Students present tobacco-free program

Pryor Junior High students are working against tobacco use.

The first reading of a smoke-free and tobacco-free policy was conducted Monday in the monthly Pryor school board meeting. A junior high student group, Students Working Against Tobacco, submitted the policy.

The policy is part of Pryor Schools’ drive to provide a healthier and safer environment at school facilities. Superintendent Don Raleigh said tobacco use is prohibited in all school buildings, but is not prohibited at the athletic fields and the Burdick Center parking lot.

If accepted, the policy will prohibit employees from using tobacco in public or in view of students while they are participating in a class or school activity. Tobacco advertising will not be allowed, including emblems on gear or clothing. Tobacco use includes smoking, chewing or dipping.

Any action on the policy will be conducted in a later board meeting.

The board hired Sandra Dunning as a grant evaluator for the Carol M. White physical education grant program. She will be the evaluator for the duration of the $1 million grant. The grant will be awarded in segments over the next three years.

P.J. Parsons is resigning effective Dec. 20. Parsons, a learning disabilities teacher at Lincoln Elementary, has been employed with the district since 2007.

The interior of the Burdick Center is being repainted. Raleigh said most of the foyer, bathrooms, concession stand and homeside dressing rooms are complete.

Raleigh said the district is planning open house at the high school on Jan. 16, during staff development day.

The following students were selected to their respective All-State Choirs:

Chelsea Arnold, Jordan Bryant, Truett Bryant (alternate), Bethany Reyes, Rachelle Ritter, Charley Shaffer, Michaela Sims. Jordan Bryant has been selected to the All-State Choir for three consecutive years.

Raleigh recognized Joe Hardin and the alternate education students. They have been working with social worker Paula Kennedy and the high school leadership students to create a clothing bank.

The clothing bank “has already benefited many famililes,” Raleigh said. “They have done a great job and put in a lot of hard work. They are making a positive impact on our community.”