Introducing the M.V.P. Initiative! This new partnership between Uplift Mentoring and Shawnee High School's Athletic Department is a 1-to-1 peer mentoring program that trains high school varsity athletes to mentor 6th-grade middle school students. The goal is to foster positive relationships and help students develop a healthier mindset as they transition to middle school.
Shawnee Public Schools
Uplift Mentoring to Elevate Students at SMS
There's No Place Like Homecoming
Homecoming festivities are this Friday evening. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. Our Wolves will kick off at 7:00 p.m. vs. Durant.
Congratulations to this year's Homecoming candidates:
Football - Deetrick Beavers and Demery Hodges
Drama - Camden Sateren and Tatum Ryan
Cheer - Brooklyn Moody
Volleyball - Jordan Tash
Softball - Destini Richards (Junior Representative)
Cross Country - Isaiah Smith
Swim - Gracyn Simpson and Jun Gao (Sophomore Representative)
Esports - Dillon Collett
Band - Evelyn Miner, Isabella Neely, and Jaiden Evans
FFA - Feather McCosar and Luke Stafford
*Youth Football Athletes may enter for free if wearing their jerseys.
*Friday night's homecoming game is PINK OUT.
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.
NEW IN ACADEMICS: Associate Degree Path for 9th Grade Students
Shawnee Public Schools is honored to announce its partnership with Seminole State College in establishing the Seminole State College Early College High School Program. This program provides the opportunity for high school students to earn an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, an Associate in Arts in Child Development, and/or a Certificate in Child Development during their high school career.
This Associate degree transfers to all state universities in Oklahoma as general education electives if the student officially graduates with the degree. Students will have the opportunity to begin the program during the spring semester of their 9th-grade year.
The first informational parent meeting is set for October 22, from 6-7 P.M. in the Shawnee High School Media Center.
Lady Wolves Head to STATE!
Your Lady Wolves Volleyball team is headed to STATE after securing their 5A Regional Championship! They will play on Thursday, October 24th at 9:30 a.m. against Mount St. Mary at Moore High School. Put on your best blue and get out to support our Lady Wolves on the road to victory! Let's cheer them on to a state title!
Elementary Students Access Athletic Opportunities through City League
Shawnee High School wrestlers led the charge as coaches, passing on their skills to the next generation through City League wrestling. Over 70 2nd-5th grade students participated in City League this season.
Congratulations to Will Rogers Elementary for taking home the trophy!
5th Grade Students Kick Off Soccer Skills through Intramurals
Shawnee Public Schools recently hosted soccer intramurals for 5th-grade students from across the district on October 9th as part of the SPS Intramural program. This initiative is designed to introduce elementary-aged students to athletic opportunities early on, helping them develop teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love for physical activity.
SPS Partnered with Pogo for National Walk/Bike/Roll to School Day Events
Shawnee Public Schools, in collaboration with Pottawatomie Go, proudly participated in National Walk/Bike/Roll to School Day on October 2, 2024. Over 800 students, parents, and volunteers from all elementary sites gathered at designated locations to walk to school together, fostering a sense of community, promoting physical activity, and emphasizing the importance of safe routes to school.
A special event was organized for 5th-grade students across the district, who walked from
Sequoyah Elementary to KidSpace Park. Students enjoyed a day filled with fun, movement, and engaging activities. The walk utilized the city’s newly constructed sidewalks, enhancing safety and accessibility for students commuting to school.
"Encouraging students to walk, bike, or roll to school not only promotes healthy lifestyles but also emphasizes the need for safe, accessible routes in our community,” said Michelle Wallace, Director of Community Engagement for Shawnee Public Schools. "Partnerships like this allow us to foster a strong sense of community while ensuring the safety of students in our community."
This event underscored the necessity for safe infrastructure for children walking, biking, or rolling to school. Shawnee Public Schools is proud to be part of this national initiative, which aligns with its commitment to student well-being and safety.
Pioneering Climate Resilience and Public Health Initiative
Shawnee Public Schools is thrilled to announce its collaboration with the OU Hudson College of Public Health and OG&E to launch the innovative RECHARGE-OK project. Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) CIVIC Program, this groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance energy resilience and improve public health outcomes in our community and across Oklahoma.
The RECHARGE-OK project will integrate cutting-edge Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology into our electric school buses (ESBs), creating a sustainable solution to power outages and extreme weather events while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This project is not just about innovation; it is about improving the health and safety of Shawnee students and community members.
Led by Dr. Hongwan Li, Dr. Changjie Cai, and Dr. Dan Li from the OU Hudson College of Public Health, the initiative focuses on how ESBs can mitigate health risks during emergencies. Their expertise will help assess the impact of clean energy solutions on air quality and public health goals, ensuring that we meet our community’s needs during critical times.
"This project embodies our commitment to fostering a healthier community," said Shawnee Public Schools’ Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Teresa Wilkerson. "By collaborating with partners like OU Hudson College of Public Health and OG&E, we are not only addressing immediate health risks but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient future for Shawnee."
The RECHARGE-OK project will significantly impact the Shawnee community. The ESBs will serve as emergency power backups during extreme weather, providing essential electricity for schools and healthcare facilities. By utilizing clean energy, the aim is to reduce air pollution and improve overall public health outcomes for all residents.
As a co-leader in this initiative, Shawnee Public Schools is proud to provide the electric school buses that will be utilized in this pioneering project. OG&E will lend its expertise in energy management and V2G technology integration, ensuring the successful operation of the ESBs during emergencies. Together, we are committed to advancing a shared vision for a healthier, more resilient Shawnee.
The project has also garnered support from various collaborators and community stakeholders, including:
- IC Bus: Providing technical support and maintenance for the electric school buses
- City of Shawnee: Ensuring alignment with the city’s emergency preparedness plans
- Citizen Potawatomi Nation: Engaging the community to maximize benefits for Tribal members
- Gordon Cooper Technology Center: Offering workforce training for local technicians
- ACOG and INCOG: Supporting policy alignment and sustainability goals in Central Oklahoma
- City of Oklahoma City and OSU: Observing the project for potential adaptation in their communities
- University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University: Contributing research expertise in battery optimization and grid integration
The RECHARGE-OK project will have lasting effects on Oklahoma and serve as a model for national climate resilience strategies. By utilizing ESBs as emergency power sources, our schools and communities will be better prepared for power outages and extreme weather, ensuring the continuity of essential services and promoting public health.
"This project is a true reflection of our mission at the College," says OU Hudson College of Public Health’s Dr. Hongwan Li. "By focusing on preventive public health interventions and integrating science, policy, and education, we are not only addressing immediate health risks but also helping to shape a more resilient future for communities across Oklahoma."
As we move forward with RECHARGE-OK, we are excited about the opportunities it will create for our students and the broader community. This transformative initiative represents a powerful intersection of public health, technology, and sustainability, promising a brighter future for Shawnee and all of Oklahoma.
SPS Jim Thorpe Night Celebrates Native American Heritage and Honors a Legendary Athlete
Shawnee Public Schools hosted a memorable Jim Thorpe Night during the Shawnee Wolves football game, celebrating Native American heritage and honoring the legacy of one of the greatest athletes in history. The event featured the unveiling of a new Jim Thorpe mural and recognized tribal partners for their ongoing support and partnership with the district.
Jim Thorpe, a Native American athlete born in Oklahoma and a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile athletes of all time. Thorpe excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and track and field, gaining international fame at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics by winning gold medals in both the decathlon and pentathlon. He also became the first president of what would become the NFL, leaving an indelible mark on professional sports. His legacy as a world-class athlete continues to inspire, especially within the Native American community.
The Sac and Fox Nation was honored for their generous sponsorship of the Wolves’ commemorative Jim Thorpe jerseys, with each player proudly wearing Thorpe’s name on the field. Contributions from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kickapoo Tribe, Absentee Shawnee, Seminole Nation, and Iowa Tribe were also acknowledged for their invaluable support of Shawnee Public Schools and its students.
As part of the evening’s festivities, Shawnee Public Schools held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a new mural honoring Jim Thorpe. The mural, located inside Jim Thorpe Stadium, was created by Native American artist Nicholas Blanchard and serves as a lasting tribute to Thorpe’s athletic achievements and leadership.
The Wolf Spirit Dancers captivated the crowd with a special halftime performance, showcasing the vibrant culture of the local Native American community. Shawnee Public Schools proudly serves a student body that is over 30% Native American, representing more than 40 different tribes across the country.
Gear up, Shawnee Wolves! New gear is dropping and it's packed with school spirit!
Grab yours now and show everyone you're a part of the best pack in town: https://bit.ly/ShawneeWolvesGear.
Shawnee Public Schools
326 N. Union Ave.
Shawnee, OK 74801
communication@shawnee.k12.ok.us