Big things are happening for literacy at Rougher Alternative Academy!
Thanks to a state classroom support grant, teacher Vickie Johnson is leading a powerful Literacy Empowerment Initiative that’s helping students reconnect with reading, writing, and their own voices.
Through interdisciplinary novel studies, small-group support, and even creating and publishing children’s books for elementary students, our secondary students aren’t just strengthening literacy skills — they’re becoming mentors, authors, and role models. 💚📚
Thanks to a state classroom support grant, teacher Vickie Johnson is leading a powerful Literacy Empowerment Initiative that’s helping students reconnect with reading, writing, and their own voices.
Through interdisciplinary novel studies, small-group support, and even creating and publishing children’s books for elementary students, our secondary students aren’t just strengthening literacy skills — they’re becoming mentors, authors, and role models. 💚📚
ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARD: Rougher Hero, Angelique Hillmon
Angelique Hillmon graduated from Muskogee High School with the Class of 1982. She was a star basketball player while at MHS and a member of the marching band from 1980–1982, a career she continued at Eastern Oklahoma Junior College and the University of Colorado. She played one year for a semi-scout team before returning to her Alma Mater to pursue her true calling as a teacher and coach for Muskogee High School. As a teacher, Mrs. Hillmon has been selected as Site Educator of the Year three times and Teacher of the Month five times. She was chosen one of the Top Five Educators in 2017 by the Senior Class. She also received the David Boren Mentoring Award for her positive interaction with students as a coach. Her leadership and influence have encouraged students to pursue, among other options, teaching, medical, and coaching professions and to learn how to have care and compassion for others through participation in food and clothing drives. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is a role model for colleagues and students alike and has had a profound influence on our community. She was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. She is truly a Rougher Hero and a role model to us all.
We recently received our School Pride® donation from TTCU Federal Credit Union for the last half of 2025. Thank you for using your TTCU School Pride® debit card and giving back to our district! If you don't have one, get yours today! #ttcuSchoolPride
ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARD: Lifetime Achievement, Lt. Gen. Phillip Buford Davidson, Jr.
Lt. Gen. Phillip Davidson was a graduate of the Central High School Class of 1933 and graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1939. During World War II he served as assistant intelligence officer in the 96th Infantry Division and later as squadron commander for George Patton’s Third Army in Western Europe. Beginning in 1948 and continuing through the Korean Conflict, Davidson served as chief of the Plans and Estimates branch in General Douglas McArthur’s intelligence office. During the Viet Nam War he served as chief of U.S. Military Intelligence under Gen. William Westmoreland from 1968 to 1972. He retired from military service in 1974 and spent eleven years researching a book on the Viet Nam War. Published in 1988, Vietnam War: The History 1946 – 1975 became the definitive account of the Indochina Wars and a textbook at West Point. He published a second book, The Secrets of the Vietnam War, in 1990. His many medals include the Purple Heart, the French Croix de Guerre, and induction into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame, and he is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Lt. Gen. Phillip Davidson was a graduate of the Central High School Class of 1933 and graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1939. During World War II he served as assistant intelligence officer in the 96th Infantry Division and later as squadron commander for George Patton’s Third Army in Western Europe. Beginning in 1948 and continuing through the Korean Conflict, Davidson served as chief of the Plans and Estimates branch in General Douglas McArthur’s intelligence office. During the Viet Nam War he served as chief of U.S. Military Intelligence under Gen. William Westmoreland from 1968 to 1972. He retired from military service in 1974 and spent eleven years researching a book on the Viet Nam War. Published in 1988, Vietnam War: The History 1946 – 1975 became the definitive account of the Indochina Wars and a textbook at West Point. He published a second book, The Secrets of the Vietnam War, in 1990. His many medals include the Purple Heart, the French Croix de Guerre, and induction into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame, and he is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARD: Lifetime Achievement, Joan Hill
Joan Hill was a graduate of the Central High School Class of 1947. She attended Northeastern State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education, and taught at Roosevelt Junior High in Tulsa from 1952 to 1956 before pursuing art full time. Of Creek and Cherokee heritage, she studied art under acclaimed Cheyenne artist Dick West at Bacone College and with modern artist Frederick Taubes, which had a profound effect on her style. West encouraged her to learn more about Native culture, history, and art, especially given the important lineage of Creek and Cherokee chiefs from which she came. Her great grandfather, Redbird Harris, settled on the Harris Hill family farm known as Fort Davis in 1859 in Muskogee, and her father passed down the stories he learned from his father, shaping Hill’s ability to interpret traditional experiences in her paintings. By 1959 she had her first exhibit at Philbrook Museum and served as director of the Muskogee Art Guild from 1958 to 1964. In 1974 she became the first woman selected as Master Artist by the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, and by 2001 she had accumulated 270 awards, including the Waite Phillips Lifetime Achievement trophy from Philbrook and being named one of the Smithsonian Institute’s People of the Century.
Joan Hill was a graduate of the Central High School Class of 1947. She attended Northeastern State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education, and taught at Roosevelt Junior High in Tulsa from 1952 to 1956 before pursuing art full time. Of Creek and Cherokee heritage, she studied art under acclaimed Cheyenne artist Dick West at Bacone College and with modern artist Frederick Taubes, which had a profound effect on her style. West encouraged her to learn more about Native culture, history, and art, especially given the important lineage of Creek and Cherokee chiefs from which she came. Her great grandfather, Redbird Harris, settled on the Harris Hill family farm known as Fort Davis in 1859 in Muskogee, and her father passed down the stories he learned from his father, shaping Hill’s ability to interpret traditional experiences in her paintings. By 1959 she had her first exhibit at Philbrook Museum and served as director of the Muskogee Art Guild from 1958 to 1964. In 1974 she became the first woman selected as Master Artist by the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, and by 2001 she had accumulated 270 awards, including the Waite Phillips Lifetime Achievement trophy from Philbrook and being named one of the Smithsonian Institute’s People of the Century.
ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARD: Service to Community, Porter Reed
Porter Reed graduated from Manual Training High School in 1941. During that time he played on the MTHS state championship football teams of 1940 and 1941 under their coach W.W. Coxwell. Porter started out shagging balls for the Kansas City Monarchs in the early 1930s when the Negro League team barnstormed into town to play at Douglass Park. Porter began playing professionally with the Muskogee Hustlers (interchangeably the Muskogee Cardinals) on June 19, 1937. The story of his batting against the renowned pitcher Satchel Page is legendary. In 1942 he enlisted into the United States Army and completed a four-year tour of duty in 1946. During World War II he was stationed in Saipan and took part in the Pacific Theater, a major front in the war. While there he was an all-star outfielder for the Army when they won the Saipan Baseball Championship. After the war he joined the Negro Baseball League, playing for the Muskogee Cardinals and later Birmingham, Houston, Omaha, Detroit, and Los Angeles. He played with and against greats such as Jackie Robinson, Buck Leonard, Josh Gibson and Roy Campanella. After Jackie Robinson integrated Major League Baseball in 1947, Porter tried out for the Boston Braves, but he eventually turned down the contract because he made more money playing with the Detroit Wolves. He ended his professional career in 1953. He continued to play baseball at the amateur level until his was 63 years old. Porter Reed’s influence in baseball in Muskogee and the nation is indisputable. He was honored by the Oklahoma Sports Museum in 2004. He was inducted into the Muskogee Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2009, Oklahoma State University's Oral History Department documented his story as part of the Muskogee African American Heritage Oral History Series (this can be found online). On July 28, 2012, the Milwaukee Brewers honored Porter Reed at Miller Park as part of the annual Negro Leagues Tribute Night series where he threw out a ceremonial first pitch. Following the event on July 29, Porter was inducted into the Yesterday’s Negro League Hall of Fame at the Mother Kathryn Daniels Center in Milwaukee. In 2016 when he was in his 90’s he was invited to throw out the first pitch at a Tulsa Drillers game. From around 2004 until the time of his passing, Porter regularly spoke at many events and colleges, sharing his experiences and observations in and out of baseball during Jim Crow segregation.
Porter Reed graduated from Manual Training High School in 1941. During that time he played on the MTHS state championship football teams of 1940 and 1941 under their coach W.W. Coxwell. Porter started out shagging balls for the Kansas City Monarchs in the early 1930s when the Negro League team barnstormed into town to play at Douglass Park. Porter began playing professionally with the Muskogee Hustlers (interchangeably the Muskogee Cardinals) on June 19, 1937. The story of his batting against the renowned pitcher Satchel Page is legendary. In 1942 he enlisted into the United States Army and completed a four-year tour of duty in 1946. During World War II he was stationed in Saipan and took part in the Pacific Theater, a major front in the war. While there he was an all-star outfielder for the Army when they won the Saipan Baseball Championship. After the war he joined the Negro Baseball League, playing for the Muskogee Cardinals and later Birmingham, Houston, Omaha, Detroit, and Los Angeles. He played with and against greats such as Jackie Robinson, Buck Leonard, Josh Gibson and Roy Campanella. After Jackie Robinson integrated Major League Baseball in 1947, Porter tried out for the Boston Braves, but he eventually turned down the contract because he made more money playing with the Detroit Wolves. He ended his professional career in 1953. He continued to play baseball at the amateur level until his was 63 years old. Porter Reed’s influence in baseball in Muskogee and the nation is indisputable. He was honored by the Oklahoma Sports Museum in 2004. He was inducted into the Muskogee Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2009, Oklahoma State University's Oral History Department documented his story as part of the Muskogee African American Heritage Oral History Series (this can be found online). On July 28, 2012, the Milwaukee Brewers honored Porter Reed at Miller Park as part of the annual Negro Leagues Tribute Night series where he threw out a ceremonial first pitch. Following the event on July 29, Porter was inducted into the Yesterday’s Negro League Hall of Fame at the Mother Kathryn Daniels Center in Milwaukee. In 2016 when he was in his 90’s he was invited to throw out the first pitch at a Tulsa Drillers game. From around 2004 until the time of his passing, Porter regularly spoke at many events and colleges, sharing his experiences and observations in and out of baseball during Jim Crow segregation.
ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARD: Service to Community, Dr. Barbara Staggs
Dr. Barbara Staggs was a graduate of the Central High School Class of 1958. While at Central High she was editor of the school newspaper, The Scout. She received a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University in 1963 and a master’s degree from University of Tulsa in 1968. Dr. Staggs began her career with Muskogee Public Schools at Alice Robertson Junior High as an English teacher, later moving to Muskogee High School where she taught drama, speech and broadcasting. She received a Ph.D. from the University of Tulsa in 1987 and began moving into administration, serving as the assistant principal and then principal of Muskogee High School, and later as superintendent of Tahlequah Public Schools. In 1993 Dr. Staggs ran on the Democratic ticket for a position in the State Legislature and won, being the first woman to hold office in District 14. She served from 1994 until 2006. During her tenure in office she was instrumental in education legislation, rural library funding, and creation of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. Dr. Stagg’s fearless leadership had a profound impact on our city and our state, and on everyone who knew her.
Dr. Barbara Staggs was a graduate of the Central High School Class of 1958. While at Central High she was editor of the school newspaper, The Scout. She received a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University in 1963 and a master’s degree from University of Tulsa in 1968. Dr. Staggs began her career with Muskogee Public Schools at Alice Robertson Junior High as an English teacher, later moving to Muskogee High School where she taught drama, speech and broadcasting. She received a Ph.D. from the University of Tulsa in 1987 and began moving into administration, serving as the assistant principal and then principal of Muskogee High School, and later as superintendent of Tahlequah Public Schools. In 1993 Dr. Staggs ran on the Democratic ticket for a position in the State Legislature and won, being the first woman to hold office in District 14. She served from 1994 until 2006. During her tenure in office she was instrumental in education legislation, rural library funding, and creation of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. Dr. Stagg’s fearless leadership had a profound impact on our city and our state, and on everyone who knew her.
ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARD: Professional Achievement, Dr. Carlton Caves
Dr. Carlton Caves graduated from Central High School in 1968. While in high school he won multiple debate tournaments with his partner, the late Congressman Mike Synar. He received a bachelor’s degree in physics and math from Rice University in 1972 and a Ph.D. in physics from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1979. From 1979 until 1987 Dr. Caves was a research fellow in theoretical physics at Caltech. In
1987 he became a professor of electrical engineering and physics at the University of Southern California, then moving to the University of New Mexico where he remains a distinguished professor emeritus in physics and astronomy. His many awards include a National Science Foundation fellowship; Richard Feynman Fellowship; the Einstein Prize for Laser Science; elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and in 2020 receiving the Micius Prize for foundational work on quantum metrology (measurement) and information. He is cited in hundreds of professional journals. His contributions to
quantum physics metrology are considered foundational to the field of physics across the
globe.
Dr. Carlton Caves graduated from Central High School in 1968. While in high school he won multiple debate tournaments with his partner, the late Congressman Mike Synar. He received a bachelor’s degree in physics and math from Rice University in 1972 and a Ph.D. in physics from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1979. From 1979 until 1987 Dr. Caves was a research fellow in theoretical physics at Caltech. In
1987 he became a professor of electrical engineering and physics at the University of Southern California, then moving to the University of New Mexico where he remains a distinguished professor emeritus in physics and astronomy. His many awards include a National Science Foundation fellowship; Richard Feynman Fellowship; the Einstein Prize for Laser Science; elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and in 2020 receiving the Micius Prize for foundational work on quantum metrology (measurement) and information. He is cited in hundreds of professional journals. His contributions to
quantum physics metrology are considered foundational to the field of physics across the
globe.
It’s #NationalSchoolCounselingWeek, and we want to sincerely thank our school counselors for the incredible impact they have on Muskogee students helping them succeed today and plan for the future. Please take a moment this week to stop by and say thank you to your school counselor! 💚
ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARD: Professional Achievement, Dr. J. Martin Beal
Dr. Beal is a 1983 graduate of Muskogee High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, and graduated from the OSU School of Osteopathic Medicine in 1993. In 1994 he went to Africa with Medical Aid to care for refugees of the Rwandan genocide. From 1994 to 1998 Dr. Beal was a resident in obstetrics and gynecology at Tulsa Regional Medical Center. While a
practicing physician, Dr. Beal was Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1998 until 2003 and Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2003 – 2008. He went into private practice with Tulsa OB-GYN Associates, Inc. from 2008 – 2025. He served as Chief of Staff at St. John’s Medical Center during COVID from 2019 – 2022. He has authored numerous articles published in The Journal of Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Beal’s awards include the Osteopathic Foundation’s Outstanding Physician Award and being named Outstanding Educator and
Outstanding Lecturer at OSU Osteopathic Medical School. He was selected for the Oklahoma
Top Doctors Award by Oklahoma Magazine for fifteen years from 2008 to 2022. Dr. Beal is
currently attending physician and chair of the OB/GYN department at St. John’s Ascension
in Tulsa.
Dr. Beal is a 1983 graduate of Muskogee High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, and graduated from the OSU School of Osteopathic Medicine in 1993. In 1994 he went to Africa with Medical Aid to care for refugees of the Rwandan genocide. From 1994 to 1998 Dr. Beal was a resident in obstetrics and gynecology at Tulsa Regional Medical Center. While a
practicing physician, Dr. Beal was Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1998 until 2003 and Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2003 – 2008. He went into private practice with Tulsa OB-GYN Associates, Inc. from 2008 – 2025. He served as Chief of Staff at St. John’s Medical Center during COVID from 2019 – 2022. He has authored numerous articles published in The Journal of Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Beal’s awards include the Osteopathic Foundation’s Outstanding Physician Award and being named Outstanding Educator and
Outstanding Lecturer at OSU Osteopathic Medical School. He was selected for the Oklahoma
Top Doctors Award by Oklahoma Magazine for fifteen years from 2008 to 2022. Dr. Beal is
currently attending physician and chair of the OB/GYN department at St. John’s Ascension
in Tulsa.
Inside the February issue of Mendenhall Minutes: Winter weather highlights, upcoming events, and important spring reminders!
Save the Dates:
Staff Professional Development / MEA ½ Day – No School: Feb. 16
Parent/Teacher Conferences: March 9–10
End of 3rd Term – No School: March 13
Spring Break – No School: March 16–20
Save the Dates:
Staff Professional Development / MEA ½ Day – No School: Feb. 16
Parent/Teacher Conferences: March 9–10
End of 3rd Term – No School: March 13
Spring Break – No School: March 16–20
Here is a snippet of our Instructional Calendar for February:
- Feb 16: Professional Development for Staff - No School
To view the full 2025-26 Instructional Calendar, visit https://www.muskogeeps.org/page/instructional-calendars
- Feb 16: Professional Development for Staff - No School
To view the full 2025-26 Instructional Calendar, visit https://www.muskogeeps.org/page/instructional-calendars
The Read, Play, Talk Bus is rolling back into Muskogee this spring and summer!
Join us for reading, play, and learning fun at stops throughout the community. Check out the full schedule below and come see us! 📚
For more information, visit: https://www.muskogeeps.org/page/read-play-talk
Join us for reading, play, and learning fun at stops throughout the community. Check out the full schedule below and come see us! 📚
For more information, visit: https://www.muskogeeps.org/page/read-play-talk
For those who like to plan ahead, here are the Instructional Calendars for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years.
You can always find them on our website here: https://www.muskogeeps.org/.../page/instructional-calendars
You can always find them on our website here: https://www.muskogeeps.org/.../page/instructional-calendars
With the potential for winter weather across Oklahoma later this week, learn how decisions are made, how notifications are shared, and where to find official closure or delay information by reviewing our Inclement Weather Procedures here: https://files backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4490/Mps/5cac8d75-f928-4003-a838-216ed06c63dd/Inclement-Weather-Procedures-.pdf?disposition=inline
January is School Board Appreciation Month! 💚
Muskogee Public Schools would like to thank our Board of Education members: Bobby Jefferson, Tommy Anderson, Larry Stewart, Debra Horsechief, and Danny Shiew for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to putting students first.
Your guidance strengthens our schools, supports our community, and makes a lasting impact on the lives of every Rougher student and family.
#TheMuskogeeWay
Today, we honor and celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Another great night of basketball last night at Rougher Village Arena! We loved seeing our Little Rougher cheerleaders perform at halftime! 💚
Reminder: No school Monday, January 19, 2026 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. See you on Tuesday, Roughers!
Today, Dr. Jarod Mendenhall was honored with the Beloved Community Award by the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Trust Authority for his exceptional service and commitment to building a beloved community. 💚
Adding to the celebration, the Muskogee High School Advanced Choral performed two incredible pieces, filling the event with inspiring music and joy. 🎶
Adding to the celebration, the Muskogee High School Advanced Choral performed two incredible pieces, filling the event with inspiring music and joy. 🎶
