OKCPS Bragging Rights - September 2006

Southeast High School hosted eight students, two teachers and their principal from their sister school in Chengdu, China. The Chinese teachers and students attended classes and were escorted to various Oklahoma points of interest and events such as the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial, The OKC Museum of Fine Arts, the state fair and more. This was an invaluable opportunity for all to learn about each other's culture and education.

Congratulations for Rena Joslin, second grade teacher at Rockwood Elementary, for winning a $2,500 from the Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program. Joslin plans to use the funds to build an outdoor classroom in a courtyard area at the school students can use for art projects, science or other activities.

This grant comes from a division of Nike's Jordan Brand, the program recognizes outstanding teaching at schools serving low-income families.

Teacher Leslea Lancaster, AOL's Tasha Anderson, Principal Pam Mustain, AOL's Rickey Perry and Darrin Carson proudly pose for a picture with some of the AOL donations.

Kaiser Elementary and the District send a great big Kangaroo thank you to AOL for donating over $300 worth of school supplies. The employees at AOL's Oklahoma City service center have joined the Kaiser Family by volunteering with the students and donating needed items.

Special thanks to AOL for all their hard work and time and especially for helping to make this year another special year by donating much needed school supplies. AOL has been a wonderful partner to Kaiser Elementary for the past two years.

Alfonso Alvarez and Jimmy Rogers speak to Students.

The About Face Academy is cooperating with Effective Transitions in teaching students about the dangers of gang involvement. Effective Transitions is a non-profit organization that provides counseling, mentoring and educational services for at-risk youth. By teaching youth the importance of morals, ethics and a sense of community and family, the organization hopes to provide teens with a stable foundation that will help them to avoid harmful behavior. Two special guest speakers, Jimmy Rogers and Alfonso Alvarez, spoke honestly and candidly about gangs to the students and offered them ways to handle pressure and problems. These two men will be visiting the school once a week for discussions and teaching sessions.

Chris Golden, manager of the 7-11 at 10th and Western

When a power outage forced the students and staff of The About Face Academy to evacuate their building in the afternoon heat, Chris Golden, the store manager of the 7-11 at 10th and Western came to the rescue. As with most building evacuations, this one came with no warning and the staff left personal items, such as wallets and purses in the building. After the staff pooled their money together to buy water for everyone, they discovered that they only had nine dollars and some change.

Needing to purchase enough water for 50 people, Golden assisted the parched faculty and provided the additional funds out of her own pocket so they could acquire enough cups, water and ice for everyone.

TAFA Color Guard: Isarel Wilkins carried the American Flag, Diane Phan carried the Oklahoma Flag and weapons escorts, Captain Ray Prado and Bryanna Allen rounded out the team. Sponsors for the group are Msgt. Michael Prichett and Sgt. Lee Steward.

The About Face Academy Color Guard performed its first posting of flags at the State Conference of Neighbors. The Council of Neighbors, which includes Neighborhood Watch Groups from Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, Midwest City Police Department, Del City Police Department and the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department were all present. The conference was sponsored by the South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club. The Color Guard performed outstandingly and represented their school with honor.

The Drill Team/Color Guard is a component of the education received at The About Face Academy to introduce structure, respect and discipline. The award winning TAFA Color Guard/Drill Team attends parades and ceremonies throughout the school year.