Meet Isaac Phaman Reynolds — a proud 2015 graduate of Norman High School. After attending college at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Isaac has now stepped onto the big stage in New York City as part of the cast of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" at The Lyric Theatre.
We’re so proud to see a former NPS student shining bright — congratulations, Isaac!
We are grateful for our students, staff, families, community and everyone who make Norman Public Schools such a special place every day. May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, rest, and time with the ones you love.
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!
A classroom service project at Truman Primary School is helping ensure every child can feel celebrated on their birthday. Students and families partnered to create birthday cake kits for kids who may not otherwise get one — complete with cake mix, icing, and candles chosen thoughtfully by students themselves.
This meaningful project teaches empathy, kindness, and the power of giving, all while making a child’s special day a little brighter.
Congratulations to Gregory Williams!
We are proud to spotlight Gregory Williams of Norman North High School, who has been nominated by Tom Cole, U.S. Representative for Oklahoma’s 4th District, to the U.S. Air Force Academy for 2026.
This nomination recognizes Gregory’s exceptional academic performance, leadership, athletic and extracurricular excellence, and commitment to service.
“The want to serve our country in uniform is deserving of all our respect,” Congressman Cole said. “I am honored to recommend these distinguished young men and women from the Fourth District for appointment to one of our nation’s esteemed military academies. They are truly so impressive and, regardless of what path they end up taking, I am sure that each one of them have bright futures ahead of them.”
Please join us in congratulating Gregory and wishing him the very best as he advances through this competitive appointment process.
Norman Public Schools is excited to share that Tisha Pappan, one of our incredible special education teachers, has been honored through KFOR’s Pay It 4ward Campaign!
Ms. Pappan received a $400 award in recognition of her compassion, dedication, and the countless ways she supports and uplifts her students every day. Her commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering learning environment is truly inspiring.
Please join us in celebrating Ms. Pappan for this well-deserved recognition!
We are proud to share that Patti Drennan, retired Norman High School choir teacher, composer, and chorus master, has been nominated for a GRAMMY Award in the Best Choral Performance category for her new album, Requiem of Light.
Composed in just seven weeks and performed by The Clarion Choir, Requiem of Light reimagines the traditional requiem with vibrant, uplifting elements that celebrate light. The project also features her daughter, Emily Drennan, as co-producer and chorus master.
This nomination is a meaningful milestone for the Drennan family and a proud moment for the Norman community.
The album is available on major streaming platforms, and winners will be announced at the GRAMMY Awards in February 2026.
Congratulations on this incredible achievement!
Today, on Veterans Day, Norman Public Schools proudly honors the brave men and women who have served our nation — including the many veterans who continue their service through education, support, and leadership in our schools.
We are deeply grateful for their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to our country — and for the lasting impact they make on our students every single day.
To all our NPS veterans, and to veterans everywhere:
Thank you for your service, your dedication, and your example.
Congratulations to McKinley Elementary fourth-grader Nora Brewer!
Nora earned first place in the inaugural Cleveland County Autumn Art Competition, a new countywide contest celebrating young artists. Her winning piece featured a colorful fall landscape combining hand-drawn and natural elements, which impressed the judges. The event invited elementary students from across the county to submit artwork.
We’re so proud of Nora for sharing her talent and representing Norman Public Schools so beautifully!
Today, we’re proud to recognize Michael William Tapscott, a carpenter with Central Services for Norman Public Schools.
Service: U.S. Navy — E-3 Torpedoman
Years Served: 4
Favorite Memory: Serving during the U.S. bombing attack on Libya.
Mr. Tapscott continues to serve his community through his work with NPS.
“Working at Norman Public Schools has given me the opportunity to give back to the community I live in.”
We thank Torpedoman Tapscott for his service to our nation and for the skill and dedication he brings to the NPS team every day.
Countdown to Veterans Day: Honoring Our NPS Veterans
Today, we’re proud to highlight Kevin Weber, a Special Education Teacher at Norman North High School.
Service: U.S. Army — Major
Years Served: 31
Favorite Memory: Successfully leading a team to Afghanistan and bringing everyone home safely.
After an incredible 31 years of military service, Mr. Weber continues to serve others through education.
“Working at Norman Public Schools has been a great experience. Every day is a challenge, but it is a very rewarding challenge. One of my concerns after retirement was losing the team experience. However, that was quickly gained at Norman North. I have a great team, great leaders, and unbelievable students.”
We thank Major Weber for his dedication to both our country and our students.
Today, we’re proud to highlight Tracy Day-Kemper, a Resource Paraprofessional at Cleveland Elementary.
Service: U.S. Navy — Aviation Machinist Mate, Petty Officer 2nd Class
Years Served: 8
Favorite Memory: Growing up in a military family, Tracy always valued the sense of purpose and community that service brings. During her eight years in the Navy, she cherished meeting new people, the camaraderie among her shipmates, and the opportunity to travel the world. One of her greatest achievements was serving as a jet engine mechanic and test cell operator — a challenging, sometimes dangerous, and deeply rewarding role unlike anything she's ever done before.
Now in her 24th year at Cleveland Elementary, Tracy continues to make a lasting impact.
“Working with all of the children who come to our room every year has been so rewarding. Seeing the progress the kids make from the start of each year to the end of the year is remarkable and gives me so much pride in what all of us do. Each day is a challenge, but one that is fun and rewarding. To be able to help the kids advance, be it in reading, language, math or even social skills, is the best feeling. This job truly is one that makes my heart so happy and gives me an enormous amount of pride.”
We thank Ms. Day-Kemper for her service to our country and for her unwavering dedication to the students of Norman Public Schools.
Countdown to Veterans Day: Honoring Our NPS Veterans 🇺🇸
Today, we’re proud to recognize Anthony Joseph Varrella Jr., who serves in the Warehouse and Science Department for Norman Public Schools.
Service: U.S. Navy — E-3rd Class
Years Served: 3
Favorite Memory: Serving aboard the Battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62) and fighting in Lebanon.
Mr. Varrella continues to make a difference by supporting science education across the district.
“The joy of the kids using the science kits that I make and them recognizing me outside of the schools is so rewarding.”
We thank Mr. Varrella for his service to our nation and for the creativity and care he brings to our students every day.
Countdown to Veterans Day: Honoring Our NPS Veterans
Today, we’re honored to highlight Tyler Morton, a teacher at the Oklahoma Aviation Academy.
Service: U.S. Air Force — Colonel
Years Served: 32
Favorite Memory: Flying more than 3,000 hours on the RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and serving a year in Iraq conducting interrogations of terrorists.
After more than three decades of distinguished service, Dr. Morton continues to inspire the next generation.
“Working at Norman Public Schools has meant that I've been able to realize my dream of sharing my military and life experience with the young people of Oklahoma. I wanted to come back to the state I love to help our kids, and Norman Public Schools has given me that opportunity by allowing me to teach at the Oklahoma Aviation Academy.”
We thank Dr. Morton for his extraordinary service to our nation and his dedication to preparing Oklahoma’s future leaders.
Countdown to Veterans Day: Honoring Our NPS Veterans
Today, we’re proud to recognize Michael Gene Hurst, a paraprofessional at Norman North High School.
Service: U.S. Army — Corporal
Years Served: 2
Favorite Memory: Training alongside Canadian troops.
Mr. Hurst says working at Norman Public Schools has truly meant the world to him.
“Working at Norman Public Schools has meant the world to me. Since working here, I have lost both my parents and my wife of 34 years. My peers and teachers showed me more compassion during that period of my life than I have ever experienced in other workplace I have worked. The grace extended to me even now has been invaluable in helping me to heal and giving me the understanding I needed to deal with the grief from that. I love the students I have the privilege of working with every day. It doesn’t really feel like work because I love what I do.”
We are deeply grateful for Mr. Hurst’s service to our country and for the kindness, dedication, and heart he brings to our students each day.
Sydney was part of the inaugural class of the Aviation Academy, participating from her freshman through junior years. Now, she’s continuing her journey in Aviation Technology at the Moore Norman Technology Center, preparing for a bright future in aviation.
Way to go, Sydney, the sky’s the limit!
Ms. Bischoff was recently named Magic 104.1’s Teacher of the Month, the very first for this school year! Her dedication and compassion make a difference every day for her students.
Help us congratulate Ms. Bischoff on this well-deserved recognition!
Thirty members of Norman North FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) spent their Sunday morning volunteering at the annual Cleveland County CROP Walk in Norman!
Students helped with registration, children’s activities, food service, and event setup and cleanup, all while representing Norman North with pride. Their dedication to serving others reflects FCCLA’s mission to strengthen families, schools, and communities.
We’re proud of these Timberwolves for leading with heart and developing servant leadership skills that will last a lifetime!
