Oklahoma City Public Schools launched “Routes to Resources,” a program that utilizes OKCPS school buses and drivers to connect students and families with fundamental services they may be lacking in a virtual environment. This includes a wide array of services such as technical assistance with devices or connectivity, visits with school counselors and nurses, help with food resources and clothing and much more.
“We are excited to be able to get out and see the faces of our families and determine how we can help them,” said Dr. Marsha Herron, chief of equity and student supports. “Our first question is always ‘How can we help?’ While we have only been out in the community with this program for one week, we have already been able to make an impact. We have seen a high need for food, warmth and mental health supports.”
There are two parts to Routes to Resources. The first uses OKCPS school buses to visit students’ neighborhoods and even their homes, providing things like:
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Face-to-face check-ins outside a student’s home
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Learning material distribution or drop off
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Assistance with devices or troubleshooting connectivity issues
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Delivery of food or other supplies
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Pick-up and/or delivery of library books, band or athletic equipment/uniforms etc.
The second option for Routes To Resources involves district staff staged on a bus in a community partner’s parking lot or other predetermined location. This will allow families to visit the bus if they are in need of assistance such as:
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Visits with a social worker, teen parenting representative, school nurse or attendance advocate
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Hygiene kits and supplies
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Coats, uniforms and other resources
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Mental health assistance
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Books and other learning materials
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Device / tech assistance
If a resource is needed that is not immediately available on the bus, an intake form is used to determine the specific need and then Routes to Resources will follow up with that family.
“While we recognize that families are doing their best in a difficult time, OKCPS is working to find innovative ways to leverage district resources to help meet evolving needs and we envision this program as something we can continue to build on in the future,” said OKCPS Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel.
More information on Routes to Resources, including the weekly schedule, can be found here: https://www.okcps.org/Page/
