John Rex School Announces Middle School Expansion
$1.7 million Inasmuch Foundation grants support move into Myriad Botanical Gardens

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/rexmiddle.jpg

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 16, 2017) – The John Rex Charter Elementary School (JRCES) board of directors voted unanimously today to expand the school’s innovative educational model into the middle school grades.

A $1 million grant from Inasmuch Foundation will help fund the addition of the middle-school grades, which will begin in the fall of 2018 at Myriad Botanical Gardens. Inasmuch Foundation is also committing a capital improvement grant up to $700,000 for enhancements to the garden’s educational spaces.

“Families of current JRCES students have repeatedly asked the school to create a path for their children from pre-K all the way through high school,” said JRCES Head of School Joe Pierce. “We are thrilled to expand our launch pad of learning and discovery in the gardens.”

Current fifth-grade students will automatically be offered a seat in sixth grade for the 2018-19 school year. The existing John Rex attendance boundary zone and four-tiered priority enrollment system will extend to the middle school. The policy allows students living near the school to be automatically admitted, like other neighborhood schools.

Sixth grade will have approximately 80 seats. The availability of open seats for new students will depend on existing students’ intent to re-enroll. The board anticipates adding a seventh grade at Myriad Gardens in 2019, with plans for eighth grade under review.

JRCES Board Chairman Kirk Humphreys said the expansion fulfills a long-time dream.

“Our school’s concept has always been about providing an exemplary learning environment for an economically and racially diverse group of students,” he said. “Expanding the unique public-private partnership that fuels our mission will provide a huge boost for our community.”

Inasmuch Foundation’s grant to JRCES will be paid out over four years and provides funds to hire staff, including an assistant head of school who will oversee the day-to-day operations of the middle school. The grant will also cover expenses related to the launch of the middle school, including the student curriculum and professional development for teachers.

Inasmuch Foundation President and CEO Bob Ross said the grant exemplifies the foundation’s support of high-quality education opportunities, as well as community enhancement projects.

“A major catalyst for John Rex Elementary’s early success was its partnership with the downtown community” Ross said. “On any given day you can see Rex Rockets walking to the downtown library, Oklahoma City Museum of Art or Film Row. The partnership with Myriad Gardens will further John Rex’s roots in the community and continue a truly unique urban education.”

The $700,000 grant from Inasmuch Foundation to Myriad Gardens will help transform current event space into flexible classroom space. The capital improvements will also address security concerns associated with locating a middle school in a public park.
Myriad Botanical Gardens Executive Director Maureen Heffernan said its foundation is delighted to open up space at the Crystal Bridge to help John Rex students continue their downtown schooling.

“Going to school at a botanical garden will provide students with uniquely beautiful and enriching indoor and outdoor learning spaces,” she said. “We look forward to a fruitful partnership with John Rex School and the wonderful energy the children will bring to the gardens.”

Middle school classes will use the lower-level classroom and event spaces located below the Crystal Bridge.

Devon Chairman Emeritus Larry Nichols praised the partnership.

“I’ve always seen the Myriad Botanical Gardens as one of the keys to creating a vibrant downtown in Oklahoma City, which benefits the entire community,” he said. “Bringing a school into the gardens is the perfect symbol of growth and renewal in Oklahoma City.”
Jim Tolbert, executive board of directors chairman emeritus for the Myriad Botanical Gardens Foundation, agreed.

“The Myriad Botanical Gardens are already one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved public spaces,” Tolbert said. “Bringing middle school students into the gardens for school will create positive, lifelong connections between our facility and the students who will one day lead our community.”

Water Plaza Room (https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=YheNhphp8At&utm_source=4)

Terrace Room (https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=2eiF8YxdpbW&utm_source=4)

In an email to me, MBG Executive Director Maureen Hefernan had these additional comments:

"We are very happy to use our space to accommodate John Rex so the students can continue their downtown education.

In the first year, next August 2018, we will have approximately 65 6th graders; in August 2019 we would have both 6th and 7th graders and then 6, 7 and 8th grades in 2020.

The lower level spaces will work well for both organizations thanks to a grant from the Inasmuch Foundation that will enable the Myriad Gardens Foundation to make some building upgrades and changes to create more classroom space on our upper level and modify some lower level spaces to work better for classroom, serving lunch and for security. We are giving up rental income from weddings and other events from this space, but our lease with John Rex will help offset that loss. We believe that helping John Rex and its students is a higher purpose of our space for the good of the community for the next several years.

The school will lease our lower level rooms, kitchen and restroom and hallway spaces in the Crystal Bridge complex. These are the rooms that open right out to our Water Stage to give you a perspective on the location. The rooms have lovely views looking north out to the lake and gardens. Parents or caretakers can pick up and drop off children in our turnaround drive off of Reno Ave.

We have agreed that the school can operate here at least 3 years upon which time we can both consider if we’d like to continue leasing space.

The school can also use our various outdoor venues if they wish to conduct classes outside in nice weather – our children’s garden, pavilion, use the Great Lawn for play, study plants in the conservatory etc.


I’m especially looking forward to working with Joe Pierce and John Rex teachers, if they would find it helpful, to offer the students unique learning lessons using our Gardens as one big outdoor classroom to enrich their curriculum. For example, we could have students help: plant bulbs in the fall so they can study and watch in amazement as they bloom into daffodils and tulips in the spring; sow seeds in our spring edible garden beds to harvest fresh vegetables and herbs to take home; count monarch butterflies in our prairie garden; pick bananas and oranges in the Crystal Bridge and so much more. Wouldn’t it be great if all the kids could learn to identify and name native Oklahoma prairie flowers in our prairie garden and learn the names of trees on our grounds as a result of being here for a school year?

Our grounds will become one big Kinder -garden!"

Such a great, creative solution to get the middle school up and running downtown.

Excited to be a part of if

This is pretty cool. So many functions to Myriad Gardens. Going to be nice for middle school students to see the beautiful gardens every day on their way to school!

Why can't they attend an existing middle school?

Took this tonight... Crystal bridge lit up in John Rex colors to celebrate the partnership.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriad111617.jpg

Good to know that Larry Nichols and Devon care about at least one school one school in Oklahoma. /s

I wonder if Stage Center could have been re-purposed for classrooms.

I've always wondered what the deal was with those two rooms. They always seemed abandoned.

I wonder if Stage Center could have been re-purposed for classrooms.

That would've been hella expensive

Why can't they attend an existing middle school?

The middle school for this area is Taft at 23/May. My daughter went there as Rex was not available to us. Pretty rough place comparatively. At the time anyway.

I've always wondered what the deal was with those two rooms. They always seemed abandoned.

We had our HS reunion in one of the rooms, I've been to the MBG a lot and had really never paid attention to them. Will be a cool setting for the school.

I'd like to know if this is the forever plan or if it's until RMS can build it's own facility. Maybe I missed that in the various articles?

I'd like to know if this is the forever plan or if it's until RMS can build it's own facility. Maybe I missed that in the various articles?

Not the forever plan, just for the next 3 years while they work on a permanent location that will likely include a high school as well.

Not the forever plan, just for the next 3 years while they work on a permanent location that will likely include a high school as well.

This makes me so happy

If there had been some forward thinking we could have bought central HS back and made it a mid-high but I'm not complaining about the actual outcome per se.

Others have commented that for OKC PS to change it would require parents of means who live in the area to have their children attend OKC PS. It appears they are only willing to do so if they have new and mostly separate schools. I fear a two tier school system is being created.

Others have commented that for OKC PS to change it would require parents of means who live in the area to have their children attend OKC PS. It appears they are only willing to do so if they have new and mostly separate schools. I fear a two tier school system is being created.

A graduate of Southeast HS in 2010, and I feel the same way in a sense. I can't put my finger on it. Classen SAS, Southeast, and other successful schools in the city system are often ignored it seems to me. I've often wondered if the experience at these Magnet schools are ever applied at lower performing schools. On the same note, I'd love for some of the success of John Rex Elementary be used in a way that might help lead other schools on a better path.

I suspect this is the best course to an OKCPS turnaround; we have some standout public, magnet, and charter schools (in light of administrative failures). How can we utilize these success stories and apply them to other schools across the district?

Off topic a bit, I know.

Why can't they attend an existing middle school?
Good question.


Good to know that Larry Nichols and Devon care about at least one school one school in Oklahoma. /s
This!

The middle school for this area is Taft at 23/May. My daughter went there as Rex was not available to us. Pretty rough place comparatively. At the time anyway.

What do you mean by this? I'm seriously asking, as that's the middle school we are in.

What do you mean by this? I'm seriously asking, as that's the middle school we are in.

My niece went there 2 years ago and she said that there was a group of girls that would punch you in the hallway if they found out it was your birthday. I didn't believe her but she swore it was true. This is a teenage girl so take it with a grain of salt.

My niece went there 2 years ago and she said that there was a group of girls that would punch you in the hallway if they found out it was your birthday. I didn't believe her but she swore it was true. This is a teenage girl so take it with a grain of salt.

I'm not saying to ignore kids, but just follow up on their claims. Having been in education a while, kids tend to exagerate, especially when it makes a better story. ;)

If you want to learn about a school, I highly recommend visiting it yourself and asking someone from the school to show you around. I've said it a lot before here, but there's a lot of assumptions about which schools are "good" and "bad" on SES, race, or the state grades. Do some research yourself if you're curious about a school.

^That's exactly why I'm asking. I have a hard time understanding how a middle school can be rough.

What do you mean by this? I'm seriously asking, as that's the middle school we are in.

My daughter was severely bullied to the extent that she was self-mutilating and at one point we took her to the ER due to concerns about suicide. As just one example the kids bullying her were made to apologize in writing, but they slipped in a note with the apology saying "we're not really sorry". We had to put her in therapy and remove her from the school for the last quarter of 7th grade (after the psychiatrist recommended, in writing to the district, immediate removal from the environment). After a lengthy process, the district granted us accommodations of sending a math and a science teacher to our home to keep her caught up with core subjects. For eighth grade we continued the district sponsored partial home school and she attended only certain classes at the school, and as part of that accommodation she was permitted to leave classes early so that she couldn't be harassed by the bullies between classes. She had a much better time in high school at NW Classen.

^

Holy cow! What a nightmare.

My daughter was severely bullied to the extent that she was self-mutilating and at one point we took her to the ER due to concerns about suicide. As just one example the kids bullying her were made to apologize in writing, but they slipped in a note with the apology saying "we're not really sorry". We had to put her in therapy and remove her from the school for the last quarter of 7th grade (after the psychiatrist recommended, in writing to the district, immediate removal from the environment). After a lengthy process, the district granted us accommodations of sending a math and a science teacher to our home to keep her caught up with core subjects. For eighth grade we continued the district sponsored partial home school and she attended only certain classes at the school, and as part of that accommodation she was permitted to leave classes early so that she couldn't be harassed by the bullies between classes. She had a much better time in high school at NW Classen.

The school should've removed those students permanently.

Im so sorry she had to go through that. Hope she is doing well now.

Wow as a parent, that's just a hard story to read.

Well, this is incredibly disappointing:

http://newsok.com/charter-school-board-appoints-humphreys/article/5579677

Well, this is incredibly disappointing:

http://newsok.com/charter-school-board-appoints-humphreys/article/5579677

Oh god, get over it. Kirk Humphreys has done great things for our city and one negative, non PC comment that people don't agree with doesn't all of the sudden erase all of that or nullify any positive contributions he can make in the future.

while true, doesn't mean he still needs to remain on the board.

Typically there is at least a 'cooling off' period where the person is reprimanded and not allowed to serve for a period of time; and then may be 'approved' to serve at a later date. I see that OU did this very thing, Rex. ...?

Oklahomans needs to realize politicians should be held accountable for what they do and SAY and stop voting for/approving these clowns who despite their possible many contributions continue to hold the state/city back as backwater, non-progressive, and intolerant (along with other negative adjectives many of us hate to hear).

Very disappointing. The problem is that it’s clear that Humphries believes all this bigotry and discrimination. He keeps saying to look at the context, but when pressed he literally either had no answer or doubles down on his discriminatory remarks. People can have different views, but again, he has spoken in favor of workplace discrimination and intolerance. What is a gay child or young girl supposed to think of themselves when a board appointed to oversee their school sounds like bullies they face?

Someone who thinks that there is no difference between a pedophile and a homosexual has no business being in any position of authority over any student body that includes homosexuals. It doesn't matter what his prior record of "doing good" is, and it doesn't negate any of his good works either. It simply acknowledges that he thinks that the homosexual student body he has authority over is no better than a grown man having sex with a young child.

That view point doesn't have to negate his prior good works. At the same time his prior good works also don't negate that view point. He still has the opportunity to do plenty of other good works, even though his threat of taking his money away from anyplace that holds him accountable for his words says just as much about him as his words did.

Children shouldn't have to go to school knowing that he thinks that they are no better than pedophiles.

It's not a one time statement, but I agree. .most of these statements have been aatter of public record for over a decade. These parents didn't seem to mind when he was raising money and helping develop this school and area. And his personal views, no matter how you feel about them, have no bearing on his ability to serve on the board, unless he inpliments some policy which reflects those views.

It's not a one time statement, but I agree. .most of these statements have been aatter of public record for over a decade. These parents didn't seem to mind when he was raising money and helping develop this school and area. And his personal views, no matter how you feel about them, have no bearing on his ability to serve on the board, unless he inpliments some policy which reflects those views.

He’s on the record as saying men should fire qualified female employees if they’re attractive? He’s on the record as condemning all gay people as immoral? Do you honestly think he hasn’t been practicing discriminatory practices his entire career?

Kirk Humphries has shown multiple times why he is a poor role model for the youth of OKC.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvGR_dpMcdI&index=3&list=UUuUQ0Njmt1TtmnxfEOEKp0Q
He does not deserve to be a voting member of a publicly funded school.

Someone who thinks that there is no difference between a pedophile and a homosexual has no business being in any position of authority over any student body that includes homosexuals.

.. or anyone regardless of their race, color, orientation, or differences. [just enhancing this statement a bit]

Oh god, get over it. Kirk Humphreys has done great things for our city and one negative, non PC comment that people don't agree with doesn't all of the sudden erase all of that or nullify any positive contributions he can make in the future.

One, seriously? Aside from the *multiple* things he said on TV recently, there's all kinds of other times he's said similar things. Start here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvGR_dpMcdI&index=3&list=UUuUQ0Njmt1TtmnxfEOEKp0Q

This is an outrage!!! Let's be angry!!!!

Looks to be well qualified to work with Betty DeVos. A talent like this is to valuable for Oklahoma City to keep for themselves.

He’s on the record as saying men should fire qualified female employees if they’re attractive? He’s on the record as condemning all gay people as immoral? Do you honestly think he hasn’t been practicing discriminatory practices his entire career?

He was on record a decade ago making those comments, when the board was happy for his fundraising help and the parents were happy to apply and take thier kids their. If there's evidence he's used his influence to discriminate then present it. The only thing that's changed is publicity, not his viewpoints.

He was on record a decade ago making those comments, when the board was happy for his fundraising help and the parents were happy to apply and take thier kids their. If there's evidence he's used his influence to discriminate then present it. The only thing that's changed is publicity, not his viewpoints.

It's possible that (a) many people were unaware of his political views that have likely influenced his entire career or (b) they were unable to gain any traction in opposing him because he has a lot of money and influence. Just because this issue is boiling over now does not mean it hasn't been simmering for years.

I guess my point still is, these views have been around long enough that we'd know if they were effecting how he influenced the school. I wouldn't want an anti vaxxer or flat earther teaching science, but not too worried if they were an English teacher or on the school board. If he's not out thier as an activist trying to restrict rights, I'm willing to look past these views. I'm don't agree with a large part of the Morman religion, but we wouldn't be ok with discrimination against every male member would we? Catholics also have viewpoints that many would describe as anti women and equality. Should we ban them all from public service or understand that people can separate thier personal views from thier public actions?

I don't think it is a matter of whether his views have influenced the curriculum. His notoriety at this point his he represents the school as a voting member. Many an employee has been terminated over the years for the perception that their views represent the views of the agency/employer they serve.

He was on record a decade ago making those comments, when the board was happy for his fundraising help and the parents were happy to apply and take thier kids their. If there's evidence he's used his influence to discriminate then present it. The only thing that's changed is publicity, not his viewpoints.

So what? They were just as inappropriate a decade ago. If your point is that Kirk is a good fundraiser, so OKC needs to live with his outdated sense of "morality," then I'm just going to say I disagree with you. Oklahoma's reputation is bad enough. We NEED to do better than Kirk Humphreys.

So now we need a religious litmus test for positions and jobs. Got it. Don't see how that could go wrong. No Catholics, Southern Baptists, Muslims, etc on any public boards. I'm sure there won't be any legal issues with this.

I guess the question is if the problem people have is that he has these viewpoints, or merely that he's been open about them? Because if the latter that begs the question is if we're preferring people who hide their beliefs and motivations. If it's the former, we're in trouble, because there's a good shot that the majority if people out there hold some viewpoint that others would disagree with. That's why I'd rather go on actions.

So now we need a religious litmus test for positions and jobs. Got it. Don't see how that could go wrong. No Catholics, Southern Baptists, Muslims, etc on any public boards. I'm sure there won't be any legal issues with this.

When his publicly stated views on women, gay folks, racial minorities, clash with non discrimination laws and statutes then he should not be on a public school board. It is a bad look for the OKC public school system.

I think in a state as socially conservative as Oklahoma, outrage and activism is better focused on the state legislature which will begin session soon. I am sure as usual that there will be numerous bills targeting the LGBTQ community. I don't like Kirk Humphreys and never have but he is who he is and his attitude towards the LGBTQ community has been well known since he was mayor. I definitely don't support him and I agree with others who say it's a poor reflection on the city, but it's also important to pick battles wisely especially in this political environment. Now if Mr. Humphreys attempts to use his position to discriminate against LGBTQ youth in any way then I would say that is cause for action.

I think in a state as socially conservative as Oklahoma, outrage and activism is better focused on the state legislature which will begin session soon. I am sure as usual that there will be numerous bills targeting the LGBTQ community. I don't like Kirk Humphreys and never have but he is who he is and his attitude towards the LGBTQ community has been well known since he was mayor. Now if Mr. Humphreys attempts to use his position to discriminate against LGBTQ youth in any way then I would say that is cause for action.

Certainly agree on that, I think everyone can.

Personal opinions of Humphreys aside, I would be interested to see whether those who are against him ever serving the public again can produce any actual evidence that his views have clouded his judgment or led him to actually discriminate against or have a tangible negative effect (other than hurt feelings) on anyone at any point during his public service. Just because someone disagrees with you or does not follow popular opinion, does not mean they are a horrible person that should be banned from working anywhere or serving the public in any capacity. The pedophilia comments were unfortunate and obviously I don't agree with them, but they do sound much worse when taken out of context.

Now if Mr. Humphreys attempts to use his position to discriminate against LGBTQ youth in any way then I would say that is cause for outrage.

He has. It's been proven. The Pride parade banners issue when he was mayor, where he was successfully sued, is exactly that - him using his position to illegally suppress the rights of someone who holds a different opinion than him. Does anyone really think that's the only time in his career he's done that?

It's not even a question of religion. You can be as religious or not religious as you want. But you cannot use your religion to take away other people's rights. This is a very simple, individual rights issue.

And then again, to restate how horrible of an example of Oklahoma this is.

Well, the way I look at this is, if this were in the most educated states in the US, this guy would have been gone the second this got out in the press. But this is Oklahoma we’re talking about, so this kind of sh!t is still acceptable I guess.

Right. This is totally insane that this is even still an issue. He should have been done after his comments on KFOR. But right, Oklahoma is so ahead of the rest of the country, it must be the rest of the country that's crazy.

I mean, 10 years ago every single candidate on the Democratic presidential primary ticket stood on stage and supported suppressing marriage equality, and folks were ok with then, but hey, if you don't like the person....

His kfor remarks were reprehensible and undefendible and his stepping down from the board of regents was justified, especially in thier search for a new president coming up.

His position on a local charter school board? Bugs me less n

I guess the question is if the problem people have is that he has these viewpoints, or merely that he's been open about them? Because if the latter that begs the question is if we're preferring people who hide their beliefs and motivations. If it's the former, we're in trouble, because there's a good shot that the majority if people out there hold some viewpoint that others would disagree with. That's why I'd rather go on actions.

Again, why do you keep assuming Humphries hasn't been discriminating his entire time in public service? I do not know him and I am not saying what his actions have been, but that would be a good investigation. Does someone who publically says you should fire pretty women actually fire/not hire pretty women in his work? In spite of his misogynistic and homophobic beliefs, does he have a good track record of hiring and promoting each group in both quantity and leadership to positions? Most discrimination happens behind closed doors, but if you find someone willing to say the things he said in public, why would you think he wouldn't discriminate in private in the spaces where he holds power? However, even in the event that he has a good record, can you be a productive leader in an organization when those under you believe you hold discriminatory views?

His non-apologies have been as telling as anything. You can tell he really believes what he's said and finds it annoying that others don't hold his beliefs. If he were truly apologetic and seemed like he'd grow then that would be one thing, but I haven't seen any evidence that is the case.

Edit: Just saw stjohn's post that reminded me that Humphries has used his position to discriminate already.

Right. This is totally insane that this is even still an issue. He should have been done after his comments on KFOR. But right, Oklahoma is so ahead of the rest of the country, it must be the rest of the country that's crazy.Must be. I am shocked there are posters that are defending this guy or even the situation. There are reasons Oklahoma has the stereotypes that is had and until this kind of crap isn’t tolerated there anymore, it will continue to be looked down by the majority of the country.

I mean, 10 years ago every single candidate on the Democratic presidential primary ticket stood on stage and supported suppressing marriage equality, and folks were ok with then, but hey, if you don't like the person....

His kfor remarks were reprehensible and undefendible and his stepping down from the board of regents was justified, especially in thier search for a new president coming up.

His position on a local charter school board? Bugs me less nWhy do you always seem to justify backwards behavior occurring now by saying “well this happened 10 or 20 years ago!?” You do this a lot.

Right. This is totally insane that this is even still an issue. He should have been done after his comments on KFOR. But right, Oklahoma is so ahead of the rest of the country, it must be the rest of the country that's crazy.

I definitely agree. I think in most other cities he probably would have been done after his KFOR comments. It really sucks this is still an issue and I in no way support Mr. Humphreys so don't take what I said the wrong way. I don't like the man and never have and I think he is a black eye on the image of OKC. I'm just not really sure what can be done about it.

Why do you always seem to justify backwards behavior occurring now by saying “well this happened 10 or 20 years ago!?” You do this a lot.

Because most of the quotes are being pulled from a decade ago, except for the one I've completely and clearly condemned (the kfor one). So if we forgive people's stances from ten years ago doesn't he deserve equal treatment?

Know what, nevermind. GIGO especially with bs.