A previous column published on March 13, 2024 highlighted the strategic work happening in Oklahoma City Public Schools to combat chronic absenteeism. The focused plan, which included attendance advocates, incentives (some provided by the OKCPS Foundation) and regular monitoring and other strategies, allowed for great improvement the first half of this past school year. Elementary […]
It’s July and it is hot outside. Yes, it happens every year. And every year about this time everything starts ramping up for back to school time – it’s everywhere. For many families it is a very exciting time as shopping commences for new school clothes and the coveted new school supplies. But, every year
OKLAHOMA CITY (July 8, 2024) – It’s summer now, but for the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation, all eyes are on the upcoming chilly months as the nonprofit kicks off its 2024 Coat-a-Kid campaign. This important program provides new winter coats to OKCPS students, ensuring every child in the district who needs a coat has one to
The data continues to tell us we need to do better for our kids. Nationally, almost 70% of low-income fourth grade students cannot read at a basic level (May 2023). In Oklahoma, 76% of fourth graders cannot read on a basic level according to NAEP scores (National Association of Educational Progress, May 2022). In Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 17, 2024) – The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce it has received a $24,000 grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation through its Opportunities for Children Community Grant program. The grant will be used to assist in funding book purchases for the OKCPS Early Childhood Education Beautiful Beginnings program
Left to Right: 2023 Wall of Fame honorees Cuong Do, Florence Jones-Kemp, Ray (bottom-middle) and Pat Potts and J. Don Harris, D.D.S., celebrate with OKCPS Foundation President and CEO Mary Mélon-Tully (top-middle) at last year’s annual awards ceremony. OKLAHOMA CITY (June 19, 2024) – The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation recently announced that its President and CEO,
Oklahoma City Public Schools accepts, welcomes and nurtures all kids. Kids who have special needs. Kids who have behavioral issues. Kids who have mental health issues. Kids who have experienced trauma. Kids who are English Language Learners. It is the responsibility of educators to find the best course to serve the whole child and see
Honorees to be inducted into the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation Wall of Fame during 40th annual awards ceremony Right: The 2024 OKCPS Foundation Wall of Fame honorees are Dr. Kenneth Blair, Sr. (honored posthumously), Phil Busey, Sr., L. Michael Dillard, Dr. Colleen J. Payne-Nabors and Christina Rehkop (honored posthumously, Unsung Hero Honoree). DOWNLOAD PHOTOS HERE OKLAHOMA
Stars of Education event honored OKCPS Teacher of the Year finalists and other award winners for 2023-24 school year Caption: OKCPS Superintendent Sean McDaniel (left) and OKCPS Foundation President & CEO Mary Mélon-Tully (right) congratulate the 2024 OKCPS District Teacher of the Year Jennifer Reyes-Garcia (middle) during this year’s Stars of Education celebration event. Download
Nonprofit’s Teacher Pipeline Program increases retention, furthers diversity (Left to Right): The Spring 2024 OKCPS Foundation Teacher Pipeline Program graduates Lissa Nunez, Priscilla Rojas, Martha Martinez-Ramos, Maira Mejia and Jamie Coles are celebrated by the community during the graduation ceremony. Download photos here OKLAHOMA CITY (May 3, 2024) – Yesterday, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation hosted a graduation
