Owasso Public Schools Shine with Success
By KELSY LORIN TAYLOR
web Editor and Feature Writer
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall pauses in front of the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center to discuss a few of the unique features that the district has to offer. He began his position July 1 and has already been very impressed with the schools.
KELSY LORIN TAYLOR for GTR Newspapers
Teachers and administrators are looking forward to the 2010-2011 academic year and all of the educational opportunities that are in store for the students.
The Owasso Public School District encompasses 72 square miles that reaches through both Tulsa and Rogers County making it the seventh largest in the state of Oklahoma.
There are currently 9,000 students enrolled in the district. The growth of the community continues to be reflected in this number every year.
The encouragement of community involvement is very important in the district. Effective communication with students, teachers, administrators and patrons has built a foundation for the schools.
Owasso Public Schools currently boasts 15 instructional sites throughout the area, including Owasso High School, Owasso Mid-High School, Eighth Grade Center, Seventh Grade Center and Sixth Grade Center. Elementary schools in the district are Ator, Bailey, Barnes, Hodson, Mills, Northeast and Smith.
Owasso Public Schools was recently incorporated into one of the newest residential developments in the area. Stone Canyon has been master planned to incorporate the importance of family, nature and community into every corner of the area.
The completion of Stone Canyon Elementary has encouraged all of these values and more since its opening one year ago. The unique surroundings of the school boasts open prairies and streams, which many teachers have incorporated into the learning experience.
An Advanced Placement Program is available at the secondary level for students in grades 10 through 12. The courses are academically challenging and are often focused on specific areas of study. Analytical and writing skills are reiterated throughout the courses to prepare students for continued education. Students in the Advanced Placement Program have the opportunity to earn credit for college.
Also offered in the district is a Pre-Advanced Placement Program. Available in middle school, these courses prepare students for college level work and help them to succeed in high school.
Students are encouraged to become involved in the organizations that have been formed through the years at Owasso Public Schools. Some of these organizations include Future Farmers of America, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Chess Club.
The organizations at Owasso Public Schools serve as an extension of the curriculum and offer endless learning opportunities to students. Memberships are voluntary and do not impact classroom grades.
The district offers some of the most innovative facilities to provide a top quality learning environment for students of all grade levels. Owasso High School recently completed an addition that has created much needed space for school offices, classrooms and science labs. Also, a new sports facility has already made a positive impact on the athletics department.
Athletics has become a very important part of the student experience in the district. Coaches focus not only on helping athletes become their best at a sport but also focus on leadership, goal setting, organization, work ethic, self-discipline, communication, determination, cooperation, dependability, honesty, perception and relationships.
Classes begin Aug. 18. For more information about Owasso Public Schools, call (918) 272-5367.
Updated 07-17-2010
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