🌱 Are Tulsa Schools Failing Thier Students + A Home For Girls

Hello all! I'm here with your Wednesday edition of the Tulsa Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening in town. Including updates on:

• Are Tulsa schools failing their students?
• Cassandra Prear is building a home for girls.
• May is 'Older Americans Month.'

But first, today's weather: An afternoon thundershower. High: 80 Low: 62.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top stories in Tulsa today:

1. State superintendent Ryan Walters is seeking the biggest investment in literacy programs in state history because he says, "Tulsa public schools are failing our kids." In an effort to beef up the literacy programs in schools, Walters is looking for $100 million dollars to put toward early literacy. According to KTUL, Walters said, "You know, it is tragic how poorly Oklahoma students read. 34 percent of Oklahoma students, as of last spring, read on grade level, and in Tulsa public schools 19 percent read on grade level." Walters [said] this is an ongoing issue. "This is nothing new, Tulsa public schools, have some of the worst test scores in the entire state, but also in the entire country," he said. "And it takes dramatic change. We need the administration to focus on student performance and not on woke ideology. We need the administration to listen to parents. And we have to push school choice." (KTUL)
2. With passion for her community and an undying need to give back, Cassandra Prear, founder of Teens Excelling Beyond, is opening a home for girls aged 10 to 13. According to Koki Fox 23 Tulsa, "The young ladies, some of which are experiencing homelessness, will have a soft landing to process trauma, gain skills, and work on their mental health. 'We’re going to be cooking together. You know, they will have chores. We are building them up to be successful, not only addressing their trauma but they’re going to, once they leave, they’re going to have the tools they need to be successful leaders,' Prear said. The house can home up to eight girls who are in state custody. The girls will stay at the house as long as they need to. Prear has plans to make more room by building on and also opening two more houses." (KOKI FOX 23 TULSA)
3. Did you know that May is 'Older Americans Month?' With that in mind, the Tulsa nonprofit organization Life Senior Services is promoting healthy aging for seniors by reminding them to be proactive about their brain health. According to News On 6, "Eileen Bradshaw, president & CEO at LIFE Senior Services said, 'My number one tip for folks who are advancing in age is just act like you are not advancing in age. Stay connected and get out there and do things.'"(News On 6)

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Today in Tulsa:

• Food Truck Wednesday at Guthrie Green (11:00 AM)
• Painting the Future at 101 Archer - Oklahoma Center for the Humanities — Free Admission (12:00 PM)
• Startup Financial Management at 36 Degrees North (12:00 PM)
• Cheer Clinic & tryouts — Will Rogers College Hs (3:40 PM)
• Velvet Chair Poetry Night at Gypsy Coffee House (7:00 PM)
• Free Energy: All-Ages Jazz Jam at LowDown (7:00 PM)
• Music Bingo! at Inner Circle Vodka — Tulsa Arts District (8:00 PM)
• Gettin' Greasy Mic Comedy Night at The Hunt Club (8:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• Tulsa Police Department: "Here's some photos from our time last week helping out with the Special Olympics Oklahoma 2023 Summer Games! Our Officers took part in the Torch Run and volunteered during the games!" (Tulsa Police Department via Facebook)
• Tulsa Hurricane: "Sending a big congrats to Chris Nerio on his appointment to the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine-D1 as the American Athletic Conference's representative." (Tulsa Hurricane via Instagram)
• Tulsa Police Department: "The Financial Crimes Unit of the Tulsa Police Department is requesting assistance in identifying this person of interest. This person is suspected of using a fake ID and cashing an altered check at a local bank. If you can assist us in identifying this person, please contact Det. Sakewicz by email at financialcrimes@cityoftulsa.org or as always you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS.
  Please reference case # 2023-305440." (Tulsa Police Department via Facebook)
• Tulsa Fire Department: "So proud to have firefighters like Lt. Johnny Rutledge on our team. He was coaching at a tournament when a spectator had a life-threatening cardiac emergency. Rutledge showed up in a big way saving the man’s life. Well done, Johnny." (Tulsa Fire Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tulsa Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com