Jenks Public Schools Returns to Classroom

JENKS, Okla. — Summer is over and students at Jenks are heading back to school for the first time this year.

“There is this excitement and energy that is happening now that students are back on campus,” said Principal Dr. Stacey Butterfield.

2 News anchor Naomi Keitt spoke with Dr. Butterfield about various issues regarding the new school year

WHAT’S NEW:

Thousands of students will soon enter the school gates for the first time this school year, but the time they arrive at school will be a little different.

“We are extending our school day and shortening the length of the school year,” said Dr. Butterfield.

Starting 10 minutes earlier and ending 5 minutes later makes summer vacation a little longer. It’s a change for students at every school location. New school start/end times for 24/25 | Jenks Public Schools (jenksps.org)

High school students will see another change. A new entrance is coming to Jenks High School. Dr. Butterfield says a generous community donor is making it a reality.

Innovations will also soon take place at the Freshman Academy.

“We are in the design phase of the next phase of the Freshman Academy and we will begin construction next summer. That will be the final phase of the Freshman Academy,” said Dr. Butterfield.

Jenks Public Schools

SAFETY/SECURITY:

While students will see some new amenities, some things will remain the same, like the district’s commitment to safety.

“Safety is our highest priority because we know it is critical for our students, our families, and our staff,” said Dr. Butterfield.

She says the motto “See something. Hear something. Say something” is vital.

“If they don’t feel safe, they can’t reach their highest potential,” Dr. Butterfield said. “We want our students to report anything they see or hear that’s concerning, and we say that about our families, our community members, and of course our employees.”

STAFF SHORTAGE:

Reaching students’ potential is a district-wide effort. It starts with the teachers in the classroom. Dr. Butterfield says they have a few special education and specialist teaching positions open.

“Unfortunately, the teacher shortage is real,” Dr. Butterfield said. “We do have teachers in the state of Oklahoma who have certifications, but for personal reasons, they are choosing not to return to the classroom.”

She says regional universities are working to build a pipeline to local districts.

“They’re trying to meet the demand for more teachers, so we’ll continue to work together and build that pipeline,” she said.

They are also looking for child nutrition workers and paraprofessionals.

There should be no problem taking students to and from school.

“We’re fortunate right now,” Dr. Butterfield said. “We don’t feel like there’s a shortage of bus drivers like we had.”

BIBLES IN THE CLASSROOM:

The summer was busy, with a new mandate from State Superintendent Ryan Walters: Every classroom needs a Bible, and teachers must teach from it. Jenks Schools has no plans to change the curriculum.

“We will continue to follow Oklahoma’s academic standards and use the resources we have already adopted,” said Dr. Butterfield.

SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM:

Superintendent Walters also announced a “complete overhaul of the state’s social studies standards.” Districts, like Jenks, say they have not been given details.

“We have not received any guidance yet,” Dr. Butterfield said. “We will continue to monitor that process.”

She says the goal is to do what’s best for students as the new school year begins.

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