Bartlesville Students Return To School Expansion, New Security

Kids in Bartlesville are heading back to school Tuesday while crews are working on a multi-million-dollar expansion project. Construction is underway on a 9th grade center at the high school.

It's only one of the changes in the school system this school year. 

Students will also find new security measures in place with more than 200 new high resolution cameras in use throughout the district. GPS tracking devices are now being used on school buses.

Schools in Bartlesville are adopting new security for buildingentrancess as well - using an electronic sign-in kiosk that requires guests to sign in by scanning their driver's license, valid ID or passport.

The system runs a background check on the visitor and takes a photo of them.

The district is also participating in a program called "Bring Your Own Device."

Because of the current construction, there will be fewer parking spots available for students. But it'll mean more room for everyone when it's finished.

Construction crews are working on an expansion project. to make BHS a grades 9 through 12 high school.

The new 9th Grade Center will is at the southwest corner of the school and will house freshman separate from the other classes.

They're also building new classrooms for sophomores, a new cafeteria and a new commons area. This was all paid for through a 2012 school bond issue.

Students are also going high tech with a program the district thinks will improve learning. The district says not only will "Bring Your Own Device" motivate kids to learn, but it also provide teachers with another way to engage with their students.

Starting this fall, students will be able to take two electronic devices including laptops,smartphoness and tablets to class. They'll be able connect to the school's wireless network by logging in with their Bartlesville Public Schools user name.

Once they're logged in, students will be able to access school files and programs.

How much students use the devices in the classroom will be up to teachers. If students are disturbing their classmates or texting in class, teachers may decide not to allow some devices.