There is something incredibly impactful about seeing learning come to life in small groups!
During Dr. Butterfield's site visit at Northwest Elementary, we visited Mrs. Smith’s classroom, where evidence-based instructional strategies guided small group learning, helping students build strong foundational skills and grow with confidence. Across the district, more than 90 teachers have been trained in Orton-Gillingham strategies aligned to the Science of Reading, strengthening how we support literacy development. Then we stopped by Ms. Waldrop’s classroom, where morning meetings created an engaging start to the day, giving students opportunities to practice phonics, counting, and leadership skills through music, movement, singing, and meaningful connection. These classroom moments highlight the intentional instruction and student growth happening across the district every day! Thanks for the great visit, NWE!
During Dr. Butterfield's site visit at Northwest Elementary, we visited Mrs. Smith’s classroom, where evidence-based instructional strategies guided small group learning, helping students build strong foundational skills and grow with confidence. Across the district, more than 90 teachers have been trained in Orton-Gillingham strategies aligned to the Science of Reading, strengthening how we support literacy development. Then we stopped by Ms. Waldrop’s classroom, where morning meetings created an engaging start to the day, giving students opportunities to practice phonics, counting, and leadership skills through music, movement, singing, and meaningful connection. These classroom moments highlight the intentional instruction and student growth happening across the district every day! Thanks for the great visit, NWE!
These seniors truly represent the spirit of a Trojan. They excel in the classroom, stay active in school programs, and make a positive impact in their community. As finalists for the distinguished Mr. & Miss JHS honor, they reflect not only the Class of 2026, but also a promising future of leadership, innovation, and civic responsibility. Congratulations to these 10 seniors on earning this recognition!
Join us on Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. in the Building 6 Auditorium for the 2026 Mr. and Miss JHS ceremony. Seating is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
To learn more about each finalists, click here: https://www.jenksps.org/article/2122910
Join us on Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. in the Building 6 Auditorium for the 2026 Mr. and Miss JHS ceremony. Seating is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
To learn more about each finalists, click here: https://www.jenksps.org/article/2122910
“Each and every day for each and every child.” The phrase perfectly summarizes the heart Macy Worley has for the powerful work she does in her classroom.
Today, the Trojan RISE teacher at Jenks West Elementary was honored with the title of 2025-26 JPS District Teacher of the Year via a surprise presentation from Dr. Butterfield.
In her 10th year at JPS, Mrs. Worley was instrumental in creating the RISE (Respect, Individual Growth, Skill Development, and Empowerment) program which is now part of the behavior intervention strategy at all JPS elementary sites. Working with Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade students, Mrs. Worley uses play and research-based techniques to develop skills, enhance communication, and prepare students to advocate for themselves. Through her kindness, patience, and compassion, students are gaining confidence while learning to navigate the school day and achieve remarkable goals.
“I’m so honored and excited to represent the District I love, as well as our students and our program. I feel so much warmth and love and support in this place. To be able to innovate, share my ideas, and feel this level of validation is so special. I’m so grateful and humbled to receive this award because I could not do any of this without the wonderful people I work with every day.”
Please join us in congratulating Macy Worley, our District Teacher of the Year!
Today, the Trojan RISE teacher at Jenks West Elementary was honored with the title of 2025-26 JPS District Teacher of the Year via a surprise presentation from Dr. Butterfield.
In her 10th year at JPS, Mrs. Worley was instrumental in creating the RISE (Respect, Individual Growth, Skill Development, and Empowerment) program which is now part of the behavior intervention strategy at all JPS elementary sites. Working with Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade students, Mrs. Worley uses play and research-based techniques to develop skills, enhance communication, and prepare students to advocate for themselves. Through her kindness, patience, and compassion, students are gaining confidence while learning to navigate the school day and achieve remarkable goals.
“I’m so honored and excited to represent the District I love, as well as our students and our program. I feel so much warmth and love and support in this place. To be able to innovate, share my ideas, and feel this level of validation is so special. I’m so grateful and humbled to receive this award because I could not do any of this without the wonderful people I work with every day.”
Please join us in congratulating Macy Worley, our District Teacher of the Year!
April 1 is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, and we want to celebrate all of our incredible JPS Paras!
Paraprofessionals are often the steady presence students count on—offering encouragement, stepping in without hesitation, and helping create classrooms where every student feels supported and valued. JPS Paras build meaningful connections, lift up students and teachers, and bring patience, care, and heart into everything they do.
The impact paraprofessionals make doesn’t always come with recognition, but it is seen and felt in countless ways across our District. Today, we want to thank all JPS Paras for their dedication, compassion, and the difference they make in the lives of our students.
We love our JPS Paras!
Paraprofessionals are often the steady presence students count on—offering encouragement, stepping in without hesitation, and helping create classrooms where every student feels supported and valued. JPS Paras build meaningful connections, lift up students and teachers, and bring patience, care, and heart into everything they do.
The impact paraprofessionals make doesn’t always come with recognition, but it is seen and felt in countless ways across our District. Today, we want to thank all JPS Paras for their dedication, compassion, and the difference they make in the lives of our students.
We love our JPS Paras!
Future healthcare professionals in the making! 🩺
Jenks High School hosted 918 Stretched, a TU Healthcare Career Fair, welcoming 9th graders from across the Tulsa area. Students connected with local healthcare organizations, explored career paths, and gained real-world insight into the medical field. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen!
Jenks High School hosted 918 Stretched, a TU Healthcare Career Fair, welcoming 9th graders from across the Tulsa area. Students connected with local healthcare organizations, explored career paths, and gained real-world insight into the medical field. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen!
Big recognition for three JHS artists!
Jenks High School junior Ryker Sanders and senior Jada Phetsacksith were selected for the 2026 Young Talent in Oklahoma exhibition, chosen from more than 850 entries across the state. The awards ceremony and gallery opening will take place this weekend at OU’s Lightwell Gallery.
Ryker, along with JHS senior Asher Wander, was also selected for the 2026 Oklahoma Education Awards for Arts Excellence. This prestigious honor recognizes not only exceptional artistic talent but also academic achievement and strong character through recommendations. The awards ceremony will be held in April at the Scottish Rite in Guthrie. Congratulations on your incredible achievements, Trojans!
The day is here! Join us this afternoon for the JPS District Job Fair!
Jenks Public Schools is hiring for ALL positions for the 2026–2027 school year. Representatives from every site will be there to meet you and answer your questions.
Bring your resume and stop by from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at the Education Service Center. We’ll see you there!
Jenks Public Schools is hiring for ALL positions for the 2026–2027 school year. Representatives from every site will be there to meet you and answer your questions.
Bring your resume and stop by from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at the Education Service Center. We’ll see you there!
A day at the opera! 🎭🎶
JPS second graders were treated to a special performance of Monkey & Francine in the City of Tigers by Tulsa Opera. It was the perfect interactive experience that brought music and storytelling to life. Thank you to the Jenks Public Schools Foundation for supporting this experience through the Growing Through the Arts initiative!
JPS second graders were treated to a special performance of Monkey & Francine in the City of Tigers by Tulsa Opera. It was the perfect interactive experience that brought music and storytelling to life. Thank you to the Jenks Public Schools Foundation for supporting this experience through the Growing Through the Arts initiative!
Over spring break, students in the International Scholars Program at Jenks High School traveled to Iceland to expand their global learning. Throughout the trip, students explored glaciers, went whale watching, and engaged with Icelandic history and culture, gaining a perspective that extends well beyond the classroom. Check out some highlights from their unforgettable adventure! ✈️🇮🇸
A day of inclusion, leadership, and Trojan connection at the St. John Ascension SportPlex!
Earlier this week, students from Jenks Northwest Young Athletes, the Special Olympics team, Project Unify, and Jenks High School joined together for this special event, bringing students from all grades together to connect and learn from one another. Students also got an exciting visit from FC Tulsa players, who met with students, signed autographs, and made the event even more memorable!
Earlier this week, students from Jenks Northwest Young Athletes, the Special Olympics team, Project Unify, and Jenks High School joined together for this special event, bringing students from all grades together to connect and learn from one another. Students also got an exciting visit from FC Tulsa players, who met with students, signed autographs, and made the event even more memorable!
Congrats to these sensational students from the Jenks High School Theatre program for earning superior ratings at the Oklahoma Thespian Festival in the areas of group scenes, duets scene, and make up design. One student—Gwendolyn Varnell—captured Best in Show in the category of stage management for "The Crucible." Several of these students will compete at the national level at the University of Indiana in June. Proud of you, Trojans!
March Madness started early at Jenks Middle School! 🏀
JMS Student Council hosted the annual Teacher vs. 8th Grade Basketball Teams game, and it was a battle until the final buzzer. Teachers got the W and some serious bragging rights. Good game, Trojans!
JMS Student Council hosted the annual Teacher vs. 8th Grade Basketball Teams game, and it was a battle until the final buzzer. Teachers got the W and some serious bragging rights. Good game, Trojans!
Dr. Butterfield got a front-row seat to the creativity and collaboration happening at Jenks Southeast Elementary! 🎨🎵
First stop: Ms. Faber’s incredible music class! Kindergarteners and 2nd graders teamed up for a play-long experience, bringing stories to life with instruments. They drummed, shook maracas, and tapped xylophones along to books Rumble in the Jungle and A Frog in the Bog. It was a perfect mix of music, collaboration, and storytelling! Next, we explored art, where students were crafting colorful circle weavings, and 4th graders transformed wire hangers, buttons, fabric, yarn, and plastic into one-of-a-kind Scrappy Sculptures. Thanks for the great visit, JSE!
First stop: Ms. Faber’s incredible music class! Kindergarteners and 2nd graders teamed up for a play-long experience, bringing stories to life with instruments. They drummed, shook maracas, and tapped xylophones along to books Rumble in the Jungle and A Frog in the Bog. It was a perfect mix of music, collaboration, and storytelling! Next, we explored art, where students were crafting colorful circle weavings, and 4th graders transformed wire hangers, buttons, fabric, yarn, and plastic into one-of-a-kind Scrappy Sculptures. Thanks for the great visit, JSE!
The Jenks Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve Thursday, May 21 as the last day of school for the 2025-26 school year.
JPS used four (4) weather days (January 26-29), and those days must be made up at the end of the school year. The last day of school is moved from May 15 to May 21.
View the updated 2025-26 calendar:
https://www.jenksps.org/o/jenksps/page/jps-calendars
JPS used four (4) weather days (January 26-29), and those days must be made up at the end of the school year. The last day of school is moved from May 15 to May 21.
View the updated 2025-26 calendar:
https://www.jenksps.org/o/jenksps/page/jps-calendars
Behind every successful school day is a team of dedicated professionals whose work often happens outside the spotlight but makes all the difference for students, staff, and families. The 2025-26 JPS Classified Employees of the Year represent the very best of this essential workforce. Selected by their school sites and departments, these outstanding individuals are recognized for their exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to supporting the daily operations that help our schools thrive.
We are thrilled to announce the 2025-26 Classified Employees of the Year!
Cathy Miner
Administrative Assistant
East Elementary
Dana Knight
Paraprofessional
Northwest Elementary
Chelsea Tichenor
Teacher Assistant
Southeast Elementary
Albirda Square
Paraprofessional
West Elementary
Lacrisha Denver
Permanent Substitute
East Intermediate
Katelyn Bartha
Paraprofessional
West Intermediate
Bill Tildsley
Site Maintenance
Jenks Middle School
Miranda Garrigus
Site Administrative Assistant
Freshman Academy
Angela Seibal
Administrative Assistant
Jenks High School
Vatsany Norinh
Child Nutrition Worker
Child Nutrition
David Conrad
Revenue and Purchasing Coordinator
Community Education
Jamie Resendiz
District Insurance and Benefits Coordinator
Education Service Center
Bryan Dooley
General Maintenance
Facilities Management
Joshua Simpson
District Police Officer
Jenks Public Schools Police Department
Pamela Higgs
Administrative Assistant
Technology
Missy Gibbs
Bus Driver and Administrative Assistant
Transportation
Matt O'Bannon
Warehouse Delivery
Printing/Warehousing Services
We are thrilled to announce the 2025-26 Classified Employees of the Year!
Cathy Miner
Administrative Assistant
East Elementary
Dana Knight
Paraprofessional
Northwest Elementary
Chelsea Tichenor
Teacher Assistant
Southeast Elementary
Albirda Square
Paraprofessional
West Elementary
Lacrisha Denver
Permanent Substitute
East Intermediate
Katelyn Bartha
Paraprofessional
West Intermediate
Bill Tildsley
Site Maintenance
Jenks Middle School
Miranda Garrigus
Site Administrative Assistant
Freshman Academy
Angela Seibal
Administrative Assistant
Jenks High School
Vatsany Norinh
Child Nutrition Worker
Child Nutrition
David Conrad
Revenue and Purchasing Coordinator
Community Education
Jamie Resendiz
District Insurance and Benefits Coordinator
Education Service Center
Bryan Dooley
General Maintenance
Facilities Management
Joshua Simpson
District Police Officer
Jenks Public Schools Police Department
Pamela Higgs
Administrative Assistant
Technology
Missy Gibbs
Bus Driver and Administrative Assistant
Transportation
Matt O'Bannon
Warehouse Delivery
Printing/Warehousing Services
3️⃣4️⃣ student authors
3️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ word goal
3️⃣0️⃣ days of writing
Jenks West Intermediate students who completed National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) were celebrated this morning! Over the course of 30 days, these students set goals, participated in writing and creativity workshops, and dedicated time at school and home to bring their stories to life. Now they are officially published authors, with their autographed books becoming part of the JWI library collection. Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment, Trojans!
3️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ word goal
3️⃣0️⃣ days of writing
Jenks West Intermediate students who completed National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) were celebrated this morning! Over the course of 30 days, these students set goals, participated in writing and creativity workshops, and dedicated time at school and home to bring their stories to life. Now they are officially published authors, with their autographed books becoming part of the JWI library collection. Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment, Trojans!
You might have seen Taylor Swift, King Tut, Jacqueline Kennedy, and LeBron James visiting Jenks Southeast Elementary today… but it was actually JSE 4th graders! Today, students presented their People of Purpose projects, sharing research on influential figures who have made a difference in the world. Dressed as the people they studied, students brought their learning to life while teaching others about the impact these individuals have made. Great job, Trojans!
Jenks High School STUCO officers and members of Student Body Leadership recently returned from the 2026 LEAD Conference in Washington D.C. where they connected with 2,000+ students from across the country. Through hearing from keynote speakers, attending breakout sessions, and listening to ideas from other schools, these Trojans brought back valuable lessons on shaping school culture and personal growth. The sights from around our nation's capital only added to this incredible experience!
Instruction + Assessment + Collaboration = Impact
Dr. Luis Cruz joined JPS today to guide certified staff through a meaningful day of professional development centered on our District's mission and vision. His leadership reinforced how intentional instruction, aligned assessment, and strong professional learning teams work together to support every student. Thank you, Dr. Cruz, for investing in our educators and our students.
Dr. Luis Cruz joined JPS today to guide certified staff through a meaningful day of professional development centered on our District's mission and vision. His leadership reinforced how intentional instruction, aligned assessment, and strong professional learning teams work together to support every student. Thank you, Dr. Cruz, for investing in our educators and our students.
REMINDER: Tomorrow-Friday, February 27-is a Distance Learning Day for students and a Collaboration Day for staff.
All students will stay home tomorrow to participate in distance learning. There is no in-person instruction tomorrow. Staff members will use this time for collaboration, professional development, and strategizing to support students.
Students in grades Pre-K-2 will bring home assignments today, while students in grades 3-12 will access assignments via Canvas. Watch this video for a full explanation of what to expect on Distance Learning Days at Jenks Public Schools.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9BcJEDqa1M
The remaining Distance Learning Days for 2025-26 are:
Friday, February 27
Friday, April 17
All students will stay home tomorrow to participate in distance learning. There is no in-person instruction tomorrow. Staff members will use this time for collaboration, professional development, and strategizing to support students.
Students in grades Pre-K-2 will bring home assignments today, while students in grades 3-12 will access assignments via Canvas. Watch this video for a full explanation of what to expect on Distance Learning Days at Jenks Public Schools.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9BcJEDqa1M
The remaining Distance Learning Days for 2025-26 are:
Friday, February 27
Friday, April 17
