Oasis Tutor Tribune
One Child, One Tutor, One School Year. Two Lives Forever Changed.
August 2025
From the Director's Desk
Oasis Tutoring Quarterly Newletter
Dear Oasis Tutors,
If you have walked into a store lately, you have probably been greeted by the familiar sights—and even smells—of notebook paper, freshly sharpened pencils, colorful pens, and brand-new crayons. You may have even picked up a few supplies yourself! There is something about back-to-school season that stirs up excitement and anticipation.
Have you felt it?
That hopeful sense of a fresh start. The curiosity about the student you will soon meet. The joy of knowing that, with your support, a child will grow into a more confident, capable reader.
As we prepare for a new school year, I encourage you to share the experience—invite a friend to join our efforts to promote literacy and connection with elementary school students. Most of our partnering school principals have shared that they need more tutors in their buildings!
Inside this newsletter, you’ll find important updates, highlights from the 2025 Spring National Survey (including some encouraging comments from school administrators about your impact), and a fun first day of school picture matching game to get you in the spirit for the upcoming school year.
Thank you for being part of this meaningful work. Looking forward to a year of learning, growth, and inspiration.
Warmly,
Mary Click
With your support, a child will grow into a more confident, capable reader. Thank you for being part of this meaningful work.
Spring 2025 National Survey Results
School Administrators
131 Surveys
Classroom Teachers
276 Surveys
Tutors
856 Surveys
Impact Stories: Quotes from School Administrators
“Any time a positive adult spends time with students to support learning it is a good thing. It doesn’t always show in data, but the relationships and positive interaction with books/stories make a life-long impact.”
“Having Oasis Tutors on our campus has made a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of our students. Their presence has not only strengthened academic performance, especially in reading and writing, but has also created a more supportive and encouraging environment for all learners. Students who previously showed little interest in reading are now actively engaging with books and putting effort into their writing, a clear sign of the positive influence these tutors have had. Beyond academics, the Oasis Tutors have played an invaluable role as mentors. For many of our students, they have become trusted adults, people they can turn to for guidance and encouragement. This mentorship aspect has had a profound effect on students who may not have consistent support outside of school. The dedication and compassion shown by Oasis Tutors have turly helped shape not only better students but better individuals overall.”
“All of my tutors are amazing! The kiddos love to see their tutor come to work one-on-one with them as this is their “special time.” One scholar in particular has grown to love reading so much that their parent questions “What did you do with my child? She reads everything now!” This shows how wonderfully impacted our scholars are with the relationship and program provided by our Oasis Tutors.”
“One of our students had a huge boost in confidence after working with her Oasis Tutor this year. She even volunteered to participate in Reader’s Theatre performances in front of the whole class!”
FIRST FRIDAYS
Are you interested in fresh ideas to implement within your tutor sessions? Back by popular demand, Oasis Tutoring will be hosting tutor enrichment meetings, in-person & via zoom, on the first Friday of each month (November – April). Each First Friday meeting will take place at 11 a.m. Central Time (12 p.m. Eastern, 10 a.m. Mountain, 9 a.m. Pacific).
First Fridays will feature a topic that is relevant to your role as an Oasis Tutor and will provide practical applications you can use in your sessions with students! Guest speaker information coming soon. Registration will open in September.
- Session 1: Friday, November 7
- Session 2: Friday, December 5
- Session 3: Friday, January 2
- Session 4: Friday, February 6
- Session 5: Friday, March 6
- Session 5: Friday, April 3
New Books/Sessions Plans Coming to Tutor Power & Libraries this Fall
Digital versions of the session plans and materials are available on Tutor Power. These can be downloaded and printed for easy access. If you need access to use Tutor Power, please contact your Oasis Coordinator.
Blast from the Past – Back to School Pictures from Oasis Staff
We’re heading down memory lane! In honor of the back-to-school season, the Oasis team is sharing some of our favorite school day snapshots—from fresh haircuts and oversized backpacks to proud first-day grins. Whether it was kindergarten jitters, middle school fashion statements, or senior year swagger, these photos remind us that learning never stops—and neither does the joy of new beginnings. Take a look at our younger selves and see if you can recognize who’s who (answers below).
Answers:
- Purple – (right) Amanda Plybon, Senior Program Manager, Audrain County and Callaway County
- Yellow – Kate Buemi, RSVP Program Manager, St. Louis City and St. Louis County
- Blue – Becca Favier – RSVP Program Manager, Franklin County and Jefferson County
- Green – Mary Click, National Intergenerational Tutoring Director
- Black (top left) – Pat Williams, RSVP Program Coordinator, Linn County and Livingston County
- White – Stacy Butz, District Facilitator for Oasis, Ladue School District