SPS Staff and Families,

 

It was the 100th day of school at many schools across the state this week. A great milestone to celebrate! Around the district students celebrated in so many ways – imagining themselves at age 100, completing 100 piece puzzles, crafting shirts and crowns with 100 items attached, and listing 100 ways to be kind, just to name a few! Just about 40% of the school year left. 

 

 

Now Hiring Teachers

Today, district staff started the spring college job fair season at OSU recruiting speech therapists. Throughout the coming months HR and admin staff will travel to universities looking for the next group of certified teachers to join the Pioneer Family. We’ve also begun accepting applications for 2023-2024 teachers. Tell your friends, whether they are new grads or experienced teachers to apply at www.stillwaterschools.com/jobs 

 

Federal Programs
Federal dollars make up around 8-9% of our budget during most years, and currently, thanks to ESSR funds, just under 20% this year. These funds help provide special education programs, child nutrition, support for homeless students, and more. We’re currently looking to hire a Director of Federal and OSU programs, as longtime SPS employee Dee Atkins plans to retire from the role this summer. This important and fun position is responsible for keeping our federal funds programs compliant and running smoothly, as well as working with OSU for student teacher placements, educational research requests, and other university based programs that are implemented in our schools. More info is also available at www.stillwaterschools.com/jobs 

 

MVP

SPEF’s Most Valuable Pioneer is underway. This contest/fundraiser is sponsored by Simmons Bank and raises money through MVP nominations from the community! Two MVP Winners will win a $250 Amazon Gift Card and will be announced on Wednesday, February 8. All donations are tax-deductible and benefit SPS Special Education Services. To learn more and nominate your Most Valuable Pioneer, go to https://www.spef.stillwaterschools.com/events/spef-mvp/

 

Vote!

If you haven’t heard yet, there’s an election on Feb 14. Depending on where you live you’ll find a variety of issues on the ballot – county taxes, city council, and the no-tax increase school bond issue. Please exercise your right to vote in these important elections. Find more information about the bond issue, including an eleven page document that outlines expenditures of the 2023, 2017, and 2011 bonds, at www.stillwaterschools.com/bond, 

 

Of Note…

• Congrats to SPS PR & Communications Coordinator Barry Fuxa on completing Leadership Stillwater! In addition to connecting with professionals around the district and learning the ins and outs of how our community functions, this year's class raised $16,187 for Lake McMurtry’s Ride to Thrive program for middle school students.
  
  
  

• This was a big week of promotions for 3 SHS alumni serving in the Oklahoma National Guard. Congratulations to Brigadier General Colby Wyatt (Class of 1992), Colonel Adam Headrick (Class of 1991) and Lieutenant Colonel Caleb Emde (Class of 2000)! #PioneerProud!
  
  
  

• You don’t need to cook on February 4 - Join Soccer for a pancake breakfast and Ag for dinner.  Find details and purchase tickets at www.stillwaterschools.com/fundraisers
  
  
  
  

• Happy Senior Night to Wrestling!
  
  

• Winter Guard’s competitive season starts this weekend. Good luck to the 40 members of Stillwater Gold, Blue, and Emerald as they head to their first contest of the season at PC West High School. I hope your season has less weather related travel challenges than last year!

  
  
  

I love Stillwater,

Uwe Gordon

Superintendent

Stillwater Public Schools