SPS Families and Staff,

Welcome back and Happy New Year! In reverence to the late President Jimmy Carter, it seems timely to ring in the new year with a renewed mindset of service and sacrifice. Regardless of your political party, it is indisputable that President Carter lived a life of service and sacrifice for others. It is human nature to sometimes dwell on our deficits; we look at others that we perceive to have more, work less, that are more attractive, etc. It is my personal goal in 2025 to focus on the blessings that I have; health, home, friends and family. Because I am so blessed, I want to be more like President Carter and actively search out ways that I can CHOOSE to serve others instead of self. 

 

Having said that, I want to give a HUGE thank you to our teachers, interventionists, administrators, instructional staff, support staff and parents. As we recently heard, Stillwater Public Schools was highlighted in the Daily Oklahoman as one of the highest performing districts in the state of Oklahoma based on the Oklahoma School Report Cards. We learned Stillwater tied Moore for the most elementary schools (3) receiving an “A” grade. Stillwater has six elementary schools, and Moore has 25, making that achievement even more impressive, so we compiled a list to compare 6A district “Elementary School GPAs.” As you can see, SPS performed incredibly well.

 

Keeping in mind that this is one measure of success and there are many ways to determine school effectiveness, this recognition is one indication of the hard work and dedication of our staff. From the bus drivers making sure students arrive safely, to the child nutrition staff providing healthy meals for all children, to the counselors providing guidance and wellness strategies, everyone pours in to our students’ school experience to set them up for success. Perhaps most impactful is a well-qualified and caring classroom teacher. So thank you, teachers for YOUR service to our children. 

 

We are making GREAT strides in meeting our budget for this year and the 25-26 school year. We have already surpassed our goal for this year as shown in the chart below:

 

In addition, our midterm allocation from the State of Oklahoma is significantly higher than expected, so this will help us meet next year’s goal sooner than expected. The target of savings remains $5.5 million for next year, but with additional funding coming in, it gets us even closer to our savings goal for next year. We are very confident we will meet the $5.5 million goal through attrition and by implementing a few additional non-staff reductions. 

 

Also, this month is School Board appreciation month, so this gives us an opportunity to highlight the five community members that volunteer their time to provide oversight for our school district. Working alongside the superintendent and leadership team, these five members give countless hours to make sure each student receives the best education that Stillwater can offer. Our Pioneer Pathfinders and elementary students were kind and generous with their time and talents by providing gifts to recognize our board members as shown in the photo below. Please join me in a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Marshall Baker, Tim Riley, Rachel Dillin, Roberta Douglas and Dr. Gay Washington for your service and sacrifice to our children.

 

Go Pioneers!

Dr. Janet Vinson
Acting Superintendent
Stillwater Public Schools

 

---

 

Cold Weather Safety
Please be aware Stillwater will be experiencing very low temps and wind chills over the next few days. School is planned to be in session. Please make certain students dress appropriately, especially if riding buses. Multiple layers, hats, along with scarves and/or face masks are recommended. If your student needs cold weather apparel please contact your school's office.

As always any change to the school days open status or start time, will be announced via email, phone, text, (if you are opted in), the website, and social media.

 

---

 

No School Monday
Today we join the nation and state in recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to honor the legacy of Dr. King and his contributions to civil rights and equality.

 

---

 

Pioneer Proud
Last week, we announced and celebrated our eleven site Teachers of the Year. These individuals are great examples of exemplary service to their students, peers, and the families with whom they work. These teachers will all proceed to be considered for the overall district Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, thank you, and good luck on the next round of considerations to each of every one of them!

• Highland Park - Courtney Parks - Library Media Specialist

• Richmond - Zach Boydston - PE

• Sangre Ridge - Hannah Day - Kindergarten

• Skyline - Annie Ortiz - Enrichment

• Westwood - Caleb Davis - 5th Grade

• Will Rogers - Karen Holman - 3rd Grade

• SMS - Rebecca Jimenez - ELL

• SJHS - Madeline El Ouarraqe - Special Education

• SHS - Michael Porter - Mathematics

• Virtual Academy - Carmen Ryan - Special Education

• Lincoln Academy- Scott Peterman - Social Studies

 

---

 

Coming Up - Stillwaterschools.com/calendar

• Monday, Jan 20

  • Inauguration Day

  • No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

  • JH - Basketball 9th vs. Ponca City (9th G 5:30 / 9th B 6:45)

• Tues, Jan 21

  • HS - Basketball vs. Putnam City West (JVG 3:30 / JVB 4:45 / Varsity Girls 6:00 / Varsity Boys 7:30)

  • MS/JH - Basketball at Piedmont (7th G 4:30 / 7th B 5:30 / 8th G 6:30 / 8th B 7:30)

  • HS - Swim vs. Piedmont/Casady

• Wed, Jan 22

  • Richmond - Restaurant DAY (ALL DAY)- Panda Express

• Thurs, Jan 23

  • HS - Basketball Boys Varsity at Newcastle Tournament (Day 1/3)

  • HS - Basketball Girls Varsity at Deer Creek Tournament (Day 1/3)

  • HS/JH - Wrestling District Duals Quad

  • MS/JH - Basketball vs. Mustang Central (7th G 4:30 / 7th B 5:30 / 8th G 6:30 / 8th B 7:30)

• Fri, Jan 24

  • HS - Basketball Boys Varsity at Newcastle Tournament (Day 2/3)

  • HS - Basketball Girls Varsity at Deer Creek Tournament (Day 2/3)

  • HS - Wrestling Girls at McLoud Dual Tournament (Day 1/2)

  • HS - Wrestling Varsity Boys at Yukon or Owasso Tournament (Day 1/2)

 

---