Bartlesville Public School District’s

The Bruin Weekly Email Newsletter Volume 5, Number 26...Friday, Feb. 11, 2011...www.bps-ok.org

Retirement reception for Manning rescheduled to Feb. 24 The dozen candidates for the Bartlesville Public School District’s 2011 Teacher of the Year honor are (from left) (front row) Central Middle School’s Cheryl Carter, Wayside Elementary School’s Erin Perry, Hoover Elementary School’s Kelli Bryant, Bartlesville High School’s Betty A. Henderson, (back row) the “satellite group’s” Chris Cooper, Richard Kane Elementary School’s Darla Gardner, Jane Phillips Elementary School’s Traci Bottorff, Oak Park Elementary School’s Jo Ellen Hall, Ranch Heights Elementary School’s Kristine Kramer, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School’s Lisa Tennell, Madison Middle School’s Mary McGuire and the Bartlesville Mid-High School’s Amy Hamilton.

Star teachers set to shine on Tuesday The Bartlesville Public School District will crown its 2011 Teacher of the Year on Tuesday evening. Twelve candidates from throughout the district will vie for the honor and the eventual winner will be revealed during the BPSD’s 2011 Teacher of the Year Ceremony, which will be held in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the Bartlesville High School campus. The

2011 TOY Ceremony

When: Tuesday (5:30-6 reception; 6-7:30 p.m. event) Where: Fine Arts Center Center auditorium on Bartlesville High School campus Who: All BPSD employees and everyone else who is interested are TOY - Continued to Page 11 invited to attend this free annual event

Originally set to take place on Feb. 10, the retirement reception for Bartlesville Board of Education president Marta Manning has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 24. The reception will be held in the Fine Arts Center hospitality room on the Bartlesville High School campus – from 4-6 p.m. – and everyone is invited to attend. The original date had to be changed due to inclement weather in the area. Representing District 3, Manning has served on the board since 1991. She was honored with the Buddy Spencer Leadership Award in 2009 after being named as an all-state board member by the Oklahoma State School Board Association. Manning chose not to run for a sixth term on the board. Vanessa Drummond will be sworn in to replace Manning on the board – in the District 3 seat – during a regular meeting at the Education Service Center on Feb. 21.

Mid-High School Formal still set for Saturday Despite inclement weather in the area of late, the 2011 Bartlesville Mid-High School Winter Formal Dance is scheduled to go on as originally planned on Saturday night. The annual event will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Bartlesville Community Center. Tickets will be available for purchase at the main entrance of the Bartlesville Community Center, which

is located at 300 SE Adams Blvd., by Mid-High School students for $10 apiece beginning around 6 p.m. on Saturday. For those students who have dates who attend Bartlesville High School, tickets may be purchased for them subject to approval by Mid-High School administrators who will be on hand. Parents and guardians are welcome at the event, which is due to conclude promptly at 10 p.m.

ACT testing still scheduled for Saturday at BHS ACT testing will be held in the Registration for those students main building on the Bartlesville High who plan to take the test will be held School campus on Saturday morning. in the lobby of the main BHS buildTesting is due to begin at 8 a.m. ing. The parking lots at BHS have

been cleared of snow and ice, and plenty of spaces should be available in front of the main building, which is located at 1700 SE Hillcrest Dr.

Family Life Symposium focused on bullying slated for next week Beane has served as an expert and consultant in The Family Life Symposium will offer a free comcriminal cases and lawsuits involving bullying, and has munity forum entitled “Protect Your Child from Bullybeen featured as an expert guest on television for Fox ing” next week. Serving as the symposium leader will be Dr. Allan News in Chicago and CNN’s popular Nancy Grace Show. Beane, and the event is open to the public. It will be The Bully Free Program developed by held in the Family Life Center of the Adams Beane helps to honor the memory of his son, Boulevard Church – which is located at 3700 who was bullied in the seventh grade and high SE Adams Blvd. – on Thursday, Feb. 17 from school. Bullying contributed to his death at 6:30-8:30 p.m. the age of 23. Those who wish to learn more The presentation will address the nature about the Bully Free Program can go online to of bullying as well as the rationale for prewww.bullyfree.com. venting and stopping it. In addition, it will ofFollowing the free community forum will fer steps parents can take to help their child if he or she is the victim of bullies or is a bully. be a Bully Free Program – entitled “BullyDr. Allan Beane ing: It’s Nature and How to Prevent It” – on Parents will learn how to empower their child Friday, Feb. 18. A special Family Life Symas a bystander, also. posium presentation for parents, teachers, counselors, A former classroom teacher, Beane is an interhelping professionals and other interested adults, the nationally recognized expert, speaker and author in the area of bullying. He boasts more than 37 years pre-paid cost is $40 per person. The program will span worth of experience in education and has taught spe- from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Adams Boulevard cial education, regular education and higher educaChurch of Christ. tion while serving as the director of a special school Those who wish to learn more about the Family safety center and the vice president of a university as Life Symposium programs on Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 can well. contact Jody Burch via phone at 336-4646.

District Word of the Month:

Honesty

On a monthly basis, the Bartlesville Public School District designates a word (or words) which students and staff members are encouraged to incorporate into their respective lifestyles as a habit. The word of the month for February is “honesty,” which means “the quality or condition of being honest; integrity; truthfulness; sincerity.” The BPSD releases a new habit word (or words) monthly from August through May.

Mother Nature puts Bruin hoops schedule in state of flux The Bruin basketball schedule has been bounced around of late due to the inclement weather which has descended upon Green Country. The Bartlesville High School varsity and junior varsity boys and girls squads were due to play host to Claremore today at the BHS Fieldhouse. The games have since been pushed back to Saturday. Junior varsity play is due to begin at noon and the varsity action will commence at 2 p.m. Originally scheduled for Feb. 10, the BHS varsity boys and girls basketball teams will now play host to Skiatook on Thursday, Feb. 17 at the BHS Fieldhouse. The girls contest is due to tip off at 6:30 p.m. and the boys will follow around 8 p.m. The 2011 Claremore Tournament, which will feature the Bruins’ eighth grade boys and girls White squads, was pushed back a week. It will now span from Tuesday, Feb. 15 through Saturday, Feb. 19. The Bruin girls are due to tip off at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and the boys are scheduled to hit the hardwood at 3 p.m. Last month, the 2011 ConocoPhillips-Arvest Invitational, an annual boys tournament which was to be held at the BHS Fieldhouse, had to be cancelled due to inclement weather.

Course selection meetings for sophomores to go on as originally planned at Mid-High BHS online enrollment deadline extended through Monday Despite the inclement weather of late, the Bartlesville Mid-High School will play host to course selection meetings for current sophomores from Feb. 14-21 as originally planned. The meetings, which will be held in the Mid-High School library, are for current sophomores who are due to be juniors at Bartlesville High School during the upcoming 2011-

12 academic year. Each sophomore was given an individual appointment time for their course selection meetings, and those times and dates will be honored as they were originally scheduled. Due to the weather, the deadline for online enrollment for the 2011-12 academic year at BHS has been extended. It was due to conclude today, but will now be extended through Monday, Feb. 14. Those with questions concerning online enrollment at BHS can call 3363311 (ext. 5045).

BPSD’s NBC teachers receive bonus checks

Photo by Trudy Green/Special to The Bruin

Bonus checks were distributed Tuesday to the 34 educators within the Bartlesville Public School District who have earned their status as National Board Certified teachers. Pictured, Hoover Elementary School fifth grade teacher Kelli Bryant (center) receives her check from BPSD executive director of elementary education instructor Dianne Martinez (left) as Hoover principal Rene Beisley (right) looks on. The bonus checks come from the State of Oklahoma and are distributed by the BPSD. Oklahoma’s National Board Certified teachers receive annual bonus checks from the state annually over a 10-year period.

Volunteer Help Being Sought for Upcoming 2011 Lone Star Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships

BPSD 2011 Teacher of the year candidate feature: Erin perry As a youngster, Erin Perry wasn’t your average 10-year-old. She was more than happy to assist her mother with the care of Erin’s five-year-old sister. She pitched in with chores and was always a planner – mapping out what might initially be viewed as carefree summer days from start to finish. As she grew older, Wayside Erin’s maturity and attention to detail continued to serve her well. The joy and fulfillment she received from working with children never faded and she assisted youngsters at church camps and as an in-demand babysitter. Her first job was at a nearby McDonalds as a “play pal,” helping organize children’s birthday parties in the restaurant’s play area. “I knew it was in my future,” says Perry, now in her sixth year as a first grade teacher at Wayside Elementary School, “to make a difference in kids’ lives.” The positive impact Perry makes at Wayside has not gone unnoticed. She was recently voted by her colleagues as the school’s 2011 teacher of the year. With that honor, Perry has become a candidate to be crowned as the Bartlesville Public School District’s 2011 Teacher of the Year. Each of the 11 schools throughout the BPSD – as well as a satellite group consisting of certified educators who don’t work for a specific site – recently selected their teachers of the year in a vote among the respective staff members. The chosen dozen is now in the running for the district Teacher of the Year honor. The eventual winner will be revealed on Tuesday, Feb. 15 during the 2011 Teacher of the Year Ceremony in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the Bartlesville High School campus. A pre-ceremony reception has been scheduled in the FAC lobby from 5:30-6 p.m. and the main event will follow from 6-7:30 p.m. The BPSD’s annual Teacher of the Year Ceremony is a free event and everyone is invited to attend. A family atmosphere is persuasive within Perry’s classroom at Wayside. Not surprisingly, each day of instruction is structured and organized, and she has high expectations for each student. “I implement a balanced approach in both reading and math,” notes Perry. “Small groups are necessary to drive more individualized instruction. “With these conditions in place, student learning will be achieved.” Just as Perry has high expectations for her stu-

Photo Special to The Bruin

Erin Perry is now in her sixth year as a first grade teacher at Wayside Elementary School. She serves as the school’s grade level team captain and is one of Wayside’s Bartlesville Education Association representatives, also.

dents, she sets a lofty bar for herself as well. While she often puts in extra hours at Wayside during the normal work week, it’s a common sight for her car to be found in the school parking lot on weekends. Perry’s family is fully cognizant of her passion for her students and is very supportive. “My kids love to go to work with mom on the weekends,” relates Perry. “My husband has also realized – and never complains – that a WalMart trip is never complete without something in the cart for my school family.” Perry’s school family encompasses not just her students, but her co-workers as well. She is quick to note that she has learned plenty from her fellow educators, and she works to help out those who are relatively new to the profession as well. During her time at Wayside, Perry has mentored a first-year teacher and opened up her classroom to a trio of student teachers. Perry loves to gather with fellow educators and “talk shop,” bouncing ideas off of them and soaking up plenty of information along the way. “I am a team player,” says Perry. “I have been so lucky to have taught with some great teachers, and they have helped me become the teacher that I am today.” Perry is active in the Wayside community and throughout Bartlesville, also. She is one of Wayside’s representatives for the Bartlesville Education AssociaPERRY - Continued to Page 12

BPSD 2011 Teacher of the year candidate feature: Lisa Tennell For children, the end of the school day can mark the beginning of any number of activities. While some might play video games, others might go to the park or take part in an extracurricular activity, such as practice in a band or athletic activity. Growing up in Bartlesville, Lisa Tennell often didn’t want the school day to end. As a second Wilson grader, it was the norm for her to arrive home and then quickly arrange her Cabbage Patch dolls into something of a classroom setting. It was in those moments, that Tennell caught a glimpse of her future, transitioning from student to teacher. “I was blessed by many teachers who challenged me and helped me achieve goals,” recalls Tennell. “I knew that one day, I wanted to help make a difference in students’ lives just as my teachers had done in mine.” Tennell is making a difference these days as a third grade teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, where she has taught since 2005. She is a well respected educator and that point was made quite evident recently when she was voted by her colleagues as the school’s 2011 teacher of the year. With that honor, Tennell has become a candidate to be crowned as the Bartlesville Public School District’s 2011 Teacher of the Year. Each of the 11 schools throughout the BPSD – as well as a satellite group consisting of certified educators who don’t work for a specific site – recently selected their teachers of the year in a vote among the respective staff members. The chosen dozen is now in the running for the district Teacher of the Year honor. The eventual winner will be revealed on Tuesday, Feb. 15 during the 2011 Teacher of the Year Ceremony in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the Bartlesville High School campus. A pre-ceremony reception has been scheduled in the FAC lobby from 5:30-6 p.m. and the main event will follow from 6-7:30 p.m. The BPSD’s annual Teacher of the Year Ceremony is a free event and everyone is invited to attend. The atmosphere in Tennell’s classroom is always positive, and she is quick to praise the achievements of her students. Mutual respect is a must among everyone, and expectations are high. In her quest to create lifelong learners, Tennell teaches her students not just facts and figures, but problem-solving skills as well. “My goal is to provide a structured environment where students feel safe, where successes are celebrated and good efforts are applauded,” says Tennell.

Photo Special to The Bruin

A Bartlesville native, Lisa Tennell has been teaching at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School since 2005. She has taught third grade at the school since 2006. All told, Tennell boasts 10 years of teaching experience, including a stint from 2001-05 in Moore.

“I cannot imagine a more rewarding career than teaching. Every day, there are successes to celebrate and ‘aha’ moments to cheer.” While she works to make sure her students are active and engaged learners, Tennell herself is always eager to soak up new information in regard to her chosen profession. She is part of the Master Teacher program which makes it easy to network with other teachers from throughout Oklahoma. In addition, she has promoted a professional learning community at Wilson, and led a book study last fall focused on differentiated instruction in the classroom. She is planning to lead another book study – spotlighting the benefits of incorporating technology into curriculum – this spring. Tennell has been awarded several grants throughout her teaching career, and they have helped open up different worlds to her students. She received a Donor’s Choose grant in 2007 which allowed her to purchase a white board. In November, another Donor’s Choose grant allowed her to buy a classroom set of the Laura Ingalls Wilder novel “Little House in the Big Woods” along with some accompanying picture books. In 2008, Tennell was a Fund for Teachers fellow, an honor which allowed her to attend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Summer Teacher Institute in Cleveland. Tennell stays active in the community, where she is a member of the Eastern Heights Baptist Church and TENNELL - Continued to Page 12

BPSD 2011 Teacher of the year candidate feature: Cheryl Carter While several members of Cheryl Carter’s family are educators, for years she resisted the urge to pursue a teaching career. But having spent the last nine years in the classroom, Carter can now hardly imagine herself doing anything else. For her, teaching isn’t just a job, it’s her passion. She is able to make a positive impact in Central the lives of young people, and that fact is immensely fulfilling. “I am proud I have become a member of the teaching profession,” says Carter. “For about 20 years, I ignored the call. “I changed my mind when I realized there was a need for someone like myself.” Carter is in her third year in her current role, as a special education math teacher at Central Middle School. She relishes the opportunity to work closely with each student, bringing out the best in them and helping them achieve all of which they are capable. “The accomplishment of a child with a learning disability – showing personal academic growth – is amazing,” says Carter. “It means I have kept them from giving up and challenged them to achieve their best.” Carter has achieved the respect and admiration of her colleagues at Central. That point was made evident recently when they voted her as the school’s 2011 teacher of the year. With that honor, Carter has become a candidate to be crowned as the Bartlesville Public School District’s 2011 Teacher of the Year. Each of the 11 schools throughout the BPSD – as well as a satellite group consisting of certified educators who don’t work for a specific site – recently selected their teachers of the year in a vote among the respective staff members. The chosen dozen is now in the running for the district Teacher of the Year honor. The eventual winner will be revealed on Tuesday, Feb. 15 during the 2011 Teacher of the Year Ceremony in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the Bartlesville High School campus. A pre-ceremony reception has been scheduled in the FAC lobby from 5:30-6 p.m. and the main event will follow from 6-7:30 p.m. The BPSD’s annual Teacher of the Year Ceremony is a free event and everyone is invited to attend. Carter works diligently to bring out the best in each of the students in her care. She is a patient educator, happy to work individually with students to help them grasp a full understanding of the lessons. Carter

Photo Special to The Bruin

Cheryl Carter is now in her third year as a special education math teacher at Central Middle School. All told, she is in her ninth year as an educator. Carter strives to create an atmosphere within her classroom which is welcoming and nurturing.

is a compassionate teacher who offers a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere within her classroom. “Coming to teaching late in life as a second career choice brings a different perspective to my classroom and the work I accomplish with my students,” she says. “I accept that somewhere along the way, my students have not grasped the concepts they should have for their grade level. “It is my job to re-present these concepts and break them into smaller pieces, hoping they are developmentally ready at this time to master the concepts.” Now in her ninth year as an educator, Carter is a strong proponent of professional development. She is a member of the Bartlesville Education Association as well as the Oklahoma Education Association. She is a former member the educational honors society Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Upsilon Omicron, which is an honor society for students involved in family and consumer sciences. Carter has attended several different educationfocused conferences, including a summer gathering at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, the “Teach Like a Rock Star” workshop, and a Ruby Payne event, which seeks to help students and their parents break the shackles of poverty. Carter has attended Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association workshops for the last several years and grades middle level math CARTER - Continued to Page 12

BPSD 2011 Teacher of the year candidate feature: Mary Mcguire For nearly three decades, Mary McGuire has served as a special education teacher. She taught within the Sapulpa Public School District from 1984-2009 before taking her current role at Madison Middle School. During her time as a special education teacher, McGuire has come across students who have been presented with a wide assortment Madison of challenges, from those which affect their sight to their vision to their mobility to virtually everything else. But while McGuire sees the challenge her special education students face every day, she knows full well that those challenges don’t define them. “I see each of my students as a normal child first who happens to have a disability,” says McGuire. “They deserve the same opportunity for happiness, friendships and to feel good about themselves as well as the opportunity to learn and have a respectable place in the work world when they become adults.” As she strives to reach each and every one of her students – and bring out the best in them – McGuire makes sure she is always patient, caring and flexible. She is always eager to discover effective teaching methods which stray from some of the traditional options. Thus, she often utilizes assistive technology, picture symbols, adaptive materials, music and movement activities as she works with her students. Though she has only been at Madison since 2009, McGuire is well respected among her colleagues. That fact was made quite evident recently when her fellow Madison educators voted her as the school’s 2011 teacher of the year. With that honor, McGuire has become a candidate to be crowned as the Bartlesville Public School District’s 2011 Teacher of the Year. Each of the 11 schools throughout the BPSD – as well as a satellite group consisting of certified educators who don’t work for a specific site – recently selected their teachers of the year in a vote among the respective staff members. The chosen dozen is now in the running for the district Teacher of the Year honor. The eventual winner will be revealed on Tuesday, Feb. 15 during the 2011 Teacher of the Year Ceremony in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the Bartlesville High School campus. A pre-ceremony reception has been scheduled in the FAC lobby from 5:30-6 p.m. and the main event will follow from 6-7:30 p.m. The BPSD’s annual Teacher of the Year Ceremony is a free event and everyone is invited to attend.

Photo Special to The Bruin

Mary McGuire has served as a special education instructor since 1984. She has served in her current role at Madison Middle School since 2009. McGuire is a positive role model not just for the students in her care, but for her fellow educators as well.

McGuire believes her role as an educator spans beyond the boundaries of her classroom. She knows she represents teachers throughout her community, state and country, and thus conducts herself in a way which casts educators in general in only the best light. In addition, she is highly supportive of her fellow teachers, sharing ideas with them and mentoring them. During her years in Sapulpa and Bartlesville, McGuire has helped to guide several young educators. “As a mentor, I try to create trusting relationships with open communication,” she says. “I share the wisdom I’ve gained through my experience, my materials and ideas, and an ear to listen without judgment. “Helping develop effective teachers who have good working relationships with other teachers and respect the leadership of administration not only strengthens the learning environment for all students, it creates an enjoyable workplace with professionals who respect one another.” McGuire boasts both masters’ and bachelor’s degrees in education from the University of Oklahoma. In addition, she earned her certification in early childhood from Northeastern State University. McGuire serves as the special education department head at Madison and is a member of the school’s building review committee, also. McGuire is a member of the National Teaching MCGUIRE - Continued to Page 12

BPSD 2011 Teacher of the year candidate feature: Amy Hamilton Amy Hamilton’s love of history blossomed as a high school student in Manhattan, Kan. Her teachers helped that love to flourish, and she carried her passion for the subject with her as she moved on to Kansas State University. Hamilton knew that she wanted to continue studying history in college but wasn’t sure that she Mid-High School wanted to teach. At the behest of her parents, she searched for a major which would lead to her career calling and eventually settled upon history education. The choice has served her well. Hamilton is now in her 21st year as a world history teacher and has spent her entire career at the Bartlesville Mid-High School. For Hamilton, her role as a world history teacher allows her to focus on a subject she loves and gives her the added bonus of working with students. “After my first year as a teacher, I realized that working with students amplified the enjoyment I received from my job,” notes Hamilton, who is a National Board Certified educator. “I think it has been a good fit. “Students were the unforeseen blessing of the job that provides fulfillment to my working days. Interaction with young people is always invigorating.” Hamilton’s passion for teaching – and her general excellence as an educator – was noted recently when she was voted by her colleagues as the Mid-High School’s 2011 teacher of the year. With that honor, Hamilton has become a candidate to be crowned as the Bartlesville Public School District’s 2011 Teacher of the Year. Each of the 11 schools throughout the BPSD – as well as a satellite group consisting of certified educators who don’t work for a specific site – recently selected their teachers of the year in a vote among the respective staff members. The chosen dozen is now in the running for the district Teacher of the Year honor. The eventual winner will be revealed on Tuesday, Feb. 15 during the 2011 Teacher of the Year Ceremony in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the Bartlesville High School campus. A pre-ceremony reception has been scheduled in the FAC lobby from 5:30-6 p.m. and the main event will follow from 6-7:30 p.m. The BPSD’s annual Teacher of the Year Ceremony is a free event and everyone is invited to attend. Several factors play into Hamilton’s effectiveness as an educator. She works to create personal links with

Photo Special to The Bruin

Now in her 21st year as a teacher, Amy Hamilton has spent her entire career at the Bartlesville Mid-High School. Hamilton has turned a love of history into a rewarding career as a world history instructor. She notes that working with students is a “blessing.”

her students, letting them know they can approach her when they have a question or concern. While Hamilton takes her work seriously, she doesn’t take herself too seriously. Hamilton is quite diligent in her preparation as an educator. Great amounts of preparation are put into every lesson so that the youngsters in her care will get the most out of them. “I want the students to know,” says Hamilton, “that I care about what is important to them and their success.” Hamilton cares about the success and growth of her fellow educators, also. Early in her career, she was able to team teach with seasoned educators. The experience helped her immensely, and now she welcomes the opportunity to share her insight with budding young teachers. Hamilton has invited several education students from nearby colleges and universities to observe her classroom so that they can learn exactly what goes on in them and begin forming the foundation of knowledge for their own teaching careers. Hamilton is always looking for opportunities to hone her teaching skills and is therefore a firm believer in the power of professional development. She is a member of the National Education Association as well as the National Council for Social Studies. She earned her National Board certification in 2008 and garnered a wealth of knowledge from the Professional DevelopHAMILTON - Continued to Page 12

BPSD 2011 Teacher of the year candidate feature: Betty A. Henderson An esteemed teacher at Bartlesville High School, Betty A. Henderson has earned no shortage of accolades and honors. She is a member of the Oklahoma Science Fair Hall of Fame and received the coveted Jimmie Pigg Memorial Outstanding Teaching Award from the Oklahoma Junior Academy of Science. She has been BHS decorated with the Kurt Schmoldt Teacher Appreciation Award and was presented with the Golden Apple Teaching Award by the Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce. She even received a special commendation from the Queen of Sweden. With Henderson’s mantle seemingly filled with hardware, is there any one piece which shines more brightly than all the others? The answer is a simple “no.” “While I am grateful for these awards, I do not feel that they are my greatest accomplishments,” says Henderson. “That is reserved for when my students develop an understanding of biology and desire to discover something new.” Henderson’s greatest accomplishments are found not on her mantle but in communities throughout the country and the world in the form of former students who have gone on to live rewarding and meaningful lives. “Knowing that I have positively influenced my students’ lives and their future success makes me feel that I have held true to my values,” says Henderson, “passing along my love of learning and helping my students to become productive citizens in their own right.” Henderson serves an advanced placement biology teacher for the juniors and seniors at BHS as well as an anatomy and physiology instructor. She is recognized for her excellence as an educator by her peers, and they recently voted her as the 2011 teacher of the year for BHS. With that honor, Henderson has become a candidate to be crowned as the Bartlesville Public School District’s 2011 Teacher of the Year. Each of the 11 schools throughout the BPSD – as well as a satellite group consisting of certified educators who don’t work for a specific site – recently selected their teachers of the year in a vote among the respective staff members. The chosen dozen is now in the running for the district Teacher of the Year honor. The eventual winner will be revealed on Tuesday, Feb. 15 during the 2011 Teacher of the Year Ceremony in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the Bartlesville High School cam-

Photo Special to The Bruin

Now in her 23rd year as an educator, Betty A. Henderson has spent her entire career within the Bartlesville Public School District. She is an advanced placement biology teacher at Bartlesville High School and is an anatomy and physiology instructor, also.

pus. A pre-ceremony reception has been scheduled in the FAC lobby from 5:30-6 p.m. and the main event will follow from 6-7:30 p.m. The BPSD’s annual Teacher of the Year Ceremony is a free event and everyone is invited to attend. Henderson is firm in her belief that one of the most important factors in the quality of a student’s education is the teachers who guide them. Thus, she does everything she can to be the best educator for all of the young people in her care. Henderson is now in her 23rd year as a teacher – all of them spent within the BPSD – and promotes the development of critical thinking skills among her students as well as creativity. “I labor to extend education beyond the rote recall of facts,” notes Henderson. “I provide students with a safe haven where they are supported in the process of learning and motivated to showcase their own talents through their research, stretching themselves beyond the typical skill set in designing and conducting an experiment and presenting it effectively to an impartial judge.” Henderson promotes teaching as a worthwhile profession which her students might consider as a career option. Then, in the way she lives her life, she demonstrates that of which educators are capable. For the last 25 years, Henderson has served as a safety instructor and lifeguard for the American Red Cross in her hometown of Caney, HENDERSON - Continued to Page 12

Bartlesville Public School District’s Complete List of Teachers of the Year

TOY - Continued from Page 1

annual event, which is sponsored by 66 Federal Credit Union and Arvest Bank and is free and open to the public, will span from 6-7:30 p.m. It will be preceded by a reception in the lobby area of the FAC from 5:30-6 p.m. “Our Teacher of the Year Ceremony is a wonderful event which allows us another opportunity to salute the wonderful educators who serve our district and our community,” says Dr. Gary W. Quinn, the Below is the complete list of the BPSD superintendent. “This is an extremely special occasion for all of Bartlesville Public School District’s teach- us within the Bartlesville Public School District, and I’d like to invite ers of the year. The honor was initially everyone to attend.” bestowed in 1981. During the fall, each of the 11 schools throughout the BPSD holds an internal vote among its respective teachers and administrators to se1981: Mary Brock (Limestone) lect the teacher of the year for its respective site. The district’s “satellite 1982: Ann Purvis (Central) 1983: Robert Touchstone (BHS/ group,” which is comprised of certified educators who aren’t assigned to a particular school, selects its teacher of the year as well. Mid-High) From the pool of the dozen candidates, a special selection committee 1984: Karen Williams Davis from within the district selects the BPSD’s teacher of the year. That person (Ranch Heights) is then revealed during the district’s annual Teacher of the Year Ceremony. 1985: Sue Smith (BHS) The 12 candidates for this year’s honor are Kelli Bryant (fifth 1986: Vicki Beierschmitt (Ranch Heights) grade teacher at Hoover Elementary School), Traci Bottorff (third 1987: Myrna Hershberger grade teacher at Jane Phillips Elementary School), Darla Gardner (Central) (remediation specialist at Richard Kane Elementary School), Jo Ellen 1988: John Baird (BHS) Hall (reading specialist at Oak Park Elementary School), Kristine 1989: Sue D. Reynolds (BHS) Kramer (librarian at Ranch Heights Elementary School), Erin Perry 1990: Marilou Carter (BHS) (first grade teacher at Wayside Elementary School), Lisa Tennell 1991: Sue Albee (Jane Phillips) (third grade teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School), Cheryl 1992: Darla Tresner (BHS) Carter (special services/math teacher at Central Middle School), Mary 1993: Carol Smith (BHS) McGuire (special services teacher at Madison Middle School), Amy 1994: Michele Cannon Hamilton (social studies teacher at the Bartlesville Mid-High School), (Alternative) Betty A. Henderson (Advanced Placement Biology II, Anatomy and 1995: Mary Lynn Smith (Kane) Physiology teacher), and Chris Cooper (adult education instructor for 1996: Cindy Dronyk (BHS) the Bartlesville Adult Learning Center as part of the “satellite group.” 1997: Ruth Hinten (Hoover) A language arts instructor at BHS, Keri Bostwick is the BPSD’s 1998: Granger Meador (BHS) reigning teacher of the year. 1999: Mitsuye Conover (BHS) This year’s eventual teacher of the year will receive the third an2000: Lexie Radebaugh nual Charles Spears Memorial Award from Spears Travel in addition (Madison) to other accolades and acknowledgements. 2001: Joann DesLauries The Teacher of the Year Ceremony also marks the event during (Hoover) which the annual Kurt Schmoldt Teacher Appreciation Award is pre2002: Deena Owen (Oak Park) sented. A 1975 graduate of Bartlesville’s College High School, Kurt 2003: Brent Core (BHS) 2004: Barbara Fullingim (Central) Schmoldt died of complications from leukemia in 1995. The Schmoldt family has been handing out the distinguished award since 1996 to 2005: Steve Hale (Madison) 2006: Jennifer Rainbolt BPSD educators who demonstrate dynamic qualities as instructors as (Hoover) well as community leaders. 2007: Jennie Butterfield (Jane Counselor Marsha Fouts, who was with the Mid-High School Phillips) last year and has since moved on to BHS, received the 2010 Kurt 2008: Granger Meador (BHS) Schmoldt Teacher Appreciation Award. Candidates for the honor can 2009: Laura Salzyn (Ranch be nominated by students, parents, teachers, administrators and anyHeights) one else who is interested. There are 18 nominees for the 2011 Kurt 2010: Keri Bostwick (BHS) Schmoldt Teacher Appreciation Award.

PERRY - Continued from Page 5

tion and is the school’s grade level team captain. Recently, she has been learning more about data teams and has helped impart her new found knowledge throughout the school. Last year, during the holiday season, Perry served as a bell ringer for the Bartlesville chapter of the Salvation Army. In addition, she

helped organize a fundraising event last year for one of her students who was battling a brain tumor. In 2009, Wayside Elementary School earned a perfect 1,500 on its Academic Performance Index, a testing series mandated by the Oklahoma State Department of Education which gauges the academic integrity of each school district throughout the state

TENNELL - Continued from Page 6

served as its children’s ministry coordinator from 200509. She has served as a vacation Bible school director, a Sunday school teacher and an Awana leader as well. She is active with Bowl for Kids’ Sake, the top annual CARTER - Continued from Page 7

submissions for those educators seeking their National Board certification. Carter is always eager to give back, also. She offers tutoring before and after school to any student who requests the extra work, and recently had her youngsters create cards for United States service personnel serving in Afghanistan. Carter has served as a volunteer ticket taker at sporting events, helped students construct homeMCGUIRE - Continued from Page 8

Association, the Oklahoma Teaching Association and the Bartlesville Teaching Association. A decorated educator, she received the Sapulpa Public School District’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009. She was the teacher of the year for Jefferson Elementary School in 1988 and earned the honor from the

ment Institute which she attended a few years ago. Hamilton is active in the community and is part of an avid wrestling family. Her sons – Tim and Michael – are both gifted athletes in the sport. Hamilton and her family have assisted the Bartlesville Wrestling AssociaHENDERSON - Continued from Page 10

Kan. In addition, she is a member of the American Red Cross Disease Service Team for Washington County. In that role, she has run shelters for those from the area who have been displaced by inclement weather, such

fundraising event for Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as the Salvation Army Angel Tree project. Early on in her life, Tennell heard the call to be a teacher. She answered it and has demonstrated herself to be a gifted educator ever since. coming floats and has chaperoned at school dances. Even Carter’s interest in sewing has proven beneficial to others. She has been published in Sew Beautiful Magazine for smocking children’s garments and began a fundraiser in the needle arts community which generated more than $5,000 to benefit a failing guild. While Carter may have been a little late to join the teaching profession, she was seemingly born to be not just an educator, but a great one.

Garfield Early Childhood Center in 1996 and ’99. “Teaching is more than just a job for me,” notes McGuire. “It is part of who I am.” McGuire is always a vibrant part of her community as well. Along with her family, she is a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Bartlesville. There,

HAMILTON - Continued from Page 9

as well as the sites which comprise them. Perry certainly takes pride in the accomplishment and did her part – along with all of Wayside’s students, teachers, administrators and parents – to make it possible. “What an amazing accomplishment for our school,” beams Perry. In Perry, Wayside boasts an amazing educator.

she serves as a volunteer Sunday school teacher for three, four and five year olds. While in the Tulsa area, she provided training for daycare workers focused on assisting those with childhood disabilities. Though she’s only served at Madison since 2009, McGuire has wasted no time in distinguishing herself in all the right ways.

tion in several different capacities. Though Hamilton began teaching at the MidHigh School in 1990, her passion for the career has not waned in the least. Her love of history carries on as does her enthusiasm for educating each and every student in her care.

as floods and snowstorms. Henderson is a trained first responder, also. She has rendered aid to those involved in car accidents and helped a woman who fell and broke her hip as well. Over the years, Henderson

has invested much time and effort toward being the best educator she can possibly be. The payoff has been tremendous, for her as well as the students who have been fortunate enough to learn under her.

Did you know?

Stellar Sites The Bartlesville Public School District offers a wide array of useful tools for students as well as parents. For some extra educational insight, give these web sites a look:

The Bartlesville Public School District will observe spring break from March 14-18 this year. During this time, no classes will be in session throughout the district. Spring break will mark the last major break of the current 201011 academic year within the BPSD. Graduation for the Bartlesville High School Class of 2011 is set for May 20.

PowerSchool http://www.bps-ok.org Click on the PowerSchool link toward the top of the home page. · Parents and legal guardians can check with office personnel at their student’s school to find out how to access PowerSchool. · Information on students - such as grades and attendance records available via PowerSchool. Study Island http://www.studyisland.com Use the “Member Login.” · Student login information must be obtained from teachers. Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BartlesvilleHighSchool#!/BartlesvillePublicSchools or http:// www.facebook.com/BartlesvilleHighSchool · Everyone can keep up with what’s going throughout the BPSD or at Bartlesville High School by becoming fans of these pages, which are updated regularly with news and events.

Bartlesville Public School District Activities (February 11-17, 2011) Friday, February 11 Verification of online enrollment due from all current sophomores (Mid-High School) Eighth grade enrollment appointments in library (TBA) (Central) Speech tournament at Cascia Hall (TBA) (BHS) Spring photos (TBA) (Wayside) 2011 Madison Book Fair in library (7:45 a.m.) Wrestling: Varsity at dual state meet (8 a.m.) Orchestra rehearsal for state competition (8:20 a.m.) Valentine’s Day parties (3 p.m.) (Jane Phillips) Saturday, February 12 ACT testing (TBA) (BHS) Speech tournament at Cascia Hall (TBA) Wrestling: Varsity at dual state meet (8 a.m.) Basketball: Junior varsity boys and girls host Claremore (noon) Basketball: Varsity boys and girls host Claremore (2 p.m.) 2011 Winter Formal at Bartlesville Community Center (7 p.m.) (Mid-High School) Sunday, February 13 (No events scheduled) Monday, February 14 Enrollment appointments for current sophomores in Mid-High School library (TBA) Enrollment information issued to current freshmen (TBA) (Mid-High School) Enrollment of current eighth graders at Madison (TBA) (Mid-High School) Orchestra rehearsal for state competition at Fine Arts Center (TBA) Spring fundraiser: Redwheel (TBA) (Kane) Valentine’s Day parties (all grades) (TBA) (Wayside) Valentine’s Day parties (all grades) (TBA) (Wilson) 2011 Madison Book Fair in library (7:45 a.m.) Wayside Parent Support Association meeting (9:15 a.m.) Valentine’s Day parties (3 p.m.) (Hoover) Tuesday, February 15 Enrollment appointments for current sophomores in Mid-High School library (TBA)

Enrollment of current eighth graders at Madison (TBA) (Mid-High School) Orchestra rehearsal for state competition at Fine Arts Center (TBA) Spring fundraiser: Redwheel (TBA) (Kane) Spring pictures through math classes (TBA) (Central) Bruins for Christ in library (7:45 a.m.) (Madison) Basketball: Eighth grade girls White at Claremore Tournament (2 p.m.) Basketball: Eighth grade boys White at Claremore Tournament (3 p.m.) Basketball: Junior varsity boys and girls at Bishop Kelley (4 p.m.) 2011 Teacher of the Year Ceremony reception in Fine Arts Center lobby (5:30-6 p.m.) 2011 Teacher of the Year Ceremony in Fine Arts Center auditorium (6-7:30 p.m.) Basketball: Varsity boys and girls at Bishop Kelley (6:30 p.m.) Wednesday, February 16 Basketball: Eighth grade boys and girls White at Claremore tournament (6 p.m.) Third quarter progress reports issued (Kane) Enrollment appointments for current sophomores in Mid-High School library (TBA) Enrollment of current eighth graders at Madison (TBA) (Mid-High School) Orchestra rehearsal for state competition at Fine Arts Center (TBA) Spring fundraiser: Redwheel (TBA) (Kane) Editing, writing, design and Spring pictures (TBA) (Wilson) photography by David Austin, X the text during lunches (TBA) (Mid-High School) Bartlesville Public School Girl Scouts meeting (5:30 p.m.) (Jane Phillips)

District’s community relations coordinator, unless otherwise noted

Thursday, February 17 2011 OSSAA State Orchestra contest at Edmond (TBA) Archery tournament in Tulsa (TBA) (Madison) Basketball: Eighth grade boys and girls White at Claremore Tournament (TBA) Cookie dough fundraiser kickoff (TBA) (Wilson) Enrollment appointments for current sophomores in Mid-High School library (TBA) Enrollment of current eighth graders at Madison (TBA) (Mid-High School) Orchestra rehearsal for state competition at Fine Arts Center (TBA) Open library night for parents of current freshmen in Mid-High School library (5-7 p.m.) Spring fundraiser: Redwheel (TBA) (Kane) Basketball: Varsity boys and girls host Skiatook (6:30 p.m.)

“So many shining moments”