Vol. 24, No. 5 Published by Union Public Schools, Tulsa, OK

]azzFest '99 Hits a High Note Nationally kn own jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band were the final event of jazzFest '99 held recently at Unjon High School. Fergu­son is noted for ills tenure with such big bands as Jimmy Dorsey and Charlie Barnet, as well as the Stan Kenton Orches­tra. His recording of "Gonna Fly Now," the theme from Rocky, cat­apulted rum to the top of the pop charts with a op-ten s ingle, followed by 1 gold album and three

Grammy nominations. Maynard Ferguson

Following a solid operung act by the Union Senior High Jazz Ensemble under the direction of ]air Klarfeld, Ferguson and hjs band took center stage. He delighted the packed house with ills wit as well as ills trumpet artistry. Belying his almost 71 years of age, Ferguson's energy is infectious, and ills amazing rugh notes brought the audience to their feet more than once.

Earlier in the week, the Union High School jazz Ensemble and the

Northeastern State University Jazz Ensemble staged a free concert fea­turing guest soloist Chris Vadala. Vadala, a wood­wind specialist from the Un iversity of Maryland, acted as one of the judges and cli­nicians for JazzFest.

jazz ensembles and combos from

around the state, ranging from mid­

dle-school-aged stu­dents to rugh school

s tudents , gath­ered for a day of

jazz, with each group performing for a

judges for jazzFest '99 included Chris Vadala from the University of Maryland; Ken Grass, saxophone instructor from the University of Tulsa; Pancho Romero from Oklahoma Baptist University; Dr.

panel of judges who Maynard Ferguson works witlr lire Union High Sclrool Jazz Ensemble on critiqued and offered a recent visit to Tulsa. advice to the young musicians. Clinicians held a jam ses­sion and mas ter classes concentrating on the individual instruments during the noon break, and the remainder of the afternoon was again filled with stu­dent performances.

Lou Fischer from Capital University; Dr. Kent Kidwell from the University of Central Oklahoma and Paul Wertico, percussion instructor from Northwest­ern University.

Sponsors for JazzFest '99 were Pat Teague of Teaco, Inc., and jake W. jorishle of Tulsa Band. Union Public Schools greatly appreciates their sup­port of the talented s tudents who are keeping alive America's only true art form -- jazz.

Inside Teacher of the Year ....................... 2

Summer School ............................... s Teachers Awarded Grants ........... S

Corporate Challenge .................. 6-7

New Elementary Named ............... B

National Merit Finalists .............. ll

Revised School Calendars .......... ll

)air Klarfeld directs the High School jazz band while accompanying guesl soloisl Chris Vadala.

Page 12 --------------------------------- March-May, 1999

N Cheer and Porn Squads Bring Home National Honors

The junior Varsity Cheerleaders took first place in the Small School Division at the American Spirit Championship (ASC) competition 'in St. Louis , Missouri , and Cassie Bax placed fourth in individ­ual cheer competition. They competed with groups from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas and Tennessee. Squad members include juniors Alex

Skrivan and Shannon Thomas and sophomores Cassie Bax, Veronica Conley, Natalie DiMercurio, Jessica Firor, Tara Frizell, lindsay Grabowshl, Allison. Hale, Mandy Haltom, Veronica Hess, Britni jackson, Mandy Jiles, Kelly O'Toole, Kira Roberts, jenny Schiprett and April Warren. Coaches are Dee Phibbs and Jennifer Lamar.

The junior Varsity Porn Pun Squad also tucked another na­tional championship victory under their belt. The 14 Intermediate High

Members of lire JV Pom Squad are all smiles after winning their naliotr­al champions/rip.

sophomores, coached by former varsity pom captam Erin O'Toole, won first place in the National Cheerleading Association Dance and Porn competition in San Diego, California, by outscor­ing 30 other teams from throughout the country.

Members of the award-winning Union junior Varsity Cheer Squad display their (irsl·place banner from !Ire American Spiril Championship compelition.

Union Public Schools 5656 S. 129th E. Ave.

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74134-6711

Union junior Nathan Price receiving lire lradi· tiona/ Hawaii welcome.

Union Tennis Player Nationally Ranked

Junior Nathan Price has been ranked 43rd best tennis player in the United States in Boys' 18 Singles by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). He is also ranked # 1 in the Missouri Valley Sectional and #1 in Oklahoma for Boys' 18 Singles.

Except for one time, Nathan was unde­feated during the 1998 tennjs season it tournament matches leading up to the'­USTA nationals. He began by winning the Maureen Connolly Easter Tournament in San Diego followed by the Oklahoma Endorser in Oklahoma City, the NQCI tournament in Springfield, the NQCU tournament in Oklahoma City and the NQT feed-in cbampionsrups in Kansas City. At the National Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Nathan made it to round 32 in the 256 draw, knocking off the #8 seed in the process.

The USTA flew Nathan to an all-expense­paid training camp at the Mauna Lam Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii in November. He spent a week in Hawati working with nine other Boys' 18 play­ers, ten Boys' 16 players and Tom Gullickson, the U.S. Davis Cup captain, along with several other national tennis coaches.

Page 2

~ Union Volunteer Receives Top Honor

I\ -JCP""""" GOlDf:N • RUI.E

AWARD

Retiree George LeRiche, a volunteer at Boevers 8ementary, was named the top city winner in the education category of the

](Penney Golden Rule Award Program. During their Volunteer of the Year Luncheon April 22, the Tulsa Volunteer Center, in conjunction with the JCPenney Company, recognized seven

students about their environment -­rocks and fossils, n·ees and plants, pond water and fish.

LeRiche began I·Vith a field of grass and, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, transformed it into what is now E-LAB, Environmental Learning At Boevers. He went to the school dming the hot sum­mer months to build E·LAB with the

Boevers principal Faye Pride (left) and 4th grade teacher ]an ice Luce congratulate volunteer George LeRiclre for winning top honors in the Education Category of eire ]CPenney Company Golden Rule awards. His time and expertise at eire school's environmental lab netted Boevers a Sl,OOO check from the company.

help of parents, teach­ers, grandparents, the Boy Scouts and Boevers students. He continues to help maintain the out­door classroom and teaches fourth grade s tu­dents how to prune, weed and care for E-LAB. "Without Mr. LeRiche's help, the outdoor class­room might not have been finished today," said Boevers fourth grade teacher janJce Luce who originally pre­sented the E-LAB con­cept to the PTA. "He had experience in landscap­ing and builcling and vol­unteered to spearhead the project. He located materials on his own and

inclividuals and groups for their out­stancling volunteer contribution to the community. Mr. LeRiche received an engraved crystal flame and a $1,000 check for Boevers.

pursuaded companies to donate man­power and materials as well. Mr. LeRiche and om community share a commitment to the continuing health of the planet and om children."

The judges were impressed with Mr. LeRiche's involvement with an outdoor classroom at Boevers, designed to teach

Mr. LeRiche is now eligible to compete for the National Golden Rule Award which will be presented in the fall.

Scott McDaniel Takes Seat on Board of Education

ln the February Board of Education race for Election District #4, Scott McDaniel was elected to serve a five-year term. He replaces Frank Spiegelberg, who served on the

Scott McDaniel

Board for ten years.

Mr. McDaniel earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from North Carolina State University and his Jrnis Doctor from the University of Tulsa. He is an attorney with Gardere & Wynne. He has two children, a daughter attending the lntermecliate High and a son at the Eighth Grade Center.

Drning the campaign, McDaniel stated, "I am committed to progress and innovation, while ensrning that such progress pre­serves core educational crnricula and values that deliver proven superior educational results. I will strive to ensme that Union can meet the changing demands of the new century through an

effective team School Board."

of parents, professional educators, staff and a strong, responsive

March-May, 1999

Olwen Herron Chosen Union Teacher of the Year

Olwen Herron

Intermediate High English teacher Olwen Herron was selected from among 16 building-level instructors as Union's "District Teacher of the Year." The announcement came during a reception at the Union 6th/ 7th Grade Center March 11. Ms. Herron wiU no' represent Union in competition for th, state title.

Her bachelor's degree is from the University of Liverpool, and she earned her master's from The Queen's University in Belfast. She has been in education eighteen years and has been with the clistrict for five of those. Ms. Herron first taught at Union drning a Fulbright Teacher Exchange in 1991-92, an experience which led to a new teach­ing career in the United States.

"When r arrived in Tulsa from homoge­nous, small-town Ireland, I was greeted with the lights of the Union football sta­dium, dramatic pep rallies with "Redskin" painted faces, an incredible marching band and the uniqueness of Union Public Schools," says Ms. Herron. "I knew I had arrived in America "big­time" but did not realize it would impact the res t of my teaching career."

Ms. Herron believes literature provides a springboard to connect with important aspects of students' lives and encorn­ages them to ponder the world abor them. She feels her role as a teacher fs to replace an empty mind with an open one so that a student will not become a slave to knowledge, but in learning to think, knowledge will become his slave.

March-May, 1999 ---------------------------------- Page 11

Union Seniors Receive State, National Honors

Merit Finalists Announced

Seven Union High School seniors have been chosen as National Merit Scholarship finalists. They are Rishi Behl, Amanda Bowles, Patrick Flor, Dev Ghose, Thalia Kwok, Eric Millican and justin Neff.

To qualify as finalists, students must have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by their principal, confirm PSAT / NMSQT per­formance on the SAT or ACT test, and complete a detailed application that includes a self-description and informa­tion about scholas tic accomplishments, school and community activities, educa­tional plans and goals. Finalists are eli­gible to be considered for National Merit Scholarships.

Presidential Scholar Semifinalists Announced

Union senior Mark Soderstrom has been named one of approximately 500 ernifinalists in the 1999 Presidential

:10lars Program. The semifinalists ,.ere selected from more than 2,600 candidates on the basis of superior achievements, leadership qualities, per­sonal character and involvement in community and school activities.

The 500 semifinalists were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. They were selected by a panel of distinguished educators after a review of s tudents' essays, self-assess­ments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations and school tran­scripts.

Final selection of the scholars is made by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of some 30 eminent citizens appointed by the President. The Commission selects one young man and one young woman from each state, the Disn·ict of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad; up to 20 students from the cre­ative and performing arts; and 15 stu-

nts-at-large.

.. icholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., in June to receive the presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition cer­emony and to participate in various activities and events in their honor.

Gaddis A warded Top Scouting

Honor

is open only to those Boy Scouts who have achieved the highes t rank in Scouting for the cunent year.

Union High School senior Clayton

Gaddis was recently named the 1999 Eagle

Scout of the Year by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). The award

Clayton has been invited to present his patriotic theme on George Washington at the Youth Luncheon of the SAR Annual Congress in San Diego, California, on July 5. He will also receive a $5,000 scholarship award as the national winner.

"<)<)<) Union Public Schools ""'' ~{~ 1999-2000 Traditional School Calendar

·c;c?> I" ~c.fl

Professional Day ............ .... .... ........ ... .... .. .... .. ....... .... .. ...... .. ..... .. ........... Aug. 9 'Work Day ...................................................... .. ................ .. .................. Aug. 10 Professional Day .......... ........ ........ ............... .. ................. ...... ...... ....... Aug. 11 First Day of School.. ......................................................................... Aug. 12 Labor Day ....................... ...................................................................... Sept. 6 End of First Quarter ............ .............. .............. .................................. Oct. 13 Fall Vacation .............. .. ...... .. ................................................ .... ... .. Oct. 21-22 Parent/Teacher Conf. ....................................................................... Oct. 29 Thanksgiving Vacation .............................................................. Nov. 24-26 End of First Sen1es ter ....... .. ................... .. .... .............. .. ..................... Dec. 17 Winter Vacation .................................................................. Dec. 20-Dec. 31 Martin Luther King Day .................................................................... Jan. 17 Secondary Parent/Teacher Conf ....................................... ............. Feb. 18 Elementary Professional Day .......................................................... Feb. 18 Professional Day (all grades) .......................................................... Feb. 21 End of Third Quarter ......................................................................... Mar. 8 Spring Vacation ........ .. ................................................................. Mar. 27-31 Elementary Parent/Teacher Conf .................................................. Apr. 21 Secondary Professional Day ........................................................... Apr. 21 Graduation ................ .. ........................................ .. ...... .. ..... .. ............... May 12 Last Day of Classes ............................................................ ............ . May 19''

'' calendar includes 2 snow days

1999-2000 Continuous Learning Calendar (CLC grades 1-5)

First Day of School.. .................................................................... ...... July 26 Professional Day ........................................................ .. ....... ................ Aug. 9 YVork Day ...................... .. ............. .. ..... .. ..... ............. .. ... ..................... .. Aug. 10 Professional Day .. .......................................... ................................... Aug. 11 Labor Day ........... .. ....... ... ...... .. ............ .. ............................................ .... Sept. 6 Fall Intersession .................................. .. .. ....................................... Oct. 4-22 Fall Vacation ........................................ ........ .. .... ........................... Oct. 21-22 Parent/Teacher Conf . .. ...................................................... .. ..... .. .... .. Oct. 29 Thanksgiving Vacation .................... ...... .................................... Nov. 24-26 Winter Vacation .................................................... ................. Dec. 20-jan. 7 Martin Luther King Day .............................................. ........ ...... ........ jan. 17 Professional Days ................................ ...... .. .......................... .. Feb. 18 & 21 Spring lntersession ....................................................... .. ..... Mar. 20-Apr. 7 Elem. Parent/Teacher Conf. ........................... ...... .. ......................... Apr. 21 Memorial Day ....... ... .. ................................... .................... .................. May 29 Last Day of Classes .. .. ...... .. ...... .. ............................................ .. ...... june 15*

'' calendar includes 2 snow days

Page 10 --------------------------------- March-May, 1999

Union Student Chosen as Ambassador for Evolution

of Flight Campaign

Eighth grader Kevin McCollam has been chosen as an Ambassador to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Evolution of Flight

campaign, designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of flight. As representa­tives of th e high school graduating Class of 2003, Kevin an d the other 13 ambassadors from across the nation

Kevin McCollam will be brought together periodically to partici­

pate in an array of aerospace and edu­cation-related activities celebrating 100 years of flight.

The Institute kicked off the first Class of 2003 Ambassador program with an introductory reception at AlAA head­quarters; a simulation program at the Washington DC, Challenger Center; a lecture from renowned Wright brothers historian Tom Crouch; a special tour of the National Air and Space Museum; a reception at the AIAA Honors Night Banquet; and VIP status both at the ban­quet and during Space Day '99.

As an Ambassador, Kevin will have the opportunity to participate in two fiel d trips each year, interact with profes­sional mentors , take part in local AlAA section events, and carry the centenni­al's message back to his school and community.

The Intermediate Higlt School Student Council sponsor ed this year's semi-fonnal for sophomores in February. Tile theme for tl1is year was "Unforgenable" and most studellts wllo attended felt the night was a success and definitely unforgenable.

8th Graders Experience the World of Work

Eighth graders usually don't know much about budgeting money or meeting fam­ily and job requirements, but Union's nearly 1,000 Eighth Grade Center stu­dents got the chance to learn during "Career Path Expo" held recently at the Tulsa Convention Center downtown. They completed budget sheets and were amazed how quickly a paycheck disap­pears when paying for food, transporta­tion, housing, entertainment and other family expenses. Among their favorite

career booths were those dealing with technology, graphic design, medicine and broadcast news.

In March, the Union Intermediate High School had the pleasure of hostin g Crash Court. Crash Court informed the s tudents of the consequences of drink­ing and driving. While in Crash Court, the students got to watch an actual courtroom in session with the prosecu­tion of three drunk drivers. Also each session had a speaker on drunk driving. ln an earlier session, the speaker was a woman who spoke of having her broth­er die while driving drunk.

Principa l Kirt Hartzler presents tile Eighth Grade Rotary Club wit II a plaque for ra ising more money

than any other Union school in the 168-Penny Campaign to benefit the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial fund.

In the March session, the speaker was another woman talking about her son who was killed while drinking and driv­ing on sophomore skip day. Asked about her thoughts on Crash Court, Union student Stephanie Bryan said, " thought it was an eye-opener to the con­sequences of drunk driving." Most of the students at the In termediate High said they were very surprised about the tragic effects of drunk driving.

March-May, 1999 ----------------------------------- Page3

"lighting the Candles" . j~~~: by Superintendent Cathy Burden, Ph.D.

"Students are not vessels to be filled, but i!andles to be lit."

I

Dear Union Supporters,

Your support of the 1999 Union Bond Issues and millage levies is very much appreciated. Thank you for being a friend of Union schools.

standing. Over 71% of the voters passed the Union questions. Now we will be moving forward with those proposed projects, and you will begin to see

The bond issue package was care­fully constructed by patrons and staff members who continually evaluate the needs of our growing district. Since annual support for bond issues is so important to the finan cial s ta­bility and develop­ment of our dis­trict, we arc care­ful to prioritize wisely and avoid increasing the tax burden for indi­

Darnaby faculty and students dressed for tile "On Track for 2000" bond issue campaign. (Pictured left to right) Susan Crowder-Principal, Brooke Cole-Stlt grade, Deboraf1 Tllompson·l st grade teacher, Anna Sc/Jubert-3rd grade, Madi Dowell-3rd grade, Rebecca Thompson-2nd grade, S/Jawn EllS ley·

2nd grade and Convin Meyer-2nd grade

\riduals in our community. Every child in the dis trict - now and for many years to come - profits from the improve­ments that Union bond issues provide.

This year's election results were out-

resul ts by this summer. Thanks to your support and positve votes, Union will indeed be "On Track for 2000."

Sincerely, Cq.thy Burden, Ph.D., Superintendent

Former Board president Frank Spiegelberg christens the district's mobile classroom (a conve_rted school bus) with a milk baby bottle at a r ecent Board meeting. Looking on are (back, left to ngll~) Board members Bill Bruner, Derek Rader and Jim Williams, parent educators Sue Benson and ]ack1e Marshall and Parents as Teachers Coordinator Cathy Duke.

Summer Enrollment Underway

All students new to the district and former stu-dents who have withdrawn from the district must complete enrollment at the District Enrollment Center in the Union Extended Education Building (directly north of the Education Service Center) at 5656 S. 129 E. Ave. All stu­dents must be residents of the Union Public School District, living with a par­ent or legal guardian.

Students who will be eligible for kinder­garten in the 1999-2000 school year and missed their school's designated enroll­ment day in April may also enroll during summer enrollment. To make sure you have all the required documents, call the Education Service Center at 459-5432.

The Enrollment Center's hours are Monday-Friday, 8-11:30 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.

July 1-August 1 Monday, Wednesday,

Thursday & Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.

August 2-6 Monday, Wednesday & Friday,

7 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 'p.m.

August 9-13 Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

After August 14, regular hours for the Enrollment Center will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

the Conimunicator

The Communicator (USPS 097 430) is pub· lished bi-monthly by Union Public Schools, 5656 S. !29th E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74134·6711. It is issued to patrons of the Union Public School District free of charge. Dr. Cathy Burden is Superintendent of Schools. Gretchen Haas-Bethel! is Communications Director/Editor. The Communicator staff includes janie Froman and Beverly Thummel. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, OK. POST­MASTER: Send address changes to The Communicator, 5656 S. I 29th E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74134·6711, or call 459-3305.

Page 4

Thousands Participate in Annual Youtharts!

If it's springtime and there are few, if any, evening parking spaces left at Union High School, you can bet that the annual YoutMrts! celebration is under­way. The large crowds a ttending "YouthArts! '99" April 20-26, proved how successfully the artistic talents of our elementary and secondary school students were showcased this year.

Beevers par· ent Shirley Davis and -.-~-ller children­Kevin (point· ing at tile picru re), Eric and Lorri·· admire the artwork on display at the Higlt School dur-ing Youth-Arts April 20-26.

Tire mmual event s how­cases the pe rforming and visual arts accom­plisllments of thousands of Union s tu­dents.

March-May 1999

Thousands of s tudents, friends and rel­atives dropped by throughout the week to see ensemble recitals and visual arts displays in the High School commons area. They heard orchestra and chorus performances in the Union Performing Arts Center and watched one-act plays and competi tive speech exhibitions in the Studio Theater. Winterguard rou­tines were s taged in the gym.

Dates Set for Secondary Report Card Pick-Up

Our students received rave reviews. Congratulations to all involved!

Juniors and seniors may pick up report cards, transcripts and diplomas at the High School beginning Thursday, June 10, and continuing throughout the sum­mer. Hours arc Monday through Friday, 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Peters principal j ennifer Randall works with srudents wlto allended tile second annual }e~rks/Union Elementary Writers' Conference held at Union High School. More than 4,000 students regrstered for the event along with over a thousand parents and several llundred volumeers.

Students completing ninth and tenth grade may pick up their report cards at the Intermediate High beginnin Tuesday, june 1. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Second Annual Writers' Conference Attracts a

Crowd At Union High School

The second annual Jenks/ Union Elementary Writers ' Conference at Union High School in February drew more than 4,000 registrants from both schools, along with over a thousand par­ents and several hundred volunteers. "A Writing jubilee" is the collaborative effort of sis ters Anna Wilson, a Union teacher, and Rachel Bess. a Jenks teacher. Featured speakers for the day included David Schwartz, who wrote How Much Is A Million? and Daniel San Souci, au thor and illustrator of North Country Night.

"The success and enthusiasm surround­ing this and last year's conference will encourage even more students to partic­ipate next year," said Unior Superintendent Cathy Burden. "This year's author vis its to each elementary afforded all Union students unable to attend the conference the opportunity to meet and learn from the experts."

March-May, 1999 --------------------------------------------------------------- Page9

A Union Student's Love for Reading is More Than just "Impressive"

Reading is 10-year-old Eric McCrary's passion. The fifth grade Boevers Elementary student proved it by setting a new school and dis trict record for the number of books read during an aca­demic year. Having read and passed the Electronic Bookshelf tests for more than 325, Eric has far exceeded the previous district record of 192 books set five years ago. His original goal had been to read 250 books, but because he still had time left, Eric raised his goal to 325.

According to Boevers Media Specialis t Rosalie Weber, "Usually 50 to 60 books a year is considered to be a high num­ber, and this reaches well beyond that. It's not uncommon for Eric to read 10 to 14 books in a single weekend," she explains. "And they are not easy books to read. Amazingly, he is able to keep them straight, correctly answering at least eight out of the ten ques tions on each test."

"I like to think about what I read," Eric explains. "When I'm reading adventure >tories, I think I'm really there; it's an adventure in a package deal!"

"And without having to take a suitcase," adds his mom Sue McCrary. "Eric has always loved to read," she says. "He was reading before first grade and liked hav­ing The Hobbitt read to him as a bedtime story."

Eric's mother and teachers describe him as a well-rounded, likable and very bright s tudent who serves as a quiet, unassuming example for his classmates.

Besides reading and volunteering as a helper in the library, Eric enjoys playing golf an~ participating in Boy Scouts.

Though Eric is not sure what he wants to be when he grows up, another

Boevers teacher, Academi c Resource Center enrichment specialist Dana Bundy, is certain, "We'll be seeing Eric's name associated with all kinds of accomplishments in the future."

Beevers' fi{tlr grader Eric McCrary (center) tries to decide what to read next in his quest to finish 325 books tllis year. He is assisted by Ir is mom, Sue McCrary, and Boevers media specialist Rosalie Weber.

Corporate Challenge (continued {rom page 7)

Hudson (IHS), Eric Moon (IHS) and Lori Randall (McAuliffe) who received gold medals for their 1st place finish.

Lori Randall teamed with Steven Blades (McAuliffe) for a 3rd place finish in the 60-Yard Sprint, and Jill Fitts (Jarman)

and Stephen Randall (IHS) took 3rd in the Coed Master Obstacle. ln the Men's and Women's One-Mile Runs, in their age divisions, Rowena Hall (retiree) and Donna Smith (6/ 7 Gr.) finished 1st; Eric Moon (n-IS), David Reynolds (8th Gr.) and Jerald Williams (ESC) took 2nd place honors; and Teresa Hudson (HS) and David Hudson (IHS) finished in 3rd.

Third graders at Peters Elemen­tary learned about rationing, furloughs, victo­ry gardens and

' .-.__.,.. ~ Union's incredible Tug-of-War team capped off the day with a thrilling win, their third division championship in three years. Team members include Julie Brungardt (7th Gr.), John Chargois (6/ 7 Gr.), Kirk Fridrich (7th Gr.), Scott Pennington (7th Gr.), Steve Randall (IHS), Angie Stacy (7th Gr.), Rich Thompson (IHS), jeri Tucker (fHS) and coach Clark Ogilvie (IHS).

D·Day {rom I~VI/ veteran Mr. A I Oyler.

Tile srudents were very im­pressed as they listened to a true hero tell llis tale of the Battle of the Bulge and Christmas llirl· ner (potted meat and a piece of cheese) in a fox­hole!

Those lis ted above are medal winners, but all participants gained valuable points to put Team Union over the top. Thanks to all the runners, walkers, bik­ers, golfers and other competitors, the Union dis trict can proudly display the Division VJ trophy for the next year.

Page8 ____________________________________________________________ ___ March-May, 1999

Jarman Students WOW State Judges

A Jarman Elementary team, composed of fourth grader Kelly Anderson and fifth grade students Chase Hamann, Kyle Andrews, Samantha Riddick, Alissa Iatridis, Brooke Talley and Katie Mayes, recently captured third place in a rigorous, statewide "Odyssey of the Mind" competition held in Ada, Oklahoma. Odyssey of the Mind is a cre­ative competition that challenges kids to apply their imaginations and ingenu· ity to solve problems.

Coached by parent Colette Hamann, the Jarman team effectively demonstrated their acting talent, script writing ability and outstanding problem-solving skills by way of an eight-minute adaptation of a Shakespearean play. Their topic was suffragette Susan B. Anthony and her struggle to obtain voting rights for women.

The s tudents had to do everything themselves with supervision by parent sponsors. According to teacher/spon­sor Jill Fitts, most of the other competi­tors were seventh and eighth graders, which makes Jarman's victory even more impressive. "The judges were all amazed at how well our s tudents did, given their ages and the fact that this was their first time in the competition," Ms. Fitts said.

Hillary Kelley, a second grader in Jeanne Grabowski's class at Darnaby Elementary, trys her hand at eating stir fry and rice with chopsticks in observance of the Chinese New Year.

After reading the novel "justin and the Best Biscuits in the World" by Mildred Pitts Walter, Barbara Smith's fourth grade class at Jarman Elementary had their own biscuit baking contest. Ryan Davis (left) and David Goff were the two first place winners in their respec· rive categories of "Home·made Biscuits" and "Fresh·Out·of·the· Can." The biscuits were judged on presentation, aroma, f1akiness and overall appearance. Besides the students enjoying the judging and tasting, three "official" judges··Parri Pitcock·Principal, jill Fitts·Enrich· menr Specialist and Kim Taliaferro· Teacher's Assistant··also enjoyed the follow-up to this wonderful novel.

Elementary # 11 Officially Becomes Marshall T. Moore Elementary

MOORE

ElEMENTARy

Union's newest elemen­tary school, scheduled to open at 71st and S. Garnett in the fall of 2000, will be known as Marshall T. Moore

Elementary. Mr. Moore moved to the area with his parents in 1903. The land for the school was once part of the Moore farm. Mr. Moore was one of the district's first School Board members,

from 1918 to 1933. He was instrumen­tal in the consolidation of the four small, rural communities into what we now know as Union.

During a special meeting March 17, Union's current Board members approved the purchase of a 16.5-acre tract of land in the vicinity of 81st and Garnett for future construction o Elementary #12.

Andersen Students Take a World Tour

Andersen s tudents have been traveling the world recently·- without leaving the school. The Russian Kaleidoscope pro­gram, sponsored by the Andersen PTA and the Sheraton Hotel, was a great opportunity for students to experience the culture of Russia. Dressed in tradi­tional folk costume, Russian-born Sergei Shapoval demonstrated Russian folk instruments and introduced stu­dents to traditional folk dancing.

During an International Festival April 15, s tudents and parents took a world tour by visiting the exhibits and booths from 12 different countries -- China, Australia, Ireland, Africa, Peru, India, Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Canada and the United States. The booths featured food tasting, hands-on activities and free souvenirs.

Also featured were Celtic dancers and cloggers from Moore's Dance Studio; Andersen fourth grader Esther Shin performing a Korean Fan Dance; tradi­tional folk dancers from India; a demon­stration of martial arts; a Chinese drag-

on and international storyteller David Titus.

Sergei Shapoval demonstrates Russian folk dancing during Andersen's International Festival.

/

March-May, 1999

Union Teachers Awarded Classroom Grants

The Union Schools Education ..:::=r.o;.::::::""' Foundation has announced

the names of its 1998-99 grant recipients. Twenty grants totaling $8,046.66 were given to 22 different teachers at 12 of the district's

15 sites. The classroom projects to be funded were selected from 50 applica­tions, and the grants ranged from $74.80 to the maximum amount of $500.

Foundation grant recipients and their projects included: Boevers - RoseMarie Sondergeld & Pearl Watson, 4th Grade­From Prairie to Perry - Partial Grant; Cedar Ridge - james Boatright, Music Mastering Harmony Guitar Exploration; judy Cairl, 2nd Grade CLC - Food, Fun & Fundamentals; Clark -Leslie Edwards, 1st Grade Touchphonics; Sherri Fair, 5th Grade CLC - 4th & 5th Grade- Science is a Trip; linda Laws, 3rd Grade CLC - A World Full of Maps; Darnaby - Melodie Cole, 5th Grade - United States History: Native America to the Civil War; Janelle Smoot, Kindergarten - ABCs of Science; Terri Williams, Transitional - One If By Land, Two If By Sea; Grove - Cathy Duke, Parents As Teachers - Patty Cake Packets - Learning for Little Folks; Jarman - Barbara Smith, 4th Grade -Machine Madness; McAuliffe - Sandra Schwinn, Reading - Turning Reluctant Readers Into Ready Readers; Peters -jane Watson, 4th Grade - It Is Elementary, Watson; jane Watson & Deborah Steen, 4th Grade- Places To Go

& People To Know; 8th Grade - Becky Coffee, English - Portable Writing Technique Communications Cart - Phase J· Donna Garrison, Civics & James Kerr, Earth Science - Marsville; Intermediate -Martha· Lopez, Spanish- The Verb Wall; Alternative School- Sandra Thompson, Social Studies - Botany Class Grow Cart and Sundries; High School - Alicia Abbott, Special Education - Pathways to Employment; Sue Rankin, Math - Trig Trainers.

The Union Scltools Edu cation Foundation brought a matinee performance of "Cinderella" to tlte Union Performing Arts Center March 16. Pictured above are some of the touring company's cast members.

District Signs Contract With Coke

..o~~~~.-.. ~.41~ tiona! funds each year which will help

Coke will be the exclu-

sive vendor for soft drinks and snacks at all district facilities under the terms of a contract signed recently by the Board of Education and Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

Under the 5.5-year contract, the district will receive minimum cash payments totaling $3,071,809.00 and free product and promotional goods and services val­u ed at approximately $880,000.00. The district is also eligible to receive addi-

provide for site and districtwide activi­ties.

Union Summer School

Planned

Page 5

june and July summer school sessions have been scheduled for elementary and secondary school students. Elementary classes will be offered on a tuition basis Monday through Thursday mornings at Cedar Ridge, 9817 S. Mingo Road. Basic Skills classes in reading and math will give elementary students remediation in the areas needed most.

Enrichment classes are offered through Community Education and include French for Fun, Simply Artistic, Passport to the World, Toot Your Flute, Los Cinco Sentidos (The Five Senses) and Tokyo Talk. The sessions are June 7-30 and july 6-29. For further information, con· tact Diana Sample at 459-6678.

Students in grades 9-12 may take dri­ver's education as well as remediation or enhanced credit courses. Those classes ar e offered Monday through Thursday, 8 A.M.- 1 P.M. at Union Intermediate High, 7616 S. Garnett. Enrollment is being done at the Intermediate High. Also this year, stu­dents may enroll in "A+ Reading" to assist them in reaching the reading level mandated by the state to acquire a dri­ver's license.

For more information contact I.H.S. assistant principal Sallie jones at 461-4260.

A Basic Skills class, covering language arts, math, reading and study skills, is being offered to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. This is an excel­lent opportunity for students who need general tutoring, monitoring, ongoing learning throughout the summer and/or remediation. For more information on these classes, contact Rachel Adams at 459-5772 or Sandi Griffin at 461-3806.

Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society held their initia· tion ceremony recenrly at the University of Tulsa. Shown here are A ndrea Wright·Grove teacher, new initiates Dr. Cathy Burden· Superintendent and jill Medina·7th Grade art teacher and Catherine Zedalis·Intermediate teacher.

Page 6

]an Diven·Peters

Melva Curtis-ESC

The final results are in for Corporate Challenge '99, and "Team Union" took top honors in Division Vl. A total of 298 employees participated, some in more than one event, to put Union over the top.

Union's TECO Challenge ream members Lori Randall·McAuliffe, Eric Moon and David Hudson-Intermediate High School sprint toward the finish line ...

Even ts began March 13 & the Coed Team Shoot For Hoops at Oral Roberts University and the Men's and Women's Most Fit at St. Francis Health Zone. Jack Chamberlin (7th Gr.) took 2nd place in the Most Fit, and Union hoopsters Kirt Hartzler (8th Gr.), David Hudson (IHS) and Emily Warren (HS) brought home the gold.

In the Coed Volleyball Tournament at jenks Schools, two teams from Union competed. Team #1 - Julie Brungardt, Debbie Cooks, Chadd McKee, Debbie Overturf, Darrell Pearson and james

March-May, 1999

Union

... and relax following their 1st place finish.

Thomas -- received a 2nd place medal.

The weekend of April 10 & ll was warm and sunny, a perfect day for the SK ru.n­ning events and the SK Fitness Walk at 81st and Lewis and the Men's and Women's Bike Races at John Zink.

Volleyball team members were (left to right-front row) Andrew ZaFeres-Damaby, Debbie Overturf·Cedar Ridge, Debbie Cooks-7th Grade, Lori Randall·McAuliffe; (back row) Darrell Pearson-Intermediate, julie Brungardt·7th Grade, jim Ritrer·Darnaby, julie Schmid-McAuliffe, james Thomas-High School, Stephen Randall-Intermediate, john Hillenberg·Grove and Chadd McKee-Intermediate.

March-May, 1999

Place

'99

Team Union members relax between events .

Runners Gaea Milway (7th Gr.) and Eric Moon (IHS) won 2nd place medals and Terri Tomlinson (7th Gr.) received a bronze. In the lOK Bike Races, Clark Ogilvie (IHS), Donna Smith (6/7 Gr.), Paula Surface (6/7 Gr.) and Jerald Williams (ESC) took s ilver medals for

2nd place and Brenda Rollins (Briarglen) won 3rd, all in their respec­tive age divisions. The dis trict's 143 walkers put Union in l st place in the Fitness Walk

Proudly displaying the Division VI 1st Place trophy are members of the cycling team (/·r) jack Chamberlin-7th Gr., j erald Williams-ESC, Laura Lingenfelter· Andersen, Jeff Gaffen·Intermediate, Donna Smith·6/7rlt Gr., Paula Surface· 6/7th Gr. and Clark Ogilvie-Intermediate. Brenda Rollins·Briarglen was not avail· able for tlte picture.

Saturday, April 17, dawned a cold and windy 39 degrees, but Union's competitors were out at 7:30A.M. in Mohawk Park for the TECO Challenge (Tulsa Extreme Corporate Outback). A new event this year, TECO coed teams were put through a grueling course of running 3.5

miles on trails and pavement, one mile of canoeing and eight miles of trail and pavement biking. The event concluded with all three team members crossing the finish line on the run, with one member blindfolded! "Uni.on Expedition" was comprised of David

Continued on Page 9

Union's Tug-of-War ream members are (left to right) Scott Pennington-7th Grade, julie Brungardt·7th Grade, Kirk Fridrich·7tlt Grade, Rich Thompson·Imermediare, Angie Stacy-7th Grade, john Cltargois· 6th/ 7th Grade, j eri Tucker-Imermediare, Steve Randall·Intemtediate and Coach Dr. Clark Ogilvie· Inrennediare.

Page 7

Teresa Hudson-High School

LeAnn Crain·ESC

Page 6

]an Diven·Peters

Melva Curtis-ESC

The final results are in for Corporate Challenge '99, and "Team Union" took top honors in Division Vl. A total of 298 employees participated, some in more than one event, to put Union over the top.

Union's TECO Challenge ream members Lori Randall·McAuliffe, Eric Moon and David Hudson-Intermediate High School sprint toward the finish line ...

Even ts began March 13 & the Coed Team Shoot For Hoops at Oral Roberts University and the Men's and Women's Most Fit at St. Francis Health Zone. Jack Chamberlin (7th Gr.) took 2nd place in the Most Fit, and Union hoopsters Kirt Hartzler (8th Gr.), David Hudson (IHS) and Emily Warren (HS) brought home the gold.

In the Coed Volleyball Tournament at jenks Schools, two teams from Union competed. Team #1 - Julie Brungardt, Debbie Cooks, Chadd McKee, Debbie Overturf, Darrell Pearson and james

March-May, 1999

Union

... and relax following their 1st place finish.

Thomas -- received a 2nd place medal.

The weekend of April 10 & ll was warm and sunny, a perfect day for the SK ru.n­ning events and the SK Fitness Walk at 81st and Lewis and the Men's and Women's Bike Races at John Zink.

Volleyball team members were (left to right-front row) Andrew ZaFeres-Damaby, Debbie Overturf·Cedar Ridge, Debbie Cooks-7th Grade, Lori Randall·McAuliffe; (back row) Darrell Pearson-Intermediate, julie Brungardt·7th Grade, jim Ritrer·Darnaby, julie Schmid-McAuliffe, james Thomas-High School, Stephen Randall-Intermediate, john Hillenberg·Grove and Chadd McKee-Intermediate.

March-May, 1999

Place

'99

Team Union members relax between events .

Runners Gaea Milway (7th Gr.) and Eric Moon (IHS) won 2nd place medals and Terri Tomlinson (7th Gr.) received a bronze. In the lOK Bike Races, Clark Ogilvie (IHS), Donna Smith (6/7 Gr.), Paula Surface (6/7 Gr.) and Jerald Williams (ESC) took s ilver medals for

2nd place and Brenda Rollins (Briarglen) won 3rd, all in their respec­tive age divisions. The dis trict's 143 walkers put Union in l st place in the Fitness Walk

Proudly displaying the Division VI 1st Place trophy are members of the cycling team (/·r) jack Chamberlin-7th Gr., j erald Williams-ESC, Laura Lingenfelter· Andersen, Jeff Gaffen·Intermediate, Donna Smith·6/7rlt Gr., Paula Surface· 6/7th Gr. and Clark Ogilvie-Intermediate. Brenda Rollins·Briarglen was not avail· able for tlte picture.

Saturday, April 17, dawned a cold and windy 39 degrees, but Union's competitors were out at 7:30A.M. in Mohawk Park for the TECO Challenge (Tulsa Extreme Corporate Outback). A new event this year, TECO coed teams were put through a grueling course of running 3.5

miles on trails and pavement, one mile of canoeing and eight miles of trail and pavement biking. The event concluded with all three team members crossing the finish line on the run, with one member blindfolded! "Uni.on Expedition" was comprised of David

Continued on Page 9

Union's Tug-of-War ream members are (left to right) Scott Pennington-7th Grade, julie Brungardt·7th Grade, Kirk Fridrich·7tlt Grade, Rich Thompson·Imermediare, Angie Stacy-7th Grade, john Cltargois· 6th/ 7th Grade, j eri Tucker-Imermediare, Steve Randall·Intemtediate and Coach Dr. Clark Ogilvie· Inrennediare.

Page 7

Teresa Hudson-High School

LeAnn Crain·ESC

Page8 ____________________________________________________________ ___ March-May, 1999

Jarman Students WOW State Judges

A Jarman Elementary team, composed of fourth grader Kelly Anderson and fifth grade students Chase Hamann, Kyle Andrews, Samantha Riddick, Alissa Iatridis, Brooke Talley and Katie Mayes, recently captured third place in a rigorous, statewide "Odyssey of the Mind" competition held in Ada, Oklahoma. Odyssey of the Mind is a cre­ative competition that challenges kids to apply their imaginations and ingenu· ity to solve problems.

Coached by parent Colette Hamann, the Jarman team effectively demonstrated their acting talent, script writing ability and outstanding problem-solving skills by way of an eight-minute adaptation of a Shakespearean play. Their topic was suffragette Susan B. Anthony and her struggle to obtain voting rights for women.

The s tudents had to do everything themselves with supervision by parent sponsors. According to teacher/spon­sor Jill Fitts, most of the other competi­tors were seventh and eighth graders, which makes Jarman's victory even more impressive. "The judges were all amazed at how well our s tudents did, given their ages and the fact that this was their first time in the competition," Ms. Fitts said.

Hillary Kelley, a second grader in Jeanne Grabowski's class at Darnaby Elementary, trys her hand at eating stir fry and rice with chopsticks in observance of the Chinese New Year.

After reading the novel "justin and the Best Biscuits in the World" by Mildred Pitts Walter, Barbara Smith's fourth grade class at Jarman Elementary had their own biscuit baking contest. Ryan Davis (left) and David Goff were the two first place winners in their respec· rive categories of "Home·made Biscuits" and "Fresh·Out·of·the· Can." The biscuits were judged on presentation, aroma, f1akiness and overall appearance. Besides the students enjoying the judging and tasting, three "official" judges··Parri Pitcock·Principal, jill Fitts·Enrich· menr Specialist and Kim Taliaferro· Teacher's Assistant··also enjoyed the follow-up to this wonderful novel.

Elementary # 11 Officially Becomes Marshall T. Moore Elementary

MOORE

ElEMENTARy

Union's newest elemen­tary school, scheduled to open at 71st and S. Garnett in the fall of 2000, will be known as Marshall T. Moore

Elementary. Mr. Moore moved to the area with his parents in 1903. The land for the school was once part of the Moore farm. Mr. Moore was one of the district's first School Board members,

from 1918 to 1933. He was instrumen­tal in the consolidation of the four small, rural communities into what we now know as Union.

During a special meeting March 17, Union's current Board members approved the purchase of a 16.5-acre tract of land in the vicinity of 81st and Garnett for future construction o Elementary #12.

Andersen Students Take a World Tour

Andersen s tudents have been traveling the world recently·- without leaving the school. The Russian Kaleidoscope pro­gram, sponsored by the Andersen PTA and the Sheraton Hotel, was a great opportunity for students to experience the culture of Russia. Dressed in tradi­tional folk costume, Russian-born Sergei Shapoval demonstrated Russian folk instruments and introduced stu­dents to traditional folk dancing.

During an International Festival April 15, s tudents and parents took a world tour by visiting the exhibits and booths from 12 different countries -- China, Australia, Ireland, Africa, Peru, India, Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Canada and the United States. The booths featured food tasting, hands-on activities and free souvenirs.

Also featured were Celtic dancers and cloggers from Moore's Dance Studio; Andersen fourth grader Esther Shin performing a Korean Fan Dance; tradi­tional folk dancers from India; a demon­stration of martial arts; a Chinese drag-

on and international storyteller David Titus.

Sergei Shapoval demonstrates Russian folk dancing during Andersen's International Festival.

/

March-May, 1999

Union Teachers Awarded Classroom Grants

The Union Schools Education ..:::=r.o;.::::::""' Foundation has announced

the names of its 1998-99 grant recipients. Twenty grants totaling $8,046.66 were given to 22 different teachers at 12 of the district's

15 sites. The classroom projects to be funded were selected from 50 applica­tions, and the grants ranged from $74.80 to the maximum amount of $500.

Foundation grant recipients and their projects included: Boevers - RoseMarie Sondergeld & Pearl Watson, 4th Grade­From Prairie to Perry - Partial Grant; Cedar Ridge - james Boatright, Music Mastering Harmony Guitar Exploration; judy Cairl, 2nd Grade CLC - Food, Fun & Fundamentals; Clark -Leslie Edwards, 1st Grade Touchphonics; Sherri Fair, 5th Grade CLC - 4th & 5th Grade- Science is a Trip; linda Laws, 3rd Grade CLC - A World Full of Maps; Darnaby - Melodie Cole, 5th Grade - United States History: Native America to the Civil War; Janelle Smoot, Kindergarten - ABCs of Science; Terri Williams, Transitional - One If By Land, Two If By Sea; Grove - Cathy Duke, Parents As Teachers - Patty Cake Packets - Learning for Little Folks; Jarman - Barbara Smith, 4th Grade -Machine Madness; McAuliffe - Sandra Schwinn, Reading - Turning Reluctant Readers Into Ready Readers; Peters -jane Watson, 4th Grade - It Is Elementary, Watson; jane Watson & Deborah Steen, 4th Grade- Places To Go

& People To Know; 8th Grade - Becky Coffee, English - Portable Writing Technique Communications Cart - Phase J· Donna Garrison, Civics & James Kerr, Earth Science - Marsville; Intermediate -Martha· Lopez, Spanish- The Verb Wall; Alternative School- Sandra Thompson, Social Studies - Botany Class Grow Cart and Sundries; High School - Alicia Abbott, Special Education - Pathways to Employment; Sue Rankin, Math - Trig Trainers.

The Union Scltools Edu cation Foundation brought a matinee performance of "Cinderella" to tlte Union Performing Arts Center March 16. Pictured above are some of the touring company's cast members.

District Signs Contract With Coke

..o~~~~.-.. ~.41~ tiona! funds each year which will help

Coke will be the exclu-

sive vendor for soft drinks and snacks at all district facilities under the terms of a contract signed recently by the Board of Education and Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

Under the 5.5-year contract, the district will receive minimum cash payments totaling $3,071,809.00 and free product and promotional goods and services val­u ed at approximately $880,000.00. The district is also eligible to receive addi-

provide for site and districtwide activi­ties.

Union Summer School

Planned

Page 5

june and July summer school sessions have been scheduled for elementary and secondary school students. Elementary classes will be offered on a tuition basis Monday through Thursday mornings at Cedar Ridge, 9817 S. Mingo Road. Basic Skills classes in reading and math will give elementary students remediation in the areas needed most.

Enrichment classes are offered through Community Education and include French for Fun, Simply Artistic, Passport to the World, Toot Your Flute, Los Cinco Sentidos (The Five Senses) and Tokyo Talk. The sessions are June 7-30 and july 6-29. For further information, con· tact Diana Sample at 459-6678.

Students in grades 9-12 may take dri­ver's education as well as remediation or enhanced credit courses. Those classes ar e offered Monday through Thursday, 8 A.M.- 1 P.M. at Union Intermediate High, 7616 S. Garnett. Enrollment is being done at the Intermediate High. Also this year, stu­dents may enroll in "A+ Reading" to assist them in reaching the reading level mandated by the state to acquire a dri­ver's license.

For more information contact I.H.S. assistant principal Sallie jones at 461-4260.

A Basic Skills class, covering language arts, math, reading and study skills, is being offered to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. This is an excel­lent opportunity for students who need general tutoring, monitoring, ongoing learning throughout the summer and/or remediation. For more information on these classes, contact Rachel Adams at 459-5772 or Sandi Griffin at 461-3806.

Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society held their initia· tion ceremony recenrly at the University of Tulsa. Shown here are A ndrea Wright·Grove teacher, new initiates Dr. Cathy Burden· Superintendent and jill Medina·7th Grade art teacher and Catherine Zedalis·Intermediate teacher.

Page 4

Thousands Participate in Annual Youtharts!

If it's springtime and there are few, if any, evening parking spaces left at Union High School, you can bet that the annual YoutMrts! celebration is under­way. The large crowds a ttending "YouthArts! '99" April 20-26, proved how successfully the artistic talents of our elementary and secondary school students were showcased this year.

Beevers par· ent Shirley Davis and -.-~-ller children­Kevin (point· ing at tile picru re), Eric and Lorri·· admire the artwork on display at the Higlt School dur-ing Youth-Arts April 20-26.

Tire mmual event s how­cases the pe rforming and visual arts accom­plisllments of thousands of Union s tu­dents.

March-May 1999

Thousands of s tudents, friends and rel­atives dropped by throughout the week to see ensemble recitals and visual arts displays in the High School commons area. They heard orchestra and chorus performances in the Union Performing Arts Center and watched one-act plays and competi tive speech exhibitions in the Studio Theater. Winterguard rou­tines were s taged in the gym.

Dates Set for Secondary Report Card Pick-Up

Our students received rave reviews. Congratulations to all involved!

Juniors and seniors may pick up report cards, transcripts and diplomas at the High School beginning Thursday, June 10, and continuing throughout the sum­mer. Hours arc Monday through Friday, 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Peters principal j ennifer Randall works with srudents wlto allended tile second annual }e~rks/Union Elementary Writers' Conference held at Union High School. More than 4,000 students regrstered for the event along with over a thousand parents and several llundred volumeers.

Students completing ninth and tenth grade may pick up their report cards at the Intermediate High beginnin Tuesday, june 1. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Second Annual Writers' Conference Attracts a

Crowd At Union High School

The second annual Jenks/ Union Elementary Writers ' Conference at Union High School in February drew more than 4,000 registrants from both schools, along with over a thousand par­ents and several hundred volunteers. "A Writing jubilee" is the collaborative effort of sis ters Anna Wilson, a Union teacher, and Rachel Bess. a Jenks teacher. Featured speakers for the day included David Schwartz, who wrote How Much Is A Million? and Daniel San Souci, au thor and illustrator of North Country Night.

"The success and enthusiasm surround­ing this and last year's conference will encourage even more students to partic­ipate next year," said Unior Superintendent Cathy Burden. "This year's author vis its to each elementary afforded all Union students unable to attend the conference the opportunity to meet and learn from the experts."

March-May, 1999 --------------------------------------------------------------- Page9

A Union Student's Love for Reading is More Than just "Impressive"

Reading is 10-year-old Eric McCrary's passion. The fifth grade Boevers Elementary student proved it by setting a new school and dis trict record for the number of books read during an aca­demic year. Having read and passed the Electronic Bookshelf tests for more than 325, Eric has far exceeded the previous district record of 192 books set five years ago. His original goal had been to read 250 books, but because he still had time left, Eric raised his goal to 325.

According to Boevers Media Specialis t Rosalie Weber, "Usually 50 to 60 books a year is considered to be a high num­ber, and this reaches well beyond that. It's not uncommon for Eric to read 10 to 14 books in a single weekend," she explains. "And they are not easy books to read. Amazingly, he is able to keep them straight, correctly answering at least eight out of the ten ques tions on each test."

"I like to think about what I read," Eric explains. "When I'm reading adventure >tories, I think I'm really there; it's an adventure in a package deal!"

"And without having to take a suitcase," adds his mom Sue McCrary. "Eric has always loved to read," she says. "He was reading before first grade and liked hav­ing The Hobbitt read to him as a bedtime story."

Eric's mother and teachers describe him as a well-rounded, likable and very bright s tudent who serves as a quiet, unassuming example for his classmates.

Besides reading and volunteering as a helper in the library, Eric enjoys playing golf an~ participating in Boy Scouts.

Though Eric is not sure what he wants to be when he grows up, another

Boevers teacher, Academi c Resource Center enrichment specialist Dana Bundy, is certain, "We'll be seeing Eric's name associated with all kinds of accomplishments in the future."

Beevers' fi{tlr grader Eric McCrary (center) tries to decide what to read next in his quest to finish 325 books tllis year. He is assisted by Ir is mom, Sue McCrary, and Boevers media specialist Rosalie Weber.

Corporate Challenge (continued {rom page 7)

Hudson (IHS), Eric Moon (IHS) and Lori Randall (McAuliffe) who received gold medals for their 1st place finish.

Lori Randall teamed with Steven Blades (McAuliffe) for a 3rd place finish in the 60-Yard Sprint, and Jill Fitts (Jarman)

and Stephen Randall (IHS) took 3rd in the Coed Master Obstacle. ln the Men's and Women's One-Mile Runs, in their age divisions, Rowena Hall (retiree) and Donna Smith (6/ 7 Gr.) finished 1st; Eric Moon (n-IS), David Reynolds (8th Gr.) and Jerald Williams (ESC) took 2nd place honors; and Teresa Hudson (HS) and David Hudson (IHS) finished in 3rd.

Third graders at Peters Elemen­tary learned about rationing, furloughs, victo­ry gardens and

' .-.__.,.. ~ Union's incredible Tug-of-War team capped off the day with a thrilling win, their third division championship in three years. Team members include Julie Brungardt (7th Gr.), John Chargois (6/ 7 Gr.), Kirk Fridrich (7th Gr.), Scott Pennington (7th Gr.), Steve Randall (IHS), Angie Stacy (7th Gr.), Rich Thompson (IHS), jeri Tucker (fHS) and coach Clark Ogilvie (IHS).

D·Day {rom I~VI/ veteran Mr. A I Oyler.

Tile srudents were very im­pressed as they listened to a true hero tell llis tale of the Battle of the Bulge and Christmas llirl· ner (potted meat and a piece of cheese) in a fox­hole!

Those lis ted above are medal winners, but all participants gained valuable points to put Team Union over the top. Thanks to all the runners, walkers, bik­ers, golfers and other competitors, the Union dis trict can proudly display the Division VJ trophy for the next year.

Page 10 --------------------------------- March-May, 1999

Union Student Chosen as Ambassador for Evolution

of Flight Campaign

Eighth grader Kevin McCollam has been chosen as an Ambassador to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Evolution of Flight

campaign, designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of flight. As representa­tives of th e high school graduating Class of 2003, Kevin an d the other 13 ambassadors from across the nation

Kevin McCollam will be brought together periodically to partici­

pate in an array of aerospace and edu­cation-related activities celebrating 100 years of flight.

The Institute kicked off the first Class of 2003 Ambassador program with an introductory reception at AlAA head­quarters; a simulation program at the Washington DC, Challenger Center; a lecture from renowned Wright brothers historian Tom Crouch; a special tour of the National Air and Space Museum; a reception at the AIAA Honors Night Banquet; and VIP status both at the ban­quet and during Space Day '99.

As an Ambassador, Kevin will have the opportunity to participate in two fiel d trips each year, interact with profes­sional mentors , take part in local AlAA section events, and carry the centenni­al's message back to his school and community.

The Intermediate Higlt School Student Council sponsor ed this year's semi-fonnal for sophomores in February. Tile theme for tl1is year was "Unforgenable" and most studellts wllo attended felt the night was a success and definitely unforgenable.

8th Graders Experience the World of Work

Eighth graders usually don't know much about budgeting money or meeting fam­ily and job requirements, but Union's nearly 1,000 Eighth Grade Center stu­dents got the chance to learn during "Career Path Expo" held recently at the Tulsa Convention Center downtown. They completed budget sheets and were amazed how quickly a paycheck disap­pears when paying for food, transporta­tion, housing, entertainment and other family expenses. Among their favorite

career booths were those dealing with technology, graphic design, medicine and broadcast news.

In March, the Union Intermediate High School had the pleasure of hostin g Crash Court. Crash Court informed the s tudents of the consequences of drink­ing and driving. While in Crash Court, the students got to watch an actual courtroom in session with the prosecu­tion of three drunk drivers. Also each session had a speaker on drunk driving. ln an earlier session, the speaker was a woman who spoke of having her broth­er die while driving drunk.

Principa l Kirt Hartzler presents tile Eighth Grade Rotary Club wit II a plaque for ra ising more money

than any other Union school in the 168-Penny Campaign to benefit the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial fund.

In the March session, the speaker was another woman talking about her son who was killed while drinking and driv­ing on sophomore skip day. Asked about her thoughts on Crash Court, Union student Stephanie Bryan said, " thought it was an eye-opener to the con­sequences of drunk driving." Most of the students at the In termediate High said they were very surprised about the tragic effects of drunk driving.

March-May, 1999 ----------------------------------- Page3

"lighting the Candles" . j~~~: by Superintendent Cathy Burden, Ph.D.

"Students are not vessels to be filled, but i!andles to be lit."

I

Dear Union Supporters,

Your support of the 1999 Union Bond Issues and millage levies is very much appreciated. Thank you for being a friend of Union schools.

standing. Over 71% of the voters passed the Union questions. Now we will be moving forward with those proposed projects, and you will begin to see

The bond issue package was care­fully constructed by patrons and staff members who continually evaluate the needs of our growing district. Since annual support for bond issues is so important to the finan cial s ta­bility and develop­ment of our dis­trict, we arc care­ful to prioritize wisely and avoid increasing the tax burden for indi­

Darnaby faculty and students dressed for tile "On Track for 2000" bond issue campaign. (Pictured left to right) Susan Crowder-Principal, Brooke Cole-Stlt grade, Deboraf1 Tllompson·l st grade teacher, Anna Sc/Jubert-3rd grade, Madi Dowell-3rd grade, Rebecca Thompson-2nd grade, S/Jawn EllS ley·

2nd grade and Convin Meyer-2nd grade

\riduals in our community. Every child in the dis trict - now and for many years to come - profits from the improve­ments that Union bond issues provide.

This year's election results were out-

resul ts by this summer. Thanks to your support and positve votes, Union will indeed be "On Track for 2000."

Sincerely, Cq.thy Burden, Ph.D., Superintendent

Former Board president Frank Spiegelberg christens the district's mobile classroom (a conve_rted school bus) with a milk baby bottle at a r ecent Board meeting. Looking on are (back, left to ngll~) Board members Bill Bruner, Derek Rader and Jim Williams, parent educators Sue Benson and ]ack1e Marshall and Parents as Teachers Coordinator Cathy Duke.

Summer Enrollment Underway

All students new to the district and former stu-dents who have withdrawn from the district must complete enrollment at the District Enrollment Center in the Union Extended Education Building (directly north of the Education Service Center) at 5656 S. 129 E. Ave. All stu­dents must be residents of the Union Public School District, living with a par­ent or legal guardian.

Students who will be eligible for kinder­garten in the 1999-2000 school year and missed their school's designated enroll­ment day in April may also enroll during summer enrollment. To make sure you have all the required documents, call the Education Service Center at 459-5432.

The Enrollment Center's hours are Monday-Friday, 8-11:30 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.

July 1-August 1 Monday, Wednesday,

Thursday & Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.

August 2-6 Monday, Wednesday & Friday,

7 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 'p.m.

August 9-13 Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

After August 14, regular hours for the Enrollment Center will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

the Conimunicator

The Communicator (USPS 097 430) is pub· lished bi-monthly by Union Public Schools, 5656 S. !29th E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74134·6711. It is issued to patrons of the Union Public School District free of charge. Dr. Cathy Burden is Superintendent of Schools. Gretchen Haas-Bethel! is Communications Director/Editor. The Communicator staff includes janie Froman and Beverly Thummel. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, OK. POST­MASTER: Send address changes to The Communicator, 5656 S. I 29th E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74134·6711, or call 459-3305.

Page 2

~ Union Volunteer Receives Top Honor

I\ -JCP""""" GOlDf:N • RUI.E

AWARD

Retiree George LeRiche, a volunteer at Boevers 8ementary, was named the top city winner in the education category of the

](Penney Golden Rule Award Program. During their Volunteer of the Year Luncheon April 22, the Tulsa Volunteer Center, in conjunction with the JCPenney Company, recognized seven

students about their environment -­rocks and fossils, n·ees and plants, pond water and fish.

LeRiche began I·Vith a field of grass and, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, transformed it into what is now E-LAB, Environmental Learning At Boevers. He went to the school dming the hot sum­mer months to build E·LAB with the

Boevers principal Faye Pride (left) and 4th grade teacher ]an ice Luce congratulate volunteer George LeRiclre for winning top honors in the Education Category of eire ]CPenney Company Golden Rule awards. His time and expertise at eire school's environmental lab netted Boevers a Sl,OOO check from the company.

help of parents, teach­ers, grandparents, the Boy Scouts and Boevers students. He continues to help maintain the out­door classroom and teaches fourth grade s tu­dents how to prune, weed and care for E-LAB. "Without Mr. LeRiche's help, the outdoor class­room might not have been finished today," said Boevers fourth grade teacher janJce Luce who originally pre­sented the E-LAB con­cept to the PTA. "He had experience in landscap­ing and builcling and vol­unteered to spearhead the project. He located materials on his own and

inclividuals and groups for their out­stancling volunteer contribution to the community. Mr. LeRiche received an engraved crystal flame and a $1,000 check for Boevers.

pursuaded companies to donate man­power and materials as well. Mr. LeRiche and om community share a commitment to the continuing health of the planet and om children."

The judges were impressed with Mr. LeRiche's involvement with an outdoor classroom at Boevers, designed to teach

Mr. LeRiche is now eligible to compete for the National Golden Rule Award which will be presented in the fall.

Scott McDaniel Takes Seat on Board of Education

ln the February Board of Education race for Election District #4, Scott McDaniel was elected to serve a five-year term. He replaces Frank Spiegelberg, who served on the

Scott McDaniel

Board for ten years.

Mr. McDaniel earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from North Carolina State University and his Jrnis Doctor from the University of Tulsa. He is an attorney with Gardere & Wynne. He has two children, a daughter attending the lntermecliate High and a son at the Eighth Grade Center.

Drning the campaign, McDaniel stated, "I am committed to progress and innovation, while ensrning that such progress pre­serves core educational crnricula and values that deliver proven superior educational results. I will strive to ensme that Union can meet the changing demands of the new century through an

effective team School Board."

of parents, professional educators, staff and a strong, responsive

March-May, 1999

Olwen Herron Chosen Union Teacher of the Year

Olwen Herron

Intermediate High English teacher Olwen Herron was selected from among 16 building-level instructors as Union's "District Teacher of the Year." The announcement came during a reception at the Union 6th/ 7th Grade Center March 11. Ms. Herron wiU no' represent Union in competition for th, state title.

Her bachelor's degree is from the University of Liverpool, and she earned her master's from The Queen's University in Belfast. She has been in education eighteen years and has been with the clistrict for five of those. Ms. Herron first taught at Union drning a Fulbright Teacher Exchange in 1991-92, an experience which led to a new teach­ing career in the United States.

"When r arrived in Tulsa from homoge­nous, small-town Ireland, I was greeted with the lights of the Union football sta­dium, dramatic pep rallies with "Redskin" painted faces, an incredible marching band and the uniqueness of Union Public Schools," says Ms. Herron. "I knew I had arrived in America "big­time" but did not realize it would impact the res t of my teaching career."

Ms. Herron believes literature provides a springboard to connect with important aspects of students' lives and encorn­ages them to ponder the world abor them. She feels her role as a teacher fs to replace an empty mind with an open one so that a student will not become a slave to knowledge, but in learning to think, knowledge will become his slave.

March-May, 1999 ---------------------------------- Page 11

Union Seniors Receive State, National Honors

Merit Finalists Announced

Seven Union High School seniors have been chosen as National Merit Scholarship finalists. They are Rishi Behl, Amanda Bowles, Patrick Flor, Dev Ghose, Thalia Kwok, Eric Millican and justin Neff.

To qualify as finalists, students must have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by their principal, confirm PSAT / NMSQT per­formance on the SAT or ACT test, and complete a detailed application that includes a self-description and informa­tion about scholas tic accomplishments, school and community activities, educa­tional plans and goals. Finalists are eli­gible to be considered for National Merit Scholarships.

Presidential Scholar Semifinalists Announced

Union senior Mark Soderstrom has been named one of approximately 500 ernifinalists in the 1999 Presidential

:10lars Program. The semifinalists ,.ere selected from more than 2,600 candidates on the basis of superior achievements, leadership qualities, per­sonal character and involvement in community and school activities.

The 500 semifinalists were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. They were selected by a panel of distinguished educators after a review of s tudents' essays, self-assess­ments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations and school tran­scripts.

Final selection of the scholars is made by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of some 30 eminent citizens appointed by the President. The Commission selects one young man and one young woman from each state, the Disn·ict of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad; up to 20 students from the cre­ative and performing arts; and 15 stu-

nts-at-large.

.. icholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., in June to receive the presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition cer­emony and to participate in various activities and events in their honor.

Gaddis A warded Top Scouting

Honor

is open only to those Boy Scouts who have achieved the highes t rank in Scouting for the cunent year.

Union High School senior Clayton

Gaddis was recently named the 1999 Eagle

Scout of the Year by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). The award

Clayton has been invited to present his patriotic theme on George Washington at the Youth Luncheon of the SAR Annual Congress in San Diego, California, on July 5. He will also receive a $5,000 scholarship award as the national winner.

"<)<)<) Union Public Schools ""'' ~{~ 1999-2000 Traditional School Calendar

·c;c?> I" ~c.fl

Professional Day ............ .... .... ........ ... .... .. .... .. ....... .... .. ...... .. ..... .. ........... Aug. 9 'Work Day ...................................................... .. ................ .. .................. Aug. 10 Professional Day .......... ........ ........ ............... .. ................. ...... ...... ....... Aug. 11 First Day of School.. ......................................................................... Aug. 12 Labor Day ....................... ...................................................................... Sept. 6 End of First Quarter ............ .............. .............. .................................. Oct. 13 Fall Vacation .............. .. ...... .. ................................................ .... ... .. Oct. 21-22 Parent/Teacher Conf. ....................................................................... Oct. 29 Thanksgiving Vacation .............................................................. Nov. 24-26 End of First Sen1es ter ....... .. ................... .. .... .............. .. ..................... Dec. 17 Winter Vacation .................................................................. Dec. 20-Dec. 31 Martin Luther King Day .................................................................... Jan. 17 Secondary Parent/Teacher Conf ....................................... ............. Feb. 18 Elementary Professional Day .......................................................... Feb. 18 Professional Day (all grades) .......................................................... Feb. 21 End of Third Quarter ......................................................................... Mar. 8 Spring Vacation ........ .. ................................................................. Mar. 27-31 Elementary Parent/Teacher Conf .................................................. Apr. 21 Secondary Professional Day ........................................................... Apr. 21 Graduation ................ .. ........................................ .. ...... .. ..... .. ............... May 12 Last Day of Classes ............................................................ ............ . May 19''

'' calendar includes 2 snow days

1999-2000 Continuous Learning Calendar (CLC grades 1-5)

First Day of School.. .................................................................... ...... July 26 Professional Day ........................................................ .. ....... ................ Aug. 9 YVork Day ...................... .. ............. .. ..... .. ..... ............. .. ... ..................... .. Aug. 10 Professional Day .. .......................................... ................................... Aug. 11 Labor Day ........... .. ....... ... ...... .. ............ .. ............................................ .... Sept. 6 Fall Intersession .................................. .. .. ....................................... Oct. 4-22 Fall Vacation ........................................ ........ .. .... ........................... Oct. 21-22 Parent/Teacher Conf . .. ...................................................... .. ..... .. .... .. Oct. 29 Thanksgiving Vacation .................... ...... .................................... Nov. 24-26 Winter Vacation .................................................... ................. Dec. 20-jan. 7 Martin Luther King Day .............................................. ........ ...... ........ jan. 17 Professional Days ................................ ...... .. .......................... .. Feb. 18 & 21 Spring lntersession ....................................................... .. ..... Mar. 20-Apr. 7 Elem. Parent/Teacher Conf. ........................... ...... .. ......................... Apr. 21 Memorial Day ....... ... .. ................................... .................... .................. May 29 Last Day of Classes .. .. ...... .. ...... .. ............................................ .. ...... june 15*

'' calendar includes 2 snow days

Vol. 24, No. 5 Published by Union Public Schools, Tulsa, OK

]azzFest '99 Hits a High Note Nationally kn own jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band were the final event of jazzFest '99 held recently at Unjon High School. Fergu­son is noted for ills tenure with such big bands as Jimmy Dorsey and Charlie Barnet, as well as the Stan Kenton Orches­tra. His recording of "Gonna Fly Now," the theme from Rocky, cat­apulted rum to the top of the pop charts with a op-ten s ingle, followed by 1 gold album and three

Grammy nominations. Maynard Ferguson

Following a solid operung act by the Union Senior High Jazz Ensemble under the direction of ]air Klarfeld, Ferguson and hjs band took center stage. He delighted the packed house with ills wit as well as ills trumpet artistry. Belying his almost 71 years of age, Ferguson's energy is infectious, and ills amazing rugh notes brought the audience to their feet more than once.

Earlier in the week, the Union High School jazz Ensemble and the

Northeastern State University Jazz Ensemble staged a free concert fea­turing guest soloist Chris Vadala. Vadala, a wood­wind specialist from the Un iversity of Maryland, acted as one of the judges and cli­nicians for JazzFest.

jazz ensembles and combos from

around the state, ranging from mid­

dle-school-aged stu­dents to rugh school

s tudents , gath­ered for a day of

jazz, with each group performing for a

judges for jazzFest '99 included Chris Vadala from the University of Maryland; Ken Grass, saxophone instructor from the University of Tulsa; Pancho Romero from Oklahoma Baptist University; Dr.

panel of judges who Maynard Ferguson works witlr lire Union High Sclrool Jazz Ensemble on critiqued and offered a recent visit to Tulsa. advice to the young musicians. Clinicians held a jam ses­sion and mas ter classes concentrating on the individual instruments during the noon break, and the remainder of the afternoon was again filled with stu­dent performances.

Lou Fischer from Capital University; Dr. Kent Kidwell from the University of Central Oklahoma and Paul Wertico, percussion instructor from Northwest­ern University.

Sponsors for JazzFest '99 were Pat Teague of Teaco, Inc., and jake W. jorishle of Tulsa Band. Union Public Schools greatly appreciates their sup­port of the talented s tudents who are keeping alive America's only true art form -- jazz.

Inside Teacher of the Year ....................... 2

Summer School ............................... s Teachers Awarded Grants ........... S

Corporate Challenge .................. 6-7

New Elementary Named ............... B

National Merit Finalists .............. ll

Revised School Calendars .......... ll

)air Klarfeld directs the High School jazz band while accompanying guesl soloisl Chris Vadala.

Page 12 --------------------------------- March-May, 1999

N Cheer and Porn Squads Bring Home National Honors

The junior Varsity Cheerleaders took first place in the Small School Division at the American Spirit Championship (ASC) competition 'in St. Louis , Missouri , and Cassie Bax placed fourth in individ­ual cheer competition. They competed with groups from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas and Tennessee. Squad members include juniors Alex

Skrivan and Shannon Thomas and sophomores Cassie Bax, Veronica Conley, Natalie DiMercurio, Jessica Firor, Tara Frizell, lindsay Grabowshl, Allison. Hale, Mandy Haltom, Veronica Hess, Britni jackson, Mandy Jiles, Kelly O'Toole, Kira Roberts, jenny Schiprett and April Warren. Coaches are Dee Phibbs and Jennifer Lamar.

The junior Varsity Porn Pun Squad also tucked another na­tional championship victory under their belt. The 14 Intermediate High

Members of lire JV Pom Squad are all smiles after winning their naliotr­al champions/rip.

sophomores, coached by former varsity pom captam Erin O'Toole, won first place in the National Cheerleading Association Dance and Porn competition in San Diego, California, by outscor­ing 30 other teams from throughout the country.

Members of the award-winning Union junior Varsity Cheer Squad display their (irsl·place banner from !Ire American Spiril Championship compelition.

Union Public Schools 5656 S. 129th E. Ave.

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74134-6711

Union junior Nathan Price receiving lire lradi· tiona/ Hawaii welcome.

Union Tennis Player Nationally Ranked

Junior Nathan Price has been ranked 43rd best tennis player in the United States in Boys' 18 Singles by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). He is also ranked # 1 in the Missouri Valley Sectional and #1 in Oklahoma for Boys' 18 Singles.

Except for one time, Nathan was unde­feated during the 1998 tennjs season it tournament matches leading up to the'­USTA nationals. He began by winning the Maureen Connolly Easter Tournament in San Diego followed by the Oklahoma Endorser in Oklahoma City, the NQCI tournament in Springfield, the NQCU tournament in Oklahoma City and the NQT feed-in cbampionsrups in Kansas City. At the National Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Nathan made it to round 32 in the 256 draw, knocking off the #8 seed in the process.

The USTA flew Nathan to an all-expense­paid training camp at the Mauna Lam Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii in November. He spent a week in Hawati working with nine other Boys' 18 play­ers, ten Boys' 16 players and Tom Gullickson, the U.S. Davis Cup captain, along with several other national tennis coaches.