Supporting our students through their education is something that we all take seriously. In an increasingly more difficult world, it can feel overwhelming to balance all the aspects of our lives. So when we send our students to school, we expect them to be safe, supported and successful. Having a student who feels supported through their academic career, and to ensure success after graduation, takes teamwork. Parentschool relationships, community partnerships and security are vital to ensuring a successful academic career for any student.

Sequoyah County schools take pride in their students and do everything possible to ensure success. By utiliz- ing modern curriculum, establishing quality enrichment programs and infrastructure improvements, local students have the opportunity to thrive within our area districts.

To provide enhanced school security, the Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s Office (SCSO) is working with districts by training faculty, establishing positive schoollaw enforcement relationships, and working with the community. As threats to safety grow around the world, SCSO is working to install School Resource Officers into school; further enhancing the well-being of our students.

As students make their way back to schools for the 202324 school year, here are some things that local districts are doing to support our students, and to help each child be successful: Liberty

Liberty School Superintendent Chris Michael said Liberty teachers, staff, students, and parents are committed to working cooperatively to create a safe, secure, and nurturing environment.

“And we want the environment that promotes the highest level of academic achievement and character development, while empowering the community and meeting the diverse needs of all their learners,” Michael said. Michael said upcoming dates to remember are: Aug. 11, 9 to 11 a.m. and 12 to 2 p.m., Pre-K Meet & Greet, and Aug. 14, Pre-K first day of school.

Muldrow

Muldrow Public Schools Superintendent Clifta Fugett said the school continues to work hard to meet the needs of their students through informed staff and programs.

“The district continues to offer programs that will benefit student growth, including a concurrent enrollment program, internship class, and multiple Advanced Placement (AP) classes that will provide students with college credit upon passing the end-of-year AP exam,” Fugett said.

“The district’s broadcasting class is expected to continue to provide students with success through finding new job opportunities and community interaction,” she said. “The class has historically been very successful and has provided many resources for the community as well.”

Fugett said Muldrow now offers a 3-year-old program at the elementary school as an initiative to help students and parents.

“The program has two classes and can accept 40 students into the program,” she said.

School Security

Security continues to be a priority for everyone in our communitywe all want our students to be safe when they are at school. As part of an increased security measure, Sequoyah County schools and the Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s Office are working together to provide School Resource Officers (SROs.)

Administrations from districts have stressed the importance of having these deputies at school sites, not only for the security aspect but also for the community service that an SRO can bring. Some districts within the county have even reallocated funds in order to install an SRO at their sites, while other districts have used funds to hire an additional (second) SRO.

These deputies provide more than security for their schools, according to Undersheriff Charles House.

“SROs work to train staff, teach students and be a positive influence on the student population,” House said. “SRO’s will not enforce school rules and policy, leaving that to the school administration.”

House said SRO’s will step in only if “a criminal offense has been committed – like possession of an illegal substance.”

“Furthermore, SRO’s provide resources to their schools and act as a community liaison, mentor and someone safe that students can talk to, much like they would a counselor,” he said.

House went on to say that all of the SROs are CLEET-certified, and most have been in law enforcement for years.

“These officers have served in other capacities for anywhere between eight to 20 years before becoming a SRO,” House said. And, they understand the important relationship between the deputy and schools.”

House said the Sheriff ’s Office will be responsible for hiring, training, and placing deputies at school sites as SROs.

The REGISTER also reached out to superintendents at Roland, Central, Moffett and Gans Public Schools. They did not return requests for information about the upcoming school year, as of press time.