SPS welcomes new 2023-24 teachers and staff
Posted on 08/11/2023
(SPS) -- Sapulpa Public Schools welcomed 81 new teachers, administrators and staff members to the district for the 2023-24 school year, including nearly 50 new teachers. 

New Teacher Orientation took place August 7. The three-day orientation features a walk-through of the learning management system, Google Suite, Chromebooks, and much more as the new staff members prepared for their new classes.

Sapulpa Public Schools added several brand new positions including two additional safety and security officers, Mark Stewart and Steve Thompson, who will provide additional campus security at school sites. They will join Director of Safety and Security Glenn Coffey and School Resource Officer Kayla Martin in ensuring safety across the district. In addition, bus drivers will provide security monitoring at school sites between routes.

Sapulpa Public Schools also welcomes Mindy Englett as Director of Educational Pathways. Englett, who previously served as superintendent of Avant Public Schools, is leading the district's new pathways program which will be built over the next to years to allow students to customize their individual educational journey. The pathways program, in cooperation with Central Tech, TCC and other educational partners, will include multi-year programs of academic and career tech studies to prepare students for a full range of options within specific career clusters. The program is funded through a generous donation from the Make Sense Foundation.

Lacie Butler-Wetherell joins Sapulpa High School as an agriculture sciences teacher. That program, now comprising a team of three teachers, continues to expand, offering more opportunities for students.

All teachers reported back on Thursday, August 10. During a fun-filled, carnival-themed Welcome Back Assembly entitled "The Greatest Show on Earth," teachers, administrators and support staff members enjoyed music, team building, treats and magic ticket surprises. They heard a summary of the 2023 Chieftain Stronger bond proposal. The election will be held September 12. Following the assembly, teachers received classroom supplies and important information from our community partners, including TTCU, American Heritage Bank, First United Bank, American Tees and Sugar Llamas. TTCU Federal Credit Union presented a $6,000 School Pride donation raised through the TTCU School Pride debit card. 

We welcome our new staff members to the Chieftain family!