2018 March We Are Sand Springs Magazine

Mar-Apr 2018

www.WeAreSandSprings.com

2 WeAreSandSprings.com | March 2018

Index Senior in the Spotlight: Jack Thompson #ColorMe: a Mess Clean **ANNOUNCEMENT** Sand Springs Herbal Affair Letter from the City Manager #ColorMe: Driven Where Are They Now: Cathy Burdge Sandite Chatter #ColorMe: Informed We Are Sand Springs Calendar Chillin n Grillin Sandites in Service: SS School Administration #ColorMe: Happy

8 10 15 16 17 18 20 22 23 24 26 27 30

Color Me _______________ The holiday hangover (aka recovery from sensory overload) is over and oh let the colors come! Spring is right around the corner and Color Me EXCITED! In the March 2018 edition of We Are Sand Springs you will witness the many “colors� of Sand Springs as we look at the season to come.

When I think of the many colors of spring I think of my sweet little girls, Paige and Lila. The excitement they exude when the first flowers begin to bloom and their abundant happiness while relaxing in the sun on those first warm days of spring.

This spring there is so much to enjoy in Sand Springs! The Herbal Affair, Chillin and Grillin, hike days at Keystone Ancient Forest.. just to make a few! In 2018, we encourage everyone to get out in our community and get involved in the progress we are seeing in Sand Springs.

We hope you take some time to enjoy your spring months and we hope to see you around!

Danielle Published by: Myers Marketing Management Owner: Danielle Myers Designer: Donald Myers Coordinator: Grant Glaze Custom Design: Paul Borthick

Send us a letter or email: 20 W. 2nd Street Sand Springs, OK 74063 info@wearesandsprings.com 918-521-1810 #wearesandsprings @wearesandsprings

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6 WeAreSandSprings.com | March 2018

It's that time of year, spring break is upon us and that means road trips to sunny beaches or just up the road to the local lake. If you want to make sure your vehicle makes it to your destination, go through this short checklist before hitting the road.

1. Tire Tread - Be sure to check your tire tread before you head out the driveway. If you take a penny and see Lincoln's head then you need to get some new tires. Also look for uneven wear on the tires that might suggest a need for a tire rotation.

2. Tire Pressure - No one likes to be stuck on the highway with a flat tire. Be proactive and make sure there isn't a slow leak in your tires before you leave.

3. Check Oil - With the number of miles we put on our vehicles we always need to keep an eye on our oil levels and viscosity.

4. A/C Check - Just swing on by for an A/C check. After all, the summer heat is on it's way and there's no reason to get stuck on the highway with no A/C.

March 2018 | WeAreSandSprings.com 7

Senior in the Spotlight

Jack Thompson

S E N I O R in the

SPOTLIGHT When someone mentions Sandite, we tend to think of the highest caliber students in the great state of Oklahoma.

Our Senior in the Spotlight for this issue of We Are Sand Springs represents the descriptor Sandite in every way.

Jack Thompson exemplifies the strength and character that Sand Springs Public Schools (SSPS) works to develop in students.

Jack has lived his entire young life in Sand Springs, and in May of 2018, he will finish his time at Charles Page High School graduating first in his class. In addition to graduating high school, Jack has earned enough credits through concurrent enrollment at Tulsa Community College to be considered a sophomore in college.

Jack has achieved many accomplishments during his time at SSPS, including being named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, a 2018 Oklahoma Academic All-Stater, and a 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program nominee. National Merit Scholarship Finalists are selected from approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide to compete for more than $32

million in scholarships. The 100 recipients of the Academic All-State Award were selected from 536 nominations from across the entire state of Oklahoma and are awarded by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Of the nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate U.S. high schools in 2018, a mere 4,500 were selected as candidates, representing the top tenth of one percent of seniors nationwide. We are proud to have Jack Thompson represent what it means to be a Sandite nationally.

In the coming months, Jack will be preparing for his journey to New Jersey to attend the prestigious Princeton University. Jack was accepted early this past December to the university and plans on attending in the fall to study engineering.

All throughout his education, Jack has participated heavily in extracurricular activities. He is a member of National Honor Society, the varsity academic team, and has

"Always work your hardest in school, because it will pay off in the end."

Jack Thompson studied Portuguese for over six years. His favorite activity is serving as the principal bassoonist for the Oklahoma Arts Institute Orchestra and the Tulsa Youth Symphony. Jack has studied the bassoon for the past six years and performs on a regular basis as part of these two orchestras. This young student takes his education upon himself; he found a Portuguese course for his foreign language requirement because he wanted something that would challenge him.

Jack is no stranger to volunteer work. Every week, he tutors students in math at the Tulsa Boys’ Home. He has also served as a math tutor within the Sand Springs Public School system at both the Sixth Grade Center and the Ninth Grade Center. Through National Honor Society, he has volunteered at the Sand Springs Herbal Affair and has been a part of the teacher appreciation committee. These are just a few examples of this student’s volunteer efforts.

Senior in the Spotlight

As we sat down with Jack Thompson, we asked him about some of the influential teachers throughout his education in Sand Springs. He started by naming Nanda Thompson (no relation), his Portuguese teacher. He stated, “she has helped me grow as a person, introducing me to an entirely different language and culture.” Additionally, Jack’s middle school geography teacher, Mr. Logsdon, had a noteable impact. Jack simply stated, “He made learning fun.”

As always, we ask all of our Seniors in the Spotlight what their advice would be to the next senior class. Jack, a humble young man, stated, “Always work your hardest in school, because it will pay off in the end.”

Thank you Jack Thompson and good luck with your future endeavors! Go Sandites!

March 2018 | WeAreSandSprings.com 9

#ColorMe

Clean

#ColorMe

A Mess n a e Cl

Spring is coming, and along with the flowers, pollen, and rain, spring cleaning is definitely in season. But having a clean house sometimes seems impossible, with work, school, and kids there is barely time to get dinner on the table, let alone get the house clean. We've put together a list of things that will help you get your house in tip top shape for the year and then a tool to help you get through the rest of the year with minimal house destruction.

So without further adieu, lets get to it!

1. Start with a plan - Without a startling list of what you need to accomplish, you can't know when you are done with one room and need to move onto another. One rut lots of people get into is not knowing when something is done, a room might be decluttered, but the baseboards haven't been wiped down.

Having a list and sticking to it will help you know when the room is done and you need to move on.

2. Don't try to do it all in one day - Your house didn't get dirty in one day, it won't get clean in one either. Spread out the cleaning into several days, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete your task. There is no use half doing a job and needing to come back to finish the job later.

3. Make a schedule, and stick to it - There are going to be daily chores you need to complete and some you only need to get done once a week. Split them up and write them down. On www.wearesandsprings.com we are going to provide a sample schedule that you can print or change for your individual house.

To see more cleaning tips and to download your FREE Printable Weekly Cleaning Schedule, visit www.wearesandsprings.com and stay tuned to our Facebook page as we continue our #ColorMe series this month!

Visit and Subscribe on our website for additional cleaning tips.

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Jack Thompson Spring is almost here! The season of rebirth is always a refreshing time after the long winter, and Sand Springs is growing and blooming as well.

The community of Sand Springs has a long history of forward thinking. We are Oklahoma’s first planned industrial community, and we continue to embrace our industrial and manufacturing heritage.

Industry leaders such as Webco, Parker Plastics, Baker Hughes, Cust-O-Fab, and OmniTRAX have roots firmly planted in Sand Springs.

The businesses in the RiverWest development are thriving. Starbucks, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, IHOP, and O’Reilly Auto Parts are all successful. El Maguey Mexican restaurant has seen increased patronage since relocating. The new ALDI grocery store saw a huge grand opening and has remained very busy. The Warren Clinic and Colton’s Steak House & Grill are scheduled to open in March. This fall you will see a memorial park on the corner of Alexander Blvd. & Booker T. Washington Ave. along with fountains in the ponds. The sidewalk system around the large pond was completed last year.

Many projects are on the horizon. A new mural is planned for the building on the corner of Broadway & Main, and the See Sand Springs mural on the silo is scheduled for completion. New LED lights are being placed at the Main Street underpass. Fire Station #2 is under construction and dirt will soon be moving on the new Billie A Hall Public Safety Center.

Morrow Road from HWY 97 to Broad Street will be widened this year. New picnic tables with shade structures will be installed at Case Community Park and improvements will be made at Angus Valley Park. The City recently completed construction of a new waste water treatment facility.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation

Elizabeth Gray

Letter from the City Manager

is also plowing ground in Sand Springs. Completion of the Adams Road overpass and HWY 97 Bridge northbound are scheduled for October and December, 2018, respectively. The Main Street Extension project is scheduled to begin fall, 2018.

Construction on the HWY 97 side path (from the bridge to 41st St.) will begin this summer.

Construction on the Park Road trail from Adams Road to the Sand Springs Lake will begin in March.

The seeds of change are contagious. We congratulate Stage, Atwood’s Ranch & Home, QuikTrip, Braum’s Ice Cream & Burger Restaurant, Coble’s Flowers, Sand Springs Flowers, and YellowHouse Market & Boutique for their expansions.

Stop by and visit some of our new businesses including Okie Spice, Sakura, El Patron, It’s a Girl Thing Boutique, Dog and Duck Antiques, and Vintage Stables just to name a few!

A bouquet of events is planned for our community this spring. The Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival, Chillin’ & Grillin’, and the Tulsa Home and Garden Show are right around the corner.

Plans are in place for a City-Wide Garage Sale, a City Clean-Up day, and the 100-Mile Garage Sale.

As always, the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum, Sand Springs Community Theatre, Keystone Ancient Forest and Sand Springs Parks have activities for your enjoyment. For event dates and additional information please check www. herbalaffairandfestival.com, www.sandspringsok. org, or visit us on Facebook.

Sand Springs is facing a bright new future.

Once again we are making plans and watching our community move forward. Just like the return of spring, our community continues to grow and thrive as we plant a new foundation of infrastructure and commerce for our citizens.

-The community of Sand Springs has a long history of forward thinking. We are Oklahoma's first planned industrial community, and we continue to embrace our industrial and manufacturing heritage.

Elizabeth Gray | City Manager | City of Sand Springs

#ColorMe

Driven

Growing up in Sand Springs presents some unique opportunities. If you are driven, then Sand Springs is the community for you. Start here. Go anywhere. Whether a young student within the public schooling system, a college student looking to learn, or an adult looking for extra training, Sand Springs has you covered.

Sand Springs Public Schools offers some amazing opportunities within the STEM(Science, Math, Engineering, & Mathematics) departments. Kids that have a desire to learn and grow into a knowledgeable professional within the STEM fields can begin their journey right here in our community. Currently, Sand Springs schools offer a biomedical, pre-engineering, computer science, and a manufacturing pathway. They also offer STEM camps for younger elementary students. Some of these camps happen over spring break. These camps are limited to a certain amount of driven students, and a application process is required. Unfortunately, this years camp is full, but keep an eye out next spring break if you have a driven child.

Sand Springs is fortunate to be a community that hosts a local campus for Tulsa Community College. Summer and Fall 2018 enrollment opens up to non-priority students April 16.

TCC offers more than 60 different programs to develop their students for the workforce they desire to be in. TCC is open to students of all ages who can get through the application process. Sand Springs is blessed to be a community that has a place like TCC. If you desire to be educated and developed into a professional, so that you can climb to the top of the workforce, then TCC is the place to begin your journey.

Tulsa Tech is another amazing place to develop driven individuals within our community. Tulsa Tech does an amazing job of offering training programs for individuals wanting to sharpen their craft. They offer corporate training within fields like aerospace, computers, leadership, manufacturing, and more. They also offer consulting which consists of evaluating business ideas, assisting, and growing your organization. Another thing they offer is a wide variety of entrepreneurial resources. They have a partnership with the central gathering place for Tulsa entrepreneurs in 36 Degrees North. This partnership offers discounts on memberships at 36 Degrees North. The membership is full of resources, collaboration, information, and workshops designed to make you the entrepreneur you desire to be.

Overall, Sand Springs is an incredible place for driven individuals. All ages have the opportunity to be educated and developed into the professional of choice. Don’t sit back and wait. Our local community is here to take your drive and turn it into success.

18 WeAreSandSprings.com | March 2018

It’s that time of year again – spring flowers, fun, and of course, allergies.

Many people are aware that their pets can experience allergies, but the symptoms that your pet experience can be very different from those of people.

The most common symptom seen with an allergic pet is itchy skin. This can manifest as obvious scratching of the body, but allergic pets may also lick their feet frequently, rub their faces, shake their heads, and have recurrent skin and ear infections. This is because pets process allergens (things in the environment that cause allergies) in a different way than people. Pets often absorb allergens through the skin, causing itching, redness, and inflammation, but they can also experience sneezing and watery eyes.

The symptoms of allergies may be obvious, but the causes of allergies are harder to determine. There are literally thousands of things in your pets surroundings small animal that can cause allergies.. These include trees, grasses, molds, and pollens, but could also be an ingredient in your pets food. One important question is: Does your pet itch year-round, or only at certain times?

If your pet itches year-round, a food allergy may be the culprit. This means that your pet could be allergic to one of the ingredients in their food. While common in people, food allergies account for only about 15% in pets. This means that the “grain free” and “all natural” diets that are heavily advertised may not be of much help. The only way to treat a food allergy is with a very specific, specially manufactured diet.

Also, no other food – including treats or table food – can be fed or the pet will still experience symptoms.

For the seasonally affected, there are many treatments available. These include antihistamines, shampoos, fatty-acid supplements, oral anti-inflammatory medication, and even allergy testing. A consultation with your veterinarian is the first step in maintaining your pets comfort and relief from allergy symptoms.

March 2018 | WeAreSandSprings.com 19

Where are they now?

Cathy Burdge

It’s no wonder that our Where Are They Now featured Sandite will be inducted into the Sand Springs Education Foundation into the Hall of Fame. From her beginnings in Sand Springs Public Schools to the school office she currently works in, Cathy Burdge has left an impact on her community and anyone who has the pleasure of meeting her.

Cathy began her schooling at Central Elementary, and moved onto Garfield and then Central Junior High before

finishing at Charles Page High School. Cathy was extremely involved in her school and extracurricular activities. She played the flute from an early age at Charles Page High School. Additionally she was a part of twirl, Future Business Leaders of America, Tri-Hi-Y, Pep Club, Student Council, and PBWA (Professional Business Women of America).

She recalls attending all the sports that the school put on, specifically attending the baseball games with her father.

Cathy told us, “My father always said ‘If you are going to be in Sand Springs and be a Sandite, you gotta do whatever the Sandites do.’” This has lead Cathy to an extremely interesting life and one that has deep roots in the Sand Springs Community.

When we asked Cathy about some of her influential teachers, she readily named off several that had an impact on her and the person she has become today. Sherry Morgan, her senior english teacher and Don Johnson, her sophomore geometry teacher both were amazing teachers that inspired their students. Additionally Coach David Smith, Cathy’s biology teacher and the school baseball coach had a big impact on her life. In part this was due to the fact that Cathy attended all of the baseball games with her father, but overall Cathy makes friends which allows for others to impact her life as well. Finally, her 1st grade teacher Ruth McQuinn had an extremely large impact on this Sandite.

While first grade may not seem like a large part of a person’s life, Ruth McQuinn was also Cathy’s Sunday school teacher.

Cathy remembers, “I still have a picture of Jesus that she

"Get involved. Get involved and your life will be better." gave to me and my sister, we had it framed and she wrote a nice letter on the back.” Truly the people that surround us impact the way that we live in life and the impact we have on our community.

When this outstanding Sandite graduated from Charles Page High School she went off to Oklahoma State University.

While she only stayed for a year, she came back to Sand Springs and got married to our very own Mayor Mike Burdge.

She finished her schooling locally at Tulsa Community College and began to start her own family. Cathy now has three children and several grandchildren. Micah, Amber, and Jason are her children that are now out of the house. Cathy and Mike Burdge also raised a foster child, Brandi Hughes who now lives in Texas with her three children Beau, Luke, and Jake.

When Cathy moved into the work sector, she exemplified true Sandite commitment and began her working career at Lincoln Electric for 17 years. She moved from there to Brenntag Southwest for 18 months before beginning her work at Air Solutions Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. She worked at Air Solutions for another 13 years before receiving a call one day. The call was for an opening at the Sand Springs Public School System. After a short interview with Stan Trout she had the job as attendance clerk. She is now working full time at Charles Page High School and is extremely well known throughout the school for her tough but loving ways in the front office.

While all these

Cathy Burdge

Where are they now?

activities in one person’s life might cause others to want to take a break, Cathy Burdge has simply intensified her passion and zeal for life by steeping herself into the community and pulse of Sand Springs. Currently, Cathy is involved in Sand Springs Youth Football, Sand Springs Youth Cheer, Sand Springs Youth Basketball, she is a Chair on the Park Advisory Board, Chairman of Park Friends, and Chairman on the Board of Trustees for her church. While she is passionate in all things she puts her mind to, she is especially excited about the opportunities in the Parks Department of Sand Springs. Cathy informed us there are around 30 parks in the Sand Springs area with 15 of them being developed parks.

She was instrumental in the recent renovation of Case Community Park. Additionally she is the event director for the Mayor’s Cup Fundraiser taking place sometime this May. Teams enter into the softball tournament with an entry fee and compete to see who’s the best. The cost for teams is $150 while watching the games will cost adults $5 and kids $3, or that same amount in canned food or school supplies.

Last year there were a total of 10 teams and they are hoping to top that amount this year. For more information, go to www.wearesandsprings.com/2018-mayors-cup/.

To the future generations in the Sand Springs Public Schools she gives this advice, “Get involved. Get involved and your life will be better.” From everyone here at We Are Sand Springs, we wish Cathy Burdge well and congratulations on your nomination and induction into the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame.

March 2018 | WeAreSandSprings.com 21

Sandite Chatter

In an effort to reduce crime in Sand Springs, the Sand Springs Police Department is now offering a program called Combat Auto Theft. In the program individuals that normally don't drive from 1:00am to 5:00am put a sticker on their car, if a police officer sees the vehicle out during those hours they are able to stop and investigate who is driving.

These measures are to ensure the vehicle has not been stolen. The Sand Springs Police Department makes sure to note that this will not end all cases of stolen vehicles, but it is one more tool they can use to keep the community safe!

If you would like a sticker, go by their administration offices located at 100 E. Broadway Suite 101 and receive one free of charge!

So, what do you think?

"

I love our Sand Springs Police Officers. BUT I drive all weird hours. But Public Notice lol. If I catch someone messing with my car they will be seriously injured. This is a very interesting idea. But no substitute for locking your doors, car alarms, proper lighting and a loud dog.

"

I like the idea in theory...but...won't the thieves just learn to take the stickers off?

"

" "

I look at it this way. I feel as though it will also aid in under the influence driving, past curfew kids, etc.

Some of my friends have called it a joke. But in reality, why will a sticker hurt. It is certainly worth a try.

"

This is a great idea most work between 8-5pm and even I who work night go home way before midnight

"

so this is a nice option

22 WeAreSandSprings.com | March 2018

#wearesandsprings @wearesandsprings

"

Color Me

Informed

#ColorMe

In f o rmed As spring ramps up, so do local events. March is the month of Spring Break, and there is a very special event for local youth, April has two huge events in Chillin n Grillin and Herbal Affair, and hiking begins to ramp up over at Keystone Ancient Forest. Here is everything you need to know.

• • • • •

Chillin n Grillin is the local BBQ festival that started in 2009 as a fundraiser for the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce. The festival is located at HWY 97. It is so much more than a cook off with a carnival, live music, arts and crafts, and a beer garden. The event begins on April 12, and it runs through April 14. Thursday and Friday gates are open from 6PM to 11PM, and Saturday runs 10AM to 3PM. Thursday evening is when the carnival begins at 5PM. Here are some things to remember: Thursday is the carnival kick off at 5:00 Friday’s Events begin in the evening with the carnival, live music, beer garden, and arts and crafts Saturday is the People’s Choice BBQ Tasting Admission is Free, but tasting kits are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Carnival tickets are $20

Herbal Affair is in it’s 29th year, and it still continues to be a huge hit for the city of Sand Springs. This year it will be held on April 21, 2018 from 8:00 to 4:00 rain or shine. There are over 100 vendors on hand to showcase herbs, perennials, natives, heirlooms, herbal products, gardening supplies, decor, and more. As always, you can expect live music and great food. If you are interested in being a vendor, then fill out the form through the following link: https://sandspringsok.wufoo. com/forms/z130omn60pk0yn3/ For additional information concerning the annual Herbal Affair email the city at herbalaffair@sandspringsok.org.

Keystone Ancient Forest offers some amazing hiking experiences throughout the year. The spring is the perfect time to start going out for what they call “open hike days.” These are the only days that the forest is actually available to hike. They will be open every Saturday in March and April beginning March 10 from 8:00 to 2:00. And for all you dog lovers, the forest has a hike with your dog day coming up April 7.

Spring is also filled with excitement because Sand Springs has some wonderful construction going on. We are pleased to inform you that Braums is on schedule to be completed and open by the first week of April, Colton’s is now hiring and on schedule, and Sand Springs will be growing like crazy this spring with construction happening all over. Spring truly will be an exciting time of year in 2018. So get up and get out with your family to enjoy all Sand Springs has to offer!

March 2018 | WeAreSandSprings.com 23

Calendar

Calendar

Mar 4 - Mar 10 M

T W T

F

S

Mar 11 - Mar 17 S

M

T W T

F

S

Mar 18 - Mar 24 S

M

T W T

F

S

S

First Day of Spring

Mar 25 - Mar 31 M

T W T

F

S

S

Palm Sunday

Apr 1 - Apr 7 M

T W T

F

S

S

Easter

April 1st

March 20th

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum

St Patrick's Day

1st Annual Sand Springs Women's Expo @ 9th Grade Center 9a - 5p

March 25th

March 17th Daylight Savings Turn your clocks back

March 24th

March 11th Grand Opening Salvation Army Playground

Sand Springs

CHAMBER of Commerce

Find Easter Service times at WeAreSandSprings.com

Spring Break Open Bouce Week

April Fools Day

10a-5p

March 16th

March 5th

April 1st

March 19-23rd

Spring Break Sand Springs Public Schools

March 16th - 23rd

March 30th Find Good Friday Service times at WeAreSandSprings.com

Keystone Ancient Forest Open Hike Day

Every Saturday

A Prayer a Week in 2018, every Monday. Subscribe We Are Sand Springs YouTube to get notifications and updates!

24 WeAreSandSprings.com | March 2018

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum

April 2nd

Of Events Apr 8- Apr 14 M

T W T

F

S

Chillin n Grillin FREE Admission @ Case Park 4/12: 6p-11p 4/13: 6p-11p 4/14: 10a-10p

Apr 15 - Apr 21 S

M

T W T

F

S

Calendar

Apr 22 - Apr 28 S

M

T W T

Herbal Affair 8a-4p Rain or Shine @The Triangle

F

S

Earth Day

S

Apr 29 - May 5 M

T W T

F

S

May 6 - May 12 S

Sand Springs Salvation Army: Youth Flag Football Signups Begin

M

T W T

F

S

S

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum

May 7th Teacher Appreciation Week First Week of May Splash Pad Opens May 7-11th

April 21st Charles Page High School Graduation @ Mabee Center

Myers Marketing Management GRAND OPENING 118 N Main Street Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

April 12-14

April 21st

April 22nd

For more details, visit www.WeAreSandSprings.com

May 12th

May 4th

March 2018 | WeAreSandSprings.com 25

26 WeAreSandSprings.com | March 2018

Sand Springs School Admin

We had the chance to sit down with some of the administrators from Sand Springs Public Schools. These are some of the most selfless and hard-working Sandites we have ever met.

• Sherry Durkee - Superintendent • Rob Miller - Assistant Superintendent/ Personnel • Kristin Arnold - Assistant Superintendent/ Director of Instructional Services & Federal Programs When we asked them about how they see the administration team going above and beyond their job titles. They stated that collaboration is paramount in their current and future plans for the school system. While they are a fairly new central office admin, they have spent the past two years building camaraderie, collaboration, and teamwork. The time put in by teachers and

Sandites in Service

administration, developing the grant for Love and Logic, to how they view students as a whole; the administration is constantly amazed at the "over and above" attitude of the faculty and staff for Sand Springs Public Schools.

Rob Miller reflected on the point where the 9th grade center raised over $12,000 for the United Way Foundation. "The Freshman for years, have always been that class that have taken on that challenge," stated Miller. They are continually surprised at the level of performance from the staff and the students even with the hardships that have come against the public school system.

Kristin commented on the optimism and resourcefulness of the teaching staff in the Sand Springs Public School system. She stated, "When there is a problem to be solved,

March 2018 | WeAreSandSprings.com 27

Sandites in Service

Sand Springs School Admin

instead of putting up a barrier and saying 'we can't because' they really do a good job of looking at that problem and finding a way to say 'here's how we can' and not allowing obstacles to get in the way of getting where we think we need to be."

Overall the administration team wants to inspire and motivate both the teaching staff, administration staff, and the students of Sand Springs to be the best that they can be. And sometimes that means making the process fun. From "flocking" people (by sticking flamingos in their yards), to holding raffle contests the Sand Springs Administration is shaking things up in the school system to bring the best out in

people.

When we asked Sherry what gets her excited and proud of the school system, she immediately answered S.T.E.M. "One of the things I am most proud of is the design and development of our S.T.E.M. curricculum, really K through 12th," stated Sherry Durkee. And she added she is incredibly proud of the community for rallying around and supporting those programs financially.

For the full interview and other details, please visit www.wearesandsprings.com or www. facebook.com/wearesandsprings.

"One of the things I am most proud of is the design and development of our S.T.E.M. curricculum"

28 WeAreSandSprings.com | March 2018

Preschool & Daycare Center

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March 2018 | WeAreSandSprings.com 29

#ColorMe

Color me

HAPPY

1.

Don’t count on money. Wealth is only weakly related to happiness, both within and across nations, particularly when income is above the poverty level. You become no happier after reaching an income of around £40/$50,000 per annum.

to maximize personal happiness can lead to unhappiness.

6.

Watch the Good Samaritan. (Observe selfless volunteers.) People who witness others perform good deeds experience an emotion called "elevation," which motivates them to perform 2.

Don’t count on retail therapy or eating out. their own good deeds.

Activities that make people happy in small doses— Learn to see the glass half full. Optimism such as shopping or good food—do not lead to 7. can protect people from distress. Optimism is selffulfillment in the long term, indicating that these fulfilling—as is pessimism. Whether you believe have quickly diminishing returns. you can or you can’t, you are right.

3.

Get creative and let your juices flow.

Start early. People who report more Engaging in an experience that produces "flow" 8. positive emotions in young adulthood live longer is really gratifying and happy-making. Flow is and healthier lives. experienced when one’s skills are sufficient for a challenging activity, in the pursuit of a clear goal, 9.

Take the knocks.

Healthy human when immediate self-awareness disappears and development can take place under conditions of sense of time is distorted. even great adversity due to a resilience that is 4.

Be thankful for what you have, and for what common and completely ordinary. others have done for you. People who express 10. Scribble away your woes. Individuals who gratitude on a regular basis have better physical write about traumatic events are physically health, optimism, well-being, and progress healthier than control groups who do not. Writing toward goals—and they help others more. about life goals is significantly less distressing 5.

Get on with it. Happiness is journey, not than writing about trauma, and is associated with a destination. It is a process, not a goal. Trying enhanced well-being.

30 WeAreSandSprings.com | March 2018

Sandites in Service People who are happy tend to live longer, additionally , by definition they live happier lives. They also tend to make better decisions, have more fulfilling relationships, and make more money. The list goes on for the number of benefits to being happy, however, it's extremely difficult to quantify how to become happy.

This list of 10 ways to get happier is not all encompassing, however, it's a good start to get you on the journey towards happiness.

Studies show that happy people generally have strong immune systems and are more successful at work, they seem to like themselves more and cope better with setbacks. Unhappy people seem to waste time and effort being vigilant for signs of failure, this saps their energy.

and places that take your mind to bad places, and actively keep your mind, body, and soul in and around things that uplift your life.

Self care is just about the best thing that you can do for your happiness. Take a walk on your lunch break, take time to go get a tan, start a habit of meditation, whatever makes you feel your personal best. We take care of our cars, our houses, and all of the other "things" in our lives, but we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. Invest in yourself because you have only one life to live.

Overall happiness isn't something that can be achieved in 10 simple steps. While these actions can get you on the path, it's not as simple as that.

Getting involved with your community and surrounding yourself with good and uplifting people is a good way to put yourself in a position to be happy. But ultimately the decision lies in your mind. Putting yourself in a position to be happy is half the battle, keeping yourself vigilant and consistent is the other half. Stay away from the things

Donald Myers III, M.S.C.P

Share what makes you happy using #ColorMeHappy

March 2018 | WeAreSandSprings.com 31

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