Grove Public Schools

If you can't make it out to watch our Ridgerunners take the court Friday night, catch them on the live broadcast at: https://www.team1sports.com/highschool/ok/?S=groveoklahoma

In order to make up one of the "snow days" taken during last week's inclement weather, all Grove Public School sites will be in session on President's Day, Monday, February 20th, 2023 which was designated as a snow make up day on the 2022-23 approved school calendar. Stay warm this winter! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity

Happy School Counselor's Week to Mrs. Julie Williams, counselor at Grove High School! My name is Julie Williams, and this is my first year as a counselor and as a Grove Ridgerunner. I have been a junior high math teacher for 20 years, and enjoyed being in the classroom, but I wanted to have more time to devote directly to helping students, so I became a counselor! My husband Nate and I are blessed with four sons: Eyan - Senior, Reed - Junior, Owen - 6th grade, and Rhet - 4th grade. I love spending time with my family! We like to watch movies, play cards, and spend time on the lake. I also enjoy watching my sons play football and basketball, kayaking, beautiful sunsets, and animals of all kinds. One thing I enjoy about being a GHS Ridgerunner is working with a community of people that strive to offer our students the best opportunities available. ❤️🤍 We are so happy you chose to join Ridgerunner Nation, Mrs. Williams! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity

Our student services staff includes more than just school counselors! Thanks to a partnership with Grand Mental Health, GPS is thankful to offer Behavioral Health Coaches (BHC) in each building. These ladies are there to work with Grand Mental Health clients in the school setting and are available to discuss mental health services with families on site. They are a huge benefit to our students and become part of our site staff families as the interact on a daily basis! Today we would like to introduce you to lifelong Ridgerunner and ECC BHC, Missy Skaggs! My name is Missy Skaggs and I am the behavioral health coach with Grand Mental Health at the Early Childhood Center. This will be my 2nd year and prior to working with Grand Mental Health I worked in physician offices, as my passion is to improve the lives of others. I have lived in Grove my whole life and love everything about our community. I have been married to Justin Skaggs for almost 3 years and we also co-own Tractor World of Grove. I have 2 kids of my own and 3 bonus kids. My favorite part of parenting is watching every sport activity they are involved in and improving themselves. I also love the outdoors where I like to spend my time on the lake, fishing, hunting, running and spending time with my family. I love my job because if I know I have touched just one person’s life I have done my job. Thanks for being a part of #ridgerunnernation, Missy! You are a blessing to our students and staff! #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity #schoolcounselorweek

Debi Robbins is another one of our school counselor who were brought to GPS through the Counselor Corp grant program. Debi works with our students at both the Upper Elementary and the Middle School. She brings a wealth of experience to our district after retiring in Texas and moving back to Grand Lake. When asked about being a counselor, this is what Mrs. Robbins had to say about her job: I absolutely love being a counselor, I think it is the best job in the district. I have 40 years in the educational field, with 25 of them being a school counselor. I was retired for one year before coming out of retirement to work in Grove. I am so thankful I did. It has been rewarding and I have met so many wonderful people. We had a ranch in Paris, Texas and now living the lake life. Thank you Grove for hiring me. I am eternally grateful. We are thankful you chose Grove Public Schools, Mrs. Robbins! Your service to our middle aged students is crucial to the success of GPS! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity

Jenniffer Clark is the focus of our next counselor spotlight for National School Counseling Week! Mrs. Clark is the Counselor Corp counselor serving the needs of our students at GHS. Here is how Mrs. Clark introduces herself to the Grove community! My name is Jenniffer Clark and I am a counselor in the high school. This is my second year as a school counselor. I have worked with children for over twenty years in different fields. I have worked with children from newborns to adolescents on skills such as developmental stages to coping skills and many more. I enjoy helping students in a time when they need someone to listen to or need to ask for help. I live in Grove with my husband of 15 years and our daughter, Haedyn. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love to write books and crafting. I love being a part of Grove Public Schools because I love being a part of a family that believes the students are important. Thank you Mrs. Clark for your work to provide a safe space for our students at Grove High School! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity

Mrs. Erin Wall, counselor at GUE is the focus of our next counselor spotlight for National School Counselor's Week! Mrs. Wall is an integral part of the upper elementary as we walk with students through the transition from their elementary years, to their secondary academic career. Here is what Mrs. Wall had to say when asked to introduce herself to our Ridgerunner community: I grew up in Ozark, Missouri and this is my 16th year in education, 2nd in counseling. I’ve been married 20 years with four amazing kids. I love watching my kids’ activities, cheering on my KC Chiefs/KC Royals/OKC Thunder/KU Jayhawks, reading, & being with the people I love (quality time is my love language). I sing all the songs in the car, and my life motto is “Relationships over everything”. Happy Counselor's Week, Mrs. Wall! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity

Stay Positive, Ridgerunners! Take the time to think about phrasing things in a positive manner to encourage better listening. This works with children and adults! Our words matter so consider trying some of these phrases to keep it positive! #theridgyway #beachampion #ridgerunnernation #childreneducationcommunity

Our next counselor spotlight is Mrs. Alaina Hilliard, a counselor at Grove Lower Elementary. Mrs. Hilliard is part of the counselor corp program, a competitive grant GPS secured from the state of Oklahoma to increase student access to mental health professionals. Here is Mrs. Hilliard's introduction of herself! I have been married to my best friend, Dee, for the past 19 years. We have four wonderful children together; Emma, (17), Beau (5), Dason (3) and Blade (1). Our family has been a foster family for the past seven years, and have had over 20 children in our home. Our family has grown through adoption, three times. This is my first year as a school counselor, and I am loving every minute. In previous years, I taught high school math at Grove High School. This is my 15th year at Grove Public Schools, and I am blessed and proud to be a Ridgerunner. As a school counselor, I get the opportunity to know all the students in the school. I work hard to build a relationship with all of the students and let them know that I am here for them. I love being able to help students, on a daily basis. I am able to support students by helping them learn social and emotional skills. In addition, I love being a support for the teachers. Thank you Mrs. Hilliard for helping our young Ridgerunners be successful at school and at home! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity #schoolcounselorweek

We continue highlighting the work of our school counselors with the counselor at Grove Early Childhood Center, Dr. Deborah Eads. Please read below as Dr. Eads introduces herself to Ridgerunner Nation! I'm the counselor at the ECC. This year will be my second year both as a counselor and in Grove Public School district. I have discovered I work with some very talented teachers and staff! Not only are they talented at what they do; they are caring, generous, and respectful! My greatest joy is working with the students to help them develop coping skills, find ways to work out their big emotions, and help them feel safe so they don't have to act out so they become the best students they can. I feel blessed to work in a great school and with our students! When I'm not at work I'm a wife, mom and Noni (grandma)! My family is my contentment. I enjoy reading, painting, carving, gardening, and being active. Dr. Eads, we are so thankful to have you working with our youngest Ridgerunners as they begin their schooling career! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity #schoolcounselorweek

Our first school counselor spotlight is Mrs. Leslie Sexson, counselor at Grove High School. Mrs. Sexson works specifically with students whose last name begins with the letters A-L. This is her first year as a counselor at GHS! When asked about her career, this is what Mrs. Sexson shared: In my counseling career, I have served at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Grove High School is an awesome school and I am proud to be their high school counselor. I love connecting to students and being a part of their journey in life. Watching them learn new talents and find their goals is what keeps me motivated. The community of Grove is a very special place and I am blessed to be a part of it. My husband and I have 3 adult children and 6 fabulous grandchildren. We love fishing, boating, and just being a part of their lives. Thank you Mrs. Sexson for the support and encouragement you provide students at GHS! We are proud to have you part of #ridgerunnernation! #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity #schoolcounselingweek

This week we celebrate National School Counselor Week! Here at GPS we have a set of amazing school counselors at each site who are specifically trained to help your students with their academic and emotional needs. From academic and post secondary counseling to peer mediation and mental health services, our team of school counselors provide a wide range of services to our students and their families. We will be spending time this week highlighting all of our school counselors and other mental health professionals. Thank you to our entire student services staff for ensuring student success! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity

Grove Public Schools will be closed on Friday, Feb 3, 2023. There is no expectation for distance learning. This decision was made due to staff unable to report due to continued unsafe travel conditions, rural bus routes remaining unsafe and areas around buildings remain icy with expected freezing temperatures in the morning. Stay safe and warm Ridgerunner Nation. #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity

Due to ongoing poor travel conditions, Grove Public Schools will remain in distance learning for Thursday, February 2nd. We will continue to monitor the situation for Friday. The safety of Ridgerunner Nation remains our top priority.

Due to the ongoing inclement weather and unsafe travel conditions, Grove Public Schools will transition to distance learning for Tuesday, January 31st AND Wednesday, February 1st. Instruction will be delivered through SeeSaw in grades PK-3rd and in Google Classroom for grades 4th-12th. If you have questions, please contact your student’s teachers. Stay safe and stay warm Ridgerunners!! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity

GHS parents and students: Due to the weather, we have rescheduled the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony that was to be held tonight. It will be held next Monday, February 6th, at 7:00pm in the PAC.

Due to slick and hazardous road conditions, Grove Public Schools will be CLOSED today, Monday, January 30, 2023. There are no expectations for virtual learning. Be safe and stay warm, Ridgerunners! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity

There is some freezing drizzle in our area. Transportation staff will be keeping an eye on road conditions overnight, and will stay in touch with administration. Stay tuned to our social media sites for any announcements on school status tomorrow morning. Stay safe and warm Ridgerunners! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity

Lots of sporting action this week! Let's cheer on our Ridgerunners! Monday, 1/30, JH Basketball @ Tahlequah Tuesday, 1/31, Wrestling Claremore/Tahlequah Tri Tuesday, 1/31 JV/V Basketball @ Tahlequah Thursday, 2/2 JH Basketball vs. Coweta Thursday, 2/2 Wrestling Dual @ Bishop Kelly Friday, 2/3 JV/V Basketball @ Coweta Friday/Saturday, 2/3-4 Wrestling Conference @Inola #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity #ridgerunnerathletics

In an abundance of caution, Grove Public Schools will transition to virtual learning for Wednesday, January 25th due to the incoming inclement weather. Please check with your child’s homeroom teacher or on Google classroom for learning expectations during our virtual learning day. Work and/or devices will be sent home with students Pre-K - 5th grade. Students in 6th-12th grades should already have devices. Stay safe and warm Ridgerunner Nation!! #ridgerunnernation #beachampion #childreneducationcommunity