MetroFamily Magazine January February 2021

MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun & Resources. Local events calendar.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

100 Years Later Teaching kids about the Tulsa Race Massacre Travel Trend Plan a rejuvenating Momcation

The Future of Education

Annual Education Guide PLUS: State testing in 2021 & Teachers talk virtual school

Please join us at our new

Performing Arts Center!

New Performing Arts Center! 2241 NW 178th OKC, 405-348-3377 studiojdanceok.com

Now offering dance, theater, all boys classes, acro and much more!

ANCIENT MYSTERIES REVEALED

AND THE ART OF THE MISSISSIPPIAN WORLD

On Exhibit February 12 – May 9 The Spiro Mounds are one of the United States’ most important ancient Native American sites, as well as an archaeological find unmatched in modern times. The first major presentation on the Spiro Mounds ever undertaken by a museum, this exhibition is the first, and possibly last, time these artifacts will be reunited from various collections across the country. Check out Kids & Family Programming Kids Takeover The Cowboy: Spiro Scratch Art: Decorations for Another World* March 6 • 10:00 a.m. - Noon Using Spiro iconography as inspiration, scratch your own designs into a variety of objects. Enjoy storytime at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Spring Break Drop-In Activities* March 15 - 19 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

After Spring Break Drop-in Activities, head outside to visit Liichokoshkomo’ to explore the intertribal village.

Spiro Mounds were full of pottery, woven textiles, incised shells, beaded clothing and many more examples of early Native American art and craftsmanship. During Spring Break, students can try their hand at making similar make-and-take crafts. *Free for members or with Museum admission. Activities available while supplies last.

1700 Northeast 63rd Street • Oklahoma City, OK 73111 • nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids Engraved shell medicine cup with depiction of Birdman. By Dan Townsend. Muscogee/Cherokee. 2017. Marine shell. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. 2017.13.

40 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT

THE TULSA RACE MASSACRE

Features 14 Annual Education Guide Programs, partnerships and people making a difference 24 The Trouble with State Testing Education leaders talk 2021 possibilities 34 STEAM Guide Kid programs in OKC 40 100 Years Later Teaching kids about the Tulsa Race Massacre 48 Get Moving! Train for a family run or bike ride 52 Healthy Co-parenting Strategies Moving forward as a family after separation or divorce

On the cover 100 Years Later page 40 The Future of Education pages 14, 20 & 24 Momcation page 58

Departments 10 Local Family Fun

44 Calendar of Events

At-home activities, virtual programs and in-person events for #okcfamilyfun 56 Family Mental Wellness Prioritizing self-care in the new year 58 Exploring Oklahoma & Beyond Travel trend: Take a Momcation!

New in extracurriculars: esports

20 Real Parents of the Metro

Daughty duo educates the future

38 Super Kids of the Metro Out-of-this-world teens experiment with NASA

4 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Bye 2020! 👋 I mean, Happy New Year! 🎆

2020

I don’t know about you, but I learned a lot about myself in 2020. Something about being faced with challenges I never even imagined (parenting and teaching kids during a pandemic being at the top of my list) forced a hard look at both my positive and not-so- positive characteristics and behaviors. I found myself leaning in to self-assessment and uncomfortable conversations. And I watched as a lot of people around me went through similar processes. 2020 highlighted some of the most broken parts of our society, community and ourselves, but it also allowed us to see how we can change for the better. Perhaps most notably for me has been watching how our education system, our teachers, administrators and support staff continue to pivot, try new things, take on even more and hold fast to an attitude of never giving up on their students’ futures. In this issue, our Annual Education Guide, we are championing these superheroes, like Danielle and Andre Daughty, our Real Parents of the Metro, who are education professionals

looking toward how the experiences of 2020 can improve our future education system. From virtual school to race equity and social- emotional supports, be inspired by their vision on page 20. And check out our Raising OKC Kids podcast with this dynamic duo as we dive deeper into the issues closest to their hearts. As we move into a new year, I hope you’ll join me in adopting an attitude like the Daughtys … taking what we learned from last year to discover how we can continue to grow and change for the better this year. With hope,

Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers

Kristy Blosch George Lang Debbie Murnan Dr. Tamecca Rogers Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Marissa Raglin Sales Dana Price Laura Beam Office Manager Andrea Shanks

Erin Page Managing Editor

New in 2021! Did you notice this issue is thicker than usual? New this year, we’ll be printing bimonthly issues. Look for our next issue in March!

This Month’s Cover Warren embodies joy and is adept at making others smile and laugh. He is crazy about football, soccer, music, reading (perfect fit for his photo shoot at the NW Library!) and playing outdoors. Warren is a big fan of his Oklahoma State Cowboys, Pistol Pete and Monster Jam and he loves spotting airplanes in the sky. Warren has four older siblings and is the son of Brittany and Robert. He attends preschool at KingsGate Child Development Center. Warren’s favorite place to visit in the metro is the OKC Zoo.

tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2019 by Inprint Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

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Also a member of Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Moore Chamber of Commerce

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021 5

OFF THE PAGES

Find ideas for nutritious dinners, ways to support your family’s healthy immune systems, lunch ideas for kids, creative ways to involve kids in meal prep, recipes everyone will love and more at metrofamilymagazine.com/food. Plus, get ideas for a family feast to celebrate Valentine’s Day together at metrofamilymagazine.com/ valentines-family-meal. Make it a healthy, happy NEW YEAR

Bored kids? We’ve got the remedy! Whether it’s frigid temps or the pesky pandemic that’s got your family spending more time indoors, our list of 40 boredom busters will help keep kid bickering at bay. Find ideas from virtual tours and exercise activities to crafts and recipes at metrofamilymagazine. com/at-home-boredom-busters.

Use our Searchable Education Guide

If you are looking for local private schools, charter schools, online

schools, preschool programs, field trip

opportunities, tutors or educational enrichment opportunities, we’ve got a guide for that. Find our searchable Education Guide , updated throughout the year, at metrofamilymagazine.com/ education-guide.

6 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021

Save the date to celebrate

Awesome Moms!

Our annual Awesome Moms Contest is coming up Jan. 15 through Feb. 28, and we want to hear about the inspirational moms, grandmas and mother figures in your life. Your nominee will be eligible to win fantastic prizes from local retailers like the Wyndham Grand Hotel and The Spa at 10 North in downtown OKC, udånder, The Black Scintilla, Redrock. Neighborhood Jam, Mama Roja, Hefner Grill and Upper Crust. The winner and two finalists will be featured in an issue of MetroFamily. Starting Jan. 15, submit your written nomination of 250 words or less and a photo of your nominee at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests. Nominations must be received by Feb. 28. PLUS , stay tuned for our brand new contest celebrating dads, coming in March!

ONE OF OUR 2020 FINALISTS, ESSIE GREEN, WITH HER HUSBAND, KIDS AND GRANDKIDS. Beaux Arts at 75

BA_PrintAds_MFM_Half_7.375x4.75_BleedMarks.pdf 7 12/16/20 3:46 PM

We're open with limited capacity! Reserve your timed ticket today. Leon Kroll (American, 1884–1974) Composition in Two Figures (detail), 1958, Oil on canvas, 25 1/2 x 31 1/2 in. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Museum purchase from the Beaux Arts Society Fund for Acquisitions, 1968.015

CMY

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021 7

OFF THE PAGES

Frugal family fun in OKC

If your new year’s resolutions include sticking to a family budget, you can still enjoy plenty of #okcfamilyfun this winter. Check out our list of 50 Things to do Under $5 at metrofamilymagazine.com/50-under- 5-winter. Plus, don’t miss our monthly list of the best FREE fun for families in OKC at metrofamilymagazine.com/ best-of-the-month.

Coming next on Raising OKC Kids

Listen in every Tuesday as we release a new podcast conversation about parenting issues with local experts. In January we’re talking about the future of virtual school and race equity in schools with educators and parents Danielle and Andre Daughty, alternatives to state testing with Oklahoma’s 2020 teacher of the year Jena Nelson and family immunity-boosting practices with nutritionist and mom Umo Callins. Watch at metrofamilymagazine.com/raising-okc-kids or listen at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Stitcher.

8 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021

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LOCAL FAMILY FUN

MORE THAN A HOBBY A different side of gaming BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Battles over screen time, debates about violence in video games, online bullying and concerns about health impacts mean gaming is often seen as a youthful indulgence filled with more pitfalls than benefits, but high schools and colleges around the country are utilizing the emerging world of esports as a positive outlet to engage students in new ways.

Paul Vaughan, the esports team coordinator and coach for Oklahoma City University, says programs like the one at OCU “put competition in the hands of students that aren’t usually engaged.” “Esports is more than playing games in a room alone,” explained Vaughan. “When several people engage and solve a problem together, it’s a powerful way for a team to bond and grow together.” Jeff Bishop, a career and technology teacher at Putnam City West High School, has been a firsthand witness to this concept. “My students flourish in this environment,” shared Bishop. “The kids have a common space with a common goal and a sense of belonging that maybe they didn’t have before. They all have their roles and a new place to express their leadership abilities.”

What are esports? Bishop said the video gaming industry has shifted from an individualized game experience to competition platforms that have resulted in a new genre of team play. Vaughan likened the early esports world to the Wild West but says now there are structured leagues and governing associations. “When I got started in college, there were 10 or 20 universities with varsity programs and as of last year there were well over 200,” said Vaughan. “The growth has been explosive.” The Oklahoma eSports League (OESL), in which all three high schools in the Putnam City School District participate, has an extensive code of conduct, requirements and rules teams must follow. The Oklahoma Association of Collegiate Esports (OACE) held its inaugural meeting in September and planned its first all-state tournament this past fall.

10 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021

“To compare esports to a traditional sport, it compares well to track and field where tournaments could have several different types of competitions or games in our case,” explained Vaughan. Teams of varying sizes compete in games such as Super Smash Brothers, Rocket League, Overwatch, League of Legends, Madden and Clash Royale. Tournaments and school programs vary based on interest. Bishop said his program at PC West is comprised of newcomers and life-long gamers, and both boys and girls play together on the same teams. “We are sort of reversing social norms,” said Bishop. Corey Boggs, the executive director of information technology for the Putnam City School District, sees value in the opportunity to reach students for whom traditional athletics aren’t a fit. “Esports opens up a world of inclusion to so many different students who may never be competition athletes, to those who may have physical restrictions, or maybe they just have a strong personal interest,” said Boggs. “It is so exciting to see the diverse group of students esports attracts. This is a great opportunity to reach an entirely different group of students and to make them part of something bigger. Esports is one of the fastest growing markets out there.” A place to belong and excel Getting kids excited about going to school is not usually an easy task, especially as time stretches past the wide-eyed early years of elementary school. By the time high school comes, school is more of a have-to than a get-to. So when one of Bishop’s students returned to school after a break remarking “it was good to be home,” Bishop knew the program was paying off. “The district went full tilt and has given our program a lot of equipment especially built for esports,” said Bishop. “Our chairs, computers and systems are our sports equipment, and if [it were] not for the school’s support, the kids would not be able to play the games like they do.” Even though games are played on a screen, students still have to practice, train and watch film just as other competitive sports participants do to improve their game play. Bishop said his students have elected captains, assigned duties and even worked with younger students to ensure the legacy

of the program continues beyond their time at the school. “It’s just as much of a sport as any other,” said Bishop. “The level of buy-in is really cool. These kids are creating a legacy, a multi-tier approach to hopefully make PC West a powerhouse.” To be eligible to play, students must be in good academic standing, attend practices and adhere to the standards set by the OESL. “I tell my students if you want to represent your school, you have to do it in a well- rounded manner,” said Bishop. Opportunity Abounds While the esports industry is booming, the industry itself is still relatively young and with that youth comes opportunity. “Esports is about more than just playing games; there are job opportunities,” explained Vaughan. “It’s a young industry and needs everything other sports industries need: coaches, journalists, broadcasters, agents, analysts.” In fact, OCU launched Oklahoma’s first esports degree program, an Esports Management degree. The bachelor of arts degree program includes courses in sports science, broadcasting, sport psychology, advertising, health, media relations and communications. Bishop sees yet another opportunity for his students. He teaches video game design and animation and assures his students that the skills they learn through esports can apply to other areas of the industry. “I use esports to get kids to take my tech classes,” said Bishop. “The reason I can justify writing grants and investing in equipment is it’s a big industry with big opportunity. Esports is wonderful in that it markets other career options that don’t fall on the mindset of a young person. Designers and builders have longer career opportunities. They could compose music for games or create apps like Words for Friends and Farmville. The industry hasn’t fully expanded out into a mature industry yet.” He pointed to applications that cross into other industries, citing an example of game simulations where doctors could practice difficult or experimental surgeries. Esports is also opening up new scholarship opportunities. “Esports is being adopted in colleges and universities across the country, and there are scholarship opportunities available for good high school players,” confirmed Boggs.

2021... It’s TIME! Time to learn! It’s time to move forward with hope and jump into 2021 with both feet, inspired by the possibilities a new year brings. Time to watch the ripples of progress that are made when we lift kids up and encourage them to make waves!

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We put our 405.721.8807 oklahomacitydancestudio.com into it. 12 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021 Cookies are coming. Creating JOY in every bite. He encourages parents to acknowledge their child’s goals and to listen to what their child wants to accomplish. “Kids need healthy moderation and balance of course but parents can help create a pipeline so they can engage in a productive and motivated way,” said Vaughan. Bishop encourages parents to set expectations and make sure kids are following proper social decorum because sportsmanship is important. “In esports, you are expected to maintain a professional vocabulary or you will be disqualified from the tournament,” explained Getting started If you think your child might have an interest in esports, Vaughan recommends talking with them about their goals. “If they are interested in playing just for fun, that’s great, but if they are interested in playing competitively there are productive ways to practice,” said Vaughan. “My parents questioned if playing a lot of video games was good for me but if done correctly and safely, it can be.”

STUDENTS FROM PUTNAM CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL PREPARE FOR COMPETITION IN THE OKLAHOMA ESPORTS LEAGUE.

Thank you Thank you “Even though we are technology-based, one of the important parts of esports is interacting and competing in person,” said Vaughan. “COVID has been an obstacle but we are working to keep our students safe during this pandemic.”

Bishop. “If someone is a jerk in a game, no one is going to want to hang out with them at the end of the game either.” The 2020-2021 OESL season starts Jan. 19 with state championships usually held in April or May.

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METROFAMILY'S

Awesome Moms

Contest

Nominate a mother figure you love! The winner & two finalists will be featured in our May/June issue and receive awesome prizes! Nominations open Jan. 15 - Feb. 28 www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests

Annual Education Guide

Among the countless disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic, one of the most difficult for parents has been to the entire education system. Administrators, educators, parents and students have all had to pivot, adapt to new ways to educate and learn, school from home and find new ways to engage in social and educational development. So much to deal with! This year’s education guide highlights both the hardships and silver linings this pandemic has brought onto our education system and features the programs and partnerships making a positive difference in the lives of metro students. Join us in thanking a teacher (and giving yourself as a parent a pat on the back, too!) and read on for more information about the future of education.

14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISER SECTION

NEW & NOW

encourages self-love and expression Poetry & Chill Kids

Artist, poet and musician Gregory McPherson (who goes by Gregory II) launched Poetry and Chill in 2017 to have a platform for he and other local artists to share their work through open mic nights and workshops. When high school kids began attending open mic events, Gregory II realized there was a need for metro kids to have a similar opportunity for self-expression. He met Wayland Cubit, who ran for Oklahoma County sheriff in 2020 and leads FACT, an officer-led mentoring program for at-risk youth, who asked Gregory II if he’d be willing to lead a workshop with the FACT youth. Gregory II began working with 15 kids at Northeast Community Center in an after-school program focused on literacy and writing skills and encouraging self- expression. Soon, teachers and schools were requesting workshops, and Poetry and Chill Kids was founded in late 2018, becoming a nonprofit organization in early 2020. From discussing poetry and hip hop to breaking down rap lyrics and popular movies, Poetry and Chill gives kids a safe space to explore their feelings and opinions. Workshop leaders are all volunteers, and a licensed professional therapist attends all sessions to help identify when kids need ongoing support. “It can be hard to get kids talking and they have stuff on their minds that they’re not

letting out,” said Gregory II. “But now we get to see what is going on with them. These workshops allow kids to be themselves and have group discussions.” Now Gregory II sees more than 300 students a week in area schools across many districts and provides Thursday night workshops, which have transitioned from in person to virtual and are open to any middle or high school students. Both have provided opportunities for students and their teachers to connect on a deeper level. “We are bridging the gap between teachers and students, humanizing teachers and [showing teachers] what kids who are acting up every day are going through,” said Gregory II. He also works with area organizations like the juvenile detention center, Sisu Youth Services, Pivot and others to serve at-risk youth. Prior to the pandemic, a college tour program took the Poetry and Chill team to more than 30 colleges and universities, providing live music and a safe place for expression. The organization also offers free lesson plans for elementary through high school kids to explore topics like self-love, culture appreciation, creating poetry, writing rap songs and journaling. Learn how your kids can get involved and how you can support the organization at poetryandchillokc.com.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021 15

NEW & NOW

Metro mother daughter team creates educational language boxes

Mindy Nix and Susanne Huffman founded Oui & Sí to give kids a hands-on introduction to learning French and Spanish. The mother daughter duo are French language professors in the metro, Nix at Oklahoma City and Oklahoma Christian universities and Huffman at the University of Central Oklahoma, and both tutor in French and Spanish. Huffman also teaches kindergarten and preschool French. Together they carefully curate Oui and Sí French and Spanish learning boxes for open-ended play and instruction for ages 3 through 7. Each themed box comes with a variety of high-quality tactile objects, like letter tiles, figurines, objects from nature, flash cards, dominoes and dice, to promote interactive learning of numbers, letters, shapes and language in either French or Spanish. A QR code can be scanned to reveal a lesson plan that focuses on French or Spanish vocabulary,

new phrases and fun games. Box themes include space, construction, dinosaurs and farm fun, as well as holidays, and rather than just a focus on memorizing pertinent words, the learning is immersive to include conversation, sentence structure and more. Oui and Sí officially incorporated during the pandemic, and the word-of-mouth response has surprised Nix as parents are seeking supplemental learning for kids at home. While learning languages at a young age is beneficial, it’s never too late to learn, and Nix has enjoyed hearing about parents learning right along with their kids using their boxes. “Teaching has always been a passion for Susanne and I, especially teaching languages,” said Nix. “So, being able to reach more people, especially during these times, has been very gratifying.” Next, the founders of Oui and Sí are working

on resources for kids through age 12. Boxes can be purchased individually or as a subscription at ouiandsi.com or local retailers Learning Tree and Plenty Mercantile.

Meet the Directors

one of my children’s first grade teacher and he empowered her to be exactly who she is, embraced her learning and changed our family’s lives forever. We partnered and asked, “Why can’t school be fun for every kid, every day?” We realized we would have to make a school to make that dream come true. So we did. How has the pandemic changed things at your school? John: Keystone believes in protecting its students, staff, families and community from the spread of COVID-19. We have implemented our own data-based metric to decide when we are in-person or online virtually. Although our metric has kept us in distance learning for a good portion of our year, we do offer daily, safe, outdoor time to our students each week where they can socialize with their classmates distantly and experience our amazing outdoor campus. It is not what we want, but it is safe enough that when other schools have shifted to fully online learning, we can continue being on campus safely. Find more information about their educational philosophy and how they are morphing during the pandemic at metrofamilymagazine.com/keystone.

We asked the co-founders and directors of Keystone Adventure School and Farm in north Edmond, John Duhon and Jenny Dunning, how they started their unique, hands-on, mostly outdoor school. Tell us about your background in education and what led you to establish this unique school. John: I received my degree in Elementary Education and have been at Keystone since the words, “Let’s make a school” were first uttered. Jenny: I studied Language Arts, focusing on Cognitive Theory and Learning Disabilities and founded Keystone with John in 2004. I always felt like school could be done better, differently, with love of kids and childhood driving the dream. As a mom of six kids who all learned differently and who needed to be unschooled every day when they came home from school, I wanted to restore the twinkle in their eyes and the creativity in their hearts. I found pathways for each child that celebrated their learning styles by capitalizing on their interests, strengths with art, lots of play, hands-on, experiential and messy learning. John was

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16 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021

FREE digital transcripts now available for Oklahoma students

“The Oklahoma e-Transcript Initiative provides a consistent, uniform and streamlined way to access academic records,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. "This process makes it less cumbersome to provide documentation for school transfers and more efficient to apply for postsecondary opportu - nities.” The platform allows for the secure electronic exchange of academic transcripts among school districts, colleges, universities and the Oklahoma CareerTech system, simplifying the college application and admission process and removing barriers for many students to pursue higher education. Students can request transcripts and other supporting admission documents to be sent electronically to a majority of U.S. college and university admissions offices.

Oklahoma students and educators now have free access to electronic academic records, thanks to the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s partnership with a digital credential service called Parchment. The digital credential service will deliver the Oklahoma e-Transcript Initiative, through which e-transcripts can be requested, verified and shared through a single online platform.

“The e-transcript provides the opportunity for students’ educational experiences to be expressed on one platform,” said Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Marcie Mack. “As students earn industry credentials, concurrent enrollment and certifications, they can now be accurately reflected on a student's transcript. This is a substantial advancement for Oklahoma education and would not be possible without the continued cross- collaboration of all our agencies.” Students and parents must access the program through participating schools or districts. Families can work with school counselors to encourage schools to sign up for the service. Find out more at okedge.com/ about/office-of-college-and-career-readiness .

Westminster School admits students of any race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, financial aid program, athletic, and other school-administered activities.

Pre-K through eighth grade 600 NW 44 Street, OKC 405-524-0631 westminsterschool.org

For more information, contact Rebecca Skarky, Director of Admissions, at 405-524-0631 ext. 123

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021 17

NEW & NOW

A retired special education teacher, Lisa Gerard moved to the metro four years ago and began volunteering with local organization Laundry Love, which helps cover the costs of washing and drying clothes at area laundromats for families. Gerard quickly noticed children waiting for their families’ laundry to be done without much to do, so she began providing a story time to the kids and then brought a wagon full of books along so the children could take home a book of their own. In July 2020, Little Read Wagon was incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and Gerard’s impact has continued to expand, partnering with the Northeast Resource Center to collect books to place back in the hands of community members and attending several events at LITTLE READ WAGON helps close literacy gap in the metro

Nappy Roots bookstore to pass out free books to kids. “Our goal is to increase book and literacy access to underserved and marginalized populations,” said Gerard. “We also want to provide a good selection of books by and representing people of color.” The organization’s Look for a Book program hides children’s books in metro parks and public spaces for kids to find, carefully protected from the weather. Gerard has also cultivated relationships with organizations serving the metro homeless population, providing them books, and she works with

parents and grandparents to choose books to spark their children and grandchildren’s excitement about reading. “As a former teacher, I try to help people choose books that their little ones will enjoy and to educate parents and caregivers about the benefits of book ownership and reading aloud,” said Gerard. “I love seeing people excited to read and learn, whatever age they are.” Learn more about the organization’s programs and how you can help at facebook. com/LittleReadWagon.

It’s not just what they know. It’s who they become.

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18 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021

Meet the Superintendent

We recently asked Superintendent Bart Banfield of EPIC Charter Schools about this unique virtual school, Epic’s Learning Fund program and the future of education.

schools to individualize the educational experience of every child who walks through their doors. I know this to be true because that’s exactly what we’re doing at EPIC. By using adaptive technologies and predictive algorithms, we can personalize the educational experience of each student to meet them where they are in terms of skill level and academic ability. What makes EPIC stand out among all the education choices parents have? The thing that makes EPIC stand out the most is the empowerment we provide our families. Whether it’s choosing from our extensive library of curriculum choices, tapping into the Learning Fund for equipment or extracurricular options (like ballet or horseback riding) or working at your own pace, the options really are endless. EPIC is unique in that we allow our students and families the option to tailor their educations to meet their needs and fit their lives. Tell us more about the Learning Fund. Upon enrollment, each student is provided a $1,000 virtual credit that they can spend on technology, core curriculum, supplemental curriculum and extracurricular activities. No money ever exchanges hands. Families choose from a list of approved vendors who bill EPIC in exchange for services provided. There is no other offering like the EPIC Learning Fund in any other public school system in the state and it has allowed a high level of freedom, flexibility and customization to each of our families.

What is your background and how long have you been at EPIC Schools? Prior to becoming superintendent in 2019, I served as the assistant superintendent of instruction for EPIC Charter Schools, a position I’d held since 2014. I have been a public educator for more than 20 years. I have also coached girls’ basketball and was a history teacher at Eufaula High School. Later, I served as the superintendent of Stidham Public Schools where I earned the distinction of becoming Oklahoma’s youngest public school superintendent at the age of 27. I have a master’s degree in education administration from East Central University in Ada. I recently published a book available on Amazon called Virtual Leadership: The Essential Principles for Remote Work . What is your educational philosophy and how does that impact the students at EPIC ? My educational philosophy is the same as EPIC’s: school can be different. It’s more than just our motto, it’s a mindset that sits at the very core of our educational model. More than a third of EPIC’s students come to us because they were bullied or faced school safety issues. Others were seeking more flexibility and autonomy in how or when they learn. The fact is no student is the same, so the mindset that one size fits all when it comes to education is outdated and unaligned with the realities of 21st-century learning needs. What has changed in education the most since you started? What are the current trends and where is education going? One of the things that I connected with very early in my educational career was distance learning and the role that technology can play in educating a student. Distance learning has shaped how and where students are able to learn and gives them more opportunities to grow academically. We’ve seen the need for distance learning play itself out in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. I predict distance learning will continue to play a significant role in the education of our children even after the pandemic has subsided. For example, in public education, technology and artificial intelligence will enable

405-749-4550 epiccharterschools.org

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REAL PARENTS OF THE METRO

Spouses, parents and educators Danielle and Andre Daughty have chosen the mantra “grace and space” during these unprecedented times, reminding each other and their two high school kids that each of them, and everyone around them, has never experienced anything like this pandemic. “All parents are trying to figure out how to work from home and get kids online for school,” said Andre, who says wife Danielle is a beautiful example of offering grace and space as she’s put in longer hours than ever educating Edmond second graders both online and in person and checking in regularly with their parents. While none of the Daughtys has ventured far from their Edmond home since March 2020, their visions for the future of education in Oklahoma have soared, both in spite of the pandemic and because of it. From the longterm benefits of virtual school and greater parental involvement in students’ educations to a call for race equity and celebration of diversity, the Daughtys’ forward-thinking vision for the continued advancement of our state’s education system sparks hope and optimism for this new year and beyond.

As the Oklahoma City community rang in 2020 one year ago, we had no idea how our education system would be turned on its head as we navigated life in a pandemic. While the burden on all families in the metro has been great, teachers have navigated extra challenges as they pivoted to teach in ways they had never considered previously, all while many also care for their own families.

BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

20 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021

For the love of teaching Andre has worked in education for 20 years, earning his undergraduate degree from Langston University and teaching at the elementary and middle school levels. He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma, served as an adjunct professor and now works as a consultant and keynote speaker for educators around the nation. Education is a second career for Danielle, who majored in journalism at Langston. Inspired by her husband and kids, Danielle went back to school to earn her master’s degree in early childhood education from UCO and has taught second grade in Edmond for the past seven years. With her school district on an A/B schedule since the fall, Danielle has double the workload creating in- person and virtual lessons, in addition to her teacher team being reduced by half this year. “I love teaching and the kids, but this is a very heavy load this year,” said Danielle. Sometimes Danielle doesn’t get home from work until nearly 7:30 p.m. after finishing her school day and then compiling and uploading lessons for the next. Because Andre has been working from home since the beginning of the pandemic, and because he knows the physical, mental and emotional toll of working as a classroom educator, he tries to keep their home as stress-free as possible for his wife, making sure dinner is ready, their kids have completed virtual school assignments and the house is picked up. “The traditional roles of marriage have never worked for our family anyway,” said Andre. With so much time spent at home and the added anxieties of the pandemic, racial injustice and a polarizing election, self-care has become critical. Andre works out every morning, sets a clear end point for work on weekdays and prioritizes time for just he and Danielle, void of conversation about work. The Daughtys are intent upon teaching their kids the value of self-care, too, with Taco Tuesdays, movie nights, family walks, intentional time away from devices and space to laugh and joke with each other high on their lists. This school year especially Danielle has learned to step away from work over school breaks to focus on her family and herself so she can be recharged to go back to the classroom. “There is a lot of stress on everybody in education,” said Andre. “Burnout is more elevated now, so we all — educators, parents, students and administrators — have to take time for self-care.”

The Daughty kids opted for virtual school for their senior and freshman years, and while it’s been an adjustment all around, Danielle is grateful for Andre’s many years in the education sector to help guide them. The kids were given the option to return to activities like marching band and choir, talking out the pros and cons as a family. “My freshman misses being with her friends and the high school experience, but they both have adjusted well,” said Danielle. “They would rather be safe at home and wait for things to get better.”

School districts statewide are trying to focus on students’ safety and security, even with growing pressure to return to “normal.” Districts and administrators have requested Andre present workshops on meeting kids’ social and emotional needs. Many schools are offering free breakfast and lunch programs, and metro nonprofits are stepping up to provide families with food. Danielle and other classroom teachers have implemented regular check-ins with their students’ parents or guardians to ask how the school can provide support. Danielle has excelled at over-communicating with parents during this strange school year, ensuring parents have the information they need to succeed during at-home learning days and re- inforcing her mantra of grace. As part of Dan- ielle’s preparation of online lessons, she and her colleagues have created a parent landing page, showing parents how they teach lessons and helping them understand how to navigate the online learning management system. “I feel like this pandemic has opened a lot of parents’ eyes as to what school is, the role of the teacher, role of the parent and role of the students,” said Danielle. “Everybody should be working together as we are building a community of learning rather than just dropping kids off.” Between school closures last spring and varied school schedules in the fall, the concern of students falling behind academically continues to rise among parents, but it’s a concern the Daughtys encourage everyone to let go. “No one is ‘behind’ because as an educator, I can always take you from where you are and help to develop you academically,” said Danielle. Andre adds that because this global pandemic has affected all school-age children in some way, everyone is in the same boat. “There is still an emphasis on academics but in the grand scheme of things, we’d rather students feel safe and secure,” said Andre. “Maybe we’re behind academically, but socially and emotionally, we’re excelling. It all depends on what lens you’re looking through. There will be a great return on this investment when we look back and analyze how our community felt loved, acknowledged and respected during a global pandemic." From their time in classrooms and as parents, the Daughtys know there is great value in par- ents simply engaging with their kids, teaching life skills or just spending time together. “No matter what level your child is on, parents are their child’s best teacher,” said Danielle.

“No one is ‘behind’ because as an educator I can always take you from where you are and help to develop you academically.” Danielle Daughty

Open communication is paramount in the Daughty household, especially as they’ve watched the pandemic unfold since that fateful March OKC Thunder game was called off before play began and led to the NBA shutdown. “We have continued to tell them that this isn’t normal,” said Andre, “and we don’t expect them to act like things are normal.” That conversation is ongoing, as are dinnertime discussions about current events, the pandemic’s toll and what they are each reading on their respective social media feeds, and how messages differ based on who they follow. “We want to teach them how to think, not what to think, and this is the perfect season to do it,” said Andre. “We are all pivoting and adjusting to the best of our abilities.” Looking forward In many ways, the pandemic has forced educators and administrators to get back to basics, focusing first on student safety and security. “That is the foundation of education,” said Danielle. “If your basic needs aren’t met, there isn’t going to be any learning taking place.”

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021 21

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While the effects of 2020 on the Daughty family have certainly not been without consequence, the duo is skilled in finding joy, contentment and silver linings. They believe in taking lessons from the situations life presents, and they have found plenty of positive changes to the education system from the pandemic. “When school goes back to five days a week, I don’t see teachers going back to business as usual,” said Andre. Andre hopes teachers will continue a focus on mental wellness, like practicing mindfulness exercises and incorporating check-ins with students throughout the day to gauge their emotional health. He also believes the shift to offering virtual learning is a change that should and will stick for most school districts. “There are a lot of students who have blossomed in this style of learning and who have discovered freedoms they didn’t have before,” said Andre. Within their virtual learning mode, the Daughty kids are using the opportunity to prepare for college, learning to self-manage, develop relationships with their teachers and incorporate work, exercise, community service or extracurriculars as time allows. The kids have a set time each day that their work must be turned in but otherwise are free to determine what works best for them. “It’s cool to see them both evolve into this college-career mindset,” said Andre. Andre also sees more college professors teaching the next generation of Oklahoma educators the ins and outs of content man- agement systems for virtual learning, which he believes is another key step in improving the state’s education system overall. When asked what they are proudest of each other for in their respective education careers, both Danielle and Andre point to the other’s work in pushing for race equity in schools and the industry as a whole. Through his consultant work and keynote speaking gigs, virtual for now, Andre reaches educators and organizations around the country, helping them address the issue of equity through culturally-relevant teaching and learning. “Dre is revolutionary,” said Danielle. “He is a voice for taboo subjects in education, things teachers normally wouldn’t talk about with their students or each other, he gives the green light and teaches how to tackle topics without being offensive and also helps educators be aware of how events affect their students and colleagues.”

Drink one more glass of water per day.

Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies at each meal.

For a better night’s sleep, avoid screen time one hour before bed.

Get 30 minutes of physical activity a day — and make sure your kids get 60!

Want more ideas and inspiration?

Danielle carries on those same equity priorities in her classroom. For many of her students, she’s their first Black teacher, and for her Black female students, she can relate to them deeply. Danielle is intent on teaching history from the Indigenous and Black perspective and inspiring other teachers around her to do the same. “I love that Danielle is unafraid to say let’s teach real history; she’s a trailblazer,” said Andre. “Let’s talk about where history got white-washed, in a developmentally- appropriate setting.” From sharing her culture with her students to encouraging them to do the same and incorporating Black authors into her classroom, Danielle gives a voice to her students and teaches them the beauty to be found in diversity. “Students gain empathy from learning about and understanding other cultures,” said Andre. “When schools become more diverse in their staff, everybody in contact with that school is better for it.”

THE DAUGHTY FAMILY

Come Grow with Us • Multi-Sensory Curriculum • Bible Time • Music • Story Time Enroll in Pre-K Today!

Q What kind of field trips do you offer to classes of students and homeschoolers? Melessa Gregg, executive director of Harn Homestead, answered these questions about their field trip programs. Field Trips at the Harn

• Certified Teachers MDO, Preschool & Pre-K ages 2mo-5yrs

We offer hands-on activities in a one-room schoolhouse, an original dairy barn and a historic farmhouse. Cost is $10 per student. Reservations can be made through Education Director David Sapper at dsapper@harnhomestead.com. A limited number of field trip scholarships are available. What changes have you made to your field trip program because of the pandemic? We created an entirely outdoor program encompassing activities from the farmhouse and barn. We are also currently renting out the schoolhouse to student or homeschool cohorts and providing parents with the educational materials for presentation rather than having staff and volunteers as teachers and docents. The buildings and materials used are then cleaned and sanitized thoroughly prior to the next scheduled group visit.

Learn more about the Early Childhood Program qsumc.org/ecp 405-755-3258 • ecp@qsumc.org • 14617 N. Penn, OKC

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