2025-26 Communications

Owasso Parents & Guardians, 

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer and are looking forward to the start of the upcoming school year on August 14! 

You likely have received communication from the Oklahoma State Department of Education recently regarding school lunches, along with school district budgets, and I wanted to provide you with some information as it relates to Owasso Public Schools.

• OSDE has not communicated directly with OPS about a requirement to provide student meals at no charge to parents beginning in the 2025-26 school year. We deeply value the importance of providing meals for students at school, but without additional funding, we are unable to implement this effort without compromising other essential services.
   
• In order for such a directive to go into effect, the Oklahoma State Board of Education would need to approve an emergency rule, which would then require the governor’s signature. No such rule exists and at the State Board of Education meeting on July 24, OSDE’s proposal was not presented to the Board. 
   
• For the upcoming 2025-26 school year, Child Nutrition operations in the District will continue as they have in years past. For more information about Child Nutrition offerings in the District, including meal prices and menus and nutritional information, please visit the District’s website. 
   
• We highly encourage all families, regardless of income, to fill out the Free & Reduced Lunch Application, which can be done quickly and completely online using your computer or mobile device at myschoolapps.com. Submitting this form will ensure that there are no gaps in meal benefits for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
   
• Providing each student with breakfast and lunch at no charge would cost an additional estimated $5.5 million dollars for the District. The OSDE proposal also came at a time when the new fiscal year had already begun and budgets had been set.
   
• By law, there are rules that dictate how the District funds can be spent. For example, it is illegal for school bond funds, building funds or federal funds earmarked for specific purposes (i.e. Special Education, Indian Education, etc.) – to name a few – to be used for purchasing food for our Child Nutrition Department. The Child Nutrition Department is funded by federal child nutrition reimbursements (via the Free & Reduced Lunch Application) and revenue from meals served.
   
• As required by state law, the District submitted its fiscal year budget to the state in June in order to comply and continue legal operations on July 1. The budget was submitted well before OSDE’s initial July 7 press release and subsequent parent letter.
   
• Additionally in that July 7 letter to parents, OSDE made claims about elevated administrative costs in school districts. OPS complies with all federal and state laws concerning budget practices and operates with full financial transparency. Each year, OPS undergoes an independent audit to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the District operated with administrative costs of 3.78%, well under the 5% limit of Oklahoma State Law Title 70 Section 18-124. That financial audit is available to view at any time on our website. Owasso Public Schools takes its responsibility to our community and taxpayers seriously, and remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and sound financial stewardship.
   
• Cutting every administrative position in the District, which includes principals and assistant principals, would not generate enough revenue to fund or sustain the OSDE directive of free meals for all students.

While we believe this is a worthy endeavour, implementing this OSDE proposal without additional funding would be cost-prohibitive and would impact our ability to provide existing student services. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with elected state leaders to discuss ideas for improvement and identify practical, cost-effective solutions to meet students’ needs and enhance educational outcomes for all Owasso Rams.

If you have any questions about processes related to student meals, please contact the Child Nutrition Department at 918-272-8034 or ram.meals@owassops.org.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Margaret Coates
Superintendent

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

As we get closer to the first day of school on August 14, I wanted to reach out to you with some information regarding a new policy and procedure in our buildings for the 2025-26 year. You have likely heard in the media about Oklahoma SB 139, a new law that was signed by the Governor in May that bans student cell phone use in schools.

This new “bell to bell, no cell” law is aimed at reducing distractions and promoting a more focused and engaging learning environment for all students.

To comply with the law, the Owasso Board of Education recently approved an updated Policy 5.31 - Wireless Telecommunication Devices, which you can read in its entirety on our website. 

Here’s what this means for students at Owasso Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year:

• While students may possess a cell phone or personal electronic device while on school premises, students are prohibited from using those devices at any time between the first bell ringing at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell at the end of the school day to end instructional time.
• Continuing an expectation for phones and other personal electronic devices from previous years, devices must be silenced and put away during class time.
• Exceptions may be made for situations such as medical emergencies, natural disasters and lockdowns or to monitor health issues, including but not limited to glucose monitoring. 
• Students with special needs may use cell phones or personal electronic devices during class time or during the school day if their IEP, Medical Plan, or 504 Plan explicitly requires it as assistive technology for medically or educationally necessary purposes. To qualify for this exception, the use must be listed as a documented accommodation necessary for instruction or communication within the student’s IEP, Medical Plan, or 504 Plan.

“Personal electronic device” means a personal device capable of connecting to a smartphone, the Internet, or a cellular or Wi-Fi network, or directly connecting to another similar device. Personal electronic devices include, but are not limited to, smart watches, smart headphones, laptops, tablets, and smart glasses.

We appreciate your partnership and ask that you discuss this information with your student before the start of school. If you have questions about the policy or what it means for your student, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s school or the Teaching & Learning office at 918-272-8182.

Thank you for your continued support of Owasso Public Schools. We look forward to a great year ahead!

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Margaret Coates
Superintendent

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

The September 9 election will provide Owasso residents with the opportunity to invest in our schools, our community and our future.

The plan includes improvements in the areas of facilities, safety, technology, instructional resources, athletics, the arts and more – without an increase to the tax rate. To learn more about specific projects, please visit our website.

The deadline to register to vote before the election is August 15. It’s easy to do! Just visit the Oklahoma State Election Board online. 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve your students and your family.

Sincerely,

Dr. Margaret Coates
Superintendent

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! I hope this summer brought you moments of rest, connection, and inspiration. As we prepare to open our doors for the 2025–2026 school year, I want to express how grateful we are for your continued partnership in supporting the students of Owasso Public Schools.

This year, our district-wide theme is “Be Your Best.” It’s a powerful reminder that when each of us—students, teachers, staff, and families—strives to bring our very best every day, we unlock incredible potential. When students bring their best, they learn more, lead more, and dream bigger. When teachers bring their best, classrooms become places of energy and inspiration. And when families bring their best—through encouragement, support, and engagement—we build the kind of partnership that helps students thrive.

This belief in collective effort is also the foundation of our community’s future. At Owasso Public Schools, we know that strong schools create strong communities. They help attract families, grow local businesses, and build pride in the place we all call home.

That’s why, this fall, our district will bring forward a student investment proposal that reflects our shared commitment to students and the future of Owasso. This proposal is not a new tax, but rather a continuation of existing funding that allows us to invest in safety, academics, the arts, and athletics.

For more information, please see our two-page flyer or go to Owassops.org. We encourage you to stay informed, ask questions, and most importantly—make your voice heard by voting on Tuesday, September 9th. Your voice and your vote matter—and your involvement plays a vital role in shaping the future of our schools.

Back to School: The first day of school for students is Thursday, August 14th. If your child will be riding a bus this school year and you need to know what bus they ride, please check the route information page on our website. A “practice run” for buses will take place on Wednesday, August 13th, which means you will see buses running through our neighborhoods the day before school starts. As in previous years, your patience and understanding for the first few weeks of school is greatly appreciated as we iron out the details of our routes for another school year. 

The bell schedules will remain the same and can be accessed here. Please note, for school meal information, parents can access school menus and add money to their student’s meal account on the district’s website through the Child Nutrition page. Parents are encouraged to complete and submit a free & reduced lunch application regardless of income, prior to the start of the school year to ensure that there are no gaps in meal benefits for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Finally, I wanted to remind you that the District's approved platforms for communication between school personnel and an individual student are Google Workspace, SportsYou, Edgenuity and Acellus. These platforms have been approved by the Board of Education to be in compliance with Oklahoma HB 3958.

Our schools are excited to welcome you and your children back to school. Principals will be reaching out to families with additional information regarding back to school activities. If you would like to find more helpful information as you prepare for the beginning of the school year, please visit the Back-to-School page on our website.

SPARK: Supplemental Program and Activities for Ram Kids (SPARK) allows our district families and employees the opportunity to have quality programming for their children before and after school hours while they're still at work. Students who attend benefit from the enriching activities and a supportive environment. To enroll in SPARK for this school year, please navigate to the online registration portal.

We are grateful for your partnership. Our families are an essential part of the Owasso Public Schools community and we know that with your support, this school year will be one of purpose, progress, and pride. This year, let’s commit to "Be Your Best” – because when we do, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together!

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Margaret Coates
Superintendent
Owasso Public Schools

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

The latest edition of Minutes with Margaret—our monthly video series featuring Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates—is now available!

In the first episode of the year, Dr. Coates sits down with OHS math teacher Marianne Zamor, who is celebrating an incredible 46 years with Owasso Public Schools. 

You can watch the new episode on the district’s YouTube channel, as well as on our social media pages (Facebook and X) and at owassops.org.

Thank you for tuning in and for your continued support of Owasso Public Schools!

2025-26 Episodes
September - Marianne Zamor

Owasso Public Schools

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

This is a reminder that, in order to receive free or reduced-price meals, families must complete a Free & Reduced Application.

The Owasso Public Schools Child Nutrition Team produces healthy and delicious school meals based on the USDA’s nutrition guidelines so that students are engaged and ready to learn in school. All meals include a variety of fresh fruit and vegetable choices, and a variety of chilled non-fat or low-fat milk.

We encourage all families, regardless of income, to apply. Submitting the form ensures there are no delays or gaps in benefits and may also provide access to:

• Discounts on SAT, PSAT, and college application fees
• Reduced internet costs
• Lower fees for youth programs
• Additional funding for district educational programs

How to apply:

• The Free & Reduced Lunch Application can be completed quickly and completely online using your computer or mobile device at myschoolapps.com. (If using a mobile device, we recommend using a browser other than Safari)
• Pick up a paper application at the Child Nutrition Office 202 East Broadway

All students are welcomed and treated equally at mealtime, and Free & Reduced status is kept confidential.

Menus can be found here: https://owassops.nutrislice.com/menu

If you have any questions, please contact the Child Nutrition Office at 918-272-8034 or ram.meals@owassops.org. We look forward to serving your students this year.

Sincerely,

Jon Beckloff
Director of Child Nutrition
jon.beckloff@owassops.org

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

We are aware that the State Department of Education has sent a message to parents stating that all Oklahoma schools are to participate in a moment of silence at noon tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 16). 

I want to take this opportunity to remind all parents that, each day, students observe, as required by law, a full minute of silence. The purpose of that time is to allow students the opportunity to reflect, meditate, pray, or engage in any other silent activity that does not interfere with, distract, or impede other students in the exercise of their individual choices.

Students and staff have the freedom to use this time each day as they best see fit. This practice will continue tomorrow and each remaining school day.

Due to the logistical challenges of a mid-day interruption across 15 sites, our district will not observe an additional moment of silence tomorrow. However, students and staff who wish to participate in a personal, voluntary moment of silence will be free to do so.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership with Owasso Public Schools.

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Margaret Coates

Superintendent

Thank you, Owasso!

I’m excited to share that voters have approved the 2025 Student Investment Plan. Your support makes a significant difference for our students in the areas of safety, facilities, academics, technology and extracurricular activities – without an increase in the tax rate to residents!

We are grateful to every student, parent, staff member and resident who provided feedback about the plan, learned about district needs and took time to cast a ballot. Community input and involvement made this milestone possible for current Owasso students – and for those who will walk our hallways for decades to come.

As we have shared before, we believe strong schools mean strong communities. Together, we are ensuring students have the tools, spaces, and opportunities to succeed – and giving Owasso an even brighter future. This investment strengthens our commitment to this year’s district theme: Be Your Best. Every improvement we make is designed to help students, staff and our community do just that.

I am proud to be a member of the OPS team and to serve this great community. Today, like so many days before, my heart is full of gratitude and excitement. OPS is known for excellence and – with the help of this plan – that tradition will continue. The work approved by voters today will begin as soon as possible – and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

Thank you for your support of Owasso Public Schools. What a great day to Be Your Best – and what a great day to be a Ram!

Sincerely,

Dr. Margaret Coates
Superintendent

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

Today – September 9 – is the Owasso school bond election. Polls are open until 7 p.m.

The plan includes projects that will make a difference at every school site – without an increase to the tax rate. Students will benefit from improvements to safety, facilities, athletics, the arts, technology and more. To learn more about the plan, please visit owassops.org.

 Thank you for taking time to vote.

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

The Owasso Public Schools student investment plan election is tomorrow – Tuesday, September 9.

The proposed plan will provide students across the district with improvements for safety, facilities, technology, athletics, the arts and more – with no increase to the tax rate. Polls will be open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Please be sure to vote tomorrow. To learn more please visit owassops.org.

Thank you.

 

Owasso Public Schools

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

The Owasso school election is quickly approaching. The plan includes projects that will make a difference at every school site – without an increase to the tax rate. Students will benefit from improvements to safety, facilities, athletics, the arts, technology and more. To learn more about the plan, please visit owassops.org.

You have multiple opportunities to vote and can choose the one most convenient for you:

• Early voting will be this Thursday and Friday, September 4-5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Tulsa County Election Board in Tulsa and the Rogers County Election Board in Claremore.
   
• Election day is Tuesday, September 9. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can find your polling place here.

School bond elections require 60% to pass. Every person’s vote is important. Thank you in advance for taking time to vote – and for all you do to make our school a great place to work and to learn.

Sincerely,

Dr. Margaret Coates
Superintendent
Owasso Public Schools

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

We know many families in our community count on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (SNAP) to provide meals for their families. Unfortunately, due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits will likely be temporarily interrupted, beginning Nov. 1. 

We understand this disruption may cause uncertainty, worry and financial burden for some members of our school family.

Please know those impacted are not alone; we’re here to help. We hope the following information will be beneficial to those facing difficulty during this challenging time:

• Students will continue to receive breakfast and lunch at school, based on their current eligibility status. If a family’s financial circumstances have changed for any reason, including reduced hours, furloughs, layoffs or other employment changes, parents can apply or update their free or reduced-price meal application online at https://www.myschoolapps.com.

• Parents can dial 211 on their phones to receive additional information about food banks, pantries and other community support programs across Oklahoma. In our area, the following food programs are available:

Owasso Community Resources
109 N. Birch Street, Owasso, OK
https://www.owassohelps.org

The Mission Center
11341 N Garnett Road, Owasso, OK
https://www.themission.net/themission

Neighbors in Need
708 N Main Street, Owasso, OK
https://neighborsinneed.help

• Our school team stands ready to support anyone with questions or specific needs. Please contact your child’s school office if we can assist your family. Additionally, counseling resources are also available for students who may be experiencing increased anxiety or concern.

• Oklahomans can learn more about how the government shutdown will affect SNAP benefits by visiting the Department of Human Services' FAQ webpage. Those who need assistance and those who would like to support their fellow Oklahomans can find additional resources on the DHS “Be a Neighbor” webpage.

Although this situation is beyond our control, we can control how we respond - with care and unity. Our school team is committed to keeping you informed and ensuring every student feels safe, secure and supported.

Thank you for your partnership with Owasso Public Schools.

Sincerely,

Dr. Margaret Coates
Superintendent

 

Free & Reduced Meal Benefits – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for Free & Reduced Meals anytime?
Yes. Families can apply at any point during the school year. If your household income changes due to job loss, reduced hours, or other circumstances, you can submit a new application right away.

Q: Do I have to apply at the beginning of the year?
No. You can apply whenever your income changes, and if you qualify, benefits continue for the rest of the school year.

Q: How do I apply?
Visit https://www.myschoolapps.com/ 

Q: Is the information I provide kept private?
Yes. All applications are confidential, and information is used only to determine meal eligibility.

Q: What happens after I apply?
You will receive a notice once your application has been reviewed, usually within a few days. Approved benefits begin immediately once processed.

Q: Who can I contact with questions about the application?
We are here to help! Anyone with questions about the free & reduced meal application can contact the OPS Child Nutrition office at 918-272-8034 or ram.meals@owassops.org

 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

The latest edition of Minutes with Margaret—our monthly video series featuring Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates—is now available!

In this episode, Dr. Coates joins Indian Education Coordinator Owen Hawzipta inside a traditional tipi — one that Mr. Hawzipta sets up at schools across the district to give students an authentic, hands-on learning experience. 

You can watch the new episode on the district’s YouTube channel, as well as on our social media pages (Facebook and X) and at owassops.org.

Thank you for tuning in and for your continued support of Owasso Public Schools!

2025-26 Episodes
September - Marianne Zamor
October - Owen Hawzipta

Owasso Public Schools

Dear Owasso Staff and Families,

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to say how truly thankful I am for each of you. This season reminds us to slow down and appreciate the people who make a difference—and our school community does that every single day.

Our theme this year, Be Your Best, shines through in the care you show, the effort you give, and the support you share with one another. Thank you for all you do to make Owasso such a special place to learn and grow.

In that spirit, we’re excited to introduce a new way to stay connected—the Owasso Public Schools Newsletter. Each edition will highlight stories of students and staff living out our “Be Your Best” theme, share important updates, and celebrate the incredible work happening across our district. You can access the first issue by clicking the link below or opening the attachment to this message:

OPS Newsletter

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our students and schools. 

With appreciation,

Dr. Margaret Coates
Superintendent

Owasso Parents & Guardians,

The latest edition of Minutes with Margaret—our monthly video series featuring Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates—is now available!

In this episode, Dr. Coates joins Director of Child Nutrition Jon Beckloff to discuss the return of Sodexo’s Fine Dining experience to OPS elementary schools. 

You can watch the new episode on the district’s YouTube channel, as well as on our social media pages (Facebook and X) and at owassops.org.

Thank you for tuning in and for your continued support of Owasso Public Schools!

2025-26 Episodes
September - Marianne Zamor
October - Owen Hawzipta
November - Jon Beckloff

Owasso Public Schools