Back To School Pep Rally Held For Parents

Friday, August 10th 2007, 7:25 pm

By: News On 6

A pep rally was held for Tulsa Public Schools as students and teachers prepare to go back to school. They got together with parents Friday at the third annual North Tulsa Back To School Enrichment Extravaganza at McClain High School. News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports the purpose of the event is to bring schools together with parents and the community.

Superintendent Michael Zolkoski, got things going at the Back To School Extravaganza and Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor kept them going.

"So we're going to change the face of education over the next decade in our community, and we're starting here,â€ Taylor said.

One of the themes at this year's event was change. In a more personal setting, parents had a chance to ask Dr. Z questions about those changes.

"I really enjoy talking to parents and hearing their opinions,â€ Dr. Zolkoski said. â€œWe traded some views and then I tried to explain some things. Then they explained some things to me that I probably don't understand. Itâ€™s a two way street, and we enjoy that part of the conversation."

One of the changes he's excited about this year is the change at Gilcrease Middle School, which used to be for sixth-graders only.

"I think Gilcrease having three grades will become one of our better schools and I'm excited about, rather than splitting the children up, having a brother there and a sister here, having them all together in a school. I think we're going to have a better education program,â€ Zolkoski said.

Parents and students took home more than just information. Several of them took home free backpacks and school supplies.

"I think itâ€™s great. Itâ€™s a help for the kids, getting school supplies and everything,â€ said parent Monica Cooks.

Administrators hope this event will be the springboard for more parental involvement in north Tulsa schools.

"We want people to get excited about school, and so itâ€™s time to get back and hit the books!" said Zolkoski.

Watch the video: North Tulsa Back To School Enrichment Extravaganza