CELEBRATE READ ACROSS AMERICA MARCH 3-7
RAISING THE BAR: TECHNOLOGY @ BAPS
BAPAC SPOTLIGHT SERIES BROADWAY BOUND
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | VOLUME 39, ISSUE FOUR | MID-WINTER 2014
Publisher Communications Department Broken Arrow Public Schools Editing/Content Tara Thompson Public Information Officer Layout/Design/Photography Adam J. Foreman Graphic Artist/Publications Specialist Content Christina Dixon Communications & Community Relations Coordinator Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Board of Education Cheryl Kelly, President Steve Allen, Vice President Jerry Denton, Clerk Steve Majors, Deputy Clerk Dr. Theresa Williamson, Member The ARROWPOINT is published six times a year by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is distributed to approximately 45,000 households in the Broken Arrow school district. The ARROWPOINT is printed at Printed Products, Inc., and is the official communication tool for parents, students, staff and patrons of Broken Arrow Public Schools. Any information, content and photos contained herein are property of Broken Arrow Schools and are to be used by outside sources only with permission of the Communications Department. All contents are copyrighted. Broken Arrow Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or age in its employment, programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following people within the District have been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination issues and concerns: • The Chief Human Resources Officer, Ed Fager, should be contacted for all non-student and/or employment related issues at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • The Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Amy Fichtner, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, at 918259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • The Director of Special Education, Carol Gruben, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • The Assistant Athletic Director, Melenda Knight, should be contacted for all student issues related to Title IX, of the Education Amendments of 1972, at 918-259-4310 or at 1901 E. Albany, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • The Chief Operating Officer, Michelle Bergwall, should be contacted for issues related to accessibility to facilities, services and activities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; • Inquiries concerning non-discrimination can also be made to the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The contact information for the Kansas City Enforcement Office is: Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education One Petticoat Lane 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320 Kansas City, MO 64106; Telephone: (816) 268-0550; TTY: (877) 521-2172; Facsimile: (816) 823-1404; Email: OCR.KansasCity@ ed.gov.
CONTENTS
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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOLUME 39, ISSUE 4 | MID-WINTER 2014
A few words from the desk of Dr. Jarod Mendenhall
READ ACROSS AMERICA Students and staff get into the spirit of reading while honoring the legacy of Dr. Seuss
BIG GRANT, BIG LEARNING Teachers using the STEM curriculum will receive summer training for prosperous program
RAISING THE BAR: TECHNOLOGY
BAPS is well ahead of the curve when it comes to the implementation of new technologies in the classroom
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BOARD Q&A: CHERYL KELLY Longtime Board of Education member sees great things for the future of Broken Arrow schools
FINANCE: BY THE NUMBERS A simple guide to understanding funding in public education
BAPAC SPOTLIGHT SERIES 2014 The entertaining fifth season of the Performing Arts Center comes to a close with two energetic Broadway shows
BA IS CARNEGIE BOUND Students are still raising funds for a once in a lifetime trip to New York City and a performance at Carnegie Hall
ON THE COVER: STUDENTS CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL MAIN BUILDING.
.D. denhall, Ed Jarod Men ls t of Schoo Superintenden
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STUDENTS, STAFF GEAR UP FOR READ ACROSS AMERICA
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roken Arrow students, staff and citizens are preparing for this year’s Read Across America event, which is a time to focus on reading and remember one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time. Dr. Seuss was born on March 2, 1904, and to commemorate this author and his many timeless characters, the Read Across America event takes place on or around his birthday each year. This year, Read Across America will be celebrated March 3-7. The event is sponsored by the National Education Association, and locally, the Broken Arrow Education Association plays an important role in organizing activities. Every day during Read Across America week, students of all ages will be engaging in fun activities that promote the importance of reading and also demonstrate why reading can be fun. In Broken Arrow, a committee of teachers, administrators and volunteers is working hard to make sure this year’s event has
something for everyone. “From guest readers and family literacy nights to library card drives and character visits, there is no shortage of activities planned for this year’s Read Across America,” said event chair Greer Nichols, a fifth grade teacher at Vandever Elementary. “We want people of all ages to become involved, because you never know who will most inspire a student to fall in love with reading.” Throughout the district, Nichols is known for his portrayal of one of Dr. Seuss’s most famous characters – The Cat in the Hat. Joined by Sam I Am and Thing 1 and Thing 2, The Cat in the Hat will travel in the Cat-a-Van to visit all four Pre-K programs on Friday of Read Across America Week. But the four-year-olds aren’t the only ones who will be celebrating. Older students will engage in dress up days depicting their favorite characters, the Child Nutrition department will be offering some special items – green eggs and ham – on the menu, and a number of author visits are scheduled to take place throughout the week. “We have multiple student athletes and art students who are volunteering to serve as guest readers in classrooms throughout the district,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Chuck Perry. “The faces of the elementary students just light up when an upperclassmen walks in their classroom, and the older students also walk away enriched from the experience.” The community is encouraged to join the celebration by
volunteering as a guest reader at any of the district’s 14 elementary schools or three Early Childhood Centers. If volunteers want to read in a specific classroom, they are welcome to contact the teacher directly. Those volunteers willing to serve at any site should contact Nichols at gnichols@baschools.org or 918259-4490 to receive a classroom assignment. In an effort to get the entire city involved in Read Across America, the Broken Arrow mayor has agreed to pass a proclamation in which all citizens are encouraged to stop their daily routine and take the time to read with a child on Monday, March 3. “Reading is a catalyst for our students’ future academic success and their ability to compete in a global economy,” said Broken Arrow Mayor Craig Thurmond. “By joining in the celebration of Read Across America, this is one very simple way members of the community can actively invest in the education of our youth.” Aside from the numerous district activities, each school site will be communicating with parents about the events and activities that will be specific to their site. Family Literacy Nights are planned at the Early Childhood Centers, and these events will provide families with resources and tips for helping their children develop a love of reading. The Tulsa City-County Library has arranged for special appearances by Buddy the Bookworm at Broken Arrow elementaries, and the library is also helping district officials coordinate a drive. “Reading is the most important skill we can teach our students, but we have to go about teaching that skill in fun and creative ways,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “When students see upperclassmen, their parents, friends, neighbors and community leaders taking time to focus on reading, I think that sends a powerful message that reinforces the work our teachers are doing in the classroom.”
IN THE C LA SSROOM
STEMulating A generous grant assists in summer training for STEM teachers throughout the district
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school districts to provide resources that help teachers become familiar with newly-adopted science standards. It will also focus on ways to incorporate STEM into crosscurricular lesson plans. At the end of the summer STEMulating Teaching Institute, 21 secondary teachers, seven from Broken Arrow, seven from Jenks and seven from Owasso, will leave with 70 interdisciplinary classroom activities, three hours of graduate credit and materials to assist and improve instruction. “This is a training that will have a wonderful ripple effect,” Weingartner said. “The 21 teachers trained in the summer will be required to collaborate with a total of four teachers from their district. Eighty four secondary teachers, each teaching a minimum of 125 kids a day, may potentially affect over 10,000 students in northeastern Oklahoma.” Broken Arrow is one of only seven districts to receive this STEM training grant and is the only district in eastern Oklahoma. “Our district currently has STEM programs at Rhoades and Arrowhead Elementaries, and we plan to expand in other schools throughout the district,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, Superintendent for Broken Arrow Public Schools. “The realm of science, technology, engineering and mathematics is one of the economy’s fastest growing career sectors, and we need to focus on making sure students not only experience learning in these areas, but also have opportunities to specialize their studies as they progress.”
SEE MORE facebook.com/STEMClass
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roken Arrow Public Schools Secondary instructional specialists Kerry Weingartner and Rebecca Morales recently submitted a proposal for a Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) grant. Thanks to their efforts, Broken Arrow Public Schools was awarded a $146,985.01 MSP grant. This grant will fund a summer workshop entitled “STEMulating Teaching!” to assist science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers in their classrooms. “The design of our professional development is to promote interdisciplinary collaboration,” Morales said. “The objective of this workshop is to give Oklahoma’s teachers and students what they deserve - the best” The grant is awarded through the State Department of Education and “is intended to increase the academic achievement of students in mathematics and science by enhancing the content knowledge and teaching skills of classroom teachers,” according to the Department of Education website. Through this grant, Broken Arrow Public Schools has partnered with the University of Tulsa, and the Jenks and Owasso
“I think students can be effectively engaged when a teacher uses digital tools in the classroom because it’s
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more relevant to those students’ lives.” Drew Robinson, Broken Arrow High School
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BAPS stays on track with new state-of-the-art technologies BBC and more. “Teachers can quickly locate resources, even a partial segment, to create powerful digital lessons that target a specific topic,” she said. “SAFARI’s simplistic interface provides fantastic tools for sparking creativity without intimidating teachers who may be uncomfortable with technology.” The district plans to eventually implement phase two of SAFARI, which includes the ability for staff to upload their own content to create a customized digital lesson to use and share with others. Along with classroom capabilities, the district also plans to use SAFARI to control digital signage throughout school common areas, displaying important school announcements, events and BATV programs. Another technology-based tool being utilized is eBackpack, implemented last September for ninth through 12th grade classrooms. It will be applied to middle school classrooms this fall. “I think students can be effectively engaged when a teacher uses digital tools in the classroom because it’s more relevant to those students’ lives,” said Drew Robinson, Broken Arrow High School computer science teacher. “Since our students are surrounded by technology, it only makes sense to use it in the classroom.” eBackpack provides teachers with a simple way to distribute instructions, assignments and handouts to their students via any internet-connected device. Students can view and complete assignments, as well as discuss and collaborate with other classmates in a secure environment. Synced with BAPS’ web-based student information system, Chancery SMS and
PowerTeacher Gradebook, eBackpack is upto-date with the latest student information and allows for grades to be seamlessly transferred. “I really enjoy having a digital way to communicate with my students – they can be anywhere, school, home, etc., and they can access eBackpack,” Robinson said. “Plus, I’m really big on reducing the paper usage in my class, and with eBackpack, it’s possible to go paperless and be green.” The most recent application, Schoolnet, will be introduced this spring. This instructional management system enables educators to make informative decisions based on student data. It allows for the distribution of a standards-based curriculum with activities, lesson plans and other suggested materials that enhance learning. “Schoolnet will be the ‘go-to’ software to reference data, resources and educational assessments all in one place,” Vento said. Designed to pull from numerous databases, Schoolnet carefully tracks the performance and academic achievement of students, allowing teachers to differentiate instruction based on strengths and weaknesses on a dayto-day basis. “The district’s challenge is to bring these technology resources to our staff and students without overwhelming them with their already full schedule and fast paced environment,” she said. “Our hope is that these tools, as they are implemented in phases to our district, will modernize our classrooms.” For more information or questions regarding these technologies, please email Kim Vento at kvento@baschools.org or Brian Daley at bdaley@baschools.org.
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roken Arrow Public Schools strives to provide teachers and students with state-of-the-art technology resources that generate an interactive classroom, promote engaging curriculum and increase student achievement. This year, three instructional technology-based initiatives, including SAFARI Montage™, eBackpack® and Schoolnet®, were implemented to facilitate learning and creativity through the use of technology. “It is our duty, as a district, to offer our teachers and students user-friendly technology tools that are readily available at their fingertips,” said Kim Vento, BAPS Assistant Director of Instructional Technology Integration. “By utilizing each of these newly implemented technologies, teachers can transform their classrooms into a 21st Century way of teaching and learning, benefiting students as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.” The first phase of SAFARI Montage was introduced last February. This premiere multi-media teaching tool gives educators access to a content bank of more than 20,000 ready-to-use digital media resources, including full-length videos, high-quality images, audio files, e-books and website tools. “The expenditure to purchase all of these resources individually would be cost prohibitive,” Vento said. “With SAFARI, we are able to give teachers access to these powerful resources, and we do so in a fiscally responsible way.” The program offers preloaded visual and digital media from leading educational video publishers, including Schlessinger Media, PBS, The History Channel, National Geographic, Scholastic, Disney Education,
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“The fact that the community has given me the opportunity to serve the past five years has been a tremendous honor, and it is one I have not taken lightly. I am committed Newly re-elected Board member to the mission of Cheryl Kelly answers a few questions Broken Arrow Public Schools – educating today, leading tomorrow – and now that I have been given a second term, I will continue lending my support to this mission.”
Q&A TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. I am a product of Oklahoma Public Schools and received my undergraduate, graduate degree and administrative certification from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. I was employed for 30 years by the Broken Arrow School District. During that time, I taught at every level of K-12 and served as Director of Professional Development. I’ve been a Broken Arrow resident for 36 years, and I come from a family of educators.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR A SECOND TERM ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION? During my first term, the Board of Education, administrators, employees and community leaders developed a Strategic Plan, mission and vision that were adopted in January 2012 by the Board. It is reviewed yearly and guides future district decisions. During my second term, I will continue to work with stakeholders to improve the district and guide implementation of the district’s Strategic Plan.
-Cheryl Kelly
WHAT ABOUT YOUR ROLE IS MOST EXCITING TO YOU, AND WHAT CONCERNS YOU? It is exciting to work with district leaders and the community to bring about greater opportunities that will engage students to be successful in college or their careers in the 21st Century. Since the 2009 bond issue was passed by patrons, students have access to better and more equitable learning facilities. As a board member, our primary focus is our students and decisions to upgrade technology and build new facilities enhance opportunities for student learning
throughout the district. Since 2007-08, Broken Arrow Public Schools has lost significant state aide. However, the student numbers continue to increase, which means the district is educating more students with less funding. We have great leadership in our community, and I am committed to working with them and our state leaders to address public education funding. IN WHAT AREA DOES THE DISTRICT EXCEL AND IN WHAT AREAS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IMPROVEMENTS? The Broken Arrow School District has increased stakeholder processes using data to drive decisions that are beneficial to student learning. For years, the Broken Arrow School District has been a leader in providing fine arts to our students at the elementary and secondary level. As a result, BAPS is a leader in fine arts for the region, state and nation. Historically the Broken Arrow Public Schools has had a number of National Merit Finalists awarded at Broken Arrow High School. The district is currently working to increase the percentage of National Merit Finalists. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT DUTY AS A BOARD MEMBER? As a board member, our decisions must always keep our students first. Providing academic opportunity and excellence in a supportive learning environment is essential for our children.
NUMBERS GAME When it comes to state funding for common education, a grey area may exist for many. By taking the time to read through these frequently asked questions, patrons will gain a better understanding about Broken Arrow Public Schools’ revenue funds, expenses, budgets and more. How much funding does education receive from the state budget?
School districts receive the bulk of their funding from state sources and local property taxes, and 50 percent of the state’s budget goes to education. However, common education – grades pre-k through 12 – receives 34 percent of the state budget, while higher education and technical schools receive 16 percent. This 34 percent is the lowest percentage that common education has received in recent history.
From where do public school districts receive the bulk of their monies?
How does Oklahoma compare to other states?
Oklahoma has made some of the largest cuts to education. Oklahoma is ranked 49th in per pupil funding, which is the amount of state aid school districts receive for each student. Per pupil funding has been on the decline since 2008. State aid has dropped $220 million since 2008, while enrollment has increased by more than 30,000. Climbing enrollment combined with a flat budget equates to a reduction in per pupil funding. Oklahoma is currently spending $706 less per student as compared to what was spent in 2008.
How does Broken Public Schools budget and allocate their funds?
While, roughly 60 percent of Broken Arrow’s General Fund is spent on instructional items such as teacher salaries, textbooks and classroom materials, there is an additional 17 percent for student support services such as counselors, nurses and student transportation. Maintenance expenses such as repair and replacement of facilities account for 8 percent of the budget as do student support services
State Sources (17%)
Federal (6%)
State Aid (43%)
Ad Valorem (26%) Intermediate Sources (4%)
such as the salaries and expenses of counselors and media specialists. District administration is approximately 2 percent of the operating budget. For a complete breakdown of expenses, visit baschools. org to download the annual report.
Are Bond Funds important to a school district?
Bond issues are critical for providing facilities and technology needed to support district growth. These funds are used for new school construction, other building construction, additions, renovations and classroom equipment. Bond Funds are used to account for the spending of district bond issues, once the issue has been approved by voters. The General Fund cannot be used to pay for these “brick and mortar” expenditures, just as Bond Funds cannot be used to pay salaries.
Do income tax cuts affect school districts?
Yes. Part of public education funding comes from the general collection of all taxes including income taxes. There are multiple pieces of legislation, some already in place and some still being discussed, which create income tax cut triggers. The principle of these triggers is that growth in revenue at the state
Local & Other Sources (4%)
level triggers an income tax reduction. The last decade has seen these sorts of tax breaks enacted in Oklahoma, and while individuals may pay less income tax or receive a small rebate check, the collective impact of these cuts is a loss to state collections, reducing the amount of funds available for common education. That loss of revenue is never regained.
My property tax went up, so doesn’t that mean the district gets more money?
In an effort to equalize funding for all students in Oklahoma, the state aid formula includes what are called chargeables. Property tax is one of the chargeables in the formula. Therefore, if local property values and subsequent taxes increase, the state’s portion of the per pupil amount decreases. Example: per pupil allocation is currently $3,043.20. Assuming there is a 50/50 split, the state pays $1,521.60 and local collections equal $1,521.60. If local collections increase by $100 to $1,621.60, the state’s portion decreases to $1,421.60. Do you have additional questions regarding state funding? For more information and statistics, please visit the financial section of baschools.org or call 918-259-5700.
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The major funding sources for public schools, like Broken Arrow, include state aid, various state and federal grants and ad valorem taxes, which is a tax based on the value of real estate or personal property. The district also receives revenue from mortgage tax collections, motor vehicle collections, interest revenue and facility rental.
BAPS REVENUE
“BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL” February 18, 2014
Broadway SPOTLIGHT BAPAC season closes out with ‘Bring It On,’ ‘Memphis’
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“MEMPHIS” April 22, 2014
o celebrate five years of bringing winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including world-class entertainment to the Best Musical, “Memphis” bursts off the stage Rose District, the Broken Arrow with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and Performing Arts Center closes out its fifth a thrilling tale of fame and love. Inspired by anniversary Spotlight Series season with actual events, “Memphis” is about a radio disc two of Broadway’s biggest shows, including jockey who wants to change the world and a the Oklahoma debut of “Bring It On: The club singer who is ready for her big break. Musical” on Feb. 18 and Tony-Award® This energetic musical is filled with laughter, winning Best Musical soaring emotion and “Memphis” on April 22. roof-raising rock THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES “Thinking about ‘n’ roll. It features a the pure talent that Tony-winning book has graced our stage by Joe DiPietro and a “Bring It On: The Musical” is surreal,” BAPAC Tony-winning original Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014 Executive Director score with music by 7:30 p.m. (Ages 13 and up) Mark Frie said. “Since Bon Jovi’s founding day one, our mission at member, David Bryan. “Memphis”- Tony Winner the BAPAC has been Tickets for both Tuesday, April 22, 2014 to bring the world to shows range from $20 7:30 p.m. (Ages 13 and up) Broken Arrow, and I to $60 and are available think we are doing just Monday through Tickets start at $20! that with these two elite Friday 10 a.m. to 5 Box office: M-F, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Broadway shows.” p.m. at the BAPAC box On Feb. 18 at 7:30 www.brokenarrowpac.com office located at 701 S. p.m., the BAPAC Main St. or by phone at 918.259.5778 theatre will be full of 918-259-5778. Find us on Facebook & Twitter explosive dance and “Every year, we do aerial stunts as “Bring our best to bring a wide It On: The Musical” array of entertainment to our stage, hoping presents a night sprinkled with sass. Inspired to present a little something for everyone,” by the 2000 film “Bring It On,” this musical Frie said. “It’s been an outstanding fifth will take the audience on a high-flying anniversary, and we are so thankful for the journey through friendship, forgiveness support we’ve been given throughout the and determination. It tells the story of the years from the community and our patrons.” challenges and unexpected bonds formed For more information on the Broken through the thrill of extreme competition, Arrow Performing Arts Center or other which is sure to be everything the audience programs offered at the BAPAC, please visit hoped for and nothing like they expected. brokenarrowpac.com or call 918-259-5778. April 22 brings award-winning “Memphis” Patrons can also visit the BAPAC Facebook to Broken Arrow from the underground page at facebook.com/brokenarrowpac for dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tenn. A show updates and more.
Keys to the
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Community, Chenoweth par tner to help students head to Carnegie
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YOU CAN HELP By purchasing a $20 ticket to “An Evening With Kristin Chenoweth” you are supporting Broken Arrow students. Beyond that, additional donations to help students with expenses for The Carnegie Experience can be given in other ways. Call 918.259.5754 for information or mail a check to: The Carnegie Experience Attn: Mark Frie 701 South Main Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012
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t’s been noted that the only way to get to Carnegie Hall is with practice. This old saying has become part of the legendary concert hall folklore and is a constant reminder for more than 200 Broken Arrow fine arts students who are receiving the opportunity of a lifetime—to share their talents with the world at Carnegie Hall on April 20. “To see the list of renowned performers who have graced the stages of Carnegie’s many recital halls is unfathomable,” said Mark Frie, executive director of fine arts and the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center. “This will be a truly lifechanging opportunity for our students.” Choir, band, orchestra and drama students will travel to New York for a five-day trip. Along with the performance at Carnegie Hall, students will receive the opportunity to sightsee, experience a Broadway show and enjoy a dinner cruise around New York Harbor. Between the countless hours of practicing, students are raising funds, and patrons are graciously donating money to help offset the cost of their trip. Another exciting event, “An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth,” will also raise money for students heading to the Big Apple. Broadway and Emmy-winning Broken Arrow native recently joined forces with the Broken Arrow Performing
Arts Center Foundation to establish the Kristin Chenoweth Arts and Education Fund. “I am so excited to work more closely with the theatre that bears my name in my hometown,” Chenoweth said. On March 13 at 7:30 p.m., Chenoweth will bring the region’s brightest high school and college fine arts students together for an educational master class and a concert event for the Broken Arrow community. She will be supplying students with her years of expertise as they perform and gain knowledge in front of a live audience. She is also scheduled to sing a few numbers herself. Tickets start at $20, with all proceeds benefiting the Kristin Chenoweth Arts and Education Fund. “What Kristin wants to do with our town and the PAC is nothing short of amazing,” “An Evening with Frie said. “She has such a Kristin Chenoweth” passion for helping students Concert & Master Class pursue their love of the Thursday, March 13, 2014 arts while at the same time Tickets start at $20 wanting to get surrounding brokenarrowpac.com communities involved.” When invited to perform at Carnegie, most public school productions are blended with other public schools. Such is not the case with Broken Arrow, as this will be the first Oklahoma high school to get a standalone date at Carnegie—ever. “We, in Broken Arrow, have always gone above and beyond to show the importance of fine arts in education and this golden moment will showcase how dedicated our students are to their craft,” Frie said. To help these students reach their New York destination, members of the community are being asked to lend their support to the cause. “The Keys to the City campaign gives patrons the option to donate increments of money, no matter how big or small, to assist our students in getting to New York,” Frie said. “Every little bit will help give our students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talents at the legendary Carnegie Hall.” To download the Keys to the City pledge card, please visit www.baschools.org. If you have questions, please contact Frie at 918-259-5758.
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