Union Public Schools - Tulsa, OK

Union Public Schools was one of 24 school districts that was honored June 4 as a “Breakthrough School” by the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center (OPSRC). Union was awarded in the “Platinum 70+ Extra-Large” category for “top-performing schools and districts serving high-need communities above 70% economically disadvantaged, recognizing academic excellence achieved against greater economic headwinds.”

Dr. April Grace, executive director of OPSRC, said, “Union Public Schools is one of the largest districts in the state, with an academic achievement of nearly 65% of their students experiencing success, being on-target and proficient.”

A total of 24 awards were presented during the inaugural ceremony at the Oklahoma School Innovation Summit on June 3-4, 2026, at Embassy Suites in Norman. The awards are determined based on multiple measures that include academic growth, strong instructional leadership and measurable progress.

Oklahoma Secretary of Education Dr. Dan Hamlin and Dr. Romel Muex-Pullen, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, were on hand to recognize the winning districts.

“We appreciate the work you do,” said Hamlin. “Schools are knocking it out of the park for kids, advancing prosperity and helping our state realize its full potential.”

Union received a cash prize of $1,000 in recognition of the district’s work. Representing Union were Dr. Todd Nelson, Sr. Exec. Director of Research, Design & Assessment, and Chief Communications Officer Chris Payne.

Oklahoma PTA Convention registration is open! Join us as we gather to connect with mission-minded peers and experts, sharpen our skills in engaging workshops, and become inspired by noteworthy speakers. Register today! https://www.eventleaf.com/e/OKPTA

Save the dates!

Dates and times have been announced for Elementary Meet The Teacher and schedule pickup for grades 6-12.

Elementary Meet the Teacher
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
All Union elementary schools

Schedule pickup dates for the 2026-2027 school year for grades 6-12 will take place in August as follows:

6th Grade – August 5
10 a.m. – Noon - A through E
Noon - 1:30 p.m. - F through L
1:30- 3:30 p.m. - M through R
3:30 - 5 p.m. - S through Z

7th Grade – August 4
10 a.m. – Noon - A through E
Noon - 1:30 p.m. - F through L
1:30- 3:30 p.m. - M through R
3:30 - 5 p.m. - S through Z
7th grade students must have a TDAP vaccination record or waiver on file prior to schedule pick-up. See Immunization Requirements on the Health Services page under the Students section. See: https://www.unionps.org/students/health-services

8th Grade Center
August 5 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Come and Go

UHS Freshman Academy
August 6 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

High School
August 5, Noon to 6 p.m. - Seniors
August 6, Noon to 6 p.m. - Juniors
August 7, Noon to 6 p.m. – Sophomores

Union Alternative School
August 5, Noon to 6 p.m. - Seniors
August 6, Noon to 6 p.m. – Juniors
August 7, Noon to 6 p.m. – Freshman & Sophomores

Congratulations to Union wrestler Max Koehler for earning NHSCA Academic All-American honors!

It’s that time of year again! Have old gear taking up space in your closets or garage? Post it below!! Looking for gear for this next season? Check the comments! Let’s connect and get you what you need!

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Union Public Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children in the community ages 1-18 without charge and are the same for all children.

Children do not need to be enrolled at Union Public Schools to receive meals. All meals must be eaten onsite per USDA regulations.

Free Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:

Union Multipurpose Activity Center, 6836 S Mingo Rd
• June 8-July 30
• *NO MEALS ON Friday
• *NO MEALS June 29-July 3
• Lunch from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Union Freshman Academy, 7616 S. Garnett Road
• June 1-July 23
• *NO MEALS ON FRIDAY
• NO MEALS June 29-July 3
• Breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Grove Elementary, 10202 E 62nd St.
• June 1- August 7
• *NO MEALS on July 3 and August 3-4
• Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Ellen Ochoa Elementary, 12000 E 31st
• June 1 -July 23
• *NO MEALS ON FRIDAY
• *NO MEALS June 29-July 3
• Breakfast from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Lunch 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Jarman Elementary, 9015 E 79TH ST.
• June 1 -June 25
• *NO MEALS ON FRIDAY
• Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Lunch 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

“Taylor dropped a new album.”

“Resting up from my vacay.”

“Netflix binge last night.”

Those were among the “lame excuses” for missing school that Oklahoma’s Union Public Schools featured during the 2024-25 school year, part of a humorous campaign intended to reduce chronic absenteeism.

Behind the comical posters, however, leaders were troubled by the data.

“I think there have been huge changes in behavior since COVID,” said Chris Payne, spokesman for the Tulsa-area district. He echoed what policy experts and school leaders nationwide have been saying since rates skyrocketed after schools fully reopened. “I think people reprioritized and decided, ‘You know, I’ve got things I need to take care of.’ ”

Starting in 2027, Oklahoma schools will no longer be judged on whether those chronic absenteeism rates go up or down. The legislature voted last year to remove the indicator from the state’s education accountability system as a factor that contributes to a school’s overall grade and can determine whether a school is labeled in need of improvement.

Among legislators, teachers and administrators, there’s a sense of relief.

Oklahoma Eases School Penalties for Chronic Student Absences Some educators say they can’t control whether kids come to school, but districts say they’ll keep working to lower the rates.