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🌱 Patch AM: How OKC ninth-graders boosted Algebra and English success this year.

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Friday September 18th Patch AM
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What's up Oklahoma City! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How OKC ninth-graders boosted Algebra and English success this year.
  • See where Oklahoma City's new Route 66 monuments are being installed
  • What new career paths John Marshall students can start exploring now

Also on today's calendar: Night Market at Scissortail Park and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Record-tying heat, with a high of 99 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Sunshine; record-tying heat, temps: high: 99, low: 75.
  • Sunday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 90 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. OKCPS reports increase in number of ninth-graders passing Algebra, English (okcfox.com) — Oklahoma City Public Schools report that over 76% of on-grade-level ninth-graders passed both Algebra I and English I last school year, a 6.7-point gain from the 2023–2024 baseline. District leaders credit teachers and students, but say they'll intensify coaching and data reviews to catch struggling students early and push toward a 78% completion goal by 2027–2028.
   

2. First of four Oklahoma City Route 66 markers in place Thursday morning (kfor.com) — New Route 66 centennial markers are going up at several Oklahoma City intersections, including NW 43rd and Western, with three more planned along NW 39th and Classen and in the Britton District. Funded through the MAPS 4 sidewalk program and built by local firm GS Signs, the monuments will feature QR codes to guide travelers to nearby attractions and history.
   

3. OKCPS cuts ribbon on John Marshall H.S. College and Career Center, students speak (news9.com) — Oklahoma City Public Schools just opened a new College and Career Center at John Marshall Enterprise High School, giving students hands‑on training in healthcare, teaching, aviation, and more. Funded by a 2022 voter‑approved bond, the programs let teens earn certifications and explore careers while still in high school, with plans to expand offerings over time.
   

4. Oklahoma City pumps water from Canton Lake to Lake Hefner (koco.com) — Oklahoma City is pumping 16,000 acre-feet of water from Canton Lake to drought-stricken Lake Hefner, which currently sits nine feet below full. Utilities officials are asking residents to follow the permanent odd-even watering schedule, fix sprinkler leaks, and use city conservation programs so the water supply can stretch further during ongoing dry conditions.
   

5. Hope Booth offers mental health support in downtown Oklahoma City (velocityokc.com) — A new Hope Booth in downtown Oklahoma City's Underground offers free guided breathing exercises, encouragement, and connections to nearby mental health and social services within a five‑mile radius. Funded by local company Simple Modern, the reimagined phone booth provides private, bilingual support and resource information for workers, visitors, and residents using the Underground during the day.
   

📸 Around Oklahoma City

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Oklahoma City

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📣 Oklahoma City Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hey what's up neighbors, hope everyone had a great day.
    So I just basically wanted to say hi and goodnight. (Nextdoor Skyline)
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A dog who went missing in Moore, OK, has been safely reunited with their family after 1 hours, 57 minutes. Message from Finder: "No chip. Has collar… (Nextdoor Twin Lakes)
  • Tinker Federal Credit Union posted a job opening for Part-Time Teller in Oklahoma City. Apply here.
  • Sonic - SOAR Restaurants posted a job opening for Assistant Manager in Choctaw. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Oklahoma City here.

Ok Oklahoma City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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