Union 8th Grade Center
Welcome to the Union 8th Grade Center!
The Union 8th Grade Center is designed to help students make the transition between middle school and high school from both an academic and social perspective. Union offers a unique design as only the eighth grade class resides in our facility. Our state-of-the-art media center acts as the origin for literacy and learning as students embark upon their high school journey.
The 8th Grade Center faculty is committed to providing a safe and secure environment focused on learning which encourages academic excellence for all students. We recognize the importance of the eighth grade in developing responsible individuals and realize that the success of each student is dependent upon a cooperative effort of the student, parents, teachers and administrators.
Union 8th Grade Center
6501 S. Garnett
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012-9541
Office Hours: 7:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
School Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7:45 a.m. – 2:20 p.m. / Friday: 8:10 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.
New School Hours for 2010-2011
Main Phone: (918) 357-4325
Fax: (918) 357-7899
Principal Marla Robinson
Assistant Principal Clint Culver
Assistant Principal Wendy Johnson
Resources
The 8th Grade Center is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. High standards for quality education are assured by membership in NCA. This accreditation is based on the center’s commitment to excellence and quality programs.
The 8th Grade Center was dedicated in 1980 and underwent a major renovation which was completed in 2006. The improvements include the new media center, security features, an expanded cafeteria, additional classrooms and offices and improved parking. A new soccer complex adjacent to the 8th Grade Center also complements the campus.
Programs
P.O.W.E.R - Providing Opportunities With Every Day Reading
In an effort to enhance student reading and comprehension skills, the Union 8th Grade Center has designated 20 minutes of each school day as P.O.W.E.R. time. During this time, students participate in silent, sustained reading.
PRIDE
Union PRIDE is a program designed to reward students who exhibit positive character. At the end of each semester, students who meet the following criteria will be provided with PRIDE opportunities.
The requirements are:
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No grade lower than a B in any class
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No detentions for any reason including ZAP (Zeroes Aren’t Permitted)
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No office referrals
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No more than 5 absences for the semester
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No overdue library books
Homework and Computer Clubs
The Homework and Computer Clubs are free tutoring services offered to all students who need help in any subject area. These clubs meet after school.
In an effort to encourage the development of moral character in students, Union Public Schools has incorporated the Character Counts! program into its educational curriculum. Developed by the Josephson Institute of Ethics, the Character Counts! program is based on six core values, or "Pillars of Character": respect, responsibility, fairness, trustworthiness, caring and citizenship.
Drug-Free Youth (D-FY)
This organization involves students in grades 7-12 who have made a commitment to be drug-free. To join, each student must take an initial drug test, then submit to random testing. This student organization is especially active and focuses on influencing others, especially younger students. In the spring, fifth graders from the district participate in a D-FY assembly.
School Resource Officers (SRO) 
The SRO program involves area law enforcement officers who provide positive role models for our students. Officers work directly with students, parents, teachers and staff in assisting with education, prevention and intervention projects.
Ropes Course
The district's rope course teaches character development, pro-active problem solving, communication skills, assertiveness training, teamwork, and trust through experience learning. Students in grades 6-12, teachers, parents and administrators are trained on the course.
Student Assistance Programs
The goal of the Union Student Assistance Program is to assist in developing a safe, disciplined and drug-free environment. Several objectives have been established to help achieve that goal, including working with families, partnering with the community and developing student leadership.
Principal Biographies
Marla Robinson is a graduate of Lawton Eisenhower High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Oklahoma State University and her Master’s degree in School Administration from Northeastern State University.
Prior to coming to Union, Ms. Robinson was an English and yearbook teacher in Muskogee Schools for eight years. She joined Union in 2001 and has worked as a teacher, curriculum specialist, and administrator for the district.
Clint Culver has been an administrator for 10 years, serving as the 8th Grade Center assistant principal for the last six. Before entering the educational field, Culver served in the Naval Special Warfare “Navy Seal, Team One.” Before coming to Union, Culver taught health and physical education and worked as a school counselor.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University and his master’s degree from National University in California.
Wendy Johnson has been an educator for Union Public Schools since 2004. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, as well as her master’s degree in reading education from Northeastern State University.
Wendy has enjoyed serving on several school and district committees. Wendy taught fifth grade for Moore Elementary, and served two years as Assitant Principal for Roy Clark Elementary. Wendy is excited about pursuing her new position as Assistant Principal at the 8th Grade Center.
Her hobbies and interests include cooking, scrapbooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
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.