SPS Board Highlights
Jan. 13, 2020
January 2020 School Board Recognition Month
Jefferson Elementary Recognized
One initiative is the reinstatement of morning recess, a time in which students can "get their wiggles out" before classroom time begins. The school is also using a Reset Room for students who need a break from the classroom setting. The Reset Room is a place where students can learn and practice skills that will help them form successful relationships with others.
Ms. Mynhier also introduced four specials teachers who are using an initiative called "Free-Choice Friday" to give students chances to choose what they want to learn and where they want to learn it for one hour each week: DeeDee Hall, art; Thresa Swadley, music; Leslie Gothard, library; and Robert Licklider, P.E. A video showing highlights of some Free-Choice Fridays was shown to the board. Some of the choices include team-building activities in P.E., singing and playing instruments in music, reading and making in the library, and creating and crafting in art. Ms. Swadley told the board that she has noticed an improvement in student behavior due to Free-Choice Friday because more students are seeing their teachers as trusted adults. Mr. Licklider said another benefit to Free-Choice Friday is that students are taking on responsibility in the choices of learning that they make, and the students are always engaged in their learning.
Central Office Reports
- Child Nutrition Director Maria Isenhower was one of only three school nutrition directors from Oklahoma selected to attend USDA’s Produce Safety University (PSU) for the week of April 20-24, 2020, in Atlanta, GA.
- SHS Senior Marleigh Merrell was selected to serve on the Oklahoma State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.
- Horace Mann celebrated being Blue Zones Project Approved on Dec. 17.
- Shawnee Middle School won the Mayor’s Walking Challenge. SMS Students walked 5,995 miles and burned more than 400,000 calorie.
Dr. Grace also invited all the Board Members to attend the Shawnee Teacher of the Year celebration on Feb. 4.
Board Reports
Other Board Business
- All consent docket items were approved.
- The Board voted to start the contract process with Mass Architect, Inc., for architectural services associated with the New Shawnee Public Schools Elementary Project.
- The Board approved agreements/contracts with Gordon Cooper Technology Center for academic course offerings and sophomore student enrollment, and with Frontline Education for employee absence and substitute management, recruiting, and hiring.
- The Board approved an employment contract with Dr. April Grace, superintendent, that includes an additional contract year (through the 2021-2022 academic year) and a salary increase.
- All certified and support personnel were approved as presented.