Sand Springs schools and Tulsa Tech partner to offer Foundations of Construction program

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Sand Springs Public Schools held a media tour and grand opening event Thursday morning at the new Tulsa Technology Center classrooms on the campus of Charles Page High School. The schools recently launched a “Foundations of Construction” program, and have also partnered in several other classes in recent years.

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, State Representative Jadine Nollan, and several City, District, and other local officials turned out to celebrate and speak at the event.

“Over the last five to six years we have worked studiously to construct programs and opportunities for our students to be successful and explore job opportunities,” said SSPS Superintendent Sherry Durkee. Durkee praised the district’s partnership with Representative Nollan in pushing for Individual Academic Plans for students across the State.

“We know that our job, our function, is to prepare kids for citizenship,” said Durkee. “We embrace that and today we are celebrating Construction. We have two other key Tulsa Tech programs built inside Charles Page High School. We also have Foundations of Manufacturing, and Interior Design.” The district also offers classes in Engineering, Computer Science, BioMed, and more.

“Through my time in the (construction) industry I’ve witnessed the growing stresses of these firms being unable to find qualified help,” said Tulsa Tech Board of Education member Danny Hancock. Hancock is a Construction Manager at Cowen Construction and a graduate of both Charles Page High School and Tulsa Tech. He has also served as President of the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors.

According to Hancock, 80% of construction firms report difficulties filing craft positions, and 50% report difficulties filling management positions. 72% of construction firms want to expand their labor force but can’t due to a stagnant regional labor pool.

“This program here will not have a shortage of industry members wanting to help the program be successful,” said Hancock. Several local construction businesses have committed to providing the program with guest speakers, job tours, materials, access to tools, and job opportunities.

“Instead of thinking outside of the box, let’s just remove the box,” says Superintendent Durkee. “(Let’s) create programs that give the kids what they need. That is how we try to frame our minds and our goal setting.”

The Sand Springs school district has spent recent years pushing for addition STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs throughout all age-levels. Students are working with engineering, robotics, virtual reality and other STEM subjects throughout the elementary and middle school levels, and a new STEM Center is currently being constructed on the grounds of CPHS.

“What we’re doing here, we have to make sure this happens all across our 77 counties,” said Lt. Gov. Pinnell. “I talk to multiple business owners every single day. They keep telling me ‘I’d hire ten people tomorrow but they don’t have the skills I need.’”

“This is not just an Oklahoma problem,” said Pinnell. “Every state is dealing with the skills gap. Thankfully you now have a national conversation about this. You (in Sand Springs) have leaders at a local level, superintendents, that realize that. On behalf of the State of Oklahoma, I just want to tell you ‘thank you.’”

“We’re going to go down to the State Capitol, take the message of what you’re doing right here in Sand Springs and make sure that we take this across our 77 counties,” said Pinnell.

“The most important thing for a community like Sand Springs, and people that want to move here is our education system,” said Mayor Jim Spoon. “That’s one of the first things they check. We are so proud of our Sand Springs school system and what they do for our city and our community. We can’t be any more proud and this is a good example.”

State Health Department releases Kindergarten vaccination survey results

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The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is releasing the results of an annual survey conducted throughout the state to assess vaccination coverage and exemption status of children enrolled in public and private kindergarten programs. The survey measures the amount of students who are up to date for the six vaccines required for children to be enrolled in school.

In effort to improve transparency to the public, OSDH officials have used geographic mapping technology to create an interactive online search tool for the public to view results by county, or by individual school. This is the first time for OSDH to release the information in such a format where the public can see results of the survey through a map to observe trends across the state.

Each school’s listing provides the percentage of kindergarten students who were up to date on each individual vaccine for polio, varicella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP); and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Results indicate the DTaP and MMR vaccines have the lowest current coverage.

While school participation in the survey was voluntary, a high rate of participation was achieved assessing the immunization status of approximately 92% of Oklahoma’s kindergarteners during the 2018-19 school year. The survey also collected the percentage of students who claimed exemptions from receiving the required vaccinations.

 “Analysis of this data drives program activities to improve vaccination coverage in our state,” said Interim Commissioner of Health Tom Bates. “We appreciate the support from the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the local school officials who contributed to such an important project. We know that vaccinations are among the most effective ways to protect against serious diseases.”

Overall, the study indicates the number of kindergarten students up to date on all vaccines increased by 1% from 90.4% in 2017-18, to 91.4% in 2018-19. Up to date rates for MMR, Hep B, and Hep A all increased when compared to last year while DTaP and Varicella rates decreased. The number of students with record of exemption for any vaccination increased by 0.2% from 2.4% in 2017-18, to 2.6% in 2018-19. The majority of these exemptions were approved for non-medical reasons such as personal or religious reasons.

Responses from schools represented 94% of students enrolled in public kindergarten programs and 51% in private school programs.

To view the recommended immunization schedule, visit https://go.usa.gov/xVC9k or contact the OSDH Immunization Service at (405) 271-4073.

Below are the percentages of Sand Springs Kindergartners who were up-to-date on their vaccinations:

Angus Valley Elementary
DTaP: 77.94%
Hep A: 92.65%
Hep B: 94.12%
MMR: 82.35%
Polio: 79.41%
Varicella: 94.12%
All: 75%
Exempt: 2.9%

Limestone Elementary
DTaP: 81.82%
Hep A: 93.18%
Hep B: 95.45%
MMR: 84.09%
Polio: 81.81%
Varicella: 95.45%
All: 81.82%
No exemptions.

Pratt Elementary
DTaP: 83.61%
Hep A: 95.08%
Hep B: 96.72%
MMR: 83.61%
Polio: 85.25%
Varicella: 93.44%
All: 78.69%
Exempt: 1.6%

Garfield Elementary
DTaP: 84.06%
Hep A: 84.06%
Hep B: 94.2%
MMR: 84.06%
Polio: 86.96%
Varicella: 92.75%
All: 78.26%
Exempt: 2.9%

Northwoods Elementary
DTaP: 96.39%
Hep A: 96.39%
Hep B: 96.39%
MMR: 96.39%
Polio: 96.39%
Varicella: 96.39%
All: 96.39%
Exempt: 3.6%

Keystone Elementary
DTaP: 83.87%
Hep A: 90.32%
Hep B: 90.32%
MMR: 83.87%
Polio: 83.87%
Varicella: 93.55%
All: 83.87%
Exempt: 6.5%

Anderson Elementary
DTaP: 72.73%
Hep A: 95.45%
Hep B: 97.73%
MMR: 72.73%
Polio: 70.45%
Varicella: 97.73%
All: 68.18%
Exempt: 4.5%

Bill Knight Auto to partner with Sand Springs Education Foundation in annual $8000 fundraiser

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Bill Knight Lincoln presents an $8,000 check to the Angus Valley Elementary students in 2017.

Bill Knight Auto will be partnering with the Sand Springs Education Foundation for the Sixth Annual “Driven to Give Day,” Saturday, September 14th in the Charles Page High School parking lot.

From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the dealership will be set up in the high school parking lot to offer test drives of the latest fleet of brand new Lincoln automobiles.

Participants, 18 years or older, can come and test drive a new Lincoln. For each test drive, the SSEF will receive $20. Participants are asked to fill out some basic information before the drive and immediately after the drive to complete the process and help secure the donation. NO obligation, NO sales, NO return contact unless the participant agrees.

The fundraiser caps at $8,000. That money helps the Education Foundation with annual scholarships for CPHS students, and for grants to Sand Springs Public Schools teachers. For each person who test drives a car, a teacher’s name will be entered into a drawing for two chances at $500 for classroom supplies.

Project Director selected for 1921 Race Massacre Centennial Commission

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State Senator Kevin Matthews, Chair of the 1921 Race Massacre Centennial Commission, announced Friday that Tulsan Phil Armstrong had been chosen to serve as project director. The Commission will facilitate actions, activities, and events that commemorate and educate citizens in Oklahoma and throughout the nation about the history surrounding the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in an area that was once known as the nation’s Black Wall Street. 

The Commission named Armstrong after a detailed selection process from a pool of 28 applicants, with five finalists appearing before a panel consisting of the Commission’s sub-committee chairs for in-depth personal interviews.

“As project director, Phil will work with the Commission, its subcommittees and key Greenwood District organizations to execute plans for the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre,” Matthews said.  “I’m very pleased with Phil’s selection and I know he will do an excellent job on behalf of the Commission.”

Matthews said Armstrong has a varied background in the corporate sector and as an entrepreneur in the restaurant business.  A native of Ohio, Armstrong has made Tulsa his home for more than 20 years and has been actively engaged in the community by serving on several non-profit boards, including the Barthelmes School for Music, Community Service Council, Reading Partners of Tulsa and as chairman of the board for the Greenwood Cultural Center. 

Armstrong holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Akron. A gifted vocalist, Armstrong also sings for several events and organizations in the Tulsa metro, including performing the National Anthem for the Tulsa Drillers and Tulsa Roughnecks home games. 

2019 Meet the Sandites Photo Gallery

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Charles Page High School held its annual Meet the Sandites event Thursday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The event recognizes fall athletics like Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Softball, Cheer, and Dance, as well as Band and Color Guard.

Hosted by the Sandite Quarterback Club in conjunction with Sand Springs Youth Football & Cheer, the event allows every single youth football, cheer, and dance team from elementary on up to run through the tunnel and storm the field.

The Church That Matters Tailgate Crew held their first tailgate party of the season prior to the event. The church grills hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and more prior to every home football game. Each week a different athletic program is selected as the fundraiser recipient. The Sandite Basketball teams raised more than $1,700.

Click here to view our full 2019 Meet the Sandites photo gallery on SmugMug.

by Scott Emigh

Phoenix Academic Center opens in Sand Springs at former Moriah Christian building

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The Phoenix Academic Center will soon be opening its doors for its first school year in Sand Springs. Previously known as Cornerstone Tutorial Center, the home-school resource recently relocated from Tulsa to the site of the former Moriah Christian Academy at 680 East 41st Street.

The school was founded in 1990 and was previously located at Eastwood Baptist Church in the 11th and Mingo area. Along with the move, the school is also changing up the curriculum and rebranding.

The school offers a-la-carte classes for parents who struggle with teaching certain subjects, as well full course loads. Preschool and early elementary students can attend five days a week, with the option for parents to attend with them and collaborate with the teacher.

The school focuses on STEAM-based curriculum, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. They also will be offering basic life skills classes such as car maintenance and financial literacy. Those workshops will be held on Saturdays and open to the public.

The school will also offer a study hall and tutor to help students with homework between classes.

“It’s not a six hours a day, five days a week thing,” says Head Administrator Angela Leasman. “You can get so much more done as a homeschooling parent. My kids would have all their required work done by noon if they got up early, and they could sit in their pajamas to do it.”

Leasman has one child still in the system and her two oldest children are now teachers at the school. She also had grandchildren and cousins in the school. She joined the school as a parent volunteer four years ago and has since taken the reigns of the organization.

The Phoenix Board of Directors maintains Christian values, but is nondenominational and doesn’t require its students to be religious, nor do the teachers preach religion in class. “We accept everybody as long as they understand we are faith-based,” says Leasman. “I want everyone to be aware of (our faith) but I want them to also understand that we don’t expect them to believe what we believe.”

The school will be holding an Open House Saturday, August 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Parents are invited to tour the school, meet the teachers, and fill out an application. The school isn’t too restrictive, but requires an interview process to make sure that the school is a good fit for each kid. “We don’t want anybody to enroll and then regret it later,” says Leasman. She also plans on inviting some other local home school groups to the event. “We all offer different things. There’s really no competition.”

Clyde Boyd Middle School bans cell phones to increase student engagement

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The Sand Springs Public School district approved a new policy this summer, banning the use of cellular phones and other electronic devices at Clyde Boyd Middle School and the Sixth Grade Center during school hours.

“In an effort to increase student engagement, enhance student learning, and decrease cyberbullying; CBMS/SGC is implementing a new SSPS Board of Education approved Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy this year,” reads an announcement put forth by the district.

“Students are not allowed to possess cellular phones or electronic devices during school hours. Cellular phones and electronic devices are to be kept in the student’s locked locker between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Students may check text messages between passing periods, but phone calls, videoing, taking pictures and listening to music will not be permitted. The school is not responsible for theft or damage of any of these items brought to school or activities.

“This policy will be enforced starting the first day of school, Tuesday, August 20. With this in mind, we are implementing the following procedure:

  • Every student will have an assigned locker. Students are responsible for bringing their own combination lock.

  • Students will get their assigned locker numbers during schedule pick up. Their locker number will be listed on their schedule.

  • Please bring combination locks during schedule pick up August 13: 9-11 AM; 1-3 PM; or 4-6 PM. You may put your lock on your locker at this time. Students will be required to provide their combination to their 5th hour teacher on the first day of school. The 5th hour teachers will review the new policy and procedures with the students at this time.

  • If your child does not have a lock on their locker and they bring their phone or electronic device to school, they will be required to leave it in the office during the school day.

  • The consequences for not following this policy are detailed in the CBMS/SGC Student Handbook Addendum which can be found on the school website under Parent/Student Documents. Consequences will be implemented starting Monday, August 26, 2019.

“Thank you for your support in our efforts to improve your child’s educational experience.

Sincerely,
CBMS/SGC Administration”

Sand Springs churches hold free back-to-school bash with school supplies and checkups

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The Sand Springs Local Church Network hosted its annual Back 2 School Bash Sunday afternoon at the Tulsa Tech Sand Springs campus. The free event is open to the public and offers all kinds of back-to-school items and services.

The Tulsa Lions Club provided cholesterol screenings, BMI checks, blood pressure checks, and vision testing. Children were checked for lice and given free haircuts by licensed professionals. A Better Smile provided free dental screenings. Volunteers from numerous local churches helped to distribute free backpacks and school supplies

In addition to the necessities, fun was also on the menu. Sandlot Sno-Balls, popcorn, balloon animals, and the Tulsa County Reading Roadshow were on hand, as were an ambulance and three classic police cars for the children to explore.

Free Back to School Bash Sunday at Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs

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The Sand Springs Local Church Network will be holding its annual Back 2 School Bash Sunday, August 11th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Tech Sand Springs campus.

The event will feature inflatables, free hot dogs, and Sandlot Sno Balls, as well as numerous back-to-school necessities.

Volunteers will be providing free backpacks and school supplies, haircuts, dental checkups, eye exams, physicals, and more.

Tulsa Tech is located at 924 East Charles Page Boulevard.

Sand Springs Board of Education recognizes local churches for community contribution

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The Sand Springs Board of Education handed out a series of Sandite Pacesetter Awards to local religious leaders for their involvement in the school district and community volunteerism.

The Sand Springs Local Church Network recently held its annual Back 2 School Bash with free haircuts, medical evaluations, school supplies, and more for local students. The churches also frequently donate supplies to the schools, water, gatorade, and snacks to the athletic teams, and even hold service days where they paint, remodel, and clean up the schools.

Receiving awards were:

  • Nathan Woodmansee, Director of Sand Springs Community Services.

  • Rusty Gunn, Lead Pastor at Church That Matters.

  • The Stronghold church.

  • Scott French, Lead Pastor at Solace Church.

  • Jared Jackson, Student Pastor at Angus Church.

  • Todd Nance, Lead Pastor at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

  • Paul Ozburn, Lead Pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

  • Linda Scott, Administrator at Reach Church.

  • Matt Barnett, Student Pastor at HillSpring Church.

  • Jason Chambers, Student Pastor at CrossPoint Church.

Also recognized was Jay Rotert, who was presented the Pacesetter Award for his efforts to make the Sandite Virtual Academy a highly respected and successful program.

Sandite Football and Baseball teams to compete in weightlifting competition

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The Charles Page High School Football and Baseball teams will be competing in the annual Sandite Lift-a-Thon Saturday, August 10th. The two teams will participate in an NFL-style combine from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and this year it’ll be open to the public.

The players have been busy collecting donation pledges, and on Saturday they’ll try to max out both their donations and their reps. They will be competing in bench press, squat, and clean lift.

The football team’s locker room will be open for tours, there will be food trucks, inflatables, and more. The junior high dance teams will be serving up breakfasts of either pancakes or biscuits and gravy.

The event was originally scheduled for August 3rd, but was postponed a week due to impending weather.

Organization looking for local families to host foreign exchange students

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The Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) is looking to place several international students in the Sand Springs area for the coming school year, and is currently in search of host families.

All exchange students are between the ages of 15-18 and have appropriate visas, medical insurance, and their own spending money. Host parents are responsible for providing meals and transportation, a bedroom and a bed, and an appropriate place to study. Exchange students are allowed to share rooms with children of the same gender, within four years of age. Host parents must be at least 25 years old.

How long you host your student is up to you. Programs include two weeks, one semester, or one academic year. Local Coordinators are available to answer questions, help match students to the perfect home, and advise you throughout the process.

While students are in America they will work on community service projects. Depending on the length of their stay they will also either attend your local high school, or work in an internship program. Hosting an exchange student is an exciting opportunity to share your lifestyle with someone from across the globe, and to expose your family to another country’s culture.

Some of the students currently looking for placement include:

  • Lorenzo, a 16-year-old German boy who is a big fan of American Football and enjoys hiking, politics, history, English, and geography.

  • Erdemkhishig, a 16-year-old Mongolian girl who is interested in exploring new cuisines and enjoys exercise, movies, photography, and vlogging. She wants to be placed in a home where she can attend weekly Christian church services.

  • Jakub, a 17-year-old Polish boy who likes soccer and basketball, enjoys watching movies, plays piano, is interested in economics, music, and fashion.

The Portland-based international nonprofit has been placing exchange students across the globe for more than seventy years. Go to www.ciee.org/hostapply to fill out your application today.

Sand Springs named 17th best place to live in Oklahoma

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The Chamber of Commerce website recently released its list of the best cities to live in for each state. Sand Springs ranked 17th in Oklahoma, one spot ahead of the state capitol, Oklahoma City.

The online small business resource based its selections on five criteria: employment, housing, quality of life, education, and health. 

Top Twenty Oklahoma Cities 

  1. Enid

  2. Broken Arrow 

  3. Bixby

  4. Ponca City

  5. Edmond

  6. Owasso

  7. Bartlesville 

  8. Norman

  9. Stillwater

  10. Ardmore

  11. Tulsa

  12. Ada

  13. McAlester

  14. Yukon

  15. Claremore

  16. Durant 

  17. Sand Springs 

  18. Oklahoma City

  19. Shawnee

  20. Tahlequah 

Click here to view the full Chamber of Commerce article.

State legislators Nollan and Ikley-Freeman receive awards from Sand Springs Board of Education

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Two State legislators were recognized at Monday evening’s Sand Springs Board of Education meeting. Fifth-term House District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan (R) and first-term District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman (D) were awarded Pacesetter Awards for their work to promote public education bills this past session.

“You talk about somebody who is committed to the district, committed to the community, committed to the state, it’s Phil and Jadine,” said Deputy Clerk Mike Mullins.

“In the context of a legislative season, having someone willing to call and ask questions and find information about how things truly impact the people in her district, you can always count on her to respond in that way, and to answer text messages,” added Superintendent Sherry Durkee.

“You represent us in the most amazing way,” said Vice-President Whitney Wagers, of Ikley-Freeman. “You are there for us anytime we call or text.”

“She’s a champion for public education, but more importantly, she’s extremely child-centered,” read aaaa statement from Durkee. “Senator Ikley-Freeman takes the role seriously and studies each issue, keeping the opinions of her constituents in mind when deciding to vote on a particular issue.”

In other news:

The district is working with an Active Shooter Consultant and the Sand Springs Police Department to conduct training exercises this summer.

The district is almost finished conducting interviews for the coming school year, and currently there is only one position left to fill. The state has been facing a teacher shortage in recent years, and the district still has 11 emergency-certified teachers on staff.

“We need to remember to thank those folks that are willing to come in and work because it is not an easy job,” said Durkee. “We’d like to not have emergency certified teachers, but those people have saved our skin.”

The district recently received an A bond rating from Standard and Poor, reducing the interest rate on the recent $32,850,000 in bonds passed this March.

According to Durkee each teacher in the district will receive a minimum salary increase of $1,220 this coming year. “It’s likely we’ll spend the entire allocation of new money for fiscal year 2020 on teacher pay raises, which is a good thing.”

The Board accepted the resignations of Elementary paraprofessionals Sharon Robbins and Lorrie Bailey, and of Clyde Boyd Middle School social studies teacher Dylan Cahwee. Cahwee has reportedly accepted an Assistant Principal position at Owasso High School.

The Board approved agreements with Tulsa Technology Center, Tulsa Boys Home, Tulsa Community College, ImpactTulsa, Native American Coalition of Tulsa, Discover Education, Renaissance Learning, and other organizations to continue existing district programs. They also renewed lease agreements with Sand Springs Community Theater and Sand Springs Community Services, and a sublease agreement with Tulsa County Industrial Authority.

The district has been working to compile a database of information around the district’s HVAC systems, with notes on instillation and repair dates. Last year CBMS had a carbon monoxide scare that prompted the district to be more proactive in repairing and replacing the aging units.

The Board approved a small price increase for school meals. The district is currently below federally recommended prices and raised them to help offset the cost of raises for lunch-worker staff.

The Board approved the hiring of 11 new district employees:

  • Regan Burnett, Social Studies Teacher, Clyde Boyd Middle School.

  • Joshua Berry, Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Charles Page High School/Central Ninth Grade Center.

  • Kennedy Cabori, PreK Teacher, Early Childhood Education Center.

  • Jason Cole, Social Studies Teacher, Tulsa Boys Home.

  • Shannon Crutcher, Third Grade Teacher, Limestone Technology Academy.

  • Joseph Dane, Social Studies Teacher, Clyde Boyd Middle School.

  • Pamela Freeman, Literature Teacher, Clyde Boyd Middle School.

  • Dara Hudson, Special Education Teacher, Central Ninth Grade Center.

  • Kimberly Lee, Title 1 Reading Teacher, Clyde Boyd Middle School.

  • Robert Lee, First Grade Teacher, Garfield STEAM Academy.

  • Madison Orme, PreK Teacher, Early Childhood Education Center.

  • Dana Peacock, Intermediate Math, Clyde Boyd Middle School.

  • Hannah Sloan, First Grade Teacher, Limestone Technology Academy.

  • Blake Williford, US History Teacher/Assist. Varsity Football Coach Charles Page High School.

  • Lisa Wolf, Family/Consumer Science Teacher, Central Ninth Grade Center/Charles Page High School.

  • Lisa Lonsdale, Special Education Paraprofessional, Limestone Technology Academy.

Nine Fun Free Summer Destinations in Sand Springs

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Hundreds of Sandites are still picking up the pieces after historic flooding devastated low-lying river-side areas outside of the protection of the levee system.

Not only did many flood victims lose their homes, but the entire community lost access to the 100-acre recreational paradise that is Case Community Park.

Soccer, Softball, Baseball, Disc Golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Trails, Horse Shoes, BMX, playgrounds, and the Rotary Super Splash Pad were all taken from Sand Springs for the foreseeable future.

Despite the tragic park closure, there are still many great opportunities for Sand Springs residents to find some rest, relaxation, recreation, and entertainment.

Case Community Center

While most of Case Community Park may be closed, the community center at the north end of the park escaped the flood waters and is open for business. Although part of the building is set aside for FEMA operations, there are still plenty of fun activities.

Pickleball, Zumba, Tai Chi, Tiny Tots in Training, Dance Fitness, and Senior Exercise are only a few of the regularly scheduled activities. There’s an open basketball court, workout equipment, an indoor track, ping pong, video games, and more!

Case Community Skate Park

Also open for recreation is the 7,000 sq. ft. skate park located just south of the Community Center. Break out your skateboard, scooter, or bicycle and hit the quarter pipe! Ramps, stairs, rails, banks, bridges, all open from dawn till dusk!

Click here for more information on the Skate Park and Community Center.

Sand Springs Historical and Cultural Museum

Located in the heart of the downtown Triangle district, this beautiful example of Art Deco architecture is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a fun and educational way to spend your afternoon.

Constructed in 1929 as a public library, the building was commissioned by Lucile Page to honor her late husband, Charles Page, the founder and patriarch of Sand Springs.

The library was converted into a museum following the construction of the new Charles Page Library building in 2001. The museum features a permanent exhibit on the history of Sand Springs and legacy of its benefactor, as well as rotating art and history exhibits.

Click here for more information on the museum.

Katy Trail & Centennial Park

Go for a bike ride along Katy Trail! Free parking for the trail is available at the Stage Department Store, right by the original site of the sandy springs from which our town draws its name. This easy-rated trail system can take you as far as you want to go, meeting with Newblock Park Trail and Riverparks East Trail in Tulsa. You can also take it south along Highway 97 into Prattville.

Click here for more information on Katy Trail.

Keystone Ancient Forest

Enjoy 1,360 acres of 300-year-old post oaks, 500-year-old cedars, wildlife, beautiful scenery, and about eight miles of hiking trails at varying difficulties. See the untamed wilderness that has remained mostly unchanged since it was first traversed by famed explorer Washington Irving almost 200 years ago. This park was one of the deciding factors in why Expedia named Sand Springs as Oklahoma’s Best Getaway Location for 2019.

Click here for more information on Keystone Ancient Forest.

Page Park

This north-side park features playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball, grills, swing sets, a teeter-totter, and a large open field for baseball, softball, kite-flying, etc.

Pratt Civitan Park

This recently-renovated south-side beauty offers basketball, tennis, swing sets, playground equipment, grills, a brand new restroom facility, and the City’s only open splash pad.

Ray Brown Park

One of the most recent park renovations includes new playground equipment, swing sets, grills, a picnic area, a trail, and lots of open space for group activities.

Sand Springs Lake Park

The Sand Springs Lake is another historic piece of Sand Springs. Originally a weekend destination for neighboring Tulsans, it used to be a popular swimming hole with a petting zoo and amusement park. Those days are long gone, but it’s still a quaint afternoon getaway with an ADA-accessible trail, a beautiful garden, and well-stocked ecosystem of fish.

ZegART Studios

One great place for summer activities is ZegART Studios. The local art studio and gallery features great affordable summer camp classes for youth ages 6-18. Learn to express yourself through mobiles, wall hangings, macrame, painting, mosaics, metal engraving, string art, wood work, birdhouses, acrylics, and more.

Click here for more information on ZegART Studios.

Harper’s Hut Shaved Ice & Java

With cheap delicious snow cones, voted Best in Tulsa County in 2016, and lots of free activities for the kiddos, Harper’s Hut is a must-stop for all Sand Springs visitors. Toss a frisbee or a football, practice your disc golf throw, hula hoop, play corn hole, and have your picture taken aboard a pirate ship!

Click here for more information on Harper’s Hut.


Registration opens for 2019 Great Raft Race

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Registration is officially open for the 2019 Great Tulsa Raft Race, which will take place on Labor Day, September 2nd. Early bird prices start at $45 per participant and will increase to $55 in July and $70 in August. Registration will close August 30th.

Participants can enter kayaks, canoes, inflatable rafts, or homemade rafts. The race launches on the Arkansas River from Case Community Park in Sand Springs and terminates in Tulsa’s River West Festival Park.

The historic race ran annually from 1973 to 1991 before being resurrected in 2015. It is hosted by the Tulsa Young Professional Foundation.

There are two categories for homemade rafts. Small rafts can be no larger than 8 x 10 feet, while large rafts can be no larger than 12 x 16 ft. The organization will have one-man kayaks and six-person inflatable rubber rafts for rental.

Both Corporate Challengers and recreational Pokey Okies will receive prizes for Best of Show, Best Engineered, and Most Creative. The Corporate division will also be timed with a Fastest Down the River award.

Free registration will be provided for 15 local schools to participate in the STEM School Challenge. Students age 12 and over will use their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to compete in the same four categories as the corporate challengers.

A Cardboard Regatta race will be held in the lagoon at the Finish Line Festival for students under the age of 12. They can build their cardboard raft ahead of time or with free provided materials the day-of.

River West park will host the Finish Line Festival with music, food trucks, inflatable activities, lawn games, retail vendors, and more. Admission is free to spectators, though pets will not be permitted.

In the event that water levels are too low to float, or too high to float safely, full refunds will be issued for all participants. Severe weather conditions could also cancel or delay the event.

Click here to visit the registration site.

Click here to apply for the STEM Challenge.

For more information click here to visit the official Raft Race site.

Sand Springs Public Schools break ground on new 9th Grade Center and STEM Academy

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Sand Springs Public School District officials gathered for a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the new Ninth Grade Center and STEM Academy Tuesday afternoon.

The new buildings were part of a $33 million bond package approved by voters in March. The construction will allow for the reunification of freshmen with the rest of the Sand Springs high school students at the Charles Page campus. Currently freshmen are in the century-old Sand Springs High School building downtown, which has long outlived its usefulness.

The $14.28 million building will be conjoined with Charles Page through a central lobby, but will keep the younger students separated from the upperclassmen. In recent years the district has had to shuttle more than 75% of freshmen to the high school for daily activities like band, athletics, and other classes.

The new construction will also provide class space for expanded curriculum in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields, as well as a new two-story lobby.

Construction is expected to finish in August of 2020, meaning the district will have one more year at the current Central Ninth Grade Center. CNGC will then be turned into administrative offices for the district.

3rd Annual Cheers & Gears Auto Show set for June 22nd at Charles Page High School

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The Third Annual Cheers & Gears Auto Show will return to the Charles Page High School parking lot Saturday, June 22nd in Sand Springs. The event is hosted by the Sandite Cheer Team as an annual fundraiser.

All makes, models and years of cars, trucks, Rat Rods and Kit Cars can be shown. Registration will be from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. with a $25 fee for each vehicle.

Admission is free for spectators not exhibiting a vehicle. Dash plaques and goody bags will be given to the first 20 entries. All of the entrants will receive a ticket for the door prize drawings. Awards will be presented at 3:00 p.m. The event has something for everyone, including: food trucks, snow cones, drink & candy concessions, live DJ, t-shirts and hourly raffles.

4th year CPHS Varsity Cheer Coach Carrie Schlehuber is ready to welcome back many of the cheerleaders’ favorite cars and their owners, but is also excited to see and hear the new competition. “I remember when I was in school how we wanted to show off our new wheels… and many of us wanted to “sound off” too!”

This year the show has been expanded to over 20 classes including specialty awards with trophies for each. The “Loud & Proud” award will be given to the best sounding car when it revs up its engine. Also “Show Your Colors” trophies will be awarded to the Best Paint jobs for Original and Custom paint. The coveted “Cheer Choice” Award is chosen and presented by the Varsity Cheerleaders. All of the awards are unique handmade trophies designed and created by CPHS Tech Students.

Vendor parking spaces (or booth spaces) are available and also sponsor opportunities. For more show information, contact CPHS Varsity Cheer at cphsvarsitycheer@gmail.com.

For more information about the Cheers & Gears Auto Show, to download entry forms for auto owners, and for sponsorship and vendor opportunities, visit the show web site at https://www.cheersandgearsautoshow.com

Sheilah Bright and Scott Palk to be inducted into Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame

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The Sand Springs Education Foundation recently announced its 2019 Hall of Fame inductees. Sheilah Bright (Class of 1979) and Scott Palk (1985) will be honored at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Thursday, April 25th at 6:00 p.m. in the Ed Dubie Field House.

The SSEF provides district teachers with grants for special equipment, supplies, and student projects. The Hall of Fame Banquet is one of their biggest annual fundraisers. Table sponsorships are available at $400 for eight seats, and individual tickets are $50. The dinner will be preceded by a silent auction at 5:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets or request further information, contact Tirita Montross at 918-798-1517.

Bright is a forty-year veteran journalist, publishing her first article at 15 years of age. She has contributed to numerous magazines and newspapers and was part of an Emmy Award-winning script-writing team for Narrative Television Network. She was a driving force behind Operation Gold Pride, which raised more than $600,000 for Sand Springs Public Schools. She also recently opened the Bright Morning Farm event center.

Palk graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science from Oklahoma State University in 1989 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 1992. He served as an Assistant District Attorney for Cleveland County from 1992 to 2002 and was an Assistant United States Attorney from 2002 to 2011. He has worked as Deputy Criminal Chief and Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council Coordinator. From 2011 to 2017 he was Assistant Dean of Students and Assistant General Counsel at the University of Oklahoma College of Law before being commissioned as a U.S. District Judge. Palk won Prosecutor of the Year awards in 1993 and 2004. In 2011 he was awarded the Director’s Certificate of Appreciation for Assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Hall of Fame inductees are required to have attended Sand Springs Public Schools for at least three years after the Sixth Grade, or to have spent at least eight total years in SSPS, or to have spent the last two years of high school in SSPS and to have graduated from the district.

They must have attained a position of “unusual respect, impact, or influence in the community,” or have attained regional prominence in their field, or to have attained an exception level of accomplishment in their field.

Previous inductees include:

Michael Dale Case
Cleta Evans
Mary Helen Burke (1932)
Tot M. Brown (1934)
Bessie Crawford Zackery (1934)
Opal Clark (1934)
Al Dodson, Sr. (1936)
Marshall Vaughn Perry (1937)
L.W. Welch Jr. (1939)
James A. Sanders (1941)
Johnnie Mae Young (1941)
Marques Haynes (1942)
Robert D. Simms (1943)
Clyde Boyd Jr. (1943)
Erwin D. Phillips (1946)
William R. Pogue (1947)
Charles Gray (1947)
George Everett (1947)
Montie R. Box (1947)
Thomas S. Crewson (1950)
Richard Courter (1951)
William Means (1951)
Charles Marvin Hughes (1952)
Jack B. Johnson (1952)
Jerrold Lawless (1952)
John H. Rudy (1953)
Ken Neal (1953)
Charles Jestice (1953)
Jerry Adair (1955)
M. David Riggs (1955)
Barbara Guynn Smith (1956)
Bennie Osborn (1956)
J. Dean Speer (1956)
John Beck (1956)

James E. Palmer (1956)
Jerry L. Halcomb (1957)
Jan Hagara (1957)
George Paden (1957)
Charles E. Buchner, III (1957)
Billy Allen Hall (1957)
Jerry A. Hanner (1958)
Carolyn Morrow Cheney (1958)
Clarence “Scratch” Purser (1959)
Randal Wayne White (1959)
Harlan S. Pinkerton, Jr. (1960)
Gerrie Holliday (1961)
Ward Sherrill (1963)
Danny Lee McDonald (1964)
William R. White (1965)
Lotsee Spradling (1966)
John Wolf (1967)
Larry Glen Hurst (1967)
Richard Neal (1967)
I.J. Ganem (1969)
Mike Burdge (1969)
Forrest C. Crawford (1970)
Dianne Dinkel (1970)
Chris Thurmond (1971)
Deborah Browers Barnes (1972)
Linda L. Robertson (1973)
Cathy Lynn Burdge (1973)
Janet Rutland Eicher (1975)
John Fitzgerald Blake (1979)
Sam Harris (1979)
Eric Bloom (1982)
Stacey Ford Butterfield (1985)
Timothy Wright (1988)

Senate Review by Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman

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The following article contains opinions from the author that do not necessarily reflect those of Sandite Pride News or its staff. To submit an Op-ed contact Sanditepridenews@gmail.com

Last Thursday was the final day for third reading of bills in the House of origin. This simply means bills not passed off the Senate floor are dead for this session. We start the next step in the legislative process as we begin to consider House bills in Senate committees. Last year, the Legislature considered 2,289 bills, of which only 324 became law. This year, 1,061 SBs and Senate Joint Resolutions have been filed, with 429 passing off the Senate floor in time for last week’s deadline.  

I currently serve on five Senate committees; Education, Appropriations, Budget & Rules, Health & Human Services and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. 

Ensuring access to quality health care and mental health care services are just two of my passions and my professional experience as a mental health therapist brings a unique perspective and skillset to my role as a legislator. Focusing on the importance of mental health, I authored several measures this year that would be another step in helping students in Oklahoma schools.

Senate Bill 266 requires each school district to adopt policies related to suicide awareness and training and the reporting of student drug abuse. This includes adopting a training program and providing the program made available by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (ODMHSAS). Teachers, students, and administrators are granted immunity from employment discipline and civil liability for carrying out certain actions detailed by the measure. I authored this bill because it’s essential for more people to understand depression and suicidality and the importance of increasing awareness in our district and across the state. Just within our Senate district, schools report seeing an average of eight suicide notes a day. This is an eye-opening statistic that supports the need for increased education, programming and funding to address mental health care for Oklahoma’s students.

A second bill I authored this session is Senate Bill 452, which was created as a result of an interim study between the Department of Juvenile Affairs, DMHSAS and the Department of Education to create alternatives to school suspension for students. SB 452 directs school districts to consider restorative practices instead of out-of-school suspension for students who assault school personnel. Restorative practices could include community service, requiring the student to apologize, assessment for mental health, and referrals to mental health professionals and would be made available to all students of the district. The measure specifies that school districts must provide for a student’s reengagement if suspension or alternative school settings are utilized and also asks school districts to create a threat assessment for a student convicted of a violent crime.

If you are excited or concerned about any piece of legislation moving into the Senate from the House in the coming weeks; especially related to the committees I serve on, please reach out and let’s talk. Don't forget include your address so we know you are a constituent of our district. If you need help determining your Senate district, we would be happy to assist you. If you are visiting the Capitol and would like to stop by, our new office is located in Room 524.

As always, on any issue please feel free to contact my office at 405-521-5600 or at Allison.ikley.freeman@oksenate.gov. Please let me or my assistant, Audra, know if we can be of assistance to you. It is an honor to serve Senate District 37 and I look forward to continuing to represent you.