TPS Holds Winter Break Tutoring As Part Of State Education Grant

Christmas break isn't keeping students at Tulsa Public Schools from learning important reading skills.

Kids across Tulsa are in the middle of an 8-day tutoring program made possible by funding from the State Department of Education.

TPS says this is actually the first time they've done something like this over Christmas break, and they say the turnout has been pretty good, with hundreds of students signed up to get help with reading over the holidays.

Reading one word at a time, these students are making big progress and learning skills that will last a lifetime.

5th-grade teacher Allie Diaz makes reading fun for this small group of bright young learners, giving up part of her Christmas break to make a big impact on the community.

"Every day is some step towards their success, towards their growth and becoming a better and stronger reader and writer," said Diaz.

This is just a handful of students getting help from tutors this week. More than 300 kids spread out across Tulsa are participating in the program.

"Our students' brains being busy during the holiday break is a really good thing for them, and getting them some small group instruction is also really wonderful," said TPS Expanded Learning Director Kristen Bailey.

She says most of the kids enrolled in the program are from schools with low reading scores. She says when they got the money from the state for this program, teachers jumped at the chance to help.

"When we put this opportunity out, there was a ton that said we absolutely want to do this," said Bailey.

Allie Diaz says it's rewarding to see things click for these young readers, giving them the confidence to return to the classroom.

"Even if they learn one thing during this camp, being able to go back to school using what I've taught them or what I've helped them with would be great," said Diaz.

TPS says they're always looking for volunteers to help with tutoring. Click here to see opportunities to help.