The Orbit October 2024

October 2024

EPIC GETS DOWN AT UPTOWN OUTSIDE

Bart’s Blog WELCOME TO THE OCTOBER EDITION OF THE ORBIT! A central theme throughout this month’s issue is engagement – engagement with our communities, our students and the staff who help make it all possible. In all my years of public education, I have rarely seen so much given by so many. It warms my heart.

As everyone at Epic knows, community involvement is something our school takes pride in. Having a presence in the communities we serve is something I take very seriously and believe is a crucial component of our success. That’s why I couldn’t be more pleased with how so many Epic employees came together on Sept. 14 at the Uptown Outside block party in Oklahoma City. It was a fantastic afternoon of fun, music and food as Epic staff and students took center stage to perform and were present all day to answer questions and show everyone how school can be different.

This issue also shines a light on how one Epic student’s daily routine is the foundation of her incredibly successful career. Being a student at Epic is a unique experience.

Because of the flexibility we offer, time management and having a solid pattern to guide your day is a key component of success. That’s why telling the stories of successful students – like Epic intern Alondra Oriiz – and the life patterns they create will help others see the benefits of making a workable plan that’s best for them.

Engagement sometimes means taking time for others. That’s why this month’s issue also takes a look at how Epic’s employees give back by using their school-sponsored volunteer hours. As many of you know, I am big proponent of service leadership – giving others your time and energy for the betterment of the world around us.

Last year, about 20% Epic employees used their volunteer hours and that number is expected to go up this year as we expand our volunteer hours availability.

Finally, October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It’s no secret that a significant portion (approximately 25%) of Epic students come to our doors because of some sort of school safety issue, such as bullying. I am beyond grateful that our school serves as a haven for those who felt unsafe. After all, real learning can’t take place in the presence of fear. It is comforting and inspiring to hear the life-changing stories students, teachers and staff have told me about how Epic has saved so many.

Thank you for investing your time in this month’s issue. If there’s something you’d like to see featured in The Orbit or there’s something you’d like to know more about, please feel free to reach out to theorbit@epiccharterschools.org.

Until next time …

Bart

EVENTS

OC TOB E R 2024

FIELD TRIPS

Epic Beginnings Rocket to Readiness Playgroup-OKC

EXPOS

Epic Beginnings Rocket to Readiness Playgroup-Tulsa

October 9 | 11 am - 1 pm

Spanish Expo Tulsa

EVENT DETAILS

October 3 | 6 pm - 8 pm

October 1 | 10:15 am - 12:15 pm EVENT DETAILS

Regional Food Bank October 1 | 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Epic Beginnings Rocket to Readiness PlaygroupDurant October 10 | 2 pm - 4 pm EVENT DETAILS

EVENT DETAILS

Spanish Expo OKC October 11 | 6 pm - 8 pm EVENT DETAILS

EVENT DETAILS

We Rock The Spectrum: Yukon October 2 | 1 pm - 3 pm

Epic Beginnings Rocket to Readiness Playgroup-Elgin

PICTURE DAYS

October 21 | 12 pm - 2 pm

Midwest City Picture Day

EVENT DETAILS

EVENT DETAILS

OSU Botanic Garden Career EXP Field Trip October 3 | 12:15 pm - 2:30 pm

OK Heritage Farm Pumpkin Patch October 22 | 10:30 am - 1:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

October 4 | 10:30 am - 1 pm EVENT DETAILS

Harn Homestead Field Trip October 8 | 10 am - 1:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

Crossed Arrows Alpaca Farm Field Trip October 9 | 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

Blue Stem Career Explorations Field Trip October 25 | 10 am - 12:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

We Rock The Spectrum Enid October 29 | 1 pm - 3 pm EVENT DETAILS

Medicine Park Aquarium Field Trip October 30 | 10 am - 12:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

We Rock The Spectrum Weatherford November 5 | 1 pm - 3 pm

4

EVENT DETAILS

Ada Picture Day October 8 | 11 am - 12:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

EVENT DETAILS

Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park

October 4 | 4 pm - 6 pm

EVENT DETAILS

Oklahoma City Picture Day November 1 | 11 am - 12:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

Durant Picture Day November 5 | 11 am - 12:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

Tulsa Picture Day November 8 | 11 am - 12:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

COMMUNITY SERVICE

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS

Red Dirt OK - Canine Search & Recovery Training

Prepare U: Job Searching Strategies

October 4 | 9 am - 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm - 5 pm EVENT DETAILS

Turning Point Ranch October 11 | 10 am - 12 pm

October 3 | 6 pm - 7 pm EVENT DETAILS

Financial Aid & Scholarship Q&A October 8 | 2 pm - 3 pm EVENT DETAILS

Spelling Bee Glenpool

College Planning Overview: 8th-10th Grades October 9 | 10 am - 11 am EVENT DETAILS

October 7 | 9 am - 3 pm EVENT DETAILS

Spelling Bee Norman October 14 | 10 am - 1:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

Spelling Bee Championship Glenpool October 28 | TBA

October 23 | 12 pm - 1 pm EVENT DETAILS

Virtual College Scholarship Fair (Session 2) October 23 | 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

EVENT DETAILS

ENRICHMENT

Virtual College Scholarship Fair (Session 1)

College Planning Overview: 11th Grade

EVENT DETAILS

Naviance: College Overview October 31 | 2 pm - 3 pm EVENT DETAILS

Prepare U: How to Use LinkedIn November 8 | 6 pm - 7 pm EVENT DETAILS

October 9 | 1 pm - 2 pm EVENT DETAILS

Internship & Work Based Learning Assignment Workshop October 9 | 3 pm - 4:30 pm EVENT DETAILS

EVENT DETAILS

Spelling Bee Championship Norman October 29 | TBA

Is College Right for Me? Career Exploration Resources October 10 | 1 pm - 2 pm EVENT DETAILS

EVENT DETAILS

OPEN HOUSES Midwest City Open House/Ribbon Cutting October 4 | 4-6 p.m.

EVENT DETAILS

Prepare U: Effective Communication October 21 | 6 pm - 7 pm EVENT DETAILS

College Knowledge October 22 | 11 am - 12 pm EVENT DETAILS

5

EPIC GETS DOWN AT UPTOWN OUTSIDE Three of Epic’s own took center stage on Sept. 14 at Uptown Outside, a community block party held in the area of N.W. 23rd St. and Walker in Oklahoma City.

Jeanise Wynn, Epic deputy superintendent of finance, and students Tori Carpenter and Shaylan Steeley each sang their favorite songs to a crowd of cheering partygoers as part of the celebration.

These three talented singers spent the afternoon entertaining the crowds but were only a portion of Epic’s participants in Uptown Outside. Dozens of school volunteers were on hand with games, food and information.

Here’s a glimpse of the day’s festivities and a peek into what drives our performers.

TORI CARPENTER Musical theater is Tori’s big passion. The Epic junior said she has been participating in performing since she was 9 years old. A church production of “Newsies” sparked her love of singing and now, it’s what she wants to do with her life after high school.

“I just really like getting on stage and being with a group and singing big songs that are really fun,” she said, noting that she wants to major in musical theater after high school.

At the event, Tori performed “Popular” from the musical Wicked and “In My Own Little Corner” by Rogers and Hammerstein.

SHAYLAN STEELEY Shaylan has been listening to country music her whole life. A fan of The Judds and Reba McEntire, she has also been singing competitively since she was around 8 years old, and competes regularly in such events as Stilwell’s Got Talent (which she has won, twice) and the Diamond Days celebration in Sallisaw.

With a love of 80s and 90s country music driving her forward, Shaylan said she doesn’t get nervous before performing, but she does get excited.

“I love being in front of big crowds … it’s thrilling,” she said, adding that she would love to someday make an album and go on tour. “I love that feeling.”

Shaylan, an Epic freshman, performed “Lesson in Leavin’” by Jo Dee Messina and “Don’t Laugh at Me” by Mark Wills at Uptown Outside, and said she wants to study speech pathology after high school.

JEANISE WYNN

Epic’s deputy superintendent major has been musically incl music at the center of her life

“I have a very mathematical b

It was about six weeks into he back, that is until she moved t missed the application deadli “real job.”

“I had worked for a temp agen business and I was always rea

She went on to earn her MBA four years. She is still extrem Chamber Choir, where she has “I think of finance as my own

t of finance, as one might expect, is a mathematical thinker. The once pre-med biochemistry lined since she first picked up a flute at the age of 7. Since then, she has continued to keep e, even if she spends a significant portion of it analyzing spreadsheets and crunching numbers.

brain,” she said. “I approach music very mathematically.”

er freshman year at college that she changed her major to voice and flute, and never looked to Japan for a year after graduating. When she moved back to the United States, she had ine for her master’s degree program in music. It was then that, according to her, she got a

ncy all through college and did a lot of accounting,” Wynn said. ”I learned a lot about ally drawn to numbers and math.”

in accounting and has been overseeing Epic’s finance department for approximately the last mely active in music, however, spending her free time as the artistic director of the Windsong s performed since 2006. little choir,” Wynn said, “making sure everyone uses their talents in the best way possible.”

Editor’s note: October is National Bullying Prevention Month. What follows is the story of two Epic students who overcame being bullied and are now thriving. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, please visit stopbullying.gov for information and assistance.

THE BULLYING STOPS HERE

EPIC IS THE ANSWER FOR MANY BULLYING VICTIMS What started as side comments and teasing got progressively worse for Jadon Olive when she was a sophomore at her school before joining Epic – to the point where it became physical. She said that’s when she knew something had to change.

“If you didn’t fit into a clique, you were an outcast,” Olive said, now a senior at Epic.

“Eventually, it got so bad that I said, ‘I can’t do this anymore,’” That’s when she and her mother decided to make a switch, one that would give her the space to heal and not have to live a life always wondering what’s going to happen next at school. After all, she’d been bullied since she was in 1st grade. She said she has admitted trust issues when it comes to making new friends but that Epic has given her a different perspective.

“I’m doing a lot better now,” she said, adding that she has gone from failing some of her classes to maintaining a strong GPA. “I like the fact that when you’re working on your schoolwork at home, there’s nobody who is going to sit there and judge you.

Everyone is kind of in the same boat.”

Bullying in school is a significant and growing problem in Oklahoma and nationwide. In fact, approximately 25% of Epic students report they chose the state’s largest virtual public charter school because bullying or some sort of school safety issue was present in their previous school.

Another Epic senior, Trystone Loftie, was also bullied at his former school, and came to Epic at the beginning of 4th grade. His

mother, Tammy Loftie, is an Epic educator and said the change in her son after leaving that environment was remarkable.

“He had older kids bullying him, calling him names, repeatedly picking on him,” she said, recounting how officials at her son’s previous school dismissed her son’s experience and even accused him of making up stories about being bullied.

As it turns out, Epic was the right fit for both her and her son. Tammy Loftie said she joined the Epic teaching staff five years ago by way of the UTeach program, which trains non-education degreed professionals to become teachers. Her previous career was in child welfare. That’s why it was particularly unsettling when her son began suggesting that it might be better to not be alive than go back to the school where he was being bullied.

“Needless to say, we never set foot in that school again,” she said. “Now, here we are.

He came to Epic, he’s a junior and working on his associate degree.”

Trystone Loftie is taking all college-level courses this semester via Epic Collegiate Academy. Since his time at Epic, his grades have improved dramatically, so much so that he is now a member of the National Honor Society. In fact, his mother said he even chooses one student from her roster each year to tutor.

“He wants to share what he’s learned,” Tammy Loftie said. “I believe 100% it saved him and it has set him up for such good things in the future. I would never go back if given the chance.”

SPELLING BEE Join us on October 7th in Glenpool or October 14th in Norman for our 2nd annual Epic spelling bee, where students will compete for a trophy and the chance to compete in the Oklahoma Regional Spelling Bee Competition. Epic students in 3rd-8th grade are invited to participate! Study list will be provided upon registration and each student is encouraged to download the Word Club app for more practice. Visit EpicCharterSchools.org for more information!

REGISTER: CLICK TO REGISTER Norman: 10/14

FULL STEAM AHEAD & SCIENCE FAIR! FULL STEAM AHEAD! Epic Charter Schools is excited to invite you to our Science Fairs and Full STEAM Ahead events! Students can participate in the Science Fair or simply enjoy other students’ projects, alongside a variety of fun activities like 3-D printing, VR, art design, math games, a mini chess tournament and even a live Mad Scientist show.* Families can also meet with Epic representatives and explore a resource fair, while younger children enjoy STEAM activities.* For questions, contact Stephanie Harjo at stephanie.harjo@epiccharterschools.org. *(Full STEAM Ahead events only)

Durant Science Fair: 11/12: 10:00 am -12:00 pm Stillwater Science Fair: 11/15: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Glenpool Full STEAM Ahead & Science Fair: 11/19: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Norman Full STEAM Ahead & Science Fair: 11/22: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

OKLAHOMA COMMUNITY RESOURCES

At Epic, we believe the best education addresses not only academics but also a child’s emotional, mental, physical and social needs. The Epic Community Outreach team has put together an amazing database of resources throughout the state.

We have also created an online interactive map so that families and Epic staff can search for resources within a specific county or area. We hope that these online tools will help connect our families to available resources if they need any type of assistance.

(These resources can be viewed on a mobile device but workbest on a computer).

ONLINE DATABASE

INTERACTIVE MAP

For more information please contact Sharla Conaway at sharla.conaway@ epiccharterschools.org or Jessica Murphy at jessica.murphy@epiccharterschools.org

COLLEGE ADVISING PATHWAY Quarter 1 ICAP is in process now.

Don’t miss out! Contact your CCA today to set up a meeting to start planning 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. Meet with a CCA to get started on your 2024-25 activities in Naviance.

COLLEGE PATHWAY TEL: Auto withdrawal is approaching!

Auto withdrawal will take place at 8 a.m. on Nov. 6. Please be sure that you are following the pacing guide in your TEL course! If you are in Future Ready, you will need to complete the Mastery Assignment One in order to avoid being auto withdrawn.

For all other TEL courses, you will need to complete the midterm to avoid being auto withdrawn. You can do this!

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

Elisabeth Walsh

elisabeth.walsh@epiccharterschools.org

In person meetings are held at Comet Academy, Co-ops, and Microsites. Virtual meetings can be held in small or large groups or individual meetings.

ECA: Interested in earning college credit for no out of pocket costs by high school

graduation? Epic Collegiate Academy is a great way to get a head start on your goals.

Applications for Spring 2025 are open to students in grades 9-10 on Oct. 7.

APPLY HERE

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

Angie Lee angie.lee@epiccharterschools.org

College Planning: College Planning is in full

swing! Did you miss any virtual College Planning sessions last month? Check out the recordings below. Be sure you do not miss this month’s college sessions and events, including two oncampus college tours.

VIEW RECORDINGS The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic All-State Application is open! The Academic All-State Award is one of the most prestigious honors in Oklahoma, bestowed to only 100 outstanding public high school seniors annually in recognition of academic achievement, leadership and community service. The deadline to apply is Dec. 3.

APPLY HERE

Upcoming College Planning Zoom Sessions: 10/09 – College Planning Overview Grades 8-10 | 10-11 a.m. | Zoom

10/09 – College Planning Overview Grade 11 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom

10/10 – Is College Right for Me? Career Exploration Resources 1-2 p.m. | Zoom

10/22 – College Knowledge 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Zoom

10/31 – Naviance: College Overview 2-3 p.m. | Zoom

ATTENTION CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT STUDENTS! If you are taking concurrent courses at an area college and you have not already requested that your concurrent bill be sent to our invoice department, NOW is the time to do so. Please read the information below for steps, Epic invoice information and a mandatory action step.

Please note the potential out of pocket verbiage.

UPCOMING CAMPUS TOURS 10/28

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Register in Naviance: College Visits 10/28

OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

2-4 p.m.

Register in Naviance: College Visits

HOW TO USE THE LEARNING FUND FOR AREA COLLEGE CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT Action step required!

ALERT Any balance remaining after the learning fund is applied, to the college bill, is the responsibility of the family as an out-of-pocket expense to the student.

REQUIRED STUDENT ACTION Families must assure that the college sends an itemized statement/bill directly to Epic’s activity email: activity@epiccharterschools.org The itemized bill must have the student’s first and last name on it.

BURSAR BILLS Bursar bills should not be sent to the Learning Fund until tuition waivers have been applied to the bill. This is for Oklahoma public colleges/universitie only, the tuition is from the OSDE and goes to the college. There are no steps for the student regarding this waiver.

BOOKS As of Sept. 6, 2024 the Learning Fund can no longer cover the cost of books for concurrent enrollment classes.

If you have any invoicing questions, please reach out to:

activity@epiccharterschools.org If you have any concurrent questions, please reach out to:

shannon.starr@epiccharterschools.org

FEATURED SCHOLARSHIPS THE OKC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

NEW! THOMA SCHOLARSHIP

The Thoma Scholarship is your path to a debt-free college education and leadership The Oklahoma City Community Foundation development at Texas Tech or Oklahoma State has a general scholarship application University. If you’re a high-achieving rural opening on Oct. 1. By applying, you’ll get an student from a rural area, this scholarship can individualized list of their scholarships that you’re eligible for. Some only need the general cover tuition, fees, room and board, books, an international study abroad experience and application, while others may require extra other education-related expenses. materials like a letter of recommendation, personal statement, or essay.

Application Opens: Aug.1 Application Closes: Jan. 15, 2025 Application Opens: Oct. 1 LEARN MORE

TEXAS TECH APPLICATION

OSU APPLICATION

Seniors, make sure to apply to your colleges of interest as early as possible to be considered for automatic early decision scholarships! (OU’s Early Scholarship application deadline is Nov. 1.)

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has awarded over $25 million in scholarships to outstanding NHS seniors since 1946. This year, 600 students will share $2 million in scholarships. Recipients are chosen for their demonstration of NHS’s four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.

Application Opens: Sept. 16 Application Closes: Nov. 26 LEARN MORE

Curious about financial aid & scholarships?

STUDENTS IN GRADES 8-11, DON’T FORGET TO APPLY FOR OKLAHOMA’S PROMISE! What is Oklahoma’s Promise?

Oklahoma’s Promise offers qualified Oklahoma students an opportunity to earn a scholarship for college tuition.

Requirements: • • •

Must be an Oklahoma resident.

Must enroll in grades 8-11.

Must be a student whose parents’ federal adjusted gross income does not exceed: o o o

$60,000 with 1 or 2 dependent children OR $70,000 with 3 or 4 dependent children OR $80,000 with 5 or more dependent children.

Explore upcoming sessions and recordings on all aspects of funding your college education.

LEARN MORE

VIEW SESSIONS

SENIORS, DON’T FORGET! There are new state graduation regulations regarding the FAFSA®.

Did you know there are thousands of scholarships Epic students may apply for throughout high school?

Click below to explore opportunites.

SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES

LEARN MORE

Upcoming Financial Aid & Scholarship Zoom Sessions: 10/08 – Financial Aid & Scholarship Q&A 2-3 p.m. | Zoom

10/23 – Virtual College Scholarship Fair Session 1 – 12-1 p.m. | Zoom

10/23 – Virtual College Scholarship Fair NAVIANCE ACCESS

Session 2 – 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Zoom

CONGRATULATIONS NMSC SEMIFINALISTS!

This year, we are proud to recognize our five National Merit Semifinalists—the most we’ve ever had in one year!

Additionally, we are thrilled to celebrate our very first Commended Student in Epic history. We are extremely proud of these students and are thankful to their families and the Epic staff who have supported them. Our five Semifinalists have moved on to the Finalist competition, with results expected in February 2025.

Please wish them congratulations and good luck in the next stage!

Our National Merit Semifinalists are:

Audrey Steffey Audrey Bewley Nora G. Pate Emma Lansford Grayson Hollingsworth

Our National Merit Commended Student is: Landon Seda

Audrey Steffey “I was shocked when I heard the news. I had always heard about the NMSC program, but had never thought that I would one day be a Semifinalist. I am honored to represnt Oklahoma in the National Merit Scholarship Competition.

I want to study mechanical engineering, either at a United States Service Academy or at Oklahoma State University.”

Audrey Bewley “I’m really excited to be a semifinalist because it recognizes how much work I’ve put in throughout my high school career. It’s very cool to see hard work pay off! I’m super grateful to have such a great support system of teachers, counselors, and family members. I hope to go to college for Architecture and Urban Planning, and do research into architectural discrimination, but I’m not sure where yet.”

Grayson Hollingsworth “Being named a National Merit Semifinalist is tremendously rewarding.

It makes all the weekends and late nights I spent studying in high school worth it. For many years, I’ve dreamed of becoming an engineer and solving significant societal problems. Now that I’m a semifinalist, I’m one step closer to achieving that goal. I plan to apply to several colleges with strong engineering programs (including OU, OSU, Texas A&M, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Case Western Reserve University, to name a few) to keep my options open and find the best fit.”

CAREER PATHWAY INTERNSHIPS The Right Path – Passionate about horses and

making a difference? Discover the world of nonprofit therapeutic riding centers! Build skills in management, marketing, web design, photography, and social media while helping others.

Requirements: Students must be in 11th or 12th grade, with a 2.0+ GPA and regular availability and reliable transportation to Drumright.

EQUINE CARE & MANAGEMENT

NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

WORKING WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Kidz Funtown – Kidz Funtown is on the hunt for

fun-loving, energetic teens to join their amazing paid internship program!

INTERNSHIP & WORKBASED LEARNING ASSIGNMENT WORKSHOPS Students enrolled in Work-Based Learning or Internship courses are invited to join a student assignment workshop! The internship/WBL assignment workshop is available for students who need or want a little extra support while working through their assignments. We will spend our time working on one or more soft skills assignments in a collaborative zoom where you can ask questions and receive immediate support as you work.

We will also review the required forms and answer any questions you might have about completing your internship or work-based learning course.

Upcoming Workshop Dates:

Requirements: Students must be 14 or older.

Oct. 9 Nov. 13 Dec. 11 Jan. 8

Feb. 12 Mar. 12 Apr. 9 May 14

For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Kidz Funtown:

All workshops are virtual and take place from 3-4:30 p.m.

JOIN HERE

774-776-5757 or hello@kidzfuntown.com

WORK OPPORTUNITIES Seeking employment in north OKC or Edmond? These companies are looking for Epic Students.

Tropical Smoothie

Chick-fil-a

Apply in person at: 3131 W Memorial RD. Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Text “CFAJobs” to 31063 Mensaje de texto “CFAJobs” al 31063 para aplicar

APPLY ONLINE

APPLY ONLINE

CAREER-TECH: ANOTHER PATH FORWARD

UPCOMING CAREERTECH EVENTS

Oklahoma’s Career-Tech program is helping thousands of Epic students statewide get a jump on life after high school with 29 technology centers on 59 campuses, offering more than 90 instructional areas. Two of those students – Taylor Stewart and Nancy Gilbert – are both Epic seniors and have used Career-Tech as a way to get a head start on their futures.

10/04 – Autry Technology Center Manufacturing Day

Taylor Stewart came to Epic halfway through her 8thgrade year as a result of COVID-19. She’s enrolled in a Career-Tech STEM program, where she is on track to earn a certification in Computer Aided Design. She plans to leverage that certification into a job that will help her pay for college, where she plans to study radiology at the University of Central Missouri.

“It’s wonderful,” Stewart said of Career-Tech learning.

“You can choose many different career paths, decide whether you want to go college or not. It’s a great opportunity and I really do enjoy it.”

Nancy Gilbert studies business communications at Northeast Tech. She is the newly elected president of the Business Professionals of America (BPA) Oklahoma chapter, which is why she came to Epic in December 2023. She said her traditional school simply didn’t have the flexibility to allow her to achieve her BPA goals.

She said Career-Tech has been a great place for her to explore new opportunities and further her aspirations of becoming a lawyer.

“It’s been really helpful,” Gilbert said, adding that she recently was awarded an internship with the Ottowa County Courthouse and that she wants to obtain a political science degree. “I’m still wondering about what kind of law I want to pursue.”

Tech Center Tours:

Grades 9-10 | 1-2 p.m. | Register

10/07 – Pioneer Technology Center Sophomore tours Grade 10 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Register

10/07 – Western Tech, Burns Flat 8th Grade WestFest Grade: 8 | 12:45-2:30 p.m. | Register

10/09 – Metro Technology Center: South Bryant Campus Tour 9-10 a.m. OR 12-1 p.m. | Register

10/22 – Canadian Valley Technology Center, El Reno Discovery Day Must live in Canadian Valley district 9-10:30 a.m. | Register

10/23 – Moore Norman Technology Center Epic Tour 10-11:30 a.m. | Register

10/29 – Green Country Technology Center Trick-or-Treat 5-7 p.m. | View Flyer

11/05 – Canadian Valley Technology Center, Chickasha Tours 12:30-2:50 p.m. | Register

Zoom Sessions: 10/08 – Autry Technology Center Virtual Information Session 10-11 a.m. | Zoom

10/10 – Northeast Technology Center, Afton Virtual Information Session 1-2 p.m. | Zoom

LEARN MORE

TRANSITION SERVICES Get Ready for life Post-Graduation with Prepare U! Don’t miss out on the Prepare U sessions happening this month! Prepare U is an optional professional development series designed to help our graduating students gear up for life after graduation. Check out this video to learn more about Prepare U.

Don’t forget about these upcoming sessions!

10/03 – Prepare U: Job Searching Strategies 6-7 p.m.

LEARN MORE

JOIN HERE

10/21 – Prepare U: Effective Communication Asynchronous

LEARN MORE 11/08 – Prepare U: How to Use LinkedIn 6-7 p.m.

LEARN MORE

JOIN HERE

VOLUNTEER EPIC GIVES ITS EMPLOYEES VIBES TIME TO GIVE BACK It’s been estimated that if every U.S. citizen donated five hours of their time each week, it would equal the labor of 25 million full-time volunteers. According to Americorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, more than 960,000 Oklahoma volunteers contribute 94.5 million hours of service.

Epic takes volunteerism seriously. It is the cornerstone of our third aspiration – building and supporting the community is evident in all aspects of Epic – and a cornerstone of many of our school’s clubs and organizations such as Key Club, National Honor Society and others.

Last school year, around 20% of Epic employees eligible for volunteer hours used at least eight hours of companypaid volunteer time in communities across Oklahoma.

Every Epic employee receives 16 hours of volunteer time each calendar year.

One such employee is Sophia Massad, Epic’s social media manager and local musician. She said leading a busy life can sometimes limit the amount of hours she has to give.

“Epic allowed me the opportunity to use my volunteer leave to support the Rock and Roll Camp for Girls this year. As a local musician, this program is important to me because it allows me to inspire and connect with the next generation of female musicians,” Massad said. “Epic’s commitment to volunteerism enabled me to give back to my community in a meaningful way.”

Mikayla Frech, Epic’s executive director of human resources, said the school’s volunteer policy is, at its core, a message to the communities we serve, a way of repaying the trust our families have put in us.

“Epic has families and staff in every corner of this state,” Frech said. “If our parents can trust us with the huge responsibility of educating their children, we should be giving something back to those communities.”

NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE Epic clubs made a meaningful impact on this year’s National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The Military Club and NCAA Club volunteered at Fort Sill National Cemetery with Carry the Load, learning about the cemetery’s history and the sacrifices of those laid to rest while reflecting on the events of 9/11. In a powerful display of respect, members cleaned headstones and read inscriptions, honoring the service members and their families. Meanwhile, Key Club spread mulch at Scissortail Park, earning the gratitude of the horticulture team.

Through these acts of service, Epic students demonstrated their commitment to remembering our nation’s heroes and beautifying their community.

LOCATED ON FLOOR R3 AT 50 PENN NEAR THE SECURITY DESK

MEDICAL MINUTES WE CAN HELP WITH:

o o o o o o o

SCHOOL CAN BE DIFFERENT AND SO CAN MEDICAL CARE

Cold symptoms.

Ear aches.

Pink eye.

Rashes.

Flu swabs.

Strep swabs Medication refills.

If you have other needs that are not listed, please give us a call.

Telehealth is here to help!

OU Children’s pediatricians are working with EPIC school nurses via the telehealth system and can perform virtual examinations of the heart, lungs, abdomen, ear, mouth, throat and skin and can get accurate vital signs. Through the technology, students can be examined, diagnosed and treated. If the child needs a prescription, the clinician will send in the request to the family’s preferred pharmacy.

The benefits of telehealth:

We aim to improve health outcomes, reduce student absenteeism and empower families. Parents benefit by having reduced healthcare costs and having lower incidences of lost time from work and the associated loss of pay. More than 50% of children who participate in the OU Health School Telehealth Program return to class after receiving services, thus reducing absenteeism.

HOW TO BOOK: OKC – call or text:

405-347-5685

KATHLEEN E. COMBS, MD Tulsa – call or text:

405-970-2724

BOOK HERE

PARENT PORTAL: Consent forms can now be found in the Epic Parent Portal. **Must be 18+ or a legal guardian to sign.

PARENT PORTAL

VIEW BIO

ROCKET TO READINESS WITH EPIC BEGINNINGS! What is Epic Beginnings?

Epic Beginnings is a free, family support program designed to prepare students from birth to age 5 who reside in a household with at least one Epic student but who are not Epic students themselves.

At Epic, we understand parenting can be hard, especially when that involves helping educate a school-aged child and caring for others who aren’t yet. That’s why we have developed a library of personally supportive and developmentally appropriate resources to help our Epic families prepare every child in their care for their first day of school, whenever and wherever that happens.

FREE VIRTUAL PARENTING CLASSES Enrolling Now for Oct. 21 Class! Epic is excited to offer “Parenting Now’s: Make Parenting A Pleasure” classes as part of the 2024-25 program. The research-based curriculum supports parents of children from 0 to 8 years old. Enroll now for the class starting Oct. 21.

ENROLL

If you have any questions, please reach out to Shallena Miller:

shallena.miller@epiccharterschools.org

ROCKET TO READINESS PLAYGROUPS Join other Epic families who have young children in creating community while your children learn through play.

OCTOBER 1 Tulsa

REGISTER

OCTOBER 10

OCTOBER 21

OCTOBER 30

REGISTER

REGISTER

REGISTER

Durant

Elgin

Oklahoma City

EPIC TUTORING Epic Tutoring provides virtual tutoring services for Epic students in grades 1-8 during fall and spring semesters through 6-8 week sessions. The subjects offered are math and ELA, with tutoring sessions conducted via Google Meets.

Tutors consist of university students majoring in education or studying to become teachers, as well as high-achieving Epic students in grades 9-12. The tutoring focuses on reinforcing top testable standards, basic reading, writing, and math skills, excluding assistance with curriculum assignments or homework. Students are placed in small groups based on their skill levels, with sessions occurring twice a week.

Enrollment is facilitated by Epic teachers, and inquiries can be directed to peertutoring@epiccharterschools.org or the roster teacher.

Estimadas familias y estudiantes de Epic, Le invitamos a participar en nuestra Exposición de Otoño en Español, donde ofreceremos sesiones sobre diversos temas y estaremos a su disposición para ayudarle con cualquier pregunta que pueda tener.

Tendrá dos oportunidades para unirse a nosotros:

Tulsa

OKC

3 de octubre en la Biblioteca Regional Martin 6 -8 p.m.

2601 S Garnett Rd, Tulsa, OK 74129

11 de octubre en el Salón de la Iglesia OKC Family Church 6- 8 p.m.

8300 S Santa Fe Ave, Oklahoma City, OK

REGÍSTRESE AQUÍ PARA TULSA

REGÍSTRESE AQUÍ PARA OKC

Nuestros oradores incluirán: • Consejeros universitarios y profesionales.

• Especialistas en carreras técnicas aquí en Epic.

Vamos a aprender todo acerca de Epic, tener regalos divertidos, tiempo para responder a todas sus preguntas, ¡y bolsas de regalos gratis para todos los estudiantes y mucho más! Este evento será en Español y es completamente Gratuito. ¡Usted no querrá perdérselo ¡Esperamos verlos allí!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF SUCCESS

ONE EPIC STUDENT SHARES HER SECRETS FOR STAYING ON TRACK

To say that Alondra Ortiz is incredibly organized would be a massive understatement.

Then again, keeping her hectic schedule in check takes that kind of commitment.

The Epic Charter Schools senior is a member of the Hispanic Student Organization, Military Student Organization, Student Council (where she will run for vice president this year), Key Club and Epic Choir. She is also an accomplished swimmer and singer who wants to study forensic investigation in college, and she will graduate on May 2 with her associate degree from Oklahoma Christian University by way of Epic’s Collegiate Academy.

“Knowing me, I’ll probably finish the classes around April or so,” she said.

Ortiz took a break from an unusually busy day to share with us what a daily routine in the life of a decidedly successful Epic student looks like.

She said she wakes up every morning at 4:45 a.m. and drives to swim practice, after which she returns home and focuses on school work between approximately 8 a.m. and noon. After lunch, she usually turns her attention to her internship or volunteer work until it’s time for her second swim practice of the day. At around 6:15 p.m., she has dinner and finishes whatever schoolwork she has before going to bed at 9:30 or so.

“Rest is really important,’ Ortiz said. “I notice on days that I’m not rested, I don’t get as much done. That’s something I prioritize.”

ALONDRA’S THREE KEYS TO SUCCESS: 1. Take it day by day. If you look at the overall week, you’re going to get really stressed out and that interferes with your learning because you’re not focused on what your school is trying to teach you.

2. Every night before you go to bed, write down on a calendar the things you have to get accomplished the next day.

3. Finishing your school work but also prioritizing yourself. If I have a quiz the next day, I’ll make sure I’m in bed on time so I am rested and can be at my best.

DIPLOMAS All Class of 2024 diplomas were sent to graduates over the summer and should have arrived at their intended destinations. If you know of a graduate who has not received their diploma, please encourage them to submit a request for a reprint. This can be handled by visiting the Epic website at epiccharterschools.org, clicking on the Forms/Requests link near the top of the page and then completing the Diploma Corrections/Re-Printing form.

Congratulations to all of our graduates, and we wish you the best as you move into your next chapter and are so thankful to have been a part of your journey.

DIPLOMA CORRECTIONS/ RE-PRINTING FORM

Epic Charter Schools has launched a webinar series called Ask Epic to help families understand everything we have to offer as Oklahoma’s largest public virtual charter school.

Join our experts each week and ask questions!

Live Webinar, Wednesdays 2-3 p.m.

All Ask Epic webinars are recorded and archived on our website for your convenience. Previous recordings available to watch: Comet Academy, Rise Academy, Family Engagement 24/25, 2023-2024 Reflection, College and Career Readiness, Gifted & Talented, Math+ & ELA+, Keeping Students Motivated, and many more!

The Webinar Zoom link and archive can be found by scanning the QR codes below or at www.EpicCharterSchools.org. Go to the About tab, followed by Ask Epic to retrieve the below link for easy access:

ASK EPIC PAGE

JOIN WEBINAR LIVE

Epic’s Development Team is available to answer your questions anytime, email us at edt@EpicCharterSchools.org or call 405-400-0651 and let us answer your questions!

SAY CHEESE! Epic is excited to partner with Grand Life Photography, a professional school photography studio, to offer students and their families school picture days across the state. Locations include: Ada, Durant, Enid, Lawton, Midwest City, Muskogee, Oklahoma City, Stillwater and Tulsa.

There is no obligation to buy and you can view your digital proofs online before deciding if you want to place an order. Grand Life will also bring Epic caps and gowns for seniors who want to get a head start on their senior pictures!

Click below for a complete list of dates and locations and to register!

LEARN MORE

OPEN HOUSE/ RIBBON CUTTING Please join us as we open the Epic Midwest City micro site with an open house and ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 4 from 4-6 p.m., located at 9070 Harmony Dr. Epic staff will be there to welcome our guests and answer questions as you tour this new site. We will also have Grand Life Photography joining us for school, senior and even family photos. We hope you all bring your smiles and fun! We will also have light snacks, activities and giveaways for our guests.

We hope to see you there!

Click below to pre-register for photos and learn more.

LEARN MORE

EPIC IS ONCE AGAIN PARTNERING WITH THE HUGS PROJECT

The HUGS Project is a nonprofit organization that prepares and sends care packages to members of our US Armed Forces deployed overseas. The HUGS Project, which began right here in Oklahoma, aims to provide gratitude, comfort and encouragement to individuals who are far from families, friends and loved ones. Some units are stationed in places like Somalia and the Middle East, where they cannot purchase essentials and often have limited access to a store. These packages and letters let our troops know they are not forgotten.

If you’re interested in participating in this great cause, please complete this Google Form

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From Oct. 1- Nov. 15, Epic students, families and staff are encouraged to gather items and assemble care packages to be dropped off just in time for Veterans’ Week!

WHAT MAKES A COMPLETE CARE PACKAGE? A 12x12x6 inch box filled with items from the Top Requested Items List. When the box is packed, ensure there is no extra space and there aren’t any moving items.

United States Postal Service (USPS) boxes are free and can be picked up at any post office or ordered online from USPS. You can purchase items locally or use the Amazon Wishlist for easy ordering from the comfort of your home.

This does not need to be a one-person project. We encourage individuals to work together with their friends, families, classmates or department to gather items for the care packages. Divy up the responsibility and partner with others!

DROP-OFF DETAILS Please drop off completed care packages and letters by Nov. 15 at any of the locations listed below. Completed care packages may also be dropped off during community service or field trip events this fall. Teachers and staff can also bring completed boxes to the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon in Norman on Dec. 13.

50 Penn Place Epic Office

Lawton VetCenter

Tulsa Logan Building Epic Office

1900 NW Expy Floor R3

10 SW 2nd St. Ste 4

3840 S 103rd E Ave.,

OKC, OK 73118

Lawton, OK 73501

Floor 2

ATTN: Epic Hugs Project

ATTN: Epic Hugs Project

ATTN: Epic Hugs Project

Contact sharla.conaway@epiccharterschools.org or jessica.murphy@epiccharterschools.org for additional information.

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BLASTING OFF FOR NOW.

EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS SEE YOU NEXT TIME!