Morning Bell: More HS students enroll in college course

Good Thursday morning. The number of Oklahoma students who enroll in college courses while still in high school has nearly doubled in past 11 years, according to a new report on concurrent enrollment.

During the 2016-17 school year, more than 12,000 high school juniors and seniors across the state enrolled in 108,248 credit hours — 40 percent more hours than four years earlier.

Their pass rate for all those college courses was 92 percent, said Tony Hutchison, who presented the report Thursday to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

State offers guidance to schools on medical marijuana policy

The Oklahoma State Department of Education has released frequently asked questions this week stating public school boards must decide whether they will prohibit select medical marijuana products on their property, reports the Tulsa World. 

The OSDE issued the nonbinding FAQ on Tuesday after receiving a number of questions about how State Question 788 relates to public schools, according to a statement from State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister. She also urges districts to seek legal advice from their school attorneys regarding any legal issues about the topic.

Award to honor student volunteers

Students may apply through Nov. 6 to be considered for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, which recognizes Oklahoma's top youth volunteers.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards will grant two Oklahoma honorees $1,000, a medallion and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Students in grades 5-12 may apply for 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. You can get more information here. 

Documents unsealed in child pornography case

Newly unsealed court documents allege a social studies teacher, charged with distributing child pornography, shared thousands of files in a private messaging group that appear to show school-aged children engaged in sex acts, reports KFOR news. 

Lucas William Cane, 30, a Macomb Public Schools teacher, was arrested by U.S. Marshals on August 28 and made an initial appearance in Oklahoma federal court on distribution and conspiracy to distribute child pornography. Cane, who is married and has children, taught junior high and high school social studies and was set to start coaching the junior high boys basketball team this year, according to district officials.

Bomb threat reported in Cache

Students in Cache were evacuated Wednesday after a parent called the school about a possible bomb threat, reports KSWO. Officials at the school said they evacuated the school out of an abundance of caution. Students were sent outside and then bussed to the city park. All students were safe and with teachers. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad was called in to search the buildings to ensure they were safe.