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!
