Our Schools - Jenks Public Schools

Our
Schools
Jenks Public Schools Newsletter
May 2012 Volume 31 Issue 5
Jenks Senior Competes at Lincoln
Inside
Features . . Center in New York City
Mr. and Miss JHS
Page 3
JHS Music
Department
Pages 4 & 5
Softball Academic
Champs
Page 6
Captivating audiences with a performance
of a sonnet and monologue from Shakespeare,
De’Shon Osby, a student of Kevin Hurst
and Jeannie Boudiette at Jenks High School,
placed as a semi-finalist at the 29th annual
English-Speaking Union (ESU) National
Shakespeare Competition. The competition
was held April 23 at Lincoln Center in New
York City for 58 winners of ESU Branch
competitions nationwide. De’Shon had won
the ESU Tulsa Branch regional competition.
The English-Speaking Union National
Shakespeare Competition is a school-based
program to help students develop their
speaking and critical thinking skills and their
appreciation of literature as they explore the
beauty of the language and timeless themes Jenks High School Senior De’Shon
in Shakespeare’s works. In three progressive Osby performs at Lincoln Center during
the English-Speaking Union National
competition levels, students memorize, Shakespeare Competition in New York City.
interpret and perform monologues and
sonnets in their own words.
As the winner of the ESU Tulsa Branch regional competition, De’Shon was awarded
the trip to New York City for the final stage of the competition. He received two full
days of activities, including an acting workshop at New York University’s Tisch School
of the Arts and tours of New York City. Perhaps best of all for the teenager was the
opportunity to spend a weekend in New York City with other students from across the
country who share their love of theater, language and particularly Shakespeare.
Last day of school for students - May 24
West Intermediate Students East Intermediate Chess
Team is State Champs
Sweep State Competition
Three sixth grade students from Jenks West
Intermediate accomplished something that has never
happened before. In a statewide writing competition,
Letters About Literature, three girls from the same school
were awarded first, second, and third place. “Although we
have had winners from Jenks in previous years, to place
first, second, and third in a single division is uncanny,”
said Connie Armstrong, Executive Director for Center
for the Book at the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Placing first was Grace Emerick, second place went to
Zoe Neal, and in third place was Sophie Vogle.
The three girls traveled with their parents and their
teacher, Ms. Sandy Strozier, to the Oklahoma Capitol on
April 3 for an award’s ceremony held in the State Capitol
Blue Room. In attendance at the ceremony were Jenks
area House of Representative members Fred Jordan
and Glen Mulready, along with Oklahoma children’s
author Anna Myers. First place winner, Grace Emerick
read her letter to the audience. Those entering the
competition were asked to read a piece of literature and
then write a letter to the author that expressed how the
piece of literature affected them. The girls are anxiously
awaiting the announcement of the National winners.
The competition is sponsored by Center for the Book in
the Library of Congress and Target Stores.
Jenks East Intermediate K-6 State Champion Chess Team.
The State Champion Chess Team in the elementary
youth division has been the team from Edmond Ida
Freeman for the last 14 years...until now! A team of just
six Jenks East Intermediate students beat a team of over
thirty players from Ida Freeman to become the 2012
Oklahoma State Champions in the elementary division.
The competition was held on March 3 at Del City High
School. This was no small feat for these talented Jenks
students. Ida Freeman has a long history of not only
winning the Oklahoma State Championship but going
on to place in the top three in national competition.
The six fifth and sixth grade students who are on the
JEI Chess Team are Sanjeev Musuvathy (5th grade) who
tied for first and was named state co-champion, Riley
Buchar (5th grade), Koby Cowan (5th grade), Clayton
Engleby (6th grade), Spencer Engleby (5th grade), and
Jacob Shultz (5th grade). Rod Whitlatch serves as the
District’s Chess Club Coordinator. Congratulations to
the Chess Team on their outstanding performance!
Notice - Jenks Public Schools prohibits discrimination in the educational
programs and activities, admission programs of students, recruitment, selection
and/or employment on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, national origin,
veteran status or disability. The school district complies with federal and state
regulations for implementing Title IX of the Education Amendment of 972, Title
VI, Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Las Escuelas Públicas de Jenks prohíben la discriminación en los programas
y actividades educacionales, programas de admisiones para los estudiantes,
reclutamiento, selección y/o empleo sobre las bases de raza, religión, sexo, edad,
nacionalidad, estado de veterano o discapacidad. El distrito escolar se acata a las
regulaciones federales y estatales por implementar el Título IX de la Enmienda
Educacional 972, Título VI, Sección 504 y del Acta de Norteamericanos con
Discapacidades (ADA).
JWI students accept their awards at a ceremony in the State
Capitol Blue Room. Pictured above are (L to R) Representative
Fred Jordan, Sophie Vogle, Zoe Neal, Grace Emerick, 6th grade
teacher Sandy Strozier, and Representative Glen Mulready.
(USPS # 000-609) is published monthly by Jenks Public Schools, 205 E B
ST, Jenks, OK 74037-3900, (918) 299-4411. Our Schools is issued free to
parents or guardians of school-age children who attend Jenks Public Schools.
Periodical postage paid at Jenks, OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to Our Schools, 205 E B St, Jenks, OK 74037-3900.
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Mr. and Miss JHS 2012 Named
Jenks High School Class of 2012
Valedictorians: Colby Freeman
Deweese, Taylor David Egbert,
Spencer Huynh, Douglas George
Ivanoff,
Katherine
Michelle
Johnson, Siqi “Susan” Ma, Krishna
Manohar, Teale Marie Muir, Patrick
Douglas Ogilvie, Taylor Alexis
Warta, Michael David Whitten, Alan
Jiayi Xing, Aqsa Zahid, Mohammad
Osman Zahid
The winners and runner-ups for Mr. and Miss JHS are pictured above (L to R):
Runner-Up Cam Thomas, Mr. JHS Brett Humphrey, Miss JHS Tahira Taqi, RunnerUp Bailey Bruns.
Humphrey and Taqi Take Top Honors
Every year Jenks High School honors a senior boy and girl with the
prestigious title of Mr. and Miss JHS. The nominees are seniors who
represent the Jenks spirit with high achievements in academics along with
school and community activities. The finalists for Mr. and Miss Jenks High
School have made varied and significant contributions to their school and
community. Qualifications include a minimum 3.25 GPA, active participation
in three school and two community activities, good attendance, and a positive
citizenship record. Each finalist was nominated by a teacher, organization,
varsity sport, or club to represent the senior class. The final selection is based
on the following: 10% volunteer hours, 10% school and club activities, 20%
GPA, 20% teacher recommendations, 40% senior class/teacher vote. Each
winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship and each runner-up will receive a
$500 scholarship.
Mr. and Miss JHS for 2012 are Brett Humphrey and Tahira Taqi. Named
as runners-up were Cam Thomas and Bailey Bruns.
Brett is the Vice President and an active member of Drug Free Youth
(DFY) and also a Student Council officer. He is also a member of National
Honor Society, DECA, FCCLA, and the pep assembly committee. He has
taken Advanced Placement courses and is a member of the Senior Leadership
Council. Brett is a member of the Jenks Trojan Varsity Baseball team. Outside
of school, he is involved as a volunteer youth worker at Country Side Baptist
Church in Stillwater and has volunteered at the John 3:16 Food Bank. He
enjoys sharing his love of baseball with children through the World Baseball
Outreach and as a buddy with the Jenks Trojan Baseball team for the kids of
Tulsa’s Autism Foundation. Brett plans to attend Oklahoma State University
and major in Business.
Tahira is the senior editor of the 2012 Jenks High School yearbook and
a member of the National Honor Society. She is also a member of Key
Club and the treasurer of the Safe Team. In her time away from school she
volunteers at Grace Living Center and at Hillcrest Hospital. Tutoring her
peers in AP Language and Composition and various math subjects also keeps
her busy. Tahira plans to attend the University of Oklahoma in the fall and
major in Public Relations with a minor in Business.
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Jenks High School Class of 2012
Salutatorians: Aaron Raymond
Allred, Daniel Robert Anderson,
Sarah Kathleen Beam, Adam Walter
Brobson, Jake Colton Golden, Claire
Elizabeth Koljack, Madison Marie
Likins, Emily Elise McCarthy, Sarah
Elizabeth Nguyen, Jordan Franklin
Stafford, Emily Suzanne Towler,
Katherine Anna Traino, Hannah
Marie Weakley
National Peace Essay Contest
Winner: Sophomore Blake Larsen
won a $1,000 scholarship and a week
trip to Washington, D.C.
Jenks High School Key Club:
Placed 11th out of 334 clubs at
the District Convention in Dallas
by completing over 10,600 service
hours and raising over $16,000 in
charitable funds. Krishna Manohar
was selected as one of 10 “Leader
of Leaders.” Krishna and Harrison
Diep also represented Oklahoma
in the annual Texas vs. Oklahoma
Quiz Bowl. With their leadership,
Oklahoma beat Texas for the first
time in five years. Madelyn Bull
and Krishna Manohar received
$1,000 Leadership Scholarships.
Maria Nadeem created the #1 Key
Club Poster, which will go on to
International competition this July.
Carolyn Linscott placed in the top
four for non-traditional scrapbook.
Susan Ma earned 1st place in the
talent competition with her piano/
vocal rendition of “Someone Like
You.”
JHS Vocal Music Department Has an Amazing Year
The 2011-2012 school year has been a
busy, but rewarding, time for the students,
parents, and directors of the Jenks High
School Vocal Music Department. The
many hours of practice and dedication
to the program have been evident
through their performances and
productions. Directors Larry Downey
and Julie Hester have coached many
wonderful students and this year was no
exception.
In early September, a mixed choir
performed at the ground-breaking
ceremony for the now soon-to-be
Jenks High School Vocal Music students performed last September at the
completed Music Building. This was
groundbreaking ceremony for the Music Building on the Central Campus. The Vocal
Music program will share the building with the Band and Orchestra programs.
an opportunity to show the talent that
will be heard in the rooms of this new
facility. In the fall, the Vocal Music Department also held a Show Choir Clinic at all of the Jenks elementary sites, as well as the
East and West Intermediates and the Middle School. They performed for family and friends at the Fall Concert and hosted the
always popular Holiday Home Tour, giving the public a chance to view beautiful holiday decorations.
Early in the spring semester the members of the department prepared for the annual gathering of the Oklahoma Music
Educators Association (OMEA). Many of the members of the Jenks Vocal Music Department received accolades and
honors.
Jazz All-State Honor Choir Members: Josh Harris, Madi Metcalf, Anders Olsen, De’Shon Osby, Jeff Rogers, and Chris
Thomas. Chris Thomas was also chosen to perform with a special Jazz Ensemble at the OMEA Convention.
Freshman All-State Oklahoma Choral Directors Association Junior High Honor Choir Members: Jack Buxton, Keely
Davis, Rachel Mann, Alexis Mann, Will Morsman, Themba Ndlovu, and Dylan Norman.
OMEA All-State Women’s Chorus Members: Beth Casey, Katie Fitzwilson, Sarah Lampi, Jane Rogers, Blair Hosier, and
Emily Towler.
OMEA All-State Mixed Chorus Members: (*three year member) Dillon Combs, Calvin Downey*, Sarah Feist, Carter Fox,
Brandon Gage, Jenna Geresi, Josh Harris, Rachel Jackson, Amy Knox, Madi Metcalf,
Abigail L. Mitchell, Justin Moore*, Anders Olsen*, De’Shon Osby, Jeff Rogers*,
Kaylin Rogers, Chris Thomas, Patrick Wilborn, Christine Williams*, Alanna Wood.
Patrick Wilborn was given the honor of narrating one of the pieces and Rachel
Jackson and Amy Knox were chosen to sing with a small ensemble during the
performance.
OMEA All-State Jazz Band: Chris Thomas was a part of the vocal jazz quartet
who had the honor of singing with the OMEA All-State Jazz Band.
Honored Choir at the OMEA Convention: The Jenks Vocal Women’s Chorus
was chosen to perform as an Honored Choir at the OMEA Convention. Under
the direction of Julie Hester, they sang beautifully at the Holy Family Cathedral in
downtown Tulsa.
JT Dotson and Jacob Franklin were chosen by the choir director from Oklahoma
State University to demonstrate vocal training at his choral workshop in front of
hundreds of Oklahoma music teachers.
The students and teachers in the Music Department did not slow down after
the OMEA Convention. In late March, the Trojanaires traveled to Branson, MO
to compete in the FAME National Show Choir Championship Series. They were
Champions at this event in 2010 and this year placed 2nd runner-up, which qualified
JHS Vocal Music Directors Larry
them to compete at the national level. Always a highlight, the annual musical was
Downey and Julie Hester break ground
an
exciting time. The performance of The Will Rogers Follies which is based on the
for the new addition to which they will
life
and career of an Oklahoma hero and humorist and showed the singing, dancing,
move for the 2012-2013 school year.
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The first four measures of the Jenks Trojan Fight Song are etched into the south
side of the soon-to-be-completed music building on the Central Campus.
and acting talents of the students in
the vocal music program. Performers
prepared for the musical not only in
their vocal and acting talents but also
by learning more about this Oklahoma
legend. They visited the Will Rogers
Memorial Museum in Claremore and
were even given the opportunity to hear
from and ask questions of Kem Rogers,
Will Rogers’ grandson. Arrangements
were made for Kem Rogers to visit
with those in the production during a
rehearsal. This was a great way to feel
even more connected to the star of
their production. The Spring Concert
and Tri-State Competition in Enid were
other major events during the spring
semester.
The addition of the Music Building
will be the new home of the Vocal Music
Department (along with the Orchestra
Department, and the Jenks High School
Band) when school starts in August.
Once again, the department will begin the
hard work and many hours of rehearsal
to produce musicians that are among
the best in the state. They are a definite
example of “A Tradition of Excellence
with a Vision for Tomorrow.”
Members of the JHS Vocal Music Department were recognized by the Board of
Education at a Board meeting. Students pictured include Front Row (L to R): Alexis
Mann, Rachel Mann, Kaylin Rogers, Madi Metcalf, Chris Thomas. Middle Row (L to
R): Larry Downey, Rachel Jackson, Beth Casey, Jeff Rogers, De’Shon Osby, Dillon
Norman. Back Row (L to R): Abigail Mitchell, Calvin Downey, Keely Davis, Brandon
Gage, and Patrick Wilborn
Stay Connected . . . Here’s How
JPS Facebook Page
Jenks Public Schools has a Facebook
page and many different types of
information will be posted on the page.
Search on Facebook for “Jenks Public
Schools” and then click “Like.”
JPS Twitter Feed
The same posts that are on Facebook
will also be tweeted to our followers.
If you prefer Twitter, this is for you!
Seach and follow us at
“JPS_Trojans”.
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JPS Mobile App
Jenks Public Schools has recently
joined with School Connect to bring
you an app for your mobile phone
or tablet. This app is supported by
iPhones and most Android phones.
To find the app, search for “School
Connect” and choose “schConnect.”
Download the app to your device and
pick choose “Oklahoma” then “Jenks”
then Save your choice. After saving,
the app will open to Jenks Public
Schools. For more information, go to
www.schoolconnectapps.com
Jenks Football Booster Club “Power Up” to Host Golf Tournament
Trojan Softball
The Jenks Football Booster Club
Summer Camp
will once again be hosting their annual
Golf Tournament. The tournament
will be held at Page Belcher Golf
course on Saturday, June 16, 2012.
The shotgun start has been slated for
1:00 p.m. The tournament will be
played as a 4-person scramble format.
Cost is $100 for adults and $75 for students. Sponsorship
opportunities are available. Proceeds from this event will
support the Jenks Football program. For more information,
please contact: Scott Esmond at (918) 693-0645 or by email
at [email protected] or visit the football website at www.
jenkstrojanfootball.com.
Jenks Trojan Softball will soon be
holding their summer camp for players in
1st through 7th grade. This is an opportunity for campers
to develop their throwing, catching, fielding, base running,
hitting, and bunting skills through drills and proper mechanics
instruction. Individual and group instruction will be provided
along with a team-centered approach.
The camp will be held May 29-31 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m. at the Park West Softball Complex. The location of
the Complex is behind the Reasors in Jenks on 101st Street.
Players should bring a water bottle, glove, bat, and sunscreen.
A concessions area will also be available.
Registration begins at 8:20 a.m. on the first day of camp,
Tuesday, May 29. Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. on the
first day to be registered and ready to play. The cost of the
camp is $75, which includes a camp t-shirt. Camp fee should
be paid in full at registration. Cash only, checks will not be
accepted. No refunds will be given once camp has started.
If you have questions, please email them to jenkssoftball@
yahoo.com.
Jenks Trojan Softball
Named Academic State
Champions
OSU-Tulsa Engineering
Design Challenge
The 2012 Jenks Trojan Slow Pitch Softball team was
recently named 6A Academic State Champions. The team
had a combined GPA of 3.7, which was the highest in class
6A. The lessons they have learned in leadership, teamwork,
and persistence on the field are lessons they have obviously
applied to their work in the classroom. The commitment that
these athletes have shown toward both their school work and
their sport is to be congratulated.
Front Row (L to R): Kelsey Conner, Tristin Kuhn, Angie
Carlock, Airam Trevino, Dailey Freudenrich, Maddie Pilling,
Adrianna Canard, Preston Napier, Kenzie Carpenter Back
Row (L to R): Assistant Coach Tommie Hancock, Alex Riggs,
Brooke Estes, Kelsey Zucco, Kenzie Weight, Jenifer Caudle,
Macklin Hitz, McKayla Hendrix, Chelsea Streets, Audrey
Estes, Head Coach Todd Williams
Earlier in the semester,
Jenks High School
students participated
in the OSU-Tulsa
Engineering Design
Challenge. To the left,
students are testing
the self-propelled,
motorized watercraft
that they designed and
built at the Challenge.
During the event,
students work in teams
to solve problems
related to stability,
thrust, buoyancy,
electronics, sensors
and more. JHS had
teams that placed 2nd
and 3rd in the air boat
design competition
and 2nd in the
traditional boat design
competition.
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West Intermediate’s Greek Games
Sixth grade students from West Intermediate recently
competed in their own version of the Greek Olympic Games.
A culminating activity for a unit studying Ancient Greece,
students participated in various activities including chariot
races, the long jump, and throwing the javelin and discus.
These students also participated in debates, wore togas, and
studied artifacts from this time period. When asked how
they felt about the activities in which they had participated,
students shared how Ancient Greece came alive to them.
They said that it was much better than just reading facts out
of a book. Curriculum Resource Instructor, Brenda Wilson
commented that sixth grade social studies curriculum will
soon be changing and teachers will be researching new ways
to make the material engaging for students.
Students run a lap around the track as they bring in the
Olympic Torch.
Chariot Racing was a popular in Ancient Greece and could also
be very dangerous. West Intermediate students participate in
their safer version of Chariot Racing.
During the Ancient Greek Games the javelin was made from
wood and steel. JWI students used the more modern “pool
noodle” version.
Culp Receives Award Focused on Math & Science
Patrick Culp, a junior at Jenks High School, recently received
the Kettering University Technology Award. The Award is
given to a high school junior who excels in math and science
in order to encourage students to enter the engineering field.
Patrick, the son of Brian and Marilyn Culp, is currently taking
five Advanced Placement courses and also involved in the Jenks
High School swimming program. Sponsors of the award are
Tom and Carol Witte of Tulsa, who are both engineers and
graduates of Kettering University, which is located in Flint,
Michigan.
Patrick was chosen as the recipient of the award by a
committee of math and science teachers at the high school.
To qualify, recipients must be a junior in high school,
demonstrate interest in engineering, mathematics, technology,
or the sciences and have a minimum 3.2 grade point average
within a college preparatory curriculum. Kettering University
is a top twenty ranked college in the United States that focuses
on math, science, and engineering. Students participate in a
hands-on cooperative education that offers a great way for
students to determine whether or not to pursue certain fields.
They do this by being the only co-op school in the county
that sends its entire student body into professional co-op
jobs as a requirement of their academic curriculum. Students
attend classes and work in their field of study on rotating
three-month terms year round. The end result is that when
Kettering students graduate, they have earned an undergraduate
degree and gained two years of professional work experience.
For more information on Kettering University, visit www.
kettering.edu.
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(L to R): Math Curriculum Resource Instructor Robyn Paliotta,
Carol Witte, Patrick Culp, Jenks High School Math Teacher
Alex Kern, Tom Witte
PERIODICAL
POSTAGE PAID
JENKS, OK 74037
Dates To
Remember
Jenks High School Graduation:................................May 21
Last Day of School for Students:.............................May 24
2012-2013 School Year
First Day of School for Students:............................ Aug 16
Prof. Develop. Day - No School for Students:...... Aug 31
Labor Day - No School:.............................................Sept. 3
Prof. Develop. Day - No School for Students:.....Sept. 24
District Collaboration Day:.........................................Oct. 4
(This is a late start day for students)
Parent/Teacher Conferences:...................................Oct. 17
Fall Break:.............................................................. Oct. 18,19
District Collaboration Day:........................................ Nov. 1
Thanksgiving Break:............................................ Nov. 21-23
District Collaboration Day:........................................ Dec. 6
Holiday Break:..................................................Dec. 21-Jan 4
School Resumes:............................................................Jan. 7
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:................ Jan. 21(No School)
District Collaboration Day:........................................Jan. 31
Prof. Develop. Day - No School for Students:......Feb. 18
District Collaboration Day:.......................................Feb. 28
Parent/Teacher Conferences:................................. March 8
Spring Break:..................................................... March 18-22
District Collaboration Day:...................................March 28
Jenks Public Schools
205 East B Street
Jenks, OK 74037-3900
Memorial Day - No School:......................................May 27
Last Day of School for Students:.............................May 31
**Please note: The 2012-2013 calendar includes five
weather days. Non-use of these days could result in
changes to the school calendar.