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The Muskogee Way! June 2019 muskogee what’s inside? 2 message from the superintendent 3 4 school transitions new start and end times 5 6 rougher’s kidz quest new principals 7 8-9 instructional calendars new administrators 10-11 12 elementary school zones superintendent’s honors banquet 13 14-15 frequently asked questions
Congratulations Class of 2019! message from the superintendent muskogee 3
Dear Rougher Community, As I close in on my first year as the Muskogee superintendent, I have noticed a sense of optimism and renewal within our school district. Some members of the community have described the changes as a Renaissance or a time of rebirth. I have never experienced anything more exciting as I watch this transformation. First, I feel like I need to remind everyone that we are not changing the organization because I am the new superintendent or the school district was not doing well. Rather these are changes to help the school district continue to improve and provide more opportunities for our kids to be successful in the future. I see a renewed sense of hope and prosperity for not only the school district, but the community as well. This publication provides an overview of the changes that are being implemented for the 2019-2020 school year. I would encourage you to read it thoroughly so you become informed on the specific changes that will affect your child next year. I hope this information helps as we prepare for a new school year. Sincerely,
Jarod Mendenhall, Ed.D. Superintendent Muskogee Public Schools muskogee school transitions 4
Alice Robertson The school district will not be housing any students at the Alice Robertson Junior High during the 2019-2020 school year. The Alice Robertson school was built in 1939 and has served as a school site for Muskogee Public Schools for 80 years. So, it will be different for some people in the community to see this site without students. The district plans to utilize engineers and architects to determine how to repurpose the building for the future. Alice Robertson is an iconic building that has a legacy of stellar education in the community. Keeping this in mind, the district will make this facility a priority for the 2019 bond referendum. The New Tech facility will be utilized as a teacher professional development center while the district determines how the campus will be repurposed. Since the New Tech facility is only four years old, it is being discussed that it could be tied into the new design of the facility and serve as science and math classrooms. Ben Franklin The district’s seventh and eighth graders will be moving to Ben Franklin for the 2019-2020 school year. We have approximately 800 students in both classes which is ideal for the overall size of Ben Franklin. With a state of the art auditorium, large classrooms, wide hallways, and better use of space for students at these grade levels. This transition will allow students to be placed into smaller learning communities or pods. This instructional concept allows the teachers to share 120 students within each pod which will personalize the learning environment. The intent is to provide a culture that is more intimate and engaging for students and parents. We are excited to offer our students a variety of differentiated learning experiences which will include an advanced honors track. The New Tech philosophy will be implemented throughout the 7th and 8th Grade Academy @ Ben Franklin. This philosophy follows a project-based-learning model that was brought into the district three years ago. As a good teaching and learning model, we will expand it across the campus. Grant Foreman The district’s sixth graders will move out of the elementary schools and attend the 6th Grade Academy @ Grant Foreman beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. This will provide a better opportunity for students to prepare for middle school and focus on the specific subjects rather than being self-contained with one teacher. The plan includes students being placed into smaller learning communities much like the seventh and eighth grade students.
In the new configuration, students will be introduced new experiences through the offering of band, art, choir, and physical education courses. This will allow students to become more engaged in activities which often leads to better grades and attendance. new start and end times muskogee 5
Next year the school start and end times will be changing across the district. The decision to modify these times was based on research and literature review. The Long Range Planning (LRP) Committee received this information outlining peak performance for students to learn and obtain new information.
Research supports that elementary aged students learn better early in the morning and adolescents require more sleep and learn better later in the day. According to the National Sleep Foundation, “early school start times and biological changes put most teens on a later sleep-wake clock. As a result, when it is time to wake up for school, the adolescent’s body says it is still the middle of the night, and he or she has had too little sleep to feel rested and alert.”
The recommendation was made by the LRP committee to the Board of Education in March to change the times. We know this decision will alter the family routine so this decision was made to afford families the time to make arrangements for next year.
The following are the new start and end times for the 2019-2020 school year:
Elementary Sites: Cherokee Elementary, Creek Elementary, Irving Elementary, Pershing Elementary, Tony Goetz Elementary, Whittier Elementary Start Time – 7:50 a.m. End Time – 2:50 p.m.
Secondary Sites: 6th Grade Academy @ Grant Foreman, 7th and 8th Grade Academy @ Ben Franklin, Rougher Alternative Academy, Muskogee High School Start Time – 8:30 a.m. End Time – 3:30 p.m.
Specialty Sites: Early Childhood Center (4 year olds), Sadler Arts Academy (K-8) Start Time – 8:15 a.m. End Time – 3:15 p.m. muskogee rougher’s kidz quest 6
Muskogee Public Schools understands that its new time change will have an impact on the daily routine for many families. To address this, MPS is excited to announce that we will be offering before and after school care at the six elementary sites and the Early Childhood Center. There will be a director and assistant at every site to oversee the program and ensure proper supervision. We will open at 6:00 a.m. and will close at 6:00 p.m. The intent of Rougher’s Kidz Quest is to provide an extension of the school day and enhance the academic offerings. The following is the cost for the before and after school program: • 6:00 - 7:50 a.m. – Morning only $20.00 weekly $75.00 monthly • 2:50 - 6:00 p.m. – Afternoon only $40.00 weekly $140.00 monthly • Both morning and afternoon $60.00 weekly $200.00 monthly For families that need flexibility with Rougher’s Kidz Quest, MPS will provide a pre-paid Punch Card that will be able to be used throughout the 2019-2020 school year. A morning punch card will cost $30 for five uses of the before school program for your student. The afternoon punch card will cost $50 for five uses of the after school program.
Rougher’s Kidz Quest will include a snack, homework help, and enrichment activities. There will be specific tutoring provided for those students that need extra help on either reading or math. Please visit www.muskogeeps.org/beforeandafter to access the application form that you will need to submit when you register your child for the program. Applications and payment will be taken Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Education Service Center (2809 N. Country Club Road) from Monday, June 17th – Monday, July 15, 2019. If you have questions, please contact the Education Service Center at 918-684-3700 ext. 1616. new principals muskogee 7
Karen Watkins | 6th Grade Academy Principal As previously discussed, all sixth grade students will move to the Sixth Grade Academy @ Grant Foreman for the 2019-2020 school year. A committee interviewed candidates to serve as the sixth grade principal, and we are excited to announce Karen Watkins as the new principal of the Sixth Grade Academy @ Grant Foreman. Ms. Watkins has spent five years as the Principal at Pershing Elementary. She previously served as an elementary principal for Guthrie Public Schools prior to joining Muskogee. Ms. Watkins comes with a multitude of experience and a wealth of knowledge in both elementary and middle school environments.
Andrea Sagely | Creek Elementary Principal Upon the announcement that Rick Hoos would be retiring as the principal at Creek Elementary, the district interviewed candidates for the position. These are big shoes to fill since Mr. Hoos has been the principal at Creek for the past 23 years. His leadership has led the building through numerous district transitions but it’s been his steady influence that has allowed Creek to be a school of choice.
We are proud to introduce Andrea Sagely as the new principal at Creek Elementary. She has served as a teacher and curriculum coordinator at both Union and Broken Arrow Public Schools. Ms. Sagely was heavily involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiatives at Broken Arrow where she led the implementation of STEM instruction throughout the elementary schools.
Meleah Hoskins | Pershing Elementary Principal A committee identified Meleah Hoskins as the new principal at Pershing Elementary. Hoskins joins Muskogee Public Schools after a year as an Effectiveness Coach at The New Teacher Project (TNTP), Inc. in Tulsa, Okla.
In 2017-18, Meleah was an 8th grade teacher and Administrative Intern at Prairie Grove Middle School in Arkansas. Prior to her time at Prairie Grove Middle School, Hoskins spent two years as 7th & 8th grade mathematics instructor at Cherokee Immersion Charter School in Tahlequah, Okla. She began her career as a classroom teacher at Tulsa Public Schools before spending five years at Jefferson Parish Public School System in Harvey, La. Hoskins earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas.
Sheril Morgan | High School Associate Principal Culture and character development has been a focus in Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall’s first year at Muskogee Public Schools. Developing an ownership culture for students while also providing opportunities for students to be engaged in school is important to student success. The Board of Education approved the hiring of Sheril Morgan as the Associate Principal of Student Life and Activities at Muskogee High School. Sheril joins Muskogee Schools after five years as the Schools of Character Director at Character.org. Ms. Morgan is no stranger to MPS having served as Prevention Specialist and School Counselor at Muskogee High School and Elementary Teacher at Whittier Elementary. muskogee 2019-2020 instructional calendar 8
January July Su M T W Th F Sa PD ID Su M T W Th F Sa PD ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 5 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 4 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31 5
0 19 August February 1 2 3 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 5 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 2 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 5 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5 muskogee public schools 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 .5 4 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 5
3 12 .5 19 2019-2020 March September instructional 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 calendar 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 5 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 5 Aug. 12 ...... Convocation 29 30 31 2 29 30 1 Aug. 13-14 ...... Professional Development 0 17 0 20 Aug. 15 ...... First Day of School Sept. 2 ...... No School/Labor Day April October Sept. 23 & 26 ...... Elementary Parent/Teacher Conference 1 2 3 4 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 Sept. 24 & 26 ...... Secondary Parent/Teacher Conference 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 4 Sept. 27 ...... No School 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 5 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 3 Oct. 9 ...... No School / Professional Development Oct. 16 ...... 1st 9 Weeks Ends 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 5 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 5 Oct. 17-18...... No School / Fall Break 26 27 28 29 30 4 27 28 29 30 31 4 Nov. 25 – 29...... No School / Thanksgiving Break 0 22 1 20 Dec. 20 ...... 1st Semester Ends Dec. 23- Jan. 3 ...... No School / Christmas Break
Jan. 6 ...... 2nd Semester Starts-Back to School May November Jan. 20...... No School / Martin Luther King 1 2 1 1 2 1 Feb. 3 & 6...... Elementary Parent/Teacher Conference Feb. 4 & 6...... Secondary Parent/Teacher Conference. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 Feb. 7 ...... No School 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 5 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 5 Feb. 17 ...... No School / l½ Day Professional Development 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 .5 3 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 5 March 13 ...... 3rd 9 Weeks Ends 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 March 16 – 20 ...... No School / Spring Break 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 May 20...... Last Day of School 31 .5 15 0 16 May 22...... Graduation June December May 22...... ½ Day Professional Development 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 May 26-29 ...... SNOW DAYS IF NEEDED
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5 Legend: 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 First Day of School 29 30 31 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
15 28 29 30 Possible Last Day of School 3 84 1 91
Late Start Wednesdays Parent Teacher Conferences End of Nine Weeks Dates No School Dates Event Dates Times 08/15/19 First Day of School 9/23/19 Elementary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. Professional Development Day 9/24/19 Secondary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. 10/16/19 End of First Nine Weeks
9/26/19 Elementary & Secondary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. Parent/Teacher Conference Day 12/20/19 End of First Semester 2/3/20 Elementary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. 01/06/20 Start of Second Semester 2/4/20 Secondary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. Snow Days if Needed 03/13/30 End of Third Nine Weeks 2/6/20 Elementary & Secondary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. 05/20/20 Last Day of School
2020-2021 instructional calendar muskogee 9
Su M T W Th F Sa PD ID Su M T W Th F Sa PD ID July January 1 2 3 4 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 5 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 4 26 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 5
31 19 August February 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 2 3 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 .5 4 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 5 muskogee public schools 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 5 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 5 28 30 31 1 .5 19 3 14 2020-2021 March September 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 1 2 3 4 5 4 instructional 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 5 calendar 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 5 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 5 Aug. 6 ...... Convocation 28 29 30 31 3 27 28 29 30 3 Aug. 10-11 ...... Professional Development 18 21 Aug. 12 ...... First Day of School April October Sept. 7 ...... No School / Labor Day 1 2 3 2 Sept. 21 & 24 ...... Elementary Parent/Teacher Conference 1 2 3 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 4 Sept. 22 & 24 ...... Secondary Parent/Teacher Conference 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 Sept. 25 ...... No School 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 5 Oct. 7 ...... No School / Professional Development 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5 Oct. 14 ...... 1st 9 Weeks Ends 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5 Oct. 15-16 ...... No School / Fall Break 25 26 27 28 29 30 5 1 19 Nov. 23 – 27 ...... No School / Thanksgiving Break 22 Dec. 18 ...... 1st Semester Ends Dec. 23- Jan. 2 ...... No School / Christmas Break November May Jan. 4 ...... 2nd Semester Starts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4 1 Jan. 18 ...... No School / Martin Luther King 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 Feb. 8 & 11 ...... Elementary Parent/Teacher Conference 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 5 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5 Feb. 8 & 9 ...... Secondary Parent/Teacher Conference 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 5
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 - Feb. 12 ...... No School 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 .5 4 Feb. 15 ..... No School / ½ Day Professional Development 29 30 1 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 March 12 ...... 3rd 9 Weeks Ends 15 March 15 – 19 ...... No School / Spring Break 30 31 December May 20 ...... Last Day of School .5 14 1 2 3 4 5 4 May 21 ...... Graduation June May 21 ..... No School / ½ Day Professional Development 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 5 1 2 3 4 5 May 24 ...... Memorial Day 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 May 25-28 ...... Snow Days if Needed 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 27 28 29 30 31 Legend: 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
14 27 28 29 30 First Day of School
4 84 1 91
Possible Last Day of School Parent Teacher Conferences End of Nine Weeks Dates
Dates Times Dates Event Late Start Wednesdays 9/21/20 Elementary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. 08/12/20 First Day of School
9/22/20 Secondary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. No School 10/14/20 End of First Nine Weeks
9/24/20 Elementary & Secondary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. 12/18/20 End of First Semester Professional Development Day 2/8/21 Elementary & Secondary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. 01/04/21 Start of Second Semester
03/12/21 End of Third Nine Weeks 2/9/21 Secondary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. Parent/Teacher Conference Day 05/20/21 Last Day of School 2/11/21 Elementary 4:00 – 7:05 p.m. Snow Days if Needed
muskogee new administrators 10 Garrett Davis | 6th Grade Academy Assistant Principal With the creation of the 6th Grade Academy at Grant Foreman, Garrett Davis will serve as Assistant Principal to Principal Karen Watkins. Davis has over 15 years of experience as a school administrator as principal at Eufaula High School, Wewoka High School and Pre-K through 12th grade principal at Maud Public Schools in addition to five years as Athletic Director at MPS. Garrett holds a Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University and a Bacehlor’s of Arts in Science of Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Mr. Davis has more than 20 years of experience in education.
Dr. Justin Walker | Instructional Technology Coordinator Dr. Justin Walker will lead the district’s 1 to 1 initiative, which provides every student a chromebook and wireless hotspot. Dr. Walker will oversee the operations of this initiative as well as professional development for students and teachers alike to better use technology and be more effective in the classroom through the use of technology. Dr. Walker most recently was Principal of Grant Foreman Elementary School but has served Muskogee Public Schools since 2011 as Principal of Ben Franklin Science Academy and Harris Jobe Elementary. He earned a Ph.D in Leadership in Educational Administration from Capella University and holds a Masters of Education in Special Education from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also holds a Master’s of Science in Bible and Theology and a Bachelor’s of Science in Pastoral Ministries from Southwestern Assemblies of God University.
Donna Pillars | Core Curriculum Specialist Donna Pillars will provide training and support to improve teaching practices and student achievement through effective instructional strategies, methods and skills in the four core areas of curriculum. She will be providing meaningful professional development to support teachers in improving the integration of OAS standards and instructional rigor into their daily lessons. Pillars has spent nearly 20 years serving the students of Muskogee Public Schools, most recently as the Principal of Ben Franklin STEM Academy over the last five years. Her previous stops include Chouteau Public Schools as a principal, third grade teacher at Cherokee Elementary and first grade teacher at Sadler Arts Academy. She is a graduate of Northeastern State University earning a double Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Donna also earned a Master’s in Administration from NSU.
David Chester | Director of Accounting David Chester joined Muskogee Public Schools as the Director of Accounting in early May. He brings 20 years of experience in auditing, accounting services, and consultation to local school districts, county governments, health departments, and EMS districts. An East Central University alum, Chester conducted audits of financial statements for 70 public school districts and technology centers across the State of Oklahoma as a Senior Auditor for Kerry John Patten, CPA in Broken Arrow, Okla. new administrators muskogee 11 Lance Crawley | Chief Operations Officer After a full evaluation of the district administration, it was determined that a Chief Operations Officer was needed to oversee the operations of the district. Mr. Lance Crawley was hired in March to serve as the leader over the district technology, transportation, maintenance, custodial, and facilities services. Mr. Crawley comes to Muskogee Public Schools from Broken Arrow where he has served as a site principal and director of secondary education. Mr. Crawley has served as an administrator in numerous school districts including Coweta, Woodall, and Hilldale. He also served as Chief Financial Officer at Edmond Deer Creek and oversaw $150 million dollar bond issue which will serve him well at Muskogee.
Jason Parker | Director of Athletics Jason Parker was named Director of Athletics by the Board of Education at the end of April. Mr. Parker joins Muskogee Public Schools after four years as the Director of Athletics at Sapulpa Public Schools. Following a professional basketball career overseas, Mr. Parker returned to school where he earned a law degree from the University of Tulsa in 2012 and passed the Oklahoma Bar Exam. Prior to his time at Sapulpa he served as athletic director at Monte Cassino School in Tulsa, Okla. As Director of Athletics, Mr. Parker is responsible for developing a department that provides student- athletes and coaches the opportunities to succeed not only in competition but also academically and as good stewards to the community.
James Platter | Assistant Director of Athletics James Platter was named Assistant Director of Athletics during the May Board of Education meeting. Platter has spent 28 years serving Muskogee Public Schools and its students as a teacher and coach. As the Assistant Director of Athletics, Platter will assist new Director of Athletics Jason Parker in leading the athletic department to new heights. Platter most recently served as Online Coordinator at Rougher Alternative Academy. He began his career at MPS as a Special Education Teacher at West Junior High and was an Administrative Technology Teacher at MHS previously. Platter has coached as a varsity football and wrestling assistant and head boys golf coach while also coaching junior high football, wrestling, golf, and track. He also served as the Muskogee Area Director of Special Olympics from 1999-2001 and as a State Games Coach. muskogee elementary school zones 12
Map Key
New Tech @ Cherokee Elementary Creek Elementary
Irving Elementary Pershing Elementary
Tony Goetz Elementary Whittier Elementary
The Muskogee Public Schools Board of Education approved the recommendation of the Long Range Planning Committee for school restructuring and redistricting in March and April.
With the repurposing of two elementary sites, the remaining elementary school boundaries were redrawn. The redrawn boundaries were done with the intention of students attending the school within the geographic zone of their residence. During the 2018-19 school year, nearly half of our elementary students were attending a school outside of the geographic zone they resided in. superintendents honors banquet muskogee 13
Muskogee Public Schools and Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall hosted the 2019 Superintendent’s Academic Honor Banquet inside the Muskogee Civic Center on May 2, 2019.
Over 80 students from across the district were recognized as were district retirees, site educators of the year and the announcement of the district teacher of the year. It was a wonderful evening honoring excellence throughout Muskogee Public Schools. jacquie hill district teacher of the year
Jacquie Hill was named district Teacher of the Year during the Superintendent’s Academic Honor Banquet in late April. Hill, a teacher at the Muskogee Early Childhood Center, was named Site Educator of the Year at ECC earlier this year.
“Jacquie Hill is a dedicated educator who provides an environment conducive to learning and creates a strong foundation for her students to move into the next season of their education,” said Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Congratulations to Jacquie on this outstanding accomplishment and thank you for serving our students and families.”
Hill said, “I am thankful that God called me to touch the lives of the littlest Roughers in Muskogee. It takes a village and I’m blessed to have an amazing one that supports me.”
In her position at the ECC, Hill is helping provide Muskogee’s youngest Roughers the building blocks for their educational future.
“My favorite part of teaching is the light bulb or “AHA” moments when a child learns to master a certain skill,” explained Hill. muskogee frequently asked questions – faq’s 14
I’ve heard that the foundation at Ben Franklin was cracking and failing so, why would we send our students out to this site knowing this is an issue? The foundation at Ben Franklin has been repaired with funding from the 2006 and 2013 bond issue. The building was built in an area that experienced a lot of ground movement causing issues with the foundation. It has been resolved through shoring of the concrete foundation and the replacement of windows across the front along with new carpet, paint, and LED lights.
Why are we making all of these changes this year? It became apparent to the Long Range Planning Committee that Alice Robertson Junior High is in disrepair. The building is an 80-year-old facility which comes with many issues around safety, security, environmental, and handicap accessibility. It was determined that the site needed to be vacant to properly evaluate the future needs of the building.
Why was the Ben Franklin facility chosen for the 7th and 8th Grade Academy? The Ben Franklin facility was chosen as the new 7th and 8th Grade Academy because it has approximately 120,000 square feet, and over 45 individual classrooms that can house all of the students in these two grades. It was actually built as a junior high years ago and functions well for this purpose. We are excited to implement a differentiated learning experience for our seventh and eighth graders and has the perfect design to meet the instructional needs.
Since Ben Franklin is located far west of town, will the buses be late every day? The district realizes that traffic at Ben Franklin could be difficult due to the location. However, we will encourage parents and students to ride the buses because we feel this will make for easier flow of traffic. Since there is only one point of egress from the site, the district is planning to ask for funding through the 2019 bond issue to develop another point of access. frequently asked questions – faq’s muskogee 15
I’ve heard that Alice Robertson will be completely torn down and not repurposed as a school? No, this is not true. There has not been a decision made on what will be done with the Alice Robertson site. The building has historical significance so it will be important to consider the community perspective. However, the functionality of the building is not suitable to 21st Century teaching and learning. Even though the building might be completely reconstructed, it will continue to have a few of the same recognizable features of the old building.
Why are we not utilizing the New Tech building on the Alice Robertson site? We are not planning to utilize the facility for students in the 2019-2020 school year. However, the building will be utilized for professional development and the Muskogee STEAM Center, a community organization exposing all ages to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. However, Alice Robertson’s new design will incorporate the existing New Tech building. It is important to remember that New Tech is an instructional model based on project based learning and can be implemented in any facility.
Will the New Tech opportunity be given to the students at the 7th and 8th Grade Academy? Yes, New Tech (project based learning) will be introduced and implemented throughout the building at the 7th and 8th Grade Academy at Ben Franklin. Each semester the smaller learning communities will follow a thematic unit where students create projects and work in groups. These units will vary in subject matter and programming.
I’ve heard that a bond issue is supposed to be proposed in the fall, why haven’t I heard about the details yet? The details are still being considered by the Long Range Planning Committee, which is a 31-member committee made up of community stakeholders. This group has met numerous times since October 2018 to determine the needs of the district. They have reviewed different forms of data to help inform their decisions on the future of the district. This group will make a recommendation to the Board of Education regarding a bond referendum to be voted on October 8, 2019. muskogee public schools muskogee 202 W. Broadway St. Muskogee, OK 74401
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