SAND SPRINGS — It's a big day for thousands of students, heading back to school today.
And in Sand Springs, what many students may not realize is that when they show up, they aren't students, they're functioning members of society.
"It's really a different way of thinking about how we do school."
Sand Springs Public Schools Superintendent Sherry Durkee is breaking the mold when it comes to what happens in a classroom.
"Our mission is to make 21st century citizens. That's a bold statement because that has a lot that it entails. One of those is the ability to be dually-employed when you complete training," Durkee says.
Thinking about employment as a freshman in high school? You bet.
And the district gets students on the path to employment with new programs like "Foundation of construction" as a new Tulsa Tech opportunity for highschoolers, a new internship program with community partners, for students to leave high school with workforce experience...a win-win for Sand Springs.
"It really is tying together and partnering with our community to be a service provider to get people what they need," Durkee says.
Durkee says the biggest news though is the construction at Charles Page High School, district-wide updated renovations and new construction.
"What's fun about the ability to build new is that you can construct spaces that are really conducive to 21st century learning . . . So that you're not set up like a traditional classroom," Durkee says.
All in an effort to promote problem-solving skills and collaboration among students.
Durkee says, "It's a different way to look at how we teach, which I think is necessary in today's market for life outside of school."
Reinforcing the mission to turn students into contributing members of society.
"It's just the diversity of our culture and how kids have different needs at different times."
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
