News Releases

McAlester ninth grade GEAR UP students tour the Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery Part 2

Thirty-five McAlester ninth grade GEAR UP students recently toured the Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery. The tour began in the museum where students saw various exhibits. There were a series of exhibits, which showcased the lifestyles of the late 1800s and early 1900s, including a doctor’s office, post office, barbershop whom not only cut hair but pulled teeth, and classroom. Students were fascinated by how far things have changed and what they are used

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McAlester ninth grade GEAR UP students tour the Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery Part 1

Thirty-four McAlester ninth Grade GEAR UP students recently visited the Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery. Students participated in an outdoor walking tour of the Civil War Cemetery, learning about the history of the Civil War in Southeast Oklahoma, including the fact that the cemetery is the only designated Confederate cemetery in Oklahoma. Students also toured the museum, which includes history of Atoka County, such as displays of legendary professional bull rider Lane Frost, country

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Stringtown eighth and ninth grade GEAR UP students tour Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery

Twenty-nine Stringtown eighth and ninth grade GEAR UP students recently toured the Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery located north of Boggy River in Atoka. Students were given a walking tour of the property, which includes a Civil War cemetery—the only in Oklahoma, several historical homes, and a church. The church has been relocated from Boggy Bend in the northeast part of the county to the museum site, and was started by “Boss” Harrison, a

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McAlester ninth grade GEAR UP students tour the Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery

McAlester ninth grade Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP students recently toured the Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery, giving students an in-depth knowledge of Oklahoma history. Students participated in an outdoor walking tour of the Civil War Cemetery, learning about the history of the Civil War in Southeast Oklahoma. The cemetery was first established by travelers on the Butterfield stage road when measles swept through the area. Students also toured the museum, which includes

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Atoka GEAR UP students tour the Durant State Fish Hatchery

Seventy-seven GEAR UP students from McCall Middle School in Atoka recently visited the Durant State Fish Hatchery located near Durant. The seventh and eighth grade students toured portions of the 350-acre facility while learning the role of the largest hatchery in the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. Students began the day exploring the catfish barn. Rebecca Fillmore, along with other hatchery technicians, described the process for researching and growing the millions of bass that are used

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McCall Middle School GEAR UP students tour East Central University

Ninety-eight GEAR UP students from McCall Middle School in Atoka recently traveled to Ada to tour East Central University (ECU). The seventh and eighth grade students and their teachers began the day in the Estep Room inside the Bill S. Cole University Center. After a brief introduction, Admissions Recruiter Alyson Chapman provided a brief overview of ECU and campus life. Chapman encouraged the students to begin planning now for college admission by building a portfolio,

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Atoka GEAR UP students tour Oklahoma City Zoo

Ninety-three GEAR UP students from Atoka Public Schools recently toured the Oklahoma City Zoo located in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Students enjoyed exploring the zoo which is home to more than 1,900 animals. The exhibits include an Asian themed section that houses the elephant habitat with outdoor yards, pools, waterfalls and a barn which can be viewed from a raised boardwalk. The students were also intrigued by the Cat Forest/Lion overlook containing species of big

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