The StreetTalk Street School newsletter is published twice annually. if you would like to subscribe to receive this free newsletter either through mail or electronically, please provide your mailing address or email by clicking email and sending us your information.
Click here to view the May 2010 issue.
Click here to view the November 2009 issue.
Click here to view the May 2009 issue.
Click here to view the November 2008 issue.
Click here to view the June 2008 issue.
Click here to view the November 2007 issue.
Click here to view the May 2007 issue.
Click here to view the November 2006 Issue.
Click here to view the May 2006 Issue.
Click here to view the November 2005 Issue.
Click here to view the May 2005 Issue.
Click here to view the November 2004 Issue.
_____________________________________________________________
Street School Results 2009 – 2010
“Report Card”
Street School continued to generate significant results
Youth Received a Second Chance
- 127 teens, ages 14 to 19, enrolled in Street School rather than dropping out of school
- 10 teachers educated approximately 90 students daily
- Grade point averages increased by 2 letter grades
- Percentage of classes passed increased from 55% to 90%
- Attendance improved by 54%
Students Graduated
- 28 out of 31 students graduated – 90%; of the 3 remaining, 1 completed their education at Tulsa Learning Academy and 2 did not complete school
- 23 graduates enrolled in college – 82%; 4 gained employment, and 1 was accepted into Tulsa Technology Center
Teens Counseled
- 6 counselors provided individual, group, and family counseling in an effort to resolve problems which interfered with learning
- Youth participated in substance abuse counseling as well as anger management, women’s issues, and team building sessions
- 82% of 109 surveyed students reported getting along better with their family members since entering Street School
- 96% of 109 surveyed students reported that they plan to work after they graduate
- 100% of 109 surveyed students reported getting along better with their school peers
- 100% of 109 surveyed students reported that they would recommend Street School to other teenagers
- 100% of 109 surveyed students reported that Street School had a positive effect on their lives
Youth Mentored
- 40 students met weekly with their 32 mentors. Caring, supportive, and interested adults that modeled leadership and community involvement
Real World Education — The World Is Our Classroom
- 13 students traveled to Washington D.C. for an educational field trip thanks to grants from the Hille Foundation and the ONEOK, Inc
- 15 teens participated in Wilderness Adventures Group which challenged them physically and mentally, but at the same time built leadership and communication skills, self-esteem, trust, and positive attitudes. Students were instructed and participated in camping, rock climbing,orienteering, ropes course, and other outdoor activities
- 27 seniors participated in the Student Internship program with host companies
- 16 students participated in a glass blowing class once a week for 21 weeks
- Over 300 field trips were taken to places that included Oklahoma Capital building, Oklahoma City National Memorial, Tulsa Air & Space Museum, Cherokee Cultural Center, Keystone Lake, Greenleaf State Park, Tulsa Community College, Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa Central Library, Margaret Hudson Program, Community Food Bank, Tulsa Zoo, Health Department, Braden Park, Woodward Park, Sam Noble Museum, Philbrook Museum, Recycling Center, and many, many more
- 59 students volunteered through our Service Learning programs, which are KEY Club, HIV/AIDS Pregnancy Prevention, and Leadership Class. They helped others at The Little Light House, Hoover Elementary School, youth shelters, and other groups numerous times throughout the year
_______________________________________________________
Pictured: Liz Murray (left) with Jennifer Dayton, student
Homeless to Harvard Speaker Inspires Students
Liz Murray was an inspiration to the Street School students she met and spoke to about the challenges she has faced in her life. Street School hosted the Young Presidents’ Organization of Tulsa’s meeting on October 9, 2007 for its members who brought Ms. Murray to Tulsa.
Murray was the child of drug addicts who she began supporting at age 10. She was homeless at 15 after the death of her mother, and living on the streets fending for her life. Determined not to be defined by her circumstances, she recognized education as the key to a fresh beginning and a whole new life. She earned her high school diploma in just two years, and won a scholarship to Harvard University that would turn a penniless girl into a well-educated young woman with a bright future.
Murray’s sincerity, maturity and grace amazed students. With her examples of hard work, determination and daily commitment to achievement, she inspired everyone. That same gutsy strength that pulled her from the streets now transforms the lives of others in need of inspiration to overcome their own obstacles.
Murray’s inspirational story was captured on Lifetime Television’s Emmy-nominated original film, Homeless to Harvard. She was also among the first people to receive Oprah Winfrey’s “Chutzpah Award.”