Sand Springs gearing up for 2nd Annual Hometown Holiday Christmas Celebration

Although Christmas is still 42 days away, the Christmas season in Sand Springs is already underway. Many Sandites took advantage of last week’s warmer temperatures and hung their Christmas lights with care to beat the winter weather.

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce’s celebrations will kick off in less than a month, with the 37th Annual Festival of Lights.

The Festival of Lights Christmas Parade was cancelled due to winter weather last year, but will return on December 6th at 7:00 p.m. with a theme of “The Sweetest Season of All.” Applications for the parade will be accepted till November 22nd, with $20 fee.

The parade hands out six awards each year. The defending champions are New Life Tabernacle (Best in Show), Studio B Hair and Nail Salon (Best Use of Theme), Miss Tirita’s Dance Studio (Best Marching Unit), Tulsa Tech (Best Use of Lights), Garden Heights Freewill Baptist Church (Best Church), and Cub Scout Pack 63 (Best Showmanship).

The Chamber is also encouraging local businesses to get involved in sprucing up Sand Springs by offering the “Sharp Award” for best-dressed store front. There is no application fee, and competition is not limited to Chamber members. All your business has to do is notify the Chamber that you are participating by December 10th. Judging will take place on December 13th.

On Saturday the downtown area will be filled with music, food trucks, and other activities for the Second Annual Hometown Holiday Christmas Celebration.

Wonderland Stage Schedule of Events
2:00 p.m. Northwoods Elementary Choir
2:35 p.m. Garfield Elementary Choir
3:10 p.m. Pratt Elementary Choir
3:55 p.m. Ms. Tirita’s Dance Studio
4:25 p.m. Limestone Elementary Choir
5:00 p.m. Clyde Boyd Middle School Choir
5:35 p.m. Charles Page High School Choir
6:00 p.m. Santa Sing Along
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Charles Page High School Band, Charles Page Jazz Band, Clyde Boyd Middle School Band, and Sand Springs Community Band.

From 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. there will be carriage rides, a free Santa zone where children can meet St. Nick, and a Kids Zone with free activities provided by local churches.

The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum will be open for an Ornament Workshop, and Cookie Crawl Passports will be available for pickup. Families are invited to take a passport from the museum and to fill it with stickers from local businesses (who will all have free cookies), then return the completed passport to Santa for a prize. Businesses who wish to be included in the passport should contact the Chamber by November 22nd.

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 918-245-3221 or via email at info@sandspringschamber.com.

One tradition that will not be returning this year, at least not officially, is “Snapped in Sand Springs.” For the past two years the City of Sand Springs encouraged local businesses, churches, and other organizations to set up Thanksgiving, Fall, Winter, and Christmas-themed photo booths and backdrops at their facilities. More than 30 organizations participated each year.

While the City has elected not to organize the event in 2019, businesses can of course still choose to put up photo booths unofficially. Any business doing so is encouraged to let Sandite Pride know so we can share it on our website/social media.

Three Sand Springs students receive national AP Scholar Award

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Three Charles Page High School students were presented with Sandite Spirit Awards at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. Will Bouchard, Brooke Hester, and Jasper Adams were recognized for academic excellence.

Hester and Adams recently received the AP Scholar Award for scoring a 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. Bouchard received the AP Scholar with Honors Award for scoring a 3 or higher on four or more AP exams, with an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken.

“It’s great for kids to make good grades at Charles Page,” said CPHS Principal Stan Trout. “But this is something that the best students in the United States do. AP credit is hugely important and it shows that they are competitive not just here, but nationally as well.”

Board of Education presents Sandite Spirit Award to Landon Durborow

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Angus Valley Elementary second-grade student Landon Durborow was presented with a Sandite Spirit Award at Monday evening’s Board of Education meeting. Board President Jackie Wagnon praised Durborow for his “servant’s heart.”

“He has developed wisdom beyond his years,” said Wagnon. “He knows the meaning of being a servant.”

“This little boy definitely has Sandite Spirit,” added Angus Valley Principal Angelia Noel. “He comes by it honestly. He comes from a great family full of great people. Every day when you see him he has a smile on his face. He stays after lunch and helps the custodians clean up. No one’s ever asked him to do that, he just does it because he’s sweet.”

Durborow is also a star on the elementary cross country team, placing in the top-25 at this year’s Case Cross Country Invitational and running a 7:23 mile at the Holland Hall Invitational.

Scott Watkins receives Pacesetter Award from Sand Springs Board of Education

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Charles Page High School Assistant Baseball Coach Scott Watkins was presented with the Pacesetter Award at Monday evening’s Board of Education meeting for his work in maintaining and improving the Sandite Athletic Complex where the Baseball and Softball teams play. Watkins is a CPHS alumni and former Major League Baseball player, who had stents with the Tulsa Drillers and the Minnesota Twins.

Not only has Watkins been coaching the baseball team and maintaining the Athletic Complex grounds throughout the fall Softball season, during which the Lady Sandites hosted a Regional Tournament, but he has also been working to restore his home, which fell victim to the historic flooding that devastated Sand Springs this past May.

“I was fortunate enough to play at the highest level of the game and play on some beautiful fields,” said Watkins. “I want our kids to feel the same way. To play on a beautiful field that’s well manicured. That may be the closest chance they ever get to play on a field like that.”

Gas services restored at Charles Page High School

Gas services have officially been restored to Charles Page High School following an extensive effort to install new gas lines and meters.

According to a statement from the district, “Oklahoma Natural Gas was able to complete the gas meter installation and our contractor was able to connect the new gas line to the meter. ONG completed a substantial amount of testing, and has now resumed gas service to Charles Page High School. Approximately 80% of the heaters will be turned on tonight.”

The school has been without central heat throughout the school year, a problem that reached its peak in the past 48 hours with outside daytime temperatures below 50 degrees. The district attempted to offset the conditions with space-heaters and stated Wednesday that classroom temperatures never dipped below 60 degrees.

State Board approves $3.29 billion common education budget request for Fiscal Year 2021

OKLAHOMA CITY  – The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved a Fiscal Year 2021 budget request of $3.29 billion for common education, which includes an increase of nearly $220 million over last year. The request seeks to restore critical instructional funding, including funds to reduce class sizes and hire additional teachers and school counselors.

“This proposed budget reflects the real needs of Oklahoma students,” said Joy Hofmeister, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We have made great strides in teacher pay and must now continue our investment in classrooms and student support. This budget request will help us reach the goals outlined in our 8-year strategic plan, Oklahoma Edge.”

This year’s request includes an increase of $117.9 million to the state funding formula, to be used to hire additional teachers to reduce class sizes. Rising health insurance benefit costs for school teachers and staff account for an additional $32.8 million.

The budget request also includes $19 million for a School Counselor Corps, a critical investment due to the state’s high student-to-counselor ratio, which, at 421-to-1, far exceeds the 250-to-1 recommendation by the American School Counseling Association. The corps will assist in providing the supports students need in elementary, middle and high school and will help meet the requirements for successful implementation of Individual Career Academic Planning, or ICAP. Beginning this school year, ICAP is a graduation requirement for all ninth-grade students.

Oklahoma has the highest incidence of childhood trauma in the country, including family violence, substance abuse and other challenges that adversely impact learning. The School Counselor Corps will be instrumental in supporting students who have experienced similar hardships.

The FY21 budget request also includes an additional $42.6 million for Support of Students and Teachers, a line item that directly impacts classroom programs and investments. Key areas that would receive additional funding include:

• Alternative education programs to reduce dropout rates and increase graduation rates

• School support, to provide resources that facilitate rapid school and academic improvement

• A competitive grant pool that will increase district access to a variety of reading, math, robotics and other student success programs

• Sooner Start Early Intervention program for children age birth through 36 months with developmental delays

• Required and enhanced assessments

• Development of a digital transcript

View the complete FY21 budget request here.

CPHS Gold Pride Marching Band places 6th at Bron Warren Tournament

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CPHS Drum Majors Alyssa Crutcher (left) and Kristin Shipley (right). (Photo by Shannon Crutcher).

Ada, OK - The Charles Page High School Gold Pride Marching Band competed at Tigerpalooza - The 11th Annual Bron Warren Tournament of Bands this past Saturday at East Central University. The Sandites took 3rd Place in their division and 6th overall in a field of fifteen bands.

Sand Springs scored a 1000 in the preliminaries, trailing Deer Creek (1130) and Norman (1046), but leading Midwest City and Putnam City in the Class 6A division. They improved to 1010 in the finals

The Sandites will compete at the 5th Annual Branson Marching Invitational on October 12th, 2019 at Branson High School’s Pirate Stadium. Sand Springs will be the only Oklahoma school represented at the event, which will feature high schools from Carthage, Hollister, Ozark, Sedalia, Forsyth, Seneca, Republic, Nixa, and Monnett, Missouri, as well as Van Buren and Prairie Grove, Arkansas.

Final Results
1146 Deer Creek (6A)
1107 Duncan (5A)
1073 Durant (5A)
1042 Elgin (4A)
1023 Norman (6A)
1010 Sand Springs (6A)
973 Del City (5A)
966 Putnam City (6A)
871 Ada (4A)
820 Lone Grove (3A)
819 Midwest City (6A)
799 Altus (5A)
713 Kingston (3A)
643 Ardmore (5A)

ODOC Adult Basic Education receives CareerTech's 2019 Outstanding Overall Achievement Award

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Jeana Ely, Oklahoma Department of Corrections correctional school superintendent, poses for a photo with, at left, Clint Castleberry, acting director of Populations, Programs and Strategic Planning, and Nate Brown, at right, ODOC Programs Director, on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, at the Oklahoma Adult Basic Education State Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections’ Adult Basic Education program has received CareerTech’s Outstanding Overall Achievement award.

The agency received the award Thursday during the annual Oklahoma ABE State Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman. ODOC received the award out of the 119 ABE sites in Oklahoma.

Accepting the award for ODOC was Jeana Ely, correctional school superintendent.

The ODOC Education Program serves inmates at 24 facilities in the state, and helped 5,736 student inmates in 2019.

Over 58 percent of students improved overall skills after assistance from the program as shown in reports to the US. Department of Education. That is well above the state’s target of 42 percent for measurable skill gains.

Additionally, 949 inmates received their high-school equivalency in 2019.

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Educations funding helps support the ABE program at ODOC and other sites through federal ABE grant and state funding.

Through the program, inmates can earn an education while they’re incarcerated to ease their transition to life on the outside once they release, helping them avoid returning to prison.

Sand Springs schools and Tulsa Tech partner to offer Foundations of Construction program

Sand Springs Public Schools held a media tour and grand opening event Thursday morning at the new Tulsa Technology Center classrooms on the campus of Charles Page High School. The schools recently launched a “Foundations of Construction” program, and have also partnered in several other classes in recent years.

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, State Representative Jadine Nollan, and several City, District, and other local officials turned out to celebrate and speak at the event.

“Over the last five to six years we have worked studiously to construct programs and opportunities for our students to be successful and explore job opportunities,” said SSPS Superintendent Sherry Durkee. Durkee praised the district’s partnership with Representative Nollan in pushing for Individual Academic Plans for students across the State.

“We know that our job, our function, is to prepare kids for citizenship,” said Durkee. “We embrace that and today we are celebrating Construction. We have two other key Tulsa Tech programs built inside Charles Page High School. We also have Foundations of Manufacturing, and Interior Design.” The district also offers classes in Engineering, Computer Science, BioMed, and more.

“Through my time in the (construction) industry I’ve witnessed the growing stresses of these firms being unable to find qualified help,” said Tulsa Tech Board of Education member Danny Hancock. Hancock is a Construction Manager at Cowen Construction and a graduate of both Charles Page High School and Tulsa Tech. He has also served as President of the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors.

According to Hancock, 80% of construction firms report difficulties filing craft positions, and 50% report difficulties filling management positions. 72% of construction firms want to expand their labor force but can’t due to a stagnant regional labor pool.

“This program here will not have a shortage of industry members wanting to help the program be successful,” said Hancock. Several local construction businesses have committed to providing the program with guest speakers, job tours, materials, access to tools, and job opportunities.

“Instead of thinking outside of the box, let’s just remove the box,” says Superintendent Durkee. “(Let’s) create programs that give the kids what they need. That is how we try to frame our minds and our goal setting.”

The Sand Springs school district has spent recent years pushing for addition STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs throughout all age-levels. Students are working with engineering, robotics, virtual reality and other STEM subjects throughout the elementary and middle school levels, and a new STEM Center is currently being constructed on the grounds of CPHS.

“What we’re doing here, we have to make sure this happens all across our 77 counties,” said Lt. Gov. Pinnell. “I talk to multiple business owners every single day. They keep telling me ‘I’d hire ten people tomorrow but they don’t have the skills I need.’”

“This is not just an Oklahoma problem,” said Pinnell. “Every state is dealing with the skills gap. Thankfully you now have a national conversation about this. You (in Sand Springs) have leaders at a local level, superintendents, that realize that. On behalf of the State of Oklahoma, I just want to tell you ‘thank you.’”

“We’re going to go down to the State Capitol, take the message of what you’re doing right here in Sand Springs and make sure that we take this across our 77 counties,” said Pinnell.

“The most important thing for a community like Sand Springs, and people that want to move here is our education system,” said Mayor Jim Spoon. “That’s one of the first things they check. We are so proud of our Sand Springs school system and what they do for our city and our community. We can’t be any more proud and this is a good example.”

State Health Department releases Kindergarten vaccination survey results

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is releasing the results of an annual survey conducted throughout the state to assess vaccination coverage and exemption status of children enrolled in public and private kindergarten programs. The survey measures the amount of students who are up to date for the six vaccines required for children to be enrolled in school.

In effort to improve transparency to the public, OSDH officials have used geographic mapping technology to create an interactive online search tool for the public to view results by county, or by individual school. This is the first time for OSDH to release the information in such a format where the public can see results of the survey through a map to observe trends across the state.

Each school’s listing provides the percentage of kindergarten students who were up to date on each individual vaccine for polio, varicella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP); and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Results indicate the DTaP and MMR vaccines have the lowest current coverage.

While school participation in the survey was voluntary, a high rate of participation was achieved assessing the immunization status of approximately 92% of Oklahoma’s kindergarteners during the 2018-19 school year. The survey also collected the percentage of students who claimed exemptions from receiving the required vaccinations.

 “Analysis of this data drives program activities to improve vaccination coverage in our state,” said Interim Commissioner of Health Tom Bates. “We appreciate the support from the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the local school officials who contributed to such an important project. We know that vaccinations are among the most effective ways to protect against serious diseases.”

Overall, the study indicates the number of kindergarten students up to date on all vaccines increased by 1% from 90.4% in 2017-18, to 91.4% in 2018-19. Up to date rates for MMR, Hep B, and Hep A all increased when compared to last year while DTaP and Varicella rates decreased. The number of students with record of exemption for any vaccination increased by 0.2% from 2.4% in 2017-18, to 2.6% in 2018-19. The majority of these exemptions were approved for non-medical reasons such as personal or religious reasons.

Responses from schools represented 94% of students enrolled in public kindergarten programs and 51% in private school programs.

To view the recommended immunization schedule, visit https://go.usa.gov/xVC9k or contact the OSDH Immunization Service at (405) 271-4073.

Below are the percentages of Sand Springs Kindergartners who were up-to-date on their vaccinations:

Angus Valley Elementary
DTaP: 77.94%
Hep A: 92.65%
Hep B: 94.12%
MMR: 82.35%
Polio: 79.41%
Varicella: 94.12%
All: 75%
Exempt: 2.9%

Limestone Elementary
DTaP: 81.82%
Hep A: 93.18%
Hep B: 95.45%
MMR: 84.09%
Polio: 81.81%
Varicella: 95.45%
All: 81.82%
No exemptions.

Pratt Elementary
DTaP: 83.61%
Hep A: 95.08%
Hep B: 96.72%
MMR: 83.61%
Polio: 85.25%
Varicella: 93.44%
All: 78.69%
Exempt: 1.6%

Garfield Elementary
DTaP: 84.06%
Hep A: 84.06%
Hep B: 94.2%
MMR: 84.06%
Polio: 86.96%
Varicella: 92.75%
All: 78.26%
Exempt: 2.9%

Northwoods Elementary
DTaP: 96.39%
Hep A: 96.39%
Hep B: 96.39%
MMR: 96.39%
Polio: 96.39%
Varicella: 96.39%
All: 96.39%
Exempt: 3.6%

Keystone Elementary
DTaP: 83.87%
Hep A: 90.32%
Hep B: 90.32%
MMR: 83.87%
Polio: 83.87%
Varicella: 93.55%
All: 83.87%
Exempt: 6.5%

Anderson Elementary
DTaP: 72.73%
Hep A: 95.45%
Hep B: 97.73%
MMR: 72.73%
Polio: 70.45%
Varicella: 97.73%
All: 68.18%
Exempt: 4.5%

Bill Knight Auto to partner with Sand Springs Education Foundation in annual $8000 fundraiser

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Bill Knight Lincoln presents an $8,000 check to the Angus Valley Elementary students in 2017.

Bill Knight Auto will be partnering with the Sand Springs Education Foundation for the Sixth Annual “Driven to Give Day,” Saturday, September 14th in the Charles Page High School parking lot.

From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the dealership will be set up in the high school parking lot to offer test drives of the latest fleet of brand new Lincoln automobiles.

Participants, 18 years or older, can come and test drive a new Lincoln. For each test drive, the SSEF will receive $20. Participants are asked to fill out some basic information before the drive and immediately after the drive to complete the process and help secure the donation. NO obligation, NO sales, NO return contact unless the participant agrees.

The fundraiser caps at $8,000. That money helps the Education Foundation with annual scholarships for CPHS students, and for grants to Sand Springs Public Schools teachers. For each person who test drives a car, a teacher’s name will be entered into a drawing for two chances at $500 for classroom supplies.

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Sand Springs City Council appoints former State Senator Nancy Riley to fill vacant seat

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Nancy and Jerry Riley, Courtesy photo.

The Sand Springs City Council held its first-ever meeting at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center Monday evening. During the meeting Council unanimously voted to appoint Nancy Riley to fill a vacant seat in their ranks.

Vice-Mayor Patty Dixon nominated Riley to fill the Ward 4 seat vacated by Christine Hamner, who recently moved outside of the Ward. Council had the option to either hold a general election, or appoint an applicant to finish the remainder of Hamner’s term. With the term set to expire in March of 2020, Council opted to take applications rather than spend the money to hold two general elections in a six-month period.

Riley is a former State Senator representing Senate District 37 from 2001 to 2009. She won the office twice as a Republican but switched affiliation to the Democratic Party in 2007. In 2006 she ran for Lieutenant Governor and received 23% of the vote. In 2014 she ran for the nonpartisan Ward 4 seat against John Fothergill and Terry Scott. She won the three-way race with 41%, but lost in a runoff against Fothergill with 38%. Riley ran again in 2017 against Hamner and lost 67 votes to 54. She currently serves on the Sand Springs Board of Adjustment.

Riley is a Tulsa transplant, graduating from Edison High School before attending Oklahoma Christian College and Langston University. Prior to running for office she taught at the elementary level in the Tulsa Public School system for more than a decade. She is married to Jerry Riley and has lived in Sand Springs for thirty years.

In a 2017 letter to Sandite Pride News, Riley said, “with 30 years of residency, I have also watched other cities grow and prosper in ways Sand Springs had not. It is my desire to work with our city in its development to benefit its citizens. We have several unique opportunities ahead due to diligent service of numerous Sandites that I want to be part of. It is my aim to look for ways to expand this growth through cooperation of Federal, State and County governments, without increasing the financial burdens to Sand Springs.”

Also applying for the position was Parks Advisory Board member Rick Barnett. Because Sand Springs follows Robert’s Rules of Order, they did not vote between the two candidates. Whichever candidate were to be nominated first would have to be voted on before the next applicant could be nominated.

In Other News:

Council unanimously voted to accept a water line easement granted from the Sand Springs Home. The City will be installing 161 linear feet of new 12-inch water line across the parking lot of the Sand Springs Home property at the corner of 21st Street and Adams Road, which will require an easement. In exchange for the easement, the City will also remove and replace approximately 300 square yards of deteriorated asphalt pavement located along the water line route and will install 25 feet of concrete flume to eliminate a ponding area in the parking lot.

Council unanimously voted to approve final acceptance of the public improvements to the Rivercrest subdivision on East 32nd Street between 113th West Avenue and Highway 97. The 14-lot subdivision has recently completed construction of public water, sanitary sewer, paving, and drainage improvements for the future housing development.

Council unanimously approved a one-year extension to an agreement between the Sand Springs Police Department and the Sand Springs Public School District. The Department provides a School Resource Officer to the District at a cost of $37,014.00. That price tag is estimated to be about half the cost of providing the officer. The Department covers the other half.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of a compact excavator with attachments and trailers for the Water Maintenance and Operations Department. The Yanmar Vio55-6 device and accessories will be purchased from DitchWitch of Tulsa for $78,200. The trailers will be purchased from DitchWitch for $55,500.

Council unanimously approved the replacement of a water treatment flow control valve. The valve in need of replacement supplies raw water to the City’s Water Treatment Plant and was installed in 1992. The City will purchase a B5 valve from H*E Engineered Equipment Company for $83,941.00

Council unanimously voted to update an existing interlocal agreement with the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum. The City previously provided funds for a single part-time employee, but will now assume responsibility for all employees. The funding amount will not exceed $10,103 per fiscal year.

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Planned site of a new five-lot development.

Council unanimously voted to adopt a Planned Unit Development overlay for a residential single-family district with five lots on the northeast corner of 6th Street and Industrial Avenue in the Sunrise Second Addition. The ordinance will reconfigure three existing lots to run north to south, as opposed to east to west, in order to fit two additional homes. The houses will face 6th Street, which doesn’t currently have sidewalks. They will all include two-car garages with driveways, and will be listed at approximately $100,000 per home.

Two citizens spoke in opposition to the development. Both raised concern regarding the amount of vehicles that will be added to the neighborhood through five additional homes, and the traffic it could create.

Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1341, amending the City Zoning Code to put into place minimum architectural standards regarding what types of metal siding and finishing materials would be allowed in various zoning districts.

Council unanimously voted to detach a property located on the corner of Highway 97 and Pond Drive. The property was annexed by the City by request of the property owner at their May 20th meeting. The property was previously being considered by developers for a potential Dollar General location. Since that deal fell through, the property owner wanted to return the land to its original Osage County jurisdiction.

Council unanimously voted to approve the purchase of a Pierce Velocity Pumper at a price of $700,538.98 from Conrad Fire Equipment.

Council unanimously voted to extend its existing contract with EMSA for emergency medical services at a price of $261,708.

Following the City Council meeting, the Municipal Authority meeting convened.

Trustees unanimously approved a two-year extension to a contract with Covanta for recovery of energy derived from disposal of solid waste collections.

Trustees unanimously approved a resolution authorizing certain improvements at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge Golf Course and Clubhouse. The entire clubhouse will undergo extensive remodeling, and improvements will be made to the course greens, tee-boxes, sand bunkers, and pathways. The project will go to bid in October and the course/clubhouse will be fully closed from December through July. Projected expenses are $1 million for the course and $1.05 million for the clubhouse.

2019 Meet the Sandites Photo Gallery

Charles Page High School held its annual Meet the Sandites event Thursday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The event recognizes fall athletics like Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Softball, Cheer, and Dance, as well as Band and Color Guard.

Hosted by the Sandite Quarterback Club in conjunction with Sand Springs Youth Football & Cheer, the event allows every single youth football, cheer, and dance team from elementary on up to run through the tunnel and storm the field.

The Church That Matters Tailgate Crew held their first tailgate party of the season prior to the event. The church grills hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and more prior to every home football game. Each week a different athletic program is selected as the fundraiser recipient. The Sandite Basketball teams raised more than $1,700.

Click here to view our full 2019 Meet the Sandites photo gallery on SmugMug.

by Scott Emigh

Phoenix Academic Center opens in Sand Springs at former Moriah Christian building

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The Phoenix Academic Center will soon be opening its doors for its first school year in Sand Springs. Previously known as Cornerstone Tutorial Center, the home-school resource recently relocated from Tulsa to the site of the former Moriah Christian Academy at 680 East 41st Street.

The school was founded in 1990 and was previously located at Eastwood Baptist Church in the 11th and Mingo area. Along with the move, the school is also changing up the curriculum and rebranding.

The school offers a-la-carte classes for parents who struggle with teaching certain subjects, as well full course loads. Preschool and early elementary students can attend five days a week, with the option for parents to attend with them and collaborate with the teacher.

The school focuses on STEAM-based curriculum, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. They also will be offering basic life skills classes such as car maintenance and financial literacy. Those workshops will be held on Saturdays and open to the public.

The school will also offer a study hall and tutor to help students with homework between classes.

“It’s not a six hours a day, five days a week thing,” says Head Administrator Angela Leasman. “You can get so much more done as a homeschooling parent. My kids would have all their required work done by noon if they got up early, and they could sit in their pajamas to do it.”

Leasman has one child still in the system and her two oldest children are now teachers at the school. She also had grandchildren and cousins in the school. She joined the school as a parent volunteer four years ago and has since taken the reigns of the organization.

The Phoenix Board of Directors maintains Christian values, but is nondenominational and doesn’t require its students to be religious, nor do the teachers preach religion in class. “We accept everybody as long as they understand we are faith-based,” says Leasman. “I want everyone to be aware of (our faith) but I want them to also understand that we don’t expect them to believe what we believe.”

The school will be holding an Open House Saturday, August 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Parents are invited to tour the school, meet the teachers, and fill out an application. The school isn’t too restrictive, but requires an interview process to make sure that the school is a good fit for each kid. “We don’t want anybody to enroll and then regret it later,” says Leasman. She also plans on inviting some other local home school groups to the event. “We all offer different things. There’s really no competition.”

Clyde Boyd Middle School bans cell phones to increase student engagement

The Sand Springs Public School district approved a new policy this summer, banning the use of cellular phones and other electronic devices at Clyde Boyd Middle School and the Sixth Grade Center during school hours.

“In an effort to increase student engagement, enhance student learning, and decrease cyberbullying; CBMS/SGC is implementing a new SSPS Board of Education approved Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy this year,” reads an announcement put forth by the district.

“Students are not allowed to possess cellular phones or electronic devices during school hours. Cellular phones and electronic devices are to be kept in the student’s locked locker between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Students may check text messages between passing periods, but phone calls, videoing, taking pictures and listening to music will not be permitted. The school is not responsible for theft or damage of any of these items brought to school or activities.

“This policy will be enforced starting the first day of school, Tuesday, August 20. With this in mind, we are implementing the following procedure:

• Every student will have an assigned locker. Students are responsible for bringing their own combination lock.

• Students will get their assigned locker numbers during schedule pick up. Their locker number will be listed on their schedule.

• Please bring combination locks during schedule pick up August 13: 9-11 AM; 1-3 PM; or 4-6 PM. You may put your lock on your locker at this time. Students will be required to provide their combination to their 5th hour teacher on the first day of school. The 5th hour teachers will review the new policy and procedures with the students at this time.

• If your child does not have a lock on their locker and they bring their phone or electronic device to school, they will be required to leave it in the office during the school day.

• The consequences for not following this policy are detailed in the CBMS/SGC Student Handbook Addendum which can be found on the school website under Parent/Student Documents. Consequences will be implemented starting Monday, August 26, 2019.

“Thank you for your support in our efforts to improve your child’s educational experience.

Sincerely,
CBMS/SGC Administration”

Seven exciting events planned for this weekend in Sand Springs

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It’s shaping up to be a busy weekend in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Several community events are planned for the August 10-11 weekend, including hiking, shopping, entertainment, and charitable giving.

Sandite Lift-a-Thon
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
CPHS Veterans Memorial Stadium
600 North Adams Road

The Charles Page High School Football and Baseball teams will be competing in the annual Sandite Lift-a-Thon Saturday, August 10th. The two teams will participate in an NFL-style combine from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and this year it’ll be open to the public.

The players have been busy collecting donation pledges, and on Saturday they’ll try to max out both their donations and their reps. They will be competing in bench press, squat, and clean lift.

The football team’s locker room will be open for tours, there will be food trucks, inflatables, and more. The junior high dance teams will be serving up breakfasts of either pancakes or biscuits and gravy.

Open Hike Day
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Keystone Ancient Forest
160 Ancient Forest Drive

The City’s largest park will be open to hikers. The 1,380 acre forest is only open during staffed Saturday hours in order to preserve its natural beauty and cleanliness. The park is home to 300-year-old post oaks and 500-year-old cedars as well as numerous wildlife. It has been relatively unaltered since the time it was first journaled about by famed Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving during an 1832 exploratory expedition. The park includes a 0.6-mile ADA-compliant paved trail, as well as several miles of intermediate hiking trails.

Love Your Neighbor Free Furniture and Appliance Swap Meet
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
WEBCO Star Center - West Entrance
13701 West Highway 51

From 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. individuals with furniture and appliances in good working condition will be able to drop off donations for victims of the historic summer flooding that devastated the community this May.

Accepted items include: tables, chairs, sofas, loveseats, living room chairs, night stands, flatscreen televisions, bed frames and head/foot boards, microwaves, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. Mattresses and box springs will not be accepted.

Flood victims will be able to come pick out items from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Photo ID and proof of residence in an affected flood area will be required. Only one person per household/address will be allowed to claim items. Each household will receive two tickets to choose two items they are most in need of, while supplies last. Delivery help will be available within two miles of Webco.

Summer’s End Market
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Shops on Adams Road, Suite 510
510 Plaza Court

Located inside the former Sand Springs Beauty College storefront, this free-admission showcase will feature numerous vendors of arts and crafts, skin care products, hand crafted kitchen items, jewelry, boutique clothing and decor, and numerous other items. This annual event is a great opportunity to get a jump-start on Christmas shopping.

Osage County Republican Party Town Hall meeting
Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Elks Lodge #2553
546 West Imperial Boulevard

The Osage County Republican Party will be hosting a town hall meeting at the Elks Lodge Saturday, August 10th in Sand Springs. The general public is invited to hear updates from elected officials and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Former State Senator Eddie Fields, County Sheriff Eddie Virden, County Assessor Ed Quinton, District 10 Senator Bill Coleman, District 1 County Commissioner Randall Jones, District 35 Representative Ty Burns, and District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan have all confirmed that they will be present and speaking at the event.

Speakers will address the 2018-2019 Legislative Session, the Oklahoma government under Governor Kevin Stitt, upcoming County Commissioner projects, and more. They will also answer questions on property taxes and criminal activity in the county.

Young Mrs. International Aiya Attaway Kelley, a former candidate for State Senate, will be performing the National Anthem prior to the meeting.

Tea, coffee, and cookies will be provided at no cost. The Elks Lodge will also have pulled pork sandwiches with beans, cornbread, and chips for purchase. Voter registration cards will also be available.

Flood Victim Bicycle Giveaway
Sunday 11:00 a.m.
Church That Matters
3 West 41st Street

Church That Matters will be holding a brief Sunday service for victims of the historic Arkansas River flooding earlier this summer, and will be giving away 150 children’s bicycles. Families must bring an ID and utility bill proving that they live in an afflicted flood zone. Free bicycles will be limited to one per child (ages 2-12) in attendance. The child must be present to receive the bike. There will be a short 20-minute program for the kids and their parent/guardian at 11:00 sharp, followed by the giveaway.

Families must attend the service to receive the bicycles, with one exception. Families who already have a home church will be allowed to visit Church That Matters Monday, August 12th through Wednesday, August 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and must bring their church’s program or bulletin to prove they were in a church service during the 11:00 a.m. time-frame.

Back 2 School Bash
Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tulsa Tech
924 East Charles Page Boulevard

The Sand Springs Local Church Network will be holding its annual Back 2 School Bash Sunday, August 11th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Tech Sand Springs campus.

The event will feature inflatables, free hot dogs, and Sandlot Sno Balls, as well as numerous back-to-school necessities.

Volunteers will be providing free backpacks and school supplies, haircuts, dental checkups, eye exams, physicals, and more.

Free Back to School Bash Sunday at Tulsa Tech - Sand Springs

The Sand Springs Local Church Network will be holding its annual Back 2 School Bash Sunday, August 11th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Tech Sand Springs campus.

The event will feature inflatables, free hot dogs, and Sandlot Sno Balls, as well as numerous back-to-school necessities.

Volunteers will be providing free backpacks and school supplies, haircuts, dental checkups, eye exams, physicals, and more.

Tulsa Tech is located at 924 East Charles Page Boulevard.

Sand Springs Board of Education recognizes local churches for community contribution

The Sand Springs Board of Education handed out a series of Sandite Pacesetter Awards to local religious leaders for their involvement in the school district and community volunteerism.

The Sand Springs Local Church Network recently held its annual Back 2 School Bash with free haircuts, medical evaluations, school supplies, and more for local students. The churches also frequently donate supplies to the schools, water, gatorade, and snacks to the athletic teams, and even hold service days where they paint, remodel, and clean up the schools.

Receiving awards were:

• Nathan Woodmansee, Director of Sand Springs Community Services.

• Rusty Gunn, Lead Pastor at Church That Matters.

• The Stronghold church.

• Scott French, Lead Pastor at Solace Church.

• Jared Jackson, Student Pastor at Angus Church.

• Todd Nance, Lead Pastor at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

• Paul Ozburn, Lead Pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

• Linda Scott, Administrator at Reach Church.

• Matt Barnett, Student Pastor at HillSpring Church.

• Jason Chambers, Student Pastor at CrossPoint Church.

Also recognized was Jay Rotert, who was presented the Pacesetter Award for his efforts to make the Sandite Virtual Academy a highly respected and successful program.

Sandite Football and Baseball teams to compete in weightlifting competition

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The Charles Page High School Football and Baseball teams will be competing in the annual Sandite Lift-a-Thon Saturday, August 10th. The two teams will participate in an NFL-style combine from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and this year it’ll be open to the public.

The players have been busy collecting donation pledges, and on Saturday they’ll try to max out both their donations and their reps. They will be competing in bench press, squat, and clean lift.

The football team’s locker room will be open for tours, there will be food trucks, inflatables, and more. The junior high dance teams will be serving up breakfasts of either pancakes or biscuits and gravy.

The event was originally scheduled for August 3rd, but was postponed a week due to impending weather.

Organization looking for local families to host foreign exchange students

The Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) is looking to place several international students in the Sand Springs area for the coming school year, and is currently in search of host families.

All exchange students are between the ages of 15-18 and have appropriate visas, medical insurance, and their own spending money. Host parents are responsible for providing meals and transportation, a bedroom and a bed, and an appropriate place to study. Exchange students are allowed to share rooms with children of the same gender, within four years of age. Host parents must be at least 25 years old.

How long you host your student is up to you. Programs include two weeks, one semester, or one academic year. Local Coordinators are available to answer questions, help match students to the perfect home, and advise you throughout the process.

While students are in America they will work on community service projects. Depending on the length of their stay they will also either attend your local high school, or work in an internship program. Hosting an exchange student is an exciting opportunity to share your lifestyle with someone from across the globe, and to expose your family to another country’s culture.

Some of the students currently looking for placement include:

• Lorenzo, a 16-year-old German boy who is a big fan of American Football and enjoys hiking, politics, history, English, and geography.

• Erdemkhishig, a 16-year-old Mongolian girl who is interested in exploring new cuisines and enjoys exercise, movies, photography, and vlogging. She wants to be placed in a home where she can attend weekly Christian church services.

• Jakub, a 17-year-old Polish boy who likes soccer and basketball, enjoys watching movies, plays piano, is interested in economics, music, and fashion.

The Portland-based international nonprofit has been placing exchange students across the globe for more than seventy years. Go to www.ciee.org/hostapply to fill out your application today.