Words from the Director

Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA/OASA Executive Director deering@ccosa.org

The start of school spirit is alive and well! Just think, the first-grade class of 2023 will be the graduating class of 2035! It seems like a long time away, but time flies. Looking at all of these faces and some of the themes that set the expectation for school success, how could anyone not be bursting with pride about what is happening in our public schools?

Optimism, happiness, and joy are reflected in these faces for the new year. It is the most rewarding profession to have a part in each student’s success. When things seem down with all of the political rhetoric that is designed to take our focus away from our work, one sure way to block out the noise is to look at pictures from the start of school.

Several stories in this edition of Better Schools are student-focused and serve as a reminder of why we are educators. We hope you’ll be flooded with happy memories of the energy and excitement of the new school year with our portfolio on page 29. You’ll be flying high with the lucky students and teachers involved in Oklahoma’s 87—yes, 87!—aviation academies after reading Paula Kedy’s feature on page 35. Finally, on page 40, Jenks Assistant Principal Eric Fox’s story will help you establish the best frameworks to ensure students are future ready.

Save this digital edition as a favorite. Scroll through the pages to see schools and students at work. Put school pictures on your desk, in your pocket, in your notebook, on your phone, and anywhere you can take a look for a pick-me-up. I guarantee it will quickly help you refocus, and it will be an important reminder of why we do what we do. It is all for the KIDS!

And cheers to champions for kids in every corner of our state—YOU!

Respectfully,

Pam Deering, Ph.D.

CCOSA Executive Director ■