ECS-0526-Orbit-May:June-final

MAY / JUNE 2026

THE FIRST FOUR Epic’s Inaugural Teacher of the Month Winners Talk Trust, Connections and ‘The Secret Sauce’

EPIC VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

THE FIRST FOUR

Epic’s Inaugural Teacher of the Month Winners Talk Trust, Connections and ‘The Secret Sauce’ It happens the same way every time. A superintendent, a bouquet of flowers, a camera crew and a surprise.

The surprise is the fun part.

When Brittany Venable was asked to help during state testing, she suspected something was up.

“I have really good intuitions about some things,” she said. “When my boss asked me to

help her at state testing, I knew something was up.”

Epic’s Teacher of the Month winners Venable, Alaina Hilliard, Andee Yokohori and Grace Oliver each arrived at Epic from different places.

Different backgrounds. Different reasons for making the leap.

Still, all four describe discovering the same thing: education works differently when teachers are trusted to teach.

Instead, she found herself struggling to reconcile expectations with reality.

The disconnect was great enough that she stepped away from traditional education for a year and worked as a private tutor.

It didn’t take long for her to realize not only that she missed teaching but also wanted more meaningful connections with students.

Then she found Epic.

“It definitely rectified what I’d been looking for,” Oliver said, now in her sixth year with Epic.

“How do I make those personal connections with my students?”For Venable, the journey began with uncertainty.

GRACE OLIVER

April Teacher of the Month Grace Oliver entered education with the same idealism as most new teachers. A University of Central Oklahoma graduate, she believed she was embarking on a mission to change lives.

Then she entered a traditional classroom.

“It wasn’t what all of our classes and everything made us think, that we were going to go out there and change the world,” Oliver said.

After graduating from Oklahoma State University, she moved to Texas and applied for more multiple teaching positions, and eventually, started applying in Oklahoma. That’s when Epic called.

“When Epic called, I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, what did I sign up for?”

Twelve years later, she is still here and hopes to retire from Epic someday.

Hilliard’s path looked different.

After 14 years of teaching high school math and

they experienced the same shift in philosophy.

Instead of asking students to fit a prepackaged model, they work to customize an educational experience tailored to their students’ individual needs and learning styles.

“It was totally different, which I liked because I got to kind of create my own vibe and routine and got to do what my kids needed,” Venable said.

That customization is key because, as everyone at Epic knows, school can be different because so are its students.

Some thrive in individual meetings. Others prefer classroom environments. Some need a little of both.

ALAINA HILLIARD February Teacher of the Month

“It’s interesting to see how all the kids learn and do different things,” she said.

For Hilliard, learning begins long before two years as a school counselor, she was looking academics. Because of her background as a for something that would better fit her family. counselor, she knows students often bring with them challenges that cannot be ignored.

She and her husband have four children, including three adopted sons.

“If they’re dysregulated, then they can’t learn,” “There are times that the daycare calls and they’re not having a good day,” she said. “‘You got to come get them.’ Okay, I’ll be right there.”

That flexibility changed everything for her and her family.

“I never had that flexibility before.”

she said. “I have to make sure that’s taken care of before the academics are taken care of.”

Oliver agrees. Only after students feel safe, understood and supported can real learning begin, she said.

“My role and my overall philosophy is creating a safe environment for education to take off,” she said. “That’s where education can truly begin.”

Yokohori came to Epic after spending more than two decades teaching in Japan and working Yokohori’s experience as both an educator and in international education. parent led her to a similar conclusion.

When she discovered Epic’s approach, she “Let’s talk about your season,” she said. “Let’s immediately recognized something different. talk about if this is a great fit.”

“I thought this is going to be cutting edge,” she She believes education works best when said. “This is the new way of education.” families are viewed as partners, not passengers.

That was 11 years ago, and she said she still A central theme consistently surfaces among believes it. the four: education is about much more than While their stories differ, each of them said academics.

A self-described Shakespearean, she enjoys helping students discover literature that can be far less intimidating than they might think.

“My favorite ‘A-ha’ moment is when they come to the dark side,” she said with a laugh, noting many of her students show up convinced they will hate Shakespeare.

“They realize, okay, I can navigate it. I don’t have to love it or excel at it, but I can navigate it.”

For her, helping students become confident problem-solvers is often more important than the content itself.

Perhaps the strongest thread connecting all four of these teachers is that relationships drive learning.

ANDEE YOKOHORI

Venable said one of the nicest compliments she has ever received came from her supervisor.

For Yokohori, that realization helped inspire the development of Epic co-ops, where students can explore interests, build friendships and discover new interests.

“She said that I am so genuine,” she said. “I listen to my students and say, ‘What do you like? What do you want to do?’”

January Teacher of the Month

“Education is, you know, a lot of times it gets lumped into just reading and math,” she said.

“Really, honing in on motivating kids is the secret sauce.”

Students in the co-ops she attends have participated in woodworking, 3D printing, service projects, cooperative games and career exploration opportunities.

The goal is not simply academic achievement.

It’s engagement.

“If they’re motivated to see, ‘I want to do this and this is the pathway,’ then reading and math just get done because they know it’s going to lead to the goal that ultimately is what they want.”

Oliver sees similar breakthroughs in her English classes.

BRITTANY VENABLE March Teacher of the Month

Hilliard values the deeper relationships that come from working with a smaller roster and students who return year after year.

“Our relationships with the families and my students are really strong,” she said.

Yokohori sees partnership as essential to helping students find the right path.

And Oliver’s love of storytelling – everything from Shakespeare and memoirs to live music – drives her belief that people form the deepest connections when something is real.

“When it comes from the heart, then it’s something that people truly latch onto,” she said.

In many ways, that idea mirrors teaching itself.

Technology may evolve. Learning models may change. But the foundation remains essentially the same: a student, a teacher and a relationship built on trust.

many of her students show up convinced they will hate Shakespeare.

“They realize, okay, I can navigate it. I don’t have to love it or excel at it, but I can navigate it.”

For her, helping students become confident problem-solvers is often more important than the content itself.

Perhaps the strongest thread connecting all four of these teachers is that relationships drive learning.

Venable said one of the nicest compliments she has ever received came from her supervisor.

“She said that I am so genuine,” she said. “I listen to my students and say, ‘What do you like? What do you want to do?’”

Hilliard values the deeper relationships that come from working with a smaller roster and students who return year after year.

“Our relationships with the families and my For the first four of Epic’s Teachers of the Month, students are really strong,” she said. that’s where learning begins.

Yokohori sees partnership as essential to projects, cooperative games and career helping students find the right path. exploration opportunities.

And Oliver’s love of storytelling – everything The goal is not simply academic achievement. from Shakespeare and memoirs to live music – It’s engagement. drives her belief that people form the deepest connections when something is real.

“If they’re motivated to see, ‘I want to do this and this is the pathway,’ then reading and math “When it comes from the heart, then it’s just get done because they know it’s going to something that people truly latch onto,” she lead to the goal that ultimately is what they said. want.”

In many ways, that idea mirrors teaching itself.

Oliver sees similar breakthroughs in her English Technology may evolve. Learning models classes. may change. But the foundation remains A self-described Shakespearean, she enjoys essentially the same: a student, a teacher and a helping students discover literature that can be relationship built on trust. far less intimidating than they might think.

For the first four of Epic’s Teachers of the Month, “My favorite ‘A-ha’ moment is when they come that’s where learning begins. to the dark side,” she said with a laugh, noting

WINNING ISN’T ALWAYS THE POINT

opportunities. But their head coach, Steve “Breezy” Briggs, is far more interested in what happened along the way.

The trophies are easy to count, but there’s a much bigger picture.

By any measurable standard, the Comets had a remarkable year. A state championship in Fortnite. A runner-up finish in Overwatch.

Third place in Valorant. National rankings in both Rocket League and Overwatch.

Epic’s esports team, the Comets, ended its season by bringing home state titles, national rankings and scholarship

For most coaches, those accomplishments would be the main topic of any conversation.

But Briggs isn’t like most coaches. In fact,

spending any time with him will reveal one of his signature traits – instead of gloating about the hardware, he redirects the conversation to the players.

balanced, they’re focused on what they’re supposed to be doing. When you’re focused on what you’re supposed to do, the winning, it comes.”

“It’s about celebrating the players, celebrating everyone throughout Epic who helped us this season,” he said. “Like they say, it takes a village to raise a child, but we need everybody.”

Being a good teammate. Making good grades. Being a good child to your parents.

Those are the priorities, he said, that will continue to shape Epic’s esports program moving forward.

Even more important than the wins, Briggs said, is building a strong culture of character and overcoming adversity as a team.

Looking ahead, Briggs said he hopes to create more opportunities for students to connect face-to-face, building on relationships that often begin online.

“It starts with the students,” he said. “It starts with them just following our leadership, the best they can. And you’re going to have hiccups, and you have to fight through those hiccups.”

If you ask Briggs about his goals for next season, he talks more about growth than trophies.

“I focus on growing them as people,” he said. “The winning is nice. The winning is great. And when you have great people, when they’re focused, when they’re all well

“I want us to do a bit more in person,” he said, “just to build that camaraderie as a team.”

He also said there could be new competitive opportunities ahead, along with more titles added to the program and even possibly more wins. But if Briggs has his way, any success next season will be measured the same as this one.

“Just keep growing, keep doing what we’re doing, man,” he said.

EPIC’S 2025–2026 COMMUNITY SERVICE AND OUTREACH IMPACT Students, families and staff made a significant impact across Oklahoma and within the Epic community this school year through service opportunities, student clubs, community service activities and outreach drives. These experiences are meaningful for students as they develop leadership skills, build connections and give back to their communities in impactful ways.

Total student, family, and staff volunteer hours include participation in Family Engagement opportunities, community service field trips, service hours logged through NJHS, NHS, StuCo and Key Club, as well as outreach and service hours provided through school programs.

Total Service Hours More than 10,000 hours served • Family Engagement Community Service: 1,365 hours (28 service opportunities implemented) • NJHS/NHS: 7,010+ hours (Additional hours expected; final hours due at the end of May) • Student Council (StuCo): 76 hours • Key Club: 1,549 hours Total Collected Through Give Back Outreach Drives Spring Community Outreach Diapers & Wipes Drive • 2,014 diapers collected • 7,106 wipes collected • Fall Community Outreach Coats, Hats, & Gloves Drive • 150 coats collected • 40 hats collected • 45 pairs of gloves collected (All items were distributed to students in need.)

Letters to Heroes Community Service Project • Current total in process as of 5/11: 798 • Emailed Letters: 549 • Postcards: 48 • Handwritten Letters: 93 • Colored Pictures: 33 • Notecards: 75

SUN SAFETY & HYDRATION Summer is just around the corner—let’s keep kids safe in the sun: • Use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every 2 hours.

• Wear hats and sunglasses for extra protection.

• Drink plenty of water before, during and after play.

• Watch for heat illness – Fatigue, dizziness or headache mean it’s time to cool down.

Questions?

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

STUDENT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS This year, Epic students had the opportunity to engage, connect, and grow through a wide variety of clubs and organizations designed to meet diverse interests, talents, and passions.

From academic enrichment opportunities like Academic Bowl, Chess Club, and Math Hoops, to creative outlets such as Drama and Music Club, students were able to explore new skills and build confidence in meaningful ways.

helping them build relationships and engage with peers across the state. Clubs such as P7, Turning Point, and Bible Club provided spaces for students to explore personal beliefs and community.

Service and leadership were a strong focus across many of our clubs. Organizations like National Honor Society (NHS), National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Key Club, Student Council, and 4-H provided students with opportunities to lead, serve their communities, and develop important life skills.

Our Special Olympics program also continued to make a powerful impact by promoting inclusion, teamwork, and personal achievement.

Overall, this year’s club offerings created meaningful opportunities for students to connect beyond the classroom, develop leadership skills, and build a strong sense of belonging within the Epic community.

We also offered clubs that foster connection and belonging through shared experiences and interests. Students participated in ASL Club, Military Club, Games Club, and Garden Club,

We introduced new opportunities this year and continued to expand offerings that reflect student voice and interests.

We look forward to continuing to provide high-quality, engaging club experiences for all students.

For more information regarding Student Clubs & Organizations, please visit: https://www. epiccharterschools.org/student-organizations

FROM PROMENADE TO PROM A Brief History of an Annual High School Tradition

Before the advent of limousines, “promposals” and carefully curated social media posts, proms were simpler affairs, if not more socially complex.

Dating back to the 19th century, “promenades” were originally designed to introduce young people to social interaction in accordance with the formality and grace of the time.

None of that history has much to do with what modern proms look like, especially at Epic Charter Schools. In a mostly virtual environment, Epic students don’t share hallways, lunchrooms or lockers. Still, every year, hundreds of them gather to celebrate the end-of-school-year joys, such as pending graduation, future life plans and whatever comes next.

Over time, proms evolved from modest school dances held in gymnasiums into significant milestones, rites of passage out of high school. Tuxedos, gowns, corsages, formal photography and, of course, enough hairspray to gag the best of professional hairstylists.

Despite changing fashion and tradition, the overarching purpose remains the same.

It’s less about dancing and more about the shared experience, the moment.

In an environment like Epic’s, evenings like these feel markedly more significant, especially when most classmates don’t actually know one another. The Zoom meetings, chat conversations and phone calls somehow become more significant on prom night.

Regardless of the circumstances, prom has, is and likely will always be a gathering place to celebrate a specific point in time: the beginning of the rest.

STUDENT WELLNESS & SUPPORT SERVICES May was Mental Health Awareness Month, promoted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which highlights the value of sharing personal stories to foster connection, understanding and hope. While each experience is unique, resilience is universal, and open conversation helps reduce stigma and supports recovery. Epic’s Student Wellness and Support Services (SWSS) team is dedicated to providing resources and support that promote student mental health and well-being.

Mrs. Katibeh: Making Meaningful Connections During Mental Health Awareness Month When you picture a school counselor, you might imagine a busy hub in the middle of a school office – a steady stream of students checking in for help with schedules and college applications. But for this Epic school counselor, connection happens through a screen, with a focus on building relationships and emotional support, and the impact is just as powerful. From supporting students navigating anxiety and isolation to helping families connect with valuable resources, her

work proves that care does not depend on a physical building.

We recognized Mental Health Awareness Month in May and spotlighted the heart, creativity and commitment behind our school counseling program - and the difference one professional can make, one Zoom meeting at a time.

Meet Kacy Katibeh, one of Epic’s one-to-one & Comet Academy school counselors. We hopped into a Zoom meeting with her to learn more about how she helps students build connection, hope, and resilience every day.

Tell us about yourself. What led you into school counseling, and how did you end up at Epic?

I originally thought I would be a teacher, but when my dad passed away while I was in high school, it changed the way I looked at supporting students. I still wanted to be in education, but I realized I wanted to connect with students on a deeper level.

I pursued my degree in education, then my master’s in counseling. That desire to help students socially and emotionally never went away.

What drew me to Epic was the opportunity to help build a counseling program from the ground up. I had already been a counselor for several years, so the change to help shape and grow a new program was really exciting to me.

What’s one moment in your career that reminded you, “This is exactly why I do this”?

I have a strong passion for supporting students who may need additional emotional support. When I’m able to connect with a student who feels like they don’t have anyone in their corner, and I become a trusted support for them, that means everything.

Some of our students have experienced significant challenges.

Being able to support them, encourage them, and help them see there is hope and opportunity ahead are the moments that remind me why I love this work.

What are some unique challenges that students face in this learning environment? How is supporting students virtually different from working in a traditional school setting?

In a traditional school, students can just pop into your office. In a virtual setting, the logistics look different.

The upside is that students have a lot of control over when they reach out.

With booking links and open office hours, they can schedule time with me whenever they need it. It’s very student-led.

But the flip side of being student-led is that a lot of responsibility falls on the student. That can be empowering, but also challenging. They have to take initiative for their own learning, and if they don’t, it’s easy to fall behind or feel overwhelmed.

Connection can also be harder for our students. Some students may only meet with a teacher once each week, and they can feel a little isolated.

We want them to make healthy connections, and that’s another area where our department can help.

What have you learned about students at Epic?

Our students are incredibly resilient.

Many of them have overcome challenges while continuing to show up and engage in their learning. Their perseverance and determination are truly remarkable, and it’s something I see every day.

In your experience, what are the biggest mental health concerns students are facing right now?

Many students are experiencing increased levels of anxiety and depression. In some cases, students face more serious mental health concerns that require additional support. For virtual students, a lack of daily in-person interaction can sometimes make these challenges feel more significant, which is why connection with school counselors, peers, and teachers is so important.

What’s something you wish every student knew about mental health?

Honest conversations about mental health are important and should be approached with care and understanding. It’s something that can be supported just like any other aspect of health. I often remind students that their current situation does not define their future, things can improve, and support is available.

What signs can families, teachers, and students watch for if they’re concerned about a student?

One of the biggest signs is a noticeable change in behavior. If a student becomes more withdrawn, overwhelmed or disengaged, it may be a sign that they need additional support. Taking time to check in and ensuring they feel seen and heard makes a meaningful difference.

What small, practical steps can students take to protect their mental health?

Everyone wants some brand-new, innovative tip, but honestly, the most important thing is to protect your foundational needs. That means getting enough sleep, eating well, and surrounding yourself with supportive people. If we’re not taking care of those basics, everything else starts to fall apart.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, what message did you share with students?

Reach out to your school counselor. You are never a bother, and you are never a problem. Our greatest joy is having those conversations with students and being able to support them. Even after the Zoom meeting ends, students don’t leave our thoughts. We’re still thinking about them, checking in and hoping they’re doing well.

Yes, this is our job — but it’s also something we care deeply about. Our entire reason for being here is to support students.

Mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s part of how students learn, grow and show up at Epic every day. If you know a student who may need extra support — or if you’re a student feeling overwhelmed yourself - don’t wait. Reach out to your school counselor. They are here to listen, connect you to resources, and help you take the next right step.

CONNECT WITH YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR: Marie Loucks - Pontioks Schedule A Meeting Here Meet Your Counselor Kacy Katibeh - Banfield & Comet Academy Schedule A Meeting Here Meet Your Counselor MaKayla Murphy - Shupe Schedule A Meeting Here Meet Your Counselor Stephanie Young - RISE Academy Schedule a Meeting Here

24/7 MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS SUPPORT: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or trying to support a student in crisis, you can call 988 or call/text the Youth Crisis Mobile Response Team at 1-888-885-2273. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can connect you with local mental health professionals.

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS

CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS: COLLEGE AND CAREER AWARDS We were honored to celebrate the class of 2026 and the accomplishments, perseverance and future-ready success of our seniors during the College and Career Awards Ceremonies held in Glenpool and Oklahoma City. Hosted by the College and Career Readiness team in partnership with Events and Communications, these events recognized students who displayed exceptional readiness in preparing for life after high school through college coursework, career training, certifications, scholarships, and military service.

This year’s ceremonies highlighted students who challenged themselves academically, pursued career-focused opportunities, earned industry-recognized credentials and made meaningful commitments toward their futures. From completing associate degrees while still in high school to securing professional certifications and scholarship opportunities, these students exemplify what it means to be future-ready and in demand.

We were proud to recognize students across multiple areas of achievement, including: • • • • • •

Virtual Internship Industry-Awarded Certifications.

CareerTech Certifications.

Military Enlistments.

Epic Collegiate Academy Associate Degree & Plus One Programs.

30 or More College Credits through Concurrent Enrollment.

Institutional College and CareerTech Scholarships.

The ceremonies also gave students and families the opportunity to connect with postsecondary partners. Representatives from colleges and career technology centers celebrated alongside our seniors while continuing to support student success. Four college representatives joined us in Glenpool, while Oklahoma City welcomed four college representatives and three CareerTech representatives. Eleventh-grade student volunteers also played an important role in the success of both events by assisting with logistics and guest support.

STUDENT AWARDS Please note that the student award data presented here does not represent a complete list of student achievements.

Because students are required to self-report their awards and recognitions, this data reflects only those who have chosen to share that information. There may be additional achievements not captured in this record.

CAREER PATHWAY Number of Students enlisted in the Military

25

Number of Students who earned VI Certification

22

Number of Students who earned CareerTech Certification

393

COLLEGE PATHWAY Number of ECA Graduates

35

Number of Associate Graduates (not inclu. ECA)

2

Number Earned Full Year of College Credit through ECA

18

Number Earned Full Year of College Credit (not inclu. ECA)

21

Scholarships Earned

$7,165,738

SCHOLARLY ACHIEVEMENT National Merit Finalists

5

Accepted to OK’s Promis

801

Academic All-State Finalists

2

COLLEGE PATHWAY TEL

College Planning Graduating Seniors, if you need help with the college admissions process, Epic’s College Planning Counselor, Brianna Strickler, is here to support you! If you need assistance with any of the following, please reach out to her at brianna.strickler@epiccharterschools.org:

It is time to plan ahead! If you are a 9th12th grader and are interested in earning college credit in the upcoming school year, • General college questions and planning.

TEL courses are a great option. Let your Epic • Navigating the college search and teacher know during your ILP so that you can identifying best-fit schools. start in the Fall 2026 semester.

• Understanding and completing the college admissions process.

Questions? Contact Angie Lee. • Requesting school materials, such as transcripts, application fee waivers and Area College counselor recommendations.

Don’t forget to check out your Concurrent Enrollment options for the 26-27 school year! View your options by grade level here. If you have questions please contact Shannon Starr.

Already admitted to colleges?

Congratulations!

Don’t forget to request your final high school transcript after you graduate. Once you have

completed all high school requirements and received your official graduation date, contact College Planning Counselor Brianna Strickler at brianna.strickler@epiccharterschools.org to have your final transcript sent to the college you plan to attend.

Looking for Summer Camps?

Check out our College & Career Readiness Calendar! Many colleges host summer camps throughout the season, and we’ve made it easy for you to explore options, discover programs that match your interests, and get engaged early.

Don’t miss out on these opportunities to learn, connect, and prepare for your future!

Scholarships Seniors, it is not too late to take advantage of the following scholarship programs at various partnering colleges in our community: • Tulsa Achieves at TCC | Pays for up to 100% of tuition and fees for graduating high school seniors living in Tulsa County.

• Ticket to Rose Scholarship at Rose State College | Students who live in the following school districts are eligible: Carl Albert High School, Choctaw High School, Del City High School, Midwest City High School, or Star Spencer High School.

• $2,000 Epic Graduate Scholarship at Oklahoma Christian University | All Epic graduates receive an automatic $2,000 /year tuition scholarship.

• $2,000 Epic Graduate Tuition Waiver at Southwestern Christian University | All Epic graduates receive an automatic $2,000 /year tuition scholarship.

CAREER PATHWAY Internship Now is the perfect time to locate your summer opportunity!

Safe Haven - Paid Internship In partnership with the 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!

Safe Haven Animal Clinic specializes in low-cost animal care.

Eligibility: • Ages 16-21 • Must have an IEP or 504 plan or documented disability Apply Here Citizen Potawatomi Nation Internships Do you want to serve a tribe in an internship role that aligns with your career goals? Internships are subject to CPN tribal member preference, but members of other tribes and non-Natives are welcome to apply. Department placement is intentionally selected to align with career interests and educational pursuits. Paid and unpaid positions are available.

Apply Here

Goodwill of Central Oklahoma - YEPP Program (Youth Employment Preparation Program) Students will focus on necessary career and life skills, including interview training and career exploration. June 8-11 and July 13-16 Learn More Summer Study Abroad Internship Join United Planet’s Costa Rica Sea Turtle Social Quest from July 14 to July 23 for a 10day journey that blends hands-on conservation, cultural immersion, and unforgettable exploration across San José, Montezuma, and San Ramón. Participants will support sea turtle conservation through beach patrols and hatchery work, explore rainforests, waterfalls, and volcano landscapes, and engage with local communities while experiencing Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle. With accommodations, meals, excursions, and full in-country support included, this program offers a meaningful balance of service and adventure.

Learn More | Enroll Now

Virtual Internship Program Sophomores and Juniors Are you already looking forward to the next academic year? Are you thinking about the electives you’d like to take and how to find one that is essential for your success? The Epic Virtual Internship Program teaches valuable skills to prepare students for their next step after high school. It is an environment where students experience hands-on, careeressential learning that prepares them to enter the workforce. Check out these unique program courses!

CareerTech Summer Communication Technology centers and Epic may share additional information over the summer, including orientation details and startof-year expectations, so please continue monitoring email communications.

Looking Ahead Students should enter summer prepared to transition into CareerTech with confidence and a clear understanding of next steps!

If you have any questions, please contact Epic CareerTech Specialist, Hadley Miller.

TRANSITION SERVICES Congratulations to our graduates!

This is a big milestone, and we are excited to see what comes next for each of you.

As you prepare for life after graduation, Transition Services is here to support you. Whether you already have a plan or are still exploring your options, support is available now and throughout the summer.

1:1 Appointments Schedule a meeting for support with: • Workforce assistance (resume help, job search strategies, interview preparation, and applications) • Exploring training programs or certifications • Talking through next steps and building a post-graduation plan Job Search Support Start here if you are planning to work after graduation or looking for a summer job: Job Search Assistance Guide Everything you need in one place, including resumes, cover letters, job search tools, training programs, and interview support.

Resume Editing Upload your resume for individualized feedback before applying to jobs.

Prepare U Self-paced sessions that build real-world skills employers look for. Popular topics include customer service and problem solving, professional communication basics, and interview success skills.

Get started right away by setting a goal to apply to 3-5 jobs this week! Small steps now can lead you to exciting opportunities after graduation

HOPE YOU HAD A BLAST, THANK YOU FOR READING. THE ORBIT WILL BE BACK NEXT MONTH WITH MORE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND YOU AT EPIC!

EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS