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School News - Tip Sheet - 11/10/2008

Dr. Ballard to Appear at PIE Forum  

11/11/2008, 8 a.m.

The stunningly successful Partners in Education program is the focus of a November forum featuring the new superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, Dr. Keith Ballard.

Partners in Education program is a collaborative effort between TPS and the Tulsa Metro Chamber. The program's focus is to link Tulsa students with community resources in order to provide the knowledge and skills needed for future success. Partners and schools choose their level of involvement, which may include—but is not limited to—volunteering within the school, in-kind contributions or financial assistance. To view current Partners in Education success stories or for more information go to www.tulsachamber.com

The forum is Tuesday, November 11, 2008 8- 9:30 a.m., at the TPS HelmZar Challenge Course, located at 1006 N. Quaker Ave. Dr. Ballard will share his vision for continuing the Partners in Education program. With 35 years of education and administrative experience, Dr. Ballard comes to TPS after serving as executive director for the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.

“Community support is just critical,” Dr. Ballard said. “You just can’t accomplish anything anymore without philanthropic support. When community leaders—people that love children—step up to make things happen it’s very exciting.”

Reservations are required. Email melissatorkleson@tulsachamber.com or call 560-0218 to reserve your seat. Breakfast will be provided. There is no charge to attend.

 

TPS and PTA Team Up to Save Students 

11/15/2008, 8:30 a.m.

The Tulsa Council of PTAs and Tulsa Public Schools are teaming up to challenge parents to get involved and stem the tide of students dropping out of school. Each year, only about 70 percent of U.S. high school seniors graduate on time with a regular diploma. Research indicates the most powerful tool to save children can be found in nearly every home: Parents.

A recent study from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation found that students with involved parents, regardless of their family income or background, are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, enroll in higher level classes, attend school and pass their classes, develop better social skills, graduate from high school, attend college, and find productive work. "One Dream, Two Realities" confirms what common sense suggests: Parents are central to the educational success of their children.

The Tulsa Board of Education recognized years ago the importance of parent/guardian involvement in schools, setting a goal of 100 percent participation in each school’s Parent Teacher Associations by 2010. About 41,000 students currently attend Tulsa Public Schools. According to the Tulsa Council of PTAs, the governing organization over parent groups at the District’s 88 TPS sites, current membership is 10,000 – less than halfway toward the 2010 goal.

According to "One Dream, Two Realities," most parents believe their involvement is vital to their child’s academic success, but many are not sure how to find their way in to their child’s education process. Tulsa Council of PTAs leaders say their organization can be the gateway parents need to get involved.

Parents are encouraged to attend Parent University on Saturday, November 15, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Fulton Teaching and Learning Academy, 8906 East 34th Street. Those who bring $5 or two canned food items will receive a PTA membership from their child’s school. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend expert-led learning sessions about school choice; partner/volunteer opportunities; resources and support groups for parents/grandparents of TPS students; how to encourage children’s unique learning styles; law enforcement in schools; and much more.

The Parent University keynote address, “Empowering Parents,” will be presented by Dr. Rita Pierson of Houston, Texas. Also scheduled to speak at Parent University is Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard.

Parent University includes free childcare with advance reservations and a free continental breakfast for parents. Spanish translation will be available. Contact TCPTA President Radious Guess for more information: (918) 745-2329 or (918) 520-3782, or at tulsapta@tulsaschools.org.

One Dream, Two Realities was commissioned by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The full report can be accessed at: www.civicenterprises.net.

 

Partner in Education to Donate to Sam Houston 

11/19/2008, 8:30 a.m.

The Partners in Education program continues to pay dividends. On Wednesday, November 19, Sam Houston Elementary School’s partner, the Tulsa Dream Center, is donating $1,600 to the school.

Described on their website as a church that “offer(s) help and hope to many who are desperate to see a change in their life,” the Dream Center provides a host of services including food and clothing distribution, recreation opportunities, volunteers and mentors and a car clinic designed to help financially-strapped members with vehicle repairs.

Tulsa's Partners in Education program is a joint effort between the Tulsa Metro Chamber and Tulsa Public Schools. The program seeks to link community resources with Tulsa’s children in order to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary for future success.

Established in 1983, the PIE program has brought thousands of volunteers into Tulsa's schools.

 

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