Cub Scouts Advancement ceremony 2022
Arlington Forst earned Tiger Rank
Canyon Carter & Heston Etheridge- Wolf Rank
Eli Patterson- Bear Rank
Jackson Edwards & Jake Reagan- Webelos Rank
Easton Barnes, Landon Brackett, Oat Wyler and Ace Dyer earned the Arrow of Light award (This is the highest rank you can achieve in Cub Scouts. It’s like getting your Eagle Rank in Boy Scouts.)
Generations have been taught that the spike-tailed Stegosaurs had a brain the size of a walnut, but I recently discovered that its brain was closer to the size of a tennis ball. I also learned on the interweb that those iconic battle scenes between Stegosaurus and Tyrannosaurus from Land of the Lost never happened because they reportedly lived millions of years apart. This fake news makes me question everything I learned from Saturday morning television. Were the Sleestak lizard people really evil, or were they simply misunderstood by the unenlightened Pakuni? Most importantly, does the fossil-record tell us if these ancient peoples went extinct because the maskless Marshall family infected them with the COVID? Where are the fact-checkers when we need them!
Nevertheless, Tyrannosaurus Rex was the Cretaceous classmate of a 15,000 pound sauropod with a brain the size of two walnuts. The 50-foot long Ampelosaurus lived about the same time as T-Rex, which we compared last week to the impractical federal testing system with high-stakes teeth that relies on the itty bitty arms of keyboarding 8-year-olds for survival. If T-Rex is “The Testing Dinosaur with Little Arms” (last week’s article), then the Ampelosaurus is the TLE Dinosaur with the Little Brain.
TLE is the Teacher-Leader Effectiveness model adopted by Oklahoma eons ago in 2010 as part of Oklahoma’s failed bid to receive Race to the Top funds that inadvertently hatched two voracious monsters: Common Core State Standards and Oklahoma’s TLE. TLE was part of an ambitious federal plan to tie teacher performance to test scores and usher in a golden age of incentive pay, but just as the testing dinosaur struggles with little arms, the TLE Dinosaur wrestles with a brain too small. Consequently, for over a decade, teachers and principals have wasted precious instructional time corralling the Ampelosaurus while simultaneously chasing pterodactyls away from children on the playground. (Disclaimer: state-mandated drills have virtually eliminated staff and student carry-offs by Pterosaurs.)
While TLE may have begun with great intentions, it is now an outdated model tied to the federal testing dinosaur that compares groups of children to other groups of children. Although politically useful, this testing system is educationally worthless as a real-time guide for instruction. In 2021, teachers now rely on short, age-appropriate diagnostic tools to monitor individual students’ growth during the school year. Unlike federally mandated tests, these tools impact a child’s day-to-day education.
Unfortunately, in over a decade we have not implemented the quantitative (measurable) portion of TLE with any fidelity. To-date, we only use the qualitative (subjective) portion. Since the TLE dinosaur has never tied the federal tests to teacher performance, we now have a giant, time-wasting, paperwork dinosaur that exhausts teachers and principals as it gobbles up learning time from students. Like the Sleestak and Pakuni from Land of the Lost, however, educators have learned to survive these dinosaurs by employing technology and better practices from this century. Unfortunately, this creates two testing systems in school – one that is helpful and one that is mandated.
If we really want to tie teacher performance to tests, we should tie them to the classroom diagnostic tools that impact instruction, and these tests should be aligned to college-and-career readiness standards. Restoring local and state control of teacher evaluations based on meaningful data would reduce time-wasting, create more robust evaluations, and make it possible to implement incentive pay based on measurable outcomes. TLE needs to follow the federal testing dinosaur with little arms into extinction. If not extinction, we should send them to an island off Costa Rica where they can frolic with other dinosaurs like Stegosaurs, Common Core, PASS, and NCLB.
If Land of the Lost perpetuated such fake news, then I am no longer convinced that the Pakuni or Sleestak lizard people are extinct, either. Maybe Ancient Aliens is on to something, but that is a subject for a different time. Meanwhile, please do not forget to pray for the safety of our schools this Second Sunday of the month. Trust me, it works. Not a pterodactyl in sight.
Tom Deighan is currently the superintendent of Duncan Public Schools. Email him at deighantom@gmail.com Read past articles at www.mostlyeducational.com
Don’t visit my backyard during the hottest part of the day this summer unless you are ready to witness some shameless splooting. I have squirrels splooting on the back porch, splooting over the birdbath, and even splooting under the grill – any cool surface a squirrel can stretch out on its belly for relief from the heat. They are splayed out everywhere, right out in the open, indifferent even to Peanut and Puddy (my chihuahua and kitty), who are often splooting just a few feet away. Too hot to chase anything and too hot to run away!
If you have not guessed by now, “splooting” describes how squirrels stretch out their entire bodies along cool surfaces. Every few minutes, they will scoot over a bit for a new cool spot, but they are otherwise oblivious (or indifferent) to normal squirrel stuff. Most pancake themselves on flat spots, but one squirrel stretches out on our birdbath, dead-eyed, with all four legs dangling over the rim. All of it is very un-squirrel-like behavior, but after two full months of terrible heat, even the hardiest of squirrels reach their splooting point. They have not completely given up, but they no longer worry so much about being eaten. Anything for a break from this heat.
Squirrels are not alone, however. Everyone and everything has a “splooting point,” when we gradually abandon our squirrelly behavior, and weather is not always the cause. After long periods of stress, we seek simply to endure, and we slowly become oblivious or indifferent to normal squirrel stuff. Our “give-a-care” breaks, and life becomes a stretch of quiet desperation. Sploot.
I suspect a lot of people are splooting right now, and not just because of the heat. As a nation, we have endured year-after-year of 100-degree situations: COVID, inflation, culture wars, cancel culture, murder hornets and so on. Just like hot squirrels, people need a break, and life can become more about enduring than living. We don’t drape ourselves over birdbaths, however. Human splooting looks much different.
Look around your circle of family and friends, and you may see signs of splooting. Maybe they are less active on social media. Perhaps, they have stopped going to church or have stopped participating in normal activities. Chances are that you will find them in the backyard, splayed out on the birdbath. (Metaphorically, hopefully.) They aren’t their squirrely selves; they are disengaged, oblivious, and indifferent. They have entered survival mode, waiting for a break in the heat. Or, in the case of your kids, waiting for school to start. Sploot. Sploot. Sploot.
Unfortunately, we cannot control the weather, and we cannot seem to abate the current divisiveness of our nation, the economy, COVID, or anything else draining us. No matter how bad it gets, however, we can always comfort and encourage fellow squirrels who are splooting when they should be frolicking in the branches. This season has been long, arduous, and demoralizing, and we may not have answers, but we can always offer a kind word, a text, or a phone call.
Splooting squirrels are cute, and they will soon bounce back. Splooting people, on the other hand, may not rebound so quickly, so keep an eye out for them. If all else fails, we can just lay down on that birdbath with them because no one should sploot alone. If Chihuahuas, kitties, and squirrels can commiserate during tough times, just imagine what we can do for each other.
Thankfully, seasons always pass. School is ahead, so splooting children and communities will soon be acting squirrely again. Something about cool temperatures and the busy-ness of fall that cures all this splooting. The squirrels in my backyard will also be taunting Peanut and Puddy again, but with a wink and a smile. Once a splooting buddy, always a splooting buddy!
Tom Deighan is a public educator and author of Shared Ideals in Public Schools. Read past articles at mostlyeducational.com and email him at deighantom@gmail.com
Arrested 4/9/18
ACKMAN, BETTINA ROSA of Lone Grove, OK; DOB: 10/17/71;
Driving w/License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked; Careless Driving; Possession of Controlled Substance.
Arrested 4/8/18
AUSTIN, RICKY DALE of Ringling, OK; DOB: 10/25/84;
Improper Stopping; Possession of Controlled Substance.
Arrested 4/10/18
BENNETT, KIMBERLY DOLORES of Oklahoma City, OK; DOB: 1/5/81; Possession of Controlled Substance; Unlawful Possession of Paraphernalia.
Arrested 4/11/18
CROOK, DANIEL LEE of Shawnee, OK; DOB: 7/25/51;
DUI – Liquor of Drugs/APCV; Left of Center with in 100 feet of intersection; Driving W/ License Cancelled/Suspended/ Revoked.
Arrested 4/14/18
FOWLER, HOUSTON RANDALL of Frazier Park, CA; DOB: 7/12/64; Stephens County Bench Warrant.
Arrested 4/14/18
HICKMAN, TYLER NELSON of Wilson, OK; DOB: 4/17/96;
Failure to Carry Security Verification; Defective Vehicle; Driving W/License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked.
Arrested 4/13/18
HOWARD, MILTON LEE of Overbrook, OK; DOB 5/31/85; Warrants.
Arrested 4/13/18
IVEY, HARRELL LEE of Ryan, OK; DOB: 8/24/78; DUI -Liquor or Drugs/APCV; Failure to Wear Seat Belt.
Arrested 4/9/18
JOHNSON, MELINDA LOUISE of Oklahoma City, OK; DOB: 8/28/83; Bench Warrant Failure to Appear and Pay on Failure to Wear Seat Belt.
Arrested 4/10/18
KIRKLAND, CHRISTOPHER LEE of Healdton, OK; DOB: 8/19/89; Unlawful Possession of Paraphernalia.
Arrested 4/12/18
PALMER, ASHTON CHARLES of Ringling, OK; DOB: 7/24/97;
Unlawful Possession of Paraphernalia; Distribution of Controlled Substance -including Possession w/Intent.
Arrested 4/12/18
ROSE, KENNEY JOE of Marlow, OK; DOB: 11/17/59; Larceny of Merchandise from Retailer.
Arrested 4/8/18
SEARS, IVEN GLYNN of Lockesburg, AR; DOB: 5/9/64;
Bench Warrant; Failure to Pay; Warrant on Probation Violations.
Arrested 4/15/18
VAN HOUTEN, BRENDAN MATTHEW of Graham, TX; DOB: 6/30/98; Possession of Controlled Substance; Possession of Controlled Substance; Unlawful Possession of Paraphernalia; Bench Warrant for Possession of Controlled Substance.
Arrested 4/9/18
VANDERBURG, CECIL VANCE of Monahans, TX; DOB: 2/17/62;
Obtaining Merchandise by Bogus Check.
Arrested 4/11/18
VANSILL, LOYD DEAN of Duncan, OK; DOB: 11/27/64; Unlawful Possession of Anhydrous Amonia W/Intent to Manufacture DCS-AFCF.
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement in remembrance of Brigadier General Charles McGee, who recently passed away.
“We lost a true American hero over the weekend with the passing of Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee, who left a remarkable legacy during his 102 years on earth,” said Cole. “Not only did he serve as an airman who flew 409 fighter combat missions in three wars, he was also a known civil rights leader who fought for racial equality by bringing attention to the black pilots who served our country and encouraging several generations of young Americans to enlist for military service.
“As a representative of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I had the distinct privilege of meeting and speaking at a ceremony honoring then-Colonel General McGee when he was a spry 92 years old. I was delighted to see him again just two years ago as one of the honored guests during the annual State of the Union address in the House chamber of our Capitol. During the speech, he was singled out by former President Donald Trump, who had promoted McGee to Brigadier General, recognizing also McGee’s great grandson, who wanted to become an astronaut and was seated with him. It was truly an amazing moment.
“General McGee was an amazing man — erect, sharp, confident, serene and unflappable. At the time of his retirement, he had flown more combat missions in three different wars than any other pilot in the history of the United States Air Force. It was a privilege to be in his company, shake his hand and thank him for his service to America. As a grateful nation, we will never forget his service. Indeed, it will continue to inspire generations to come.”
The Cameron University Department of Agriculture, Biology and Health Sciences will host high school students from throughout Oklahoma during its annual FFA Agriculture Interscholastic Meet on Wednesday, April 7. The event provides an opportunity for agriculture students to hone their skills in areas ranging from practical animal science and land evaluation to leadership and business while preparing for the state FFA competition.
“After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we’re thrilled to bring back the annual Agriculture Interscholastic competition, which has been a Cameron tradition for more than 50 years,” says Dr. Terry Conley, event coordinator. “The numerous contests allow high school students to prepare for their state competitions, as well as learning about the agriculture degree programs at CU.”
Students from 52 high schools across the state are registered to participate in 2021. The school districts they represent include Alex, Amber-Pocasset, Anadarko, Binger-Olney, Bristow, Burlington, Byng, Calumet, Central, Chandler, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Chickasha, Cleveland, Clinton, Coalgate, Cordell, Coyle, Elgin, Empire, Fletcher, Fort Cobb-Broxton, Geronimo, Guthrie, Hammon, Harrah, Kingfisher, Lawton, Lindsay, Little Axe, Mill Creek, Minco, Moore, Morris, Mountain View-Gotebo, Olustee-Eldorado, Perkins-Tryon, Rush Springs, Ryan, Sterling, Stillwater, Stratford, Temple, Thomas-Fay-Custer, Tuttle, Walters, Watonga, Waurika, Waynoka, Weatherford, Wetumka, and Woodward.
Students who are participating in livestock judging events will meet at the Great Plains Coliseum at 8:30 a.m. All other participants will assemble at 8:30 a.m. at the Aggie Gym for a welcome assembly. After receiving instructions, they will disperse to competitions on the Cameron campus as well as at the Cameron University farm.
Competitors will demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of Career Development Events (CDE) including Land Judging, Homesite Judging, Farm and Agribusiness Management, Food Science and Technology, Milk Quality and Products, Veterinary Science, Meats Evaluation and Management, and Livestock Judging. In addition to these traditional contests, the Freshman Agriscience Quiz Bowl will also be offered this year.
While most career development events are offered for FFA teams, the Cameron event provides opportunities for FFA and 4-H teams to compete in Livestock Judging (Senior FFA, Junior FFA, Junior 4-H and Senior 4-H classes) and Meats Evaluation and Management (FFA and 4-H classes).
For more information, go to https://www.cameron.edu/ag-bio-health/events/annual-ffa-interscholastic-competition or call 580-581-2373.
As more people become fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and with summer fast approaching, the desire to take trips and vacations outside of the United States again will only continue to grow. If you are hoping or planning to take a trip abroad anytime soon, please be advised about some important information and guidance regarding passport applications and renewals as well as certain foreign country requirements.
First, if you are planning to apply for a passport or renew an expiring one, you might experience significant delays due to application backlogs caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, routine passport applications could take up to 12 weeks or longer to process and even expedited passport processing could take between 4-6 weeks.
To ensure you have your passport in time for any scheduled vacations or trips, the U.S. Department of State recommends that you apply early in case of delays. You can learn more about the process and begin your own application at travel.state.gov. While you are visiting the State Department’s travel office website, I encourage you to also take note of the useful traveler’s checklist, including such things as confirming you have the correct travel information, documentation and insurance.
Second, as you consider your desired destination to visit, know that some countries around the world are currently requiring at least six months of passport validity before allowing entry. This means that travelers leaving the United States may be required to be in possession of passports that are valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay.
Third, if you are traveling abroad soon and want to receive safety and security updates and allow someone from the State Department to reach you in case of an emergency, I highly encourage you to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) by visiting step.state.gov.
Finally, if you are experiencing a passport issue and need assistance, my office is here to help those living in the Fourth District of Oklahoma. Although we cannot guarantee the outcome of an inquiry, we can certainly help you get answers. However, in order to help you with passport or any casework issues, federal law requires my office to have a signed-in-ink privacy release on file from you to open an inquiry.
For links to additional passport and travel resources or to download a privacy release form, please visit cole.house.gov/services/passport-assistance. If you have any questions, please call my Norman office at (405) 329-6500.
This is part of a series of ten summertime articles mapping the common ground upon which parents, educators, and communities can unite regarding one of the most divisive topics in America: public education.
The History Channel is my authoritative source for solid, historical facts about UFO’s, Sasquatch, and Chupacabra, and my favorite show is undoubtedly Ancient Aliens. In one episode, the troll-haired guy (Giorgio Tsoukalos) asserts that the only reason people don’t accept that the pyramids were built by E.T. is because we will not teach the truth in school. That certainly settles it for me, but Mr. Tsoukalos is not alone in his opinion. Virtually everyone on the left and right seems to agree that public schools are the root of every problem that plagues America. When everyone agrees with Ancient Aliens about public schools, who can say America is divided?
If public schools are to blame for all our problems, then according to the same logic, that’s where we can also fix everything. This philosophy has produced wholesale social engineering through schools since their inception. This is not always bad, for schools have been used to help curb smoking, to stop littering, and to even promote healthy exercise. Such good examples of social engineering are always transparent, widely supported, and inarguably in the best interest of kids. (I don’t know anyone promoting smoking, unhealthy kids, or trashy highways.) But seriously, anti-littering campaigns are not the type of social engineering that irritates parents and educators.
This is not solely a red or blue issue, however. Both parties do it constantly and cooperatively. For example, Common Core State Standards – introduced under Brad Henry and Sandy Garret and implemented by Mary Fallin and Janet Barresi – were adopted with widespread bipartisan support and voted out with equally purple fervor. Legislation is an open process that can be reversed, however, so this is not really the type of social engineering that bothers everyone. It’s the sneaky stuff that bothers us, especially when it infringes on parental rights, limits local control, or erodes relevant curriculum. That’s the type of social engineering I believe has hurt public schools.
Anything that usurps parents’ authority or influence over their own children (parental rights), that circumvents a communities’ local autonomy (local control), or that artificially injects unrelated agendas into an academic area (relevant curriculum) rightfully raises a red flag, but most of all, Americans do not like things that are hidden or secretive (transparency). People see this as a subversive type of social engineering.
Public schools are diverse communities, so parents and educators (and children) understand that everyone will not always agree. They do get along, however, by establishing rules and procedures to ensure that captive and impressionable audiences are not needlessly subject to issues that may be hostile to the parents’ wishes. Student-led clubs or groups can explore such topics, but they must be voluntary, conducted openly, and with parent’s knowledge. Anything a child is forced to attend (as part of compulsory schooling) should be free of attempts to subvert parental rights, local control, relevant curriculum, or transparency.
But of course, people are imperfect and we all have agendas, which is why local control, open meetings, and open records will always be needed. Post-COVID parents seem to have a renewed interest in what their public school is doing, and most educators welcome this. We have needed your help for a long time to help manage the insanity. Social engineering in schools is as old as chalkboards, but thankfully, parents and educators can agree on most issues, tolerating and accepting differences that do arise. Despite what the media portrays, there really is common ground in education, and I believe most parents and educators value the same things.
As a proud bald man, however, I must confess my own secret agenda, driven by jealousy of the troll-haired guy’s bouffant. I want all public school children to sport the troll hairstyle. They would look so cute lined up with their hair pointing straight up, but alas, I cannot push my pompadour preferences on hapless children. Neither parents nor educators would like that. Nevertheless, I do suggest that Egyptologists start looking for Reese’s Pieces in the pyramids because E.T. never phones home without them. Georgio really may be on to something there.
Tom Deighan is a public educator and currently serves as Superintendent of Duncan Public Schools. He may be reached at deighantom@gmail.com
