Wikipedia

Owasso High School

Owasso High School is a high school located within Tulsa County in Owasso, Oklahoma, United States. It is among the largest high schools in Oklahoma by enrollment with nearly 3,000 students. In 2024, the school received international attention following the death of Nex Benedict.[19][20]

Owasso High School
The main entryway of Owasso High School's East Campus
Address
Map
12901 East 86th Street North

Green Country

Owasso
,
Tulsa County
,
Oklahoma
74055

United States
Coordinates36°16′47″N 95°49′42″W / 36.27972°N 95.82833°W / 36.27972; -95.82833
Information
Other nameOHS
School typeLocal, state, federal government allocations, bond initiatives, federal programs, community contributions[13], Public high school
MottoOnce a Ram, Always a Ram[1]
EstablishedSeptember 1975
School boardOwasso Public Schools Board of Education[14]
School districtOwasso Public Schools
NCES District ID4023280[15]
SuperintendentDr. Margaret Coates[16]
PrincipalTiffani Cooper[17]
Teaching staff139
Employees282
Grades9-12
Age range14-18[2]
Enrollment3,068 (2023–2024)[3]
Classes131[4]
Student to teacher ratio21:1[5]
LanguageEnglish
Hours in school day6 hours, 45 minutes
CampusesEast Campus, West Campus[10]
Campus typeSuburban
Color(s)Red, black, and white
     
SongOwasso Alma Mater[11]
Fight songOwasso Fight Song[12]
Athletics conference6A District 1
SportsBaseball, Basketball (Boys), Basketball (Girls), Cheer, Cross country, Football, Golf (Boys), Golf (Girls), Pom, Soccer (Boys), Soccer (Girls), Softball, Swimming (Boys & Girls), Tennis (Boys), Tennis (Girls), Track and Field, Volleyball, Wrestling[18]
MascotRambo
NicknameRams
Rival
Sand Springs Sandites
USNWR ranking10,785[9]
NewspaperOwasso RamPage[7]
YearbookTrail's End[8]
AlumniRandy Blake, Dylan Bundy, Aaron Colvin, Brian Flynn, Keon Hatcher, Jon Kolb, Pete Kozma, Shake Milton, Paul Smith, Braden Webb
Websiteohs.owassops.org
Last updated: November 28, 2024

The district (of which this is the sole comprehensive high school) includes Owasso, a small portion of Tulsa,[21] Limestone, and a small portion of Valley Park.[22] It is located within the 7,000 square-mile Cherokee Nation reservation in northeastern Oklahoma.[23]

History

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Owasso Independent School District v. Falvo

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Main article: Owasso Independent School District v. Falvo

In the 2002 case Owasso Independent School District v. Falvo, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed whether the practice of peer grading in classrooms violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. FERPA restricts educational institutions from releasing students' education records without parental consent.

Case background:

Kristja J. Falvo, a parent in the Owasso Independent School District in Oklahoma, challenged the district's practice of allowing students to grade each other's assignments and announce the scores aloud. She argued that this method embarrassed her children and constituted an unlawful disclosure of educational records under FERPA. After the school district declined to change its policy, Falvo filed a lawsuit.

Legal proceedings:

  • District Court: The court ruled in favor of the school district, stating that grades on student-graded papers were not "education records" as defined by FERPA.
  • Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals: This decision was reversed, with the appellate court holding that peer-graded assignments did qualify as education records and that the practice violated FERPA.
  • U.S. Supreme Court: The Supreme Court granted certiorari to resolve the issue.

Supreme Court decision:

On February 19, 2002, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that peer grading does not violate FERPA. Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the Court, explained that grades on student-graded papers are not "maintained" by an educational agency or institution at the time of grading and thus do not fall under FERPA's definition of education records. The Court emphasized that FERPA's intent was to protect institutional records, such as final grades and standardized test scores, not individual assignments handled by students.[24]

Implications:

This ruling clarified that classroom practices like peer grading are permissible under federal law, allowing educators to continue using such methods without violating students' privacy rights as outlined in FERPA.

LGBT issues

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Owasso High School in Oklahoma has faced significant challenges regarding LGBTQ+ issues, particularly following the tragic death of 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict in February 2024. Benedict died by suicide a day after a physical altercation in a school bathroom, an incident reportedly linked to bullying over their gender identity.[25]

In the wake of Benedict's death, students organized walkouts to protest anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and to demand a safer environment for all students. These events drew national attention to the school's handling of such issues.[26]

A federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights revealed that Owasso Public Schools had violated Title IX by failing to adequately address sexual harassment complaints. The investigation found that the district did not properly inform students and parents about filing formal complaints or offer necessary support services. As a result, the district agreed to implement comprehensive anti-harassment policies, provide training for staff and students, and issue a public statement against harassment.[27]

This case underscores the critical importance of proactive measures to protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and harassment, ensuring a safe and inclusive educational environment.

Death of Nex Benedict

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Main article: Death of Nex Benedict

In February 2024, Owasso High School in Oklahoma became the center of national attention following the tragic death of 16-year-old student Nex Benedict, who identified as nonbinary. On February 7, Nex was involved in a physical altercation with three students in the school's girls' restroom. The following day, Benedict collapsed at home and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy and, on March 13, ruled Benedict's death a suicide resulting from the combined toxicity of diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) and fluoxetine (an antidepressant).[28] The report noted that while Benedict sustained head injuries during the school altercation, these injuries were nonlethal. Additionally, handwritten notes suggestive of self-harm were found in Benedict's room.[29]

Following a thorough review, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler announced that no criminal charges would be filed in connection with the altercation or Benedict's death, describing the incident as "mutual combat."[30]

Benedict's family and friends reported that Benedict had faced bullying related to their gender identity for over a year prior to the incident. This case has intensified discussions about the treatment of LGBTQ+ students in schools and the adequacy of anti-bullying measures. In response, the U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation into Owasso Public Schools' handling of harassment complaints. The investigation concluded that the district was "deliberately indifferent" to reports of sexual harassment, leading to a voluntary resolution agreement to implement comprehensive anti-harassment policies and training.[31]

The death of Nex Benedict has prompted vigils, student walkouts, and calls for systemic reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ students in educational environments.

Notable alumni

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Campus

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Owasso High School, located in Owasso, Oklahoma, operates across two campuses to accommodate its large student body of nearly 3,000 students in grades 9 through 12.

Campus structure:

  • West Campus: Situated at 8800 North 129th East Avenue, this campus serves 9th and 10th-grade students.[43]
  • East Campus: Located at 12901 East 86th Street North, this campus is designated for 11th and 12th-grade students.[44]

Facilities and resources:

The school provides a variety of facilities to support student development, including:

  • Idea Lab: A space designed to foster creativity and innovation.
  • Media Centers: Resources aimed at enhancing research and learning.[45]

Athletics

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Owasso High School, located in Owasso, Oklahoma, offers a comprehensive athletics program with teams in 18 sports, including baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, football, golf, pom, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.[46]

Football

The Owasso Rams football team has secured three state championships: a Class 3A co-championship in 1974, and Class 6A-1 titles in 2017 and 2019. Under head coach Bill Blankenship since 2017, the team plays home games at Owasso Stadium on the East Campus. Notable rivalries include the "Battle of the 'Burbs" with Bixby High School and the Folds of Honor Patriot Bowl against Broken Arrow High School.

Baseball

The Owasso baseball program is renowned, boasting 14 state championships, with 11 titles since 1998. The most recent victory was in the 2022 Class 6A championship, where they defeated Edmond Santa Fe 7–3. Home games are held at Stigall Field on the East Campus.

Recent highlights

  • Softball: The Lady Rams had a strong 2023 season, led by standout players like Jayelle Austin and University of Tulsa commit Brookley Foster.[47]
  • Cross country: Since moving to Owasso in December 2022, Bella Nelson has won three individual titles, contributing significantly to the team's success.[48]

Additionally, the Owasso Sports Network YouTube channel provides game highlights and other athletic content.[49]

References

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  1. ^ "Our Story - Owasso High School". ohs.owassops.org.
  2. ^ "Owasso High School (Ranked Top 20% for 2024-25) - Owasso, OK". Public School Review. 31 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Search for Public Schools - Owasso HS (402328001235)". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  4. ^ "Owasso High School Test Scores and Academics". Niche.
  5. ^ "Owasso High School (Ranked Top 20% for 2024-25) - Owasso, OK". Public School Review. 31 October 2024.
  6. ^ Owasso Average ACT SCORE, "Data on Owasso" Archived 2020-08-06 at the Wayback Machine, Magoosh, date
  7. ^ "OwassoRampage". OwassoRampage. Archived from the original on 29 June 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  8. ^ "Owasso High School - Trails End Yearbook (Owasso, OK), Covers 1 - 12". e-yearbook.com.
  9. ^ https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/oklahoma/districts/owasso/owasso-high-school-16181. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. ^ "School Information". ohs.owassops.org. Archived from the original on 29 June 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  11. ^ "Alma Mater". ohs.owassops.org. Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  12. ^ "Fight Song". ohs.owassops.org. Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  13. ^ "Search for Public School Districts - District Detail for". nces.ed.gov.
  14. ^ "Home - Owasso Public Schools". www.owassops.org. 22 November 2024.
  15. ^ "Search for Public School Districts – District Detail for Owasso Public Schools". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved 2022-06-25.
  16. ^ "Dr. Margaret Coates". Archived from the original on 22 February 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  17. ^ "Tiffani Cooper". Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  18. ^ "Sports – Owasso High School Athletics". Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  19. ^ "Oklahoma banned trans students from bathrooms. Now a bullied student is dead after a fight". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2024-02-20. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  20. ^ "Police release video, search warrant related to investigation of Nex Benedict's death". Public Radio Tulsa. 2024-02-24. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  21. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Tulsa County, OK" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-04-29. Retrieved 2024-01-28. - Text list Archived 2023-06-18 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Rogers County, OK" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09. Retrieved 2024-01-28. - Text list Archived 2024-01-29 at the Wayback Machine.
  23. ^ "Maps". Cherokee Nation Website. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  24. ^ "Owasso Independent School District No. I-011 v. Falvo". Oyez Project. Chicago-Kent College of Law. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  25. ^ News, A. B. C. "Students walk out over nonbinary student Nex Benedict's death, anti-LGBTQ bullying in Oklahoma". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-11-29. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  26. ^ Russell, John (2024-02-27). "Students walk out to protest school's horrific bullying environment after Nex Benedict's death". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  27. ^ "Oklahoma school district adding anti-harassment policies after nonbinary teen's death". AP News. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  28. ^ "Death of nonbinary teen Nex Benedict after school fight is ruled a suicide, medical examiner says". AP News. 2024-03-13. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  29. ^ Steinbuch, Yaron (2024-03-28). "Nex Benedict had nonlethal head trauma, left self-harm notes before death: autopsy". Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  30. ^ "No charges to be filed in fight involving Oklahoma nonbinary teen Nex Benedict, prosecutor says". AP News. 2024-03-21. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  31. ^ Riedel, Samantha (2024-11-14). "Investigation Finds Nex Benedict's School District Was "Deliberately Indifferent" to Harassment Complaints". Them. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  32. ^ Writer, BILL HAISTEN World Sports (23 April 2015). "First Celebrity Fight Night significant for Owasso's Randy Blake". Tulsa World. Archived from the original on 2022-06-30. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  33. ^ "Dylan Bundy's High School Baseball Stats". MaxPreps.com. Archived from the original on 2022-06-30. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  34. ^ "Aaron Colvin - Football Recruiting - Player Profiles - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 2022-06-30. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  35. ^ "Brian Flynn Class of 2008 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA". Perfect Game. Archived from the original on 2020-09-28. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  36. ^ "Keon Hatcher, Arkansas Razorbacks, Wide Receiver". 247Sports. Archived from the original on 2024-02-22. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  37. ^ "Jon Kolb NFL Stats - Pro Football Archives". www.profootballarchives.com. Archived from the original on 2022-06-30. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  38. ^ "Pete Kozma Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 2022-06-30. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  39. ^ "Shake Milton, Philadelphia 76ers, Shooting Guard". 247Sports. Archived from the original on 2017-01-24. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  40. ^ "Paul Smith, Tulsa Golden Hurricane, Quarterback". 247Sports. Archived from the original on 2014-12-07. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  41. ^ Favalora, Christian (June 27, 2016). "Owasso's Braden Webb fulfills his dreams with the Milwaukee Brewers | Owasso Reporter". tulsaworld.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2019. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  42. ^ "Braden Webb College, Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 2022-06-30. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  43. ^ "Our Story - Owasso High School". ohs.owassops.org. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  44. ^ "Our Story - Owasso High School". ohs.owassops.org. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  45. ^ "Our Story - Owasso High School". ohs.owassops.org. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  46. ^ "Sports – Owasso High School Athletics". Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  47. ^ "Owasso High School Athletics -". Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  48. ^ "Owasso High School Athletics -". Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  49. ^ "Owasso Sports Network". YouTube. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
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