Where Does The Time Go?

There are events each year that truly symbolize the "movement" of time... Carnival signifies the new school year, Red Barn Farm symbolizes the beauty of fall, the winter musicals kick off the holiday season, the auction lets us know spring is around the corner, Acorn Day celebrates spring and field day helps bring another school year to an end!

But, there is simply no event like graduation! For our 8th graders, some have been here for a few years and some have spent as many as 14 years at Oakhill... This is their home... Their family... Their safe place. And, for all of us, the 8th graders are part of our family... We are so proud of them, yet we are very sad to see them go. 

We strive to make the night memorable for the students and their families... From the legacy videos, to the speeches and the music for the reception. The boys wear black suits and Oakhill ties while the girls wear beautiful white dresses. Mrs. Ganaden and I address the class with personal stories and recollections, while two student speakers from the 8th grade class bring both laughs and tears from their classmates and faculty. Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Ely add their special touches showcasing the 8th graders one last time. After the ceremony, the 7th grade parents host a beautiful reception for the graduates and their families. 

The graduates return to Oakhill the next day for a Kindergarten/8th grade brunch followed by one last memory to be made. The entire school lines the hallways for the final "walk"! Finally, the graduates are greeted by a Limo in the Center Drive - after lots of pictures, hugs, tears, and cheers, they are off for an afternoon adventure together! 

And, the cycle continues... Our 7th graders prepare themselves to be the new 8th grade leaders... they head back into the school... Pick out their lockers for the coming year... And smile! Now it is their time... And, they, too, will enjoy this tradition next year - same time/same place!

 

Although our graduates "leave", they do come back often... They will forever be a part of Oakhill - our pride... Our alumni!

Tick tick,
Suzanne

Friendly sports competitions (and trophies) always bring our alumni back to visit (and play)!
2014 Alumni/Faculty Volleyball Game

What Does Spring Break Really Mean?

Spring is in the air… these warm temperatures are bringing on the highly contagious “spring fever”! During my 23 years in education, there is nothing that can be done about this fever… no remedy strong enough… no lesson engaging enough to keep the symptoms at bay! The best medicine is time away – from routine, from instruction, and from the indoors.

With Spring Break upon us, what shall you do for two weeks? 16 days? 384 hours?

I encourage you to take all you have learned (so far) this year and apply these skills in real life situations! Incorporate all the math you have learned (coins, time, numbers, measurement), all the books and stories you have read, the writing processes practiced, the scientific knowledge you have learned, the history and map skills you have been immersed in, the music, the art, the Spanish, the technology, and all of the physical activity you partake in daily AND put these skills into practice!

Whether you go for a walk in the park, plan a small adventure nearby, or embark on a fabulous vacation, use your skills and knowledge to make the family time even more meaningful. Break your routine, try out some new restaurants, and play outside. I encourage your family to “unplug” a little bit… find a way to use your technological devices as tools to help with your adventures… mapping a trail run or bike ride, using your phone or device to take pictures to capture the memories, or search for a nearby park. Simply take a break from the normal routine!

When you return from break, your “spring fever” should be manageable! Your symptoms should subside a bit, and you should be ready for a 4^th quarter of learning and fun!

Make some memories,

Suzanne