Published: May 16, 2007 11:50 pm            

More than a walk across stage

Next Tuesday night Enid High School’s 360 graduating seniors will don their caps and gowns to accept their diplomas. The evening will mark more than a walk across the stage. Instead, it will be the beginning of a new journey — one for which I am confident they all are prepared.

The class of 2007 has accomplished so much — from academics to athletics and volunteer community service to job training. This week during an EHS awards ceremony, school officials announced the students collectively received more than $5.5 million worth of scholarship offers for the future.

I know they have only just begun. They are future doctors, attorneys, super stars, mothers, politicians, fathers and more. There will be even greater accomplishments ahead.

Most every day, I have the great fortune of spending time with students from across our district. They are tomorrow’s leaders, and I know the future is in great hands.

Please join us to celebrate their success during commencement Tuesday night at 7:30 at Chisholm Trail Coliseum.

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Enid Public Schools has the perfect program for students who want to continue learning this summer in a fun and creative environment — Summer School 2007. EPS currently is accepting enrollment for the program. Classes are available for students of all ages and needs. Courses are offered for those who want a step up for next school year, as well as those who may need extra academic assistance.

Enrollment is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis to area students. For information, please visit www. enidpublic schools.org.

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Learning, of course, doesn’t happen solely in the classroom. Life — and summer — is full of learning opportunities. Below, National School Public Relations Association, along with several partner agencies and organizations, offers tips for keeping children’s minds active during June, July and early August.

• Bring the outdoors inside. Collect leaves, rocks, seashells and bugs. Grow plants from raw potatoes, avocado seeds and pineapple tops.

• Recommend children keep a diary — a journal of their activities.

• Figure out a way to make hobbies educational. A child who collects baseball cards can write fan letters, calculate batting statistics and read books about the sport.

• Ask the children to take charge of family recycling.

• Review cash register receipts. Kids can check them for accuracy, which will keep math skills sharp.

• Have your children write letters or send postcards to relatives in other communities, including grandparents and cousins.

• Hold a yard sale and allow the children to set prices and make change.

• When planning a vacation, request brochures that describe the history and culture of the places you’ll be visiting. Children also can plot your trip on a map.

• As a family, choose an important news event to follow for a day or two. Ask each family member to find as much information on the topic as possible — from radio, television, newspapers or the Internet. Then share what you have learned.

• Parents and students also may want to take advantage of several early childhood activities recently developed by the EPS Early Childhood Program and the School and Community Relations Department. The materials also were provided to all incoming 4-year-olds during enrollment last month.Visit www.enid publicschools.org and click on “Early Childhood Summer Activities” to download games, bookmarks and pictures that can be colored this summer and put to good use. Enjoy the materials!

• Area elementary teachers and education students are invited to McKinley Elementary School’s first-ever Share Fair, a professional development event scheduled for Aug. 2. The training will feature round-table discussions, break-out sessions and textbook company booths. Door prizes and goodie bags will be available. To learn more or to register, please visit www.enidpublicschools. org/sharefair.pdf.



Graham Fitzgerald is the school/community relations director for Enid Public Schools. She can be reached at 234-5270 or arfitzgerald@enidk12.org. Visit the EPS Web site at www.enid publicschools.org