The hallways of Tahlequah High School are buzzing with energy. Just a few weeks into the new academic year, we are already seeing incredible momentum, from new policies to major milestones that will shape the future of our school.
One of the most noticeable changes this year has been the implementation of our new cell phone policy. I am incredibly proud of how our students have embraced this change. It can be challenging to adapt to new rules, especially when they impact a part of daily life. However, our students have shown remarkable maturity and a willingness to engage more directly with their peers and teachers. We are seeing more face-to-face conversations, more collaborative work in classrooms, and a more focused learning environment. This renewed engagement is exactly what we hoped for, and it is making a real difference in the daily life of our school.
A wonderful and somewhat unexpected benefit of the cell phone policy is the resurgence of our school library. Since the new policy was put in place, students are visiting the library at an unprecedented rate, and the checkout numbers are soaring. We are now averaging a remarkable 166 book checkouts per day!
Beyond the daily life of our campus, our school community recently achieved a monumental victory. The school bond was passed by the citizens of our district, a decision that will have a lasting impact for generations of students to come. This is more than just a vote; it is a profound statement of support for our school and a belief in the potential of our students. The funds from the bond will allow us to make critical repairs and updates to our existing building, ensuring a safe and modern learning environment for everyone. Even more exciting, we will be able to construct a brand-new STEM center and a state-of-the-art football stadium.
As we move deeper into the fall, we have some important dates on the horizon for our students. On October 28, all of our juniors will take the ACT test. This is a key step in their college preparation journey, and we are confident they will rise to the occasion. The very next day, on October 29, our sophomores will take the Pre-ACT. These tests are valuable tools for measuring academic progress and identifying areas for growth, and they are an important part of our school’s commitment to preparing students for their futures.
This year has started with a clear message: our school is a place of growth, community, and opportunity. I am grateful for the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our community. We have an exciting year ahead of us, and I cannot wait to see what else we accomplish together.
Mark Jordan
Tahlequah High School
Principal