TPS Staff Goes Door To Door

Saturday, August 18th 2007, 2:33 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa public schools are back in session on Monday, and administrators are trying to make sure that no one forgets to come to class. As students try to savor the last weekend of their summer, many were greeted Saturday morning with a harsh reality; it's back to school on Monday. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports Tulsa teachers and administrators hopped on board a blue bus Saturday, and then they were off to canvas the neighborhood.

Superintendent Michael Zolkoski led the charge, knocking on hundreds of doors. The idea is pretty simple; make sure everyone knows to be in class come Monday.

â€œThey are probably surprised to see a superintendent,â€ said Zolkoski. â€œMost superintendents stay in their offices, but I like to be out among the community. We're having a good time today."

In addition to reminding people that summer is just about over, TPS workers were also handing out fliers. Each had facts about the upcoming school year, as well as important numbers. Of course, all this could have been accomplished with a simple phone call, but administrators say personal interaction is important.

â€œAnyone can make a phone call, but to go door to door, a lot of people like that personal touch, that handshake, that thanks for their support,â€ said Nathan Hale principal Chris Johnson

â€œThis is a good way to communicate,â€ said Area 4 Superintendent Steve Mayfield. â€œIt's much more effective when you do it one-on-one."

Like it or not, classes resume Monday, and Zolkoski says after knocking on all those doors, there's no way any student can plead ignorance.

â€œBeing there from the first day of school is important for success. And if they don't have kids, remind them we appreciate their support of Tulsa Public Schools," said Johnson.

Those administrators spent eight hours knocking on doors Saturday. Tulsa Public Schools hopes to make this an annual event.

Watch the video: Tulsa Teachers And Administrators Canvas The Neighborhood

For more back to school information, including homework and safety tips, click here.