Oasis Tutor Tribune
One Child, One Tutor, One School Year. Two Lives Forever Changed.
June 2026
From the Chief Purpose Officer’s Desk
Dear Oasis Tutors,
As we wrap up another incredible school year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for the time, care, and encouragement you’ve shared with students through Oasis. Your commitment continues to make a lasting difference—not only in academic growth, but in confidence, connection, and the belief that every student can succeed.
Across the country, schools are facing growing uncertainty around funding, and many districts are being asked to do more with fewer resources. As those challenges continue, the need for consistent academic support and meaningful student relationships will only grow. That makes the work you do as a volunteer tutor more important than ever. You are helping meet a critical need, and your impact reaches far beyond each tutoring session.
If you’re looking for another way to support Oasis, we invite you to consider making a donation at oasisnet.org/donate. Your generosity helps us continue providing high-quality tutoring to students who need it most, expand into new school communities, and equip tutors with the training and resources that make this work possible. Every gift—of time or financial support—helps strengthen our mission.
We’re also looking ahead with so much excitement for what’s next. This year brings the continued expansion of our math tutoring program, along with new tools and resources designed to support you in your tutoring sessions. We’re especially excited to share new opportunities through Tutor University to help you feel even more confident, prepared, and connected in your role.
Thank you for being such an important part of Oasis. We’re grateful for all you make possible, and we can’t wait for another great year together.
Warm regards,
Stephanie McCreary
Oasis Chief Purpose Officer
2026–2027 Tutor University Kicks Off with Summer Literacy Celebration
Oasis Tutoring is excited to launch Tutor University, a learning series created for all Oasis Tutoring volunteers, including both tutors and Postal Pals.
The 2026–2027 Tutor University calendar year begins with our Summer Literacy Celebration (June–August) and continues with our popular First Fridays Enrichment Sessions (November–April).
These engaging virtual events provide opportunities to learn from experts, connect with fellow volunteers, and discover new ideas to support the students you serve. As an added bonus, volunteers who attend sessions will be eligible for attendance prizes based on their participation throughout the year.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired! Register today for the Summer Literacy Celebration (dates and speakers listed below) and join us as we kick off Tutor University.
Ben Askew is the illustrator of The Mighty McKraken (this title is in the Oasis Tutor Library) and author/illustrator of Captain Blunder Might Live Forever and This Monkey Lost a Banana. Another book he illustrated, Professor Nincompoop was recently selected to be showcased on the Storyline Online website, which features celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.
Being illiterate until sixth grade, Ben found drawing became an escape from his embarrassment. Now, he wants to build a passion for reading in kids! With three children of his own, bedtime is filled with fantastic stories of wild and wacky pirates, princesses, dragons, cowboys, and astronauts.
Link to join the webinar: us02web.zoom.us/j/84724315626
Cherry Mo is the Caldecott-Honor winning author-illustrator of her debut picture book, Home In A Lunchbox (June 2024), from Penguin Workshop. This book is inspired by Cherry’s personal experience of moving from Hong Kong to America at the age of ten. This title will be added to the Oasis Tutor Library for the 2026-2027 school year.
Through writing and illustrating, Cherry hopes to bring young readers a sense of comfort and belonging. She has a second picture book coming from Penguin Workshop (details are to be announced).
Besides her creative work, Cherry is actively involved in a nonprofit organization focusing on self-awareness. She is invited to speak monthly on topics related to cultivating a positive mindset in daily life. She translates her practices of self-awareness into her author-illustrator work, and she hopes to continue creating meaningful stories that inspire children to understand themselves and assist others.
Link to join the webinar: us02web.zoom.us/j/84724315626
Harshita Jerath is the author of Cooler Than Lemonade, The Leaping Laddoo, and A Sweet Diwali.
Harshita Jerath is a children’s book author who draws inspiration from her memories of growing up in India and the colorful world around her. She is the author of picture books, early readers and board books. Her upcoming book is for the littlest readers, titled Let’s All Celebrate Diwali (Little Voices) coming out August 2026.
Her stories inspire young readers to dream big, stay curious, and take pride in their roots. She enjoys visiting schools (virtually as well as in person) to spark conversations about storytelling, creativity, and big ideas. She currently lives with her family in Scottsdale, Arizona.
During the session, tutors will gain insight her writing process, from the initial spark of inspiration to a finished book along with a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing journey. We’ll also explore visual literacy, text and language choices, and practical, ready-to-use activities they can incorporate into their tutoring sessions.
Link to join the webinar: us02web.zoom.us/j/84724315626
2026–2027 Tutor University Kicks Off with Summer Literacy Celebration
Oasis Tutoring is excited to launch Tutor University, a learning series created for all Oasis Tutoring volunteers, including both tutors and Postal Pals.
The 2026–2027 Tutor University calendar year begins with our Summer Literacy Celebration (June–August) and continues with our popular First Fridays Enrichment Sessions (November–April).
These engaging virtual events provide opportunities to learn from experts, connect with fellow volunteers, and discover new ideas to support the students you serve. As an added bonus, volunteers who attend sessions will be eligible for attendance prizes based on their participation throughout the year.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired! Register today for the Summer Literacy Celebration (dates and speakers listed below) and join us as we kick off Tutor University.
Ben Askew is the illustrator of The Mighty McKraken (this title is in the Oasis Tutor Library) and author/illustrator of Captain Blunder Might Live Forever and This Monkey Lost a Banana. Another book he illustrated, Professor Nincompoop was recently selected to be showcased on the Storyline Online website, which features celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.
Being illiterate until sixth grade, Ben found drawing became an escape from his embarrassment. Now, he wants to build a passion for reading in kids! With three children of his own, bedtime is filled with fantastic stories of wild and wacky pirates, princesses, dragons, cowboys, and astronauts.
Link to join the webinar: us02web.zoom.us/j/84724315626
Cherry Mo is the Caldecott-Honor winning author-illustrator of her debut picture book, Home In A Lunchbox (June 2024), from Penguin Workshop. This book is inspired by Cherry’s personal experience of moving from Hong Kong to America at the age of ten. This title will be added to the Oasis Tutor Library for the 2026-2027 school year.
Through writing and illustrating, Cherry hopes to bring young readers a sense of comfort and belonging. She has a second picture book coming from Penguin Workshop (details are to be announced).
Besides her creative work, Cherry is actively involved in a nonprofit organization focusing on self-awareness. She is invited to speak monthly on topics related to cultivating a positive mindset in daily life. She translates her practices of self-awareness into her author-illustrator work, and she hopes to continue creating meaningful stories that inspire children to understand themselves and assist others.
Link to join the webinar: us02web.zoom.us/j/84724315626
Harshita Jerath is the author of Cooler Than Lemonade, The Leaping Laddoo, and A Sweet Diwali.
Harshita Jerath is a children’s book author who draws inspiration from her memories of growing up in India and the colorful world around her. She is the author of picture books, early readers and board books. Her upcoming book is for the littlest readers, titled Let’s All Celebrate Diwali (Little Voices) coming out August 2026.
Her stories inspire young readers to dream big, stay curious, and take pride in their roots. She enjoys visiting schools (virtually as well as in person) to spark conversations about storytelling, creativity, and big ideas. She currently lives with her family in Scottsdale, Arizona.
During the session, tutors will gain insight her writing process, from the initial spark of inspiration to a finished book along with a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing journey. We’ll also explore visual literacy, text and language choices, and practical, ready-to-use activities they can incorporate into their tutoring sessions.
Link to join the webinar: us02web.zoom.us/j/84724315626
Celebrating Our Amazing Tutors
View our photos from end-of-year volunteer celebrations featuring smiles, story sharing, and well-deserved recognitions! These moments reflect the heart of our tutoring program, our amazing tutors.
Thank you, tutors, for investing your time, sharing your talents, and helping students grow in confidence and achievement throughout the year!
Celebrating Our Amazing Tutors
View our photos from end-of-year volunteer celebrations featuring smiles, story sharing, and well-deserved recognitions! These moments reflect the heart of our tutoring program, our amazing tutors.
Thank you, tutors, for investing your time, sharing your talents, and helping students grow in confidence and achievement throughout the year!
Celebrating Our Amazing Tutors
View our photos from end-of-year volunteer celebrations featuring smiles, story sharing, and well-deserved recognitions! These moments reflect the heart of our tutoring program, our amazing tutors.
Thank you, tutors, for investing your time, sharing your talents, and helping students grow in confidence and achievement throughout the year!
Volunteer Spotlight: Why I Tutor
Q&A With Jill McKenzie, San Diego Oasis Tutor (25 Years)
What first inspired you to get involved, and how has your journey with Oasis evolved over time?
“Being recently retired and moving to Ramona I was seeking an opportunity to be involved in the local school and community. I was introduced to the Oasis program. What a wonderful gift! Ongoing training, support and materials were provided. Through my over 25 years in Oasis I have become a mentor to new tutors! I look forward to the start of each new school year.”
What makes Oasis meaningful to you? We’d love to hear about any favorite memories or moments that have made your experience special.
“My favorite memories include sharing with the student, seeing them blossom—becoming more confident and outgoing based upon feedback from the teacher. Weekly Journal entries provide a record of the books/stories and creative ideas as well as art work which is shared with the teacher and those at home. Confidence building is done through one-on-one time with an adult is rewarding for my student and myself. Her enthusiasm each week makes my whole day.”
What would you say to someone who is thinking about getting involved with Oasis Tutoring?
“Go for it!! Become an Oasis tutor! Oasis provides support of the other tutors. You are part of the school community and provide much needed help to your student. What a positive experience for my myself and my student!”
How does Oasis connect with or support your personal passions and interests?
“My numerous travels are a source of many sessions. We use world and local maps to take “imaginary” trips to places we read about. I share my photos, fossils, rocks, post cards and simple science activities which are tied to the classroom.”
A Sneak Peak of Books Coming this Fall
We have a wide variety of great books coming to Tutor Power this fall! Get ready to explore new stories, spark meaningful conversations, and discover exciting learning opportunities. Check out some of the great reads coming soon by viewing the list below.
Digital versions of session plans and materials will be 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.
A Sneak Peak of Books Coming this Fall
We have a wide variety of great books coming to Tutor Power this fall! Get ready to explore new stories, spark meaningful conversations, and discover exciting learning opportunities. Check out some of the great reads coming soon by viewing the list below.
Digital versions of session plans and materials will be 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.
A Sneak Peak of Books Coming this Fall
We have a wide variety of great books coming to Tutor Power this fall! Get ready to explore new stories, spark meaningful conversations, and discover exciting learning opportunities. Check out some of the great reads coming soon by viewing the list below.
Digital versions of session plans and materials will be 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.
Share Your Story & Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear from you! Share a tutoring success story or even a reflection on your volunteer experience with us. Submissions may be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
We also invite you to respond to this edition’s themed question: What is one strategy, activity, or resource that has helped you connect with your student? Share your answer in a few sentences. Selected responses will be featured in our next newsletter to inspire fellow tutors!
Please email responses and stories to Kate Buemi at [email protected]
In the News
Access to quality public education creates opportunity, strengthens communities, and helps ensure every child has the chance to thrive regardless of their background or zip code. Oasis Chief Purpose Officer, Stephanie McCreary, recently shared a heartfelt and timely perspective in an open letter featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on the importance of supporting public education, uplifting educators, and expanding opportunity for future generations.
In the News
Access to quality public education creates opportunity, strengthens communities, and helps ensure every child has the chance to thrive regardless of their background or zip code. Oasis Chief Purpose Officer, Stephanie McCreary, recently shared a heartfelt and timely perspective in an open letter featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on the importance of supporting public education, uplifting educators, and expanding opportunity for future generations.
In the News
Access to quality public education creates opportunity, strengthens communities, and helps ensure every child has the chance to thrive regardless of their background or zip code. Oasis Chief Purpose Officer, Stephanie McCreary, recently shared a heartfelt and timely perspective in an open letter featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on the importance of supporting public education, uplifting educators, and expanding opportunity for future generations.