Grove Public Schools

A Farewell Message from Superintendent Pat Dodson As I prepare to step into retirement, my heart is full. I do so with immense pride and deep gratitude. Education has never simply been a profession for me. It has been a calling. Serving the students, staff, families, and community of Grove has been the honor of my lifetime. To our teachers, librarians, nurses, and counselors: thank you for the countless hours, the late nights, and the unwavering compassion you show each day. You do far more than teach; you nurture, inspire, and shape the future. To our Principals and Directors: thank you for your tireless commitment to creating environments where both students and staff can thrive. Your leadership, vision, and dedication make a lasting difference in the lives of those you serve. To our Paras, Clerks, and support staff: you are truly the unsung heroes of our district. Your work may not always be visible, but it is invaluable. I know how hard you work and how deeply you care, and Grove Public Schools is stronger because of you. To our bus drivers, cafeteria staff, SRO’s, maintenance, custodians, and technology staff: Thank you! The best instruction in the world means little if students cannot arrive safely, feel secure, receive proper nourishment, and learn in safe, comfortable, and innovative surroundings. You make that possible every single day. To our families: thank you for entrusting me with your children. Your partnership, support, and belief in our mission are essential to their success. To our School Board past and present: thank you for your trust, counsel, and steadfast vision to always champion for our children. To our Central Office Admin team: You are the heartbeat of our district. You work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure bills get paid, paychecks are on time, and you do everything according to law and policy. Thank you! Lastly, to the Class of 2026, Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone! Your perseverance, determination, and achievements are a powerful testament to the impact of education and the strength of your character. I am proud of you and confident that you will continue to accomplish great things in your next chapter. As I reflect on the past 33 years, serving as a teacher, coach, transportation director, bus driver, principal, superintendent, and anything else as needed, I realize I have received far more than I have ever given. While the work of education is never truly finished, I leave with complete confidence in our staff and community. The Ridgerunners are in good hands, and their future is bright. Thank you for the incredible gift of allowing me to serve alongside you. With gratitude and pride, Pat Dodson Soon-to-be-Retired-Superintendent

5th grade reading teachers Kylie Hornback and Katie Casey accepted the Golden Book award at today's awards assembly. The Golden Book is awarded to the grade level who has read the most words for enjoyment this year. 5th grade won with over 77 MILLION words read!!! 🎉 📖 Well done 5th graders!

Thank you Mississippi for a wonderful First Grade Spring Concert!

GMS wrapped up Teacher Appreciation Week full of sweet treats and grateful hearts!

Day 3: “You Deserve a Great Start” with McDonald’s breakfast provided by the Byers family, and fruit and drinks from the Bergmann, Jimenez, and Lee families.

Day 4: “Thanks a Latte for a Great Year” featuring iced coffee treats from Courageous Coffee, generously provided by the Hudspeth family for our final Stuco Teacher Trolley!

Day 5: “You Have a Pizza Our Hearts” with a delicious pizza lunch from First Christian Church and desserts from Made by Holley provided by the Byers family.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our teachers feel so loved and appreciated this week!

Congratulations to Colton Whetstine!!! He was Afton NE Tech's Student of the Semester!!!

The Lower held a retirement reception for four wonderful people; Mrs. Harju, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Mandrell, and Mr. Beall. Thank you for all the love and commitment you have given to students and families. You will be missed!

So much fun at the Lower! Mrs. Mark's third grade won our Popcorn Fundraising Contest. They gladly and excitedly built an ice cream sundae on Ms. Smith's head.

The Lowers first year partnering with Lifewise has been amazing. Thank you to Robbi Wright and her team for the vision, inspiration, leadership, and love for our kids. The kids absolutely loved their brand new bibles and the personalized notes inside. Third graders wanted to show them off. ❤️

GHS is overwhelmed with Ridgerunner Love for Teacher Appreciation Week!!! Our cups runneth over!!!

Thank you to all of the amazing businesses, families, and individuals who worked together to make Teacher Appreciation Week such an amazing time at Grove High School!!

We worked hard to put together an exhaustive list, but if anyone is left out, we truly apologize.

Thank you to:

Brenda Sheffield
Lacy Berryman
Brooke Fuser
Karin Stephens
Susie Neihus and Family
Jenny Clark and HOPE Squad
1st Christian Church
Holley Porter
Kenny and Kelly Dalton
Cayla Barrera
Miles and Ty Krumrey
Lindsay Shumaker
Pam Lawson and Hailey Fracek with Grand Savings Bank
Grove Dental Associates
COS Church
Alex Maffei with Grove McDonald's
Addie Lane's amazing Cinnamon Rolls
First Baptist Church
Bible Baptist Church
Abbey Fink
Vanessa Byers
Amanda Gregory
Randi Elrod
Stacey Clark
Tera Northcutt
LeAnn Holt
Lyla Lynch
Samantha Lane
Angie Shepherd
Rachael Alfaro
Misti Stephen
Stacey Snider
Kristal Reeves
Sara Green
Stacey Shriver
Amver Davis
Diane Roberts
Amy Reed
Layne Golden
Kerri Geer
Charla Matthews
Lynn Hasselman
Kimmie Cash
Rachelle Jarvis
Erica Hunt
Stormy Bergman
Yvette Hart

Thank you to all!!!

Thank you to Chelsea Perryman, all of our parents, and businesses for making Teacher Appreciation Week truly memorable for the staff at the Lower. A Fajita Bar rounded out this amazing week.

GLE says thank you, thank you, thank you to Blue Moon Gliders, Karen Kemper, Cherokee Casino, and Green Country Concrete for the many gift cards and gift certificates donated for Teacher Appreciation Week. Look at those smiles!

Our community has the most amazing parents! A special shout out to these GLE parents for taking time out of theirs days to paint a room for us.

So much love being spread at the Lower. A huge thank you to Lacy Berryman and Lindsay Shumaker for the refreshing limades!. Thank you to all the parents and community who provided sweet treats as well.

Mrs.Woods and Mr. Burroughs classes are wrapping up their final unit on Australia with a bang or should we say, a throw? Students put their geography knowledge to the test by designing custom boomerangs covered in facts about the Land Down Under. The hallways are flying high today as we tested our creations.

GHS Students and Parents: Summer School is only for students who have failed a class. If you need to recover credit due to failing a class, please see the front office about turning in a Summer School form. They are due tomorrow, 5.8.26.

GHS's own Mrs. Jeffries, Mrs. Cash, and Missy living it up Victorian Style!!!

Congratulations to Xavier Hernandez!!! Accepted to Northeastern Oklahoma A and M! Well done, Seniors!!! Keep the good news coming!!!

The Lower thanks Lacy Berryman and Lindsay Shumaker for the Wave Crave Limades! It's nice to be "Limed" at the Lower!❤️

Coach Floyd’s and Coach Kirk’s PE class recently participated in an Outdoor Leisure Education unit focused on teaching lifelong recreational skills and overall wellness. 🎣 A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this experience possible: • The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for donating fishing poles, hooks, and bobbers • Grove Rotary for allowing us to borrow life jackets • Grand Lake Sports Center for donating worms and jigs • District 1 game wardens for spending time with our students and sharing their knowledge • Mark Lovelace and Richard Bassett for helping bait hooks and assist students throughout the day What an awesome opportunity for our students to learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and make lasting memories! It was a GRAND day!!! ❤️🖤