April 14 , 2008

Parent Post 1: I'll answer your question.  I would imagine the Edmond Sun would be permitted in schools because they (to my knowledge as a long-time reader) don't publish lies and rumors.  They ... Read Entire Post >>

Parent Post 2: There is no excuse for a superintendant to lie to the media. There is no excuse for the chief operating officer to oversee construction projects and rely on a so called "former employee" to ... Read Entire Post >>

Parent Post 3: In response to the person that wrote in stating that what the Edmond sun wrote being absurd is absurd in itself.  I am disappointed that the POST didn't state the same. Why ... Read Entire Post >>

Our Reply: To parent post 3, the post your are responding to, in our opinion, was supposed to be sarcastic in nature and that is why we didn’t reply.  We think the individual was making a point in regards ... Read Entire Post >>

January 2, 2008

As we start another calendar year we thought it would be a great time to reflect on 2007.  It was a year filled with activity both good and bad.  Hopefully 2008 will bring more good than bad. 

1. '07 ACHIEVEMENTS
2. '07 LOW POINTS
3. '07 TOP 10 POSTS
4. '07 TOP POSTS BY MONTH
5. '08 WISH LIST

Thanks to everyone for an open dialog in '07 and let us all work together to be great in ’08.

Wishing you all a healthy and content New Year, Daphne & Rob Talbot ... Read Entire Post >>

January 15, 2008

The High School has announced via email that they will not be sending home 1st Semester Grades as we can access our children’s grades online.  Now let’s see, I don’t use the computer much if at all so I won’t see this email. I don’t use the computer so I haven’t seen my children’s grades.  My child when asked did not hear any announcement at school, not that they would tell me if this was a contentious subject.  How many people fall into this scenario? According to Principal Bradley, 20% or one in every 5 parents. From what ... Read Entire Post >>

July 24, 2007

Parent Post: As a parent of a Deer Creek student who has been a victim of some pretty awful bullying via the internet, I am appalled at the apathetic "what I don't know won't hurt me" attitude of some of our wonderful parents.  I work in the internet industry and see the effects of this type of behavior first-hand every single day.  Children need to be monitored when they are on the computer, bottom line.  I have personally read pages and pages of Instant Messages sent by Deer Creek children to other Deer Creek children - and parents, you are naive to believe your child would never participate in this bullying activity.  You are naive to think your child would never threaten or use curse words, naive to think your straight A student would never call someone a name online - unless you yourself monitor their actions on a daily basis.  That's the only way to be ... Read Entire Post >>

Several times recently we've been told that Superintendent Wilkinson is being proactive. If describing Superintendent Wilkinson as "pro-active" isn't an oxy-moron, I don't know what is.  Some of her best proactive moments start with her fiscal responsibility.

1. Gifted & Talented - Where has the $$ gone?
2. 2006 Summer Camp Consolidation Fails to Save $$ ?
3. Superintendent & Board of Education Turn their Backs on Parents
4. Current Fiscal State

Is Superintendent Wilkinson Proactive?
Maybe a trip to the dictionary will help Superintendent Wilkinson understand what "proactive" means. Once she understands the definition she can truly become proactive.  Hopefully she'll wipe the dust off her dictionary. You have to wonder, can the school district survive may more of her "proactive" decisions?  Or is her inaction a symptom of something else? ... Read Entire Post >>

Isn't it ironic that in response to an reported incident about a school official, School Board President Greg Cwayna made the statements ... Read Entire Post >>

Clarifications: In the below article our choice of words made it appear that a particular candidate was personally invited to participate at a school event. This is not true. The candidate volunteered to work at the event and was never solicited. We apologize to Kailee Zehrung, the organizer of the event, for our mistake.

The point is not who the candidate was, nor was it how the candidate went to the event. The point is that the school district's stated policy is that they will not allow any candidate to participate at any school function since it could be taken as an implied endorsement of that candidate by the school district.

It is against state law for school administration or the school board to endorse any candidate. Yet a candidate was allowed ... Read Entire Post >>

Initially the school board candidates seemed like a fresh start. We didn’t know any of them personally. It seemed that each would bring a fresh perspective to the school board. We planned on sitting back, watching the campaigning and election with no bias, good or bad, towards any candidate. While we had met and talked with each candidate individually, we only shared our opinions with a few close friends. Each candidate shared with us their opinions and visions for the district's future. All of the candidates were very accommodating and candid. Only if life could only be that simple.

Due to the unfortunate recent events, we feel it is time to step in. While we respect every candidate for throwing their hat into the ring we feel that one candidate has distanced themselves from the others, Gerald Buckles. We feel that he is the right candidate for the district. ... Read Entire Post >>

While the scholastic part of our children’s education needs to be funded first, reviewing sports funding and understanding it is essential to understanding the whole picture. Sports Funding is essentially broken up into 5 areas:

1. Funds from School
2. Fundraising
3. Booster Clubs
4. Gate & Concessions
5. Parents

• Does Deer Creek adequately fund all programs offered to the students?
• Are all of activities necessary for the student education?
• Why are some extra-curricular activities such as sports include in the daily class schedule but others are not?

Todays article will address the funding of the curriculum by the administration and school board. It is important to know that the school's budget is developed by the Superintendent and approved by the school board.

So What is the Problem?
It is not ... Read the Entire Hot Topic>>

Parent Post: It is also banned from the operations center.

Our Reply: Thanks. They obviously still read it since the Administration feels the need to respond to posts on the website at school meetings and events. You know the website started because of a lack of communication by the administration and school board with the patrons. If they wanted the website to go away all they would have to do is start communicating and communicate honestly with the patrons. At that point there wouldn’t be a need for the DCS Post. It may be they been they been talking out of both sides of the mouth for so long they cannot do it any other way. Again thanks for the publicity ... Read Entire Post >>

Parent Post: An excerpt from a previous post, "Deer Creek High School, the Forgotten School, ...we feel the High School has been neglected for far too long" FYI: The Deer Creek High School received the super grant offered by the foundation last year. This will make two years in a row that the high school has been granted a large sum of money. I do not see how they should be seen as "Forgotten".

Our Reply: One of the main points in the “Forgotten School” article compared where the High School stood with the technology found in the other schools. Our kids are fortunate to have the exposure to technology on the lower levels but it will all be for naught if it isn’t in the high school. We commend the DCSF's ... Read Entire Post >>

• The school board would be open to communicate with the patrons who voted them into office.
• To have ample time to present school related concerns to the board.
• When soliciting patrons to be on committees, that the board will follow through on the long range plans resulting from those committees.

People’s actions will tell you what is important to them. Does the school board feel they are representatives of the parents who voted them in?

• They make it difficult if not impossible to speak to a topic at board meetings.
• They do not act on committee recommendations.
• Commonly enough they only act when on a concern when parents are forces to band to together and the actions are minimal at best.

... Part III of the School Board series >>

September 11, 2006

Over the last week, we have received numerous e-mails in regards to the fundraising at the different schools. We start by reviewing what each elementary school is asking for to run their schools.

Deer Creek Elementary is asking for ~$150/student with a total target of $50,000. As of today there has been no itemized report.

Prairie Vale Elementary is asking for ~$125/student with a total target of $60,000. As of today there has been no itemized report.

Rose Union Elementary is asking for ~$125/student with a total target of $50,000. Principal Riggs itemized her request and gave it to the Parents of her school. She is asking for $20,000 for playground equipment and $30,000 for general needs which were itemized out and share with the parents.

Now why is it ... Read the Entire Hot Topic>>

March 24, 2008

Parent Post 1: Shouldn't the post about the slapping be "allegedly slapped"?  I'm not saying something didn't happen, but what ever happened to "presumed innocent until ... Read Entire Post >>

Parent Post 1: The abuse and mistreatment of special needs children will continue and be covered up as long as people like Danny Barnes and Shelley Denton are elected to the school board.  I know for a fact that ... Read Entire Post >>

Parent Post 1: We agree with both posts.  Let’s wait till the outcome to judge guilt or innocence and let’s create the change necessary to do what is right for the district. ... Read Entire Post >>

February 6, 2008

Parent Post 1: Very interesting information on the Remediation Rates.  Here are a couple of additional points: 

This report is based on freshman entering the Fall of 2005.  So the DCHS SR Class of '05.  I only mention this because we may be in for these types of reports for the next couple of years no matter what happens with the school board today.  The trend is clear though.

The other thing I noticed is how we compare to area schools.  Here are a few examples: ... Read Entire Post >>

Parent Post 2: Remediation rates.  Looks like to me we need to replace all of our High School math teachers.  Which one should go first?  Tony and blog moderator, is the collateral damage worth it?  All is see is a remedy to curtail the growth by highlighting our shortcomings.  Did anyone ... Read Entire Post >>

Our Reply: To Parent Post 2 did you see the same rates as Parent 1?  As for your suggestion of firing the teachers in the high school, it just shows your short-sighted approach to the issues.  The problem begins in the elementary schools and goes all the way through to high school.  The ... Read Entire Post >>

December 10 , 2007

Parent Post: To clear the confusion of whether or not the Deer Creek School District has to keep track of professional development hours the State Accreditation Standard 210:20-19-3 section (b) states: The local professional development committee shall ... Read Entire Post >>

Our Reply: See the Oklahoman Sunday December 8, 2007 Article about the Tim Draper issue ... Read Entire Post >>

June 22, 2007

Parent Post: All Deer Creek Elementary parents need to wake up and realize what is going on within the school system. Families who have built custom homes in the area and are now trying to sell them in order to get out of this school district because ... Read Entire Post >>

Dear Families,

I want to update you on how the district will be honoring Mr. Miles Jenkins. One of the High School history teachers (Mr. Willie) had a wonderful suggestion to set up a history scholarhip in Mr. Jenkin's name. Mrs. Jenkins has given us her support and she was very touched by this opportunity for all of us to say "thank you" for 33 wonderful years. So, in lieu of flowers ... Read Entire Post >>

March 28, 2007

Startling issues surfaced with a closer look into the matter of the board deciding not to meet with the Prairie Vale patrons. 

1. Who on the board voted not to meet with the patrons?
2. Did the board violate the Open Meetings Act by their actions in the matter.
3. What board members participated in the voting?
4. Will the Superintendent put the topic of the meeting on the agenda at the next board meeting?

February 13, 2007

Parent Post 1: Two questions come to mind after reading Mrs. Zehrung's reply: 1) How many parents who have never had nor currently have children at PV volunteered to help? 2) If the flyers were sent with students and staff and placed in the lobby, how did Mr. Robertson ... Read Entire Parent Post >>

Parent Post 2: Kailee Zehrung is an extraordinary volunteer and supporter of PV School. She is highly dedicated and all know that should the need arise, Kailee will take charge and do an outstanding job. Kailee should not take this post personally, but she has a sense of integrity which seems to be rare these days. I understand and applaud her for her hard work and find no fault with her. The fact remains that someone either asked Mr. Robertson to place himself in a prominently visible position or ... Read Entire Parent Post >>

Parent Post 3: t concerns me greatly that a lawyer - who supposedly knows the law and had harped in his campaign how his knowledge will help the board was involved in a situation that could be perceived as violating state law! I believe the 3 other candidates should band together and have him removed from the race! We need no more unethical decisions! The reason we need a fresh face outside of the "clique" is because of instances just like this.........thanks Mr. Robertson for proving the other 3 candidates points and for providing icing on the cake to the sincere need for administration that is worthy of their job - can we ... Read Entire Parent Post >>

The school board tonight is renewing contracts, one of which is for Michelle Anderson.

If you ever wanted to voice you opinion, now is the time. Come to the school board meeting.

School Board Meeting
DATE:    February 12, 2007  
TIME:     6:00 PM
PLACE: Deer Creek Elementary Library
See AGENDA >>

Initially the school board candidates seemed like a fresh start. We didn’t know any of them personally. It seemed that each would bring a fresh perspective to the school board. We planned on sitting back, watching the campaigning and election with no bias, good or bad, towards any candidate. While we had met and talked with each candidate individually, we only shared our opinions with a few close friends. Each candidate shared with us their opinions and visions for the district's future. All of the candidates were very accommodating and candid. Only if life could only be that simple.

Due to the unfortunate recent events, we feel it is time to step in. While we respect every candidate for throwing their hat into the ring we feel that one candidate has distanced themselves from the others, Gerald Buckles. We feel that he is the right candidate for the district. ... Read Entire Post >>

October 20, 2006

2006-2007 saw major bus route shifts. Some buses became over crowded while others had extra seats. Some routes became longer, while others did not. Did you know there is a brand new computer software that plotted the routes?

Computer software is only as good as the data put into it and the person who operates it. Adjust the data (or the operator) and huge changes can be made. The transportation department recently went through a personnel change. Hopefully the school will take this opportunity to reevaluate, adjust and improve. That is if they can admit something is wrong with the current process ... Read Entire Post >>

• What the Patrons Do?
• What is the School Activity Fund?
• What is off the Radar?
• Where do we go from here?

...Read Entire Post >>

Tell them what you think. Whether you agree or disagree with them, contact them and let them know how you feel. Think again if ...

Evaluate the current school board members. Do they bring a mixture of specialties to the table or do they lack certain skill sets? For any board to be effective, it needs to be made up of ...

Vote in the upcoming board elections. The best way to tell the district how you feel is by voting. Remember to ... Part IV of the School Board series >>

The school district was presented with a situation that could possibly have been deemed unethical and maybe even illegal. Board Response: A board member stated that the school district would not investigate anonymous complaints.

Children with a D average must get tutoring or have the grade automatically become an F. Board Response: A board member stated that the kids should earn their grade or they wouldn’t be eligible to fight in a war.

A parent brought up concerns about the growth of the school district. Board Response: A board member said "Be happy you are not in a large school because they have gangs."

Remember these responses came ... Part II of the School Board series >>

September 13, 2006

The Deer Creek Community should be commended for its generosity and involvement in the school district. The community has always answered the call when the school district needed help. It is time for the district to stand up and show the same commitment back to the community. Let’s not continue to pretend nothing is wrong just because the district continues its tradition of excellence when it comes to test scores. These test scores are a reflection of the Teachers and Parents commitment to our children’s education. Not the reflection of an efficiently run district. Now that people are starting to question ... Read the Entire Hot Topic>>

September 12, 2006

So we now know how much each school is asking for let’s try and figure out were the money is going. First we need to ask why isn’t the school board funding these items if they are categorized as operating expenses? Secondly if the school board voted last night on the requested budgets, how do the principals know in advance they are going to have a budget shortfall on operating expenses? Lastly, is this money really earmarked for the schools operating expenses? ... Read the Entire Hot Topic>>

Issue: Did a school employee may have used their position to benefit a future family member?

Update: On Monday, we had our follow up meeting with the district about the Principal / PTO issue. PTO Executive President Cindy Dehne, DCSpost.com Representative Rob Talbot, Superintendent Wilkinson and School Board President Greg Cwayna were there. We wanted to look into the issue at hand, what policies were at play and what new policies might be needed. Some very interesting points came up. ... Read entire Parent Post >>

Initially residents will go to school on site. After an evaluation period, White Fields and Deer Creek School will determine if it is appropriate for each child to enter the Deer Creek School System.

Mary Jones, White Field’s Executive Director, recently ... Read Entire Post>>