Friday Fundays keep Tulsa students learning outside the classrooms

Tulsa Public Schools students are making the most of summer break through a program designed to keep them active, engaged and learning outside the classroom.

“Friday Fundays,” a free summer initiative launched by The Opp Project to support TPS students, is entering its second week with events that combine fun and hands-on educational opportunities. The program runs on select Fridays throughout the summer and is open to students from pre-K through eighth grade.

Real-World Learning in Action

Dozens of students are expected to take part in this week’s session at the USA BMX headquarters in Tulsa. While the bikes and ramps may suggest a day of simple fun, the activities are designed to build learning concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math.

TPS Director of Expanded Learning Kristen Jaramillo said the program gives students the chance to explore subjects in a real-world context.

“They’re getting that hands-on experience, they are experiencing STEM firsthand — zoology, all of these amazing subjects — and building relationships while they’re at it,” Jaramillo said.

A Variety of Sites and Subjects

Each session offers different opportunities depending on the student’s grade level. Other partner locations include:

1. Tulsa Zoo
2. The Common Good
3. Outdoor Classroom

These destinations were chosen to offer a mix of educational disciplines, from biology and environmental science to physical education and social development.

Fighting the ‘Summer Slide’

Educators say programs like “Friday Fundays” are especially important for preventing what’s known as the “summer slide” — a decline in academic progress over the long break.

“Some of our kids go home during the summer, and if they’re not actively learning or participating in programs, they may have a little bit of regression,” Jaramillo said. “This gets us ready for the school year, sparks that joy, and creates safe spaces for our kids.”

RELATED STORY: Free summer education programs help Tulsa students avoid learning loss

Three More Sessions Remaining

There are three sessions left in the summer schedule:

1. Friday, July 18
2. Friday, July 25
3. Friday, August 1

Each event is free, but families must register in advance.

How to Sign Up

Families interested in attending any of the upcoming “Friday Fundays” can find registration details here.

Organizers say feedback from last week’s attendees was overwhelmingly positive, and they encourage more families to take advantage of the remaining opportunities. Jaramillo says Tulsa Public Schools looks forward to working with community partners to host Friday Fundays again next summer.