The Orbit March 2025

MARCH 2025

MAKING MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY

Bart’s Blog WELCOME TO THE MARCH ISSUE OF THE ORBIT! Someone once said that people don’t decide to become extraordinary but rather decide to do extraordinary things, and this month’s issue highlights this exact sentiment.

In every life, there are people who make a difference but often go unnoticed. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, making sure things run smoothly. With more than 2,000 employees, Epic has its share of quiet heroes who go above and beyond each day to make sure our families are served well. That’s why I’m happy to share with you a new series in this newsletter that celebrates those who work so hard but don’t always get the recognition they deserve. As you read this month’s issue, I hope you will take the time to stop and thank those around you who make life a little easier.

Also in this issue is a particularly exciting story about three Epic students who have partnered with the Smithsonian to shed some light on the mental health struggles shared by so many of Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers. This talented trio is raising awareness about the unique struggles that play a role in the lives of those who feed the world. Students taking an interest in the wellness of others is something we see frequently at Epic and that’s something of which I am extremely proud.

Please enjoy this month’s edition and, as always, if you have an idea for something you’d like to see in the Orbit, let us know by sending an email to theorbit@ epiccharterschools.org.

Until next time, Bart

EVENTS FIELD TRIPS Career Explorations Field Trip: Port of Catoosa (Grades 6-12) March 25 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

EVENT DETAILS

MARCH 2025

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Living Wax Museum & Read Across America Celebration Tulsa

Diaper & Wipe Drive

March 5 | 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

April 1-30

EVENT DETAILS

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Tulsa Garden Center April 3 | 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

EVENT DETAILS

The Common Good - Tulsa Living Wax Museum & Read Across America Celebration OKC

April 9 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

EVENT DETAILS

March 13 | 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Edmond History Museum & Rocketship Park April 10 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

EVENT DETAILS

Grey Snow Eagle House April 17 | 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

EVENT DETAILS

EVENT DETAILS

Infant Crisis Services - OKC April 17 | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

EVENT DETAILS

FOR THE LOVE OF FAMILY Carmen’s story of joy, longing and food Two years ago, Maria del Carmen Alvarez Martinez had brain surgery and a neardeath experience. The 59-year-old mother of five works for Epic Charter Schools as a custodian and said God brought her back for a purpose.

“Two years ago, I had a brain surgery and I was very close to God. God allowed me to wake up,” she said. “It was lovely in that place but he allowed me to wake up because he had plans for me. He thought that I have other things to do here and I believe it was being with you guys, meeting everyone here at Epic.”

Known simply as Carmen to most, she started working at Epic’s Oklahoma City headquarters a year ago. Since then, she has become known for her infectious smile, her kindness and her homemade tamales she brings to share with everyone.

In fact, some have referred to her as “possibly the most-loved person at Epic.”

In addition to having five children of her own, she is the grandmother of five and places great importance on family. She said watching her grandchildren grow and seeing them happy brings her immense joy, even if she has to do so from a distance.

The bulk of Martinez’s family lives in Mexico. Her son lives in Austin, Texas.

She obtained her legal status to remain in the U.S. three years ago, after 15 years of frequent visits. Even though she misses being close to her family, she said being

apart from them is worth being able to assist them financially.

“It is a high price to pay,” she said, explaining that her daughters are single mothers. “I wish I was closer but that does not allow me to help them [the way] I can help being in the States. Being able to help – for them to have everything that they need – made me pay the price.”

She stays in close touch with her family via phone calls, video chats and social media.

Watching her youngest granddaughter show off her latest drawings, newest dance steps and songs she’s learning are among her favorite things.

“If it wasn’t for that, I don’t think I would have stayed here (in the U.S.),” she said.

“That’s what keeps me going because we can stay in touch.”

When she’s not working, Martinez loves to cook, something she learned from her mother. She also enjoys dancing and going for long walks in the park. She’s also learning English.

She said if there’s one thing she wants everyone to know is that she is a happy person. The second chance she’s been given at life, she said, makes her especially grateful.

“I consider Epic my second family so I am very happy,” she said.

Editor’s note: The interview for this story was conducted with a translator present as the subject’s first language is Spanish.

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS COLLEGE ADVISING PATHWAY ANNOUNCEMENTS: •

ICAP percentage rates are climbing quickly. Please direct all new One-to-One and Comet Academy students to their CCA to get their ICAP session scheduled.

•

8th grade meetings are coming up. Check with your CCA for the dates and times in your region.

•

Please encourage your students to schedule and attend an ICAP session with their CCA before testing begins.

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If any students need a Spanish-speaking advisor to assist with ICAP, please reach out to Monica Valles at for assistance: monica.valles@epiccharterschools.org.

•

Pathway students take several weeks to audit and populate to an exempt status or to assign a CCA. Please be patient as the system updates. There are many steps that go into an exemption. However, if they started high school on or before the 2019-20 school year, they will roll over to an exempt status. If there is an immediate need to audit an individual student, please reach out to the director of the College and Career Department, Brandy Corcoran: brandy. corcoran@epiccharterschools.org.

ATTENTION TEL STUDENTS! If you need to withdraw from your TEL course, please be sure to let your Epic teacher know before the March 28 deadline.

EVENING ICAP SESSION DATES: March 6 - Region 1 7 p.m. — (Contact CCA for Meeting Details) March 13 - Region 2 4:15-6 p.m. — Join Here

March 13 - Region 4 5-6:30 p.m. — Join Here

March 13 - Region 3

7 p.m. — (Contact CCA for Meeting Details)

March 25 - Region 6 6-7:30 p.m. — Join Here

The TEL auto-withdrawal deadline is April 4. In order to avoid auto withdrawal, you will need to complete your Mastery Assignment 1 if you are taking Future Ready and your Midterm for all other TEL courses!

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

Elisabeth Walsh

elisabeth.walsh@epiccharterschools.org

EPIC COLLEGIATE ACADEMY (ECA) Epic Collegiate Academy is an innovative program offered to all high school students who are interested in earning a significant amount of college credit by high school graduation for no out-of-pocket costs. In

ECA, students have the option to earn one full year of college (Plus One) or an Associate degree from Oklahoma Christian University.

All of the classes in ECA are fully online and self-paced. Epic is dedicated to seeing you succeed, and we offer a variety of resources to assist you on this journey. It is an amazing way to get a huge head start on your future!

If you are currently in grades 8-10 and you would like to be a part of ECA, please fill out the application form linked here.

If you have any additional questions or would like to set up an appointment to learn more, please contact Angie Lee at angie.lee@epiccharterschools.org.

ECA ANNOUNCEMENTS: • •

ECA Eagle for a Day scheduled for April 11.

Epic Collegiate Academy applications for fall are open! If you are a student in grades 9-11 during fall 2025 and you are interested in earning a significant amount of college credit for no out of pocket costs, please apply here.

AREA COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS: •

•

DATES TO REMEMBER:

If you’re taking concurrent classes at an MARCH 25 - OSU Institute of Technology area college this semester, make sure your and School of Engineering and Construction college courses are loaded on your Epic Technologies schedule by giving your college schedule to your teacher. They can follow the Register here. appropriate process to assure these classes are loaded on your Epic schedule. If you have Direct questions to information@okstate.edu any questions please email Shannon Starr: or call (918) 293-4976. shannon.starr@epiccharterschools.org.

APRIL 22 - OU Concurrent Enrollment Oklahoma Wesleyan University Prep Virtual Information Session 4-5 p.m.

Scholarship for Concurrent Enrollment Credit: Students who have passed a minimum Register here. Registration is required. of one OKWU Dual Credit course before high school graduation are eligible for a $10,000 Direct questions to admissions@ou.edu. annual scholarship if they desire to continue their education at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Click here for more details.

COLLEGE PLANNING CAMPUS TOURS: Attention students in grades 8-12, do not miss out on an exciting opportunity to explore college campuses and experience life as a college student. Join us for two exclusive on-campus college tours in Bethany on March 13.

Southwestern Christian University Tour: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Southern Nazarene University Tour: 1-2:30 p.m.

Tour features include: • Get an inside look at campus life.

• Meet with college admission and recruitment representatives.

• Explore academic programs and majors.

• Tour residence halls.

Space is limited. Please register through the College Visits page in Naviance. Registration closes two days before the event, be sure to register now!

MILITARY ACADEMY VIRTUAL SESSIONS: Virtual information sessions with Top Military Academies! For the first time ever, Epic Charter Schools is hosting two prestigious Military Academies for exclusive virtual information sessions. Join us for back-to-back days as representatives from the United States Naval Academy and West Point share valuable insights. During these sessions, students and families will get an inside look of the admissions process, academic programs, student life and much more.

United States Naval Academy | 03/26/2025 | 11 a.m.- noon. | Zoom West Point | 03/27/2025 | 11 a.m.- noon. | Zoom

DATES TO REMEMBER:

03/13/2025 Southern Nazarene University On-Campus Tour | 1-2:30 p.m. | Register in Naviance: College Visits

03/05/2025 | College Information Session: Oklahoma Christian University & University of 03/26/2025 | College Information Session: Tulsa | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom U.S. Naval Academy | 11 a.m.- noon | Zoom 03/13/2025 | Southwestern Christian University On-Campus Tour | 9:30-11:45 a.m. | 03/27/2025 | College Information Session: West Point | 11 a.m.- noon. | Zoom Register in Naviance: College Visits

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS INTERNSHIPS CAREER PATHWAY WORK-BASED LEARNING OKLAHOMA BUSINESS WEEK (OBW) CAMP Applications open!

OBW is a one-of-a-kind summer program occurring June 1-5 that offers high school students first-hand experience in the world of business. You become part of a “company” and work together in various events and competitions. You will also have the opportunity to interact with and learn from community business leaders. You will gain skills in leadership, communication, team building, responsibility, money management, entrepreneurship and marketing. At Oklahoma Business Week, you will learn that the business world can be serious stuff, but it can also be fun!

LEARN MORE

WEST POINT SUMMER PROGRAMS The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer two unique opportunities for high school and middle school students to experience the Academy this summer.

UNITED PLANET GLOBAL CITIZEN LEADER INTERNSHIP Applications open!

The Global Citizen Leader Internship Program is an extraordinary opportunity for high school students to engage in virtual internships with social enterprises and nonprofits in more than 20 countries.

This free program not only provides valuable work experience but also offers comprehensive training in global citizen leadership.

LEARN MORE

DATES TO REMEMBER: 3.5.25 | JA Inspire Career Exploration OKC | 9 a.m.

3.5.25 | Career Exploration and Networking with Professionals | 1-3 p.m 3.12.25 | Internship & Work Based Learning Assignment Workshop | 3-4:30 p.m.

LEARN MORE

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CAREERTECH ANNOUNCEMENTS:

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Applications and interviews for the 2025-26 school year are underway! If you have questions or need support, click below to schedule a virtual meeting. Virtual meetings are open to students, teachers, and Epic families interested in learning more about CareerTech opportunities.

03.04.2025 | Grade 11 Reality Check: Kiamichi Tech, McAlester | Registration

SCHEDULE A MEETING

03.06.2025 | Grade 8 Tours: Indian Capital Technology Center, Muskogee | Registration 03.07.2025 | Francis Tuttle Technology Center CSA Day | Registration 03.06.2025 | Grade 8 Tours: Northeast Technology Center, Afton | Registration 03.07.2025 | Grade 8 Tours: Northeast Technology Center, Afton | Registration

TRANSITION SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENTS Graduation season is right around the corner.

Is your resume ready for job applications or college submissions? Transition Services offers 1:1 resume editing to help you stand out. The Future Ready Employee Fairs are happening in May in Tulsa and OKC, giving you the chance to connect with potential employers. Now is the perfect time to get prepared.

LEARN MORE Our transition specialist is here to help you showcase your strengths and experiences. Upload your resume for edits today!

UPLOAD RESUME

DATES TO REMEMBER: 03.28.25 | Prepare U: Career Negotiation | Asynchronous | Info 04.03.25 | Prepare U: Career Fair 101 | Asynchronous | Info

EPIC CARES | COMMUNITY OUTREACH

During the month of April, we are collecting new, unopened diapers and wipes from staff, students and families at designated locations.

Donate Virtually: CLICK HERE

Drop-off Locations: OKC 50 Penn Place 1900 NW Expressway, Floor R3

Tulsa Logan Building 3840 S 103rd East Ave., Floor 2

MAKING MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY THREE EPIC STUDENTS PARTNER WITH THE SMITHSONIAN TO SHED LIGHT ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF FARMERS AND RANCHERS. When one thinks of the Smithsonian, images of the Hope Diamond, the Apollo 11 command module and countless other national treasures come to mind. However, three Epic Charter Schools students have recently added their efforts to bring awareness about mental health to the museum’s collection.

Creed Pope, Riley Pope and Lucile Morehouse – all residents of Boswell, Oklahoma, and active in their local 4-H organization – joined forces for the Smithsonian’s Stories 4-History program, a partnership between the museum and the National 4-H Council to increase access to civic and cultural experiences for young people. The three Choctaw County residents focused on mental health and wellness in farmers and ranchers.

“We noticed that farmers and ranchers tend to have severe anxiety,” said Epic 9th grader Riley Pope. “Farmers have a responsibility to provide food for the world.

Sometimes, it’s hard to do that.”

Morehouse, an Epic 8th grader, said her family owns some 200 head of cattle and that the obstacles farmers and ranchers face on a daily basis are often beyond their control. Weather, global economics and other uncontrollable factors can take their toll.

“You can be having an amazing day, then something bad will happen and it can completely flip a farmer’s perspective, their mood and everything,” she said.

“We wanted to bring attention to this one topic because it not only affects our community but it affects us.”

Their research culminated in a 10-minute video that will be housed on the Smithsonian’s website. Titled “Weathering the Storm,” it explains the challenges farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma face, specifically as they relate to mental health. The data they gathered is eye-opening.

For example, according to their research, farmers are 3.5 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. Further, Oklahoma has the highest five-year average suicide mortality rate per capita among the 17 southern states.

Riley Pope said, though, that the interviews they conducted revealed a staggeringly low awareness of available resources.

“They all struggle with very similar issues,” she said. “We realized that many of them weren’t aware of all these different resources that can help them face their mental health challenges.”

The full video can be found here, which features a host of mental health resources focused specifically on the unique needs of farmers and ranchers.

In addition to raising awareness, the video also earned a $2,000 grant for the Choctaw County 4-H group to help promote awareness.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, Epic Charter Schools offers a host of mental health services for its students, families and staff.

HELP US CELEBRATE

WOMEN’S HISTORY

MONTH

ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK! MARCH 5, 12 & 26

March is Women’s History Month! Show your support by wearing pink every Wednesday during March to celebrate the power, resiliency, brilliance and strength of women everywhere.

Let’s come together to honor women who have shaped the past, inspire the present and lead us into the future!

EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

PATHWAYS At Epic, we know a thing or two about non-traditional learning. After all, our motto is “School can be different.” We are continually finding innovative ways to help students and families from all walks of life and from every corner of Oklahoma achieve their goal of earning a high school diploma – even adults who, for whatever reason, never graduated.

Epic’s Pathways program was designed especially for adults between the ages of 21-25 who want to earn their high school diploma without the hassle and expense of getting a GED. Instructionbased and completely free, Pathways students get one-on-one instruction from an Oklahomacertified teacher without ever having to set foot in a classroom.

Whether you’re missing a few credit hours or a few years of your high school education, let Epic help you cross the finish line.

Click here for more information and get the future you deserve today!

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TULSA AREA: Friday, April 11 from 7-10 p.m.

Glenpool Conference Center 12205 S. Yukon Ave., Glenpool

OKC AREA: Saturday, April 12 from 7-10 p.m.

Sam Noble Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman

Tickets are $55 each and are only available to currently enrolled Epic students under 21 as of August 1, 2024. Students may purchase one additional ticket for a guest under the age of 21 when registering. Space is limited; students may only attend one from each. Tickets cover entry to the event, the amazing exhibits, music and dancing and light refreshments.

Registration Schedule: Thursday, Jan. 23, for Epic juniors and seniors only.

Thursday, Jan. 30, registration will be open for sophomores if tickets remain.

Thursday, Feb. 6, registration will open for freshmen if tickets remain.

Please review the policies and cancellation policy posted on the webpage and registration before purchasing tickets.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

JOIN THE

WHOLE HEALTH CLUB

The Whole Health Club is a place where students can gather weekly to discuss cultivating healthy mental, emotional, physical and spiritual practices. We will discover lifelong skills, including self-care, coping habits and how to be the healthiest versions of ourselves we can be. We also look at what to do if the student or someone they know is in crisis. The club is a safe space where students can share and connect with others. We also have a lot of fun, play games and build friendships.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP This winter, the Whole Health Club will be covering Digital Citizenship in four lessons: o o o o

LESSON DATES Feb. 18 Feb. 25 March 4 March 11

Media Balance, Mental Health and Well-Being.

Privacy, Security and Digital Footprints.

Cyberbullying and Hate Speech.

News, Media Literacy and How to Verify Information.

Students do not have to be members of the Whole Health Club to participate! They can drop in for one or all lessons as their schedule permits. These sessions are virtual, and Zoom links will be sent out to those interested.

Please note: the same lesson will be offered twice each week, so students can pick which one works best for them.

If you have any questions about the Whole Health Club or would like to sign up for the Digital Citizenship course, please reach out to:

Ryan Fowler

ryan.fowler@epiccharterschools.org

CLUB UPDATES NEW CLUBS - PROJECT 7 & ASL Epic Charter Schools is proud to announce two new clubs: the Project 7 club and the American Sign Language (ASL) club are now available for students.

Project 7 (P7) is a student-led, student-driven club designed as a spiritually inspired, relationship-oriented Bible-study with the mission of unlocking faith, unleashing truth, elevating Christ and serving others. P7 meets Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.

For questions, please contact: jessica.ponder@epiccharterschools.org.

To join, please complete the interest form below.

P7 CLUB INTEREST FORM The ASL club meets Thursdays at 1 p.m. and aims to introduce students to basic American Sign Language vocabulary, grammar syntax, the five parameters and the different kinds of sign language. Enhancing communication skills via ASL and promoting inclusivity and awareness of the Deaf community are key components.

For questions, please contact jessica.ponder@epiccharterschools.org.

To join, please complete the interest form below.

ASL CLUB INTEREST FORM

GARDENING WITH STUDENT ENGAGEMENT March 13 | 1-2 p.m.

Dig in, get your hands dirty and learn how to grow your very own fresh and delicious food. Whether you’re a pro or a total beginner, this is your chance to plant, grow and harvest while having fun with friends.

ITEMS NEEDED •

Dirt/potting soil.

•

Seeds of choice.*

•

Plastic container/pot*

REGISTER HERE

Any questions please refer them to Joanna Hernandez joanna.hernandez@epiccharterschools.edu or 405-869-6509 * Items can be purchased at Dollar Tree

STEM SUMMER ACADEMIES

Click below to explore an Oklahoma college or university for a unique, handson learning experience!

EXPLORE MORE Apply to a free summer academy. This summer, spend time at an Oklahoma college or university and discover the fascinating worlds of robotics, drones, renewable energy, engineering and environmental conservation!

Students will experience college life while learning on college campuses through residential and commuter academies.

Please check back in March 2025 for Summer Academies applications.

Medical Minutes

OU Telehealth Services

Epic Charter Schools is proud to partner with OU Health to bring telehealth services to those we serve. Whether that means virtually or in-person, trained medical staff are available for a variety of health services, including prescription refills and flu testing.

Available for all Epic students and staff families between the ages of 4-18, please reach out to healthservices@epiccharterschools.org for more information or to make an appointment.

TELEHEALTH VISIT REQUEST FORM OKC number to call: 405-347-5685 | Tulsa number to call: 405-970-2724 or email Healthservices@epiccharterschools.org

Helping Kids Succeed with Positive Behavior at School and Home PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It’s a simple and effective way for schools to encourage kids to behave positively by using clear expectations, recognizing good actions and creating consistency. When families apply these same strategies at home, it strengthens what kids learn at school, providing a seamless and supportive environment that helps them thrive.

What Does PBIS Look Like at Home?

1. Speak the Same Language Schools use easy-to-understand phrases like Caring, Organized, Motivated, Engaged, and Trustworthy (COMET Expectations) to guide behavior. Families can adopt this language at home to reinforce what kids hear at school. For example, if a teacher praises a child for being “trustworthy” after completing their homework, families can echo this by recognizing the same behavior at home. It helps kids see that expectations are consistent everywhere.

2. Celebrate the Good Stuff Use rewards that feel safe and empowering to the student. For example, giving verbal praise, extra break time, or choosing an activity can help students feel positively reinforced without adding pressure. Use consistent and predictable rewards or praise so students know what to expect and feel secure in their progress.

3. Teach, Don’t Just Punish PBIS turns behavior challenges into opportunities to teach important life skills.

For example, if your child struggles with sharing, you can role-play or model taking turns with toys or games at home. This approach helps children learn and practice what to do next time instead of just feeling punished for what went wrong.

4. Create Simple Routines Predictable routines are a key part of PBIS because they reduce stress and help kids feel safe. At school, routines might include a consistent schedule for lessons. At home, setting regular mealtimes, bedtimes or homework schedules provides the same sense of stability. When school and home routines align, kids adapt better and feel more secure.

Why Does This Matter?

When schools and families work together using PBIS strategies, children benefit from clear, consistent support in all parts of their lives. This teamwork helps them feel more secure, understand what’s expected, and develop lasting and positive habits that support their success socially, emotionally and academically.

If you want tips or help using PBIS strategies at home, our school counselors are here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and suggestions!

BLASTING OFF FOR NOW.

EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS SEE YOU NEXT TIME!