 94%. On Student Achievement, the students received a B in Mathematics, and did not receive grades on the other subjects due to an insufficient number of students' scores. Overall Student Growth received an A in Mathematics, while the bottom quarter of students received an 80% on growth. The school received 10 bonus points for a 94% attendance rate, a sub-5% dropout rate, and an advanced coursework participation rate greater than 95%. 

Charles Page High School

CPHS, located at 500 North Adams Road, received a 71%. On Student Achievement, the students received a C in English, Ds in Mathematics and U.S. History, and an F in Biology I. Overall Student Growth received a B in English II and an F in Algebra I. The bottom quarter of students received a 60% on growth. The school recorded an 87% for graduation rate, a 65% on EOI performance, a 52% on College Entrance Exams, and a 64% on College Entrance Exam participation. They received 3 bonus points for advanced coursework participation and performance greater than 95% and year-to-year growth. 

Register bicycles with the City to avoid theft

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The Sand Springs Police Department issued a reminder last week via Facebook that citizens are welcome to register their bicycles with the City website to aid in the return of a recovered bike.

"Every year the Sand Springs Police Department receives calls of found and stolen bicycles. It is our goal to return these bikes to the rightful owners, but the majority of the time that does not happen.

One issue is that many people do not write down their serial number. Some people think that it will be in the owners manual, but often it is not included by the manufacturer, only a space to write it down.

S.S.P.D. offers a service to help this problem. Our bike registry lets you enter your information and bike serial number into our system. If an officer recovers the bike, we know how to contact you. This saves our citizens from needing to buy a new bike and it saves our officers time, effort and much needed storage space. If your bike is ever stolen, we will already have the information on file that we can get your serial number for the report and enter it into the national database.

This is a free service and only takes a few minutes to complete. If you feel this could be of help to you, please go to this link."

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