Email: Sherry.Durkee@Sandites.org

Mailing Address: 11 W. Broadway, Sand Springs, OK 74063

It is my pleasure to welcome you back for the new school year at Sand Springs Public Schools. Whether you are a returning family or new to our district, I am eager to start another year of learning, growth, and success with you.

Before we begin the new year, let’s take a look back at some of the great things that happened in the 2023-24 school year.

On February 13, 2024, Sand Springs voters passed the Future-Ready Sandites bond propositions 1 and 2 with 87% approval. Thanks to voters like you, our district will see major changes in the coming years, including a new building for 7th and 8th grade students, a new ADA entrance at Central Administrative Services, a new press box at memorial stadium, and MUCH more.

Students at Charles Page High School earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. Gracey Massey and Miriam Wilbanks earned the National Indigenous Award, and Davien Peyketewa earned the National African American Recognition Award. These programs celebrate students' hard work in high school and showcase their strong academic performance. Honorees demonstrated exceptional academic achievement through their grade point average, PSAT, and/or AP exams.

In October 2023, CPHS Drama won the OSSAA 6A Regional One-Act Play Contest! Directed by teacher Andrea Campfield, these thespians performed “The Insanity of Mary Girard” by Lanie Robinson. Students were judged on criteria including believability, creativity, vocal expression, and set design. In addition to their overall win, students Avery Miller, Shawnna Davis, and Reese Wood earned All-Star Recognitions.

CPHS Engineering teacher Jessica Sprague earned national recognition from PLTW. The award recognizes educators who demonstrate a strong record of delivering an inspiring and empowering student experience, while expanding access to PLTW programs and transforming teaching. She is one of only 38 teachers in the United States to earn the 2023-24 Outstanding PLTW Teacher Award.

The Charles Page High School Varsity Baseball Team played an outstanding season during the 2023-24 school year. This spring, the team won their first regional championship since 2011. They also competed in the 6A state finals for the first time since 1978.

The Sand Springs Education Foundation distributed 48 grants totaling nearly $80,000 to Sand Springs teachers. These grants will support projects involving art, literature, science, physical education, and MUCH more.

Students at CPHS/FA will notice some new faces– as well as some familiar ones– leading the way this year! Congratulations to these Sandites on their new roles:

• Ryan Bivin, CPHS Principal

• Matt Brown, CPHS Assistant Principal

• Kristen Simpson, CPHS Assistant Principal

• Ashley Canterbury, CPFA Assistant Principal

Thanks to Sand Springs voters, you will see a lot of improvements around our district in the years to come! Work began over the summer on a new bus oval at Clyde Boyd Middle School, as well as a Central Administrative Services entrance and community plaza. The entrance/plaza project is funded by both the Future-Ready Sandites bond and the City of Sand Springs 2022 GO Bond. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for bond project updates

I am honored to be part of a community that works together for a brighter future. When Sandites stand together, there’s nothing we can’t do. Thank you for joining us on this adventure in the new school year, and GO SANDITES!

Sherry Durkee
Superintendent
Sand Springs Public Schools