• September 9, 2024

    Posted by Uwe Gordon on 9/9/2024

    SPS Staff and Families,

     

    Just a reminder to check grades via the Parent Portal (updated weekly) or Canvas (updated daily). Please remind students to stay on top of their homework, read daily at home, get plenty of rest, and attend school every day. If secondary students aren’t involved in an activity, encourage them to get involved. Students who participate in activities have extra motivation to attend school and keep their grades up.

     

    I Love Stillwater - Boomer Lake

    Boomer is one of my favorite locations in town. I’ve led many SHS Disc Golf Club excursions there, and played countless times myself. I kayak there. My wife Laura and I walk there regularly, and, as a result of my frequent visits there, I’ve had many impromptu student, parent, and community meetings there with much better views than my office.

    For some reason, probably some algorithm, I’ve encountered talk and articles about third places lately - places outside the home and work where people gather like churches, theaters, shopping centers, and parks. Spaces like these are so important to building community, getting us away from keyboards and screens, and helping us connect with our fellow man. It occurs to me that Boomer Lake is one of our community’s most important third places. Things like disc golf, children's play spaces, fishing, boating, biking, running, walking, 5k/fun run fundraisers like FFAs Cans for Community and SMAC’s Color Run, and major events like Boomer Blast fill it with activities. It’s also not uncommon to encounter medieval combat reenactments and live action role players out there.

    It’s also home to the Payne County Veterans Memorial “Freedom’s Flame” dedicated to all branches of the military, a great place to visit this week as we reflect on the attacks on America on 9/11/2001 and the never ending battle our veterans wage to ensure our nation and freedoms continue.

    From solemn, introspective moments to more raucous fun, there are so many great ways to pass time there - picnics on blankets (or in cars on hot summer days), reading a book under a tree, watching the squirrels and geese (and watching out for their poo). Boomer can help keep you active, more connected with nature and your community, and happier. If you’re unfamiliar with Boomer Lake, go check it out, say hi to the people you see there, and find out how our largest city park might become one of your third spaces. 

     

    Educating Oklahoma

    On August 29th, I had the pleasure of attending the premiere of Educating Oklahoma at the OSU Student Union. This original documentary is produced by OSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences and directed by Emmy nominee Kelly Kerr. Several Stillwater educators are featured throughout. It’s a powerful look into the history of Oklahoma’s schools and a great reminder of the importance of teachers and public education to our state. It’s now streaming for free at https://insideosu.com. 

     

    A message from our Student Support team

    Your voice matters! If you have any concerns or notice something that could impact the safety and well-being of our students, we encourage you to report it. By sharing your concerns through the SPS Care Report (stillwaterschools.com/CareReport) you help us create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone in our school community. Together, we can make a difference!

    SPS is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff, and families. We want to take this opportunity to remind you about our partnership with Care Solace. If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace will quickly connect you to community providers matched to your needs. Call 888-515-0595 at any time or search on your own at caresolace.com/stillwater. 

    Finally, Staying informed is important, but constant exposure to upsetting news can be overwhelming. It’s okay to take a break from the news and limit time on social media to protect your mental well-being. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, reach out for support—talk to a friend, family member, or school counselor. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as staying informed. For more information on all things student support and wellness related, please visit stillwaterschools.com/StudentSupport

     

    #PioneerProud

    • Dee Lockett finished 2nd place in the 74kg weight class at the U20 World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, and Team USA won the team championship!

    • Varsity Pioneer Football had an exciting overtime victory over Tulsa Union!

    • SHS XC had a good day at the Moore Invitational Meet this past Saturday! With Gabija Pukstas racing to a 1st Place Varsity Girls finish, and Mez Barth taking 1st Place in Varsity Boys. Other medalists were Logan Splattstoesser, Amalia Alderman, Abigail Burt, Jocelynn Swann, Brannigan Wieman.

    • The SMS Cross Country team competed in the Guthrie Invitational Cross country meet Friday with the boys team placing 2nd overall, with Carson Veal, Garret Davidson, Evan Arens, and Phillip Kwon medalling, and Reese Richards medalled in the 1 mile race.

    • Last FridaySHS presented Sue Ann Hoffman with her 50 year pin! SHS owes a lot to her long legacy as an educator in our community!