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 2024-2025 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.
Dr. Kenneth Moore, executive director of Secondary Schools, talked to visitors from Tahlequah Public Schools about the classes and offerings Union provides at the Union Innovation Lab and they toured Ellen Ochoa Elementary to gather information about the Community Schools initiative.
Students in afterschool programs reported being more excited about attending school.
Out-of-School-Time Programs
In collaboration with community partners and teachers, Union offered a variety of academic and enrichment programs 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, with students receiving healthy snacks, access to programs, and transportation. By connecting students with enriching experiences, caring mentors, and opportunities beyond the school day, Union ensures every child is prepared to succeed, supporting the district’s mission of “100 percent graduation, college and career-ready.”
During the 2024-25 school year 2,727 students participated in afterschool and summer programs at Boevers, Roy Clark, Grove, Jarman, Jefferson, McAuliffe, Ellen Ochoa, and Rosa Parks elementary schools, as well as the Union 6th and 7th Grade Centers. There was no cost for participation. Daily average attendance was 89 percent.
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
- 68 STEM programs
- 64 academic and tutoring programs
- 77 health and wellness programs
- 52 youth development/leadership programs
- 63 fine arts programs
Impact Of Afterschool Programs
The SAYO-Y (Survey of Academic and Youth Outcomes – Youth) survey was administered to students at the end of programs. Overall, students value their afterschool programs as a positive and supportive environment. They enjoy attending programs, feel respected by peers and adults and see the program as a place where they can try new things and grow.
Positive Experiences and Belonging
A strong majority of students reported they enjoy attending, with 94 percent saying “Yes” and “Mostly Yes.” Similarly, many feel respected by peers, as 91 percent responded either “Yes” or “Mostly Yes” when asked if kids attending treat each other with respect. These results suggest the program is fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Adult Support and Care
Students said that adults play an important role in making the program supportive. Sixty-four percent said adults “care about what I think” and 47 percent felt adults “listen to my ideas for new activities,” with another 32 percent answering “Mostly Yes.” Additionally, 66 percent of students said there is someone at the program who supports them in reaching their goals.
Opportunities for Growth and Exploration
OST programs provide a space for exploration and self-discovery as 69 percent of students said they “get to try new things,” and 62 percent agreed that participating has helped them “find out what I’m good at doing and what I like to do.” Sixty-six percent reported setting personal goals for themselves, and 50 percent said they try new things even if they look hard. These responses show the program is encouraging students to develop confidence, resilience, and curiosity.
Academic Impact
Seventy-six percent of students felt that attending the program has helped them do better in school. This suggests a significant portion of students are experiencing academic benefits from participation.
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 343 combined opportunities for parent and family engagement at the Union 6th/7th Grade Centers, Boevers, Roy Clark, Grove, Jarman, Jefferson, McAuliffe, Ellen Ochoa and Rosa Parks.
The combined participation rate for parent-teacher conferences was 91.5 percent at Boevers, Roy Clark, Grove, Jarman, Jefferson, McAuliffe, Ellen Ochoa and Rosa Parks.
Comprehensive Supports
Union is committed to connecting students and families to the resources they need.
- 1,250 Union community members were served through Community Health Connection, including two school-based health clinics at Ellen Ochoa and Rosa Parks.
- 362 students received new clothing, shoes and hygiene products from Assistance League of Tulsa’s signature program, Operation School Bell.
- 276 students received food to take home on weekends through Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma’s Food for Kids Backpack Program.
- 471 individuals received emergency help with food, clothing, hygiene products, coats, etc.
- 445 families received meal assistance during the holidays.
- 818 students received holiday presents in partnership with a variety of community partners, including James Mission and district staff.
- 266 students received mentoring from various community partners.
- 522 students received behavioral and mental health support at the school.
- 4,027 students received free vision screenings through Vizavance.
- 60 students received free eye exams and glasses in partnership with MyEyeDr.
- 2,388 students received free hearing screenings through the University of Tulsa.
- 1,804 students received dental screenings from Woodland Dentistry and Braces.
Community Partner Appreciation Breakfast
More than 300 guests attended Union’s annual community partner appreciation breakfast.
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
- Christian Chapel
- Church 3434
- Church on the Move
- Emerson
- Explorer Pipeline
- Flint Family Foundation
- First Baptist
- Foundations Church
- Gaining Ground
- Gelvin Foundation
- Global Gardens
- M&M Lumber Company
- MPW Engineering
- NSU College of Education
- Paragon Films
- Phoenix Financial
- Potts Family Foundation
- QuikTrip
- Rotary Club of Southeast Tulsa
- Stan Rickner
- Supercado Morelos
- SWEP
- The Opp
- The Park Church
- Tulsa Changemakers
- Tulsa Debate League
- Route 66 Kicks for Kids
- Union Schools Education Foundation
