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.

STREET TALK

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

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 post-

graduation. Refreshments were provided by

T.D. Williamson.

2014 SENIOR CLASS 33 MEMBERS STRONG

SUMMER 2014

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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

FROM THE 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.

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORINSTRUCTORS

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

Kelly McElroy-Wallace, Community

Relations Director

Sandra Thornton, Development Director

SUPPORT

Cynthia Cosper, Cafeteria & Nutrition

Martin Villavicencio &

Luis Candelaria, Custodial

NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM

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.

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.

STREET SCHOOL WELCOMES NEW STAFF

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.

FREEDOM WRITER INSTITUTE INVITES SHEILA JONES TO LONG BEACH, CA

Reid Barcus

Christy Dancer-Busch

Mia Wright

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

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.”

MATT TRAVELS TO AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS

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LIFE SKILLS CLASS TRIES GOLF STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

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.”

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.”

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.”

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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.

“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

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!

JPMORGAN CHASE PROVIDES GRANT FOR STUDENT STORE

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.

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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.

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.

1. LISTENING2. COPING SKILLS3. GRADUATION PLANNING4. SETTING GOALS & PRIORITIES

5. ACCESS & NAVIGATION TO RESOURCES (credit checks, food, employment, housing, doctors, etc.)

TOP FIVE ITEMS COUNSELORS ASSIST STUDENTS WITH:

COUNSELING CORNER

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY STREET SCHOOLSTREET PARTY 2014!

THANK YOU SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING 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.

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

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

CLASS OFFICER SPONSORS – $2,500

Alison Anthony and Mark Wilson

Bama Companies

BOK Financial

John Bolton

Bryan Close

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

MEMBER OF THE STUDENT BODY

SPONSORS – $1,000

American Tank and Construction Services

Apache Corporation

Julie Blake

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

COX BUSINESS CENTER, TULSA

8

1135 South Yale Avenue

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74112

Non ProfitOrganization

US Postage PaidPermit #1254

Tulsa, OK

TALK TO US:Street School, Inc.

1135 South Yale Avenue

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74112

918.833.9800 main | 918.833.9858 fax

streetschool.org

mcelrke@tulsaschools.com

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 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.”

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.”

A FRIEND FOR LIFE