Ortiz Elementary
Ortiz Elementary serves students in Northeast Wichita. The population of the school is 84% Hispanic and 92% of all students are eligible for free or reduced price lunch. Ortiz Elementary is a relatively new school in the Wichita Public Schools system opening for students for the first time during the 2012-2013 school year.
Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet
Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet is a K-8 magnet school. This large Title I school has over 600 students with about 80% eligible for free or reduced lunch.
The principal at Horace Mann is excited to have TheT.O.U.C.H. Closet as a resource for her counselors and social workers to assist her students in crisis.
McAdams Academy
Bryant Opportunity Academy
Gordon Parks Academy
Mueller Aerospace & Engineering Magnet
Val Jackson Elementary
Isley Traditional Magnet
Truesdell Middle School
Hamilton Middle School
Adams
Elementary
Urban Prep Academy
Anderson Elementary
North High School
Woodman Elementary
McAdams Academy serves students who have been expelled or received long-term suspensions. Students earn high school credits, participate in family-style meals with staff, and work on behavioral issues.
Chuck Knowles, Director and founder, teamed up with Youth for Christ and launched McAdams Academy about five years ago. Chuck was excited to partner with The T.O.U.C.H Closet to help serve middle and high school students enrolled at McAdams Academy.
The T.O.U.C.H Closet is excited to announce our partnership with Bryant Opportunity Academy. It is one of USD 259’s newest schools and serves students from grades K-6. Ms. Alexander, Bryant’s school social worker, expressed the need for our services and we are truly honored to serve the students in need.
The T.O.U.C.H Closet first reached out in February 2021, but we were unable to connect. However, after reaching out at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, Gordon Parks was excited to partner with us. GPA works to develop leadership, organization, and character skills for all their STEM leaders in Applied and Media Arts.
As a result of being awarded a Cox COVID-19 grant in August 2020, The T.O.U.C.H Closet was able to extend a partnership with one of our newly added schools. Mueller focuses on increasing student achievement through the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.
Val Jackson Elementary opened in Fall 2004 and serves students from pre-k through fifth grade. They strive to empower all the students through teamwork, partnership, and accountability. Val Jackson is the home of our Junior Ambassador, Miss Mariyah Scott. We look forward to connecting with the students and staff.
The T.O.U.C.H. Closet Inc. was contacted by Isley’s school social worker about a possible partnership after losing their previous resources. She shared because they are located in Belaire there are challenges with accessing resources. It has been a pleasure getting to know the staff.
Truesdell was the first voucher filled by The T.O.U.C.H. Closet. This occurred at the request of a case manager who was approach by a parent for assistance. The case manager was familiar with our newly formed organization and reach out. Three years later we extended the opportunity to partner and they accepted.
A former employee of Hamilton Middle School recommended a partnership with Hamilton to one of our board members based on a need for the service we provide. We reached out and they immediately accepted.
We are excited to announce a new partnership, Adams Elementary. One of the mothers (Sherri Finney- Dennis) of one of the teachers works-out with Benita. She shared how she donates supplies for students and how there is a great need for our resources. Her persistence paid off and we were able to add them after a 7 month long wait.
The TC is grateful to begin a partnership with Urban Prep Academy, and we couldn’t be more excited to fill this commitment. Genesis 12:2, “And I will bless you; will make your name great. and you will be a blessing.” With the amount of blessings we've received this year by far, this has allowed us to be a blessing too many students in need.
Following up on a “exception” voucher lead to a partnership with Anderson Elementary. We look forward to serving as a resources for the students.
We have been actively seeking to partner with a high School. Wichita North High lost their school social worker last December, this hindered our attempt to make contact. Thankfully we were finally able to connect with their Pando staff and forged this partnership.
Word of mouth is what lead to our newest partnership with Woodman Elementary. Last April we were contacted by their school nurse for help. Our inventory allowed us to process an exception voucher. When asked how they could be added, along with their enthusiasm they were placed on the top of the list for new partners.