Liberty Elementary, Country Lane Elementary, and Country Lane 4^th & 5^th Grade Center have achieved the prestigious honor of being named a Great Expectations Model School.  The schools’ principals, faculties, and staff worked diligently to accomplish this impressive goal which includes 90 to 100 percent of the teachers implementing the Great Expectations strategies 100 percent of the time.

Country Lane and Liberty held special assemblies Jan. 25 to celebrate their achievement.  CL 45 will hold its assembly Feb. 5. 

Schools achieving Model School status are presented with the Great Expectations Flag to fly at their site.  They also receive a framed certificate with the Great Expectations seal.  State Senator Bill Brown’s efforts on behalf of the schools also produced an official proclamation of congratulations to the schools from Governor Brad Henry.

Betty Sheoffee (retired BAPS teacher) of Great Expectations said all three schools deserve pats on the back for their great efforts to become a Great Expectations Model School.

“Country Lane, Liberty, (and CL 45) are showcases for the rewarding benefits that Great Expectations provides students, faculty, staff, parents, and the community.  These schools will be visited by other schools/districts that want to following in their footsteps.”

Cheryl Price, Director of Great Expectations, agreed.

“(The three schools) are truly shining stars in the community, state, and nation.  They are to be highly commended for their efforts.  We (at Great Expectations) are overjoyed to add them to our list of ‘Showcase Schools’.”

The Great Expectations Program, founded in 1991, is a scientifically research-based educational reform model that is bringing major change and innovation to Pre-K through 12 public and private school classrooms in Oklahoma.  The program represents an approach to learning that empowers teachers to expect and to get the best from students; it rekindles the excitement of discovery among both students and teachers; and it pushes everyone to greater heights of achievement.

The basic principles of the program are high expectations for students, a learning climate based on mutual respect between student and teacher, student self-esteem, a belief that all students can learn, positive teacher attitude, and highly skilled and knowledgeable teachers who inspire and enable students to achieve success.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Gary Gerber (joined by School Board members) at the celebration assemblies congratulated the schools for their Great Expectations success.  He had special praise for the students of the GE Model Schools.

“Boys and Girls, we are so proud of your teachers and staff for this achievement, but your teachers also have you to thank as well because every single day in your classrooms, you are showing you listen and pay attention and follow Great Expectations.  Thank you for doing such a great job.”

Country Lane Principal Jamie Milligan was quick to point out that current CL 45 Principal Sue Katterhenry (who was at Country Lane until this school year) started Country Lane on the road to model school status with her efforts to bring a character education program into BAPS.

Liberty Principal Karyne Gates said the Model School status for Liberty culminated a dream for her.

“When I was named principal at Liberty five and a half years ago, I had a dream that we could implement Great Expectations in all of our classrooms.”

At their school assemblies, Gates and Milligan made sure the students understood that their teachers should be applauded for their extra efforts (including attending workshops on weekends and during summer vacation) that resulted in this milestone for their school.

Students expressed their support for the Great Expectations program as well, saying the program helps them to respect others and behave better creating a better learning environment.

“I believe Great Expectations transforms classrooms, and helps good teachers become great teachers,” Gates said.

Dr. Gerber agreed, pointing out at the Country Lane assembly that he hopes other schools in the district will soon join Country Lane, Liberty, and CL 45 in becoming Great Expectations Model Schools.

Milligan perhaps summed up the feelings of Dr. Gerber, the Board of Education, and the principals involved when she said, “I could not be more proud of the staff and the students.”