Page 16 --------------------------------- May-June, 2001 Union Redskin Baseball Players Go to Bat ri-tE CoMMUNiCATOR for Sick Kids MAy-JUNE 2001 Members of the first-place ranked Union Redskins varsity baseball team took some time away from the diamond to visit with children in the St. Francis Hospital Pediatric Unit. Through t he efforts of Susie Boyce and the Union Baseball Boosters, players were provided the opportunity to visit with young patients, their families and the nursing staff. The boys distributed baskt!ts uf treats and small gifts, and spent time chatting about Redskin baseball. "The experience was very rewarding for everyone involved," said head coach Bill Springman, who hopes to make the o ut­ ing an annual event for his Redskin play­ ers. "It was important to have our team ) and get outside of the 'baseball world' for a Billy Ramey (junior outfielder), Tyler Gooch (senior shortstop), Tony Cerar (senior pitcher baseman) trade laughs with patient Antonio Smith, who especially the real world." Michael Garner (senior first day, and take notice of enjoyed talking baseball wit II his new friends. Long-Time Teacher Noted For Setting High Math Standards Union High School senior math and col­ tiating some of Union's fi rst accelerated plete math classes at an accelerated rate lege algebra teacher Mickey (Turnage) math classes. and, after joining the High School facul­ Toney has seen lots of changes in her ty in 1972, she championed the devel­ 29 years at Union. But she says one Toney, a graduate of East Central High opment of an advanced math track thing remains the same--students can be School and Northeastern State beginning in middle school. The Union challenged to tackle advanced math University, began her career in 1971 graduating class of 1975 was the first to courses. In fact, she is credited with ini- after being offered a second semester be officially offered the program. "One teaching job at Union Middle student came to me and said, 'I've taken School by then principal Jim all the math we have.' So we enrolled Dobbins. Now looking back him in an independent math analysis on a career that spans three class and placed him in my geometry decades, Toney recalls mov­ class," she said, explaining that particu­ ing her first eighth grade lar move was a forerunner to offering class at such a brisk pace calculus at Union High School. they finished the math book ten weeks early. Believing her Toney says she has seen the math pro­ students were capable of gram grow in both quality and numbers. learning even more, the new "I've seen the school go from havin g two teacher asked for some old people in the math department to now algebra books to finish out having l3 math and computer teachers the school year. in just two grades. Math readiness has improved overall , and it's been a pleas­ That experience led Toney to ure to see the growth and positive Pictured is Union High School math teacher Mickey Toney as believe that man)' students things that have happened at Union." she takes a front-row seat to her senior math/ college algebra class. could be challenged to com- Union Public Schools 5656 S. 129th E. Ave. Tulsa, Oklahoma 74134-6711 May~une,20 0l ____________________________________ Page IS Page 2 ---------------------------------- May-June, 2001 P TA Comm u nique (Cont.) munication between home and school. PTSA such a blessing in my life. I take with me very Union 6th/ 7th Graders Cheer New American Citizens special memories of shared moments with so a good time. The PTSA also had three functions volunteers gave their time to promote the Reflections program, College and Career Night, many of you, and I appreciate all the time and Sitting under a large American flag and In addition, several dignitaries lies and guests. Those speaking inclu fo r the teachers: a back to school luncheon, a special memories you have given to my family. Chrisunas breakfast and a Black Hat luncheon the After-Prom Party and our PTSA·sponsored showing pride in their heritage more addressed the students, citizens, farni- ed Union 6th/ 7th Center princip< scholarship program. My daughters were blessed with the opportuni· than 60 people became new Richard Berumen; j oe Corbett (hats off to the great work that they do for our ties Union had to offer, and I particularly appre· American citizens during a natu­ students) for teacher appreciation week. I have been personally blessed to serve with ciate the administrators and school board mem· of the Immigration and wonderful officers and volunteers who give so raUzation ceremony at the Union There are so many other things I want to say. I bers who worked tirelessly to ensure that my Naturalization Service; and generously of their time and talents. From 6/7th Grade Center. Presiding would like to thank everyone by name who has children had a safe and positive learning envi· keynote speaker, Tulsa County ensuring that the students are provided a safe were United States District District Attorney Tim Harris. helped me this year, but this letter would be too ronment. long and wouldn't get published. So, I have to and fun environment after the prom to promot· judge Sven Erik Ho lmes, ing College and Career Night to make certain I also want to give special thanks to the High Bankruptcy judge Dana Rasure, Following the administering of say thank you to my great PTSA Board who was School administrators, Dave Stauffer, Art Naylor, always there when I needed them and thank that student opportunities for success are opti· and United States Magistrate the Oath of Allegiance, the new mized, our High School volunteers have given Denise Vaniadis and Randy Craven, who have Judge Claire V. Eagan. Americans posed for pictures you to the office personnel for being there for made serving as PTSA president such a pleas· me when I needed answers to questions. constant support and assistance to our students. and enjoyed a lunch of hot Thanks to each and every one of yon for the ure. Thanks to each of you for the concern and Standing to their feet, the stu­ dogs and ice cream. Foreign It has been a great year, and I know it was all generous contributions of your time and talents. care you give to even the little details that affect dents cheered and applauded possible because of the great patrons of Union. .. our children. countries represented includ­ Since my youngest daughter is graduating, this determination of the immigrants ed Germany, Mex.ico, Laos, Suzette Baker, l11termediate High School is my last year at Union. I want to thank all Trudy Wanen, High School PTSA Preside11t who chose to become citizens of Vietnam, Greece, Thailand, PTSA President those who have made volunteering at Union the United States. The Union Syria, Germany, Peru, Jordan, Sixth Grade Honor Choir and Yugoslavia, Kazakhstan, Hi~th School Union Seventh Grade Band per­ Lebanon, United Kingdom, It has been a rewarding year for the Union High Juniors & Seniors Help Gatesway Residents formed patriotic musical selec­ Trinidad, Egypt, Peoples School PTSA. Parents and educators have Dance the Night Away tions and accompanied the Republic of China, Philippines, worked diligently to improve the opportunities crowd in singing the "Star Cuba, Taiwan, India, Chile, available to our students and to increase com· Union High success. "All School junior Spangled Banner." New U.S. citizen Adriana Becarra of Mexico, and son, Markus, proudly Costa Rica, Honduras, Iran, the residents wave an American flag. Pakistan and Peru. class officers had such a provided a wonderfu l night of danc­ time," she said, Dr. Bonnie johnson is Named Director of the Year ing and fun explaining the for residents II'•• junior class T­ Dr. Bonnie Johnson, in charge of Oklahoma Directors of Special Services served as of the Broken shirts are now Special Services for Union Public (ODSS) conference in Oklahoma City. Union's Director A r r o w popular wear Schools, has been selected as Oklahoma Dr. Johnson, who holds a Ph.D. in of Special Ser­ Gatesway on the Gates­ vices since 1997. Special Education Director of the Year. Applied Behavioral Studies in Education Foundation, way campus. The honor was announced at the annual from Oklahoma State University, has Prior to that she an organiza­ was Coordinator "The students tion providing of Special Educa­ worked so tion for three living options hard. And Alternative School Students years in Sand and vocational what im- Revisit Paradise Springs. programs for pressed me adults with most was they An evening of magic created Jots of The award is developmental didn't just sit memories for those attending the Union based on contri- Dr. Bonnie Johnson disabilities in along the side­ Alternative School's second annual butions to the field, support of col­ central and lines and spring dance, "A Night in Paradise." leagues and participation with other Northeastern watch--they Students transformed the commons professionals. According to Lonetta Oklahoma. danced with area into a deserted tropical island, Sprague, Assistant Superintendent of our residents complete with grass huts, coconut trees Special Services for Sand Springs Public During the 2001-2002 school year, Ascending on and created a and cool breezes. Under the direction of Schools, who presented the award, "Dr. Union students will have two opportuni­ the Gatesway lot of fun for faculty sponsor Tiffany Holden and Johnson's greatest attribute is her will­ ties to participate in this process. gym n asium everyone." principal Richard Storm, s tudents ingness to share her knowledge and wi th crepe expertise with others." raised money and created decorations July 16-17, 9:00 A.M.-Noon paper, bal- This was the for what many called "the best night of Applications available at Grove loons, paper second year The Oklahoma Directors ot' Special Elementary for students in first through my ille." Services is a state organization com­ and paint, jun­ junior class officers include, front row, from left, Matt johns, UHS students fifth grades.