Union’s Community Schools philosophy seeks to equalize the playing field for students and families by removing barriers to learning and by providing access to basic needs and layered supports.
During the 2023-2024 school year, Union’s 10 full-service community schools partnered with more than 100 community organizations to support students, families, and teachers. These partnerships provide students and their families access to social services and resources in the school building, creating an environment where students and families feel safe, supported, and engaged.
Documentary filmmakers Stone Lantern Films of New York filmed for two days at several sites about the district's community schools philosophy. The working title for the film is "Our School."
Students in afterschool programs reported being more excited about attending school.
Out-of-School-Time Programs
Union partners with enrichment providers and teachers to offer a variety of academic and enrichment programs after-school for students. Program categories include STEM, health and fitness, fine arts, youth development and leadership, and academic support. These programs are offered throughout the school year and summer. Students receive a healthy snack, access to enrichment programs, and transportation home. Union’s afterschool programs support the development of social and emotional competencies and 21st Century Skills. This goal is closely aligned with the district’s mission of 100 percent graduation, college, and career ready.
During the 2023-24 school year 2,790 students participated in afterschool and summer programs at Boevers, Roy Clark, Grove, Jarman, Jefferson, McAuliffe, Ellen Ochoa, and Rosa Parks elementary schools.
More than 2,000 students of the Union 6th and 7th Grade Centers also benefited from being community schools.
Impact Of Afterschool Programs
Afterschool programs were successful in supporting and building "21st century skills" for students who participated.
- Students responded favorably to the statement: “Afterschool programs helped me …”
- Become a better leader – 69 percent
- Get better at doing my best – 74 percent
- Work better with others – 78 percent
- Think more about others before I act or speak – 66 percent
Become a better problem solver – 64 percent
- Free to all students and their families
- 69 STEM programs
- 62 academic and tutoring programs
- 74 health and wellness programs
- 59 youth development/leadership programs
- 81 fine arts programs
Impact Of Afterschool Programs
A survey assessing program quality and student experiences was administered to elementary students at the end of programs. Survey results indicated our programs offered high-quality experiences in a safe and positive environment,
with 88 percent of students reporting they enjoyed participating in programs and 77 percent saying they would encourage friends to join afterschool
programs.
An overwhelming majority - 85 percent of students - felt their afterschool teacher cared about them; and 78 percent said they felt safe in afterschool programs.
Additional data shows that 82 percent of students reported they were able to try new things; 69 percent were more excited to come to school; 68 percent were able to do things they did not think they could do before; 69% percent said they became better leaders; 70 percent said they learned to work better with others; and 61 percent said they became better problem-solvers. Afterschool programs also helped 53 percent of students start thinking about what they want to be when they grow up.
Survey results from students in STEM programs indicated 78 percent of students enjoyed learning about STEM and 60 percent understood how STEM can help improve communities. Lastly, by participating in afterschool programs, 48 percent said they are more likely to take STEM classes when they are older and 43 percent said they can see themselves in a STEM career when they get older.
Early Childhood Programs
Tulsa City-County Library’s Youth Services Department distributed 3,513 books to 439 Pre-K students at Boevers, Roy Clark, Grove, Jarman, Jefferson, McAuliffe, Ellen Ochoa, and Rosa Parks elementary schools. This project is funded by the Krueger Charitable Foundation through the Tulsa Library Trust. Pre-kindergarten teachers also received 190 books.
More than 200 attended pre-kindergarten camp, which helps incoming students get ready and excited for pre-kindergarten before the traditional start of a new school year. This program is supported by Union Schools Education Foundation.
Parent and Family Engagement
There were 320 combined opportunities for parent and family engagement at Boevers, Roy Clark, Grove, Jarman, Jefferson, McAuliffe, Ellen Ochoa, and Rosa Parks, and the 6th and 7th Grade Centers.
The combined parent-teacher conference participation rate was 94 percent at the elementary schools.
Community Partner Appreciation Breakfast
Nearly 300 guests attended Union’s annual community partner appreciation breakfast. The featured guest speaker was Union senior Raashi Karande.
Financial Support
Implementing the Community Schools model at Union Public Schools has been made possible by many foundations, funders, and supporters, including:
- Asbury Church
- Battlecreek Church
- Carrabba's Italian Grill
- Church 3434
- Church on the Move
- Emerson
- Explorer Pipeline
- Flint Family Foundation
- First Baptist
- Gaining Ground
- Gelvin Foundation
- M&M Lumber Company
- MPW Engineering
- Park Church
- Potts Family Foundation
- QuikTrip
- Rotary Club of Southeast Tulsa
- South Tulsa Baptist Church Stan Rickner
- Supercado Morelos
- Tulsa Changemakers
- Tulsa Debate League
- Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance
- Route 66 Kicks for Kids
- TTCU Federal Credit Union
- Union Schools Education Foundation
- Union Financial Advisors
