FROM MAYBERRY TO MEDIA CALLS
Erin Hatfield’s Second Act in Storytelling
EPIC VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
FROM MAYBERRY TO MEDIA CALLS
Erin Hatfield’s Second Act in Storytelling
If you ask Erin Hatfield where she grew up, she’ll tell you Mayberry … or close enough.
Epic’s newly appointed director of public relations spent her childhood in Hugo, a small town in southeast Oklahoma along the banks of the Red River. It’s a place where everyone knows everyone else, and like most small towns, it moves at its own pace: friendly conversations and kids riding bicycles around town until the glow of porch lights calls them home.
“As a kid, it felt like Mayberry,” she said, adding that distance and wisdom have taught her that not everyone there may have had the same experience. “It was ideal for people who look like me, but probably very difficult for a lot of people who grew up in that part of the state.”
Hugo sits on Oklahoma’s border with Texas. As such, Hatfield said she always felt somewhat disconnected from her home state, with most television and radio stations originating from Texas.
“It’s an interesting perspective to be an Oklahoman with most of your influences being Texan,” she said.
That early mix of geography and small-town life instilled in her a sense of groundedness: family, doing the right thing, and an oldfashioned sense of humor are important tenets for her. In fact, her parents live a mile down the road from her in Norman, where she lives with her 13-year-old son, Whitten.
She says she talks to both her mother and sister sometimes several times a day.
“I still call my parents mama and daddy,” she said. “That’s a southern thing. I mean, you just didn’t call them mom and dad because it would have been seen as almost a form of disrespect.”
Hatfield traded her southern roots for a northern route to Norman and the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations.
As for what led her to decide that public relations was the path for her, well, it came down to two things: avoiding as many science courses as possible and the movie “Happy Gilmore,” in which the title character’s girlfriend worked in the field.
“I feel certain that I’m the only person who ever chose their degree based on that movie,” Hatfield said.
In 2003, immediately after graduating, she joined the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and stayed there for the next 22 years, addressing
environmental issues statewide.
During that time, she managed to climb her way up from working in the agency’s small business assistance program to the director of communications and served as its spokesperson.
Hatfield said she cherishes her time at DEQ, specifically the relationships she formed with coworkers.
“I can’t say enough good things about the people I worked with,” she said. “They became honorary aunts and uncles to my kid.”
A self-described hater of boredom, she said she loved the agency’s fast pace and sense of urgency, noting it was not uncommon for her to drop everything at a moment’s notice
to be on live television – sometimes in as little as 15 minutes.
“I’ve had to leave flag football games where I was in a tank top and a ponytail, run home, shower, throw on makeup and learn about what I was about to be interviewed on,” she said. “It’s horrible and wonderful at the same time.”
Being in a state of constant readiness and the toll it takes is perhaps what created the environment that led her to Epic. Although she admits she wasn’t actively looking for a change, when the opportunity presented itself, she jumped at it.
She said the opportunity to help the state’s largest virtual charter school turn itself
around was too exciting to pass up. Also, as the mother of a 7th-grader, education is important to her.
As for her goals, Hatfield said she wants to spread the message that Epic is moving out of the past and focusing on providing a quality education to its nearly 30,000 students. Further, she aims to revive the sense of pride among Epic’s more than 1,500 teachers and staff.
“Every student, every teacher, every employee should feel proud of the work Epic is doing and the service they provide,” she said. “I have friends and family whose kids go to Epic, and I’ve seen the difference made in their lives.”
Barely a month into her post, Hatfield recognizes the stark difference between environmental policy and education. But no matter what level of initial discomfort she may have felt, she said her predominant feeling is hope.
“When you go through challenging times, what gives you hope is knowing there are still good things to work with,” she said.
“That’s what gives me hope here – the good was never gone.”
SUPPORTING THE HEART OF EPIC
At Epic Charter Schools, our families are at the heart of everything we do. We care not only about each child’s academic growth, but also about their social, emotional and fundamental needs. We know that students thrive in school when their basic needs are first supported.
As part of our commitment to servant leadership, Epic works to bridge that gap for our families. Through generous support and regular donations, we are able to provide some essential items such as clothing, food, diapers and other basic necessities.
To make it simple for families, we have created an intake form available on our website. You can find it at the bottom of both the Epic Beginnings page and the Community Outreach page.
Serving and supporting our Epic families is one of our core values. If your family has a need, please don’t hesitate to reach out through the form, and we will do our best to meet the need. It is our joy and honor to come alongside you and offer support.
FALL COAT Drive
Help Keep Students Warm This Fall
As the crisp fall air rolls in, many families in our community are in need of warmth. Epic Charter Schools invites you to join our Fall Coat Drive, a heartfelt effort to provide coats, hats, scarves, and gloves to students across Oklahoma. From Oct.1 to Nov. 21, we’ll be collecting new or gently used items at micro sites statewide.
Every coat, every pair of gloves, every scarf you give wraps a child in warmth and love. Together, we can make a difference. Start collecting now and be a part of something bigger this fall.
Collecting at various Epic micro sites.
Order directly from Amazon via the wishlist.
Stay connected with all the exciting opportunities happening at Epic. From upcoming events to unique field trips, our Event and Field Trips page is your go-to resource for what’s next. Visit the page regularly to stay informed and make sure you don’t miss a chance to be part of the experiences that bring our school community together.
GET
INNOVATORS EPIC DAY
READY FOR AN EXCITING DAY OF INNOVATION, CREATIVITY AND DISCOVERY!
Join us for our Science Fair, Inventor & Entrepreneur Fair and STEAM Day:
Dec. 2 – Oklahoma City at 50 Penn
Dec. 4 – Tulsa at Woodward Building
This is your chance to showcase your projects, ideas and inventions, connect with other Epic students and have fun exploring science, entrepreneurship and STEAM activities.
We have so much to offer, whether you choose to present a project or not. Everyone is invited to attend.
• Present your projects and creative ideas.
• Compete for awards and recognition.
• Enjoy hands-on STEAM activities.
• Celebrate learning in a fun, exciting environment.
CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER
INSTRUCTION PACKETS
Download the resources now to begin preparing your projects.
Science Fair Grades 1-3
Science Fair Grades 4-8
Science Fair Grades 9-12
Inventor/Entrepreneur Grades 1-3
Inventor/Entrepreneur Grades 4-8
Inventor/Entrepreneur Grades 9-12
EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS
BOOK FAIR IS HERE!
Students who read regularly tend to be more successful across all subjects. In fact, kids who read for just 20 minutes a day can encounter approximately 1.8 million words per year, thereby building their vocabulary, imagination, and critical thinking.
We’re thrilled to announce our school-wide Scholastic Book Fair! This is your chance to explore amazing books, discover new favorites and fuel your love of reading.
• In-Person Events: (both in conjunction with Epic Innovators’ Day!)
• OKC: Dec. 2 at 50 Penn Place.
• Tulsa: Dec. 4 at Woodward Building.
• Online Shopping: Dec. 2 –Dec. 15 (available to the entire school!)
Let’s dive into new adventures, spark curiosity, and make reading a daily habit.
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | November 7 | Boardroom at 50 Penn
SOUTHERN PLAINS SINGING WORKSHOP
Join Native American Programs as we host Travis Mammedaty for a day of traditional and contemporary Southern style singing.
Open to all students.
COLLEGE &CAREER WEEK NOV. 3-7
Epic’s first aspiration is that its graduates will be future-ready, empowered and in demand. We invite you to see how Epic applies this aspiration to student life by participating in our annual College and Career Week, Nov. 3-7.
The purpose of College and Career Week is to encourage every student to learn more about college, careers and the communities surrounding them.
College and Career Week also offers students in grades 8-12 the opportunity to meet with local colleges, career technology centers, and military branches at our College, Career, and Military Fair, held at Epic’s 50 Penn location in Oklahoma City on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 4-6 p.m.
Don’t miss the College, Career, and Military Fair on Nov. 6!
Attending students can learn more about post-secondary opportunities as they consider their next step after graduation. No registration is required.
Other engagement opportunities available include:
• Individual college admission application support — Students who need assistance with submitting college admission applications are encouraged to bring their laptops to the session. College Planning Counselor Brianna Strickler will be available to guide students through this process.
• ICAP completion — College and Career advisors will be on hand to assist students in completing ICAP requirements.
Students should bring their laptops.
COLLEGE & CAREER ADVISING ANNOUNCEMENTS
Students, please ensure you complete your Career Cluster Finder Survey and Career Cluster Favorites before meeting with your College and Career Advisor.
Every teacher has a scheduled block for ICAP. Please schedule as soon as you receive the email from your CCA.
COLLEGE PATHWAY
TEL
Interested in TEL classes for spring? Now is the time to enroll!
See the TEL catalog for available options. Reach out to Angie Lee with any questions. The deadline for ticket submission is Dec.10.
AREA COLLEGE
If you are taking concurrent classes click below for step by step instructions on how to apply available Learning Funds to your concurrent enrollment bill.
COLLEGE PLANNING ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS!
ARE YOU READY TO LEAD, GROW AND BE INSPIRED?
Apply now for the University of Oklahoma’s High School Leadership Conference!
Where: University of Oklahoma, Norman
When: Feb. 20-22, 2026
Join students from across the country for a weekend of leadership, connection and inspiration.
Participating students will:
• Build leadership skills.
• Hear from inspiring speakers.
• Connect in small groups.
• Learn how to lead with purpose.
• Get insight into college life.
Watch this video to see why this conference may be for you!
Don’t miss your opportunity to lead the way. Spots fill quickly!
COLLEGE PLANNING
FOR
SENIORS: COLLEGE
DEADLINES ARE APPROACHING QUICKLY!
Now is the time to submit college admissions applications. If you need help with:
• Navigating the admissions process.
• Completing college applications.
• Sending high school transcripts to colleges.
• Requesting counselor recommendations.
Please connect with College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler via email or during Office Hours (listed below).
DATES TO REMEMBER
College Planning + Admissions Office Hour
Nov. 6 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Zoom
College Information Session Series: OC, ORU, WSU (Kansas)
Nov. 11 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom
College Fair: Out-of-State Colleges
Nov. 12 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom
College Planning + Admissions Office Hour
Nov. 13 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Zoom
College Information Session Series: SWCU & TU
Nov. 18 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom
College Planning + Admissions Office Hour
Nov. 20 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Zoom
College Fair: ECU, NSU, OC, OCU, SOSU
Nov. 20 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom
SCHOLARSHIPS
SENIORS – YOUR CHANCE TO WIN IS HERE!
Complete your FAFSA Application or FAFSA Opt-Out Form by Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27) and you’ll be entered into our FAFSA Completion Giveaway Drawing!
Win a special gift box packed with amazing prizes—think of it as an early Christmas surprise just for you! Don’t wait—get it done today and treat yourself! Need help or have questions? Reach out to micah.burk@epiccharterschools.org.
OKLAHOMA RISING SCHOLARS AWARD — NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
High-achieving seniors planning to attend an Oklahoma college or university may qualify for the Oklahoma Rising Scholars Award (formerly Academic Scholars Program). This prestigious scholarship helps cover tuition, room, board, books, and fees for up to eight semesters.
Eligibility:
• Be an Oklahoma resident.
• Be one of the following:
• National Merit Finalist or Scholar.
• U.S. Presidential Scholar.
• ACT sum score of 137 (Math, Science, English & Reading).
• SAT sum score of 1540 (Critical Reading & Math).
For more information and to apply, please click here.
For questions, please contact Financial Aid & Scholarship Counselor, Micah Burk, at: micah.burk@epiccharterschools.org.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Scholarship Prep Starts Now: What 9th–11th Graders Should Be Doing Nov. 4 | 10-11 a.m. | Zoom
CAREER PATHWAY
INTERNSHIP PAID INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Introducing a unique opportunity for IEP and 504 high school students! Safe Haven Animal Clinic specializes in low-cost animal care and is offering a paid internship.
In partnership with Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and the National Center for Disability Education and Training (NCDET) Pre-Employment Training Services (Pre-ETS) through the University of Oklahoma (OU), we are excited to offer a paid internship!
Eligibility:
• Open to ages: 16-21.
• IEP or 504 plan or documented disability.
Details:
• 3 hour shifts 1-3 times a week
• Monday - Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
For more information and to apply, please click here. For additional questions, please contact Anita Manuel, at: anita.manuel@epiccharterschools.org.
VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP
SPRING ENROLLEMENT IS OPEN!
Juniors and Seniors, ask your teacher today about enrolling in the Epic Virtual Internship course for spring 2026.
Epic’s Virtual Internship-Certification Track offers students the chance to prepare for and earn one of 18 different industry-backed professional certifications. The Accelerated Career Preparation Track prepares students for their post-graduation path by developing 21stcentury skills and honing professional preparedness during the eight-week course.
Learn more here.
SPRING ENROLLMENT DEADLINES
Certification Track: Jan. 30, 2026
Accelerated Track: Feb. 27, 2026
CAREERTECH TECH CENTER APPLICATIONS ARE OPENING NOW!
Metro Tech – Opened Aug. 26
Southwest Tech Altus – Opened Sept. 9
Moore-Norman Tech – Opened Sept. 15
Tulsa Tech – Opened Oct. 1
DATES TO REMEMBER
Gordon Cooper: Tour for Sophomores & Juniors
Nov. 3-7| 9:15–10:50 a.m. | Registration
Gordon Cooper: 8th Grade Tours
Nov. 3-7| 1–2:15 p.m. | Registration
Southern Tech: Tech Fest Registration
Nov. 4 | 1 p.m. | Contact Southern Tech Student Services at 580-224-8204
Tri County: Sophomore Tours
Nov. 4 | 12:30–2:30 p.m. | Registration
NETech Afton: Sophomore Tours
Nov. 5-7 | 12:30–2:30 p.m. | Registration
NETech Pryor: 8th Grade Tours
Nov. 5-8 | For more info email hadley.miller@epiccharterschools.org
KTC Poteau: Virtual Information Session Nov. 6 | 1 p.m. | Zoom
Moore Norman: Student Tour
Nov. 7 | 10 a.m. | Registration
Central Tech: Sophomore Tours
Nov. 11 | 9:30–11:15 a.m. | Registration
High Plains: Virtual Information Session Nov. 11 | 1 p.m. | Zoom
Canadian Valley Tech, El Reno & Yukon – Opened Oct. 1
Kia.m.ichi Tech – Opened Oct. 6
Red River Tech Duncan – Opened Nov. 3
Canadian Valley Tech Chickasha – Opens in November
Great Plains Tech – Opens in November
Northeast Tech – Opens in November
Wes Watkins Tech Wetumka – Opens in November
Central Tech Drumright & Sapulpa – Opens Nov. 18
Western Tech Burns Flat & Sayre – Opens Dec. 1
Gordon Cooper Tech Shawnee – Opens Dec. 8
Chisholm Trail: Sophomore Tours Nov. 12-13 | 9 a.m | Registration
Tri County: Virtual Information Session Nov. 12 | 11 a.m. | Zoom
West Tech Burns Flat: Sophomore Tours
Nov. 12 | 12:30 p.m. | Registration
KTC Atoka: Virtual Information Session Nov. 12 | 1 p.m. | Zoom
Metro Tech: Virtual Information Session Nov.12 | 2 p.m. | Zoom
Mid-Del Tech: Virtual Information Session Nov. 13 | 11 a.m. | Zoom
West Tech Burns Flat: Sophomore Tours Nov. 13 | 12:30 p.m. | Registration
Meridian: Sophomore Presentations Nov. 13 | 1 p.m. | For more info email hadley.miller@epiccharterschools.org
Autry: Sophomore Tours Nov. 17 | 9 a.m. | Registration
Great Plains: Sophomore Tours Nov. 18-20 | 8:40–10:15 a.m. or 12:10–1 p.m. | Registration
Moore Norman: Student Tour Nov. 18 | 2 p.m. | Registration
Southern Tech: Tech Fest
Nov. 19 | 8:45 a.m. | Must have attended Tech Fest Registration
Autry: 8th Grade Tour
Nov. 19 | 9 a.m. | Registration
Metro Tech: Sophomore Showcase
Nov. 19-20 | a.m. or p.m. | Registration
Tulsa Tech: Virtual Information Session Nov. 20 | 11 a.m. | Zoom
KTC Atoka: Virtual Information Session Dec. 2 | 1 p.m. | Zoom
Autry: Advanced Medical Tours
Dec. 3 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. or 12:45-2:45 p.m. | Registration
Red River: Program Shadow Days
Dec. 3 | For more info email hadley.miller@epiccharterschools.org
Canadian Valley: Virtual Information Session
Dec. 4 | 1 p.m. | Zoom
Pioneer Tech: Sophomore Success
Dec. 4-5 | For more info email hadley.miller@epiccharterschools.org
Moore Norman: Student Tour
Dec. 5 | 10 a.m. | Registration
NEW SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM: STOCK ALBUTEROL INHALERS
We are excited to share an important update about a school health program designed to keep our students safe. In partnership with the Brendon McLarty Foundation and in accordance with Senate Bill 381 (2019) and (70 O.S. § 1-116.3), some of our micro sites are now able to maintain and administer a stock albuterol inhaler for use in emergencies.
Albuterol is an inhaled medication that works quickly to open airways, making it easier to breathe during sudden, life-threatening respiratory distress. Because asthma attacks can occur at any time, having fast access to this medication can make a critical difference.
Several trained school personnel are prepared to respond quickly and safely in the event of a respiratory emergency. While we will make every effort to contact parents before giving albuterol, state law allows school staff to administer it without prior parental contact in an emergency.
If your child has asthma, please:
• Notify your school and provide an updated Asthma Action Plan from your child’s doctor.
• Send your child’s personal inhaler to school, as the stock inhaler is not intended to replace personal prescriptions.
• Link to Medication Forms: Medication Request and Release Requirements Policy - Board Approved 7.17.25.pdf
For Questions or more information, please contact: Jessica Jones, BSN, RN — School Health & Services Coordinator healthservices@epiccharterschools.org
STUDENT WELLNESS WEBCAM WORRY: WAYS TO WIN OVER VIRTUAL ANXIETY
Let’s face it: seeing yourself on screen in every class can feel awkward. That little square in the corner of your laptop can trigger performance anxiety, making you wonder if everyone is judging your hair, your background or even your focus. Totally normal. In fact, researchers at Stanford found that constantly staring at your own video feed can make people feel more stressed and self-conscious (Bailenson, 2021). But here’s the twist: turning your camera on— even part of the time—can actually reduce stress and make class feel easier.
Cameras On = Connection
When your camera is off, class can feel like shouting into a void. Your classmates are just names, your teacher is talking into thin air, and you might feel invisible. Turning your camera on—even part of the time—reminds your brain that you’re part of the room. One recent study on online learning confirms that students who use their webcams for class report higher feelings of belonging and engagement (Castelli & Sarvary, 2021). Seeing faces (and being seen) helps you feel connected, supported and less anxious.
Cameras On = Confidence and Focus
It might feel weird at first, but showing up on camera is like a mini-confidence workout. Psychologists suggest that practicing something stressful in small doses can make it easier over time. The more you turn your camera on, the less intimidating it feels. That small boost of focus can actually make class feel less overwhelming, which reduces performance anxiety over time.
Cameras On = Your Voice Matters
Teachers can pick up on your cues—confusion, frustration, even excitement—much more easily when they can see you. This gives them a chance to help before stress builds up, and it allows your contributions to have a greater impact. Being visible is a subtle way of advocating for yourself without having to speak up constantly.
Camera Confidence Cheat Sheet:
• Start Small: Turn your camera on for a few minutes at the beginning of each class, during discussions, or during group work.
• Make It Comfortable: Adjust your background or lighting to make it easier for you. If your background makes you nervous, consider blurring it out.
• Presence > Perfection: It’s about showing up, not stressing out.
• Advocate for Yourself: If having the camera is overwhelming, let your teacher know and ask for temporary alternatives. One of the most important skills you can develop in virtual learning is learning how to ask for help when you need it!
Cameras aren’t just about rules or grades— they’re a tool to make virtual learning less stressful, more engaging and more successful. Performance anxiety is real, but turning your camera on is a small step that can help you feel connected, confident, and ready to take on class.
SAY CHEESE!
A Brief History of School Picture Day
If you attended school as a child in the United States, chances are pretty good you have at least one photo of yourself with regrettable hair, a forced smile or your eyes closed. You know … the one with the blue-gray background that took less than a second to capture but has served as an indelible marker of your past.
That – the good, the bad and the (ahem) ugly – is the lasting power and permanence of school pictures.
But before they became a ubiquitous rite of passage, school pictures were much more cumbersome and formal affairs. As photographic technology advanced in the late 19th century, it became more accessible. However, it was far from a simple process. Long exposure times made the process time-consuming. These early photos often featured groups of rigid, blankfaced students who probably weren’t unhappy, just trying to stay perfectly still.
By the turn of the century, photography’s growing speed and affordability helped the industry to focus its lens on one student at a time.
industry that would continue to evolve into more than just a way to document childhood. School pictures became a connection point for family members who may not be in close proximity to each other – the aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins who now felt more included in the timeline of their family.
With the advent of instant-developing cameras sometime in the 1940s, school photography continued to get faster, allowing proofs to be processed quicker than ever. The increased availability of color pictures in the 1950s pushed the industry even further, combining truer images and immediacy to fulfill customers’ changing demands.
As the age of digital cameras arrived, so did the ability for photographers to step out of the darkroom and into an unprecedented era of retouching and enhancement that made the experience extremely customizable and customer-friendly.
As the early 20th century rolled around, faster shutter speeds gave rise to school picture companies continuing to refine the process, resulting in individual student photos becoming easier to capture. Suddenly, families who couldn’t afford professional studio sessions or their own cameras had access to affordable photographs of their children at least once a year.
The Great Depression saw the first proofs of both individual and class photos provided to parents, allowing them to choose what to purchase. This began a period of rapid growth for the
Still, even though nearly everyone has the ability to shoot and edit photos on their phones and devices, school picture day endures. Its more-formal nature – and being one of the few days parents can insist their children “look nice” – creates a sense of permanence, the ability to draw a clear and visual line through the milestones of life.
So the next time you’re rummaging through that box of pictures and stumble across the visual proof that, yes, you actually thought wearing all black and too much eyeliner was the right decision, remember there’s more history in that picture than you might think.
UPCOMING DAYS SCHOOL PICTURE
HOPE YOU HAD A BLAST, THANK YOU FOR READING. THE ORBIT WILL BE BACK IN DECEMBER WITH MORE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND YOU AT EPIC!
