Shawnee Public Schools

Wolf Watch

Shawnee Public Schools Community Updates | November 16, 2024
People Focus
We are Hiring
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teacher of the year
Hopper
Arnold
Burks
Neely
McKey
Barbosa
Morgan
Greenwood
Jessica Armstrong
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Jessica Armstrong, Shawnee High School librarian, has been awarded the 2024 Technology in Education Award by the Oklahoma School Librarians!

Jessica, an East Central University graduate with three years of experience as a high school librarian, is celebrated for her innovative approach to education. In her collaborative unit, Exploring the Human Heart with zSpace, she introduced 11th-grade Anatomy and Biology students to virtual reality technology, enabling them to explore 3D heart models, study heart health, and create research-based "Heart Healthy" posters to share with peers.

Jessica has transformed the Shawnee High School library into a vibrant hub for learning and exploration. From creating STEM playgrounds with robots, drones, and VR equipment to training faculty on cutting-edge tools like Newline boards and Padcasters, her dedication fosters innovation and critical thinking among students and staff alike. Congratulations, Jessica, on this well-deserved honor!

Academic Achievement

SPS Celebrates Academic Excellence with Annual Academic Letter Jacket Awards

Shawnee Public Schools, in partnership with Arvest Bank, proudly honored the 2024-25 Shawnee High School Academic Letter Jacket recipients for their academic excellence.  These students represent the top 5% of the senior class. Arvest Bank has celebrated this important tradition with Shawnee Public Schools for 40 years, recognizing the hard work and commitment required to achieve such a milestone. Students were honored at halftime of the Wolves football game against McAlester on Friday evening.  

Students on football field

Representing Arvest Bank on the field were Tyler Wilburn, Market President of Shawnee, and Jill Rawls, EVP and Sales Manager of Central Oklahoma. They were joined by Shawnee Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Teresa Wilkerson, Shawnee Public Schools Board Members Clif Harden and Jeanne Swinney, and Shawnee High School Principal Matt Johnson.

“We are honored to celebrate these remarkable students,” said Tyler Wilburn. “They embody hard work, dedication, and resilience, and it’s a privilege for Arvest Bank to support Shawnee students and their academic journey for 40 years.”

Congratulations to these accomplished students on behalf of Arvest Bank, Shawnee High School, and the entire Shawnee community.

Their achievements reflect the strength of Shawnee’s academic community, and we look forward to seeing these young leaders continue to succeed in their educational and professional pursuits.

Academic Letter Jacket Recipients, Class of 2025: 
- Lilian Brackeen – Daughter of Craig and Amanda Brackeen, planning to attend the University of Oklahoma to major in Aerospace Engineering.
- Olivia Brem – Daughter of Mike and Crystal Brem, planning to attend OU to major in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science.
- Emelia Bronson – Daughter of Mark and Shelby Bronson, planning to attend Seminole State College.
- Mia Bryant – Daughter of Melissa Bryant and the late Kent Bryant, planning to study Dance and Business at the University of Central Oklahoma.
- Emma Hitt – Daughter of Karen Rose and Daron Hitt, planning to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology at Kansas State University, with a goal of entering medical research.
- Kanynn Kaseca – Daughter of Kevin and Leila Kaseca, planning to study Biology in college and pursue a medical degree in Anesthesiology.
- Allyson McAlister – Daughter of Jennifer and Jon McAlister, planning to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy.
- Evelyn Miner – Daughter of Hyrum and Amanda Miner, planning to serve a Church Mission and then pursue a career in Cosmetology.
- Gracyn Simpson – Daughter of Chris and Jeanie Simpson, planning to attend OSU to double major in Pre-Physical Therapy and Nutrition.
- Emerson Thomas – Daughter of Lauren and Mathew Thomas, planning to attend the University of Oklahoma to study Biomedical Engineering on a Pre-Med track.
- Aehrell Timm – Daughter of Heather and Patrick Timm, planning to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, majoring in Teaching and Education and minoring in Biblical Studies.
- Hagen Wells – Son of Wendi Wells and Doug Wells, planning to pursue a degree in Apparel Design or Marketing.

Student Support
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Shawnee Middle School Students Join "8 80 Cities" Community Conversation

Shawnee Middle School 6th graders recently joined 8 80 Cities: A Conversation Between Two Generations on Community at Gordon Cooper Technology Center, featuring internationally renowned speaker Gil Penalosa. Students envisioned Shawnee’s future, identifying sidewalk issues, unsafe routes, and ways to make the city more accessible for all ages. Each student brought a "grand grown-up" to foster intergenerational dialogue.

Special thanks to AARP and Pottawatomie Go for including our students in this inspiring event and supporting their role in shaping Shawnee’s future.

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SHS and JTA Seniors Attend "My Future's Bright" Senior Conference

Shawnee High School and Jim Thorpe Academy seniors had an incredible day at the Senior Conference! From sessions on health, recognizing red flags in relationships, learning basic car care, and managing taxes & creating a budget, to crafting professional resumes, exploring a college & career showcase, and perfecting how to dress to impress—this event was all about preparing for the future.

A special highlight was hearing from Jill Spencer, Chair of the Avedis Foundation Board and SVP at First United Bank Tecumseh, as she delivered an inspiring keynote message encouraging our students to dream big and believe in their bright futures.

The My Future's Bright Senior Conference was an amazing day to equip and inspire our students as they are stepping into their next chapter.

SHS and Horace Mann Students Partner for Out of This World Art Project

Shawnee High School art students teamed up with 4th & 5th graders from Horace Mann Elementary for a unique project that took creativity out of this world!

Elementary students used their imaginations to design their aliens, and our SHS artists brought them to life in 3D clay sculptures. This partnership didn’t just create amazing art—it built connections across grades and showed our younger students the power of creativity and teamwork!

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Bond Updates
Maintenance Trucks

Thanks to YOU and your support in passing the recent bond, we’ve been able to purchase new maintenance vehicles—tools that will help us care for our schools and create safe, thriving spaces for every student and staff member.

This isn’t just about vehicles; it’s about the heart of a community that believes in its kids, its schools, and its future.

From all of us at Shawnee Public Schools: THANK YOU for voting YES for the Future of Shawnee Public Schools. Together, we’re making a difference.

Activities & Athletics
Event Guidelines
Community Engagement
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Veterans Day

Thank the brave men and women who have served our country. Shawnee Public Schools proudly celebrated Veterans Day with assemblies and special events across the district to recognize their dedication and sacrifice.

We are grateful for our veterans and their commitment to protecting our freedom.

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 Community Engagement Committee: Michelle Wallace

  • 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

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Show off that Wolf Pride!

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Support Our Wolves!

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