Bart’s Blog
WELCOME TO THE DECEMBER ISSUE OF THE ORBIT!
As 2024 begins its final weeks, I am reminded of two things that stood out for me most this year – kindness and growth. These basic tenets have and continue to guide most of us and are deeply evident at Epic.
Epic’s Student Organization Coordinator, Jessica Ponder, shares in this issue how our school celebrated Unity Day by engaging student performers with families and students, and sharing ways to deal with bullying and how to advocate for yourself in difficult situations. Approximately one in four Epic students come to us because of some sort of school safety issue, such as bullying. That’s why I am so pleased Jessica and her team are raising awareness and providing our students and families with the necessary tools they need.
In December, we celebrate National Computer Science Education Week, and I encourage you to read about what Epic is doing to ramp up its computer science offerings. By increasing the types of computer science options we offer our students, they will be better prepared to handle the high-tech demands they will face in the workplace of the future. By developing an artificial intelligence curriculum and creating computer-science-based certification pathways, we’re making sure every Epic student is future-ready and in demand.
Thanks for taking the time to read this month’s issue of The Orbit. I hope your 2025 is full of opportunity, growth and success.
Until next time, Bart
EVENTS WINTER 2024-25
FIELD TRIPS
Mabee Gerrer Museum Field Trip - Shawnee
December 3 | 10 am - 12:30 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Oklahoma State Capitol Career Exploration
December 5 | 10 am - 12:30 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Oklahoma History Center Field Trip-OKC
January 24 | 1 pm - 3 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Philbrook Museum of Art-Tulsa
January 31 | 1 pm - 3 pm
EVENT DETAILS
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Hands of Hope-Durant
January 14 | 10 am - 12 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Free to Live Animal Sanctuary-Guthrie
January 16 | 9 - 11:30 am & 12:30 pm - 3 pm
EVENT DETAILS
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
Canadian Valley Technology Center, El Reno Open House
December 4 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Indian Capital Technology Center, Muskogee Virtual Information Session
December 5 | 9 am - 10 am
EVENT DETAILS
Oklahoma City Community College Virtual Information Session
December 5 | 11 am - 12 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Oklahoma City University Virtual Information Session
December 5 | 1 pm - 2 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Internship & Work Based Learning Assignment Workshop
December 11 | 3 pm - 4:30 pm
EVENT DETAILS
I’ve Applied. What’s Next? / Next Steps for College-Bound Seniors Information Session
December 12 | 1 pm - 2 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Indian Capital Technology Center, Muskogee Tech Fest
January 8 | 10 am - 11 am
EVENT DETAILS
High Plains Technology Center Virtual Information Session
January 8 | 2 pm - 3 pm
EVENT DETAILS
THE EPIC SPIRIT SHOP IS HERE!
You’ve asked for it and it’s here! The Epic Spirit Shop is now online and ready to provide you with an array of school-branded merchandise so you can show your school pride!
UNITY DAY COMES TO EPIC!
If you were to ask Jessica Ponder to describe Unity Day in one word, it would be “empowerment.” She said she’s been wanting to bring the national day of awareness – that is the central event of National Bullying Prevention Month – to Epic for several years and has managed to get it off the ground.
She said the school’s first-ever Unity Day event – that involved a partnership with Quest Church in Norman –featured Epic’s Step and Drama clubs performing and sharing information about what to do if bullying occurs and how to navigate it.
“We have to realize that even though we are a different model, those things do still happen,” Ponder said. “That’s why it’s really important that we’re not only teaching why we don’t bully and how to respond if this is happening so that students know how to be empowered,
and also who to go to for help.”
Ponder said approximately 200 performers and students took part in the Oct. 16 event, adding that participants wear orange in recognition of the day. She said Epic wants its students to know about the resources available to them if they are feeling unsafe or need adult intervention. She said there are school counselors and mental health services available and that no one has to navigate those situations alone.
“Knowing that you’re going to be able to not stop your life for this. You’re going to learn you’re not alone and you don’t have to be quiet,” Ponder said. “You have a voice and you are able to say, ‘This isn’t right.’ Knowing that there are others who may be going through what you’re going through can make all the difference.”
EPIC PLANS MORE AHEAD OF NATIONAL COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION WEEK
With National Computer Science Education Week taking place Dec. 9-15, Epic Charter Schools is gearing up for even more in the way of computer science curriculum and offerings in the coming school year.
Jen Robinson, Epic’s managing director of advanced courses, has been tasked with expanding the computer science learning options for the state’s largest virtual public charter school. She said in addition to the second- and fifth-grade computer science courses currently offered in EpicEd, Epic also offers a high school web design course, STEAM innovation labs, STEAM lesson libraries, technology exploration tools (such as Merge Cube) and coding clubs such as Comet Coders and Girls Who Code.
What she’s particularly excited about, however, are the growing computer science outlets for Epic students in the future.
“Now that computer science standards have been updated, we’re incorporating artificial intelligence (AI),” she said. “Now, I can truly cover all the standards using web-based platforms.”
Robinson said she is also focusing on a way to offer students the option of getting a certification to accompany their high school diploma after graduation that may include cyber security or app building. Further, she is working with Epic’s esports team, the Comets, to develop game design curriculum, and she hopes to make robotics, drones and engineering Epic staples.
“You don’t really just want to say to a student, ‘Here’s a computer science course.’ You want them to hone in on what they want to do in their future,” Robinson said. “We want to give them more opportunity to take something that’s more personalized for their future rather than just offer a plain computer science course.”
COLLEGE ADVISING PATHWAY
Quarter-2 activities are nearing the end. Don’t miss out! Contact your CCA today to set up a meeting to get started on your future.
Parents and students can locate their CCA to discuss the state required ICAP, by accessing their student account. You will see “Current CCA” listed at the top of the student page.
Meet with a CCA to get started on your 2024-25 activities in Naviance.
In person meetings are held at Comet Academy, Co-ops, and Micro sites. Virtual meetings can be held in small or large groups or individual meetings.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Dec. 5, 6-7 p.m. – Epic CCR Support Night: Join the College & Career Readiness team for a Q&A session hosted via Zoom!
COLLEGE PATHWAY
Dec. 10-11 – Region 5 (SE Oklahoma) & Region 6 (SW Oklahoma) Meetings: Daily sessions from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. - Contact your CCA for the link to complete Q2.
Dec. 17, 5-7 p.m. – Region 4 Tulsa Area Meeting: Contact your CCA for an invitation and link to complete Q1 activities and begin Q2.
EARN COLLEGE CREDIT IN HIGH SCHOOL WITH TEL
Students in grades 9-12, are you interested in getting a head start on your college education? The Transforming Education for Life (TEL) program offers online concurrent enrollment courses that allow you to earn accredited college credit while enrolled in high school.
What is TEL?
TEL provides concurrent enrollment courses to high school students. Even though TEL isn’t a college itself, the credits you earn are fully accredited by Oklahoma Christian University.
Why Choose TEL?
o Self-paced: Learn on your own schedule.
o Affordable: Get college credit without breaking the bank.
o Fully online: Study from anywhere.
ATTENTION AREA COLLEGE CONCURRENT
ENROLLMENT STUDENTS!
Students in grades 9-12 interested in concurrent enrollment for the Spring semester, now is the time to enroll!
Find resources about applying and enrolling in courses and using the Learning Fund to help offset costs below.
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Shannon Starr shannon.starr@epiccharterschools.org
What Courses Are Available?
TEL offers a range of courses for students in grades 10-12. Check out the 2024-25 Course Catalog to see what’s available. Grade 9 students also have options, though the selection is more limited.
Special Perks for Juniors and Seniors
o Juniors: Can enroll in the TEL Future Ready course plus another 3-hour course free each school year.
o Seniors: Enjoy a free 3-hour course each school year.
EPIC COLLEGIATE ACADEMY
Time is running out to apply for Epic Collegiate Academy. It’s a great way to earn college credit in high school for no out-of-pocket costs!
Applications for spring 2025 are open students in grades 9 and 10 until Dec. 3.
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Angie Lee angie.lee@epiccharterschools.org
How Will I Be Supported?
o Pacing guide reminders: Stay on track with your coursework.
o Weekly check-ins: Connect with instructors and get help when you need it.
o Progress emails: See how far you’ve come.
o Office hours: Get extra support from your teachers.
If you have questions about TEL please reach out to: Elisabeth Walsh elisabeth.walsh@epiccharterschools.org
COLLEGE PLANNING
Seniors, if you are interested in pursuing a career in artificial intelligence, check out the University of Oklahoma Applied Artificial Intelligence Program below.
The wait is over! It’s December, which means it is FAFSA season!
Seniors, it’s time to get your favorite cup or coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and either complete your FAFSA application or the FAFSA op-out form! Remember, this is a state graduation requirement that all seniors have to complete before they graduate high school.
As a reminder, OU’s final scholarship deadline is Dec.15. Apply soon!
As the end of the semester approaches, students are encouraged to spend time during Winter Break to actively prepare for college. Winter Break is a great time to work on admission applications and essays, apply for scholarships, complete the 2025-26 FAFSA, and participate in volunteer opportunities.
Students considering or pursuing college after high school are encouraged to check out the College Planning Resource Guide, a virtual flip book intended to be a one-stop-shop for college preparation.
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Micah Burk micah.burk@epiccharterschools.org
DATES TO REMEMBER:
12/1 – FAFSA Application is set to open! If it doesn’t open, seniors will be notified via email and a post on EpicOne.
12/10 – Financial Aid and Scholarship Office Hour 10-11 a.m. | Zoom
12/12 – Oklahoma’s Promise Office Hour 10-11 a.m. | Zoom
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Brianna Stickler brianna.stickler@epiccharterschools.org
Dates to Remember:
12/5 – Oklahoma City Community College virtual Information Session 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Zoom
12/5 – Oklahoma City University virtual Information Session 1-2 p.m. | Zoom
12/12 – I’ve Applied. What’s Next? / Next Steps for College-Bound Seniors information session 1-2 p.m. | Zoom
CAREER ADVISING PATHWAY
Internship – Epic Department Internships Spring applications are open! Epic Department Interns engage in real and meaningful work that assists students, families, faculty and the community!
The application deadline is Jan.17, 2025
Employment Opportunities – Click below to learn more about employment opportunities that are open to Epic students!
Internship & Work Based Learning Assignment Workshop – Join us on Dec. 11 from 3-4:30 p.m. for the Internship & Work Based Learning Assignment Workshop.
VIRTUAL INTERNSHIPS
Juniors and seniors, ask your teacher today about enrolling in the Epic Virtual Internship course for spring 2025. Classes start Jan. 13!
The enrollment deadline Jan. 31.
Non-Certification Track:
Epic’s non-certification track provides virtual career exploration through project-based learning and professional development.
Juniors and seniors will earn 0.5 Next Step elective credit and will acquire valuable industry-related skills and knowledge.
Certification Track:
Epic’s certification track offers virtual certification preparation through industrybacked training and professional credentials.
Juniors and seniors will earn 1.0 Next Step elective credit and will sit for 1 of the 23 industry certification exams currently available.
CAREER PATHWAY CAREERTECH APPLICATIONS ARE OPENING!
Applications to attend CareerTech next school year are open at several technology centers! Click below to find out more about your local technology center.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
12/4 – Canadian Valley Technology Center, El Reno Open House 5:30-7:30 p.m.
12/5 – Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, virtual information session 9-10 a.m. | Zoom
1/8 – High Plains Technology Center virtual information session 2-3 p.m. | Zoom
1/8 – Indian Capital Technology Center, Muskogee Tech Fest 10-11 a.m. | Registration
TRANSITION SERVICES
Transition Services offers 1:1 resume editing to help graduating students polish and refine their resumes for job or college applications.
If you’re looking to get started, you can use our resume template. Our Transition Specialist is available to provide feedback and guidance on how to highlight your strengths and experiences effectively. Upload your current resume for edits today!
PREPARE U
Prepare yourself for what happens after you graduate!. Prepare U is a collection of opportunities designed to help you expand your skill set and boost your confidence for your next step. All opportunities are driven by you. Click below to see all Prepare U resources available to Epic students.
ART & ENTERTAINMENT
EPIC CHART ER SCHOOLS
School Can Be Different
HOMECOMING 2024
Dress up every day during Homecoming Week! Each day at noon there is a Zoom photo for all those in costume.
MONDAY TUESDAY
DIFFERENT AESTHETICS
FAVORITE MOVIE OR TV SHOW
MEAN GIRLS THE 90 s EPIC FRIDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Winter Craft & Karaoke Night in Tulsa
December 5 |3pm-6pm
JOIN ZOOM
SPELLING BEE WINNERS
Ryker Clark
Grade 7 | Comet Academy
Teacher: Christina Prather
DISTRICTTULSAWINNER
OKLAHOMA CITY DISTRICT WINNER
Dominixx “Nixxy” Dunham
Grade 8 | one-to-one
Teacher: Andy Yokihori
SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS
Grade 1-3
• 1st Place: Noa Shoemaker
• 2nd Place: Markayla Gearin
• 3rd Place: Ariya Minyard
Grade 4-8
• 1st Place: Mariah Battiest
• 2nd Place: Brock Mealor
• 3rd Place: Avery Shoemaker
Grade 8-12
• 1st Place: Harley Barnes
STILLWATER SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS
Grade K-3
• 1st Place: Ezra Curry (3rd grade) & Caroline Harris (3rd grade)
• 2nd Place: Wyatt Zimmerman (3rd grade) & Ethan Curry (2nd grade)
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC COMPETITION
International Academic Competitions include the National Geography Bee, National History Bee and National Science Bee.
International Academic Competitions provide students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in Geography, History and Science, while developing critical-thinking and problemsolving skills.
Format: Virtual
Eligibility:
Free online regional qualifying exams will take place Jan. 1- Feb. 1, 2025, and are open to students in grades 1-8.
How to Participate:
Follow the steps below to prepare for and take the qualifying exams:
1. Choose Your Exam(s): Decide which test(s) your student would like to take.
2. Study:
Begin preparing using the study guides provided at the bottom of this page. Select the guides that correspond to your students’ grade level. Students can use both color sets
per subject for additional practice—the more they study, the better prepared they will be!
3. Take the Test(s):
• Tests are available online from Jan. 1Feb. 1, 2025 and can be completed at home.
• Create a new account and fill in the required information. For the teacher email, use: leisha.albaugh@ epiccharterschools.org.
• Save Player ID: Write down your student’s player ID and keep it for future use. This will be needed if your student decides to return and take other tests later.
4. Ready to Test?
When your student is ready, click on their chosen exam.
Test Format:
• Timed: 20 minutes.
• 50 multiple-choice questions.
• Encourage your student to make their best guess if they are unsure of an answer
BOWLING COMPETITION
BARTLESVILLE, OK | NOVEMBER 9
FIRST PLACE: Briana Zickefoose, Dawn Warren, Eli Loader, Isaiah Long
SECOND PLACE: Malachi Zickefoose, Kaydan Tootill, Yoel Saldivar, Desirae Zerbe, Daniel Zerbe, Josiah Mingus
THIRD PLACE: Bobby Zickefoose, Michael Zerbe, Leyton Stein, Jordan Pennie
FOURTH PLACE: Christian Zerbe
EPIC CHART ER SCHOOLS
Medical Minutes
SORE THROAT? FEVERS? ACHES?
Often, this can mean it hurts to swallow or talk, it comes with a stuffy or runny nose and you may see white patches on the back of the throat. If all of these symptoms -or even some of them — are present, it’s time to see a doctor. Epic Telehealth is here to help!
Time to see a doctor? ...Contact the Epic Telehealth Team
Fill out the Epic Telehealth Request Form.
Receive a call from an EPIC RN to schedule an appointment with OU Physicians!
Meet an EPIC RN at their office (Logan Building or 50 Penn). A nurse will then take vitals and hook up a specialized camera to allow the doctor to visualize the throat, ears and skin via tablet screen.
If needed, a nurse can perform a swab test to rule out Strep or Flu.
Pick up any perscriptions necessary on your way home.
Cold & Flu Season is Here...
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Health schoolbased telehealth program offers flu testing to school-aged children. By using telehealth technology, the program provides remote access to healthcare services, minimizing contact with others and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
SCHEDULE AN OKC VISIT WITH JESSICA JONES
SCHEDULE A TULSA VISIT WITH MIKAH COMPTON
Tulsa Learning Center & Comet Academy
On Oct. 23 the Oklahoma Caring Van was on-site at the Tulsa Learning Center providing free Flu vaccines to students with signed consent forms.
More Joy, Less Juggle: an Epic Guide to Holiday Mental Health Nurses’ Notes We want to say...
The Holiday Season can mean making memories with family and friends while celebrating each other and making plans for the new year. However, the holidays are also a time of great stress and emotionally taxing mental health situations for many.
Misty Riddles, one of Epic’s school counseling coordinators and a licensed professional counselor, said varying family dynamics, political discussions, financial stress or missing a loved one often accompany this time of year.
“Most people think that the holidays are full of joy and happiness,” she said. “However, it can bring some stress that impacts mental health.”
Riddles said the holidays also bring disruption to ordinary schedules, so keeping a regular routine – consistent bedtimes, study times, etc. – can do a great deal for young people and maintaining their mental health and state of mind.
She said there are several things families can do during the holidays to manage the inherent stress and chaos of the season.
1. Set realistic expectations about gifts and gift-giving. Not every family can provide the same gifts as others. Avoid disappointment by not setting expectations that are too high.
2. Realize that no matter how hard you try, not everything will be perfect. Engaging in self-care and taking breaks from stressful situations will make the season go smoother.
3. Create opportunities for open communication. When adults feel stress or anxiety, children can pick up on that and react accordingly. Be open about what you’re feeling and encourage them to, as well.
4. Give children permission to say no to physical contact. Not everyone is comfortable with hugging or physical contact. Encourage alternative greetings, such as a high-five or a simple wave.
5. Create meaningful connections. Making new memories and establishing new traditions can be a way to overcome holiday grief and create happy situations you will remember for a lifetime.
Riddles said students can always reach out to a school counselor or take advantage of the social and mental health services Epic offers its families. More information can be found by visiting https://www.epiccharterschools.org/outreach .
From Oct. 1- Nov. 15, Epic students, families and staff were encouraged to gather items and assemble care packages to be dropped off just in time for Veterans’ Week with the HUGS Project!
THANK YOU!
Epic Charter Schools would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated supply-filled boxes to the HUGS Project. At this time of year, it’s important to let those who are serving our country to know they are remembered and how grateful their families, friends and fellow citizens are for their service, especially during the holiday season.
Epic parent Melissa Lile took it upon herself to rally friends to donate more than 20 HUGS boxes to send to our troops! Way to go Melissa!
The NCAA Club meeting schedule has been updated for the 2024-25 school year. High school students (grades 9-12) will meet via Zoom on Friday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. Middle school students (grades 7 and 8) will meet via Zoom on Friday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. A parent meeting will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m.
Our next community-service project will be at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma on Dec. 6 from 1-4 p.m. All Epic NCAA Club members are encouraged to attend.
The NCAA Club is for students in grades 7-12 who are competitive athletes looking to further their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. Zoom meetings are an opportunity for students and/or parents to learn more about the recruiting process, the academic requirements for Epic students and to connect with other Epic students.
In-person meetings will be held at least once per semester as community service projects. Students and parents will have the opportunity to meet other club members while having fun, making a positive impact in our state and collecting service hours for college applications and resumes. Service hours are encouraged — but not required — for club members.
VIEW MEETING SCHEDULE
