From Oct. 1 - Nov. 15, 2024 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!
EPIC HUGS MILITARY CARE PACKAGE PROJECT
Thank you, Epic Community! We are thrilled to share that 200 military care packages were collected by our Epic students and staff. Your thoughtful contributions and donations will provide service members who are stationed overseas with meaningful and helpful supplies and handwritten letters. We couldn’t have done this without you!
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: HONORING THE PAST, INSPIRING THE PRESENT, SHAPING THE FUTURE
BY PRECIOUS TIMMONS, STUDENT ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Every February, people across the United States come together to celebrate Black History Month. It is a time to honor the achievements, struggles and contributions of African Americans throughout history.
Black History Month began as a week-long celebration in 1926, founded by Historian Carter G. Woodson. He wanted to ensure that African Americans’ accomplishments were acknowledged and celebrated. Woodson chose February because it coincided with the birthdays of two important figures: Frederick Douglass, a former enslaved person and abolitionist, and President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Over time, the celebration grew, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month.
Black History Month is more than just a time to reflect on the past. It encourages us to understand how African Americans have shaped our country in fields like science, politics, sports, music, art and literature. From inventors like George Washington Carver to civil rights leaders like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., their stories teach us about courage, perseverance and leadership.
Today, African Americans continue to break barriers and make significant strides in various fields. Figures like Amanda Gorman – the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history – have inspired a new generation with their words and artistry.
In sports, LeBron James not only dominates the basketball court but also leads initiatives for education and social justice through his foundation. Politically, Kamala Harris made history as the first African American and South Asian American woman to serve as Vice President of the United States. These contemporary figures remind us that Black history is not just about the past, it is made every day.
Oklahoma has produced several notable African American figures who made a lasting impact. Civil Rights Leader Clara Luper organized one of the first sit-ins to protest segregation at a drugstore in Oklahoma City. Ralph Ellison, author of the classic novel “Invisible Man,” was born in Oklahoma City and became one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Additionally, Anita Hill, a lawyer and professor, gained national attention for her work in law and women’s rights.
How to Celebrate Black History Month
There are many ways to celebrate B lack History Month at school and at home. Students can read books by African American authors, watch documentaries or listen to music by Black artists.
Epic Charter Schools’ Black Student Organization (BSO) is thrilled to announce the Black History Art Contest! This is your chance to showcase what Black history means to you whether past, present or future. Create an art piece that reflects your interpretation of Black culture in any medium you choose, such as:
Drawings Paintings Essays Poems Digital Art Or Any Other Form of Creative Expression!
All Epic students are welcome to participate! Email a picture of your completed art piece to precious.timmons@epiccharterschools.org. The deadline for submission is Feb. 21. Be sure to include your full name, age and grade.
EVENTS FEBRUARY 2025
FIELD TRIPS
Oklahoma National Guard Museum
February 6 | 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tulsa History Museum
February 7 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
Stillwater Micro Site – Living Wax Museum & Book Walk/ Book Giveaway
Tulsa Hardesty Regional Library – Living Wax Museum & Read Across America Celebration!
March 5 | 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
American Pigeon Museum
February 28 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bristow Historical Society & Train Depot
March 14 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Port of Catoosa (Grades 6-12)
March 25 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
OKC 50 Penn Place – Living Wax Museum & Read Across America Celebration!
March 13 | 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
COLLEGE ADVISING PATHWAY
EVENING MEETINGS:
Feb. 6, – Region 1 and 3 Feb. 27 – Region 2
COLLEGE PATHWAY
TEL
TEL students, if you are needing to withdraw from your TEL course, please be sure to let your Epic teacher know before the March 28 deadline.
The TEL auto withdrawal deadline is April 4. In order to avoid auto withdrawal, you will need to complete your Mastery Assignment 1 if you are taking Future Ready and your Midterm for all other TEL courses!
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Elisabeth Walsh elisabeth.walsh@epiccharterschools.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• Make-up Meetings for Q1 & 2 are happening in large group settings.
• Q3 & 4 meetings are being scheduled now with all CCAs
• Monica Valles is available to assist with all Spanish speaking studentsmonica.valles@epiccharterschools.org
• Grade 8 meetings are being scheduled for April 7-9 & May 15-16
AREA COLLEGE CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you are taking concurrent courses at an area public college, you need to request that your concurrent bill be sent to our invoice department. If you are at a public college, please assure that your tuition waiver has been applied to your college bursar bill before making the request.
Bursar bills must be paid in full or a hold on your account and grades will not be released at the end of the semester.
Please note the potential out of pocket expense verbiage on the resource.
ECA students, the ECA Eagle for a Day event will be held on the Oklahoma Christian University (OC) campus on Friday, Feb. 21.
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Shannon Starr shannon.starr@epiccharterschools.org
Make plans to join us to connect with OC, TEL and ECA team members, learn about scholarships, tour the campus. Check your Epic inbox for the invitation from OC.
COLLEGE PLANNING
Students in grades 8-12 are invited to the virtual College Information Session series! Each Wednesday, from 1- 2 p.m., the College and Career Readiness department will host collaborative information sessions with various Oklahoma colleges. You won’t want to miss the chance to learn about the incredible academic programs, scholarship opportunities and student life activities offered by in-state colleges. No registration required. (No session held on Feb.19).
CAREER PATHWAY
Internship – ConocoPhillips Internship
Information - If you missed the January information sessions, don’t despair! You can still apply! Application Deadline: Feb. 28.
DRH Health - Pre Nursing Boot CampExcellent opportunity for students interested in Health Careers! Application Deadline: Feb. 14.
Dates to Remember:
2/5 – College Information Session: UCO + SOSU 1-2 p.m. | Zoom
2/12 – College Information Session: RSU 1-2 p.m. | Zoom
2/12 – Spring Forward: Strategic Planning for College Success from Junior to Senior Year 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Zoom
2/26 – College Information Session: ORU + OSU-OKC 1-2 p.m. | Zoom
SCHOLARSHIPS
All graduating seniors are strongly encouraged to meet the state FAFSA graduation requirements by completing their FAFSA Application or the FAFSA Opt Out Form by Feb. 28 to be entered in the QuikTrip (QT) Gift Card Giveaway, a chance to win a $50-$300 gift card!
Click below for more details.
Students may search for ongoing opportunities in our Naviance platform.
Dates to Remember:
2/12 – Internship & Work Based Learning Assignment Workshop 3-4:30 p.m. | Zoom
Transition Services – Transition Services offers mock interviews to help you practice and refine your skills. Whether you’re interviewing for a scholarship, internship, or job, this is a great way to get personalized feedback and feel more confident. Learn more about this valuable opportunity by clicking below!
Dates to Remember:
2/11 – Prepare U: How to Use LinkedIn 6-7 p.m. | Zoom | Info
Sam Noble Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman
Tickets are $55 each and are only available to currently enrolled Epic students under 21 as of August 1, 2024. Students may purchase one additional ticket for a guest under the age of 21 when registering. Space is limited; students may only attend one from each. Tickets cover entry to the event, the amazing exhibits, music and dancing and light refreshments.
Registration Schedule:
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, for Epic juniors and seniors only.
Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, registration will be open for sophomores if tickets remain.
Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, registration will open for freshmen if tickets remain.
Please review the policies and cancellation policy posted on the webpage and registration before purchasing tickets.
JOIN THE
Students do not have to be members of the Whole Health Club to participate! They can drop in for one or all lessons as their schedule permits. These sessions are virtual, and Zoom links will be sent out to those interested. The Whole Health Club is a place where
o News, Media Literacy and How to Verify Information
If you have any questions about the Whole Health Club or would like to sign up for the Digital Citizenship course, please reach out to:
Please note: the same lesson will be offered twice each week, so students can pick which one works best for them.
ryan.fowler@epiccharterschools.org
CLUB UPDATES
FREE VISION SCREENINGS
Your child’s vision is important to us. Early detection of vision problems is critical to their learning. Epic is happy to share with you an incredible opportunity to have your child’s vision screened FREE of charge. All of this is provided by Vizavance.
About Vizavance
Formerly, Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, Vizavance is the only non-profit agency in Oklahoma whose primary focus is preserving sight and preventing blindness. Prevent Blindness Oklahoma is an affiliate of the national organization, Prevent Blindness America, which was founded in 1908.
Epic Charter Schools is pleased to inform you of a free resource that families can use to receive a vision screening. Vizavance provides free vision screenings to all children so they may reach their full educational potential.
OKLAHOMA CITY
February 10, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 1900 NW Expressway, Floor R3, Oklahoma City
OPEN HOUSE/ RIBBON CUTTING
Please join us as we open the Ada Micro Site with an open house and ribbon cutting on Feb. 21 and the Muskogee Micro Site on Friday, March 7 from 4-6 p.m.
Epic staff will be there to welcome our guests and answer questions as you tour this new site. We will also have light snacks, activities and giveaways for our guests.
We hope you all bring your smiles and Epic spirit!
ADA MICRO SITE
1021 Colony Dr., Ada
February 21, 2025 | 4-6 PM
MUSKOGEE MICRO SITE
212 S. 38th Street, Muskogee
March 7, 2025 | 4-6 PM
Medical Minutes
Flu Tests Available
Flu testing is available to all Epic students and their siblings ages 4-18. As well as staff children ages 4-18. Testing is done on-location with in Tulsa or Oklahoma City. Through a telehealth visit with a OU Children’s pediatrician. Results are back in 10 minutes or less. If a prescription is required, that can be called in before leaving the nurse’s office. Insurance is not required.
Flu cases are on the rise statewide, according to the Oklahoma Department of Health. Symptoms include: Fever, cough, fatigue, congestion and sore throat.
Handling Seasonal Depression: A Guide for Parents/Families
As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, many people experience a dip in their mood and energy. For parents and families, seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can feel particularly challenging, especially when balancing the demands of family life. However, with the right strategies, you can manage your mental health and create a supportive environment for you and your children.
Understanding Seasonal Depression
Seasonal Depression is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Symptoms can include feelings of sadness, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, and a loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy. For parents and families, these symptoms can make it harder to engage with your kids and maintain the energy required for daily tasks.
1. Prioritize Light Exposure
Natural sunlight is a key factor in regulating mood. During the darker months, try to get outside during daylight hours—even a short walk in the morning can help.
2. Maintain a Routine
A consistent routine can help manage the unpredictability of mood swings associated with seasonal depression. Set regular meal times, bedtimes, and family activities. This creates a sense of stability for both you and your children, even if you’re feeling low.
3. Exercise Together
Physical activity is a powerful mood booster. While outdoor activities like walking or biking are great when the weather allows, indoor activities like dancing, yoga, or even playing active games with your children can also lift spirits. Exercising together not only benefits your mental health but can also help keep your kids engaged and active during the winter months.
4. Focus on Nutrition
Maintaining a balanced diet can impact your mood significantly. Try to include foods rich in vitamins D and B12, omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid, all nutrients that support brain health. Warm, comforting meals can also be a way to nurture both your body and your family’s emotional well-being.
5. Seek Social Support
Don’t hesitate to lean on friends, family or a therapist if you need extra help. Socializing, even in small ways, can help combat feelings of isolation. Make time for connection, whether a phone call with a friend or a cozy family movie night.
6. Watch for Signs in
Your Children
Just like adults, children can also experience changes in mood or behavior as seasons change. Pay attention to signs of sadness, irritability or withdrawal and create space for open communication. Encourage them to talk about their feelings, and let them know it’s okay to feel down sometimes.
7. Get Professional Help if Needed
If seasonal depression is interfering with your daily life or if you find it hard to function, it’s important to seek professional help. Therapy, counseling or even medication may be necessary to get back on track. Every child at Epic has access to a School Counselor. Feel free to speak with your child’s teacher if you feel like your child would benefit from speaking with a Counselor.
