welcomeBACK

NEW SCHOOL YEAR KICKS OFF

SCHEDULE PICK-UPSAND OTHER IMPORTANT DATES

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTERSSET TO OPEN

BROKEN ARROW PACCELEBRATES FIFTH SEASON

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | VOLUME 39, ISSUE ONE | BACK TO SCHOOL 2013

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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT3WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL

4-5A few words from the desk of Dr. Jarod Mendenhall

Important information for you and your child to know

BEGINNING EARLY

6-7With several new Early Childhood Centers opening this school year, Broken Arrow is on the edge of innovation

EARNING OUR STRIPES8Catch up on the accomplishments that continue to put BAPS at the forefront of education

EXCELERATE PROGRAM9Students are getting ahead of the curve by earning college credits while still in high school

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

10-11Celebrating its fifth year, the Broken

Arrow PAC promises a stellar season

BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLSVOLUME 39, ISSUE 1 | BACK TO SCHOOL 2013

PublisherCommunications DepartmentBroken Arrow Public Schools

Editing/Content/PhotographyTara ThompsonPublic Information Officer

Layout/Design/PhotographyAdam J. ForemanGraphic Artist/Publications Specialist

Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Jarod Mendenhall

Board of EducationCheryl Kelly, PresidentSteve Allen, Vice PresidentJerry Denton, ClerkSteve Majors, Deputy ClerkDr. Theresa Williamson, Member

The ARROWPOINT is published six times a year by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is distributed to approximately 45,000 households in the Broken Arrow school district. The ARROWPOINT is printed at Printed Products, Inc., and is the official communication tool for parents, students, staff and patrons of Broken Arrow Public Schools. Any information, content and photos contained herein are property of Broken Arrow Schools and are to be used by outside sources only with permission of the Communications Department. All contents are copyrighted.

Broken Arrow Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or age in its employment, programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Broken Arrow Public Schools will take all necessary steps to ensure that each school and work place in the District is free from unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status or age. The following people within the District have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination issues and concerns:

• The Chief Human Resources Officer, Ed Fager, should be contacted for all non-student and/or employment related issues at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012;

• The Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, Amy Fichtner, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012;

• The Director of Special Education, Carol Gruben, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012;

• The Assistant Athletic Director, Rusty Stecker, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title IX, of the Education Amendments of 1972, at 918-259-4310 or at 1901 E. Albany, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.

Inquiries concerning non-discrimination can also be made to the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Broken Arrow Public SchoolsEducation Service Center701 South Main StreetBroken Arrow, OK 74012(918) 259-5700 | F: (918) 258-0399www.baschools.org

BRING IT ON: THE MUSICALFEB. 18, 2014

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This summer, I was fortunate to attend the national Model Schools Conference where a number of

innovative topics were presented by educators from across the nation. While I believe our district will

always need to work at improving, I am also very proud of the progress we have made. Broken Arrow

leads the state in a number of areas, some of which you can read about on page eight.

However, regardless of the many improvements evident in our district, one area that continues to

frustrate me is the lack of leadership from the State Department of Education. A recent example of this

was the state testing debacle in which thousands of students were unable to access online tests or were

repeatedly disconnected while taking the test. In her comments to the media, State Superintendent Janet

Barresi blamed schools’ lack of technology preparedness, but the reality for Broken Arrow Public Schools

– and many other districts across the state – is our technology infrastructure is more than prepared to

successfully complete the required online testing. The source of the malfunction rested with the testing

company (CTB-McGraw Hill), which was not prepared to host the high volume of test-takers from

around the state.

Equally frustrating is the volume of assessments piled upon our children each year. There are a number

of proven assessment tools already in use that could be utilized for the purpose of measuring college

readiness: PLAN, EXPLORE and ACT to name a few. Why not use these tests instead of creating new?

And if we must create new assessments, shouldn’t teachers be involved in that process? We have the

technology and expertise needed to develop and implement a method of assessment that will enable

our state to lead the nation, but we need the funding and the support of our state leaders to make this

possibility a reality.

In a letter to our State Superintendent last month, I broached these issues and respectfully asked a

number of other questions. Given the multiple issues with the current testing vendor, why has their

contract been renewed? What will be done with the flawed test data that has been collected? Will students

and teachers be evaluated based on these results in spite of the malfunctions? And most importantly,

when do we go back to doing what’s best for kids? At the time this magazine was printed, I had yet to

receive a response.

Like many other educators in Oklahoma, I grow increasingly frustrated by state leaders who refuse

to listen and continue to initiate poorly planned reforms. The frustration only doubles when districts

are then blamed for the failures they rightly predicted at the onset. Is it possible to put aside the politics,

engage in authentic collaboration, and simply do what is best for the children of Oklahoma? So far, the

answer to this question appears to be a resounding “no.” Yet despite a growing lack of confidence in the

leadership of the State Department of Education, I am confident that educators and parents can work

together to positively reform public education in Oklahoma.

Jarod Mendenhall, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

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Aug. 19-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional DaysAug. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . Elem. Meet Your Teacher, 4-6 p.m.Aug. 20 . . . . . . . . ECC Meet Your Teacher, 5-7 p.m.Aug. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . Alternative Academy OrientationAug. 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Day Of SchoolSept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Labor DaySept. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Middle School Open HousesSept. 10 . . . . Intermediate High Open HousesSept. 12 . . . . . . Senior High School Open HouseSept. 12 . . . . . . . . . . MHP Open HouseSept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional DayOct. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of First Nine WeeksOct. 17-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fall BreakNov. 27-29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thanksgiving BreakDec. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Semester EndsDec. 23-Jan. 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter BreakJan. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Semester BeginsJan. 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martin Luther King, Jr. DayFeb. 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Presidents’ DayFeb. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional DayMarch 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of Third Nine WeeksMarch 17-21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring BreakMay 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class of 2014 GraduationMay 23. . . . . . . . . . . . Tentative Last Day of SchoolMay 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memorial Day

{2013-2014}ACADEMIC CALENDAR

MIDDLE SCHOOL• August 14, 2013, Noon to 6 p.m. 7th & 8th Grade Schedule Pick-Up

• August 15, 2013, Noon to 6 p.m. 6th Grade Schedule Pick-Up

• August 15, 2013, 6 p.m. Middle School Parent Orientation

INTERMEDIATE HIGH• August 14, 2013, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 9th Grade Schedule Pick-Up

• August 15, 2013, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10th Grade Schedule Pick-Up

• September 10, 2013, 6 p.m. Intermediate High Open Houses

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL• August 14, 2013, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 11th and 12th Grade Schedule Pick-Up

• August 15, 2013, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 11th and 12th Grade Schedule Pick-Up

• September 12, 2013, 6 p.m. Senior High Open House

MARGARET HUDSON PROGRAM• September 12, 2013, 6 p.m. Open House

BA ACADEMY• August 20, 2013, 6 p.m. Orientation

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS• August 20, 2013 Meet Your Teacher

BACK TO SCHOOL DATES

welcomeBACK

With school starting Aug. 22, get the year started right with news and information

With the first day of school fast approaching, Broken Arrow Public Schools is excited to

welcome students and parents back into the fold with exciting new changes, upcoming events and familiar programs.

CHILD NUTRITIONAs a participant in the National School

Lunch Program, BAPS offers free and reduced rates on breakfast and lunch for students of families that meet certain income guidelines.

Students who wish to participate in the program must re-enroll for the 2013-2014 school year by filling out an application, which is available at each school site. In addition, parents may fill out Free/Reduced applications online at www.baschools.org.

Applicaitons for the 2013-2014 school year are due by Oct. 4, 2013. On this date, the students that were on free and reduced lunches for the 2012-2013 school year will be cut off the program if a new application has not be processed.

Online payments for school meals will continue this year with MySchoolBucks.com. Parents may visit the website to set up a child’s account, as long as they have their child’s student ID number. Each transaction results in a $1.95 fee. On the site, parents may see their child’s balance, view purchase history and sign up for email notifications if balances become low. Although a great option for parents, the online system is not required as parents may still send money with students for lunch and breakfast purchases.

The BAPS Child Nutrition Department makes every effort to accommodate special dietary needs. In order to do so, BAPS Child Nutrition must have documentation for the special dietary need from a licensed

physician. An assessment of the dietary needs must be made by the physician and an original copy of the assessment must be on file with the Child Nutrition Department.

Questions regarding free and reduced applications, online meal payments and special dietary needs can be directed to the Child Nutrition Department at (918) 259-4565.

BEFORE & AFTER CARE B&A Connections, the before and after

care program for Broken Arrow Schools, is still accepting enrollments for the 2013-2014 school year. The B&A Connections planned curriculum reflects both the developmental interests of children in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and the opportunity for children within these age groups to play and learn from one another. Key elements of the program include social and emotional development, physical development, intellectual development and a warm and caring staff. Children who participate in B&A Connections during the academic year are provided breakfast during the Before School Program and a snack during the After School Program. The B&A Connections office is located at 210 North Main Street at Central On Main and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-kindergarten before OR after care is $145 per month per child. Pre-kindergarten before AND after care is $265 per month per child. Kindergarten – fifth grade before OR after care is $130 per month per child. Kindergarten – fifth grade before AND after care is $225 per month per child. Additionally, there is an annual registration fee of $40 per family. For specific information about your child’s school, contact the B&A Connections office at (918) 259-7413.

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BACKWith school starting Aug. 22, get the year started right with news and information

PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOWIn accordance with the No Child Left

Behind Act, parents have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct their children. Federal law allows parents to ask for certain information about their children’s classroom teachers, and requires schools to give parents this information in a timely manner if requested. Specifically, parents have the right to ask for the following information about their children’s classroom teachers:

1. Whether Oklahoma State Department of Education has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches,

2. Whether Oklahoma State Department of Education has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualifies under state regulations because of special or emergency circumstances,

3. The teacher’s baccalaureate degree major: whether the teacher has any advanced degrees, and, if so, the subject of the degrees, graduate certification, and field of discipline, and

4. Whether any teachers’ aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications.

Additionally, parents will be notified if their students have been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher that is not highly qualified.

To receive any of this information, please contact Celia M. Armstrong, Director of Human Resources, at (918) 259-5700.

DIRECTORY INFORMATIONThe Family Educational Rights and

Privacy Act allows a district to designate certain student data as directory

information. Broken Arrow Public Schools has designated “directory information” to include a student’s name, parents’ names, address and telephone listing, date and place of birth, class designation (i.e., first grade, tenth grade, etc.), extracurricular participation, achievement awards or honors, dates of attendance, weight and height, photograph, as well as the school or school district the student attended before he/she enrolled in Broken Arrow schools. BAPS will continue to disclose student directory information for the purposes of printing student names in yearbooks, honor rolls, athletic programs and publications.

Parents or eligible students should advise the school district in a letter to the Public Information Officer of any or all of the items they refuse to permit the district to designate as directory information about that student. The designation will remain in effect until it is modified by the written direction of the student’s parent or the eligible student.

CHILD FIND NOTICE This notice is to inform parents that

Broken Arrow Public schools is maintaining an ongoing Child Find search to locate, identify and evaluate any child age 3-21 with an established or suspected disability. Child Find efforts include all individuals age 3-21 not enrolled in school, as well as those who attend public and private schools, Head Start, state institutions, and other child care or treatment facilities. Children not of school age must reside in the boundaries of Broken Arrow Public Schools to be included in the Child Find efforts.

Broken Arrow Public Schools has

established and maintains a comprehensive screening and multidisciplinary referral, evaluation, and eligibility process for the identification of children with suspected disabilities. Child Find activities contain a mandate for public awareness of contact, location and established screening procedures. Information regarding evaluation procedures is available at no cost to parent/guardian upon request by contacting Broken Arrow Public Schools at the Educational Service Center, Special Services, 701 N. Main Street, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Phone contact is available at 918-259-5700.

As mandated by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Broken Arrow Public Schools is required to fully inform parents that personally identifiable information is maintained on all children who are referred and evaluated under the provisions of Child Find.

The types of information sought may include but not limited to: Parent concerns, developmental, adaptive behavior, social-cultural, health/medical, vision, hearing, motor, perceptual/processing, behavior, psychological, vocational and information gained through observations in the classroom or other environments.

It is the responsibility of the Broken Arrow Public Schools to inform parents/guardians of their rights under the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Should you have any questions please contact Carol Gruben at 918-259-5700.

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EARLYB E G I N N I N G

New Early Childhood Centers set the foundation for students

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EARLY

In 2010, the patrons of Broken Arrow voted to reallocate $73.5 million dollars of the original $295 million

bond passed in 2009. This reallocation of dollars has made possible the opening of three new Early Childhood Centers just in time for the 2013-2014 school year.

“The Early Childhood Learning Philosophy of Broken Arrow Public Schools is designed to address the needs of the whole child by guiding their cognitive, social, emotional, physical and creative development,” said Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “This is accomplished through a variety of teaching strategies including purposeful play, differentiated instruction and a stimulating curriculum that will actively engage all students.”

Each of the Early Childhood Centers will house only Pre-K students, typically of the 4-5 year age range. Classrooms will be equipped with an Early Childhood Certified teacher, a full-time teaching aide, and no more than 20 students per class. Educators at the Early Childhood Centers will utilize a number of strategies to help these first-time students develop a solid learning foundation. Teachers will assist students in developing their early reasoning and problem solving skills, and they will also begin instruction in maintaining focus and seeking assistance from others when working on a task. Parent involvement will also be a critical component of student success.

“Our program is designed to be a collaborative effort involving parents, students and teachers, and by working as a team, I have no doubt that we will be successful in our mission to create a foundation for life-long learning in our youngest Broken Arrow Tigers,” said Aspen Creek Early Childhood Center Principal Julie Gateley.

In addition to the high-quality instruction provided on a daily basis, a variety of other activities will take place at all four Early Childhood Centers.

“Aside from instructional time in the classroom, students will also be introduced to art and music, gross motor activities such as outdoor play, fine motor development during learning center time and brain breaks, which are designed to allow students time to rest their mind

and body,” said Park

Lane Early C h i l d h o o d

C e n t e r Principal Barbara

Jones. “Most of the students who enroll

have opted for the full-day program, and time to rest will be an important part of their schedule.”

Three of the district’s four Early Childhood Centers will open in August, and while similar in many ways, each facility has its own distinct look. Creekwood Early Childhood Center is located at 1301 E. Albany St., west of the High School, and the colors and décor of this facility are a celebration of Oklahoma’s western heritage. Toward the southern boundary of the district, Aspen Creek Early Childhood Center is located at 2700 W. Florence and utilizes cool colors and shapes in its outer space theme. Park Lane Early Childhood Center was once Park Lane Elementary, but has since transformed into an Early Childhood Center with a park theme that celebrates both its name and the beauty found in nature.

The fourth Early Childhood Center will be located on the site of the former Arrow Springs Elementary. This facility is currently under construction, and will

reopen as an Early Childhood Center in August of 2014. This site will make creative use of colors and architectural elements to give life to its underwater theme.

“I was pleased at the opportunity our teachers were given to work with construction staff in designing the perfect facilities,” said Creekwood Early Childhood Center Principal Teresa Bowker. “Through collaboration, we have beautiful facilities that are also highly functional for the everyday needs of teaching four-year-olds.”

More than 900 students have enrolled in one of the three Pre-K programs, but a small number of enrollments are still open. For more information about Pre-K enrollment, contact the Enrollment Center at 918-259-4301.

Early Childhood

Center Hours (All four sites)

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.- Office Open8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.- Student Arrival

2:20 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.- Dismissal/Pick up

• Breakfast and lunch will be available to all Pre-K students daily.

• Before & After School Care is available at each of the three open Early Childhood Centers, but this is a tuition-based program.

For more information, call theB&A Connections

Office at 918-259-7413.

Did You Know?67% of students in a Pre-K program had

an IQ more than 90, versus only 28% without Pre-K.

65% of students enrolled in Pre-K

graduated high school, versus only 45% without Pre-K.

Source: The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study Through Age 40 | Center For Public Education

ASPEN CREEK EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER WILL OPEN IN AUGUST.

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As a patron of Broken Arrow Public Schools, it’s likely you are already aware of the many great

things the students and staff accomplish each and every day at sites throughout the district. But what about your neighbors who don’t have children in school, family members who live out of town or business acquaintances looking for a place to relocate – do they know about the great things Broken Arrow Public Schools has to offer? This feature, “Earning Our Stripes,” is designed to equip you with brief bits of information you can use to educate others on why Broken Arrow Public Schools continues to “earn stripes” in its mission to be one of Oklahoma’s premier public school districts.

• Rachel’s Challenge – This internationally recognized character education program has been fully implemented for three years and reaches students in grades Pre-K through 12. Rachel’s Challenge embraces kindness and compassion as the cornerstones of behavior while reinforcing the idea of starting positive chain reactions. Based on the district’s extensive implementation of the program, Dr. Mendenhall was named as the Superintendent of the Year for Rachel’s Challenge in 2012.

• Construction – Since 2010, the district has built or renovated 26 buildings across the district, nearly eliminating all 208 portable classrooms and replacing them with state-of-the-art, permanent facilities. By the year 2015 the district will have completed more than $240 Million of construction, completely changing the look of Broken Arrow Public Schools.

• Technology – Ahead of most school districts, Broken Arrow Public Schools has implemented a wireless network that covers all 25 school sites in addition to all district departments. The network features three types of secure login options, making Broken Arrow the first district in the nation to have a keyless Wi-Fi system based on network credentials

only at logon. Research is currently being conducted on the feasibility of spanning the entire 114 sq. mile district with the wireless network in order to serve students at their homes.

• Class Size – By monitoring classroom counts the first few weeks of school, district leadership has developed a strategy for quickly adjusting staff to better meet the needs of students. Broken Arrow’s class sizes are the lowest in Tulsa County: grades K-2=22 students, grades 3-5=23 students, and grades 6-12=27 students during the 2013-2014 school year.

• Higher Education Reimbursement Program – Last year, for the first time in district history, Broken Arrow Public Schools began offering a Higher Education Reimbursement Program to all full-time, certified employees. The program provides reimbursement to certified personnel enrolled in an accredited institution taking courses in his or her area of work. Thus far, there have been 93 reimbursements for a total of $78,590.80, and district leaders are planning a survey to gauge support

STRIPESEARNING OUR

District Vision Statement:

Educating Today - Leading Tomorrow

• Kristin Chenoweth Theater – Last summer, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center Theater was named for the famous Broadway actress and movie star, Kristin Chenoweth, who is also a 1986 Broken Arrow High School graduate. She was in Broken Arrow in July, 2012 to accept this award and distinction after performing in the theater that has been named in her honor.

employee interest in a similar program. • Subway Franchise – In August of

2012, the Broken Arrow High School Cafeteria was the first school in Oklahoma to open its own Subway Franchise. The modified sandwiches meet with the nutritional guidelines required in schools, and all students are eligible to select Subway as a meal option. Since the implementation of Subway at the High School, the program has since expanded to North and South Intermediates.

• STEM – A Science Technology Engineering and Math program was introduced at Rhoades Elementary during the 2012-2013 school year. The STEM class is part of the students’ rotation of classes (ex. Art, music, PE and STEM) so that all students are able to experience the hands-on learning environment. After a successful pilot year, the program is being expanded to Arrowhead Elementary.

• Literacy First – In 2011, the district implemented Literacy First – a research based literacy process that has proven most effective in increasing literacy rates among all students. The program encompasses Pre-K through 8th grade as a comprehensive, cumulative method for bringing all students to a high level of reading and writing achievement.

• Reading Recovery Program – This intense literacy intervention program targets first grade students reading at two years or more below their peers. It is based on more than a decade of international research that has shown it to be the only universally effective way to intervene in early literacy. Made possible through a partnership with Texas Women’s University, the Reading Recovery Program utilizes a reading lab both to host one-on-one instructional sessions with students and train teachers in the expansion of the program throughout the district.

These are just a few of the accomplishments and accolades that give you – a patron of Broken Arrow Public Schools – a better idea of how our district is earning its stripes. A new list will be featured in the October issue of Arrowpoint Magazine, so stay tuned for the next printing of “Earning Our Stripes.”

EXCELerateA

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Broken Arrow High School is excited to announce the beginning of a new program

that will allow BAHS students to earn college credit while still in high school. Known as EXCELerate, this program is made possible through an alliance between Broken Arrow Public Schools, Tulsa Community College and NSU-BA. Through this program, students can attend college courses during the school day through TCC at NSU-BA,

receiving both high school credit and college credit at a reduced cost.

“This early college exposure will offer our students the opportunity to see what college classes are like and to get a jump start on their college plans,” said High School Principal Debbie Renz. “It may also serve to help first generation college students see themselves as viable college students without a major financial obligation.”

Courses will be held at NSU-BA, and the BAPS district will provide transportation to and from the NSU-BA campus. The cost of enrolling in EXCELerate is $73.50 per semester for two classes, and the required books are loaned from BAHS to the student at no extra cost.

“The NSU-BA campus is easily accessible to our Broken Arrow students and provides less congestion from traffic,” Renz said. “NSU-BA is a beautiful campus providing exposure to technology, excellent teaching staff and academic supports that any college should provide.”

The EXCELerate program is available to juniors and seniors, and interested students must first take the ACT. The ACT is offered periodically on the high school campus, and to find out when the next testing period will be available, contact the High School Counseling Office at 918-259-4310. To be eligible to participate in EXCELErate, seniors need to score 19 or higher or have a 3.0 GPA, and juniors must score a 21 or higher on the ACT or have a 3.5 GPA.

“These minimum requirements will provide a foundation for success for our students wanting to acquire college credit as a high school student,” said Renz. “They serve as an indicator of academic preparedness necessary for success with college-level coursework.”

Broken Arrow High School students who participate in the EXCELerate program will actually be enrolled at TCC, even though the courses will be held at NSU-BA. Interested students will need to meet with their counselor

Students can earn college credit while in high school

Planned Course Offerings(Students will select two courses

each semester)

Fall 2013Academic Strategies*English Composition IEnglish Composition IICollege AlgebraSpeech Communications IWorld GeographyIntroduction to PsychologyNutritionArt AppreciationAmerican Federal GovernmentHumanities IAncient & Medieval Western Civilization

Spring 2014English Composition IEnglish Composition IICollege AlgebraSpeech Communications IWorld GeographyIntroduction to PsychologyNutritionArt AppreciationAmerican Federal GovernmentHumanities IIModern Western Civilization

*Academic Strategies will be required for students who want to continue in the Tulsa Achieves program after high school

to obtain necessary EXCELerate paperwork and receive assistance in applying online to TCC. Students will also need to request that a copy of their high school transcript be sent to TCC.

“This program will allow our students the opportunity to be in control of their education, to provide some flexible options, and to experience learning at a college level,” Renz said. “It will help them see what kind of work ethic is necessary for college. Ultimately, I hope it can build confidence for our students in their ability to be successful in college.”

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basking in theSPOTLIGHT

BAPAC celebrates fifth anniversary with stellar seasonBringing the world to Broken

Arrow has been the mission of the Broken Arrow Performing

Arts Center since its opening five years ago. And to celebrate five years of world-class entertainment, the 2013-14 Spotlight Series is bringing eight unique shows to the stage this season, guaranteeing a season full of surprises.

The Spotlight Series, presented by AVB Bank, is also sponsored by the Broken Arrow Convention and Visitors Bureau, First National Bank of Broken Arrow, TTCU The Credit Union and Cox Communications.

The series kicks off on Sept. 21 with the legendary Sandi Patty as she presents “Broadway Stories;” Oct. 24 will see two amazing performers on one stage as piano virtuoso Bruce Hornsby teams up with mandolin maestro Ricky Skaggs; Oct. 26 will bring double the fun with comedian Sinbad and acapella legends Take 6; it will be a “fab” night on Nov. 22 with the Beatles tribute “Rain;” Dec. 15 marks the fourth appearance of David Phelps as he celebrates Christmas; Jan. 24 kicks off the new year with The Ten Tenors; Feb. 18 sees the Oklahoma debut of the new Broadway smash “Bring It On: The Musical;” and the season closes out on

Apr. 22 with the Tony-winning Best Musical “Memphis.”

“It’s been some of the most rewarding years of my life, and I know the people of Broken Arrow and abroad will see this season as a hallmark of pure talent and excitement,” said Mark Frie, BAPAC Executive Director. “Every year, we do our best to bring a wide array of entertainment to our stage, hoping to present a little something for everyone. I think we truly did it with this line-up.”

For more information about each show, season tickets and other programs offered at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, visit brokenarrowpac.com, or call the Box Office at (918) 259-5778.

ABOUT EACH SHOW:• She’s won 39 Dove Awards, five

Grammy Awards, four Billboard Music Awards and became a Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee in 2004. Her albums have sold more than 11 million units, garnering her three platinum and five gold recordings. As the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history, her voice is still the gold standard by which all who follow are measured. Now, Sandi Patty returns to her roots with her soaring

“RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES” WILL SEE THE FAB FOUR TAKE OVER THE BAPAC ON NOV. 22.

“MEMPHIS: THE MUSICAL,” WHICH WON THE 2012 TONY

FOR BEST MUSICAL, WILL CLOSE OUT THE SEASON ON

APR. 22, 2014.

soprano v o i c e as she shares “Broadway Stories,” a walk through the Great White Way and everything it has to offer. From Sondheim to Hammerstein (and everything in between), Sandi delivers the goods in the signature vocal style that has made her a legend.

• Virginia cool meets Kentucky thunder in a q u i n t e s s e n t i a l c o l l a b o r a t i o n between multi-instrumentalist virtuoso Ricky Skaggs and genre-bending pianist Bruce Hornsby. Combined, the pair lay claim to an astonishing 15 Grammy awards. They first collaborated on a track for a Bill Monroe tribute album and went on to record an entire album together in 2007. The New York Times praised the depth of the

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SPOTLIGHTBAPAC celebrates fifth anniversary with stellar season

SANDI PATTY:BROADWAY STORIES

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013

RICKY SKAGGS & BRUCE HORNSBY

with Kentucky ThunderThursday, Oct. 24, 2013

SINBAD & TAKE 6Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TOTHE BEATLES

Friday, Nov. 22, 2013

DAVID PHELPS CHRISTMASSunday, Dec. 15, 2013

THE TEN TENORSFriday, Jan. 24, 2014

BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014

MEMPHISTuesday, Apr. 22, 2014

Season tickets on sale now. Call (918) 259-5778 for more

information, or visit us online at BROKENARROWPAC.COM.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

partnership: “Whether they were playing Mr. Hornsby’s songs or reworking Bill Monroe’s repertory, the arrangements often reached back to Celtic drones and modal fiddle tunes, the sounds of an isolated rural America.

With Mr. Hornsby on piano, another Americana also peeked in: the polytonality of Aaron Copland and of modal jazz harmony, which happens to dovetail with those Celtic drones.” In live performance, these pioneering voices of American music showcase the power

of their musical connection and their effortless penchant for breaking apart musical categorizations.”

• It’s going to be a night of fun, vocal acrobatics and laughter as comedian Sinbad and acapella group Take 6 present a night to remember! Sinbad has been all over the world, including movies and television, discussing everything from fatherhood to family, marriage and the inevitability of aging. Take 6 have honed their craft for more than 20 years, sharpening their Gospel harmonies alongside such talents as Stevie Wonder, Martina McBride, Whitney Houston and Ray Charles.

• As “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles!” (Associated Press), RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles’ discography live onstage, including the most complex and challenging songs that The Beatles themselves recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience. In addition, new songs are being included with the launch of the 2013 Tour. Together

longer than The Beatles, RAIN has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live,

note-for-note performance that’s as

infectious as it is transporting. From the early hits to later classics (I Want To Hold Your Hand, Hard Day’s Night, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Let It Be, Come Together, Hey Jude and more), this adoring tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love and a little help from your friends!

• Back by popular demand for an incredible FOURTH appearance, David Phelps has been a staple of the BAPAC since the beginning, this time presenting a Christmas concert for the ages! Nicknamed “The Voice” for his otherworldly tenor-range pipes, Phelps has made a name for himself not only as a solo artist, but also as part of the legendary Gaither Vocal Band. Phelps will take you through his endless string of hit songs as well as holiday favorites, past and present.

• All the way from Down Under, The Ten Tenors shot to international fame during a guest spot on Oprah Winfrey and haven’t stopped since. Amidst incredible international success, this Australian troupe has become known as one of the hardest working touring acts; performing an average of 250 shows per year across seven continents, they have sold over 3.5 million concert tickets; have four gold CDs and two platinum, two gold DVDs and one platinum and continually strive to challenge themselves and their audience.

• Bitingly relevant and sprinkled with sass, BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL inspired by the “Bring It On” film, takes you on a high-flying journey through friendship, forgiveness and determination. BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL tells the story of the challenges and unexpected bonds formed through the thrill of extreme competition. With a colorful crew of

“MEMPHIS: THE MUSICAL,” WHICH WON THE 2012 TONY

FOR BEST MUSICAL, WILL CLOSE OUT THE SEASON ON

APR. 22, 2014.

“BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL” SEES THE HIT MOVIE TRANSFORM INTO A STAGE

SHOW WITH AERIAL STUNTS AND AMAZING DANCE ON FEB. 18, 2014.

characters, an exciting fresh sound and explosive dance with aerial stunts, this all-new story is sure to be everything you hoped for and nothing like you expected.

• From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a radio DJ who wants to change the world and a club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves– filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. PLUS–it’s the winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical!

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

BROKEN ARROW, OKPERMIT NO. 140BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS

701 South Main StreetBroken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012WWW.BASCHOOLS.ORG

Broken Arrow Public Schools PatronBroken Arrow, OK 74011Broken Arrow, OK 74012Broken Arrow, OK 74014

SMART PHONES- SCAN ME!