Katherine Parker

Public Relations/Communications/Journalism

United States

Currently, I serve as Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness' (OPSR) community relations specialist. I connect decision makers and community leaders with OPSR's mission and vision to lead Oklahoma in coordinating an early childhood system that strengthens families and ensures all children are ready for school while also cultivating a positive image of this organization with the general public.

Previously, I served as Cox Communications' communication specialist where I worked with six markets in their central region to connect community members and employees with the latest TV and Internet products and services. I've worked as Dove Public Charter Schools' public relations coordinator as well as Oklahoma City Community College's public relations specialist. I began my career as The Norman Transcript's education beat reporter.

I have experience writing about Oklahoma's early childhood and educational systems, particularly the University of Oklahoma, K-12, and charter schools. Additionally, I write freelance for a variety of publications. I am an Oklahoma School Public Relations 2017 Publications & Communications Award Winner as well as an Oklahoma Education Association 2015 Marshall Gregory Award of Excellence recipient. I love meeting new people, telling engaging stories and immersing myself in in-depth research.

Portfolio

Sooner Magazine

Oufoundation
09/14/2017
Bodies in Motion

The theme of OU's fifth annual Native Crossroads Film Festival was indicative of the protagonists in the features, docs and shorts presented during the weekend, but it also describes the determination and creativity of the filmmakers who tell their stories through moving pictures.

Oufoundation
03/07/2017
How do you provide farm-to-table produce on a college campus?

The concept itself started as a seedling. What would it take to bring farm-to-table dining to the University of Oklahoma campus? Water. Nutrients. Seeds. And, as it turns out, a freight container. Mother Earth replicated inside four steel walls, producing a lush oasis of floor-to-ceiling vegetation.

Oufoundation
03/28/2016
Celebrating Native Cultures

As nimble fingers drive needles down and back through patches of fabric, layers bind together creating a warm, comforting quilt. At the turn of the century, the U.S. government promoted quilting groups among Native American women as a means to sew their way to assimilation.

Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness

The Ada News
11/19/2019
Organization offers funding opportunity for Oklahoma libraries

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness is now accepting applications for their new Public Library Family Engagement Project. In partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, this project will provide funding for public libraries to support new programs as well as expand existing infant and toddler resources.

Cox Communications

Dove Public Charter Schools

NewsOK.com
05/18/2016
Oklahoma City teen wins congressional award

MAY 18, 2016 - With a passion for volunteerism, Gabriela Rueda shares her time and talents with the community, which recently earned her the 2016 Gold Medal Congressional Award. The junior at Dove Science Academy in Oklahoma City was the only student in Oklahoma to earn the award this year.

NewsOK.com
04/14/2016
Dove Science Academy promotes cultures, languages at celebration

With the premier Celebration of World Languages, Dove Science Academy opened the door to richer social networks and cultural understanding with song, dance and more. On Saturday at Oklahoma Christian University, the event included song and dance performances, a scavenger hunt, poster and video contests as well as cultural exhibit booths and celebrated the efforts of dedicated educators and talented students who excel in learning another language.

NewsOK.com
03/19/2016
STEM Expo in Oklahoma City generates excitement for learning

The OKC STEM Expo could barely contain student excitement for hands-on learning and the opportunity to meet young scientists and professionals working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. On March 4, Dove Science Academy and Oklahoma City University hosted the event at OCU that featured STEM subjects and showcased work generated by elementary through high school students.

Oklahoma City Community College

Occc
Oklahoma Department of Labor generously donates CNG truck to OCCC

(Published: 05-26-15) Oklahoma City Community College's (OCCC) Professional Development Institute turned its engine on for education with the donation of a CNG truck from the Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) Tuesday, May 26. The CNG truck will be used as a teaching tool in the Professional Development Institute's Alternative Fuels Program.

Occc
OCCC helps students find financial footing in wake of earthquake

(Published: 05-04-15) Nepal, located in South Asia, may be over 8,000 air miles away, but when tragedy struck April 25, the heart of Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) reached out to 46 students from Nepal who were affected by a disastrous earthquake. Currently, OCCC Foundation is raising funds to help its own during this hardship.

Occc
Bassett Tales rescues canine companions and prison inmates

Everyone in life has made a mistake, some with larger consequences than others. What better way to learn to be responsible again than with the soft bark of excitement or happy tail wag? With Friends For Folks, Oklahoma prisoners work with rejected, shelter dogs to create canine companions and in the process rescue themselves as they find redemption and take a second chance.

Occc
Representative Jon Echols honored for his support of Higher Ed

(Published: 02-06-15) An advocate for higher education funding and affordable education for all Oklahoma students State Representative Jon Echols (R-Okla. City) was honored with the 2014-15 Distinguished Service Award by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Council of College and University Presidents.

Occc
Glenn Miller Orchestra hits a nostalgic high note with big band music

High energy, marvelous vocals and a unique jazz sound harken listeners to remember the good ol' days of swing and big band power. Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) will host the most sought-after big band in the world, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m.

Special Publications

One Year Later
Forever changed

Their reality changed. Their clothes were gone. Their banking information - gone. Beds, toys, cars, jewelry, pictures and so much more all wet, torn, obliterated, ruined. Like so many families who suffered and lost on May 20, 2013, the Kriesels walked away from their home with only each other.

One Year Later
Gone, but not forgotten

Seven bright, interesting and special children who lost their lives last year in the May 20, 2013, EF-5 tornado will always be remembered by their family and dearest friends. Now with the building of the Plaza Towers 7 Memorial, Kyle Davis, JaNae Hornsby, Antonia Candelaria, Emily Conatzer, Sydney Angle, Nicholas McCabe and Christopher Legg also will always be remembered by the community they lived in and loved.

University of Oklahoma

Norman Transcript
OU-Texas more than fun and games, weekend strengthens OU presence

DALLAS - Every year, more and more students come to the University of Oklahoma from neighboring Texas. Almost 5,000 students from Texas are currently enrolled at the OU-Norman campus, including 1,136 freshmen. Of these nearly 5,000 students, 3,094 are from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including 729 freshmen.

Norman Transcript
Justice Sotomayor speaks at OU College of Law

The small act of kindness and the rejection of her assigned chair, posited above the stage, conveyed Sotomayor's genuine, thoughtful spirit. During the hour-long fireside chat, Justice Sotomayor spoke with University of Oklahoma College of Law students, giving them advice and inspiration.

Normantranscript
OU announces $500 million "Live On, University" campaign

"These words, Live On, University, come from our school chant. They are not words of assurance. They are words of determination. They are words through which we are challenged. They challenge us that this university should live on - stronger, better and with more opportunities than ever before.

Normantranscript
Harper ready to serve OU as interim provost

Harper said going from a teaching to an administrative role was a big change, but he has always enjoyed leadership roles. "I love OU, and I'm really excited for the chance to serve this institution.

Normantranscript
University of Okla. students paint murals, brighten up nonprofit

The harsh, cold, metal door slipped away as green, then blue, turned into a lush, green field with a winding path and a group of University of Oklahoma undergraduate students painted murals Monday at Bethesda Inc., a local agency that specializes in sexual abuse treatment and prevention for children and adolescents.

Normantranscript
Two University of Oklahoma colleges receive awards from Apple

Dean of the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education Gregg Garn said the college's graduates have the opportunity to be technology leaders and he constantly sees students working together with iPads and hears teachers discussing how to use technology to become better educators. Garn acknowledged the college's students for their hard work.

Norman Transcript
President Boren, students and parents weigh in on Flat rate tuition

University of Oklahoma students and President David Boren suggest mixed reviews on OU's new flat-rate tuition policy as beginning of the year excitement settles down and the university marches toward fall break and midterms. At the end of June, OU announced its plan to adopt a flat-rate tuition policy based on OU's 15-credit hour rate for tuition and not increase in-state tuition.

Norman Public Schools (K-12)

Normantranscript
Voters say yes to $126M, five-year NPS bond issue

The results will become official after they are approved Friday by the Cleveland County Election Board. Norman Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joe Siano said NPS administration is very happy for the district and community. "On behalf of the school district, administrators, teachers, students, I want to thank the Norman community for stepping up to support our kids and education," he said.

Normantranscript
Bond to help NPS meet diverse need

When a freshman enters high school, he or she is 14 or 15 years old, the small man on campus. When a senior graduates, he or she is 17 or 18, able to drive, vote and about to take on more responsibility then they have probably ever known.

Normantranscript
10/14/2014
2014 bond issue supports students' extra-curriculars

Norman Public Schools is keeping students engaged in academics by supporting students' extra-curricular activities and in the 2014 bond issue, 10 percent of bond funding has been dedicated to athletics, school officials said. Frank Thompson, NPS athletic director, said that in the district about 800 to 1,000 students participate in athletics.

Normantranscript
VIDEO: Norman High honors student with contest entry

Pyle lives with Type II Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), which causes the deterioration of his muscles. Today, Pyle is confined to a wheelchair, but is active in the Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum, plays guitar and maintains goals like going to college at the University of Oklahoma.

Normantranscript
Technology is a priority in 2014 school bond issue

The $126 million, five-year bond issue will be voted on Feb. 11 in two proposals. This bond issue is the largest ever proposed in the school district's history. Voters will be asked to approve one proposal representing $122.5 million for renovations, safety and security, technology, athletics and annual expenditure projects, as well as a separate $3.5 million proposal for transportation.

KIDS Magazine

NORMAN Magazine

Issuu
Norman Magazine, Sept/Oct 2014

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