We want to hear from YOU! Do you have news or a story to share about a Shawnee Public Schools student, staff member, or schoolwide event? We'd love to hear from you! Let us know all the details, and it could be featured in the spotlight it deserves. Thank you for helping us celebrate the amazing things happening in our district!
This form is now on the homepage of our website and will be in the newsletter weekly. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Shawnee Public Schools
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Cold Weather Safety Protocols
When school is in session during colder weather, we follow specific safety measures to keep students safe and warm:
Indoor Recess: Students will have indoor recess when temperatures are at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of recess.
Outdoor Athletic Activities: Coaches follow Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) guidelines for cold weather safety during practices and events.
Bus Riders: We encourage families to download the My Ride K-12 app, which provides real-time updates on bus locations and estimated arrival times to minimize outdoor wait times. Details about the app can be found on our Transportation page at https://www.shawnee.k12.ok.us/page/transportation.
Communication Methods
If a decision is made to cancel school or activities, we will notify families promptly using multiple methods:
Email, Phone, and Text Messages: Ensure your contact information is up to date with your student’s school.
Shawnee Public Schools App: Download the app for notifications directly to your device. Links to the app can be found on our website at www.shawnee.k12.ok.us.
Social Media and Website Updates: Follow us on social media and check our website for the latest information.
Local Media Announcements: Updates will be shared with local news outlets.
We understand that school closures can impact your family’s daily routine. Whenever possible, we will notify you in advance to help you plan.
Students Receive Safety Around Water Training
Third-grade students across the district are learning essential skills through the Safety Around Water classes, thanks to a partnership with the Shawnee Family YMCA.
This program, part of the district's student support pillar, equips students with water safety knowledge and basic swimming techniques to help prevent drowning and promote confidence in and around water. By offering these classes, Shawnee Public Schools continues its commitment to fostering the well-being and safety of every student.
Jefferson Elementary and Sequoyah Elementary students will attend this unique learning offering this semester.
Chronic Absenteeism - What is it?
Chronic absenteeism represents lost instructional time for students. Student attendance is strongly correlated to academic achievement, graduation rates, and postsecondary success.
A student is considered chronically absent after missing 10 percent or more of school days. This includes both excused (verified) and unexcused(unverified) absences. Missing 10 percent of school days would be approximately 18 days in a normal 180-day school calendar - just two days per month.
Chronic absenteeism looks beyond truancy and average daily attendance to shine a light on how missing school days can affect an individual student's path to success.
Our district continues to work toward open communication regarding student attendance, and many of our sites have initiated student attendance reward systems We are excited about the growth we see in our attendance rates, but we need your help in this process.
Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their child's consistent attendance at school.
Here are several ways parents can support and encourage good attendance:
Establish Routines
Set a Schedule: Create a consistent bedtime and morning routine to ensure your child gets enough sleep and is prepared for school each day.
Prepare the Night Before: Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and organize school materials to reduce morning stress.
Communicate the Importance of Attendance
Explain the Value of Education: Help your child understand how attending school contributes to their learning and future opportunities.
Encourage Responsibility: Teach your child the importance of showing up and following through on commitments.
Stay Informed
Know School Policies: Understand the school's attendance policies and procedures for reporting absences.
Track Attendance: Monitor your child's attendance using the school's online system, if available.
Address Barriers to Attendance
Identify Issues: Talk with your child about any fears, anxieties, or obstacles they face regarding school.
Seek Support: Work with teachers, counselors, or school staff to address academic or social challenges.
Plan for Emergencies: Have backup plans for transportation, childcare, or other issues that could prevent your child from attending school.
Stay Engaged in Your Child's Education
Attend Parent-Teacher Meetings: Stay involved in your child’s academic progress and understand their needs.
Celebrate Success: Recognize and reward good attendance and achievements to reinforce positive behavior.
Be a Role Model
Show Commitment: Demonstrate the importance of punctuality and responsibility in your own actions.
Promote a Positive Attitude: Speak positively about school and learning experiences.
Avoid Unnecessary Absences
Schedule appointments, vacations, or non-urgent commitments outside of school hours whenever possible.
Keep your child home only when they are genuinely ill and follow the school's guidelines for returning after illness.
Thank you to our Shawnee School Board members for their continued service to our students, staff, and community. We are proud to celebrate you during School Board Appreciation month!
Your commitment to our success is truly appreciated. Thank you for your invaluable leadership!
Jim Thorpe Academy Celebrates December Graduates
Jim Thorpe Academy recently honored the accomplishments of the Class of 2024 in a graduation ceremony held on December 20, 2024. These students demonstrated exceptional perseverance, determination, and growth throughout their academic journeys.
This year’s celebration featured the introduction of the TORCH Award, a prestigious recognition for a student who embodies the values of Tenacity, Opportunity, Rigor, Community, and Hard Work. This inaugural award underscores the academy's commitment to not only academic achievement but also character development and personal excellence. Elijah Kaniatobe was honored with the 2024 TORCH Award.
“The graduates of the Class of 2024 have worked hard to reach this moment, and we could not be more proud of each one of them,” said Hannah Holland, Principal of Jim Thorpe Academy. “Their resilience and dedication have inspired us all, and we are confident that they will continue to shine as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.”
The Class of 2024 comprises a group of students who have excelled both academically and personally:
Shelby Bradley: Known for her kindness and entrepreneurial spirit, Shelby is set to launch her career in entrepreneurship.
Will Burke: A natural leader, Will is enlisting in the United States Army, bringing his quiet strength and dedication to his service.
Elizabeth Carter: Having overcome significant challenges, Elizabeth will pursue a career in cosmetology and has accepted an internship with JTA.
Josephine Chesser: With a caring and positive nature, Josephine is entering the workforce, ready to make a difference.
Cayden Gregory: Polite and thoughtful, Cayden’s intellect will undoubtedly shine as he begins his professional journey.
Jaidah Hunt-Dabney: With compassion and intelligence, Jaidah plans to pursue education and start an internship with JTA.
Elijah Kaniatobe: A natural leader, Elijah will serve in the United States Marine Corps.
Shyanne Mapes: A determined and caring individual, Shyanne is ready to excel as she begins her career in the workforce.
DeMarion Nelson: Hardworking and driven, DeMarion will join the United States Army, where his resilience will help him achieve success.
Constantina Villalobos: With quiet strength and kindness, Constantina will pursue a career in cosmetology while interning with JTA.
James Wallace: Dedicated and kind, James will serve in the United States Army.
Jennessa Wotherspoon: Creative and resilient, Jennessa is ready to inspire as she begins her professional journey.
The graduates of the Class of 2024 have exceeded expectations, meeting and surpassing the academic standards set by the State of Oklahoma. Their dedication and resilience serve as a source of pride for the Jim Thorpe Academy community.
As these graduates step into the next chapter of their lives, their accomplishments will continue to inspire. They leave as proud alumni, ready to make their mark on the world.
Booster Club Officers are encouraged to be present at this information session. A minimum of one representative from each school-sanctioned Booster Organization must attend.
Topics include legal requirements, Title IX considerations, and information on the dos and don’ts for SPS Booster Clubs.
Congratulations to Shawnee Swim's Class of 2025!
The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is hosting the Spring 2025 High School Juried Art Exhibition, grades 9th – 12th in March. High School students have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork in the museum’s temporary gallery for the month of March. Registration opens January 13, 2025 at 8:00 am.
This MGMoA High School Juried Art Exhibition will run March 1 - 30, 2025
If you have questions, please contact the museum by email at education@mgmoa.org or call 405-878-5300.
Registration opens January 13, 2025 at 8:00am.
Registration ends February 4, 2025 at 11:59 pm.
Acceptance notifications will be sent out February 7, 2025 at 10:00 am.
Artwork drop-off February 9-19th, 2025 during MGMoA business hours. (Tues.-Sat.: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sun: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
Award notifications will be sent out February 24, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
Prizes awarded for Best-in-Show, First Place, Second Place, and Third Place. There will be a Juror’s Award selected by the competition’s judge. Additionally, museum staff will select award winners known as “Staff Choices.” The last awards handed out include several Honorable Mention winners.
Artwork will be on display March 1 - 30, 2025
Exhibit Opening Reception will be on March 2nd, 2025 at the museum.
Artwork may be picked up starting March 31-April 13, 2025.
Register online through the MGMoA Website www.mgmoa.org/engage.
Committee Work
Interested in serving on a district committee? A list of committees is below, with the contact information for the head of the committee!
District Capital Improvement Committee: Ron Stearns
District Academic Committee: Dr. Teresa Wilkerson
District Safe and Healthy Schools Committee: Dr. Teresa Wilkerson
District Finance Committee: Tristan Wyatt
Calendar Committee: Dr. Teresa Wilkerson
Athletic Committee: Dr. Teresa Wilkerson
PD Committee: Jackie Noble
Native American Parent Committee: Graham Primeaux
Show off that Wolf Pride!
Support our Wolves!
Community Happenings
Get involved! If you were impacted by the April 19, 2023 tornado, you are eligible to apply for services. Click the link to apply or volunteer to join the effort to replace trees across our community!
United Acts of Kindness is a day for our community to come together to spread joy, hope, and love to friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors.
Be kind. Do kind. Stay kind.
Find ideas, resources, and pledge your acts at www.unitedactsofkindness.org.
Want to tell us something good? Have a highlight about an employee, staff, or community event? Share it with us here.