Tahlequah Public Schools has strong academics, highly competitive athletic teams, and award-winning arts and music programs. The programs and services that Tahlequah Public Schools offers to our students is above and beyond what other districts provide. The level of community involvement and support is exceptional in Tahlequah, and we are honored to have so many valued business partnerships.
We kicked off the new school year partnering with the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce and celebrated our staff with breakfast, coffee, activities, and gifts sponsored by our local businesses. The Tahlequah School Foundation also provided everyone’s lunch by bringing in food vendors. They also honored our district and site teachers of the year with money. Tahlequah Public School’s district teacher of the year is Ms. Heather Willis. The following are site teachers of the year:
Toni Felts- Sequoyah Elementary
Randi Roberts- Cherokee Elementary
Leslie Richardson- Greenwood Elementary
Kim Parker- Heritage Elementary
Misty Boston- Middle School
Heather Willis - High School
The overwhelming feeling of being appreciated was evident as staff was honored by our community stakeholders. We intend to build on our positive culture to ensure the continued success of our students, schools, and community.
TPS has worked hard to create excellent teams at each site, hiring twenty-seven new teachers and seventeen support staff. We are excited they chose to come to Tahlequah Public Schools to make a positive difference in the lives of students. The district provided all staff with updated safety training, as well as other training in TPS policy, expectations, effective teaching strategies, and technology. We also provide new teachers with mentor teachers to give them the support that they need to be successful throughout the year.
Our back-to-school motivational speaker this year was Katie Kinder. Katie is an educational consultant that has been a teacher and instructional coach for more than 16 years. Katie is the author of Untold Teaching Truths and Hallway Leadership. She will be collaborating with our new teachers throughout the year to give them resources, motivation, and teacher truths to reclaim their classroom and develop a passion for teaching.
Our overall theme this year is Every Minute Matters. We commit to using every minute of every day to help your child to succeed at school. We need your commitment to get your students here every day. Good attendance is important for academic achievement and is evident through research.
I am looking forward to another wonderful school year and I am accessible to all stakeholders that may have any questions. Feedback is an opportunity for Tahlequah Public Schools to serve our students and families better. I encourage and welcome any questions; comments or concerns you have about our schools. You can contact me by phone at 918.458.4100 or by email at mashburnd@tahlequahschools.org
Written by DeAnn Mashburn/Assistant Superintendent