Summer 2014 - Street School
Transcription
Summer 2014 - Street School
STREET TALK SUMMER 2014 FEATURES: 2014 Senior Class 1 From the Director 2 Welcome New Staff 3 Matt Travels to Mass. 4 Student Perspective 4 Student Store Grant 5 Louder Than a Bomb 5 Counseling Corner 6 Street Party 2014 7 A Friend for Life 8 2014 SENIOR CLASS 33 MEMBERS STRONG Street School is honored to present the class of 2014: Kennedy Barnes, Amber Bell, Colton Bond, Monica Brown, Vianey Bustos, Larissa Coble, Paige Davis, Austin Ellis, Cassondra Florentine, Ruthie Garcia, Bibi Gaytan, Alisabeth Harrison, Roshawn Hilton, Michael Hunt, Indigo Johnson, Amber Lewis, Johneisha McGee, Kevin Mehloff, Destiny Menesini, Teressa Neyman, Katy Nichols, Dakota Queener, Priscilla Robles, Kyla Rogers, Jocelyne Salazar, Shacoma Smith, Tennyson Thompson, Emmy Towry, Cortez Warledo, Jared Webb, Haley West, Matt Whiteman, Raenie Wildcat. A commencement ceremony was held on May 22, 2014 at Will Rogers United Methodist Church. Three seniors spoke at graduation, which offered encouragement and humor. “Seniors, I’m proud of us for making it this far. I hope you follow your dreams. Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you sit there. Get out there and make things happen! The world needs you,” said senior Matt Whiteman. 82% of the senior class has plans to attend Tulsa Community College and 18% will attend Tulsa Tech to receive training in trades such as welding, automotive and cosmetology. Counselors and teachers worked tirelessly on end-of-instruction testing to ensure seniors met all state requirements to graduate. They also ensured each senior had a plan after high school for life after graduation. “Many of our students panic when they realize they are leaving Street School,” said Lead Counselor Jana Emerson. “Neither they, nor their families, have the “assumption mechanism,” that assumes they will go to college, assumes they will seek trade training or assumes they have skills to land a job. That is why Street School is a great place to not only receive a diploma, but enhance skills we know they have to lead to something greater.” Volunteers from the Junior League of Tulsa served as volunteers at the graduation ceremony handing out programs, assisting with seating and serving refreshments postgraduation. Refreshments were provided by T.D. Williamson. STREET SCHOOL IS A NON-PROFIT ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL OF CHOICE AND THERAPEUTIC COUNSELING PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES NINE THROUGH 12. STREET SCHOOL HELPS STUDENTS EARN THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA IN A NON-TRADITIONAL SETTING. FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STREET SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Julie Blake, Jenks Public Schools PRESIDENT–ELECT Judy Gadlage, Community Volunteer VICE PRESIDENT John Villareal, Villareal & Associates SECRETARY Andrea Hoskins, Hall Estill TREASURER Elli Johannsson, 360 Engineering STREET SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeff Barnes, Walsh:Barnes Interactive Bo Davis, U.S. Beef Corporation / Arby’s Howard Doak, Cityscape Home Mortgage Lise Inman, The Berrywood Group / Stonehorse Cafe Donny King, Williams Connie Lee Kirkland, WPX Energy Todd Martin, BOK Financial Sofia Nagda, Capital Homes Kerry Painter, SMG Tulsa Sara Royster, Frederic Dorwart Lawyers David Stratton, JPMorgan Chase Amy Stutzman, Opportune, LLC STREET SCHOOL STAFF Lori McGinnis-Madland, Ed.D., Executive Director Lorraine McReynolds, NCC, Associate Executive Director The 2013 –14 school year was full of excitement, change, challenges and opportunity. Street School celebrated its 40th year of service to this community. We remain Oklahoma’s longest–running program serving at-risk youth. We remain the program that serves as a model to other districts, other states and other nations. We realize that to stay future-focused, we must constantly reinvent ourselves and find cutting–edge ways to best serve our constituents. We have not let this community down. Perhaps you have noticed our new brand, which better reflects who we are and is meaningful to those we serve. Thanks to the efforts of Walsh Branding, our new logo, website and printed materials have been updated with the 21st century in mind. We recognized that our students needed updated technology to be college and career ready. Street School was fortunate to receive funding and support from the Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, the Tulsa Public Schools bond initiative and 501TechNet, all of which brought exciting changes to the technology aspect of the program. Our building is equipped with wireless Internet service, computers for EOI testing and classroom use have been updated and four pilot classrooms are equipped with 1:1 iPad to student ratio. Without those partners we would not have use of their knowledge, funding, infrastructure, or support. Our technology committee has worked diligently to ensure that our youth are equipped with the tools they need for future success. Though we wrapped up this school year, we look forward to 2014–15. We will introduce a career tech classroom filled with Mac computers and software. Students will have the benefit of learning both Windows and Mac platforms. We will continue to add iPads thanks to the TPS bond; our plan is for every student to have access to an iPad in each classroom. Many other thrilling opportunities await Street School youth, all of which make our community a great place to call home. 2 NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM STREET SCHOOL WELCOMES NEW STAFF Reid Barcus joined the Street School staff to teach math. Prior to Street School, Barcus worked at Tulsa MET alternative school for four years. As he reflects on his first year at Street School, he is most excited about the good results of the end-of-instruction Algebra I exam. Reid Barcus Christy Dancer-Busch Mia Wright Christy Dancer-Busch has been a teacher for 24 years. Prior to coming to Street School to teach science, she was at KIPP College Preparatory. Before that, she trained teachers in educational technology overseas in Doha, Qatar. She enjoys the challenge of trying to maintain a sense of humor as she helps students face challenges. “Science offers all kinds of adventures. I enjoy finding lessons that help our students make informed choices that can affect all facets of life,” said Christy. Mia Wright joined the Street School staff this year as an English instructor for freshman and sophomore students. She has taught for nine years and prior to Street School, was a full-time instructor at ITT Tech. Mia is enjoying the ability to be creative in her teaching approach and having a small class size to build rapport with students. She hopes to build a larger Louder Than a Bomb team next year and get more students involved. INSTRUCTORS Laura Abbott, Art Reid Barcus, Math Kim Camp, Life Skills Christy Dancer-Busch, Science Valerie Hansen, Resource Sheila Jones, NBCT, English Matt Livingood, Social Studies Milannie Siegfried, Internship Mia Wright, English COUNSELORS Jana Emerson, MSW Jenny Fitzgerald, LCSW John Marlow, Ph.D. Carroll Miller, LPC Pam Sinor, LPC Maureen TeRuki, MSHR ADMINISTRATION Michelle Hoffman, Counseling Administrative Assistant Glenda Lollis, Receptionist Dawn Randall, Administrative Assistant FREEDOM WRITER INSTITUTE INVITES SHEILA JONES TO LONG BEACH, CA Kelly McElroy-Wallace, Community Relations Director English instructor Sheila Jones was invited to present at the Freedom Writer Institute held in Long Beach, CA. Hosted by author Erin Gruwell of, “The Freedom Writers Diary,” teachers from across the United States received training in Freedom Writer Methodology and accompanying curricula. Participants learned the components of transformative education through experiential learning activities and real-life experience. Jones has been using aspects of Freedom Writer Methodology for years, which empowers students to prepare for college and career and creates a culture of tolerance and inclusion. Sandra Thornton, Development Director 3 SUPPORT Cynthia Cosper, Cafeteria & Nutrition Martin Villavicencio & Luis Candelaria, Custodial MATT TRAVELS TO AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS Social studies instructor Matt Livingood traveled to Amherst, Massachusetts to study, “Native Americans of New England: A Historical Overview.” The three-week summer institute was a program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Matt was one of 25 participants to receive a full scholarship to attend. The course-work included museum visits and presentations by Native and non-Native guest speakers. The class studied Native culture, identity, citizenship and sovereignty while learning about the struggles LIFE SKILLS CLASS TRIES GOLF and achievements of indigenous peoples. “This opportunity helped me to bring fresh perspective when teaching history, especially Oklahoma history,” said Livingood. “The other course participants were from across the United States. This was a great experience to collaborate with other teachers from different backgrounds and learn,” stated Livingood. “I’m very thankful I was selected and get to share my experience with Street School.” STUDENT PERSPECTIVE JESSICA SMART What is your favorite class and why? “Art is my favorite class because I can really express myself and how I am feeling.” Kim Camp’s life skills class participated in The First Tee program at Mohawk Golf Course. The First Tee is a nationwide program reaching young people through golf, integrating golf instruction, motor skill development, character education and wellness. “You can tell the students are gaining confidence and working on social skills while they are on the driving range,” said Camp. “Not one of these kids had been on a golf course until now. There is so much to learn, on many levels, that most of us take for granted. I’m thrilled for this opportunity.” 4 GAVIN BOGLE What is your favorite class and why? “I like Reid’s math class. He gets on a one-on-one level to teach and doesn’t act like he is above everyone. Math isn’t my thing, but I have learned a lot.” DELANEY THORP What makes Street School different from your previous high school? “Because our classes are longer, we have no homework. This means for me, less stress and fewer panic attacks. Since coming to Street School, I am happier and healthier.” JPMORGAN CHASE PROVIDES GRANT FOR STUDENT STORE LOUDER THAN A BOMB Street School has converted a classroom into the Street School Student Store. The store has three areas: clothing, food and baby. The clothing area has teen-appropriate clothes, shoes, accessories and a supply of travel-sized toiletry items. The food pantry has items you would typically see on grocery store shelves in addition to cold-storage items like milk, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables. For students who are parents, there is an area with infant clothing, formula and toys. The student store was created several years ago and relied on any available staff to manage, maintain and sort. Thanks to a grant from JPMorgan Chase, the store had new resources for the 2013–2014 school year to keep it in tip-top shape. Not only is the store a place for students to get supplies they need for free, it also serves as an internship opportunity. Milannie Siegfried is the internship instructor and teaches students, among other things, résumé writing, interviewing and how the world of working and getting a job happens. is a great in-house opportunity for students to learn about retail, organization and customer service,” said Siegfried. “They also can apply creative skills, math lessons and leadership. It is a win-win for everyone.” The grant opportunity afforded the store to hire a part-time manager. Holly Carroll has been instrumental in keeping the store in tip-top shape. “We receive clothing donations frequently and it takes time to sort and hang in the right location. I also remove items that are not moving and take to Goodwill making room for more clothes the students might want to wear,” said Carroll. Holly and the internship students also take time to sack groceries from the food pantry putting together entire meal options that are balanced. Recipe cards are also included so students know how to cook what is provided. The Student Store accepts donations, Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00am – 1:00pm or by appointment. “We often have students that are not quite ready to get out into the community and tackle an internship in unfamiliar territory. The Student Store 5 Louder Than A Bomb (LTAB) is the largest youth poetry festival in the world. Started in 2001 in Chicago, the festival has become a bridge for young people from different backgrounds to come together and find common ground. Kevin Coval, founder of LTAB started the festival after he started wondering, “are we approaching teaching wrong? Since we don’t ask kids how they think and we often judge their intelligence, I don’t think we are incorporating the reality of lives into their education space. LTAB lets them paint their community with words and get what they are feeling out.” The first-ever Street School LTAB team was organized this year by English instructor Mia Wright. Street School students competed against other Tulsa area schools vying for a chance to make it to the finals in Chicago. Students worked after school to create, practice and prepare. All members of the LTAB team competed as a group and presented individual poems. The staff and students were thrilled when student Danielle Roche made it to the Tulsa finals! COUNSELING CORNER In addition to being a high school, Street School is also a youth services agency where therapeutic counseling helps teens in need. The counseling staff works with every student to ensure they are not only meeting their education goals, but also linking students to outside services possibly needed to get their lives back on track. More than anything, counselors are a listening ear and caring advisor. 1. LIS TEN ING TOP FIVE ITEMS COUNSELORS ASSIST STUDENTS WITH: 2. CO PING SKILL S 3. GR ADUAT ION P LANNI 4. S E NG TTIN G GO ALS & PRIOR 5. AC CESS ITIES & NA VIGA TION TO RE SOURC ES (credit c hecks, fo od, emp loyment, housing , doctor s, etc.) Counselors also lead students in group activities every Friday. Groups include yoga, parenting and HIV/Pregnancy Prevention. These groups not only provide a required extra-curricular activity credit, they also allow students to experience activities and information they may not have considered before. 6 HAPPY BIRTHDAY STREET SCHOOL STREET PARTY 2014! The Cox Business Center in Downtown Tulsa was hopping on February 13, 2014 as Street School celebrated turning 40 years old. The birthday themed Street Party 2014 was a success where more than 400 guests attended and $319,000 was raised! “Chairs Alison Anthony and Mark Wilson did an outstanding job,” said Street School Development Director Sandra Thornton, “we had a great crowd and a good program. Chairs are instrumental in a successful fundraising event and they could not have been more generous and engaged. Street School is truly lucky to have worked with them both.” There were many highlights of the evening, but two stood out: Bianca Gray and Danielle Roche. These Street School students took the stage and courageously shared their stories. The audience was moved by their presentations as was evidenced by a rousing standing ovation. THANK YOU SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING STREET PARTY 2014! HONOR SOCIETY SPONSORS – $5,000 DTG Legacy Group Hille Family Foundation John Steele Zink Foundation Joseph H. & Virginia L. Dibert Foundation Opportune, LLC Samson Energy Company LLC SMG-Tulsa United States Beef Corporation, dba Arby’s WEBCO Industries WPX Energy Coretz Family Foundation Drummond Law, PLCC Annette and Bob Ellis Fellers Snider Miranda and Philip Kaiser Connie and Donny King Grant Thornton, LLP Hall Estill Libby and Michael Johnson Family Foundation Keener Oil and Gas Company The NORDAM Group Pendergraph Systems Platinum Mechanical Meredith Siegfried Milannie Siegfried Milann Siegfried Jess L. and Miriam B. Stevens Foundation Stonehorse Cafe T.D. Williamson Walsh:Barnes Interactive The Zarrow Families Foundation CLASS OFFICER SPONSORS – $2,500 Alison Anthony and Mark Wilson Bama Companies BOK Financial John Bolton Bryan Close MEMBER OF THE STUDENT BODY SPONSORS – $1,000 American Tank and Construction Services Apache Corporation Julie Blake PRESENTING SPONSORS George Kaiser Family Foundation H.A. & Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust SALUTATORIAN SPONSORS – $10,000 David Chernicky – New Dominion George Krumme & Aldean Newcombe John C. Smith – TMA Systems Jill and Robert Thomas Susan and William Thomas Williams Foundation 7 Capital Advisors, Inc. Erin and Don Chappel Chase Bank Citizens Security Bank Cityscape Home Mortgage Gloria and Tom Cobb Concrete Services Corporation Barbara and Harry Dandelles Paula and Wendell Ellis Gay and Lesbian Fund of Tulsa Great Plains Lending/ Otoe-Missouria Tribe Sarah Hansel and Mike Cooke KWB Oil Property Terry and John Mabrey Gwen and Steven Malcolm Matrix Services Company McDonald, McCann, Metcalf & Carwile, LLP Janet McGehee NBC Bank Ruth K. Nelson Paragon Films PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP Street School Administration Kelly Thornton, Sr. David Williams Peggie and Gary Woods Debbie Zinke OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Campbell-Lepley Hunt Foundation Pat Chernicky Kimberly Clark Evelyn Nienhuis Patricia Pape Savage Susie and Don Wellendorf HOLD THE DATE! STREET PARTY 2015 FEBRUARY 27, 2015 , TULSA COX BUSINESS CENTER Non Profit Organization US Postage Paid Permit #1254 Tulsa, OK 1135 South Yale Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74112 A FRIEND FOR LIFE The day Kevin Mehloff graduated from Street School, not only were members of his family present, but his mentor was there, too. For three years of Kevin’s experience at Street School, Ray Maggard was right there every step of the way. Coming to school nearly once a week for three years, Ray has become an important part of Kevin’s life. Ray has been a Street School mentor for more than seven years. “Being a mentor to Kevin has kept me young. We like to eat every two hours or less, tell tall tales and play pool. I’ve gotten so much out of visiting with Kevin and getting to know him as a person.” “Ray is like my grandpa. He has taken me fishing and taught me things I can’t even begin to list. Even though I’m graduating I know he will be a friend for life,” said Kevin. “I’m really going to miss seeing him once a week.” TALK TO US: 8 Street School, Inc. 1135 South Yale Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74112 918.833.9800 main | 918.833.9858 fax streetschool.org [email protected]