Modeled after the successful partnership Read OKC, the Embrace OKC initiative for our students is focused on mental health. The OKC Public Schools Compact is a collective impact model whose partners are the Oklahoma City Public Schools, the Oklahoma City Chamber, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation, the United Way of Central Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health,  and the City of Oklahoma City to support improvements identified by the Oklahoma City Public Schools. 

The collaborative Embrace OKC initiative brings together the resources of OKCPS and the larger community to embrace mental health as preventable and treatable, to provide education to help protect children’s mental health for life, to achieve maximum social and emotional wellbeing for children and their families and to hold the school and community as a sanctuary of safety and support. In order to support these goals, students in selected grade levels will participate in evidence-based educational opportunities, such as Second Step, Character Strong, Botvin LifeSkills, and  3rd Millennium to support healthy social and emotional growth and participate in universal screenings to determine needs for additional school and classroom supports.

The school counseling program is staffed with School Counselors who are highly-educated, professionally-certified individuals that help students succeed in school and plan for their careers. School Counselors deliver programs that impact student growth in three areas: academic achievement, career planning, and personal/social development. OKCPS school counseling programs are designed to maximize student success while promoting access and equity for all students.

School Counselors help all students to:

• Apply academic achievement strategies 

• Manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills  

• Plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, workforce) 

• Deal with issues interfering with student academic success (attendance, grades, etc.)

Families in need of additional information or assistance should contact the School Counselor or Principal of the child’s school. Students are encouraged to visit their School Counselor when they need assistance or just need to talk.

(405) 587-0056

English Learner students and their parents/guardians are provided with appropriate programs, instruction, and opportunities to attend schools and programs staffed with highly qualified, specially trained professionals. A variety of resources and programs are available to limited English speaking students: 

• English Learner Pull-Out Instruction: Skill-focused individual and/or small group English language instruction.

• Bilingual Paraprofessional Support: Content area support with a bilingual paraprofessional who speaks the student’s native language. 

• Newcomer Centers are available for secondary students with little exposure to English. 

• Sheltered Instruction Classes:  Content area teachers modify instruction for comprehension. 

Additional information is available by contacting English Learner Services at 405-587-0056. 

(405) 587- 0355 

The Native American Student Services (NASS) department works to promote and support the academic success and cultural heritage of Native American students in the district. This includes providing resources and support to students and families, collaborating with tribal communities, and incorporating Native American culture and history into the curriculum.  NASS advocates for and provides services to Native American students and families who attend OKC public schools.  NASS strives to provide support to meet the unique needs of Native American students in an urban setting. 

Native American Student Services has 3 areas of focus:

• Increase knowledge of cultural identity and awareness

• Increase academic achievement

• Increase support for at-risk students

Native American Student Services is funded by two federal grants.  The first grant is the Title VI (Title VI) Indian Education Grant from the Office of Indian Education out of the US Department of Education.  The second grant is the Johnson O’Malley (JOM) grant out of the Bureau of Indian Education from the US Department of Interior.  Both grants promote and fund academics, culture, and social-emotional programming and activities.   

To qualify for NASS services, students must have the appropriate documentation on file in the NASS office. To see a complete list of services and programs provided by NASS, please go to their website.  

To receive more information about NASS services, please call 405-587-0355 or email nativeamericanservices@okcps.org

(405) 587-1448

Students who have a physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities to the detriment of their educational success and who are not being served on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may qualify for a 504 Plan.   A student who requires an electronic device to monitor a diagnosed health condition must be reviewed by the Section 504 Coordinator. If the request is approved, the school will develop or update the student’s Section 504 Plan to formally document the accommodation, including the type of device, its permitted use, and any related procedures.

• Homebound services may be provided to students who are under the care of a physician, psychiatrist, or licensed mental‑health therapist for a physical, mental, or emotional condition that significantly limits their ability to attend the regular school day in person. Eligibility is determined based on a written recommendation from the treating professional indicating that homebound instruction is necessary for the student’s safety, stability, or recovery.

• Once approved, the student remains enrolled in their regular classes. Core instruction is delivered by the student’s classroom teachers, with a designated homebound monitor assigned to support communication, track progress, and assist in coordinating instructional activities. The goal of homebound services is to maintain academic continuity while supporting the student’s health needs and facilitating a successful return to school when appropriate.

•  Homebound Services are facilitated by different persons depending upon whether or not the student receives special education services.

• For Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), call (405) 587-0428. 

• For all other students, call (405) 587-1448 or email fdjenkins@okcps.org