The Waynoka school board held its regular monthly meeting Monday. Business to be handled was largely routine.

All members were present, along with Superintendent Scott Cline, Elementary Principal Patricia Burrow, and JH/HS Principal Ronnie Nix.

Finances Slipping

“Expenses are up,” said Superintendent Cline. He said the school is paying $60,000 more on insurance premiums. In addition, a further $$65,000 was spent on increased salaries. Revenue is down on the month and down on the year, mostly due to interest rate movement and the fact that gross production on the year is down. The child nutrition account is in the hole, he said. (For further details on finances, view the video of the meeting at http://www.alvareviewcourier.net.)

Dropout and College Remediation Report

The board listened to a brief presentation of the annual dropout and college remediation report for the 2022-23 school year. Two students were listed as having dropped out. In the remediation report, the school had 18 graduating students total, nine attended college, and of those nine, remediation may be required for two students in English, two in math and two in science. However, all were admitted to area colleges.

What the Students Are Up To

Junior High and High School Principal Nix reported on student activities in the past month.

“The Roborails robotics team, along with their sponsor Mr. Tolson, competed in The Heartland’s Best robotics competition on Saturday, Nov. 4,” Nix said. The team of seventh through 12th graders found success, he said. “These 11 students built and engineered their robot that qualified for the semi-final round. They also received fourth place for BEST robot, and most photogenic robot, and Mr. Tolson was awarded Coach of the Year.”

Mrs. Pitts and the FCCLA had its annual Waynoka Food Bank Scavenger Hunt and Halloween Party on Oct. 17. “Fifteen students divided into teams with parent drivers to gather over 1,000 canned food items and $120 in donations,” said Nix. “These proceeds will go toward the food bank to help with Christmas dinners for people in the community.”

Football wrapped up their regular season with a win against Tyrone. They played Mountain View-Gotebo Friday night and defeated them to advance to the second round of playoffs. They will travel to Thackerville Friday night with the kickoff at 7 p.m.

Junior high basketball started their season at the Cherokee tournament this past week. Both the boys and the girls played extremely well. They will travel to Taloga Tuesday night and play after the fifth and sixth graders.

“The FFA chapter has been busy since returning from the Tulsa State Fair,” said Nix. Twelve students traveled to compete in the regional greenhand contest. The two teams competed in opening and closing ceremonies and placed fifth and sixth overall. They also had their chapter meeting and Halloween party with 24 students participating in a pumpkin carving contest. “They wrapped the night with a hot dog feed and smores,” Nix said.

During Red Ribbon week, Mrs. Cline and Officer Robinson had two different demonstrations about impaired driving and seat belt safety for the students. The OKC Sheriff’s Department had a roll over simulator and let the students drive a golf cart through an obstacle course with impaired goggles on. On Friday afternoon, Officer Robinson set up a DUI scene with seniors acting in a two-car accident. “The students and the principal would like to thank all the Waynoka first responders, fire department, OHP, and the Woodward Medi-flight team for making the skit look lifelike,” Nix said.

“Congratulations to Mrs. Nix and her Academic Team consisting of Danyle Cato, Rainy Hayes, Adrianna Delgado, Karle Myers, Thomas Mathis and Stetson Nix for placing third in the regional tournament,” he said. They will advance to the area tournament Jan. 13.

“The Veterans Day Program was “once again a huge success. Thank you to Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Hope and Mrs. Hill and all the teachers who worked extremely hard on the program. The students all performed and spoke very well. Also, thank you to Mrs. Pitts and the FCCLA for preparing lunch and to the students who helped serve our veterans after the program,” Nix said.

In the elementary school, October was a great month with many fun events, said Principal Burrow. “Our Word of the Month for October was Empathy,” she said.

Pre-K and K students were taken on a field trip to the Menagerie in Alva. “Many parents came and volunteered to help there. It was an awesome day with an extra special group that has top notch teachers,” she said. Mini Cheer performed on Oct. 20 and “did an amazing job.”

Red Ribbon Week was observed Oct. 30 and 31. The students dressed up and learned important information about healthy choices and their bright futures, she said.

“The Spook Parade was successful because of the participation and investment of our local businesses and residents. What an outstanding community we have!” Burrows said.

In October, 67 elementary students earned a spot in the RAIL Club. RAIL stands for Respect, Attendance, Integrity and Leadership. To make the Rail Club, students must have perfect attendance and not have any behavior issues during the month.

“Our Veterans Day program was held on Nov. 10 in the MPB. Our students and teachers gave an excellent tribute to our veterans,” she said.

This Thursday, pre-K through sixth grade will attend the annual NWOSU play, “School House Rock Jr.” This is the 50th anniversary of the play. Admission is $2 for any parent wanting to meet the group there and watch the play.

The sixth grade will visit Northwest Career Tech in Alva for a Career Fair on Friday, Nov. 16.

Last Tuesday was the school’s first home basketball game against Buffalo. The Cherokee Tournament started Monday and then will continue Thursday and Saturday. Tuesday, the teams will play in Taloga. In October, our fifth and sixth graders played in the Mooreland Basketball Tournament, where the boys won consolation.

Our elementary Railroaders of the Week for October were Emrie Kraft, Reese States, Bobbie Laney, Nico Terry, Addley Hanson, Tex Nickelson, Thalia Ibarra and Jay Beck.

For Thanksgiving Break, school will be out Nov. 20-26.

Other Board Business

The board approved the following new member of the board of the Oklahoma Public School Investment Interlocal Cooperative (55K001): Roger Adair (executive director of Oklahoma Association of School Business Officials, a 2024-28 term.

The board, after discussion, approved a $1,800 professional development training stiped for certified and support personnel.

The grade school vocal music department requested a fundraiser, and the board approved it.

A declaration of surplus property was also approved.

The board approved the consent agenda, consisting of minutes of previous meetings; reports on the general, building, bond and activity funds; encumbrances for the general, building, and bond funds; and change orders.