Owasso board spotlights Hodgson students, honors Indian education team and student leaders
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Summary
At its December meeting the Owasso Public Schools board recognized Hodgson fifth-graders, celebrated a national nod for the district's Indian education/JOM program and honored student leaders including homecoming winners and a student spotlight.
The Owasso Public Schools Board of Education opened its December meeting with student recognitions and program awards, highlighting recent grants, facility additions and student achievements. Principal Dawn Testa introduced Hodgson Elementary fifth-graders Sam Hoekstra and Hazel Fuller and invited the board and audience to the school's new cafetorium and outdoor multipurpose court.
The recognitions underscored district support for classroom and extracurricular programs. Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates told the board the Owasso Education Foundation received 114 grant applications this cycle, awarding grants totaling $78,733 to support teachers and site initiatives. "We really, really appreciate their generosity," Coates said, noting the foundation's volunteer work and fundraising.
The board also recognized an Indian education team for a national nod to a 20-year JOM program in Owasso. A program representative asked the board for continued community support, saying the program's success "begins right here in this room" and thanking community members who have helped over the years.
A short video highlighted the high school's homecoming king and queen, chosen with unified partners; Coates described the selection as "indicative of who we are as Owasso and how we embrace all students." The board then honored student David Morrison and family members and staff characterized his contributions to classroom life. David's father said of his son, "He's just the purest, like most golden soul I know," and staff praised his role as a peer mentor and participant in Special Olympics activities.
The meeting's recognitions were ceremonial; no policy decisions were made during these presentations. The district used these segments to spotlight grant-supported programs, enrichment activities and inclusive student leadership ahead of routine business items.