The BruinWeekly Email Newsletter

Bartlesville Public School District’s

Volume 5, Number 9...Friday, Oct. 1, 2010...www.bps-ok.org

CHALKBOARD - Continued to Page 11

We’re wrapping up a spe-cial week throughout the Bartles-ville Public School District as our celebration of homecoming

winds down.Home-

coming is always great fun as sev-eral special events are planned, including the parade,

the crowning of homecoming royalty and the big game. This year’s theme for homecoming at

Bruin brilliance is always on

display at homecoming

Dr. Gary W. Quinn

Superintendent’sChalkboard

A library assistant at Bartlesville High School and Central Middle School, Beverly Ballard passed away on Sept. 24

BPSD’s BeverlyBallard passes away

BALLARD - Continued to Page 11

2010 HOMECOMING EDITION

A non-profi t organization which helps students and families in need, the Washington County School Supply Drive has been existence for a decade.

Over that span, while donations of money and school supplies have come

in from a wide array of sources, typical givers are individuals and businesses in and around the Bartlesville area. Thus, in August, as board member Tim Sim-mons went through the post offi ce box for the WCSSD to which donations are often mailed, he was stunned to see a check postmarked from Iraq along with a letter written on stationary from the U.S. Army.

Though a New Jersey native, Sgt. Michael P. Barberi, Jr. was once again giving back to the community that he calls home.

U.S. Army Sgt. Michael P. Barberi (pictured far left) presents a fl ag to offi cials with the Washington County School Supply Drive (from left) Carol Beck, Bob Wesneski, Tim Simmons, Melinda Wesneski, Cindy Dronyk and Marta Manning on Monday afternoon at Outlaws Chophouse.

The giving spiritThough stationed in

Iraq, Sgt. Barberi still fi nds way to assist the Washington County School Supply Drive

BARBERI - Continued to Page 10

District Wordsof the Month:

Service/ CitizenshipOn a monthly

basis, the Bartlesville Public

School District designates a

word (or words) which students and staff mem-

bers are encour-aged to incor-

porate into their respective life-

styles as a habit. The words of the month for Octo-ber are “service” and “citizenship.” “Service” means

“an act of as-sistance or ben-efi t to another or others.” “Citizen-ship” means “the status of a citizen with its attendant duties, rights and privileges.” The BPSD releases

a new habit word (or words) month-

ly from August through May.

The fi rst quar-ter of the 2010-11 academic year is due to conclude on Friday, Oct. 8.

Did You Know?

Photo Special to The BruinThe director of instrumental music for the Bartlesville Public School District, Alex Claussen prepares the Bruin Brigade Marching Band for a performance during Bartlesville High School’s varsity football game at Owasso on Sept. 24.

The Bruin Brigade Marching Band is set to take part in the 2010 Renegade Re-view on Saturday in Tulsa.

The Bruin Brigade is set to perform at 2:45 p.m. in the annual competition, which is expected to feature 19 bands in all from Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri.

The 2010 Renegade Review will take place at Union-Tuttle Stadium on the Tulsa Union High School campus. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for students, and may be purchased at the event. Children ages fi ve and under will be admitted free.

The Bruin Brigade Marching Band features 138 students from the ninth through the 12th grades from Bartlesville High School as well as the Bartlesville Mid-High School. The band is featuring new uniforms this year, made possible by the $29.95 mil-lion school bond issue which area voters

passed in 2007. The Bruin Brigade made its debut in the new uniforms on Sept. 17 at Skiatook.

The Bruin Brigade is scheduled to perform this evening when Bartlesville High School plays host to Ponca City in its homecoming varsity football game at Custer Stadium. The contest is due to kick off at 7:30 p.m.

A decorated band, the Bruin Brigade enjoyed several special accomplishments during the 2009-10 academic year, including a seventh place fi nish in the fi nals of the 2009 Class 6A Oklahoma Bandmasters Associa-tion Marching Band Championship, which took place on Oct. 31 on the University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond.

Those who would like to learn more about the Bruin Brigade Marching Band can go online to www.bruinbrigade.org.

Bruin Brigade to march in Renegade Review competition on Saturday

Photos Special to The BruinSeveral sites within the Bartlesville Public School District received a helping hand from volunteers on Sept. 22 as part of the Bartlesville Regional United Way’s annual Day of Caring effort. Among the schools which benefi tted were Woodrow Wilson and Oak Park elementary schools. At Wilson (pictured above), volunteers coordinated by the United Way painted two offi ces as well as outdoor sidewalk and play areas for the school’s early childhood program. In addition, some volunteers assisted Wilson teachers with special projects. At Oak Park (pictured below), volunteers painted the school gymnasium as well as the main boys and girls restrooms. In addition, the volunteers created an art gallery for students and teachers to admire near the building’s computer lab.

United Way’s day of Caring makes positive impact

October is Down Syn-drome Month, a time during which those throughout the world are encouraged to help raise awareness about the condition.

Those who would like to gain more insight about Down Syndrome are encouraged to visit the National Down Syndrome Congress online at www.ndsccenter.org.

October is Down Syndrome

Awareness Month

The Fourth Estate, Bartles-ville High School’s student newspaper, is now available online in PDF format.

The latest edition – dated Thursday, Sept. 30 – may be accessed by going online to the Bartlesville Public School District’s website at www.bps-ok.org.

Once there, those inter-ested can click on the “News & Events” link along the left side of the home page, then scroll down the “News & Events” page while looking along the right side. The Fourth Estate link can be found under the links for each edition of The Bruin, the BPSD’s weekly email newsletter.

As subsequent issues are released – The Fourth Estate is published monthly – they will be made available online in the same format.

Fourth Estate now available

online

Bartlesville High School will play host to one of eight Class 6A varsity volleyball regional playoff tournaments which will be held throughout the state next week.

The eventual winners of the eight 6A regional playoffs – which will each feature four teams in a single-elimination format – will ad-vance to the state varsity volleyball tournament, which will be held on Oct. 15 (at Shawnee High School) and Oct. 16 (on the Oklahoma Bap-tist University campus).

The Bruins will be the top seed

in their regional, which will include Claremore, Ponca City and Tulsa Memorial as well. The one-day competition is due to take place on Thursday, Oct. 7 in the BHS Field-house on the BHS campus.

Host Bartlesville will open the tournament at 4:30 p.m. against Tulsa Memorial. Next, Claremore will battle Ponca City at 6 p.m. The eventual winners will meet for the regional championship – and a berth in the state tourney – at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices for the regional tournament – which will include

all three matches – will be $5 for adults and students. Children ages four and under will be admitted free of charge. Tickets will be available at the BHS Fieldhouse shortly before and during the tour-nament. Only Oklahoma Second-ary School Activities Association playoff passes – not employee or Gold Key passes – will be accepted for admission.

Those who would like to learn more about the 6A varsity volleyball regional tournament can call the BHS Athletic Offi ce at 337-0153.

Bruins to play host to volleyball playoff next week

Bartlesville High School will play at Tulsa Union next week in a Class 6A varsity softball regional playoff.

Play in the four-team regional – which will feature Putnam City North and Still-water in addition to the host Redskins and the Bruins – is set to begin on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Bartlesville will open against Putnam City North at 2 p.m. in the double-elim-ination competition. With a win, they would advance to the winners bracket fi nals at 6 p.m. while a loss would send them to a losers bracket match-up at 4 p.m.

There will be eight regional playoff tournaments overall in 6A, and the eventual winners will advance to the state tournament which will be held from Oct. 14-16 at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.

BHS set to battle in softball

regional at Tulsa Union

The 2010 Hoover Elementary School Walk-A-Thon, an annual fundraiser, was held on campus today. Money raised from the event will go toward technology upgrades at the school. Hoover offi cials plan to use the funds to purchase student response systems which will work in conjunction with the school’s Promethean Boards. The systems allow teachers to provide instructional activities on the Promethean Boards and students can then use a tool to “click” in their answers in response to the lesson. The system allows the teachers to gain immediate feedback from the students, thus letting them know if the youngsters are grasping the lesson. Modifi cations to the instruction can be made quickly and accordingly. The Hoover Walk-A-Thon is coordinated by the school’s parent-teacher organization. Those interested can sponsor students with a fl at sum or according to how many laps they run. Students from all grade levels - pre-kindergarten through fi fth grade - had the opportunity to participate during their regularly scheduled physical education period. Plenty of adult volunteers were on hand today to assist with the event.

Hoover students off and running at annual event

2010 BARTLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING PARADEHere are some

scenes from the 2010 Bartlesville High School

Homecoming Parade which took place in

downtown Bartlesville on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 30. The parade was

part of the 2010 BHS homecoming festivities

which will culminate with tonight’s varsity football game, during which the Bruins will play host to the Ponca City Wildcats in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at

Custer Stadium.

1. Air Force Community College2. Baker University (Baldwin City, Kansas)3. Clary Sage College (Tulsa)4. Coffeyville Community College (Coffeyville, Kansas)5. Colorado School of Mines (Golden, Colorado)6. Community Care College (Tulsa)7. Cottey College (Nevada, Missouri)8. DeVry University (Oklahoma City)9. Fort Scott Community College (Fort Scott, Kansas)10. ITT Technical Institute (Tulsa)11. John Brown University (Siloam Springs, Arkansas)12. Labette Community College (Parsons, Kansas)13. Lyon College (Batesville, Arkansas)14. Mid-America Christian University (Oklahoma City)15. Missouri Southern State University (Joplin, Missouri)16. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (Miami)17. Northeastern State University (Tahlequah)18. Northern Oklahoma College (Tonkawa)19. Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Alva)20. Oklahoma Baptist University (Shawnee)21. Oklahoma Christian University (Oklahoma City)22. Oklahoma City University (Oklahoma City)23. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education/ Student Loans (Oklahoma City)24. Oklahoma State University (Stillwater)25. Oklahoma State Air Force ROTC (Stillwater)26. Oklahoma State Army ROTC (Stillwater)27. OSU Institute of Technology (Okmulgee)

28. Oklahoma State University/Tulsa (Tulsa)29. Oklahoma Wesleyan University (Bartlesville)30. Oral Roberts University (Tulsa)31. Pawnee Nation College (Pawnee)32. Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kansas)33. Platte College (Tulsa)34. Rhema Bible Training Center (Broken Arrow)35. Rogers State University (Claremore/Bartlesville)36. Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Durant)37. Southern Nazarene University (Bethany)38. Southwest Baptist University (Bolivar, Missouri)39. Southwestern Christian University (Bethany)40. Southwestern College (Winfi eld, Kansas)41. Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford)42. St. Gregory’s University (Shawnee)43. Tri County Technology Center (Bartlesville)44. Tulsa Community College (Tulsa)45. Tulsa Technology Center (Tulsa)46. Tulsa Welding School (Tulsa)47. United States Air Force (Bartlesville)48. United States Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.)49. University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, Arkansas)50. University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond)51. University of Oklahoma (Norman)52. University of Tulsa (Tulsa)53. Westminster College (Fulton, Missouri)54. William Woods University (Fulton, Missouri)55. League of Women Voters (Bartlesville)

2010 Bartlesville High School College Fair: List of Schools and Organizations

An annual event on campus, the 2010 Bartlesville High School College Fair is set to take place on Tuesday in the lobby of the Fine Arts Center.

Representatives from 55 col-leges, universities and organizations are expected to be on hand to answer questions and distribute information concerning their respective institutions.

“The BHS College Fair always provides a good opportunity for stu-dents and parents to talk to represen-tatives from various schools through-out the area,” says BHS counselor Criss Blackwood, who organizes the event. “And, the fair isn’t just for seniors. We’ve invited students from the Bartlesville Mid-High School (which features sophomores and

freshmen) as well. It’s not too early for them to begin thinking about life beyond high school.”

The BHS College Fair takes place throughout the lower level of the Fine Arts Center, which is located on the south side of the BHS campus. Tables are set up for each organization, and representatives typically bring plenty of material to distribute to interested students and parents. In addition, the fair allows students and parents to ask questions about various schools and perhaps set up a campus visit.

Scheduled to be held from 5-7 p.m., the College Fair is a free event and all BHS students and their par-ents and/or guardians are encouraged to attend. In addition, students from other schools from throughout Wash-ington and Osage counties as well as southeastern Kansas are invited to take part in the event. In years past,

students from area schools in Dewey, Barnsdall, Pawhuska and Caney, Kan. have attended.

While most of the representa-tives at the fair will be from a col-lege or university, some organiza-tions such as the League of Women Voters and the Oklahoma State Re-gents for Higher Education/Student Loans will be on hand also. The League of Women Voters, which is located in Bartlesville, will offer insight to those 18-year-olds who would like to register to vote. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education will be able to answer questions concerning student loans.

Bartlesville High School typically sees about 65 percent of a given senior class move on to a two- or four-year college after they graduate. An estimat-ed 80 to 85 percent take the ACT test, which is a college entrance exam.

Annual BHS College Fair set for TuesdayFifty-fi ve institutions to be

represented as event unfolds from 5-7 p.m. in FAC

Bartlesville High School se-niors Guan Yang and Shiloh Pur-key have been named commended students in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.

In recognition of their achieve-ment, a letter of commendation from the Bartlesville High School and the National Merit Scholarship Corpo-ration, which conducts the program, has been presented by BHS princi-pal Teri Brant to the scholastically talented students.

Throughout the country, ap-proximately 34,000 students are being recognized for their excep-tional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2011 competition for National Merit Scholarships, commended students placed among the top fi ve percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“Recognition of high achiev-ing students is essential to advanc-ing educational excellence in our nation,” noted a spokesperson for the NMSC. “As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named commended students represent some of the most academically talented

students in our country.“We sincerely hope this rec-

ognition will enhance their educa-tional opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of academic success.”

Earlier this month, fi ve BHS seniors – Alex Pellegrino, David

Oakley, Ethan Bliss, Amanda Cole and Carl Szmutko – were named semifi nalists in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program. Each of the fi ve students will have the op-portunity to reach fi nalist status and qualify for National Merit Scholar-ships through the program.

BHS seniors Yang, Purkey earn commended student status

Bartlesville High School seniors (from left) Shiloh Purkey and Guan Yang were recently named commended students in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The month of October will feature some special events focused on the Bartlesville High School and Bartlesville Mid-High School choirs.

A pancake breakfast fundraising event will be held in support of the BHS Choir on Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Elks Lodge, which is located at 1060 SE Swan Dr. near the Wal-Mart SuperCenter. Tickets – which can be purchased from BHS or Mid-High School choir students – are priced at $6 apiece and include an all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice and coffee.

Those who would like to learn more about the fundraiser breakfast, which will take place from 7:30-11 a.m., can contact Jackie Singleton via phone (333-6814) or email (singleton@bartnet.net).

The 2010 Fall Choir Concert is scheduled to be held in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the BHS campus on Tuesday, Oct. 19 beginning at 7 p.m. Several selec-tions will be performed by the BHS and Mid-High School choirs, and the concert is free and open to all of those who are interested.

BHS, Mid-High School choirs schedule fundraiser breakfast, fall concert

The Bartlesville Public Library will feature “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank as its 2010 “One Book, One Bartlesville” selection for the month of October.

The “One Book, One Bartlesville” program en-courages those in and around Bartlesville to read the same book at the same time, and come together for book discussions, theatrical experiences and movie screenings.

“We’re working with the Bartlesville Community Center this year on a series of events about the Holo-caust and the life of Anne Frank,” notes Joan Singleton, the director of the Bartlesville Public Library. “This is truly a community project as the eighth grade students at Central and Madison middle schools will also be reading the book during October.”

The Bartlesville Public Library will feature sev-eral special events in October. On Oct. 5 – beginning at 7 p.m. in Meeting Room B – the Johnstone Avenue Irregulars Book Club will gather for a discussion. All of those who are interested are invited to attend and offer

their insight. The library will present a free showing of the

movie “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” on Tuesday, Oct. 19 – beginning at 7 p.m. – in Meeting Room A. Rated PG-13, the movie is an award-winning drama focused on the friendship of two young boys during the Holocaust.

As part of the Broadway in Bartlesville series, the Bartlesville Community Center will showcase “The Diary of Anne Frank” on Thursday, Oct. 28 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Shortly before the performance, Holocaust survivor Eva Unterman of Tulsa will address the crowd. Early in the day, she will speak to students at both Cen-tral and Madison middle schools.

Copies of “The Diary of a Young Girl” – as well as a number of other books focused on the life of Anne Frank – are available to be checked out at the Bartlesville Public Library, which is located at 600 S. Johnstone Ave. Those who wish to learn more about the library can call the main number at 338-4161 or go online to http://www.bartlesville.lib.ok.us/

B’ville Public Library plans special events for October

The 2010 Hoover Fun Night is set to fea-ture a wide array of exciting activities when it unfolds on Saturday, Oct. 9.

A fundraising event for Hoover Elemen-tary School, the fun night event will be held on campus from 5-8 p.m. It will offer a dunk tank, a cake walk, skee ball, a two-liter pop toss and Bingo, among other diversions. Tickets will be available at the event at a cost of four for a dollar and can be used to take part in all of the exciting games and competitions.

Food and beverages will be available at the Hoover Café, which will offer pizza, na-chos and pop among other goodies.

The annual Hoover Fun Night is a fund-raising event coordinated by the school’s parent-teacher organization. Money generated from the event is used to supplement the school budget in areas such as technology, classroom stipends which teachers can use to purchase materials and other academic activities.

Those who would like to learn more about the 2010 Hoover Fun Night can call the school’s main offi ce at 333-9337.

Hoover Fun Night fundraiser set for Oct. 9

Photo Special to The BruinAmong the many attractions which will be offered at the 2010 Hoover Fun Night will be a dunk tank.

A resource teacher at Hoover Elementary School, Rhonda Hall will be having a garage sale on Saturday, Oct. 2 beginning at 8 a.m. Hall’s home is located at 5828 Wood-land Rd. in Bartlesville.

Among the items avail-able at the garage sale will be two rocker/recliner chairs, a microwave cart, a dresser with a mirror, a chest, a black TV stand with two end tables, a washer, a dryer, a small dining table with four chairs, a Crafts-man lawnmower and an end table with a glass insert.

Hall garage sale set for Saturday

Richard Kane Elementary School principal Beth Cook addresses members of the Bartlesville Board of Education as well as administrators with the Bartlesville Public School District on Thursday in the hospitality room on the Bartlesville High School campus during a special meeting of the board. During the meeting, Cook and fi ve other principals offered insight into the site improvement plans for their respective schools.

Principals offer insight into site improvement plans

Special to The BruinThe eighth annual Family Arts

Festival at Price Tower Arts Center will offer a bevy of entertainment options this year.

Among the bands set to perform at the festival, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 9, will be the Mid Life Crisis Band and Tornado Allie. Also featured will be magic from The Amazing Christo-pher as well as a special Spotlight Bartlesville program showcasing the talents of the Children’s Musical Theatre of Bartlesville.

The eighth annual Family Arts Festival will be held on the grounds of the Price Tower, the famed Frank Lloyd Wright designed skyscraper at 510 Dewey Avenue in Bartlesville.

“We are excited about this year’s entertainment for the Fam-ily Arts Festival,” says Tim Boruff, executive director of Price Tower Arts Center. “This event grows ev-ery year and has become downtown Bartlesville’s premiere fall festival.”

A free event open to everyone, the festival is due to begin at 10 a.m.

Tornado Allie is due to perform two sets, at 10:45 a.m. and noon. The Amazing Christopher is slated to make a pair of showings, at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. In between his sets, The Amazing Christopher will be on hand to make balloon animals for all of those who are interested.

The Bartlesville Spotlight series is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. with a performance from Children’s Musical Theatre of Bartlesville. Three other local acts are also ex-pected to share their talents as well.

“We have a great day of free entertainment lined up for families,” says Debra Woodall, the marketing manager for Price Tower Arts Cen-ter. “We are so pleased that the Mid Life Crisis Band will be on hand to perform at 4:30 pm. They will close out the festival at 7 p.m.”

In addition to its entertainment options, the Family Arts Festival features nearly two dozen free crafts stations and games for children to enjoy. Also, Price Tower Art Center’s exhibition “William Schickel: Spirit Made Manifest” will be open and

available for free to the public during the event. There will be art vendors, demonstrations, face painting and a pumpkin patch and hay rides from Shay’s Landscaping of Bartlesville as well. Shay’s will be selling pumpkins and other fall decorations. There will be a nominal fee for the hay rides which will be offered.

“Two other highlights of the festival include the Youth Art Show which features art work from region-al students – kindergarten through the 12th grade – and the Family Sculp-ture Contest,” adds Woodall.

Sponsors for the 2010 Family Arts Festival include ConocoPhil-lips, 66 Federal Credit Union, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council, Doenges Toyota Ford Lincoln Mercury, More Branding, Indy 102.9 FM, Schweg-man Insurance and Financial Servic-es, and Mark and Debbie Haskell.

Those who would like to learn more about this year’s Family Arts Festival or Price Tower Arts Cen-ter may call (918) 336-4949 or go online to www.pricetower.org.

Family Arts Festival to offer plenty of entertainment options

For the last several years, some residents of the Oak Park neighborhood in Bartlesville have had their holiday spirit renewed. That’s because right around midnight on Christmas Eve, with some help from his family, Barberi will don a Santa Claus outfi t and pay a visit to the homes of his immediate neighbors in Oak Park. He’ll discreetly leave a gift as well as a photo of Santa on their doorsteps, thus offering them an extra bit of Christmas cheer when they greet the day on Dec. 25.

“One of our neighbors,” says Barberi, “said it gave her new belief that Santa Claus really does exist.”

The Washington County School Supply Drive exists to give less fortunate children in the area a boost heading into a given academic year. This year, more than 2,300 backpacks fi lled with school supplies were handed out in the days before the 2010-11 school year began on Aug. 11. Throughout the course of a given year, WCSSD organizers accept donations of money and use the funds to buy school supplies and backpacks. Parents and guardians can sign their youngsters up for the free program, indicating the school and grade their child will be in during the upcoming academic year. Or-ganizers will then use the supply lists given out by each school to fi nd exactly what a particular child will need.

At the time the backpacks are handed out – dis-tribution is done out of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Bartlesville – they are designated with a tag indicating the student’s name, school and grade level.

“If you love your country, you really have to take care of those closest to home,” says Barberi, explaining his motivation for donating toward the WCSSD, which is a 501 (c)(3) non-profi t, tax-exempt organization. “No kid should go without school supplies.

“Donating was for no reason other than to ensure the kids had what they needed.”

Barberi and his wife Ronda are due to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary on Oct. 4. The couple met online, and Ronda (formerly Loudermilk) is a native of the area who pitched for the Dewey High School softball team. Barberi is the step father to Ronda’s two children, 2009 Bartlesville High School graduate Clint Farmer and Central Middle School seventh grader RayLee Farmer. The family has lived in the area throughout the marriage.

“It’s a great community,” says Barberi.Around three years ago, while shopping in Bartles-

ville’s Washington Park Mall, the Barberi’s went into the recruiting station and signed up for reserve duty with the National Guard. Barberi had served one stint with the Guard several years earlier – from 1985-90 – initially signing up while still in high school in New

Jersey. Shortly after signing up for reserve duty with the Guard, he decided he’d like to try a full-time stint with the Army. He’s been serving in that capacity ever since.

“When I told my family that I wanted to go into the service full time, they said go for it,” says Barberi. “They have always been very supportive.

“I’m still ecstatic about what I’m doing. There’s nothing that I’d rather be doing.”

Barberi is stationed at Fort Hood in Texas. From there, he served a stint in Korea before being sent for his fi rst tour in Iraq in February. He arrived home from Iraq – where his duties include tracking incoming en-emy fi re – for a short leave in mid-September and was due to head back on Oct. 1. A few days before he did, Barberi and Ronda were treated to lunch at Outlaws Chophouse by organizers of the WCSSD. Wanting to express their gratitude, they gave the couple a photo album of scenes from this year’s drive – including those of students claiming their backpacks – as well as a spe-cial certifi cate of thanks.

“It touches my heart,” says Barberi of the response to his initial show of generosity by those with the WC-SSD. “It’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“This will push me that much harder to be a better person and a better soldier.”

No stranger to giving gifts himself, Barberi had something else to offer the WCSSD. So, at the lunch he passed along a U.S. fl ag which had been fl own during Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as two special medals – one courtesy of U.S. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and the other from U.S. Command Sergeant Major Law-rence K. Wilson.

Simmons was amazed when he initially came across Barberi’s donation check to the WCSSD in August.

“I was just fl oored when I read it,” he wrote in an email to fellow WCSSD offi cials. “To think someone serv-ing in the Army in Iraq is thinking of helping us – wow.”

Simmons had similar feelings when Barberi made his unexpected presentation during the lunch at Outlaws.

“Once again, I was totally amazed,” says Sim-mons. “Here, I thought we were thanking him and rec-ognizing him, but he was expressing his gratitude to us.

“He’s an outstanding individual. It amazes me so much that in his situation, he’s thinking of the kids here and how he can help us help them.”

Those who would like to learn more about the Washington County School Supply Drive can go online to http://packthebackpacks.org/ Donations – which are accepted throughout the year – can be mailed to: Wash-ington County School Supply Drive; P.O. Box 2031; Bartlesville, OK 74005.

BARBERI - Continued from Page 1

following a battle with cancer.Beverly served as a teacher assistant at Ranch

Heights Elementary School from 1985-95. She returned to the Bartlesville Public School District in 1997 as a library assistant and served in the capacity up until the time of her death.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 28 at the First Assembly of God Church in Bartlesville. In lieu of fl owers, a memorial fund has been established and those who wish may send their contributions to: First Assembly of God Church for Speed the Light Youth Mission Fund; 900 SE Dewey Ave.; Bartlesville, OK 74003.

BALLARD - Continued from Page 1

Bartlesville High School has been, “We’ve got the cat in the hat,” a tip of the cap to the fact that the Ponca City Wildcats are the visiting foe.

For those of us within the Bruin family, homecoming has signaled the mid-point of the 2010 varsity football regular season for Bartlesville High School. Following homecoming, fi ve contests remain on the team’s 10-game slate, three of which will be played at our home site of Custer Stadium.

For those who have not made a game this year at Custer Stadium, I’d like to personally invite you to attend. We have a fi ne team under the direction of head coach Ron Smith, and our playoff hopes are strong as we compete in District 6A-4.

The stadium itself offers a great place at which to watch a game. Custer Stadium, which was originally dedicated in 1954, has a total seating capacity of around 4,200. Updates in recent years to the venerable facil-ity include the addition of new fi eld turf as well as a new scoreboard and video board. Then, this summer, 220 more reserved seats were added. Most of the seating at Custer comes in the form of metal bleachers. Within the bleachers, seating is on a general ad-mission basis, thus none of the area is reserved. However, the reserved seats are sold as part of season ticket pack-ages. Thus, those who are interested can buy a season ticket and know that they will be sitting in a particular seat at Custer Stadium throughout a given varsity football campaign.

The reserved seating area is easy to spot at Custer. Located on the home side of the grandstands, in

the middle of the bleachers, are 528 reserved Bruin blue seats complete with chair backs and arm rests. They offer a prime spot from which to view all of the action and offer plen-ty of comfort as well. Plus, for those who have a reserved seat, they never have to worry about getting to the stadium early in order to fi nd a good spot to sit. Their seat will always be right there waiting for them.

The reserved seats at Custer Stadium always prove to be quite popular, and so only around 10 remain for the current season. Those who might be interested in them can order online at www.bartlesvilletick-ets.com or call the BHS Athletic Of-fi ce at 337-0153. The offi ce is open on the BHS campus from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The latest additions to Custer

Stadium were made this summer and included an expanded seating area for our handicapped patrons as well as new handrails to make trips up and down the stairs easier and safer. The handicapped seating area now allows for 10 wheelchairs as well as an additional 10 companions on the bench seats beside them. The area allows for a perfect view of the fi eld – as it is in front of the front row of the home grandstands – and is avail-able on a fi rst-come, fi rst-serve basis. We’ve added addition handicapped parking near the grandstands, also.

Fall has arrived, and we’re in the midst of football season. Home-coming allows great reason for celebration during this time.

Bruin brilliance is all around us. We invite everyone to join us as we enjoy the many shining moments.

CHALKBOARD - Continued from Page 1

Photo by Larry Bates/Special to The BruinQuarterback Kirby Schoenthaler and the Bartlesville High School varsity football team will play host to Ponca City tonight in the Bruins’ homecoming contest at Custer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Friday, October 12010 Central Middle School Library Book Fair2010 Hoover PTO Walk-a-Thon2010 Spirit Day (Kane)Madison Parent Support Group meeting (Noon)Football: Varsity hosts Ponca City in 2010 homecoming game (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, October 22010-11 District Honor Choir auditions (TBA)Drama load-in and tech (TBA)Tulsa Union band contest (TBA)Volleyball: Junior varsity at Tulsa Bishop Kelley tournament (8 a.m.)Softball: Varsity at Bixby tournament (8 a.m.)

Sunday, October 3Drama load-in and tech (TBA)

Monday, October 4GED testing (McKinley)2010-11 All-District Orchestra auditions (TBA)Drama load-in and tech (TBA)PTO meeting in library (4 p.m.) (Hoover) Volleyball: Freshmen host Sapulpa (4 p.m.)Volleyball: Junior varsity hosts Sapulpa (5 p.m.)Softball: Varsity at Coweta (5 p.m.)

Football: Junior varsity at Ponca City (6 p.m.)Volleyball: Varsity hosts Sapulpa (6:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, October 5GED testing (McKinley)2010-11 All-District Orchestra auditions (TBA)Drama load-in and tech (TBA)Bruins for Christ in library (7:20 a.m.)Cross country: Junior high boys and girls at Owasso Invitational (3 p.m.)FCCLA meeting in Room A103 (3:15 p.m.) (Central)Football: Eighth grade Blue hosts Claremore (5 p.m.)2010 Bartlesville High School College Fair in Fine Arts Center (5-7 p.m.)Football: Eighth grade hosts Claremore (6 p.m.)Football: Freshmen host Claremore (7:30 p.m.)

Wednesday, October 6Drama load-in and tech (TBA)Softball: Varsity at Class 6A regional playoffs (TBA)Parent support group meeting in library (noon) (Central)

Thursday, October 7GED testing (McKinley)Drama load-in and tech (TBA)Softball: Varsity at Class 6A regional playoffs (TBA)Volleyball: Varsity at Class 6A regional playoffs (TBA)

Bartlesville Public School District Activities (October 1-7, 2010)

Editing, writing, design and photography by David Austin,

Bartlesville Public School District’s community relations

coordinator, unlessotherwise noted

The Bartlesville Public School District offers a wide array of useful tools for stu-dents as well as parents. For some extra educational insight, give these web sites a look:

PowerSchoolhttp://www.bps-ok.org

Click on the PowerSchool link toward the top of the home page.

· Parents and legal guard-ians can check with offi ce person-nel at their student’s school to fi nd out how to access PowerSchool.

· Information on students - such as grades and attendance records available via Power-School.

Study Islandhttp://www.studyisland.

com Use the “Member Login.”· Student login informa-

tion must be obtained from teachers.

Stellar Sites

“So many shining moments”“So many shining moments”

Photo Special to The BruinAmong the volunteers at the National Take-Back Day effort which took place in Bartlesville on Saturday was Bartlesville Public School District nurse Julie Jackson. The initiative, which was coordinated at the national level by the Drug Enforcement Administration, was created to help remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from medicine cabinets throughout the country. So, those in the area who wanted to dispose of such items were able to do so at three sites on Saturday as part of the initiative, which was coordinated at the local level by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the Washington County Anti-Drug Network. Controlled substances can be a potential source of supply for illegal use and thus a risk to public health and safety. The free service is expected to be offered to the public once again during the spring.

BPSD Nurse assists with area take-back day effort