Pag Un on Ho Em Ac Six Eig Sta Ex Ath Sc Th Ch Ar Hi T. Un up Th Ed Me

Page 8 ------.------November-December 2006

:::::::::~======:;;~~ Spirit Squads Bring Home the Honors ~L ~ ~ The Union High School Varsity Porn Squad and the Union Highsteppers were ~~6# 1 named Frontier Valley Conference Champions at Union Public Schools will host the sec Jenks. The Varsity Cheer ond annual John Q. Hammons Holiday squad was named Runner-Up. Hoopla Basketball Tournament Dec "Our young ladies and their ember 14-16 at the Union Multipurpose coaches represented Union Activity Center, 6836 S. Mingo Road. with pride and excellence," Amy McCready, assistant Sixteen teams (eight teams of boys and director of Athletics, said. eight teams of girls) from around the "They should be congratulat state will compete in the tournament, ed on outstanding perform explained Amy McCready, assistant ances." athletic director for Union Public Schools. Varsity Porn is coached by The Varsity Cheerleaders perform a routine during the fall pep Amy Calmus and Emily rally at Union High School. Jones and the Union The boys' teams will include last year's by Christy Wright, were all named con champs, Edmond Memorial, Fort Smith, Highsteppers are coached by Kristi ference champions. Arkansas, Oklahoma City Southeast Posey and ]ami Mulliken. Union High School, Bixby High School, Booker Cheerleaders are coached by Jaime T. Washington, Nathan Hale and more. jackson-Cooper and Shannon Sloan- In addition, the Varsity Cheerleaders Union High School, which was runner Clark. received a certificate for Academic up last year, will also compete. Achievement from the OSSAA Junior Varsity Cheerleaders, coached by (Oklahoma Schools Secondary Activities The girls' teams will include Fort Smith, Laura Blakemore, and 9th Grade Cheer, Association). Edmond Memorial, Bixby, Tulsa coached by Holly Fimple and Bailie Memorial, Glendale, Norman North and Kennedy, were named conference cham The varsity cheerleaders had a rmru Claremore. Claremore's girls' team has pions in their division, while 8th Grade mum cumulative grade point average of won the SA State Championship in Cheer, coached by Somer Johnson, 3.25 and ranked in the upper one-thirc 2003, 2004 and 2005. Union, which won Tiffany Winburn and Kristen Wright, of the school classification, qualifying the Holiday Hoopla Tourney last year, was named runner-up. the squad for the certificate, McCready will also compete. said. The Varsity Cheerleaders were also Junior Varsity Porn, runners-up in the state cheerleading coached by Amanda comP,etition, missing first place by just Robison; 9th Grade 1.5 points. Porn, coached by Kendall French and Jessica Monaghan; Top-Ranked Wrestlers and 8th Grade Porn, Sign with State Colleges coached by Lani Senyard and Amber A pair of Union High School senior Baily, were named standouts have committed to Oklahoma runners-up in their schools. Jamal Parks, a Junior National divisions. Champion last summer at l3 5 pounds, Members of the Union junior High Boys' Cross County Team square off has committed to Oklahoma State against jenks at the starting line during the first ever Backyard Bowl The Shining Stars (JV University while teammate Seth Vernon Cross County Meet at the Union Eighth Grade Center. The meet was Dance), coached by committed to rival University of inspired by the annual Backyard Bowl football game between Union and jenks. Union's junior High boys and girls teams defeated jenks that Lauren McGuire and Oklahoma. lntermat.com, a nationally day. Varsity Boys also placed first and Varsity Girls placed second. This Deborah Pense, and based website that covers high school was a very unique set-up where only Union and jenks teams went head the Union Elite (8th wrestling, ranked Parks No. 23 and to head. Grade Dance), coached Vernon No . 40 in the country.

Union Public Schools 5656 S 129 EAVE TULSA OK 74134·6711 www.unionps.org Page 2 ------November-December2006 November-December 2006 ------Page 7 Security Efforts Ongoing In Our Schools Motivational Speaker Praises Union High School

Union has always stressed the impor "We are continuing to follow our normal New security officers at the 6/7t \ll.otivational speaker Bill Cordes, a for Cordes spent hours with students, eration to keep the legacy alive," Cordes tance of safety for its students and staff. safety practices," Intermediate Principal Grade Center - You may think that yo :ner educator, praised Union High focusing on personal leadership and ser wrote, adding when the two-day camp Based on recent national e-.:ents, admin John Chargois said, noting some are seeing double, but you are not. Tulsc. School, its staff and students on his blog vant leadership under the premise that was finished, he hated to see it end. istrators continue to evaluate security changes have occurred such as relocat Police Officers john and Andrew after a two-day visit at Camp Dry Gulch students must be whole personally issues at all of the ing security guards to increase Zafares, who are twins and former near Tulsa. More than 200 leadership before they can serve others. Superintendent Dr. Cathy Burden also sites to take steps visibility and encourage stu Union teachers, are now taking shifts as students, administrators and advisors called the experience a great event for to ensure safety dents to share their concerns security officers at the 6/7th Grade attended the retreat. "It was powerful to hear the students Union students. "We have great students remains a priori with adults. Center. Be watching for the story in the talk about the importance of leadership, and great programs and this is one of ty. next Communicator or go to our web site "If you have ever wondered about the give advice and encourage the next gen- those programs that can't be lost." Boevers Principal Sherri Fair for a preview, www.unionvs.org. fate of America's education system then you have never been to Union High In an address to sent a letter home with fami Union Alternative students students, lies, sharing school safety pro School," Cordes wrote on his blog at Eric Goolsby, left, who was Principal Dave cedures such as the use of District #1 www.billcordes.com. "Union High School scheduled to join the Marines is a school that prides itself in being rich in December, and Dillon Stauffer said, security cameras. In a senti Board Seat Filled Hampton pose by a sign out "Not only do we ment shared by all Union in tradition, and takes leadership on side their school for Cpl. jared want you to be administrators, Fair wrote, "No In a special election, Jeff Bennett won a their campus very seriously. I was so Shoemaker, 29, of Tulsa, who proud to attend metal detectors, or even an three-way race for the amazed by so many things I saw this died while on active duty in past weekend I hardly know where to Iraq. Union Alternative Union High increase in the number of secu District 1 seat on the teacher Patt Mica/ and coun School, we also rity guards, can make us safer Union Board of Edu start. The facilities were first class, but selor Tammy Garcia had want you to feel than the alert eyes and ears of cation. Bennett, who then Union High School only exposes placed a line of flags in front of the school for the funeral safe and actually Tulsa County Sheriffs Deputy and our students and staff. Real has one child in the their students to first class opportuni School Resource Officer Brandon district, works for ties." Cordes also praised Assistant procession. During the proces be safe at school. Hendrix uses an iris scanning machine security is achieved when we sion, students and employees, No one should be to record the iris of a student at Peters develop an atmosphere where Continental Airlines Principal Denise Vaniadis, who is also including Education Service fearful. Fear Elementary. The scanner is a new students are comfortable talk and owns four local Student Council advisor, and Principal "-'""=~ - - ~ Center employees, showed develops when device that compliments the depart· Curves for Women fit- Dave Stauffer for their leadership ---·• their respects by lining up ment's efforts to also fingerprint stu ing with adults - to tell us their along the road. one is not pre- dents and help in situations where chit issues and concerns." ness centers. Bennett efforts. pared for certain dren are missing. defeated John Adams, a sergeant with events. Preparation and awareness are One such tool available for stu the Tulsa Police Department, and retired Union High School stu- Commended Students the keys." dents is a hot line - 461-HELP- which is firefighter Don Schaum, who finished dents show their spirit dur ing a nationally-televised Named open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, third. game on Fox Sports Net Security is not a new issue, Stauffer said, to anyone who wants to report a crisis work against the number Three Union seniors, Courtney R. remembering how as an elementary stu situation or report a concern. The caller The District 1 seat opened in Septembe one ranked Hoover, Gatlin, Michael S. O'Dell and Sara E. dent, he participated in drills for atomic after Beverly Laubach moved out of the Alabama, - a team which may leave a message so his or her call also was regularly fea Williams, have been named Commend bombs. can be returned. area. The board then decided to hold an tured in an MTV reality ed Students in the 2007 National Merit election rather than appoint a new mem show. Although Hoover Scholarship Program. Superintendent Dr. Cathy Burden meets In addition, the state provides a toll-free ber. Bennett said he would like to work beat Union 34-7, the game regularly with principals to discuss and thrust Union into the confidential hotline: 1-877-SAFE-CALL, to provide opportunities for kids and national spotlight and pro Out o'f 1.4 million students who took plan for security concerns. Over the ext OK! (1-877-723-3225, ext. 651.) help them stay connected with school. vided an opportunity for the 2005 Preliminary SAT/National summer, the Board of Education the football team to chal Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test last approved updates to the District's lenge itself on a level never Dental Care Being Offered This Year before experienced. Union October, these students represent part Emergency Procedures Guide and copies school leaders also escort of the 50,000 highest scorers. As fea have been made available to all staff. A free program that pro ed Hoover representatives tured in the Sept./Oct. Communicator, Union's safety coordinator Karl Suggs vides basic dental care - on a tour of Union facili ties, which Hoover officials Union also had 10 students recognized also travels around the district to over ReachOut HealthCare agreed were some of the as National Merit Semifinalists. For see training, not just for lockdown drills, America - is making an finest they had ever seen. more go to www.unionps.org. but for other safety concerns such as impact by sending a mobile fire and severe weather. dental clinic to Boevers, Briarglen, Clark, Grove and Union Wins Competition While plans differ slightly at each school Seniors jackson Rosa Parks schools Currie and jake - due mainly to differences in building throughout the year. For the third consecutive year, the Union McKenzie act designs - principals have stepped up High School Repertory Theatre won the out a scene in efforts to raise the visibility of School Children benefit from the play 'God' Regional One-Act competition and four by Woody Allen. Resource Officers (Tulsa County Sheriffs healthier teeth and actors were named to the All-Star Cast. Union's Rep Officers). improved readiness to "I'm extremely pleased," drama instruc ertory Theatre's learn, while schools benefit tor Troy Powell said, noting not only performance of the play won the On the Cover from reduced absenteeism, did Union take four top spots out of the Regional One Rosa Parks Elementary is officially open (or busi· parent appreciation, im top 10, but swept the top three spots as Act competition ness as Union's 12th new elementary, bringing proved learning and from well. Jackson Currie was named to the and four actors together students from other schools. Pictured (left were named to to right) are first grader Stephanie Willis, formerly knowing they are helping number one spot, followed by Jake the All-Star of Grove; fourth grader Hailey Chamberlin, former under-served children. Dr. Aliakber Akberli, D.D.S., and dental assistant Becky Yates 'McKenzie at two, Sarah Schubert at Cast. ly of McAuliffe; kindergartner jeff Luong, formerly ~hr ee and Georgia Hays at 10. of Briarglen; second grader Sydney Thomas, for Mobile dental services pro- the teeth of a student at Boevers Elementary. merly of Tulsa Public Schools; third grader Spencer vided include exams, x-rays Mantas, formerly of Clark; and first grader and procedures such as fillings. caid incur no out-of-pocket expenses. The students were recognized for their Dawaylon Traylor, formerly of McAuliffe. The stu Even uninsured children can receive performance of God, a play written by dents helped celebrate Rosa Parks' dedication Tuesday, October 24. (See related story, page 3.) These services come at no cost to the either donated or discounted mobile Woody Allen, which takes a comedic and school and children covered under Medi- dental services. metaphysical look at life and fate. November-December 2006 ------Page 3 Page 6 ------November-December 2006 Rosa Parks Elementary Dedicated as Union's Newest School We'rJIOVJNG ~ Hispanic 'ulsa Mayor Rosa Parks is The Education Service Center 1\:athy Taylor famous for her will move this December to Festival was among refusal on 8506 E. 61st St. The new tele phone number will be 357- h~114'1"'4 Celebrates the digni December l, 1955, 4321. Be watching for details taries at a to obey a bus dri at www.unionps.org. Union dedication ver's demand that ceremony for she give up her Programs Rosa Parks seat to a white Elementary passenger. Her held 1:30 actions helped p.m. Tuesday, launch the civil Members of the Hispanic community October 24. rights movement. received a first-hand opportunity to The school Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, Union Superintendent Dr. Ice Route Notification learn about all the programs Union has also used the Cathy Burden and Union Board of Education President to offer its students and families in a Scott McDaniel (left to right) clap during remarks by Union Board of Each winter, ice routes are used when occasion to Principal Karen Vance at the dedication of Union's 12th Education school buses cannot travel hilly Hispanic Fesitval. Families also enjoyed announce the elementary school, Rosa Parks Elementary, 13702 E. 46th President Scott areas. Affected is the area between music, dance, diverse cultural foods and name of its Place South. The school was named after the civil rights McDaniel spoke to free diabetes screenings through the pioneer. Yale and Sheridan from 76th to 9lst new mascot: the students and Streets South. Parents will be notified Paseo de Salud program. Union and / The Trailblazers. "We celebrated the others in the audience about Rosa Parks' when ice routes are in effect. Community Service Council's East Tulsa Union eighth graders Maegan Watkins and joe Ghazal dance with teacher Shawna Taylor and opening of Rosa Parks Elementary Prevention Coalition coordinated the Principal Tim Neller during a Zumba exercise class presided over by Priscilla Mirabal at the Union passion, love for children and her dream 8th Grade Center for Hispanic Heritage Month. Mirabal, a master Zumba trainer, is the first to School on the anniversary of Rosa Parks that they would develop what Parks A list of ice routes and times are event in partnership with the University bring this style of exercise to Oklahoma and she was a guest presenter showing students in Taylor's death in remembrance of all her signifi called a "quiet strength." You can read posted at www.unionps.org. Parents of Oklahoma College of Nursing. Newcomer's ELL class and Kim Moeller's 6tH hour Spanish class some of the Latin-inspired steps. In cant contributions to our country and Mr. McDaniel's speech, Dr. Burden's addition to Hispanic food, students had the chance to practice their language skills with each may also call the Union Public - English and Spanish. The Southcrest Wellness Center at the UMAC also offers Zumba classes. society," Principal Karen Vance said. speech and the Mayor's proclamation at Schools Weatherline at 459-3365. School personnel discussed what it more information, visit http://umac .unionps.org. www.unionps.org. takes for a child to be successful in Rosa Parks - Union's 12th elementary school, and representatives answered school - opened its doors to students on questions about subjects ranging from August 16 after about a year of construe- Dog Attends School With Students at Grove athletics to fine arts to medical services .on . The school was funded with money Union "I Care" Gift Pick-Up Facility For some kids, school really is going to Paws will run a battery of tests to see offered through Bedlam Clinic, English rom bond issues in 2004 and 2005 that as a Second Language programs for par the dogs. which client disability he is most suited, Parents who applied for the cOtaled about $13 million. for, she said. ents and the Padres Hispano Club which meets once a month at seven different Union "I Care" Holiday Help Program "Rosa Parks Elementary School serves Grove first graders learned how some dogs, like Hollis, a golden sites in the district. can pick up their gifts and food certificates 450 ethnically diverse students and at the UMAC, 6836 S. Mingo Road, includes children from our four-year-old Labrador, go through training and school to help people with disabili "This event was a great opportunity to on December 13, 14 or 15 preschool program through fifth grade," showcase what Union has to offer our Vance said. "We have designated it as a ties. Hollis is under the care of foster from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. parent, Lynn MClure, director of families," 8th grade Assistant Principal 'Community School' which means it has Kerry Gray said. a full University of Oklahoma Bedlam Professional Development, who has Clinic to provide medical services to our been bringing Hollis with her to community and other services to stu schools and meetings to acclimate dents and families in the area." him to his future job for the Paws with a Cause program. Mayor Taylor praised the district and proclaimed October 24 "Rosa Parks Students got the chance to help teach Elementary Day" in the city of Tulsa. Hollis by using simple commands Hollis shakes hands with first grade teacher Kelly Former Union student, Rachael Poling, such as "sit" and "come." The class- Stiner at Grove Elementary in front of her students Miss Tulsa 2005, sang the National room presentation was a unique during a presentation on how Hollis is learning to work hands-on approach for students as with disabled people. The presentation was conducted Anthem. Afterwards, Taylor toured the by Lynn McClure, director of professional develop building. they became trainers for the day in ment, who has been training Hollis under the Paws the program, McClure said, explain- with a Cause program. ing one of the main things Hollis has to the Communicator learn is how to socialize and how to "After he learns what his client needs for him The Communicator (USPS 097 430) is pub behave in large groups of people. to do, he is assigned a regional lished bi-monthly with extra issues in October trainer and that regional trainer and the and January by Union Public Schools, 5656 S. "I received Hollis at 15 weeks and will dog go to the client's home and train 129th E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74134-6711. It is together as a team for the next six teacher Nicole Miranda extracts honey issued to patrons of the Union Public School have him until he is 15-18 months old," McClure said. "I am responsible for basic months. I believe Paws is one of the few that was harvested from the roof of the Union District free of charge. Dr. Cathy Burden is Center as sixth graders (left to right) Dominque McLean, Roshni Superintendent of Schools. Gretchen Haas training and socialization. At 18 nonprofit organizations who actually Chloe Cross, Boston Heath and Keith Cone watch. Earlier, Bethell is Communications Executive train the client and dog in the client's Director/Editor. The Communicator staff months, when he goes to college at Paws graders had the opportunity to watch Eighth Grade Principal Tim Sam Hendricks, a member of the Air Force junior Reserve Officer includes Janie Froman, Beverly Thurnmel and in Michigan, he will attend a six-month home setting believing authentic train - an experienced beekeeper - harvest honey on the roof. The hive Training Corps at Union Intermediate High School, gives the blue section Mike Yore. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, class reviewing basic obedience and ing scenarios are in everyone's best seen from a stairwell on the north side of the building. The weather of a retired American flag to his grandfather, jerry Bourland, during a cool during the harvest which kept the swarm of bees to a minimum; OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to learning tasks he'll need for his client interests. To keep skills fresh and teams flag-retirement ceremony in front of the school. His grandmother, Iris The Communicator, 5656 S. 129th E. Ave., prefer warm weather. Science classes put the honey into jars which Bourland, is standing behind them. Coinciding with September 11 fifth Tulsa, OK 74134-6711, or call 459-3305. like retrieving dropped items, turning on working well together, all dogs and auctioned off November 4 during the Union Schools ,-..,,,,~n•hn"' anniversary observances, the ]ROTC retired several flags - one for each a light switch, pulling wheel chairs, etc." clients are annually recertified." Foundation dinner. hour of the school day. Page 4 ------November-December2006 November-December 2006 ______:.______Page 5

From British Visitors Tour the District Volunteers Coordinate a Makeover at McAuliffe Oklahoma already knows Thirty Home Depot about the stellar reputa volunteers and as tion of our Union many as 20 PTA Alternative School, some volunteers worked thing the rest of the together to reno world is learning about vate an unused, as well. outdoor section of McAuliffe into an Five teachers - Andrew outdoor classroom Bastiani, Jennifer Bar for students. The clay, Jane Bickerton, project was coordi Christine Wells and nated by PTA Shirley Robbins - from President Renee Great Britain visited the Harney. school and several other school sites to learn why Home Depot had Union stands out in pub selected McAuliffe lic education. for its fall volun jane Bickerton, a teacher from Great Britain, visits with Andersen teer project. Addi "They came to visit the PreK student Tyson ]ones as he works on an art project. tional sponsors in With hammers and wheelbarrows, volunteers whipped an outdoor area of Former ARC teacher Andrea Tiger talks to Alternative School be- cluded Carraba's McAuliffe into a new outdoor classroom for the school. More than 50 vol Cedar Ridge fifth graders about Native cause we won the National Dropout expressed amazement that these stu Italian Grill, Wal unteers, most from Home Depot, spent the entire day at the school to ren American heritage and its outfits. Tiger ovate the area for children. fifth grader Madison ]ones to model a Prevention Network's national award for dents were so successful in overcoming Mart, Office Depot, traditional dress. It has a maple leaf dropout prevention," Principal Richard the obstacles in their lives and getting Quality Lathe and Plaster, APAC the Kiowa symbol and the red and blue Storm explained. "They wanted to get caught up on their educations." Oklahoma, Inc., Tulsa Overhead Door which are more dominant on the Kiowa cloth· United Way volunteer Zach Willoughby ing. Tiger is Kiowa Indian and her husband is ideas on how to work with students who and Chick-Fil-A. They also examined Union's PreK an\ es as Boevers fourth grader Milton Ramirez Osage. have been struggling in school. They Pineo does a chin-up exercise at Camp Russell Kindergarten programs at Anderse1 The makeover commenced at 7 a.m. and in Broken Arrow. "Thanks to corporate spon Elementary, which exemplify Okla continued until about 7 p.m. The project sors such as QuikTrip, Tulsa Fire Department, homa's nationwide lead in pre-school was coordinated with Union's Support Dollar Thrifty, and Bank of Oklahoma, the Boy Scouts of America took all of our Boevers education; toured the seriously emotion Services department to ensure all dis second-to-fifth-grade -~tudents to 'The United ally disturbed program at Moore trict requirements were met. "The spon Way Day of Caring' activities at Camp Elementary; toured the Union 6th/7th sors' support made it possible to com Russell," Principal Sherri Fair said. Boevers students enjoyed activities such as the fire Grade Center and spent time at Clark plete this one-day makeover and trans drill, ropes courses, games and unique exercis Elementary to learn about its programs. form an unused space into a hardscape es - as well as lunch, refreshments, and a free outdoor classroom," Principal Kim Richard Berumen, assistant professor at the t-shirt. Volunteers from the various sponsors "Wherever they went in the district, they Whiteley said. "Eventually, learning Oral Roberts University School of Education, helped teachers with the students. were tremendously impressed by the watches as ORU students Angie Bruce, left, areas will be added such as a fossil dig and Beth Born participate in a game with facilities, by the professionalism of the and a weather center." Peters first graders David Landry, left, and staffs, by the creativity used to develop Cassidy Tee/. programs to help all students and by the overall orderliness and positive attitudes of the students," Storm said.

Jarman fifth grader Blake Moore shows off his invention - "The 40 Yard Dash" - a football game pitting Union against jenks. Other Health educator Sekou Clincy, with the Tulsa Darnaby fifth graders ]aven Cinocca, inventions submitted by Jarman fifth graders Kayleigh Norwood, Brian On, Alexis King and County Health Department, shows Clark first included a mobile for crated dogs, the "Easy Nick Dill (left to right) show how much fun sci grader Cochise Wilkerson the difference Hang Frame," to help hang pictures and a tool ence can really be. Students in ]ana Kennedy's between certain kinds of vegetables. The to help brush and floss teeth. "This was such a class divided into groups for science Health Department, which is Clark's commu· tremendous activity and I was surprised by Caleb Epperly and Brayden Hysell-Mohr nity partner, sponsored a six·week nutrition to right) face off during a game of chess as Joe lenges. Each group built a pizza ae.r1ve'rv 1 the quality and uniqueness of the inventions," This is not a scene from the recent movie 'How truck, a heliport landing vehicle, or a drag curriculum for first through fifth graders, Principal Patti Pitcock said. "I think all the Verret watches during a Chess Club meeting To Eat Fried Worms.' Instead, Moore multiage held Mondays and Wednesdays. Educators are at Grove Elementary. Club sponsor Ga racer. The groups are attempting to persuade teachers approached the project well, students Hannah Whitten and Olivia Mize are Briarglen fifth grader Danielle Lee uses a Kennedy Designs to purchase one of the encouraging students to eat more vegetables, explained it thoroughly, and provided the Pereschuk, who is also the school's ARC holding up a worm as part of a classroom lyrics sheet to sing along with other students cles created by the groups. The

Union Public Schools 5656 S 129 EAVE TULSA OK 74134·6711 www.unionps.org