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
FIELD TRIPS
Epic Beginnings Rocket to Readiness Playgroup-Tulsa
October 1 | 10:15 am - 12:15 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Regional Food Bank
October 1 | 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
EVENT DETAILS
We Rock The Spectrum: Yukon
October 2 | 1 pm - 3 pm
EVENT DETAILS
OSU Botanic Garden Career EXP Field Trip
October 3 | 12:15 pm - 2:30 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park
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
OCTOBER 2024
Epic Beginnings Rocket to Readiness Playgroup-OKC
October 9 | 11 am - 1 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Epic Beginnings Rocket to Readiness PlaygroupDurant
October 10 | 2 pm - 4 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Epic Beginnings Rocket to Readiness Playgroup-Elgin
October 21 | 12 pm - 2 pm
EVENT DETAILS
OK Heritage Farm Pumpkin Patch
October 22 | 10:30 am - 1:30 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
EVENT DETAILS
EXPOS
Spanish Expo Tulsa October
PICTURE DAYS
October 8 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
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
Red Dirt OK - Canine Search & Recovery Training
October 4 | 9 am - 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm - 5 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Turning Point Ranch
October 11 | 10 am - 12 pm
EVENT DETAILS
COMMUNITY SERVICE ENRICHMENT
Spelling Bee Glenpool
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
EVENT DETAILS
Spelling Bee Championship Norman
October 29 | TBA
EVENT DETAILS
OPEN HOUSES
Midwest City Open House/Ribbon Cutting
October 4 | 4-6 p.m.
EVENT DETAILS
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
Prepare U: Job Searching Strategies
October 3 | 6 pm - 7 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Financial Aid & Scholarship Q&A
October 8 | 2 pm - 3 pm
EVENT DETAILS
College Planning Overview: 8th-10th Grades
October 9 | 10 am - 11 am
EVENT DETAILS
College Planning Overview: 11th Grade
October 9 | 1 pm - 2 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Internship & Work Based Learning Assignment Workshop
October 9 | 3 pm - 4:30 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Is College Right for Me? Career Exploration Resources
October 10 | 1 pm - 2 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Prepare U: Effective Communication
October 21 | 6 pm - 7 pm
EVENT DETAILS
College Knowledge
October 22 | 11 am - 12 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Virtual College Scholarship Fair (Session 1)
October 23 | 12 pm - 1 pm
EVENT DETAILS
Virtual College Scholarship Fair (Session 2)
October 23 | 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
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
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 inclined music at the center of her life,
“I have a very mathematical brain,”
It was about six weeks into her back, that is until she moved missed the application deadline “real job.”
“I had worked for a temp agency business and I was always really
She went on to earn her MBA four years. She is still extremely Chamber Choir, where she has
“I think of finance as my own
of finance, as one might expect, is a mathematical thinker. The once pre-med biochemistry inclined since she first picked up a flute at the age of 7. Since then, she has continued to keep life, even if she spends a significant portion of it analyzing spreadsheets and crunching numbers.
brain,” she said. “I approach music very mathematically.”
her 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 deadline for her master’s degree program in music. It was then that, according to her, she got a
agency all through college and did a lot of accounting,” Wynn said. ”I learned a lot about really drawn to numbers and math.”
in accounting and has been overseeing Epic’s finance department for approximately the last extremely active in music, however, spending her free time as the artistic director of the Windsong has 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.”
E SPELLING
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:
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has a general scholarship application opening on Oct. 1. By applying, you’ll get an individualized list of their scholarships that you’re eligible for. Some only need the general application, while others may require extra materials like a letter of recommendation, personal statement, or essay.
Application Opens: Oct. 1
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.)
NEW! THOMA SCHOLARSHIP
The Thoma Scholarship is your path to a debt-free college education and leadership development at Texas Tech or Oklahoma State University. If you’re a high-achieving rural student from a rural area, this scholarship can cover tuition, fees, room and board, books, an international study abroad experience and other education-related expenses.
Application Opens: Aug.1
Application Closes: Jan. 15, 2025
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
Curious about financial aid & scholarships?
Explore upcoming sessions and recordings on all aspects of funding your college education.
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 $60,000 with 1 or 2 dependent children OR
o $70,000 with 3 or 4 dependent children OR
o $80,000 with 5 or more dependent children.
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.
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 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.
INTERNSHIP & WORKBASED LEARNING ASSIGNMENT WORKSHOPS
Kidz Funtown – Kidz Funtown is on the hunt for fun-loving, energetic teens to join their amazing paid internship program!
Requirements: Students must be 14 or older.
For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Kidz Funtown: 774-776-5757 or hello@kidzfuntown.com
WORK OPPORTUNITIES
Seeking employment in north OKC or Edmond? These companies are looking for Epic Students.
Apply in person at: 3131 W Memorial RD. Oklahoma City, OK 73134
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:
Oct. 9
Nov. 13
Dec. 11
Jan. 8
Feb. 12 Mar. 12 Apr. 9 May 14
All workshops are virtual and take place from 3-4:30 p.m.
Chick-fil-a
Text “CFAJobs” to 31063
Mensaje de texto “CFAJobs” al 31063 para aplicar Tropical Smoothie
CAREER-TECH: ANOTHER PATH FORWARD
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.
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:
10/04 – Autry Technology Center Manufacturing Day 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
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.
10/21 – Prepare U: Effective Communication
Asynchronous
11/08 – Prepare U: How to Use LinkedIn 6-7 p.m.
VOLUNTEER VIBES
EPIC GIVES ITS EMPLOYEES 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
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.
WE CAN HELP WITH:
o Cold symptoms.
o Ear aches.
o Pink eye.
o Rashes.
o Flu swabs.
o Strep swabs
o Medication refills.
If you have other needs that are not listed, please give us a call.
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.
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
OCTOBER 10 Durant
OCTOBER 21
Elgin
OCTOBER 30
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
3 de octubre en la Biblioteca Regional Martin 6 -8 p.m. 2601 S Garnett Rd, Tulsa, OK 74129
OKC
11 de octubre en el Salón de la Iglesia OKC Family Church 6- 8 p.m. 8300 S Santa Fe Ave, Oklahoma City, OK
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:
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.
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.
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
ATTN: Epic Hugs Project Tulsa Logan Building Epic Office 3840 S 103rd E Ave., Floor 2
SW 2nd St. Ste 4 Lawton, OK 73501 ATTN: Epic Hugs Project
ATTN: Epic Hugs Project Lawton VetCenter
