Jan 28, 2025

Posted by Barry Fuxa on 1/28/2025

SPS Families and Staff,

Everyone talks about the Three Rs of school – Reading and wRiting and aRithmetic, but I prefer to think about what I call the Six As – Academics, Arts, Athletics, Agriculture, Activities, and Altruism. Nearly every week our district has great examples of all of those things, but I want to talk specifically about Altruism and thank community members for the great example you set for our students. The people in this town show up for each other to help, watch out for each other by reporting suspicious behavior, donate to good causes, and by and large lift each other up.

 

Your behavior inspires our students’ behavior, attitudes, and efforts to better the world. Their fundraisers like Pink Out and SMAC generate funds to fighter cancer and support local nonprofits. Our younger students, too, understand the value of community and altruism, as demonstrated by recent fundraising efforts by Skyline Cubs to raise and donate funds to Guiding Paws, which helps bring awareness about the blind and low vision and raise funds to support guide dogs.

 

Thank you, Stillwater, for being great people raising great kids.

 

Go Pioneers!

Barry Fuxa
PR & Communications Coordinator
Stillwater Public Schools

 

 

Community Concerns

Many of our parents and community members have reached out with questions about recent changes in immigration procedures that are being discussed in the news, on social media, and among friends and families. Students may hear confusing information about complex issues and could worry about what it means. 

 

As you may know, last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security rescinded guidance that identified schools, hospitals, and churches as “protected areas” where immigration enforcement should be avoided. The full legal effect this change will have on schools is not yet clear, however under the guidance of legal counsel SPS district leadership has provided site principals protocols to ensure appropriate cooperation with authorities, while maintaining the safety, security, and positive learning environment of our schools.

 

In the event that any immigration action were to occur in the district, please know that our building entrance protocols remain in effect for anyone entering our schools, and FERPA guidelines provide protection of student records confidentiality, including enrollment and attendance. Any request for student educational records requires a valid court order or subpoena.

 

Although we cannot address every scenario, rest assured that student safety and rights are our first priority. We encourage parents and families to remain informed, seek support, and connect with local resources found at Stillwaterschools.com/StudentSupport when needed. Also, please know that, as always, we have caring counselors and educators ready to talk with any student needing to address possible anxiety or any feelings about this or any topic. 

 

If you have additional questions, please contact Acting Superintendent Dr. Janet Vinson, [email protected]. 

 

 

Weekend Fun!

Saturday is jam packed.

  • A tasty Soccer Pancake Breakfast & Silent

  • The competitive JH & HS Robotics competition at SJHS

  • Family fun and Prom fundraising at the Hello Winter Carnival at SHS

  • Ag Boosters Silent Auction and Dinner

 

 

Taste of Stillwater

Save the date and get ready to grab your tickets for the 28th Annual Taste of Stillwater presented by BancFirst; proceeds benefit Stillwater Public Education Foundation

Tuesday, March 4, 2025
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Payne County Expo Center

Tickets go on sale February 3 at SPEF.Stillwaterschools.com or in person at: 

  • BANCFIRST – 808 S Main and 508 Hall of Fame

  • EXCHANGE BANK – 4301 W. 6th Avenue and 310 S. Main

  • OKLAHOMA COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION – 311 E. McElroy Road and 1811 S. Sangre Road

  • SIMMONS BANK – 308 S Main

  • SPS ADMINISTRATION BLDG – 314 S. Lewis

 

 

They’re growing up…
Have or know someone with a child that will be 4 by September 1, 2025? Pre-K Enrollment starts Tuesday, March 25. Please help spread the word to those who don’t have a child in the district yet, as we don’t  

 

 

Pioneer Proud
We had a slew of honors come in last week. Many made it my way, but I’m sure I’ve missed some. 

  • Swimming - at COAC this past weekend, Elias Mendez finished 1st 200 Individual Medly and 2nd 100 Backstroke

  • Lady Pioneer Wrestling - Abbie Rivero and Kahliyah Enko both brought home 1st place, while the team finished third at the COAC Conference Tournament

  • SHS Mock Trial - 2nd place finish at the MLK/Chappelle Tournament

  • Shout out to all the NCDA band kids for a great clinic and performance last weekend!

  • Pioneer Baseball is ranked #1 in the state by MaxPreps

  • Congrats to Kyriana Beard on being one of only 10 seniors in the state to be named an OYE Academic All-State.

  • The Livestock Judging Teams did great at the NE Area contest, with the Junior FFA Team placing 1st overall and Senior FFA Team placing 2nd overall.

  • Congrats to SMS Robotics Teams Vortex and Step Bros on becoming champions at last weekend’s Stillwater tournament. Vortex also won Skills Champion, while Rust in Piece brought home the Innovation Award.

 

 

Coming Up - Stillwaterschools.com/calendar

  • Tues, Jan 28

    • HS - Basketball at Muskogee (JVG 3:30 / JVB 4:45 / Varsity Girls 6:00 / Varsity Boys 7:30)

    • HS/JH - Wrestling vs. Union (Sr. Night)

  • Wed, Jan 29

    • Lunar New Year

  • Thurs, Jan 30

    • HS - Pom UDA National Dance Team Championship (Day 1/4)

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

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

  • Fri, Jan 31

    • HS - Pom UDA National Dance Team Championship (Day 2/4)

    • JH - Wrestling Boys at Edmond Tournament (Day 1/2)

    • HS - Basketball at Ponca City (JVG 3:30 / JVB 4:30 / Varsity Girls 6:30 / Varsity Boys 8:00)

  • Sat, Feb 1

    • Black History Month Starts

    • Career & Technical Education Month Starts

    • HS - Pom UDA National Dance Team Championship (Day 3/4)

    • JH - Wrestling Boys at Edmond Tournament (Day 2/2)

    • Soccer - Pancake Breakfast

    • HS & JHS Robotics Tournament

    • Hello Winter Carnival

    • Ag Boosters Auction and Dinner

  • Sun, Feb 2

    • Groundhog Day

    • HS - Pom UDA National Dance Team Championship (Day 4/4)

  • Mon, Feb 3

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

    • JH - Basketball 9th at Piedmont (9th G 5:30 / 9th B 6:45)

 

 

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