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Friday, March 29, 2024
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Cody Simmons Reflects on the Transition from Principal to Superintendent

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Although he began his student teaching in Waurika back in 2004, his history with Waurika schools goes back further than that. 

His family have deep roots in Jefferson County. 

After beginning his student teaching, he was hired soon thereafter in January of 2005 as the second grade teacher at the Elementary. 

For the past eight years he has served as the Elementary Principal. 

By now, everyone is probably aware that Cody Simmons is the new Waurika Public Schools Superintendent beginning July of this year. 

Over the past couple of weeks the reality of the role has sunk in. 

He says he has been getting more familiar with the high school.

Cody said he recently met with the high school principal and the athletic director. 

He is becoming more familiar with the high school.

The adjustment for him will be managing the overall school system rather than just the Elementary. 

He says he is looking forward to the new experience. 

Simmons says that one of his expectations for the upcoming year is to close the gap between the Elementary and the High School. 

He would like to see the school system be more of a whole than separate parts (Elementary, Middle School, and High School).

During his time as principal, the Elementary has achieved “Blue Ribbon” status. 

That status is determined by the test scores over three consecutive years. 

Simmons is a busy man.

 

Besides being a full time school administrator, he also enjoys mowing yards, working out, and most of all spending time with his family. 

He says right now they are enjoying ball games several nights per week. 

Simmons is also deeply involved in the community.

He was instrumental in the establishment of the Veterans Park downtown. 

He is quick to give credit to others who have assisted in the success of the park. 

Craig Williams, he says was gracious to add his professional touch to the landscaping. 

Simmons also attributes the success of the Elementary, including its “Blue Ribbon” status, to the hard work and dedication of the teachers. 

“I feel like the teachers here are all high quality enthusiastic professional teachers. Whenever you surround yourself with [people like ] that good things will happen,” Simmons says .

Waurika Band Carnival

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The Waurika High School Band Carnival is Saturday night, November 2nd at the High School.  The Queen coronation begins at 5:30 p.m. There is a $1.00 admission to the coronation, but the ticket can be used for a free drink in the concession with purchase of a food item.  The kitchen will also open at 5:30.  Games for kids and bingo will start at 6.  Wristbands are available for bingo at $25.00 that cover 30 games. Wristbands can be bought in advance for $20.00 from both school offices.  There will be 5 bonus games.  Wristbands will also be sold for all of the bonus games for $15.00.  Bonus games will include a 32” Toshiba TV, $100 Quik Mart gas certificate, and a huge VISA gift card for the last game. 

The kitchen will feature Mama Josie’s Enchilada Dinner, Windthorst German Sausage, hamburgers, chili, and other tasty items.  

Carnival games include sand art, face painting, a bounce house, hair painting, cake walk, ring toss, football throw, basketball throw and many other fun games for kids.  In addition, there will be a dance after the carnival from 8 p.m. until bingo is over.  Admission for the dance is $3.00.

The Waurika Band program consists of over 90 students from grades 6 through 12.  The band has been a consistent winner at OSSAA contests, having been to state in 8 of the 12 years of Mr. Hodges’ years at Waurika.  These are the only times in school history the band has been to state. The High School band is planning on making their 3rd trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida in the May of 2020.  Funds will be used to help with that as well as supporting other activities of all the bands.  We ask for your support of our band program at this carnival.

Senior Profile: Katelyn Washburn

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1. How do you feel about your last year? I am super excited to get to move on to bigger things in my life. Although, I am sad that I won’t get to stay a kid with little responsibilities anymore, I am excited.

2. Sum up your school experiences? I enjoyed school, it taught me more than what I thought it could have, and prepared me for a great future.

3. Activities/organizations you have participated in? I have cheered all four years, ran track my fresh. and soph. year, cross country my fresh. and soph. year, powerlifting my freshman year, FFA my fresh., soph and junior year, showed a goat my freshman year, yearbook and FCCLA and basketball my senior year.

4. Plans for the future? I plan on attending a college, cheerleading while I’m there and majoring in English.

5. Favorite memory at WHS? After the Empire football game, Colton and Gatlin dumped the water cooler on me while it was freezing cold outside.

6. What teacher class prepared you? Over the years I have enjoyed all of my English classes and all of the teachers that have helped me love English even more than I already did. I can’t wait to become an English teacher myself.

7. Give advice to an underclassman? Remember to have fun while you can, because high school ends in the blink of an eye.

8. Anyone you want to thank? I want to think my mom and dad for pushing me to be the best I could be. I would also like to think the rest of my family and friends.

9. Do you have a fear about leaving? I do not want to grow up and be an adult. I love high school and I’m afraid to move on past it, although I feel it is not as bad as I make it out to be.

10.  Are you going to miss being at WHS?  Yes, even though I moved here my senior year everyone has been so great to me and I gained so many friends and I am sad that I did not get to know them longer.

Waurika Student Receives Scholarship

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Four Red River Technology Center Practical Nursing students were recently awarded the John Lillard Scholarship. The scholarships, worth $300.00, were presented to (l-r) Dana Luker, Chickasha; Madison McGlothin, Marlow; Chelsi Lawson, Duncan; and Brianna Porterfield, Waurika.

Jefferson County Junior Livestock Show 2018

Editor’s Note:

A special thank you goes out to the Ringling Eagle for their much appreciated help with compiling these results, also thanks to the OSU Extension Office of Jefferson County for getting these statistics to the newspapers in a very timely manner. Everyone’s help is appreciated. 

More pictures will be added this week!

Hollis Dickey Award Winners

Samantha Horner

Dalee Barrick

Randi Linton

Cattle:

Heifers:

Red Angus: Class 1: Laken Deboard, Ryan 4-H, Res Breed Champion; Class 2: Laken Deboard, Ryan 4-H, Breed Champion, Res. Grand Champion

Hereford: Randi Linton, Ryan FFA, Breed Champion

Mini Hereford: Class 1: Lakin Howard, Ringling 4-H, Res Breed Champion; Class 2: Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, Breed Champion

Shorthorn: Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA, Breed Champion, Grand Champion

Maine: Dalee Barrick, Waurika FFA, Breed Champion

Commercial: Rance Howard, Ringling 4-H, Res Breed Champion; Michael Gore, Ryan FFA, Breed Champion

Steers:

Angus: Lakin Howard, Ringling 4-H, Res Breed Champion; Cody Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, Breed Champion

Shorthorn: Kanyon McGahey, Ringling FFA, Breed Champion

Charolais: Cody Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, Breed Champion, Grand Champion

Limousine: Class 1: Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA, Res Breed Champion; Class 2: Kylie Waters, Waurika FFA, Breed Champion

Maine Anjou: Rance Howard, Ringling 4-H, Breed Champion

Simmental: Kynlee Waters, Waurika, Breed Champion, Res. Grand Champion Crossbred: Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, Res Breed Champion; Rance Howard, Ringling 4-H, Breed Champion Mini Hereford: Bean Walker, Waurika.

Showmanship: Jr.- Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H; Int.- Cody Ramsey, Waurika 4-H; Sr.- Kylie Waters, Waurika FFA; School Group- Waurika

Cody Ramsey – Grand Champion and Intermediate Showmanship

Kynlee Waters – Reserve Grand Champion

Braden Jackson – Grand Champion

Laken Deboard – Reserve Grand Champion

Caitlyn Ramsey – Junior Showmanship

Kylie Waters – Senior Showmanship

Sheep:

Ewe:

Southdown: Reese Reynolds, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion, Grand Champion

Speckled Face:  Teddy Brown, Ryan FFA, 1st, Breed Champion; Bosten Smith, Waurika FFA, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion

Crossbreed: Asia Smith, Waurika FFA, 1st, Breed Champion, Res. Grand Champion; Sarah Tyus, Ryan 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion

Market Wether:

Dorper: Trey Bryant, Ryan FFA, 1st, Breed Champion

Hampshire: Houston Scott, Waurika FFA, 1st, Breed Champion, Grand Champion; Haylee Jo McGuire, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion, Res. Grand Champion

Shropshire: Teddy Brown, Ryan FFA, 1st, Breed Champion

Southdown: Kaci Reynolds, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion

Speckled Face:  Sam Brown, Ryan FFA, 1st, Breed Champion;  Sadie Smith, Waurika 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion

Crossbreed: Houston Scott, Waurika FFA, 1st, Breed Champion; Haylee Jo McGuire, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; 3rd Place Brock Smith, Ryan FFA, 3rd

Showmanship: Jr.- Reese Reynolds, Waurika 4-H; Int.- Houston Scott, Waurika FFA; Sr.- Sam Brown, Ryan FFA; School Group- Waurika

Houston Scott – Grand Champion, Intermediate Showmanship

Haylee Jo McGuire – Reserve Grand Champion

Caitlyn Ramsey – Reserve Grand Champion

Asia Smith – Reserve Grand Champion

Teddy Brown – Senior Showman, Breed Champion

Goats:

Doe:

Div.1: Class 1: Jaci Jo Gholson, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Div. Champion; Riley Ross, Ryan 4-H, 2nd; Charley Sellers, Waurika 4-H; Class 2: Seth Waid, Waurika FFA, 1st, Res. Div. Champion; Emily Waid, Waurika FFA, 2nd; Kaylee Morris, Waurika FFA, 3rd; Div. 2: Class 3: Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA, 1st, Div. Champion; Abby Davis, Waurika 4-H, 2nd; Hannah Williams, Ryan 4-H, 3rd; Kaylee Morris, Waurika FFA, 4th; Class 4: Emily Waid, Waurika FFA, 1st, Res. Div. Champion; Isaac Gholson, Waurika FFA, 2nd; Div. 3: Class 5: Addison Jackson, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Div. Champion, Grand Champion; Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, 2nd, Res. Division Champion; Jaci Jo Gholson, Waurika 4-H, 3rd; Emily Waid, Waurika FFA, 4th; Class 6:  Isaac Gholson, Waurika FFA, 1st; Riley Ross, Ryan 4-H, 2nd; Tucker Mashore, Ringling 4-H, 3rd; Savannah Lashley, Ryan FFA, 4th: Div.4: Class 7: Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Res. Div. Champion; Addison Jackson, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA, 3rd; Class 8: Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA, 1st, Div. Champion, Res. Div. Champion; Savannah Lashley, Ryan FFA, 2nd;

Wether Goat:

Div. 1: Class 1: Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Div. Champion, Res. Grand Champion; Jaci Jo Gholson, Waurika 4-H, 2nd, Res. Div. Champion; Lexi Streeter, Waurika FFA, 3rd; Class 2: Riley Ross, Ryan 4-H, 1st; Isaac Gholson, Waurika FFA, 2nd; Lexi Streeter, Waurka FFA, 3rd; Gracie Walling, Waurika FFA, 4th; Div. 2; Class 3: Tucker Mashore, Ringling 4-H, 1st; Riley Ross, Ryan 4-H, 2nd; Seth Waid, Waurika FFA, 3rd; Riley Ross, Ryan 4-H, 4th; Class 4: Isaac Gholson, Waurika FFA, 1st, Div. Champion, Grand Champion; Tucker Mashore, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, Res. Div. Champion; Seth Waid, Waurika FFA, 3rd; Showmanship: Jr.-Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H; Int.- Isaac Gholson, Waurika FFA; Sr.- Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA; School Group- Ringling

Addison Jackson – Grand Champion

Braden Jackson – Reserve Grand Champion, Senior Showmanship

Isaac Gholson – Grand Champion, Intermediate Showmanship

Reese Reynolds – Reserve Grand Champion, Junior Showmanship.

Swine

Gilts:

Berkshire: Class 1: Eston Hardy, Ryan 4-H, 1st; Koble Lewis, Ryan 4-H, 2nd; Class 2: Kanyon McGahey, Ringling FFA, 1st, Breed Champion; Jordan Longest, Ringling FFA, 2nd. Res. Breed Champion; Avery Combs, Ryan FFA, 3rd

Chesterwhite: Class 1: Hayden Brown, Waurika FFA, 1st, Breed Champion; Madisen Rhoades, Ryan FFA, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; Carter Combs, Ryan 4-H, 3rd

Duroc: Class 1: Walker Rawlings, Jefferson Co. 4-H; Class 2: Coltin Smith, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion; Zoey Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; Kendi Barron, Ringling 4-H, 3rd; Maddy Ridenour, Ringling 4-H, 4th; Kalen Weldon, Ryan 4-H, 5th; Kanyon McGahey, Ringling FFA, 6th; Jasmine Villarreal, Ryan 4-H, 7th; Racen Williams, Ryan 4-H, 8th; Class 3: Samantha Horner, Waurika 4-H, 1st; Rhett Roberts, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Carter Combs, Ryan 4-H, 3rd; Class 4: Haley Poage, Ryan 4-H, 1st

Hampshire: Class 1: Koble Lewis Ryan 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion; Austin Smith, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; Beane Combs, Ryan 4-H, 3rd; Kage McGahey, Ringling FFA, 4th

Poland: Class 1: Travis Wade, Ringling, 1st, Breed Champion; Karleigh Ficklin, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, res. Breed Champion; Cassidy Charmasson, Ryan FFA, 3rd; Zachary Shockley, Waurika 4-H, 4th

Spotted Poland: Class 1: Abbie Bolin, Ryan FFA, 1st, Res. Breed Champion; Brooklyn Charmasson, Ryan FFA, 2nd; Coltin Smith, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion

Yorkshire: Class 1: Kage McGahey, Ringling FFA, 1st, Breed Champion; KaraganCox, Ringling FFA, 2nd; Jordan Longest, Ringling FFA, 3rd; Class 2: Tyson Graham, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Res. Breed Champion; Easten Rhoades, Ryan 4-H, 2nd; Samantha Horner, Waurika 4-H, 3rd; Alayna Stallcup, Waurika FFA, 4th

Commercial Dark: Class 1: Kanyon McGahey, Ringling FFA, 1st; Class 2: Coltin Smith, Ringling 4-H,1st, Res. Breed Champion, Res. Grand Champion; Haylee Jo McGuire, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Zoey Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 3rd; Jordan Longest, Ringling FFA, 4th; Rhett Roberts, Ringling 4-H, 5th;Class 3: Travis Wade, Ringling FFA, 1st; Abbie Bolin, Ryan FFA, 2nd; Hadon Wade, Ringling FFA, 3rd; Kaden Barron, Ringling 4-H, 4th; Beau Combs, Ryan 4-H, 5th; Haley Poage, Ryan 4-H, 6th; Kinzlee Pogue, Ringling 4-H, 7th; Class 4: Austin Smth, Ringling 4-H, 1st; Larin Wade, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Johnny Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 3rd; Class 5: Haylee Jo McGuire, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion, Grand Champion; Jordan Longest, Ringling FFA, 2nd; London Lewis, Ringling 4-H, 3rd

Commercial White: Class 1: Kaydence  McCauley, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Res. Breed Champion; Tyson Graham, Waurika 4-H, 2nd; Racen Williams, Ryan 4-H, 3rd; Walker Rawlings, Jefferson Co. 4-H, 4th; Class 2: Larin Wade, Ringling FFA, 1st; Kaydence McCauley, Waurika 4-H, 2nd; Alayna Stallcup, 3rd; Abbie Bolin, Ryan FFA, 4th; Kylee Charmasson, Ryan 4-H, 5th; Class 3: Hadon Wade, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion; Zoey Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Heather Poage, Ryan 4-H, 3rd

Barrows

Berkshire: Class 1: Class 1: Eli Britt, Ringling 4-H, 1st; Class 2: Austin Smith, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion; Eston Hardy, Ryan 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion

Chesterwhite: Class 1 Hadon Wade, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion; Johnny Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; Abbie Bolin, Ryan FFA, 3rd

Duroc: Class 1: Samantha Horner, Waurika 4-H, 1st; Walker Rawlings, Jefferson Co. 4-H, 2nd; Walker Rawlings, Jefferson Co. 4-H, 3rd; Class 2: Zoey Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion; Samantha Horner, Waurika 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; Haylee Jo McGuire, Ringling 4-H, 3rd

Hampshire: Class 1: Zoey Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Res. Breed Champion; Coltin Smith, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Travis Wade, Ringling FFA, 3rd; Alayna Stallcup, Waurika FFA, 4th; Abbie Bolin, Ryan FFA, 5th; Class 2: Austin Smith, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion, Res. Grand Champion; Haylee Jo McGuire, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Johnny Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 3rd

Hereford: Class 1: Hadon Wade, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion

Poland: Class 1: Alexis Shockley, Waurika 4-H, 1st; Cassidy Charmasson, Ryan FFA, 2nd; Karleigh Ficklin, Ringling 4-H, 3rd; Class 2: Coltin Smith, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Ch ampion; Gracie Walling, Waurika FFA, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; Hayden Brown, Waurika FFA, 3rd; Travis Wade, Ringling FFA, 4th

Spotted Poland: Class 1: Johnny Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion; Lilly Britt, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Class 2: Kendi Barron, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Res. Breed Champion; Skyler Parkhill, Ryan FFA, 2nd

Yorkshire: Class 1: Class 1 : Larin Wade, Ringling FFA, 1st; Class 2: Kage McGahey, Ringling FFA, 1st, Breed Champion; Walker Rawlings, Jefferson Co. 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion

Crossbred: Class 1: Travis Wade, Ringling FFA , 1st; Haley Poage, Ryan 4-H, 2nd; Samantha Horner, Waurika 4-H, 3rd; Haley Poage, Ryan 4-H, 4th; Class 2: Zoey Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion, Grand Champion; Kage McGahey, Ringling FFA, 2nd; Haylee Jo McGuire, Ringling 4-H, 3rd; Bear Combs, Ryan 4-H, 4th; Kennedi Rapier, Ringling FFA, 5th; Class 3: Larin Wade, Ringling FFA, 1st, Res. Breed Champion; Austin Smith, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Heather Poage, Ryan 4-H, 3rd; Kaden Barron, Ringling 4-H, 4th; Class 4: Kage McGahey, Ringling FFA, 1st

Swine Showmanship: Jr.- Zoey Mercer, Ringling 4-H; Int.- Hadon Wade, Ringling 4-H; Sr.- Kage McGahey, Ringling FFA; School Group- Ringling.

Zoey Mercer – Grand Champion, Junior Showmanship

Austin Smith – Reserve Grand Champion

Haylee Jo McGuire – Grand Champion

Coltin Smith – Reserve Grand Champion

Ryan FFA

(l-r) Houston Scott, Sadie Smith, Kaci Reynolds, Addison Jackson, Caitlyn Ramsey

Ringling FFA

Ryan FFA (l-r) Raquel Welchel (Instructor), Trey Bryant, Tate Kimbro, Riley Ross, Hannah Williams, and Savannah Lashley.

Trey Bryant – Breed Champion

Sam Brown – Breed Champion

Kaci Reynolds – Breed Champion

Jaci Gholson – Reserve Breed Champion

Emily Waid – Reserve Breed Champion

Seth Waid – Reserve Breed Champion

Abby Davis

Charley Sellers

Hannah Williams

Kaylee Morris

Lexie Streeter

Riley Ross

Sadie Smith

Gracie Walling

Waurika High School students receive science and technology award

 Science teachers from across the state and the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) are honored for the April 2018 Oklahoma Science & Technology Month. Students nominated by their teachers will receive certificates of recognition signed by Governor Mary Fallin and OCAST Executive Director Michael Carolina.

The annual event is designed to showcase Oklahoma’s outstanding students who excel in STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Students from each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties have been recognized during the special observance since its inception 24 years ago.

The students being  honored, however, are not aware of the awards and will not receive their certificates until the awards assembly later this month. 

The following teachers and students are local participants being honored:

TEACHER

Deborah McGhee

STUDENTS

Landry Forsyth, 9th Grade Physical Science

Hannah Owens, 9th Grade Physical Science

Sara Ballard, 10th Grade Biology

Nicole Burton, 10th Grade Biology

Aaron Nitka, 11th Grade Chemistry

Dalee Barrick, 12th Grade Chemistry

Science & Technology Month is an opportunity to promote education in science and technology related courses and to emphasize the importance of these fields to Oklahoma’s economy.

“We all know the students who excel in the math and sciences now will be the innovators who will lead the way for our future. It is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to encourage, teach, remove barriers and find a way for our students to achieve levels of greatness that will drive the industry of tomorrow,” said Carolina. 

OCAST is the state’s technology-based economic development agency created in 1987 to expand and diversify Oklahoma’s economy and foster new and higher quality jobs. For more information about OCAST or Science & Technology Month in Oklahoma, contact OCAST at 866-265-2215 or visit the web site at www.ocast.ok.gov.

Waurika Bands Perform at Fundraiser Sunday

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Waurika’s High School and Middle School bands performed at the Fiesta Fundraiser this past Sunday at the Waurika High School.

More performances from the Waurika Band Concert. (l-r) Regena Bradley, Hope Cummings, and Brooklyn Barnes Photo by Curtis Plant

After the delicious Mexican meal, honor band members were introduced and various members performed solos.

The solo artist were accompanied by Starr Herron and band director Everett Hodges.

2017-2018 SCOBDA Honor Band members

Riley Hobbs – 1st chair HS Baritone

Michael Bryant- 6th chair HS trumpet

Sara Tolle- 4th chair HS French horn

Trenton Helloms- 6th chair HS French Horn

Kaytlyn Williams- 4th chair JH Flute

Mallory Adkins- 11th chair JH Flute

Chloe Adkins- 7th chair JH trumpet

Hannah Lamons- 10th chair JH trumpet

Hope Cummings- 3rd chair JH clarinet

Regena Bradley- 7th chair JH clarinet

Brooklyn Barnes -12th chair JH clarinet

Kaylee Morris- 4th chair alto sax.

Waurika’s First Day of School

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Photo by Ivy Fitzgerald

Waurika students returned to school this past week to begin another year of education. Below are pictures from that first day!

Photo by Ivy Fitzgerald

Photo by Ivy Fitzgerald

Photo by Ivy Fitzgerald

Photo by Ivy Fitzgerald

Photo by Ivy Fitzgerald

Photo by Ivy Fitzgerald

Photo by Ivy Fitzgerald

Photo by Janell Rochell

Photo by Ivy Fitzgerald

Photo by Janell Rochell

Photo by Janell Rochell

 

FCCLA Helps with Regional Food Bank

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Twenty-five members of Waurika FCCLA traveled to Oklahoma City on September 28 to volunteer at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.  The group was assigned to pack food items for the Back for Kids program.  While there, they packaged over 600 bags, or over 2,000 pounds of food.  Waurika Public Schools benefits from the Back Pack for Kids program.  The students said they enjoyed volunteering and knowing that their efforts will benefit Waurika school children.

Waurika Teachers Not Walking Out?

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A special school board  meeting was held Monday evening in the Waurika Library at 6:30 pm.

The subject of the meeting was to discuss any possible board action with regard to proposed teacher walkout.

Roxie Terry, Waurika Superintendent started the session saying that the teachers have not had a raise in nine years.

He also stated that their had been a decrease in school funding.

He said the teachers across the state feel that their back is against the wall. He said something has to be done. “We are losing teachers across the state.”

Terry went on to say that it was the Oklahoma Education Association who called for the Walkout scheduled for April 2, 2018.

He said the decision to participate in the walkout was not up to the administration.

A week ago the teachers voted 19-14 to stay in school and not participate in the walkout.

Someone had suggested that the vote was not fair. Mr. Simmons said later in the meeting that the vote was fair and teachers had not been influenced in anyway. He said he believed the teachers deserve a raise.

There was another vote taken. The second time 17 teachers voted  to participate in the walkout and 14 teachers voted not to walkout. Two teachers didn’t participate in the second vote.

Terry went on to state that with 17 teachers being absent it wouldn’t be possible to have school.

He further stated that they needed to decide whether or not to support the teachers by passing a resolution stating such and allow them to leave without loss of pay and what to do about the extra-curricular activities left on the school calender.

Terry said that the OSSAA would probably not change the sports calender just because the teachers had participated in the walkout.

Nobody could say how long the walkout may last.

This became a concern the board wanted to discuss because of the need to fulfill the number of days required to complete the school year.

Terry informed the board the length of the teacher’s absence was up to the teachers.

The last time there was a walkout, Terry said that the teachers were only absent from school for about four days.

Currently, Waurika has five days that they can use between now and the end of school that can be missed without having to have any makeup days.

Anything over those five days would require another day be tacked on to the end of the year for each day missed.

Waurika has 24 working days that have to be fulfilled starting April 2, 2018.

The walkout would affect support people Terry said. It could even possibly hurt their pay. (The board voted to continue to pay support staff if there is a walkout).

According to Mr. Terry, Red River VoTech will still be conducting classes and the school will continue to run a bus to Red River.

The special education bus that takes students to Walters will continue to run each school day.

An immediate question that was asked was “Who will take the students to the extra-curricular activities?” The answer was that some teachers had volunteered to take students to the scheduled sport activities that are on the schedule. This would become a point of contention later in the meeting.

The concern the board expressed was in essence that not teaching in the classroom and yet still participating in athletics was setting a bad example for the students— as if to say that sports is more important than education.

The board wanted to know what was meant by “work stoppage” and Mr. Terry said that it meant that all classroom instruction would be suspended. The teachers would not be in the classrooms.

The next question that was asked was “when will the walkout end?”

There was no definite answer to that question.

The board did vote to support the teachers and not penalize them financially for participating in the walkout. Board members expressed their support for the teachers having a raise and that they appreciate all that they do for our students.

Board members expressed that if the teachers were walking out that it should encompass all activities and not just classroom activities. Otherwise it defeats the purpose. Therefore,  if the teachers walk out on April 2, there will be no further school activities until the teachers return to their contracted duties in the classrooms.

According to Mr. Terry, on Tuesday afternoon, the day after the emergency board meeting, 65% of the teachers decided to not participate in the walkout.

Mr. Terry felt confident that there should be enough teachers present to have school this coming Monday.

If the situation changes we will post it on our website at www.waurikanewsjournal.com.

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