Mayor Bartlett and Victoria Bartlett Tour Hawthorne and Challenge Tulsans to Mentor Kids
Mayor Dewey Bartlett and Victoria Bartlett joined by the media toured Hawthorne Elementary this morning and issued a call for Tulsans to sign up as mentors for the 2010-2011 school year.
The Mayor’s Mentoring to the Max initiative came about as a recommendation from the 2006 “Building a Safer Tulsa Gang Summit,” which focused on real solutions to keep at-risk kids off the streets and out of gangs. The goal of the program is to pair positive adult role models with youth to enhance their lives and education.
Mayor Bartlett said, “I encourage Tulsans of all ages to sign up as mentors and share their talents and skills with our younger generation to help them succeed in life. You can volunteer your time during school or help with out-of-school programs that engage children through music, art, reading, math, science and many more great programs. Be a friend to a child and help them become the best they can be.”
“During the month of March, I came to Hawthorne Elementary each week to mentor Empress Brown, a second grade student,” said Victoria Bartlett. “From the moment I stepped foot in this school, I felt an overwhelming presence of a loving environment, disciplined students, a mutual respect between student and teacher and an atmosphere focused on academic excellence. I was anxious for Mayor Bartlett to visit Hawthorne and discover this shining star school located in north Tulsa.”
“I am spreading the word throughout all of Tulsa that Hawthorne Elementary is a rewarding environment to be a mentor,” Victoria Bartlett said. “Mentoring to Tulsa’s young students is investing in the future of Tulsa; for these young children are Tulsa’s future residents, workforce, teachers and leaders.”
Since January 2007, Mentoring to the Max has reached more than 700 students in 18 community schools through out-of-school time in Tulsa and Union Public Schools. The community schools have created programs in enrichment that are raising test scores, offering art, reading, self-esteem, computers, workforce development, citizenship, drama, dance, chess club, math, science and community service.
Tulsa is among seven cities, nationally, receiving technical assistance through the National League of Cities to foster improved out-of-school time in our community and create a citywide afterschool network.
The City of Tulsa Mayor’s Office, joined by the following Mentoring to the Max partners is committed to providing more mentors and positive activities for children in our community during school or out-of-school time: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, Camp Fire , Community Service Council () of Greater Tulsa and Tulsa Area Community Schools Initiative, Going to Bat for Tulsa Kids, Junior Achievement, Junior League of Tulsa, David and Molly Boren’s Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, Partners in Education, Tulsa Public Schools and Union Public Schools.
Tulsans who are interested in becoming a mentor can call 2-1-1, a public resource operated by the Community Service Council. When you call 2-1-1, mention the age range of a child you’d like to mentor, the times you are available, as well as the area of Tulsa you would like to serve in. You can also visit: www.mentoringtulsa.org
Updated 05-19-2010
READER COMMENTS
