Bulldog Blast

🐾 The Bulldog Blast — Final Edition of the School Year! 🐾

“The one where we all pretend we’re not counting down the days…”

Dear Bulldog Families,

Welcome to the last official Bulldog Blast of the 2024-2025 school year! Take a deep breath — we made it (well, almost)! Don’t worry, though — like your favorite sitcom reruns, we’ll be back for two special summer editions: one in early summer, and one mid-summer to help you prepare for the fall.

Next week, we’re also sending out a special Seniors-Only Edition to all senior families. It will include all the confirmed info for graduation, diploma pick-up, and all the other important milestones that come with saying goodbye to your high schooler (cue the proud tears).

In other exciting news, our spring sports are still charging hard! Many of our teams are headed into state tournaments during the final full week of school. So if you hear chanting, cheering, or cowbells from across town — just know it’s Bulldogs doing what they do best.

Final Exam Exemptions for Juniors and Seniors

There’s a lot of hallway whispering going on, so let us clear it up. Please read the exemption guidelines section below carefully — it might just save a few stress headaches (and maybe a grounding or two).

As always, thank you for being part of this incredible community. We love your kids, we’re proud of their work, and we’re beyond grateful to partner with you.

Let’s finish strong, Bulldogs! 🐾

Keith Pautler

Principal

Edmond Memorial High School

As we wrap up the year, many of our juniors and seniors are starting to ask the big question: “Do I have to take finals?” Here’s what you need to know about the Final Exam Exemption Policy to help clear up confusion — and maybe even some hallway rumors.

A few years ago, our school board approved an updated exemption policy to better align with the state’s classification of “chronically absent.” In Oklahoma, a student is considered chronically absent if they miss nine or more school days for almost any reason. This policy allows us to stay in step with state expectations while also offering a fair incentive for strong attendance.

Here’s the good news: This policy is actually much more lenient than the pre-COVID rules. Before the pandemic, exemption eligibility was even stricter — students could only miss a couple of days, and even medical absences counted against them. (Side note: The state no longer even uses the term “excused absences.” An absence is an absence in their eyes.)

Exemptions are an attendance incentive, not a guarantee. They’re designed to recognize students with strong attendance — so it’s perfectly normal for most students not to qualify. It’s truly an exception, not the norm.

So what absences do count against exemption?

Although Edmond Public Schools allows these absences for credit purposes, they still count against the state’s chronic absenteeism count. These include - but not limited to:

• Death in the Family (D)

• Family Emergency (F)

• Illness (ILL)

• Judicial (J)

• Medical (M)

• Out of School Suspension (OSS)

• Religious (R)

• Inclement Weather (IW)

What’s next?

Students will receive an email this Friday or Monday letting them know if they qualify for final exam exemptions. We encourage you to check in with your student after that message goes out.

Please help us remind students that while this policy may feel new to them, it’s not — it’s being applied consistently across all three EPS high schools and is more generous than what students had pre-pandemic. We’re proud of those who have earned this opportunity and thankful for all families encouraging strong attendance habits.

The Kelli O'Hara awards is the most prestigous awards in the State of Oklahoma for musical theatre. As previous winners in several categories - our nomination this year is continued proof of the excellence happening in our performing arts department.

If you have a student who needs their sports physical for the 25/26 school year - we want to make that an easy process for you. Consider joining us on May 19th for our special event (see below).... This is a cash only event.

Final Exams & Attendance

It is important to remember that the final assessment for each course is worth 20% of the final grade. Therefore, final exam testing times are extremely important. We ask that you keep the days of May 20th & 21st on your calendar as must attend days and avoid appointments during that time where students would need to leave. NOTE - we do not call into classrooms for checkout during final exam sessions.

Campus Admin

Keith Pautler - EMHS Principal

Kyle Roberts - Athletic Director

Sally.Stewart - Administrator - Curriculum

Freshman Academy

Carrie Higdon - Administrator

Dawnetta Russell - Counselor (A-K)

Jessica Cook - Counselor (L-Z)

Main Building

Shastin Willman - Administrator - Sophomores

Evan Chada - Administrator - Juniors

Lance Mock - Administrator - Seniors

Erin Bickle - Counselor (A-E)

Kelly Barnes - Counselor (F-Li)

Tina Mays - Counselor (Lj-Ri)

Christine Custred - Counselor (Rj-Z)

James Keeton - Counselor (Career & Francis Tuttle)