Andersen Elementary
Welcome to Andersen Elementary School, home of the Andersen Redskins!
Great teachers and even better students help make the school an important part of the community. Located within the city limits of Broken Arrow, Andersen boasts a strong curriculum, a vibrant PTA and a number of programs designed to enrich the minds and bodies of its young students.
Hans Madsen Andersen Elementary was built in 1984 and named after an early land owner and dairy farmer. He provided the district free water from his well before water was available from the city.
Hans M. Andersen Elementary School
1200 S. Willow
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012-4511
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
School Hours - Monday-Thursday: 8:55 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. / Friday: 9:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
New School Hours for 2010-2011
Main Phone: (918) 357-4328
Fax: (918) 357-8299
Principal Larry Williams
Resources
Programs
Accelerated Reader
Reading is an integral part of our curriculum at Andersen. Accelerated Reader promotes and encourages students to read at their individual reading level. At the beginning of each school year, students set a reading goal for themselves.
Accelerated Math
This program is an extension to our math curriculum. Accelerated Math is offered to students in grades 3-5. Students are able to focus their attention on math skills in which they need extra help. Students are then able to progress through higher level math skills as they pass the individualized assessments offered through the program.
Andersen offers this specialized curriculum to students for whom English is not a primary language. Students participate in small group instruction that focuses on the English language.
Junior Achievement and Exchange City
Fifth grade students at Andersen participate in Exchange City. Exchange City offers our students an opportunity to have first hand experience with financial literacy, entrepreneurship citizenship, interdisciplinary learning and application skills.
Character Counts is a district-wide program from kindergarten through high school for students and staff. It gives us a common language and encourages outstanding character traits. A new character trait is introduced each month. The six traits that are emphasized are Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Fairness and Citizenship. The Character Counts Teepee is located in the Media Center where Andersen students who have been “caught” with good character may add a bead to the bead strands.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Andersen offers a number of extracurricular activities for students. These activities include:
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Andersen Sound - Andersen Sound is our fifth grade honor choir. The choir is under the direction of music teacher Julie Shadle.
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Chess Club – Chess is a popular activity for many Union students. Under the direction of ARC teacher Linda Snowbarger and parent volunteers, the chess club provides an opportunity for students to learn, practice and compete in the game of chess.
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KAND Television - The Andersen Morning Broadcast is produced daily by students under the supervision of ARC teacher Linda Snowbarger. The broadcast is designed to inform students, teachers and parents about local and district events.
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PTA Reflections – This program is an annual arts program sponsored by the PTA.
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Safety Patrol
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Student Council
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Youth Arts - The last week of April each year is set aside to showcase Union’s arts programs. This special time is entitled YouthArts! Some of our students from Andersen will be involved by having their artwork on display while some of our fifth graders will participate in a district wide fifth grade concert one evening.
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Extended Day Program - An Extended Day Program is offered before and after school.
Andersen Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) supports the mission of the national PTA and dedicates its organization to improving the education and well-being of students.
Technology
Andersen believes technology is an integral part of the total learning process. Students from our early childhood classes through the fifth grade utilize the 30-station computer lab as well as student computers located in each classroom. Thanks to bond dollars our students are able to work with many of the newest versions of Windows-based software. Students routinely work with Inspiration, Kidspiration, Faces, Mapmaker and many more. Students also use the internet under direct supervision. The internet allows students to see and experience things from around the world, do research on projects and communicate with other classrooms from across the state and all over the world.
Teachers also utilize the vast technology resources available in their classrooms. Our teachers consistently use programs such as PowerPoint, Word and Publisher to enhance the learning experience. In addition, our teachers regularly attend district workshops that focus on using technology to raise achievement in their classroom.
History
Hans Madsen Andersen arrived in Broken Arrow on Nov. 10, 1910, from Denmark. As their children learned English in school, they taught their parents. They became United States citizens in 1913. In 1919, Andersen bought a 200-acre dairy farm at 61st and Mingo, which is currently where the 6th/7th Center is located.
Due to his generosity and support of the Union Public Schools, which began in 1919, Andersen Elementary was named in his honor in 1985. We are privileged to have our school building named after such a dedicated, giving man.
As you enter our school, Andersen’s picture and plaque with a commemorative inscription will be one of the first things you see. Even though he died in 1954, Hans Madsen Andersen will always be remembered.
Principal Biography
Larry Williams was born in Arkansas and raised in northeastern Oklahoma. Williams, a decorated war veteran, began his educational career in Sperry, Oklahoma. He has received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Northeastern State University. He received his administrative certification through the University of Tulsa. He holds certification for elementary principal and school superintendent. Williams began his administrative career in Van Buren, Arkansas, as head of a K-12 school. He came to Union in 1986 and became principal of Andersen in 1994. In 1997, Williams received the Oklahoma Governor’s commendation for educational leadership.
Williams has always been in love with learning and the process of school. A firm believer that family always is first, Williams believes that the school is one of the most important things about a family. He believes that you teach by example and anyone can learn. His goal is to always contribute to a warm, caring school environment that provides the very best for the students.
Helpline - Student Assistance Programs
A crisis helpline is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, to any patron of the district who wants to report a crisis situation or to ask for information. Leave a message and your call will be returned promptly.
461-HELP - Union Safe Line
You may also call
1-877-SAFE-CALL, ext OK!
(1-877-723-3225, ext 651)
SAFE-CALL is a toll-free confidential hotline for students, parents, teachers, neighbors and anyone concerned about the safety of their local school.
Call us when you know of any activity threatening your school.