Going Back to School

As summer camp winds down at the end of July, we are already preparing for another event-filled school year.  Our upcoming school year is especially exciting with the news of accreditation and a refreshed sense of mission.  We have renewed hope that we may someday afford a newer, bigger school building with classes for Pre-K and middle school and high school students.  Though much must be accomplished first, the prospect is exciting all the same.

But first, we want this school year to be the best ever.  To get ready, we are reviewing our curriculum to ensure our students learn the most up-to-date information that complies with Oklahoma educational standards and we stock our shelves with all of the supplies our students will need.  We are planning for the meals we know are critical to our students.  And as we plan, we know that we will need your help. 

Our food program costs Positive Tomorrows around $30,000 per year.  We insist upon serving hot and hearty food to our students knowing it may be their only meals for the day.  Though expensive, it’s a necessity for learning and child development.  Your financial gift would help us pay for food and for many other expenses, such as assuring for adequately-staffed, comfortable classrooms.

We also need help with school supplies.  We provide all school supplies to our students so no child is ever without the essentials needed to learn and no parent has to scrape together scarce resources to buy paper and pencils.  Below is a list of supplies our teachers have specifically requested for this school year.

Volunteers are also a resource that needs replenishing.  We need mentors to encourage and build relationships with our students.  This requires a weekly commitment so each student has one person they can spend time with each week.  We need commitments from people to help with lunch and recess duty once a week and also to help spend extra time tutoring students who need more individual attention.

These are only a few opportunities for supporting Positive Tomorrows.  We hope you are excited about what we do and want to be involved.  However you choose to help, please know that we appreciate you and count you a close friend to homeless children in our community.  

Schools Supplies for 2010-2011 School Year   (Bold items are priorities for current need)