Tahlequah Public Schools Expands Community Support Through Outreach Center Programs
Tahlequah Public Schools continues to strengthen its commitment to students and families by expanding services through its Outreach Center, reinforcing the district’s belief that strong partnerships between schools, families, and the community are essential for student success.
At the center of this effort is the district’s Outreach Center, a vital resource dedicated to supporting families and removing barriers that can impact student learning. By providing access to essential services and fostering meaningful connections, the center helps ensure students are prepared to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
One of the Outreach Center’s most impactful programs is the Backpack Program, which provides weekly food assistance to families experiencing food insecurity. Through this initiative, students receive consistent access to nutritious meals, helping them stay focused and ready to learn. We want to thank our volunteers who have helped pack, count, and deliver snack packs to our students. Your efficiency and reliability have been instrumental in the success of our program. Thanks to your hard work, we have been able to streamline our delivery process and reach more families than ever before. We deeply appreciate your continued partnership in supporting our students' well-being.
Support continues beyond the school year. During the summer months, the Outreach Center team works diligently to provide breakfast and lunch options for families, addressing the increased need that arises when school is not in session.
This summer, Tahlequah Public Schools will once again offer free meals to children and teens ages 18 and under. Hot meals will be served at Cherokee Elementary, with breakfast available from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 to 12:00 p.m. This service will be available May 27th-June 18th.
To increase accessibility, the district will continue its meal pick-up service at Gardenwalk Apartments and Fox Mobile Homes on Mondays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Families utilizing this service will receive a full week’s supply of breakfasts and lunches, helping bridge nutritional gaps during the summer break. The program will run throughout June and July, providing a reliable source of nutritious meals in a welcoming environment.
In addition to food services, the Outreach Center actively connects families with clothing, school supplies, and critical referrals to local healthcare and social service agencies. We believe that a student's potential should never be limited by a lack of resources outside the classroom. These efforts reflect the district’s ongoing mission to eliminate barriers and support the whole child—meeting families exactly where they are to provide stability in an ever-changing environment.
The Outreach Center remains a hub for support, connection, and opportunity. Families seeking assistance, resources, or guidance are encouraged to reach out by calling 918-458-4198 and by following the Tahlequah Public Schools – Outreach Center Facebook page for updates.
Through these efforts, Tahlequah Public Schools and its community partners continue to work together to remove obstacles and create brighter futures for every student. The strength of our district lies in the unwavering support of our local organizations, businesses, and neighbors. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and we are forever thankful for our village.
Nikki Molloy, Family and Community Engagement Director