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YOUTH, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COUNSELORS |
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Summer Goals
Summer is finally here. For students, parents, and teachers this is a time to take a deep breath while appreciating all the accomplishments from the past school year. After a moment of rest, though, this is also a time to begin looking ahead at new opportunities. This is a perfect time to begin thinking about goal setting and many summer activities can be a perfect way to do this. Goal setting for students with disabilities can include coming up with goals for social life, work, or education.
When attending summer camps and other summer programs, students have an opportunity to interact with others of the same age who have similar interests, challenges, and aspirations. Spending time with peers might be the most impactful times of a young person's life, so we encourage students to get involved in summer activities with other students as much as possible.
Finding meaningful work is something most of us want. This might mean having a job doing something we love doing. It may mean working for the perfect boss or working on a team of people we like being around and who we respect. It may simply mean being able to feel like feeling like we have something to contribute to the world. No matter what makes work feel meaningful, it is safe to say that there is a 'perfect' job out there for everyone and that everyone has the potential to be the perfect person for a particular job. Through many of the Transition summer programs, students with disabilities can either learn about job readiness or in some instances even work in paid internships where they can start to learn what kind of work is meaningful to them. We encourage students to do whatever they can to start creating goals for finding a rewarding job or career.
Education can (and should) be fun. Setting educational goals after completing a school year might feel like a lot, but it is never too early to start thinking about. By thinking about what educational opportunities make sense, students are building the foundation for the actual plan. Sometimes thinking about pursuing education after high school might lead to a Google search for colleges or Career Tech districts. Sometimes it may lead to exploring what scholarships are available, and sometimes it may mean applying or enrolling in an academic program. Again, if all a student does is think about what it looks like for them to pursue education, this is a great thing.
We hope parents and students can make goals this summer. Social, job, and educational goals are some big ones, but they are just a few examples of goals students can begin setting. It is also good to remember that just starting to think about goal setting is a good place to start. Hopefully, the thinking is already starting. We wish you the best for this summer and beyond.
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Muscogee Creek Nation Community RESOURCE NIGHT: Empowering Our Families
 Representatives from Oklahoma Family Network, Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services, Oklahoma Human Services, SoonerSelect, Tallgrass Estate Planning, Fixico Special Education Consulting, and many more invite you to join them for an enlightening evening dedicated to discovering the myriad of resources available to support students with disabilities and their families.
Whether you're a student, a caring family member, a dedicated educator, or a valued member of their tribal community, this event is tailored to empower and equip you with essential knowledge and support.
Plus, don't miss out on the chance to win exciting door prizes - but remember, you must be present to claim your prize. Together, let's foster inclusivity and create pathways to success for all.
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 4, 2024; 5:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m.
Location: Muscogee Creek Nation Dome; 200 Preston Dr. Okmulgee, OK 74447
For more information, contact Brooki Beasley-Fixico at brooki@ou.edu, Ramona Roberts at Ramona.Roberts@jenksps.org, Cynthia Smith at CSmith@muscogeenation.com, or Anita Lena at anitalena@oklahomafamilynetwork.org.
TechNow STEM Camp
 TechNow STEM Camp is open to Oklahoma students with disabilities, ages 14-19 who are on an IEP or 504 Plan or who have other documented physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities. At STEM Camp, students will learn different ways to interact with computers, software, and related technologies to design and create: Power Racer dragster, HT Racer, full color patches for jackets, pants, and shirts.
They will get to make shirts, hats, mouse pads, pin back buttons, and bracelets. Students will develop new skills while interacting with peers and making memories that will last a lifetime. The camp is held from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. over three days. Below are the dates and locations of the STEM Camps for Summer 2024:
Ada STEM Camp:
Monday – Wednesday, June 10-12, 2024
Ada-Pontotoc Technology Center
601 W. 33rd St., Ada, OK 74820
From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Click here to download Ada STEM Camp Flyer
Lawton STEM Camp:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, June 17, 18, 20, 2024
Life Ready Center
702 NW Homestead Dr,
Lawton, OK 73505
From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Click here to download Lawton STEM Camp Flyer
(LOCATION FULL) Tulsa STEM Camp
Monday – Wednesday, June 24-26, 2024
Central Church of the Nazarene
7291 East 81st Street, Tulsa, OK, 74133
From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Click here to download Tulsa STEM Camp Flyer
Davis STEM Camp:
Tuesday – Thursday, July 9-11, 2024
Davis High School
400 E. Atlanta St.
Davis, Ok 73030
From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Click here to download Davis STEM Camp Flyer
Atoka STEM Camp:
Monday – Wednesday, July 22-24, 2024
Atoka-Kiamichi Technology Center
1763 W. Liberty Rd., Atoka, OK 74525
From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Click here to download Atoka STEM Camp Flyer
Skiatook STEM Camp:
Monday – Wednesday, July 15-17, 2024
Newman Middle School Gymnasium
2000 W. Oak St.
Skiatook, OK 74070
From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Click here to download Skiatook STEM Camp Flyer
Tulsa Area and Oklahoma City Area Transition Fairs
 NEW resource! Anyone can learn about transition (resource) fairs happening in both the Greater Tulsa and the Greater Oklahoma City areas. The calendars can be accessed from a computer through the following links:
Click here for Tulsa area transition fairs
Click here for Oklahoma City area transition fairs
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Serving and inspiring Oklahoma's students with disabilities is our passion; our purpose. Each month, we hope to highlight a student whose story encourages others.
We have learned that one of the best ways to hear about our most amazing students is from those that spend time with them everyday. So, we encourage family members, education professionals and transition professionals to tell us about students who are doing amazing things.
Recently, Tracy Keeley interviewed Sullivan, a 2023 graduate of Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa. Sullivan is fun-loving, hardworking, and overall likable. He has shown how us that finding success can simply be a matter of taking things a day at a time and staying positive. It is easy to see that Sullivan should continue to find success in life while inspiring others to do the same. Below are the questions from Tracy and how Sullivan responded.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I like to swim and play cornhole. I also like to go camping and to Mass.
What activity do you enjoy the most during the winter?
When it is cold outside, I like to stay indoors and make designs. I like to stay warm and cozy in the winter.
What is your preferred winter drink?
My preferred winter drink is hot chocolate.
If I were to provide you with $50,000 to create a positive impact in your community, how would you use it to bring about meaningful change?
I would use it to promote leadership and courage. I would also use some of it to buy a car, get a driver’s license, and buy a house.
Have you ever had any prior work experiences or volunteer opportunities?
Yes, I like being around and playing with children. I have volunteered at the Little Lighthouse.
Could you share your experience with the Project SEARCH program?
I got to work in the gift shop where I counted money. I also got to work in the laundry department where I folded gowns for new patients.
What is something you learned from the Project SEARCH program?
I have learned to be with new people.
What are your plans after you complete Project SEARCH?
My plans are to hopefully work in a restaurant.
What is your dream career?
My dream career is to be a police officer and protect good people and arrest bad people.
What advice or tips would you like to share with other youth that may be interested in the Project SEARCH program?
My advice would be to take a 2nd chance if you mess up. I also advise other youth to be compassionate towards others.
What is the most significant goal or dream you wish to achieve in your lifetime?
I want to go to Disney Land!
What would you like the world to know about you?
I would like the world to know that I am honest, courageous, and enthusiastic about life.
Is there anyone specific you’d like to give a shoutout to?
I would love to give a shoutout to all the Bishop Kelley teams.
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How to nominate a Student:
If you know a current or former student who has participated in Transition events or who has found success through Transition services, please let us know by submitting this nomination form.
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Oklahoma Family Network (OFN)
The Oklahoma Family Network (OFN) informs and connects individuals with special health care needs and disabilities, their families, and professionals to services and support in their communities.
Their services are designed for the family of any child who has:
- spent time in the NICU or was born premature
- physical disabilities
- cancer
- rare or undiagnosed conditions
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Down Syndrome
- mental health diagnoses
- behavioral health concerns
Areas of support include emotional support, resources & training, and leadership & advocacy.
To get connected with OFN, you can send them a message from their website. Link is below.
Click here to get connected with OFN
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 Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma
The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, Inc. (DSACO) is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in January 2000 by parents of children with Down syndrome. The purpose of the organization is aligned with its mission which is “raise awareness and provide resources, as well as promote acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome.” They do this through a variety of educational workshops, community awareness campaigns, and workshops for their families, teens, adults, and young children. These include self-advocacy workshops, Kylee’s Kitchen (microwave-based cooking class), support groups, and the NEW Self Advocacy Center.
Their Self-Advocacy Center offers immerging adults, in Central and Western Oklahoma, tools for self-care, self-awareness, social etiquette, getting and keeping a job, finances and budgeting, and much more. We have already initiated this program and started advertising signups for the next year, so the next step is expanding the program to reach more of our community.
For more information on DSACO, please contact:
Sarah Soell
Email: info@dsaco.org
Phone Number: 405-600-9981
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Here are some exciting grant opportunities to be aware of:
Oklahoma Humanities: Grants for Student-Serving Projects
- What: Outright funding up to $10,000 for projects that serve K-12 Oklahoma public school students.
- Why: This funding category provides opportunity and access to humanities-based educational materials and experiences for K-12 students to enhance learning in public schools. Projects may include in-person learning events or field trips, virtual learning events or online programs, or hybrid virtual learning experiences.
- Who: This funding opportunity is available to U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, accredited public and 501(c)(3) institutions of higher education, state and local governmental agencies, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments serving Oklahoma K-12 public school students.
- How: Visit https://www.okhumanities.org/grants/grants-for-student-serving-projects to apply.
The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program
- The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program is designed to increase the availability of local foods in schools and help connect students to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing for school meals. Grants can launch new farm to school programs or expand existing efforts.
- Eligible applicants may include schools and other institutions that operate child nutrition programs, tribal organizations, agricultural producers or groups of agricultural producers, nonprofit entities, and state and local agencies.
- Visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/f2s/farm-school-grant-program for more information about the program.
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Mark Morgenthaler is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Ada. He has been part of the DRS team for over four years and enjoys making a difference in the lives of others through working in this field.
Mark has lived in Ada for 25 years. Growing up, he experienced his own doubt about what career he might pursue because of health-related challenges he faced. Education has been an important factor in Mark’s success. He earned his master’s degree in human resources and focused on Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
After learning more about the value of perseverance, he decided to leverage his educational accomplishments in the world of Rehabilitation Counseling. He said of working in this field, “(it is) something that I felt would make a difference for myself and my life, and perhaps others in need of inspiration to achieve what they wish to set their mind to.”
Mark enjoys the occasional karaoke night and is a fun-loving person. He is hardworking, a great team member and overall, an asset to the team. We are lucky to have him working with us as we serve students with disabilities in Oklahoma.
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Mark Morganthaler
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 580-310-5301
mmorgenthaler@okdrs.gov
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Josephine Gatewood is a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist who covers Murray, Marshall, and Love counties. She joined the DRS family in September of 2023 after serving as a Covid Case Investigator and Community Health Worker since late 2020 where her focus was the Un-housed. She told us that her role at DRS working with students with disabilities is a job she loves, and that helping others has brought her a sense of purpose and peace.
Josephine has earned an associate degree in behavioral science, a bachelor’s degree in human service counseling, and is currently working towards master’s in counseling psychology, as well as her CRC certification. Nothing has come easy for Josephine. She has overcome many challenges in life including the untimely losses of loved ones, and other difficult situations. She credits her strength and her perspective, both personally and professionally, on having faced many challenges throughout her life. When asked what she wants others to know, Josephine said, “Life is too short, share your life stories to those who maybe experiencing seasons of discouragements and disappointments so they can understand it’s only a season and this too shall pass, and they can succeed.”
Josephine is a strong, caring, and dedicated person. She brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the team and to the counties, schools, and students she serves. We are lucky to have her on the team.
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Josephine Gatewood
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
Vocational Rehabilitation
ph. 580-223-9307
email josephine.gatewood@okdrs.gov
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What is Transition?
The Transition program provides services to prepare students with disabilities for employment and life after high school. Services may include career counseling, vocational evaluation, work adjustment training, on-the-job training, work-study, and job development and placement. The Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired divisions jointly run the Transition program so the youth can easily move into adult services when it is time.
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We can help create the blueprint for your youth’s success |
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