Ellen Ochoa Is a Community School Village.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education: We all know that it takes a village to raise a child. See how Union Public Schools is ensuring its students receive wraparound services for their health, social, emotional and academic needs with the opening of a community school village complete with health center! Through local partnerships, Union was able to leverage the natural community hub of Ellen Ochoa Elementary to provide doctors, dentists and behavioral health services for underinsured students.

"It's gonna change lives in more ways than we can ever imagine," Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler said.

Union Public Schools participates in the The Center for Community Schools Strategies - Community  Service Council. The community school’s philosophy supports school personnel, parents, neighbors and community partners working together so our children can participate in a strong instructional program by living and learning in safe and supportive environments.

See Community Schools for district information.

Core components

• Early childhood (0-8)
• Core instructional programs
• Health / health education
• Mental health / social services
• Family / community engagement
• Youth development / out-of-school time
• Neighborhood development
• Life-long learning

Community Partners

• Church 3434
• Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market
• First Baptist Church Clothes Closet 
• Community Food Bank
• OU Community Health Clinic 
• Tulsa Health Department 
• Green Country Permaculture 
• Community Health Connection 
• Boy Scouts 
• Power of Families Project
• Camp Fire 
• Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance 
• New Hope Oklahoma 

Volunteer Opportunities

• Test Monitors
• Mentoring
• Field Trip Chaperone
• Classroom and School Projects
• Library/Media
• Special events