Tahlequah Public Schools recognizes the critical importance of establishing and maintaining strong partnerships with parents, families, schools, and the community to ensure the success and well-being of our students. As such, we are committed to fostering positive relationships and collaboration among all stakeholders to support student learning and development.

The Outreach Center plays a pivotal role in this endeavor by offering a wide range of services designed to support families in need. One of our flagship programs is the Backpack Program, which provides essential food items to families facing food insecurity on a weekly basis. During the summer months, when students are at home and may face additional challenges, our staff continues to provide support through home deliveries of snack packs, ensuring that families receive the assistance they need during these critical times.

In addition to the Backpack Program, the Outreach Center also provides resources and support for families in need, such as clothing, school supplies, and access to community agencies that can provide further assistance. By collaborating with families, school, and the community, we can ensure that every child has the support and resources they need to succeed in school and in life. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our students and their families, and create a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Tahlequah Public Schools is proud to announce that we will be offering free meals to children and teens aged 18 and under from May 29th to June 21st at Cherokee Elementary. Our goal is to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer break, and we are thrilled to provide nutritious meals to support the health and well-being of our community's youth.

Families can take advantage of this program by joining us daily for breakfast from 7:30am to 8:00am and lunch from 12:00am to 12:30pm. Meals will be served on-site at Cherokee Elementary, creating a warm and welcoming environment for families to enjoy delicious and healthy food together.

Additionally, we understand that some families may face transportation challenges, which is why we are introducing pick-up services at Gardenwalk Apartments and Fox Mobile Homes on Wednesdays from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Families participating in this pick-up service will receive five breakfasts and five lunches each week, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals throughout the week.

We have multiple grants that play a crucial role in helping our district meet the needs of ALL students and to reach our goal of “Removing Obstacles, Achieving Results.”  One of these grants is a five-year literacy grant that increases access to books. During the summer months, we will have a booth/table at the Summer Kick Off event and will offer ways to incorporate literacy at home as well as providing a variety of other resources.

The team at the Tahlequah Public Schools Outreach Center is committed to providing support and resources to our community. Located at 403 N. Mission Street in Tahlequah, our office serves as a hub of assistance and empowerment for families in need. Whether you require guidance, resources, or simply a friendly face to turn to, we are here to serve you.

For easy access to our services and updates, please reach out to us at 918-458-4198. Additionally, we invite you to connect with us on our active Facebook page, Tahlequah Public Schools- Outreach Center, where you can stay informed about upcoming events, family nights, and resources that can benefit you and your family.

Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to support families in Tahlequah Public Schools.

Written by Nikki Molloy, Director of Special Services