John Glenn Elementary School

Heather Zacarias is an experienced educator with 24 years in public education, including 13 years in school leadership and 11 years in the classroom. Her leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to students, their families, and the educators who support them. Heather most recently served as the Head of School at Western Gateway Elementary, Oklahoma City’s first dual-language immersion charter school. Prior to that, she was the Elementary Director and Interim Superintendent at John Rex Charter School. She also served for six years in school leadership roles within Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS), helping lead efforts focused on instructional improvement, family engagement, and school culture. Heather earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2012 and her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from Northern Arizona University in 1996. She and her husband, Eric, live in Oklahoma City and are grateful for their close-knit family of five, which includes two daughters and a son. Though their children are now grown, they still enjoy regular family dinners and game nights together. Together, Heather and Eric serve in children's ministry at their local church and have led marriage small groups for over a decade. Her personal motto is: “We don’t say our students can’t do this, we say there’s nothing our students can’t do. -------- Heather Zacarías es una educadora experimentada con 24 años de experiencia en educación pública, incluyendo 13 años en liderazgo escolar y 11 años en el aula. Su liderazgo se basa en un profundo compromiso con los estudiantes, sus familias y los educadores que los apoyan. Recientemente, Heather se desempeñó como directora de la escuela primaria Western Gateway, la primera escuela chárter de inmersión bilingüe de Oklahoma City. Anteriormente, fue directora de primaria y superintendente interina de la escuela chárter John Rex. También ocupó durante seis años puestos de liderazgo escolar en las Escuelas Públicas de Oklahoma City (OKCPS), ayudando a liderar iniciativas centradas en la mejora de la instrucción, la participación familiar y la cultura escolar. Heather obtuvo su maestría en Liderazgo Educativo en la Universidad de Central Oklahoma en 2012 y su licenciatura en Educación Primaria con especialización en español en la Universidad del Norte de Arizona en 1996. Ella y su esposo, Eric, viven en Oklahoma City y están agradecidos por su unida familia de cinco miembros, que incluye dos hijas y un hijo. Aunque sus hijos ya son mayores, aún disfrutan de cenas familiares y noches de juegos juntos. Juntos, Heather y Eric sirven en el ministerio infantil de su iglesia local y han dirigido grupos pequeños de matrimonios durante más de una década. Su lema personal es: "No decimos que nuestros estudiantes no puedan lograr esto, decimos que no hay nada que nuestros estudiantes no puedan hacer".

The WHPS School Board voted to appoint Dawrenda Cooper to the vacant Seat 5 seat during the June 9th Board Meeting. Mrs. Johnson will fulfill the term of departing board member Jerome Johnson.

Elementary Softball Camp: June 9th/10th/12th 6:00pm - 8:00pm

The OKC ROTARY Students and Teachers of the Month for April and May are: Students: Reginald Wilson Jr. & Savaiah Altstatt Teachers: Dana Roehm & Roderick Kohl Congratulations!

Dear JETS Families, Graduation Day is here! Graduation will take place May 20th at 7:00 pm at the football stadium. Seniors will need to report to the gym lobby at 5:30pm. The gates to the stadium will open at 6:00 pm. Please review the parking map and instructions for what is allowed in the stadium. We appreciate your cooperation so that we all enjoy and celebrate our Seniors!

Dear JETS Families, We are actively monitoring the forecast as there is a possibility of severe weather developing around dismissal time today. As always, student safety is our top priority. If conditions become unsafe, we will hold buses and walkers until it is safe to release them. Parents who would prefer to pick up their student early are welcome to do so at any time this afternoon and the absence will not be counted against them. Due to the forecasted threat of severe weather, all after-school events and activities are canceled, including Boys & Girls Club. We will be in communication about any rescheduled events. Please stay weather aware and take necessary precautions.

REMINDER: All WHPS Schools are OPEN Friday April 18th

Dear JETS Families, Bus routes will be delayed today due to an extreme shortage of drivers. We are 5 drivers short this morning and are doing our best to cover all routes. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Dr. Savage WHPS Superintendent

Estimadas familias de JETS: Las rutas de autobús se retrasarán hoy debido a la escasez extrema de conductores. Nos faltan 5 conductores esta mañana y estamos haciendo todo lo posible para cubrir todas las rutas. Gracias por su paciencia y comprensión. Dra. Savage Superintendente de WHPS

Our district-wide 2025-2026 enrollment has kicked off! Why enroll now? Better Planning: This gives families time to organize transportation, plan schedules, and secure back-to-school resources. Avoid Stress: No last-minute rush; enjoy peace of mind with early enrollment! Helps the District Plan: Early enrollment allows our district to better plan for staffing, resource allocations, and school needs for the next year! How to enroll? In the Infinite Campus Parent App, select MORE, then ONLINE REGISTRATION. In the JETS App, select MENU, then ENROLLMENT 2025-26. On the website with lot's of Campus F.A.Q. https://www.westernheights.k12.ok.us/page/enrollment

Elementary Basketball Championship Saturday

Thank you to Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols for visiting our MS and HS students during Black History Month. Mr. Bush, thank you for your leadership in making it happen!!

Congratulations to Alan Jasso, West OKC Rotary Student of the Month! Congratulations to Krisha Harris (Winds West 1st Grade), West OKC Rotary Teacher of the Month! Well done, JETS!

The Academic Calendar for SY 2025-26 may be found here: https://5il.co/38kco

We will return to campus learning on Friday, February 21st. Morning temperatures will still be very low, so wear layers with hats and gloves and resist the urge to dress like a middle school boy (shorts, hoodie, and crocs)!

Due to forecasted winter weather conditions, all students will shift to distance learning tomorrow, February 18, and Wednesday, February 19. WHPS district offices will be closed and staff will be working remotely unless otherwise directed by their supervisor. All after-school activities are canceled. Student packets were distributed last week. If you have questions about your student's work, please email their teachers directly. Staff emails are located on the site websites under MENU then STAFF. https://www.westernheights.k12.ok.us/ Please stay safe and weather-aware and we thank you for your continued support of WHPS.

UPDATE: Bond 2024 Two new buses have arrived and are being outfitted with GPS programming before hitting the streets. THANK YOU, VOTERS!

THANK YOU, WESTERN HEIGHTS! We are excited to announce that the bond has passed! Because of your support, our schools are Soaring to Excellence! This investment in our students and community will bring important improvements for the future. We appreciate everyone who took the time to vote and be part of this journey. Jets Unite! #JetsUnite #SoaringToExcellence

The bond election is tomorrow! Learn about the proposed improvements and how they will help our students soar to success at https://bond-facts.com/2025WesternHeightsBond/ #JetsUnite, Soaring to Excellence!

Western Heights High School principal, Ms. Kandy Hunt, spoke with students about the proposed 2025 bond. Make sure to go out and vote next week, February 11th! #JetsUnite, Soaring to Excellence! https://youtu.be/6UC10sKdM6I