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Main, news
October 16, 2024
Vian School Board focuses on academic test results
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor,

Oklahoma public schools have released their spring test scores for the 2023-24 academic year, highlighting both areas of achievement and ongoing challenges.

Each spring, third through eighth graders are assessed in English language arts and math, with fifth and eighth graders also tested in science. The latest data from the Oklahoma Department of Education shows proficiency rates in English language arts ranging from 39% to 51%, and math scores between 25% and 40%, in bigger schools across the state. In science, 34% of fifth graders and 35% of eighth graders met or exceeded proficiency standards.

This year’s results, however, are not directly comparable to previous years due to updated expectations for proficiency levels. Individual student scores were made available to parents last month, prompting discussions about academic performance in school districts across the state.

Vian Public Schools At Vian Public Schools’ regular monthly board meeting in September, the board discussed the implications of the standardized test results. Superintendent John Brockman and principals in each building highlighted the significant strides made, particularly in the middle school, where all three tested subjects— math, English, and science—showed improvement, with average scores exceeding statewide averages and surpassing results from the previous year.

“Vian Middle School’s results were the biggest bright spot,” board member Jeff Cotner, said.

While elementary grades demonstrated some progress, overall performance remained at or slightly below state averages.

Curriculum Director Leslie Bridges emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance educational rigor through curriculum revisions, teacher training, and new classroom procedures.

“I’ve never seen a harder working group of teachers,” she said, commending the staff’s commitment to embracing new teaching techniques.

The board’s discussion included concerns about potential grade inflation, and asked whether some students who scored poorly were still receiving high marks. Administrators agreed on the importance of maintaining rigorous grading standards to better prepare students for future assessments.

Another area of focus was the number of students scoring in the “Advanced” category on state exams.

Administrators described targeted programs aimed at nurturing top-performing students to bridge the gap in this area.

In terms of high school performance, Vian’s ACT scores were on par with previous years.

Following the meeting, the district received the needed details so that they could compare them to the statewide average.

Vian High School Principal Carrie Jo Willis provided followup information to board members, showing that while Vian’s ACT results for the Class of 2025 had decreased very slightly from the Class of 2024, the high school was still just above statewide averages for Composite ACT scores.

A notable achievement was seen in high school history testing, which showed significant improvement, attributed to focused efforts from the history department.

As the school year progresses, Vian Public Schools plans to continue addressing academic challenges while celebrating the successes evident in the latest test scores. The board has committed to exploring additional resources and policies to support student achievement and improve outcomes in the coming years.

Officer returns to work, key safety decisions made
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Officer returns to work, key safety decisions made
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
May 7, 2025
In a meeting marked by both solemn acknowledgments and forward-looking decisions, the town of Webbers Falls conducted its regular council session on April 8. The meeting began with a heartfelt gesture...
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Police chief announces zero tolerance policy on loose dogs
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
May 7, 2025
In response to a growing public safety concern, Vian Police Chief Mark Harkins announced that the town is launching a zero tolerance initiative aimed at holding negligent animal owners accountable. “W...
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Fletcher, Peoples reappointed as mayor, vice mayor
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Fletcher, Peoples reappointed as mayor, vice mayor
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
May 7, 2025
The Town of Vian and Vian Public Works Authority (VPWA) went over a packed agenda during their regular joint meeting on April 21, reappointing town leadership, approving multiple community events, and...
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Cherokee Nation makes donation to local police departments
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Cherokee Nation makes donation to local police departments
May 7, 2025
Cherokee Nation Districts 5 and 6 Tribal Councilors E.O. “Jr.” Smith and Daryl Legg, along with Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner recently donated a total of $78,724 to local law enf...
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Blackgum community sale May 9 and 10
May 7, 2025
The Blackgum community sale is back! Come shop this Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Blackgum Community Building, located on Hwy. 100, one mile east of Tenkiller State Park.
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Town of Webbers Falls events
May 7, 2025
May 6: Food Giveaway WF First Baptist Church, the first Tuesday of each month. May 10: Town of Gore’s Cruise Night. May 13: ECOWA and Town of Webbers Falls meeting, 6 p.m. May 16: Webbers Falls High S...
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Band of Gold performs
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Band of Gold performs
May 7, 2025
The Vian Band of Gold performed during the pre-game show at the Arkansas Naturals vs the Tulsa Drillers baseball game on April 25 in Springdale. The band wishes to thank their sponsors who made this d...
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Brown brings family and flavor together
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Brown brings family and flavor together
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
May 7, 2025
Nestled on the hills of Blackgum Mountain near Moonshine Road, the scent of sizzling fry bread often wafts from a cozy home where tradition, family, and flavor come together. That’s the home of Ashley...
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Gore announces spring cleanup day
May 7, 2025
Gore Public Works Authority (GPWA) customers will be allowed to dispose of undesirable items with some exceptions during the town’s spring cleanup day on May 24, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The following it...
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Eyeglass donations being accepted by Lions
May 7, 2025
Anyone wishing to donate old or no longer used eyeglasses can do so by dropping them off at the Vian Lions Club donation box. The box is located in front of the old Vian Town Hall on Thornton Street. ...
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Date set for Vian’s All School Reunion
May 7, 2025
Vian’s All School Reunion will be held during Memorial Day weekend, on Saturday, May 24, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Vian High School Cafetorium. The reunion committee is inviting all alumni from both Vi...
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