Video for Campaign

To view video, go to Facebook and do a search for Pam Jarrett.  I made it public.

This was created by grandson Cian.

 

Audience with School Board in November

In an earlier post on this blog, I stated my support for the Bible to be used in the Oklahoma classrooms.  "3) An issue I am especially interested in the restoration of the Bible to the classroom as a source of historical significance in our world and country.  There is so much false information that people quote because they heard it from someone else.  The guidelines for the use of the Bible in classrooms were published by the State Department of Education and are clear how the Bible can be used under the state standards. Period.  

Today I want to let you read my speech during audience time to the Board in November 2024. 

Thank you for giving me time to speak this evening.  I come to express that I am very enthusiastic about the effort of our State Superintendent of the Department of Education to include the Bible in our educational process. 

As most likely the oldest person in the room tonight , I would like to give you a view from the “way back” machine.  When I was a third grader from Illinois in 1957, our class was having a fundraiser.  We were to sell boxes of greeting cards.  If we sold a certain number of boxes, we would get a highly valued prize.  This was something everyone wanted and I worked very hard to earn that prize.  Yes, my prize was my first Bible!  This is the same Bible I carried to Bible College 10 years later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As time has passed I have been saddened to see the attitude toward the Bible to become one of derision and rejection especially in an educational setting.  For the Bible as a foundational text to be restored to its significance in history is a move that should be welcomed. 

You may be aware of the guidelines for instructional use of the Bible in Oklahoma classrooms.  These guidelines cite the areas of study and the educational standards satisfied by each area of study.

Did you know that our state standards call for teaching the world’s five great religions?  I have been told some teachers said they easily taught about four of them but they were reluctant to teach about Christianity due to the current climate.  The guidelines will clarify what exactly could be addressed and free our teachers to do their jobs in this area.

Within the Guidelines, the Legal Considerations are addressed.  It is specifically stated that “Teacher must not promote or favor any religious beliefs, focusing solely on the historical and literary aspects of the Bible. “   That should protect everyone involved.

Lastly I would like to tell you a story.  This is about George Frideric Handel. He was born in the 1700s.  His father discouraged his musical interest but George was captured by the organ, harpsichord and violin.  Once when accompanying his father to the court of Duke Johann Adolf, George wandered  into the chapel, found the organ and started improvising.  The startled Duke exclaimed, “Who is the remarkable child?”

This remarkable child soon began composing operas, first in Italy then in London.  By his 20’s he was the talk of England and the best paid composer on earth.  He opened the Royal Academy of Music.  Londoners fought for seats at his every performance, and his fame soared around the world. 

However, the glory days passed.  He became depressed and it was said that his inspiration was exhausted. 

One morning Handel received by post a manuscript from Charles Jenners.  It was a word-for-word collection of various biblical texts about Christ.

On August 22, 1741 he shut the door of his London home and started composing music for the words.  23 days later, the world had  The Messiah!  Just think of that –writing that had to be done by hand for every part of the orchestra and singers for this in depth piece of musical genius. 

This work, The Messiah, is going to be performed here in Grove this coming Sunday.  If you have the opportunity to attend, I hope you will remember the story behind its writing and how it would go along with the Instructional Support Guidelines for Teachers to include the Bible..

Partially quoted from Then Sings My Soul compiled by Robert J Morgan

 

 

Campaign Flyer

 Here is my new campaign Flyer

If you wish to copy it to give to neighbors and friends who

may want to support me,

please email me at pamsheartart@boltfiber.net

and I can send you the digital file.

I have been attending the School Board Meetings to keep up on the issues and doing research on them whenever needed.  It is important that the community stay informed.

Campaign Motto Revealed

Today I am happy to reveal my new 

motto

Grove's Grandma with Grit

My 22 year old grandson calls me "Triple G!"

True I am a Grandma (to 19) and I do not mind tackling the tough issues and speaking up about them.  

I think my age is an advantage.  I can represent those of us who are older, who are interested in the education of our kids, (27 years experience in public school classrooms with kids), and want our tax money to go towards good things for the children of our community. 

Won't you support me with your vote on February 11?

Scroll down on my blog to see the sample ballot.  You may have to click on "Older posts" at the bottom.

Photo credit goes to

Pam Jarrett for School Board --Phone Policy

 REMINDER--Voting is Tuesday, February 11

 Today I am delighted to let you know about the cell phone policy

adopted for the current school year.

Reading from the policy: "Students may possess cellular phones; however, any student having a cell phone/PED must keep the device turned off and not visible during the time the student arrives on campus until the student leaves campus.  Devices must remain off and stored in a locked locker or backpack where it is not visible.

This policy is in effect from the time a student arrives at school until the completion of the instructional day.

No Cell Phone Policy Observations

-Increased conversations in classes.

-Students stay on task for longer periods of time in classes.

-The volume in the cafeteria at lunch is increased with students visiting with each other rather than looking at a screen.

_We have less instances of bullying and recording things in the building.

-Students seem to be more "in the present" rather than waiting for the teacher to finish the lesson, so they can get on the phone.

-Students are not looking down at their screens while walking to classes and have increased interaction with each other.

-Reduced stress due to avoiding the constant connectivity that social media has.

-Students can absorb information easier due to being able to focus.

These are the most common observations that have either been reported to me or that I have noticed at Grove High School.  I hope they help give you a better perspective of our positive change. 

Mr Bobby Kreutz, GHS Principal

That is what I call GREAT NEWS!

-

Pam Jarrett for School Board--From the Jan 2025 Board Meeting

 Board Meeting News 

From the January 14th meeting

I have been attending Board Meetings to take notes, sometimes speak and thinking how I would vote on issues that come up for a vote.  These are things of interest from the last meeting:

1. It was Board Appreciation Month.  Board Members were given a gift and notes from children in the school district.

2. The report from the Superintendent included news that the new digital signs had been funded by a contribution from Grace Presbyterian Church.

3. There are increasing college readiness visits .  The Gear Up program is now available for Grove Schools. (See information below.)

4. Two Board Members have been screening applications for a new football coach.

5. Brightwell was unable to come to the meeting as planned with the presentation by them to come in February's meeting.  Solar Energy is now being considered as a possibility for the HS as well as Lower elementary and Middle School buildings.

6. Professional Development Day for teachers was on January 7th.  MLK Day is on the 20th.

7.  Superintendent Dodson will be be in OKC for conference next week.

8. 2 Resignations.

9. Thank you to The Church on the Hill for $2500 donation to help cover unpaid lunch charges .

10. An agreement with Northeastern State University Teacher Education Program was approved.

11. During Executive Session they voted to employ a named Computer Technician.

12.  During Executive Session it was voted to amend Superintendent Dodson's contract to add $20,000 to his base salary. 

 

Remember to Vote February 11th!

To see all posts beginning

December 10 scroll down to 

"Older Posts" at the bottom.

 

Pam Jarrett for Grove School Board --Helping with Campaign

Time is fast approaching the voting day!

If you have read my blog here starting on December 10, 2024

you will have seen posts about:

12/10  My Background

12/11 My "Why"

12/21 How to Access the Schools' Report Card from the state

1/4 Clarification on Who May Vote

1/8 Sample Ballot

1/9 1776 Project Fits My Goals

1/10  Possible Solar Project for Grove Schools

1/15  Reading is Key For Success with a link to the Ben Carson story movie , Gifted Hands

1/17 Public Appearance

1/19 Information about Solar Panels

 If you would like to help my campaign, you may print off copies of this post or share it electronically with family and friends encouraging them to read my blog.  If you would like an actual card, you may email me at 

pamsheartart@boltfiber.net 

and I will get the cards to you.

Thank you so much, folks.  I have heard from several with concerns about issues that need attention and I appreciate that.

VOTE on February 11! 

https://pam-jarrett.blogspot.com 

 

To find some of the earlier posts,  ( Dec 10 My Background, etc)  scroll down and click on “Older posts”

 

 

 

 

Pam Jarrett for Grove School Board--Information about Solar Panels

One question I had about the Solar Panels 

 which may be put on our school buildings is where the panels 

would be manufactured.  I found this article as I inquired if solar panels are manufactured in USA. 

https://www.energysage.com/solar/u-s-solar-panel-manufacturers-list-american-made-solar-panels/#who-are-americas-top-solar-manufacturers 

At the board meeting last Tuesday night, it was stated that the solar panels may be considered for a third building now. 

A school board is responsible for setting educational policies, overseeing the school district's budget, and hiring the superintendent to manage the schools. They represent the community's interests and ensure that the educational needs of students are met.

 I want our School Board to thoughtfully consider all sides of an issue as we consider how to spend taxpayer money.  This is the reason for posting articles about the solar panels.