The Orbit September 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

FEATURE STORY:

A $2.1 MILLION SECOND CHANCE

EPIC VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

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A $2.1 MILLION SECOND CHANCE

THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE DRUG GAVE AN EPIC FAMILY NEW HOPE On Aug. 14, 2019, 14-month-old Brady Clark became one of the first children in the world to receive Zolgensma, a gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The rare childhood disorder progressively weakens muscles and robs children of the simplest abilities.

Diagnosed with Type II SMA just weeks earlier, Brady’s future hung in the balance. His parents wondered if he would ever be able to play, walk, eat, drink or even breathe on his own.

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“JUST THIS CUTE, LITTLE, CHUNKY GUY.”

Fortunately, Brady’s doctors and parents had a plan that ended with him receiving the life-saving treatment: at the time, the world’s most expensive drug. And the best part? It was covered by the family’s insurance plan through their employer: Epic Charter Schools.

Nicole and Tyler Clark are Brady’s parents and both teacher development specialists at Epic. Born in 2018 as the couple’s second child, he hit early milestones easily and was, by all accounts, “just this cute, little, chunky guy.”

At around six months, though, Brady stopped doing the things he used to. He went from a typical crawl to dragging his back legs, couldn’t seem to grasp objects the same way and began manipulating his body to accomplish the same tasks.

He stopped moving his legs when changing his diaper. That’s when Nicole said she knew something was wrong.

“MY SPED RADAR WAS GOING OFF. SOMETHING WAS WRONG.”

“I was a special education teacher before I came to Epic,” she said, “so my SPED radar was going off.

Something was wrong.”

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After a doctor’s visit, a referral to physical therapy and a lot of medical head scratching, the Clarks ended up at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. That’s where, after 19 agonizing days, Brady received his SMA diagnosis.

After that, things started moving very fast.

“I was actually teaching at the Durant Library with a group of Epic students when they called me,” Nicole said. “And the next day, we were at Cook Children’s coming up with a game plan for our baby.”

As they walked in the door, their doctor had the paperwork ready for them to sign that would begin Brady’s treatment. By then, Brady had lost a lot of movement. But after a single one-hour infusion, it was finished. That’s when the monitoring for side effects began.

He experienced none of them.

After many additional Fort Worth trips for blood tests and followups, continued physical and occupational therapy, and a lot of patience, at 3 years old, Brady started walking with a walker.

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The Clarks celebrated that small victory. It was worth more to them than the milestones most parents take for granted.

and-mortar school, which left him exhausted, sick and missing a lot of school days – 60 in total. So they tried again with kindergarten the next year, but despite making loads “We’ve always said we do inchstones of friends, Brady missed 47 days that instead of milestones,” Nicole said, year and ended up in the hospital “because if we can just make an inch, once. With both Nicole and Tyler we’re happy.” trying to balance working and taking care of their son’s needs, one thing But even if the progress came in was becoming clear: something had inches, so did the challenges. to give.

At 4-and-a-half years old, Brady started attending pre-K at a brick-

And so, the summer before first grade, they decided to enroll Brady

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“

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“I CAN STILL DO EVERYTHING.” in Epic, which, as it turns out, was the answer to a great many of their problems. Not only did their son get his energy back, but he reemerged as the joyful and happy kid they hadn’t seen in a while.

“He’d be so tired because he was using all of his energy to work at school,” Nicole said, adding that since enrolling in Epic’s Comet Academy, he’s continuing to make friends and has become something of a “renaissance man.”

“He loves to cook. He loves to read. He loves to go

shopping with me and he loves to go hunting and fishing with his dad. He loves all the things.”

As for Brady — now 7 years old — he’s just happy to be able to spend time at home with his mom, his dog, Cooper, and his pony, Junior. Also, he really loves the Hank the Cowdog books. They’re his favorite.

He’s very upfront about having SMA, but if there’s one thing he wants people to know about him, it’s that he’s strong.

“I can still do everything,” he said.

“My legs just don’t work right.”

They’re getting better all the time, though, Brady said.

After all, it’s the inchstones that matter most.

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THE LEARNER, THE ADVOCATE AND THE VETERAN How three paths converged in the classroom The first thing you notice about them is just how different their backgrounds are. A computer scientist who left the industry because it felt “too impersonal.” Another who spent decades running her family’s drilling business. And a third who retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 20 years of combined military service.

Chris Young, Melissa Atwood and Pete Merwick never set out to become teachers, but five years after joining Epic’s First STEP program, they all have one thing in common: they’re all educators.

When the Epic First STEP program launched in 2020 (which was called UTeach at the time), its goal was simple: create special education teachers who are successful in supporting the needs of students. The initiative aimed to take degreed professionals who weren’t teachers and put them through a fast-track boot camp that would lead them to earn their state special education certification.

Dr. Patricia Cook is Epic’s director of certification. She joined Epic in 2015 with a focus on training special education teachers. She was instrumental in developing the First STEP program and centered it around a rigorous residency model that requires exams, classroom practice and constant evaluation. Each candidate was also assigned a certification pathway specialist to guide them through.

“Our program was built on research and intentionally high standards,” Cook said, adding that one thing that impressed her the most was the group’s dedication. “They really stood up and did some hard things – a full-time job and full-time school, all at once.”

The initiative became even more challenging as it coincided with a statewide teacher shortage and the COVID-19 pandemic. But, she said, the combination of strong leadership and a wide range of voices ended up making something great.

“The three tenets of the department are communication, accountability and support,” she said. “It really was a collaboration. Specialists, principals, instructional coaches – everyone had a piece in helping them succeed.”

And by all accounts, they have indeed succeeded. These three teachers from the first First STEP cohort in 2020 are now integral parts of Epic’s special education team of educators. The stories of how they arrived here are as different and varied as the students they so passionately serve. But now, they all seem to share a common thread: compassion, patience and a hope that their efforts can change lives for the better.

These are their stories.

CHRIS YOUNG The Neverending Learner Chris Young thought he would spend his life in computer science, not a classroom. But after a little more than a year, he saw it was all so impersonal and lacked the human element he craved.

“I realized this is not the career for me for the rest of my life,” he said, adding that he’d always had an interest in education but didn’t think he could make a living as an educator. “ A life as an educator is a great life. A living is a more challenging prospect.”

Young set aside his reservations and decided to do what, he said, he wanted to do all along: teach.

After spending some time as a substitute teacher for Oklahoma City Public Schools and then a stint in the insurance industry, he got the opportunity to teach English in China, which he jumped at. After earning his TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – certification, he moved to China and taught there for several years.

“And I absolutely loved it,” he said.

That’s when he found out about First STEP, joining its inaugural cohort in 2020. And as if the idea of starting a full-time path to becoming a special education teacher wasn’t enough, Young also managed to complete his master’s degree in education … at the same time.

He said he couldn’t have done it without the enormous support of so many, not the least of which was his fellow cohort members.

“One thing Epic did give me was people to lean on,” he said. “Some of them I rely on to this day.”

For Young, being a teacher is both a calling and a mirror. As someone who lives with dyslexia, he said he has learned so much about helping his students and a great deal about himself in the process of becoming an educator.

Among the numerous certifications he’s earned in science, severe & profound special education and early childhood education – to name a few – he’s also pursuing a micro-certification in dyslexia.

Having dyslexia has given him instinctual empathy for his students who are struggling, too. After all, he got through college by being hyper-focused in class, not by reading the books.

“When a student says reading is exhausting, I get it,” he said. “They’re calling on memory every single time they see a word. That’s exhausting.”

A father of two daughters, both of whom are Epic students, Young said he will always be grateful for finding the First STEP program and for the opportunities it has provided.

“Epic opened doors and showed me pathways I didn’t even know existed,” he said.

MELISSA ATWOOD

The Advocate Turned Teacher Running her family’s water well drilling company was not what Melissa Atwood had in mind for her life’s work. Still, after her father passed, that’s what she wound up doing. And she kept doing it for decades.

But once her children were grown, she decided it was time to do something for herself. The longtime special education advocate for her oldest son was already working on her second master’s degree when she found out she’d been accepted into the First STEP program in 2020.

“This was finally my turn to do something for me,” she said.

“I just looked at it like I was the CEO of my own little roster,” she said. “It was my responsibility to make sure those families had the best experience they could.”

It didn’t take long for Atwood to pivot from learner to leader. After her first year, she became a resource for the cohorts coming after her. She realized that while one’s cohort can be extremely helpful, it can’t prepare you for everything.

Her principal encouraged her to support incoming First STEP teachers, which she was eager to do because it spoke to one of her core values: institutional memory.

Atwood’s first year in the program was a busy one. In addition to working on her master’s degree, she managed a roster of 40 students across multiple curricula while also working on her board certifications.

“You just have to invest in people so they stay and you get that history to pass on,” she said.

This is where running the family business came in handy.

“I think we have an opportunity for change right now,” she said, “and I hope we’re able to grasp it.”

Looking forward, Atwood hopes Epic will continue to create space for teacher voices.

PETE MERWICK

The Veteran With a New Mission It wasn’t the first boot camp he’d been through.

After 20 years of service in the Marines and Coast Guard, Peter Merwick has survived close calls in helicopters and been a crew chief on C-130s.

These days, though, boot camp has trained him for a mission of a different kind: teaching Oklahoma students with special needs to find their footing in life.

As a former recruiter for the Thunderbird Youth Challenge Program – a military-style school for which Epic is the sole educational provider – Merwick is not unfamiliar with the model. All four of his children are Epic students.

“I’ve been through three boot camps in my life,” he said. “When I heard about First STEP boot camp, I thought, ‘I know something about boot camp.’”

Merwick came to the 2020 First STEP cohort with years of training/teaching experience from his military days and his time as a youth pastor.

The mild-moderate special education teacher is known for his immersive field trips to such places as the Tulsa International Airport, the Channel 6 newsroom and a Tesla factory. His goal is always, he said, to connect his students to the real world around them.

In fact, that real-world experience is part of what he loves most about the program.

“We bring something different to the table,” he said of his fellow First STEP educators, “a realworld aspect on teaching.”

But behind his precise and disciplined exterior beats the heart of true empathy. He sees teaching as a way to honor students’ potential, making sure he helps them see all the options they have in front of them.

“I have a heart for the ones who slip through the cracks,” he said. ‘If somebody could’ve just made a slight adjustment in their path, it could’ve changed everything.”

But teaching doesn’t usually happen without a little learning, too. For Merwick, it’s patience.

Coming from the highly trained and structured world of military service, he said, a special education classroom has taught him to slow down and take a breath.

“Sometimes, I’ll ask a question and wait two minutes while they struggle,” he said. “I just had to tell myself, ‘Hey, Chief Merwick, they have accommodations for a reason.’”

THE SPIRIT OF A NEW YEAR There’s a buzz that comes with the first day of school – no matter if you’re finding your seat in a classroom or logging in from the kitchen table.

Some students greet friends in bustling hallways, while others wave hello through webcams, but the anticipation is the same. The following pages capture the energy that fills our community on day one: smiles, laughter and all the hope that comes with new beginnings. Enjoy!

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CALLING ALL SUPER SPELLERS! If you have a way with words and you’re ready to show off your spelling skills on a big stage, then it’s time to start studying for the Epic District SpellingBees, happening early October in Oklahoma City and Tulsa!

Winners from each district bee will have the chance to advance to the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee and from there, possibly compete in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.!

Start preparing now to give yourself the best shot at success.

Here are some great resources to help you get started: Make studying fun with the app, https://spellingbee.com/word-club Help your child prepare with various activities and books https://spellingbee.com/resources Whether you’re aiming for school bragging rights or dreaming of the national stage, your journey starts now.

Study hard, spell strong and BEE amazing!

OKC DISTRICT SPELLING BEE

TULSA DISTRICT SPELLING BEE

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.

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS Order directly from Amazon via the wishlist.

AMAZON WISHLIST

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

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2025-2026

BACK TO SCHOOL VIRTUAL EXPO

Missed the 2025 Back-to-School Virtual Expo?

You can catch up anytime by watching the full playlist through the button below.

Epic Charter Schools hosted its 2025 Back-to-School Virtual Expo Aug. 11–13. The event featured Epic representatives sharing updates, answering questions and highlighting new programs, clubs, organizations and curricula designed to help families prepare for the 2025–26 school year.

Whether you’re new to Epic or a returning family, the sessions provide resources and insights to support confident choices—all from the comfort of home.

FULL BTS EXPO PLAYLIST

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS

COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK IS HERE!

Epic Charter Schools is excited to invite 12th grade students and their families to our third-annual College Application Week! This is the biggest college admissions-focused event of the year!

When: Sept. 22-26, 2026.

Time: 1-2 p.m. daily.

Where: Zoom (No Registration Required).

Who: Epic Charter Schools’ seniors.

This week-long event is packed with valuable information, guidance and support to help students take the next step toward college. Each day from Monday through Thursday, students can join live virtual sessions focused on key topics like: researching colleges, navigating the application process, writing admissions essays and important next steps. On Friday, we are offering individualized support to help students complete and submit their applications with help from Epic’s knowledgeable College & Career Readiness staff.

This event aligns with Oklahoma’s College Application Week, a statewide initiative to support high school seniors in applying to college.

For questions about College Application Week, please email College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler, at brianna.strickler@epiccharterschools.org.

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TEL

TEL office hours are available weekly for all students, parents and teachers with TELrelated questions. You can join the office hours between 4-5 p.m. each Monday & Thursday.

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Office hours Zoom link here.

The deadline to submit TEL drop tickets is Sept. 10.

E G E L L O C Y A W H T PA

COLLEGE PLANNING

YOUR ROADMAP TO COLLEGE: GRADELEVEL CHECKLISTS AND SUPPORT AT EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS At Epic Charter Schools, we believe it is never too early to start preparing for college. Whether you are an 8th grader exploring career paths or a senior gearing up for college applications, we are here to support you every step of the way.

To make the college-planning journey smoother, we have created grade-level checklists with simple, actionable guides tailored to each year of high school. These checklists will help students and families stay organized, informed and prepared for what comes next.

Explore your grade-level checklist here!

For college planning support, please contact College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler, at brianna.strickler@epiccharterschools.org.

DATES TO REMEMBER COLLEGE PLANNING & ADMISSION OFFICE HOURS Sept. 11 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Zoom Sept. 18 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Zoom Sept. 25 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Zoom

COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK SESSIONS Sept. 22-26 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom

COLLEGE PLANNING OVERVIEW SESSIONS Grades 8-10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Sept. 16 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Zoom

Sept. 17 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Zoom

Sept. 18 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Zoom

This informative event will cover essential college preparation guidelines and provide helpful recommendations to support 8th through 10th grade students as they begin thinking about their postsecondary journey.

Participants will gain valuable tips and resources on key topics, such as the college search and selection process and scholarships.

This session is designed to guide 11th grade students through important steps in the college planning process and offer recommendations to help them stay on track for life after high school. Attendees will receive valuable tips and resources on topics like college admissions, college entrance exams and scholarships.

As students enter their final year of high school, this session will provide important guidance to support their transition to college. Participants will receive valuable tips and resources covering college admissions, financial aid, scholarships and more, all tailored to the needs of graduating seniors.

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SCHOL ARSHIPS

E G E L L O C R U O Y W START O N G N I N N A L P FINANCIAL’S EXPERT HELP WITH EPIC sts, scholarships co ch e rT e re a C r o e g Thinking about colle r to start those a e y r io n se l ti n u it a w or the FAFSA? Don’t conversations.

work Burk, is available to ah ic M , or el ns ou C p & Scholarshi Epic’s Financial Aid She can help you: 2.

–1 8 es ad gr in ts uden one-on-one with st . a clear financial plan ith w s al go re tu fu ur • Connect yo a’s Promise.

• Apply for Oklahom that fit your path. ps hi rs la ho sc ch ar • Rese FAFSA requirement. ar ye or ni se ur yo e at • Navig the process, now in ep de y ad re al or k@ beginning to plan out today: micah.bur Whether you’re just ch ea R . ep st xt ne e take th is the perfect time to rg epiccharterschools.o

DATES TO REMEMBER FAFSA 101: HOW TO PREPARE & COMPLETE THE 2026-2027 APPLICATION Sept. 17 | 2-3 p.m. | Zoom

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COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK FINANCIAL AID SESSION Sept. 25 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom

OKLAHOMA PROMISE UPDATES Recent changes make it easier than ever to apply: • Seniors are eligible to apply.

• Students can now apply anytime from 8th–12th grade (deadline: Dec. 31 of senior year).

• Oklahoma Teacher dependents (10+ years in the classroom) have no income cap consideration for their eligibility.

Learn more and see the full Q&A on the Oklahoma’s Promise website. For additional support, contact Micah Burk at: micah.burk@epiccharterschools.org.

ATTENTION SENIORS & CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATES Mark your calendars: Oct. 1 is the opening date for the 2026–2027 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

To meet Oklahoma’s graduation requirement, you must either: • Complete the 2026–2027 FAFSA, or • Submit the FAFSA Opt-Out Form in your PowerSchool parent portal.

Review this guide now so you’ll know what to expect and be ready to take action starting Oct. 1.

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R E E R A C Y A W H T PA

INTERNSHIPS & WORK-BASED LEARNING

EARN ELECTIVE CREDIT AND BUILD FUTUREREADY SKILLS WITH EPIC’S CURATED OPPORTUNITIES

Earning elective credit through these options gives students the ability to continue to grow and learn skills that will help them in the future while, at the same time, earning high school course credit.

Exceptional opportunities are available for all our high school students. Students can explore curated opportunities in Epic College, Career & Life platform, Naviance.

Click Here for instructions.

DATES TO REMEMBER EPIC DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE Sept. 5 | Apply Here

VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The Virtual Internship Program courses begin the first week of September! Students are engaging in this unique internship opportunity, building career skills and strengthening resumes. Enrollment continues for the fall semester up to the deadline of Friday, Sept. 5.

Click Here for to learn more.

OKLAHOMA VIRTUAL CAREER EXPO

Sept. 19 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Learn More | Register Here

CAREERTECH CareerTech programs are in full swing, and tours and events are being added daily! This year, we are offering more virtual opportunities than ever before to connect with representatives from your local technology center.

You can view the full and regularly updated list of upcoming events and tours here: CareerTech Tours & Events Calendar If you have any questions or need support, please reach out to Hadley Miller at: hadley.miller@epicharterschools.org 37

TRANSITION SERVICES

PREPARE U IS NOW ON SCHOOLOGY! Epic Charter Schools is excited to offer Prepare U, a flexible, careerreadiness program designed to help students: Build confidence.

Explore career options.

Strengthen job readiness skills.

Get ready for life after high school.

Students can complete self-paced sessions, attend live workshops, or sign up for oneon-one support, all directly within the Schoology platform. Prepare U is not an enrolled course, so students can pick and choose sessions based on their interests and goals. While it is primarily geared toward 12th graders, any student starting to explore next steps is encouraged to participate!

How to Add Prepare U to Your Schoology Dashboard Follow this simple guide: Add Prepare U to Schoology Several sessions are new this year, including Customer Service & Problem Solving, and Professionalism on Social Media, alongside favorites like How to Create a Resume, Interview Success Skills and Understanding Work Environments.

UPCOMING PREPARE U SESSIONS HOW TO CREATE A RESUME Sept. 10 | 2 p.m. | Zoom

PROFESSIONALISM ON SOCIAL MEDIA Sept. 16 | 5 p.m. | Zoom

TIME MANAGEMENT FOR WORK & SCHOOL Sept. 29 | 1 p.m. | Zoom

PROFESSIONALISM ON SOCIAL MEDIA Oct. 6 | 1 p.m. | Zoom

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ONE HOME, TWO KIDS, AND THE POWER OF ROUTINE When Amari and her little brother Miles both started learning from home with Epic, everything changed. No school bell. No bus stop. No face-to-face classmates. Just their family kitchen, two laptops and a whole lot of uncertainty. Amari, a 10th grader, was quietly overwhelmed. Miles, a highenergy 2nd grader, was excited about the change, but struggled to get started and stay focused each day. Their parents realized fast: without a solid routine, the whole house felt off-balance.

PREDICTABILITY = SECURITY Miles struggled with meltdowns each day, struggling with transitions, focus, and even playtime.

A visual schedule with breakfast, school blocks, and breaks helped him feel calmer and more in control.

Try this: Use a visual or color-coded schedule with younger kids. Walk through it together each morning to create a sense of predictability.

Amari wasn’t melting down, but she felt lost—new school, no friends and an overwhelming number of assignments. A weekly digital planner helped her manage time and gave her a sense of stability.

Try this: Help teens create a flexible but clear schedule in a digital or paper planner that they can update and own. This builds confidence and autonomy.

EMOTIONAL CHECK-INS THAT ACTUALLY WORK Each morning, Miles used a feelings chart with his mom—just a quick check-in before school started.

This quick check-in gave Miles and his mom the chance to head off frustrating feelings before they escalated.

Try this: Start the day by naming feelings, especially for younger kids. It builds emotional awareness.

Amari began each day with three deep breaths and a quick reflection—giving herself space before stress took over.

Try this: Encourage teens to build in a pause before jumping into their work. Even 2-3 minutes of deep breathing can rewire the rest of the day.

MOVEMENT AS A RESET Miles needed movement breaks to get his energy out, and Amari needed to move to get her energy up after long periods of focus.

Dance breaks, jumping jacks or a short walk together helped keep them focused and ready to learn.

Try this: Add several short movement breaks to your learning routines. It’s not a distraction—it’s regulation. These small resets help mood and focus.

ROUTINES FOR BETTER SLEEP Late nights were wrecking everyone’s mood. So, the family made sleep routines non-negotiable.

Miles had a simple bedtime sequence: bath, book, song, lights out. Amari turned off screens by 9 p.m. and started journaling or listening to music instead.

Try this: Keep bedtime consistent, tech-light and calm.

TEACHING INDEPENDENCE Miles now checks his schedule and gathers materials each morning— small steps toward self-management. Amari tracks her assignments and blocks study time herself. With support early on, she built a routine that works for her.

Try this: Give kids age-appropriate ownership of their routines. It builds confidence and self-reliance.

Two kids, two needs—one solution: consistent, flexible routines.

Finding rhythms and routines helps to reduce stress, support mental health and build life skills. And if you’re not sure where to start, reach out—our school counselors are ready to help!

HEALTH SERVICES

A NOTE FROM YOUR SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES COORDINATOR Hello Epic Families!

My name is Jessica Jones, and I’m honored to serve as your school health & services coordinator. My role is to support the health and safety of our students, whether they are learning from home or visiting one of our sites.

As we settle into the school year, I want to share a few quick reminders to help us care for your student effectively: 1. Keep Emergency Contacts Current — Life happens, phone numbers change and family circumstances shift. Please take a moment to double-check that your child’s emergency contact information is up to date in PowerSchool. This ensures we can reach you quickly if your student becomes ill or there’s an emergency.

2. Medical Forms for In-Person Visits — If your child may attend in-person learning, testing or events in our buildings, certain forms might be needed, especially if they will require medication during that time. Examples include: • •

Medication Administration Form – if school staff will give medication.

Self-Carry Form – required if your child needs to keep prescribed medications with them (e.g., inhalers for asthma, epinephrine injectors for severe allergies, diabetic supplies or pancreatic enzymes).

These forms must be completed by both the parent/guardian and your child’s healthcare provider.

If you’re unsure which forms you need, please reach out. I’m happy to help guide you.

Jessica Jones, BSN, RN School Health & Services Coordinator healthservices@epiccharterschools.org

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COMPLETE FORMS HERE

SPECIAL OLYMPICS REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN We’re thrilled to announce that registration is open for this year’s Special Olympics! If your child is 8 or older and has a diagnosed intellectual disability, they’re eligible to join.

This is a chance for Epic students with special needs to get involved, make friends, learn new skills and show off their strengths on the field.

Don’t wait—registration closes Sept. 8. Fill out the Special Olympics Registration Form to secure your student’s spot and help them become part of something unforgettable.

Not sure if your child qualifies? Reach out to lauren.williams@epiccharterschools.org for more details. Let’s make this a year to remember for our Epic athletes!

REGISTER HERE

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NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAMS Title VI - Indian Education

Indian Education is a program that supports the unique academic and cultural needs of Native American and Alaska Native students. Its purpose is to connect students to their heritage while helping them succeed in school and beyond. The program operates under the Title VI grant and is available to Epic students.

ELIGIBILIT Y Students qualify if they are enrolled members of a federally or state-recognized tribe, or if they are the biological child or grandchild of a tribal member who holds a tribal membership card or Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB).

THE 506 FORM Families must complete a 506 Form with proof of tribal enrollment (membership card, number, or CDIB). The form can be found in the student’s account under “25–26 Schedule Course Requests and Orientation Forms,” completed during the ILP with a teacher, or accessed in the Parent Portal under Student Forms. If a verified form is already on file, no resubmission is required.

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

Indian Education provides academic support, cultural opportunities, and family involvement.

• Academic Support Services: Tutoring, virtual study halls, study materials, calculator support, Indigenous-authored books for all grade levels, and review books and games in English language arts and math for grades K–8.

• Cultural Enrichment Activities: Native language classes for World Language credit, Native American studies courses for history credit, social and stomp dances, cultural arts workshops and camps (virtual and in-person), and graduation cap beading workshops.

• Student Leadership Opportunities: Student organizations for all grade levels,

workshops and activities to develop leadership skills, statewide networking with Native students, and participation in youth conferences, competitions, and the Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society.

NAP REGION MAP

STUDENT ORGANIZ ATIONS

Indian Education offers opportunities through groups such as Warrior Book Club, Notable Natives, Native American Club, Jr. NASO, Next Gen of Native Leaders, NASO, Whole Health Club, and Indigenous Endeavors.

ASSISTANCE AND TRIBAL RESOURCES

The program assists families with food security, utility assistance, transportation, and health resources. Staff help determine tribal jurisdiction, connect families with services, and provide tribal liaison support for applications and eligibility. Partnerships with tribal and community organizations strengthen this network of support. For assistance, contact Ryan Fowler at ryan.fowler@ epiccharterschools.org.

PARENT COMMITTEE Parents and guardians of Native American students are invited to join the Indian Education Parent Committee. Members collaborate with staff to shape programs, events, and services.

Meetings are held monthly via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: •

Aug. 28

•

Jan. 15

•

Sept. 11

•

Feb. 12

•

Oct. 9

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Mar. 12

•

Nov. 13

•

Apr. 9

•

Dec. 11

•

May 14

MEET THE TEAM

HOPE YOU HAD A BLAST THIS SUMMER! THANK YOU FOR READING. THE ORBIT WILL BE BACK IN OCTOBER WITH MORE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND YOU AT EPIC!

EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS