A former mayor, architectural engineer, community volunteer and alt-rocker ” all products of Oklahoma City Public Schools ” will get props Thursday for their contributions to the city and their fields. At 6:15 p.m. at the Skirvin Hotel, the 2007 Wall of Fame Humanitarian Awards will honor: ” Kirk Humphreys, ” William F. and Kristin […]
Emily Jerman
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Despite rise in scores, OKC public school students lag behind other districts
Achievement results presented at the Oklahoma City Public Schools board meeting Monday suggested while district schools are doing better on some fronts, there’s still room for improvement. STATE TESTSCompared to previous state Criterion-Referenced Tests, Oklahoma City students’ reading scores improved in all grades three through eight. The same went for math, through seventh grade, according […]
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State’s 11 charter schools not unconstitutional, says AG
While debate over charter schools continues nationwide, a recent attorney general’s opinion appears to affirm their place here. Rep. Al McAffrey, D-Oklahoma City, requested the opinion last spring on whether requirement differences between charter and traditional public schools laid out in the state’s 1999 Oklahoma Charter Schools Act constitute breaks with state and federal law. […]
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Voters OK public school bond issues
A handful of Oklahoma County voters overwhelmingly approved issuing bonds Tuesday to provide for school improvements beyond MAPS for Kids. Each of the four propositions, which required a 60 percent majority to pass, were approved, garnering 77 percent or 78 percent favor. Mayor Mick Cornett said with momentum happening throughout the city, and […]
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Bullying subject of conference at Metro Tech
A conference addressing school bullying aims to tackle taboo topics Thursday at Metro Tech Springlake, providing intervention and prevention tools to:” educators, ” counselors and ” mental health professionals. Statistics suggest a need for this program, according to Randy Tate, chair of the “Stop Hate in the Hallways” event, in a press release. Nationally, he […]
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Thomas on Hill: ‘my most traitorous adversary’
Former University of Oklahoma law professor Anita Hill made headlines again this week, 16 years after her sexual harassment allegations against then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. In an autobiography released Monday, Thomas ended his public silence on the allegations, which turned his 1991 confirmation hearings into a national media spectacle. Thomas calls Hill “my most […]
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Oklahoma folklore now online, thanks to library project
The Metropolitan Library System has made 2,500 songs, stories, interviews and more from its Oklahoma Folklore Collection available online this fall. The year-in-the-making effort is part of increasing access to the library’s offerings and beefing up state-history-related collections, according to Research Librarian Larry “Buddy” Johnson, who curates the collection, housed at the Downtown Library. “This […]
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Public school leaders say bond issue will boost education without raising taxes
Continuing the momentum of MAPS for Kids was the message at an economic development lunch Wednesday where discussion of Oklahoma City’s upcoming bond issue election formed the main course. Cliff Hudson, chairman of the Oklahoma City Public Schools board, and Superintendent John Q. Porter spoke at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber-hosted event in downtown’s Beacon […]
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Area trails offer scenic venue for hikers
As temperatures drop and leaves begin to change, the greater metro area offers surprises for hikers and nature-seekers alike. Amid a bevy of lake, refuge and state park offerings, here are four lesser-known hikes to consider, off the pavement but not far from the beaten path. Bluff Creek TrailThe trail north of Lake Hefner may […]
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MAPS for Kids eyes North Highland renovation
During a regular board meeting Monday, MAPS for Kids plans moved forward for an Oklahoma City elementary school awaiting improvements, while district officials voiced concern about changing demographic needs. The district is in the process of reviewing demographics, which will help determine whether further changes are necessary in MAPS for Kids efforts at schools, officials […]