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MacArthur Middle reports GEAR UP tutoring, career pathways, farm-to-table and extracurricular successes
Summary
McArthur Middle School told the board about GEAR UP-supported after-school tutoring, new pathway and TAP programs, farm-to-table agriculture lessons and extracurricular achievements, including robotics, choir and undefeated girls basketball.
MacArthur Middle School reported a year of expanded academic supports, career-pathway planning and hands-on learning to the Lawton Public Schools Board of Education, highlighting GEAR UP-funded tutoring, a growing pathway program and farm-to-table agricultural instruction.
School leaders said their after-school tutoring runs Monday through Thursday from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.; GEAR UP and K20 funding pays teachers who choose to offer the sessions, enabling extra academic support and supervised time for students whose siblings are in sports or who need after-school care. The report noted algebra classes using tape measures for applied math, biology-style projects such as building cell models and an "eggtastic" activity; staff also described a career-pathways model that will include a new career class for all sixth graders.
MacArthur detailed its farm-to-table program on district land behind the school: students tend chickens, sell eggs and care for small livestock. Staff mentioned two school pigs nicknamed "Bacon Bits" and "Pork Chop" that they said are scheduled to be processed on May 1; presenters acknowledged the sensitivity of that lesson and said they are preparing students for the connection between farm animals and food.
The school also described elective and extracurricular successes: robotics qualified for regionals following a district competition; choir earned a top rating at district contest and won at the Oklahoma Music Festival; girls basketball finished as city champions with an undefeated season; and a new archery program will be available next year, with after-school practice at the high school under the direction of Coach Santos.
Presenters credited career-pathway work, TAP programming, and community partnerships (including donations of trees and program support from the district foundation) for supporting hands-on learning and student engagement.
