Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Services Oasis topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tolleson rebrands student services as OASIS, cites 11,000 student contacts and reduced suspensions
Summary
District staff presented a rebrand of student services to ‘OASIS,’ highlighted expansion of multi-tiered supports, reported 11,000 one-to-one student contacts since August and a 50% reduction in out-of-school suspensions, and celebrated growth in Unified Sports in partnership with Special Olympics Arizona.
Tolleson Union High School District officials told the governing board on April 5 they have reorganized student-support programs under a rebranded umbrella called OASIS and reported increased outreach and improved disciplinary outcomes.
Derek Folsom, presenting for the Student Services department, described OASIS as “the office of activities, arts, athletics, safety and security, intervention prevention, and support.” He said the department will group campus-based supports under that single identity to create clearer pathways for students and partners.
Folsom reported the office and campus teams documented more than 11,000 one-on-one student contacts and support opportunities since August. “11,000 opportunities to create a relationship with a student,” a staff presentation said, and board members praised the volume and reach of those contacts.
Student-services staff reported a 50 percent reduction in out-of-school suspensions districtwide since August after implementing alternative programming and increased mediation and reduction-to-suspension days. The department described expanded prevention programming, tighter PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) and MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) implementation, the use of early-warning systems and regular progress monitoring as part of the approach.
Katie Kallstrom, district prevention coordinator, described partnerships with community providers — including Rise Up Glendale, Touchstone and Team Lifeline — that provide classroom prevention lessons and quarterly resource fairs. Kallstrom said prevention lessons are delivered monthly in advisory periods and wellness fairs expanded to quarterly events.
Folsom also described safety and operations improvements: a renewed radio system, installation of Halo sensors, rollout of clear-bag procedures at some events and new trailers for safer band transportation.
The board celebrated the district’s Unified Sports program and its partnership with Special Olympics Arizona. Jeff Wooten, a Special Olympics consultant, said the district has become a “model” for the organization. Wooten and Special Olympics representatives highlighted district-organized jamborees, adaptive equipment that enables participation, and events that build friendships between students with and without disabilities. Wooten recounted a moment when students supported a teammate singing the national anthem to illustrate the program’s social impact.
Board members and staff said the OASIS rebrand and student-services work will continue to focus on prevention, intervention and creating campus-based supports. No board action was required; the presentation was for information and recognition.
