Muskogee High School
Muskogee, OK
Muskogee Public Schools

In its long and rich history, things have not always gone smoothly at Muskogee High. Until fairly recently, news items about the school were usually negative, as was the school’s reputation in general. Today, however, the entire community celebrates Muskogee as the first-ever Oklahoma State and National School of Character. The Muskogee “Roughers” are now on the ROAD (Respect, Opportunity, Achievement, Determination) to Success because of the synergy that character development has created. The Advocacy program, initiated in 2008-09, has become a powerful connector that supports a sense of security and belonging among a highly diverse student population. Students feel cared for, and as a result, academic achievement is up and disciplinary referrals are down. Intentional opportunities to serve can be found everywhere at MHS, and 40 different student groups and organizations offer something for everyone. Mayor John Tyler Hammons, an MHS graduate, notes about Muskogee: “There are so many different lifestyles, cultures, and opportunities in one special place. The kids are exposed to so many differences but still feel loved and accepted.”

See how Muskogee students celebrated their NSOC award in this article and related video. MHS was also recognized by the OK House of Representatives as the first NSOC in Oklahoma.

Outreach:  During their 2011-12 award year, Muskogee staff conducted a number of workshops and presentations, hosted a visit from another high school, and became the new OK SSOC coordinators.

Signature Practices


Lesson Plan: Creating Classroom Rules
Students read a story about a student who feels uncomfortable and judged during a group discussion in a classroom. After reading the story, they think and talk about why the student felt uncomfortable and use the story to create a set of rules that would prevent anything like that from happening in their class.
Promising Practice: Advocacy Families
The MHS Advocacy program came out of a need to engage students and their families in a dynamic manner to assist students to become more self-sufficient and build lasting relationships with school personnel. Advocacy is designed to assist students in obtaining greater success at school and in our local community.
Promising Practice: R.A.I.D. - Roughers Alliance for Intelligent Decisions
The Alliance began the 2009-2010 school year by bringing leaders of 26 different student organizations together for a two-day-one-night leadership retreat. The goals of the retreat were to: a. Build relationships; b. Build individual vision and focus; c. Build corporate vision and focus for the school; d. Enhance student voice and advocacy groups; e. Network clubs and organizations for joint projects to build community and increase the number of students involved in school and community service, thus increasing the character virtue of citizenship.

Testimonials


To me [the NSOC award] makes it seem like MHS is more important now. We're not just another school -- we're a school for other schools to look up to.
- Baylee W., student

Contact Information

Mr. Madison Tomlinson
Director of Character Development
3200 E. Shawnee Rd. Muskogee, OK 74403
Phone: 918-684-3750 x. 1732
Email: madison-tomlinson@mpsi20.org
Website: www.mpsi20.org