About Parks Elementary

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    Principal
    Jessica Johnson

    School Hours: 8:20am - 3:10pm

    • Building opens at 8:00 am (for Students eating breakfast) 
    • Breakfast starts at 8:00 am and ends at 8:15 am
    • Classes start at 8:20 am 
    • Classes end at 3:10 pm  

    Alternative Dismissal Arrangements
    It is important that students stay in school until 3:10pm. Please remember that at the end of the day, teachers are wrapping up the day by passing out homework and preparing students for dismissal.

    Alternative transportation arrangements or a student leaving early must be made prior to 2:30pm.

    Otherwise they must wait until the 3:10pm daily dismissal.


    Serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.

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    School Mascot: Timberwolves

    Established in 1997

    Other School Facts:

    • Located in Board District 5
    • US Congressional District 5
    • State Senate District 48
    • State House District 97
    • County Commissioner District 1
    • City County Ward OKC 7




    What's in a name?

    Thelma Reece Parks, a remarkable educator and trailblazer, was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. After graduating from Manual Training High School, she pursued higher education at Langston University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with honors in 1945. Thelma's commitment to professional growth led her to complete a Master's degree in Guidance from the University of Oklahoma and obtain a Professional Certificate in Guidance and Counseling from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma.

    As the sixth child of Thomas and Estella Reece, Thelma embarked on her teaching career in Muskogee, where she faced and overcame hiring barriers. Despite the prevailing rule that prohibited individuals from teaching in their own school system, Thelma defied the norm and taught at Wheatley Elementary School for four years. She later moved to Oklahoma City, accepting a teaching position at Dunbar Elementary School. After three years at Dunbar, Thelma was chosen to teach at Truman Elementary School, becoming one of the pioneering African American educators in the first integrated school in Oklahoma City.

    In 1961, Dr. F. D. Moon, the principal of Douglass High School, recognized Thelma's exceptional skills and offered her a position as a reading teacher. Thelma became the first reading teacher at Douglass, dedicating herself to helping junior and senior students who struggled with literacy. She then transitioned to teaching 9th and 10th grade English, eventually assuming the role of Chairman of the English Department. In 1971, Thelma broke new ground once again as the first African American Counselor at U.S. Grant School, three years before any African American students were admitted. She served as the Director of Guidance and Counseling until her retirement, concluding an illustrious 18-year tenure at Grant.

    Thelma's contributions extended beyond the classroom as she ventured into the realm of education governance. In 1987, she won the District 5 seat on the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education, where she has continued to serve with distinction. Notably, Thelma served as the Board President in 1993, overseeing the successful passage of the second largest bond issue in Oklahoma City's history. These funds facilitated significant improvements throughout the district, including air conditioning installation and major repairs in all schools. Moreover, Thelma's remarkable legacy was honored when a new elementary school was named after her: Thelma Reece Parks Elementary School.

    Thelma Reece Parks's lifelong dedication to education, her indomitable spirit, and her tireless efforts to create a better learning environment for all students have left an indelible mark on the Oklahoma City community. Her enduring commitment to equity, excellence, and inclusion continues to inspire generations of educators and students alike.