Oasis Tutor Tribune
One Child, One Tutor, One School Year. Two Lives Forever Changed.
Welcome to Your Quarterly Newsletter!
February 2025
From the Director's Desk
Oasis Tutoring Quarterly Newletter
Dear Oasis Tutors,
Welcome to the winter edition of the Tutor Tribune! The quote featured to the right captures the heart of your role as an Oasis Tutor. Every time you meet with your students, you are truly reaching down to lift them up, offering encouragement, guidance, and support. The joy of being with your students continues as we march into the new year and the second semester of the school year.
I encourage you to keep the momentum of learning strong. Your students are benefiting from your consistent presence, your enthusiasm in cheering them on, and your compassion for their unique needs and challenges. Your commitment is making a lasting impact.
This year, we have already shared valuable learning opportunities through our First Friday sessions and local school district enrichment meetings. I appreciate your desire to learn and the gift of your time. Thank you for joining us in all the opportunities offered to you as we share what we learn to impact students. Join us again on March 7. Don't forget to also save the date for the Spring Tutor Event on April 25 (join us in-person or via zoom).
Please read the entire issue of this Tutor Tribune to find more tools to use with your students, get to know other tutors, and see how the program is growing.
We can't say it enough: your time and efforts are greatly appreciated by the Oasis Tutoring staff, your school district staff, and your students.
With warmest regards,
Mary Click
“There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.”
– Bernard Meltzer
Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Recognized as a Program of Distinction
We are thrilled to announce that Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring has been awarded a Program of Distinction designation from Generations United. This esteemed award is presented annually to programs across the United States that exemplify exceptional innovation, leadership, and best practices in fostering connections between generations. These qualities enhance opportunities for program sustainability and success in achieving desired outcomes. Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring is one of only 57 programs named a Program of Distinction in 2025.
Earning this distinction highlights our commitment to bridging generational divides and fostering meaningful connections by providing one-on-one support. For more than 35 years, we’ve been proving that magic happens when different generations share their time, talents, and stories. And thanks to our incredible tutors and school partners, we’re making a real impact—one child, one tutor, and one heartwarming connection at a time!
Upcoming Events
Are you interested in fresh ideas to implement within your tutoring sessions? New this year, Oasis Tutoring will be hosting tutor enrichment meetings (in-person & via zoom) on the first Friday of each month (November – March).
Each first Friday will feature one component of the Five Pillars of Literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and, comprehension. Every enrichment session will also provide a practical application tutors can use in their sessions with students! All sessions are led by Tammy Rhomberg, Oasis Tutoring Educational Consultant.
Session 5: Review/Reread
Friday, March 7 | 9:00-10:30 a.m. Oasis at Northwest Plaza & Zoom
Did you miss a First Friday session? Watch previously recorded sessions by clicking the link below.
Volunteer Spotlight
Get inspired by Debra Tapley and Kathy Oertel, two dedicated tutors in San Antonio, Texas who share their experiences, advice, and heartfelt reflections on the joy of helping young readers thrive.
Debra Tapley
District: Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas
How long have you participated in the Oasis Tutoring Program?
I have been a tutor for six years, and have worked with 76 kids during that time.
What do you enjoy about being an Oasis tutor?
I love working with kids who need my help. I also find it rewarding to see the growth of children I have tutored in previous years. It is such a pleasure to be trusted by Oasis, the school staff, coordinators, teachers, and parents.
What encouraging words or advice do you have for volunteers?
All backgrounds are welcomed into the Oasis program. You don’t need to be a past educator or teacher to be a tutor. Don’t be afraid to reach out to Oasis for more information.
Any thing else you would like to add?
As Oasis reading tutors, we simply do not have enough time to teach a child to read in once-a-week sessions. However, we can lift a struggling child up by inspiring them to move from the basics of focusing on sounds and words to focusing on the meaning within books.
Kathy Oertel
District: Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas
How long have you participated in the Oasis Tutoring Program?
I was first introduced to the Oasis Tutoring Program in 2002.
What do you enjoy about being an Oasis tutor?
I enjoy seeing the excitement in the students’ faces as they accomplish something that they didn’t think they could do. I also love that we have additional support from Oasis after we get placed into the schools.
What encouraging words or advice do you have for volunteers?
All volunteers need to know that the need for them is great and appreciated. The hour that you spend with these children boosts their confidence and lets them know that they matter. It’s a special feeling to know that you can and do make a difference.
Any thing else you would like to add?
I would tell volunteers to always come prepared, even over prepared, but be flexible. Be encouraging and make sure that your student knows that you care about them and want the best for them.
Tips & Resources:
We’ve added 40 new titles to Tutor Power, with even more on the way!
Tutor Power offers a wide variety of books and session plans to help inspire ideas. Check back regularly as we continue to expand the library.
Need help accessing Tutor Power? Please email your Oasis Tutoring Staff Member for assistance.
Great Tools for Your Tutor Bag
Our tutors in Indianapolis have shared two fun and creative methods to make storytelling engaging during tutoring sessions. The Story Time Glove and Retelling Hand Worksheets, shown to the right, help kids identify the main elements (who, what, when, where, why, and how) and plot points of a story during read-along and retelling sessions.
To download these resources for your own use, simply click on the image of the Story Time Glove to the right. Once you click on the image, a new window will open in your browser with a PDF of the Story Time Glove and Retelling Hand Worksheets. From there, you can print the PDF by clicking on the print icon in the top right corner of your screen.
In the News
Step Into the World of ‘Dog Man’
Dive into the why and how of the ‘Dog Man’ universe with the brilliant author, Dav Pilkey. ‘Dog Man’ is a children’s book series which was recently adapted into a movie. In the interview below, Dav and the cast share their journeys, inspirations, and unforgettable moments that brought this beloved character to life. Don’t miss out on the behind-the-scenes scoop from these creative visionaries!
Explore Virtually Everything With Oasis Everywhere!
Oasis Everywhere (OE) lets you explore a wealth of knowledge and participate in enriching experiences from the comfort of your home. With virtual classes available from Oasis cities nationwide, you can learn new skills, discover diverse topics, and connect with a vibrant community of other learners. It’s an opportunity to expand your horizons and engage in lifelong learning, no matter where you are.
We want to hear from YOU!
Do you have ideas or resources to share for the next edition of the Tutor Tribune? Fill out the form below or email us at: [email protected]