The Bruin - Bartlesville Public Schools

Special Edition: In Memory of Emory William Pitzer (1920-2007)
Volume 2, Number 14
Monday, November 5, 2007
www.bps-ok.org
Bartlesville Public Schools’
The Bruin
Weekly E-Mail Newsletter
“Excellence
In
Education”
Pitzer served schools with honor
Former board
member recalled as
distinguished leader
The Bartlesville Public School
District lost a friend on Wednesday
with the death of Emory Pitzer.
A longtime member of the
Bartlesville Board of Education,
Pitzer died on Wednesday at the
Jane Phillips Medical Center. He
was 86. Fu‘Sadly, our
neral serviccommunity - and es were held
the Bartlesville
this afterPublic School
noon at the
District - has lost First Baptist
Church in
a great leader
Bartlesville.
and friend.’
Pitzer
- Dr. Gary W.
served on
Quinn,
the Bartlessuperintendent ville Board
of schools
of Education
with distinction from 1990-2006. During his
tenure, he held all available offices
on the board – president, vice president and clerk – and he was honored
in 1998 with the prestigious Oklahoma State School Board Association
Distinguished Service Award. The
accolade is bestowed upon just one
school board member from throughout the Sooner State each year.
“Emory’s service provided an
Emory Pitzer (standing), who served on the Bartlesville Board of Education for 16 years,
speaks during the Seventh Annual Former School Leaders Luncheon on April 10 in the
lobby of the Fine Arts Center. Seated next to Pitzer are (from left) Harold Coleman and
Frank Carlburg.
exemplary foundation on which our
current school board members continue to build a tremendous future
for the young people of this community,” said Dr. Gary W. Quinn, the
BPSD superintendent. “Sadly, our
community – and the Bartlesville
Public School District – has lost a
great leader and friend.”
When he joined the Bartlesville
Board of Education in 1990 – along
with Sigrid Williams – Pitzer helped
lay the groundwork for the progress
which has been seen throughout the
district in the last decade. School
bond issue passed in 2001 and 2007
raised more than $60 million for
the district and resulted in several
significant projects, upgrades and
renovations including new facilities such as the Fine Arts Center,
the BHS Fieldhouse and the Science Wing. The new Library/Media
Center and the Connecting Link are
both scheduled to open on the BHS
PITZER - Continued to Page 5
Bartlesville Public School District Teachers of the Month
Sonja Jenner was named the Teacher of the Month
for November by Arvest Bank and Oakley PontiacBuick-Jeep.
Jenner is now in her sixth year as the teacher in
Madison Middle School’s Vision Quest program. In
recognition of her achievement, she was presented with
a plaque at Madison
as well as a check
November
for $200 by Stephen
Colaw, the Arvest Bank senior vice president and trust
officer.
Jenner has spent all 23 years of her teaching career
within the Bartlesville Public School District, after graduating from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 1984. Now
with the Vision Quest program – which features about
a dozen students – Jenner helps the youngsters focus on
not just educational projects but the community as well.
The students lead the paper recycling project throughout
the school year and assist at Agape Mission, a non-profit
organization which helps those in need.
Jenner feels blessed to have a first-hand view of
her students’ progress. Upon the completion of a semester last year, a young man told her it marked the first
time in three years that he had made it through such a
Peggy Burness was named the Teacher of the Month
for October by Arvest Bank and Oakley Pontiac-Buick-Jeep.
Burness is in her 11th year as a physical science
teacher at Central Middle School. In recognition of her
achievement, she was presented with a plaque at Central as well as a check for $200 by Stephen Colaw, the
Arvest Bank senior vice president and trust officer.
Burness is an
enthusiastic achiever.
October
Over the course of
a distinguished career, she has been a member of the
Bartlesville Education Association, the National Science
Teacher Association and the Oklahoma Science Teacher
Association. She once traveled to Boston for a National
Science Teachers Association convention – soaking up
the latest science concepts and teaching strategies – and
took part in Jim Fay’s Love and Logic workshop as
well, picking up ideas to best reach students who sometimes lack in proper motivation.
“My greatest honor,” says Burness, “is having
former students tell me that their love of science started
in my classroom.”
A poster hangs on the wall in Burness’ classroom,
and she often turns to it for self motivation. She feels a
Sonja Jenner, the Teacher of the Month for November, is
congratulated by Stephen Colaw, the Arvest Bank senior vice
president and trust officer.
period without getting suspended. Another student, who
had all but given up on ever being able to conquer math,
began whirling her way through equations.
JENNER - Cont. to Page 4
Peggy Burness, the Teacher of the Month for October, is
congratulated by Stephen Colaw, the Arvest Bank senior vice
president and trust officer.
responsibility each day to provide the best possible learning environment for her students. Her role is vital in the
development of the youngsters who attend her classes.
BURNESS - Cont. to Page 4
Bartlesville Public School District Teachers of the Month
Kanda Hill was named the Teacher of the Month
for September by Arvest Bank and Oakley PontiacBuick-Jeep.
Hill is in her fourth year as an art teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. In recognition of her
achievement, she
was presented with a
September
plaque at Wilson as
well as a check for $200 by Stephen Colaw, the Arvest
Bank senior vice president and trust officer.
Hill draws inspiration from the art of her students
and does her best to inspire them in turn. Her work is
evident once one enters the Wilson building. The bathrooms feature fun animal themes on large wall murals
such as a playful monkey in a tree and a whale making
his way through the ocean.
She assisted her students with a mural design in
Oklahoma City during the 2006-07 academic year,
allowing the students to work with other kids from
throughout the state on a Centennial project.
“Kanda is very energetic and vibrant,” says Wilson
principal Sandra Kent. “She’s always willing to step in
and help, and is very passionate about what she does.
“Kanda means a lot to the students and brings a lot
Gail Stone was named the Teacher of the Month
for August by Arvest Bank and Oakley Pontiac-BuickJeep.
After spending six years as a fifth-grade instructor
at Wayside Elementary, she is now teaching first grade
at the school. In recognition of her achievement, she
was presented with
a plaque at Wayside
August
as well as a check for
$200 by Stephen Colaw, the Arvest Bank senior vice
president and trust officer.
Stone, who earned an elementary education degree
from Oklahoma State University, began her teaching career in Lawton in 1992. After stops at two other schools,
she accepted a fifth-grade teaching position at Wayside
in 2002.
While Stone takes learning seriously, she tries to
incorporate a sense of fun into the classroom. She tries
to put her students at ease and notes that according to
research done on the brain, laughter has been proven to
increase achievement.
“I want my students to take pleasure in learning,”
says Stone. “In my room, we remember to laugh daily.”
Stone hopes the laughter that rings out of her
Kanda Hill, the Teacher of the Month for September, is
congratulated by Stephen Colaw, the Arvest Bank senior vice
president and trust officer.
to their education.”
Hill earned an art history degree from Utah State
University in 1998 and then went on to collect her masHILL - Continued to Page 4
Gail Stone, the Teacher of the Month for August, is congratulated
by Stephen Colaw, the Arvest Bank senior vice president and trust
officer.
classroom is indicative of a love of learning on the part
of her students. Though she sets high expectations, she
STONE - Continued to Page 4
Bartlesville Public School District Teachers of the Month
Tammy Shepherd was named the Teacher of the
Month for July by Arvest Bank and Oakley PontiacBuick-Jeep.
Shepherd spent 21 years at Richard Kane Elementary School before taking the reins as the principal at
Copan Elementary School this year. In recognition of
her achievement, she was presented with a plaque at the
Education Service Center as well as a check for $200 by
Stephen Colaw, the Arvest Bank senior vice president
and trust officer.
Shepherd began
her teaching career in
July
1986 at Jane Phillips Elementary School. Since then, she has gone on
to present in-service classes and workshops for early
childhood teachers. Those classes and workshops
include Using Word Walls in a Pre-Kindergarten Class- Tammy Shepherd, the Teacher of the Month for July, is
room, Fostering Different Types of Writing in Noncongratulated by Stephen Colaw, the Arvest Bank senior vice
president and trust officer.
Writing Students, Ideas for Phonemic Awareness for
Early Childhood Students, and Using Personal Readers
Teachers of the Month: Complete List
with Pre-Readers.
February:
Trish Johnson (Will Rogers Early Childhood Center)
While teaching, Shepherd tried to create an exciting
March: Shannon McKinney (Hoover Elementary School)
environment in which the children were eager to learn.
April: Jennie Butterfield (Jane Phillips Elementary School)
“Over the course of my career, more than 600 stuMay: Kris Zorn (Oak Park Elementary School)
dents have spent time in my classroom,” notes Shepherd,
June: Barbara C. Brown (Ranch Heights Elementary School)
who became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2000.
July: Tammy Shepherd (Richard Kane Elementary School)
“I consider each of them to be an accomplishment.
August: Gail Stone (Wayside Elementary School)
“Their successes – no matter how small or large
September: Kanda Hill (Woodrow Wilson Elementary School)
– have been a huge source of pride and fulfillment to
October: Peggy Burness (Central Middle School)
me.”
November: Sonja Jenner (Madison Middle School)
Shepherd is a past winner of the Kurt Schmoldt
December: Rita Durrett (Bartlesville Mid-High School)
Award, which recognizes excellence in education within
January (2008): Lois Olsen (Bartlesville High School)
the Bartlesville Public School District.
JENNER - Continued from Page 2
BURNESS - Continued from Page 2
HILL - Continued from Page 3
STONE - Continued from Page 3
“Sonja gives of herself and her time,” says Madison principal Lexie Radebaugh. “She’s an educator in
every sense of the word.
“She’s one of the most respected people in the
building.”
ter’s in teaching, learning and leadership art certification
from Oklahoma State University in 2004. She was the
artist-in-residence for the Stillwater Public Schools –
from 2002-03 – prior to taking her current position at
Wilson.
“I love reaching children who are failing academically and exposing their hidden talents,” says Hill. “But
most of all, I enjoy children’s art for its own sake.
“It inspires me as much as I hope I inspire them.”
Burness does not take her role lightly.
“I have come to a frightening conclusion,” partially reads the poster, which features the written word
of Haim Ginott, a noted author and educator. “I am the
decisive element in the classroom.”
doesn’t belittle the children when they make a mistake.
In fact, she welcomes mistakes as a crucial part of the
learning process.
“Gail is an exceptional teacher who has high expectations for her students and herself,” says Wayside
principal Richard Dennis. “She refuses to give up on
any child even though they may have given up on themselves, and she will search until she finds the resources
that will help them be successful.”
PITZER - Continued from Page 1
campus later this year.
During Thursday’s regular
noon meeting of the Bartlesville
Board of Education at the Education
Service Center, a moment of silence
was observed in Pitzer’s honor.
Pitzer worked 43 years for
Phillips Petroleum Company and
then spent another five in a consulting capacity. Finally, in 1990, he
retired for good from the company
to work in the community. He answered the call of the Bartlesville
Board of Education, and almost immediately, his impact was felt. There
were some rumblings about doing
away with Central Middle School,
an old facility which was showing
its years. But a swell of community
support called for the renovation of
the building, and Pitzer helped guide
the project through. The renovation
of Central was completed in 1995,
and the building is now a source
of pride not just in the district, but
throughout the community.
Marta Manning, currently
the vice president of the Bartlesville Board of Education, has fond
memories of Pitzer. She joined the
board in 1991, focused on helping to
save Central, which opened in 1917.
“During our board meetings, he
would listen carefully without saying too much, take notes and then
eloquently give his opinions and
suggestions,” said Manning. “His
words were worth waiting for.”
In addition to serving as the
chairman of numerous board subcommittees, Pitzer was a member of
the Oklahoma State School Boards
Association as well. His guidance
helped the Bartlesville Board of
Education usher in the good times
while weathering the bad ones,
also. The district overcame a budget
shortfall in 1995.
“I think the education system
has lost one of their very capable,
During his time with the Bartlesville Board of Education, from 1990-2006, Emory Pitzer
served as the president, the vice president and the clerk.
historical leaders,” said Barry W.
Lowe, the president of the Bartlesville Board of Education.
“He was just willing to help
everybody. His standard line was
that the people he met being on the
school board are the best people
that he’s ever worked with in his
life, and I think that meant all across
the state. His name was recognized
everywhere.”
Pitzer was employed as a
chemist at the Phillips Petroleum
Research Center for 43 years after
graduating with honors from Pittsburg State University. While with
Phillips, he earned more than 50
patents and was a charter member
of the Northeast Oklahoma Section
of the American Society for Testing
Materials.
Pitzer is survived by his wife,
Marjorie; two children, Gigi Ross
and David Pitzer; two grandchildren, Henry Pitzer Ross and Caroline Elizabeth Ross; and numerous
other family members and friends.
In memory of his service to
the field of education, a memorial
scholarship fund has been established in his name. Those who wish
to contribute can do so to the Emory
Pitzer Scholarship Fund, Pittsburg
State University Foundation, P.O.
Box 4005, Pittsburg, KS 66762.
Upon his retirement from
the Bartlesville Board of Education, after serving approximately
16 years, Pitzer reflected upon the
experience.
“I don’t have any regrets for
the time and effort I’ve put into the
board because I’ve been so well
repaid with the friendships and acquaintances I’ve made with people,”
he said. “I consider that more than
ample remuneration for any of the
work that I’ve done.”
Pitzer did tremendous work
while continuously lifting the spirits
of those around him. For that, he
will long be remembered.
Remembering Emory William Pitzer (1920-2007)
‘Emory always considered our students
in every decision
he made. He supported our teachers
and classified staff at
all times. He was a
great role model.’
- Dr. Gary W. Quinn,
superintendent of
schools
‘Emory was such a
gentleman. He treated everyone with
respect no matter
who they were. He
wanted the best for
Bartlesville schools
and worked hard to
achieve that.’
- Marta Manning,
vice president of
the Bartlesville
Board of Education
‘He took personal
responsibility for the
education system
and doing the best
things for the kids in
the district and it was
obvious and that’s
important. It says
something that people would elect him
back to the office
that many times.’
- Barry W. Lowe,
president of the
Bartlesville Board
of Education
Former Bartlesville School Board
member Emory Pitzer took part in
the Seventh Annual Former School
Leaders Luncheon on April 10 in
the Fine Arts Center lobby. Among
those who attended were, from
left, front row, Joye Butler Ramzel,
Loretta Ramsey, Harold Coleman,
Dr. Rita Baird and Kyle Reeder, and,
back row, Frank Carlburg, Pitzer,
Dr. Imogene Chambers, Ron Jared,
Karen Garber, Jim Snyder and Kirk
Darnell. The plaque pictured to
the right was awarded to Pitzer in
1998 after he was honored with the
prestigious Oklahoma State School
Board Association Distinguished
Service Award.
‘Emory always had the
best interests of the students and teachers in
mind. He made the administrators feel that we
were valued and that our
expertise was trusted by
him.’
- Beth Cook, principal of Richard Kane
Elementary School
since 1998
‘He was a fabulous guy. He was a
board member who really did what
was right for the kids. He had a
heartfelt interest to really know what
was going on in the schools.’
- Lisa Johnson, registrar at
Madison Middle School since 1998
‘We are better for having the opportunity to have known him.’
- Dr. Gary W. Quinn,
superintendent of schools
Some Simply 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:
PowerSchool
http://www.bps-ok.org.com 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 atten-
dance records available via PowerSchool.
Study Island
http://www.studyisland.com Use the “Member
Login.”
· Student login information must be obtained from
teachers.
· Used by grades three through eight.
Everyday Math Games
https://www.emgames.com Click on “At Home Student Login” button.
· Student login information must be obtained from
teachers.
· Used by grades kindergarten through five.
Bartlesville Public Schools Activities (Nov. 5-15, 2007)
Monday, Nov. 5
Canned Food Drive (Elementary Schools)
Canned Food Drive (Middle Schools)
Drama Tech and Rehearsal at Fine Arts Center
Fall Book Fair (Richard Kane Elementary School)
Student Council State Convention at Putnam City
North H.S.
ACT Workshop for TCT students (8 a.m.) (BHS)
Eighth Grade Reward Lunch (11 a.m.) (Central)
District Honor Choir Festival (1 p.m.) (Tulsa First
Methodist Church)
Math Counts in Room 312 (3:05 p.m.) (Central)
Tuesday, Nov. 6
Canned Food Drive (Elementary Schools)
Canned Food Drive (Middle Schools)
Drama Tech and Rehearsal at Fine Arts Center
District Honor Choir Festival (Tulsa First Methodist)
Fall Book Fair (Richard Kane Elementary School)
GED Testing (McKinley)
Bruins For Christ In Library (7:30 a.m.) (Madison)
Seventh Grade Reward Lunch (11 a.m.) (Central)
Swimming: Varsity Boys, Girls vs. Stillwater (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 7
Canned Food Drive (Elementary Schools)
Canned Food Drive (Middle Schools)
Drama Tech and Rehearsal at Fine Arts Center
Fall Book Fair (Richard Kane Elementary School)
Central Parent Support Group Meeting In Library
(Noon)
Student Council Officers Meeting in Room 320 (7:45
a.m.) (Central)
Sixth Grade Reward Lunch (11 a.m.) (Central)
PTO Staff Appreciation Luncheon (11 a.m.) (Hoover)
PowerSchool Unavailable Due to Updating (4-9 p.m.)
(Central Middle School)
Thursday, Nov. 8
Canned Food Drive (Elementary Schools)
Canned Food Drive (Middle Schools)
Drama Tech and Rehearsal at Fine Arts Center
Fall Book Fair (Richard Kane Elementary School)
Fall Picture Day (Ranch Heights Elementary School)
GED Testing (McKinley)
Pre-K Book Party (6 p.m.) (Kane Elementary School)
Saturday, Nov. 10
All-District Honors Orchestra in Tulsa
All-District Choir Auditions (Round Two) at Edmond
Canned Food Drive (Central Middle School)
Drama Tech and Rehearsal (Fine Arts Center)
Drama Tournament at Bishop Kelley
Speech Tournament at Bishop Kelley
Veterans Day Parade (11 a.m.)
Snow Ball in Lobby and Choir Room of Fine Arts
Center (7 p.m.)
Sunday, Nov. 11
Canned Food Drive (Central Middle School)
Snow Ball Clean-Up Effort at Fine Arts Center
Drama Tech and Rehearsal (Fine Arts Center)
Skill of the Week: Fact and Opinion (Oak Park
Elementary School)
Monday, Nov. 12
Canned Food Drive (Elementary Schools)
Canned Food Drive (Middle Schools)
Drama Tech and Rehearsal (Fine Arts Center)
Library Book Fair (Central Middle School)
Basketball: Conference Preseason Boys and Girls
Tournament (Central and Madison)
Basketball: Conference Preseason Boys and Girls
Tournament (Freshmen)
Veterans Day Assembly at Central Middle School
(9:20 a.m.)
Tournament (Central and Madison)
Basketball: Conference Preseason Boys and Girls
Tournament (Freshmen)
Drama Tech and Rehearsal (Fine Arts Center)
Library Book Fair (Central Middle School)
Mike Wimmer Visits Grades One Through Five
(Kane Elementary School)
Bruins for Christ in Library (7:30 a.m.) (Madison)
Parent Group Support Meeting (1 p.m.) (Mid-High)
Swimming: Varsity Boys and Girls against Owasso
and Fort Gibson
Wednesday, Nov. 14
Seventh-Grade AIDS Curriculum in Library (Madison Middle School)
Canned Food Drive (Elementary Schools)
Canned Food Drive (Middle Schools)
Library Book Fair (Central Middle School)
Final Dress Rehearsal at Fine Arts Center
Student Council Officer and Representative Meeting
(Room 320) (7:45 a.m.) (Central)
Thursday, Nov. 15
Seventh-Grade AIDS Curriculum in Library (Madison Middle School)
Canned Food Drive (Elementary Schools)
Canned Food Drive (Middle Schools)
Library Book Fair (Central Middle School)
Statehood Assembly in Fine Arts Center (9:15 a.m.)
(Bartlesville High School)
Third-Grade Musical Program (2:30 p.m.) (Hoover
Elementary School)
Fifth-Grade Musical “Oklahoma” (7 p.m.) (Ranch
Heights Elementary)
Tuesday, Nov. 13
All-State Jazz Choir Auditions
Canned Food Drive (Elementary Schools)
Canned Food Drive (Middle Schools)
Basketball: Conference Preseason Boys and Girls
“Macbeth” (7 p.m.) (Fine Arts Center)
PTO Meeting in Cafenasium (7 p.m.) (Will Rogers
ECC)
Full Orchestra Rehearsal (7:30 p.m.) (Bartlesville
High School)