News Releases

McAlester ninth grade GEAR UP students visit Southeastern Oklahoma State University Part 2

Sixty-six McAlester ninth grade GEAR UP students recently toured SOSU (Southeastern Oklahoma State University) in Durant. Students began the day in the Glen D. Johnson Student Union to meet On-campus Recruiter and Admissions Counselor Sarah Hughes. Hughes began a walking tour of campus where students saw Morrison Hall, the oldest building on campus and home to the education department. Hughes then proceeded to show the students other buildings on campus, such as the Administration Building and the Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library. Students learned about receiving free admission to campus activities, gaining access to free campus parking, and renting textbooks

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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 to today in our society. The tour concluded outdoors in a walking tour of the Civil War Cemetery, which was first established by travelers on

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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 music entertainer Reba McEntire, and Academy Award-winning artist Matthew Mungle, who are originally from the area. The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State

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McAlester ninth grade GEAR UP students explore Southeastern Oklahoma State University Part 1

Seventy McAlester ninth grade GEAR UP students recently explored SOSU (Southeastern Oklahoma State University) in Durant. Students were welcomed in the Glen D. Johnson Student Union by campus recruiters. Students were divided into three separate groups and given a tour of campus. The tours began in the Bloomer Sullivan gymnasium where NBA player Dennis Rodman’s jersey hangs. Rodman is a former SOSU athlete. Students then toured Shearer Hall & Suites, an apartment-style housing option. Throughout the tour, students learned about different buildings as well as programs SOSU offers. There are more than 65 majors to choose from at SOSU. Following

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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 history of Atoka County, such as displays of legendary bull rider, Lane Frost, and country music entertainer, Reba McEntire, who are originally from the area.

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Area Math and Science Teachers Attend Texas Instruments Training in McAlester

Fifteen area middle school math and science teachers recently participated in a two-day beginner TI (Texas Instruments) workshop while 13 teachers participated in a one-day intermediate and advanced training at Eastern Oklahoma State College in McAlester. The workshops were sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP and was designed to help teachers integrate technology effectively into instruction. The trainings were conducted by Texas Instruments Specialists Mike Smith, Fred Ferneyhough, Sandra Hocutt, and Cassie Whitecotton. “These trainings were a great way to begin the 2019-2020 school year,” said GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator Brianna Brassfield. “It’s a joy to hear

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Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP provides professional development for McAlester’s Puterbaugh teachers

GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator John Spiegel recently presented a Love and Logic workshop at Puterbaugh Middle School. Spiegel presented Module Two, Delayed Consequences, to teachers. Spiegel’s goal is to provide teachers with an opportunity to make a lasting and positive influence in their schools and communities. “I love presenting Love and Logic strategies to teachers,” Spiegel said. “The strategies are designed to be low stress for highly successful educators. Anything we can do to help in today’s classroom, is a win-win.” The workshop was provided by Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP grant. The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness

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Area educators attend ICAP workshop at the McAlester campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College

Over 30 area superintendents, principals, counselors, teachers, and GEAR UP team members recently attended an ICAP (Individual Career Academic Plan) workshop at the McAlester campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College. The workshop was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Regina Carr, Atoka High School’s ICAP Coordinator/BMITE teacher outlined the plan Atoka is implementing and provided “lessons learned.” Atoka was selected as one of the ICAP Pilot Study Districts. The State Department of Education has not provided explicit instructions/strategies of implementation although each school district must fully incorporate and put into operation the ICAP for all students entering the

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Area math and science teachers attend GEAR UP-sponsored Intermediate and Advanced T3 BOOST Math and Science Training in McAlester

Twenty–six area middle school math and science teachers recently participated in a one-day workshop sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. The workshop was designed to help them integrate technology effectively into instruction. The intermediate/advanced training was conducted by Texas Instruments (TI) Specialists Sandra Hocutt and Cassie Whitecotton. “This was a great way to begin 2019!” exclaimed GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator John Spiegel. “We love to hear the teachers collaborating and learning how to better utilize the technology. In addition to the professional development training, teachers are coached by TI Specialists. The Specialists visit partner schools and provide

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Area math and science teachers attend GEAR UP-sponsored Beginners T3 BOOST Math and Science Training in McAlester

Thirty-one area middle school math and science teachers recently participated in a two-day workshop sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. The workshop was designed to help them integrate technology effectively into instruction. The beginner training was conducted by Texas Instruments (TI) Specialists Sandra Hocutt and Cassie Whitecotton. “What an exciting group of educators!” exclaimed GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator John Spiegel. “These beginners were eager to learn and share their classroom experiences with each other. They have the determination and tenacity to make a difference in their classrooms and in the lives of their students.” In addition to

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