Setting Us Apart

Each year, I watch the 8^th graders blossom and transform…from middle school students to high schoolers! There are many things they take with them – confidence, character, the ability to clearly communicate, written expression, mathematical abilities, the understanding of our past and present, the ability to hypothesize, and so much more. I know Oakhill provides a solid foundation for what is to come.

When I watched the 8^th grade perform at last month's Holiday Concert, I watched their unique personalities come out on stage. In many middle schools, there are a select few who choose to participate in drama and music…maybe they choose this as an elective and maybe they don’t! Maybe they are chosen by the music and drama teacher, and maybe they aren't! At Oakhill all of our 8^th graders have the opportunity to shine on stage…to share their talent in front of family and friends…to let their confidence grow even more. Those moments are important to me as an administrator…we are producing students who believe in themselves and know who they are!

Of course, hard evidence is just as important. As parents, I know you are always looking for evidence of value…and, you should be!

I want to take this opportunity to share with you some remarkable statistics. On Wednesday, November 7^th the eighth grade students took the EXPLORE test, which is part of the ACT family.  It is written for the 8^th or 9^th grade level with a goal of getting a head start on ACT testing and making sure students are on track for high school.  Via an inventory, it also suggests careers and course direction that match the student’s interest.  The test consists of a section in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science with a high score of 25.  The English section has two components, usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills with a high score of 12.  Each student also received a composite score with 25 being the highest.  The charts below show how our students at Oakhill compared to the national norm group. Quite impressive AND expected!

Some interesting points: (For each of the following the high composite score is 25.)

In English our students average composite score was 21.6 compared to a national average of 14.7.

In Mathematics our students average composite score was 20.8 compared to a national average of 15.5.

In Reading our students average composite score was 21.1 compared to a national average of 14.6.

In Science our students average composite score was 20.8 compared to a national average of 16.6.

Overall composite:  our students averaged 21.2 compared to a national average of 15.5!  100% of our students scored ABOVE the national average!

We are excited to share our results with the entire community.  We understand that Oakhill is an investment.  The performance of our 8^th grade students on the EXPLORE is just one of many way we can show you the dividends.

Suzanne

The Next Generation of Field Trips

I love to travel! I truly believe traveling, whether near or far, is such a powerful experience for children of all ages. We can learn so much from road trips – culture, economics, map reading, independence, budgeting, geography, geology, ecology, and the list goes on and on!

When I was eight and had to get in the back of a hatchback for 10 days (no seatbelts back then were used), I probably didn’t realize the impact those travels would have on me. My family spent 10 days each summer driving around the US…hitting every state except for Alaska and Hawaii by the time I was in college (are we there yet?). Since then, my own family and I have made a point to mark those last two states off the list. Our past travels, similar (in a less exaggerated way) to those in Chevy Chase’s Family Vacation, have brought back many laughs and memories.

The power of travel motivates Oakhill to offer opportunities each year for our students whether it be in Kansas City, Hermann, MO, or Omaha, NE. Our middle school students are afforded the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. in 5^th and 6^th grade and the Florida Keys in 7^th and 8^th grade (every other year). On the off years, we have taken a Spanish Immersion trip to Minnesota’s Concordia Language Village and hope to head to northern Arkansas to visit Heifer International’s camp this Spring.

And, now…thanks to the passion of former Senora Herman and our 1^st-4^th Science specialist, Dena Cole, our 5^th-8^th graders are now going to have the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica this coming summer (completely optional). Last summer, Senora Herman and Mrs. Cole spent eight days in Costa Rica on a school tour for teachers who might be interested in bringing students to the Rainforest. I just watched Mrs. Cole’s presentation to the Middle School and WOW! I am excited!!!

Why are we going to offer a trip to Costa Rica? I thought I would do a Q & A with Mrs. Cole for the answers…

Mrs. McCanles: Why Costa Rica?

Mrs. Cole: It is such an authentic experience with a very professional tour company created to cater to school groups. Costa Rica has such a vast rainforest and the country spends a great deal of its money on education and ecotourism.

Mrs. McCanles: Why take 5^th – 8^th graders?

Mrs. Cole: A great mix of Spanish and Science. The students have the background necessary to appreciate the rainforest and the problems that exist. The students will have the opportunity to use their Spanish skills as they feel comfortable. And, most importantly, the students who were here in 3^rd grade spent a great deal of time on their rainforest projects and animals. Now, they get to go back with their “old” science teacher to bring those projects to life.

Mrs. McCanles: What are the top three things the students will take away from the trip/experience?

Mrs. Cole: 1) seeing the animals up close and personal in their natural habitat is incredible 2) just experiencing the rainforest is something pictures and videos cannot replicate and 3) the bonding and team building is unforgettable – the white water rafting and zip lining are icing on the cake.

Mrs. McCanles: What might you say to the parents to help them make a decision about this trip?

Mrs. Cole: As a parent, I sent my children on trips and I worried most about their safety and comfort. I’ll start with safety. I will be going on the trip and if we get 20 students another teacher will accompany me. We will also have parent chaperones with us. The tour guides are amazing – trained in first aid and ready to cater to your every need. The tour company was created just for school groups and the adventures are so well planned and organized…they thought of everything! The hotels were very nice and, the food is incredible – so many varieties to choose from; you will never go hungry!

As you can see from many of the pictures, a whole new world awaits us!

Do I have spinach in my teeth?

About a year ago, I was given an article called “Spinach in your Teeth”. At first glance, I thought…”maybe I have green stuff in my teeth often” and this parent is giving me a hint! But after reading on, I realized the catchy title took me much deeper…

You know, kids truly say the darndest things – they are so honest…sometimes brutally so! I love the days when a middle schooler says, “I like your shoes” or when a Kindergartner says “you have a pretty dress”. But, there are some days when I have to laugh (instead of cry or hide) when a Second Grader says “your shoes don’t match” or when a Preschooler says “why is your hair like that?”

After reading this article, it makes me realize that the children tell me these things because they care about me (or maybe their filter isn't completely developed), but regardless, I feel better knowing they are being honest with me.

I liked the comparison of feedback to criticism. As the article states, few of us have an easy time either giving it or receiving it! We know that in our heads we need feedback; but our hearts don’t want to hear it. Feedback is truly a caring gesture!

So, if you and I are having a wonderful chat or simply saying hello…please let me know if I have toilet paper on my shoe, marker on my face, or spinach in my teeth! I’ll know the feedback is meaningful and important and that you care!

Enjoy the article!

Spinach in your Teeth Messages: The Art of Giving (and Receiving) Honest Feedback By Beth Keane, BA, MA, Studer Group National Speaker

Marshmallows and self-discipline? A new kind of s'mores!

I have to admit, I do love chocolate and most things made of chocolate. If someone put a Hostess Ho-Ho or a chocolate doughnut in front of me...look out.

But, what if someone put one of these items in front of me and told me I could either eat it now, or wait until they returned (45 minutes later) and THEN I could have two! What would I do? Choose the fun, fast, immediate, now? Or take the “good things happen to those who wait” route?

In the following video clip, four year old children were given the same self-discipline test. 

The implication is that children who learn to wait are more self-disciplined in life. They can forego the “I need it now” and appreciate what comes “to those who wait”.

In today’s world, we are used to immediate satisfaction – no time to wait, too much traffic, very little time between one activity and the next, too many toys in the playroom, and the list goes on and on! Sometimes giving in is easier than the alternative! After watching this video, and reflecting on my own life in Elementary and Middle School (watching Gilligan’s Island, climbing trees, playing outside until dinner, knowing that when Mom or Dad said no…they meant it), I realize there are some changes I would like to make in my own family! There are parameters that should be more firmly set and adhered to.

Maybe I’ll start with this marshmallow test for the entire family!!!!

The First Day of School... It's Not Just for Kids Anymore!

There is simply nothing like the first day of school! For some, it is the VERY first day of school and for other students it may be their 13^th first day of school! It is my 20^th first day as an educator, and I still get butterflies…I can’t sleep…I dream about being late or lost…I am truly a mess! But, as soon as I get to school and watch the parents and children come through the doors, the nerves go away and IT all begins (the journey, the growth, the development, the fun, the mistakes, the learning)!

The faculty and staff spent several days meeting prior to the first day…not just about logistics, procedures, and information, but about relationships…about academics…about who we are as an institution…about our hopes and dreams for the school year! Our theme this year is “Above and Beyond”! Whether we are talking about relationships, partnerships, communication, lesson planning, events, etc… - we will go above and beyond this year!

(Enjoy the little bit of flight humor I shared with my faculty)

This summer, the faculty read a book relating to the hopes and dreams of Independent School parents called, "Understanding Independent School Parents." It is important that all educators, new to the independent school world or not, recognize the choice you have made as a parent! You have chosen to send your child to Oakhill Day School and the like! As much as we talk about individualization for our students, at Oakhill, we truly want to individualize the best we can for each family. Each family comes to our school with their own expectations, hopes, dreams, perceptions, and needs. We hope to know and understand each of our families so we may help guide them through this journey! (Want to read a little for yourself? Check out an excerpt here!)

As I enjoy the laughter in the hallways, the excitement in the air, and the energy that is Oakhill, I am thankful to be here! I hope to be a predictable Head of School (in a good way)! I want our families to know that it is my job to see the big picture and make sure all decisions are made for the right reasons…the students…the children! Everything we do and every decision we make is based on what is best for the children and their educational journey!

I am off to enjoy the rest of our big first week of school! IT has all begun, and IT is a great thing!

For more Independent School information and resources, check out NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) and ISACS (IndependentSchools of the Central States) online! 

Schools Need Parents Too...

I have been spending my free time reading this summer…magazines, educational journals, and all kinds of books. One book I have enjoyed is Uncle Dan’s Report Card.

This book is a parenting book that reveals how children were raised in the 20^th Century America, a time Tom Brokaw called raising the “Greatest Generation”. The author, Barb Unell, found her Uncle’s report card from 1914, a time when “everyone worked together with a common purpose: to raise a great generation of hard-working children who respected their elders, behaved responsibility, and believed in a better future for themselves, their community, and their country.”

The grade report had two parts – a school side focusing on academics and social, as well as a home side focusing on books read, helping mother, helping father, care of teeth, things made, money earned, truthfulness and honesty, habits of kindness, promptness, and more!

This book paints a wonderful picture of how home and school MUST work together to give the child the guidance and parameters he or she needs to grow and develop into a responsible citizen at school and beyond. I believe it paints a picture of the partnership we strive to achieve at Oakhill – in 2012 versus 1914, of course!

Prior to reading this book, I ran across a wonderful, heartfelt letter written by one of our very own 4^th grade teachers, Trish Stripling. Trish had no idea the impact her note would have on me, her parents, and anyone who has had the opportunity to see it. Her note, written the last week of school, captured the importance of the parental involvement in school life.

Dear Families, 

This final newsletter is a special edition of The Stripling Scoop.  It is my letter of thanks to all of you for the privilege and pleasure of spending this past school year with your child. 

When I was a little girl, my mom was the perennial volunteer - room mother, girl scout leader, field trip chaperone, etc.  I grew up with such happy memories of holding my mom’s hand at school events, smiling at her in the halls, and enjoying sharing my school experiences with her.   

When I became a teacher (in my early 40s) and began my career in public schools, I was saddened by the changes I saw.  There are still many, many caring parents who step up to volunteer, but the opportunities for them to do so are limited by the many constraints placed on public schools today.  My heart ached for my students, and their families, who I knew were missing out on wonderful school memories. 

Then,  Oakhill and I found each other.  So many times this year I have reveled in the strong family presence and enthusiastic participation at Oakhill’s many and varied events.  I so enjoyed watching my students build memories like I have of my school days.  I am certain that my mom’s commitment to my education played a primary role in my love for school, and for learning.  You have all done the same for your children.  Trust me - comparing you to my mom is the highest compliment I can give. 

So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart ~ not only for your volunteer spirit, but for rekindling in me those wonderful memories, renewing my love for the whole school experience, and reaffirming my belief that every child’s education can and should be caringly crafted and nurtured by the partnership of parents and teacher.  What a gift you have given me this year. 

Most gratefully, 

Mrs. Stripling 

Trish’s letter says it all. Oakhill is here for your child and his or her educational journey, but we are also here for you – the entire family. Working together, we can give your child everything he or she needs and wants…we can bring Uncle Dan’s Report Card to life once again.

We hope to bring the authors to Oakhill this fall during a PTO meeting, but in the meantime, I encourage you to read this wonderful book.

I have always been fascinated by one room school houses and 20^th century school memorabilia; hence the old school desks in the hallway – this book brought the nostalgia of yesteryear into today’s school environment.

Pick up a book and enjoy a good read!

Suzanne

Can you put a price on education?

Stepping in as “Admissions Director” while ours is out on maternity leave has been a wonderful opportunity that I’m grateful to be able to experience. There’s nothing like meeting prospective families for the first time. They come to their first tour of the school prepared with inquisitive questions about every facet of the building and the learning that happens inside. They are interviewing us as much as we are interviewing them. Let’s face it, choosing a school for your child is not an easy task…. Think about all of the choices… public, private, parochial? Will my child thrive in a small or large classroom environment? Do I choose a school that is close to home or am I willing to make a drive? Do they offer extracurricular activities? What does your school offer that another doesn't? Will my family fit in? Do you have extended care/tutoring services? Do I choose to pay tuition when I pay taxes?

In an interesting article by Sarah P. Daignault of the National Business Officers Association (a professional association for independent school business officers), she aims to tackle the age old question of Why Are Independent Schools So Expensive? And Are They Worth It? In the article, Daignault breaks down Independent school tuition explaining all of its components, which can include: salaries and benefits, classroom supplies, administrative costs, facility enhancements and maintenance, financial aid, auxiliary services and more; all things necessary to run a top notch educational institution. While touring with prospective parents, I give all of my reasons why an Oakhill education exceeds the cost of the tuition, but I always get the feeling that if I had a personal testimonial it would really bring all of these ideals, that I know to be true, to life. One day, I received an email from a past Oakhill family. I always love to get updates on our students and their many successes once they've moved beyond our walls. This family was really able to “quantify” their Oakhill experience and put it into words that I wish I could share with every prospective that walks through our doors.

Dear Oakhill, 

Joel Roney (Oakhill 1998-2007, Early Learners through seventh grade) is going to Drury University in Springfield this fall.  He will major in Theatre, Biology and Arts Administration (a business major for the arts) and minor in Spanish.  Yes, all of this is possible with his 28 hours of college credit from his high school IB curriculum and three classes over the summers at Maple Woods.  Why does he want to do all of this?  Joel says:  because he can.  This is the same reason he gave for taking an extra high level IB class (the very hard engineering math with only three people in the class).  I guess it is the Mt. Everest phenomenon.  See what Oakhill creates?  I feel fortunate I talked him out of the math minor! 

Now for some fun Oakhill math!  Figure $8,000 per year for K-7 (8 years)=$64,000.  The amount I paid for Early Learners, Pre-School and Pre-K would have been paid elsewhere, if not at Oakhill.  Tuition was not that much in the late ‘90s, but let’s use it for the sake of argument.  Joel got Drury’s Dean’s Scholarship for $11,000, Drury IB Scholarship for $3,000, Drury Theatre Scholarship for $3,500 and the Bright Flight for $1,750.  That is a total of $19,250 yearly over 4 years which = $77,000.  Joel is covering $77,000 of his own education.  Tuition at Drury is $21,000 per year, so he will cover all but $1,750 of his tuition yearly.  (Room and Board seems to be about the same at the colleges we checked out, so that’s why I did not include it in my calculation- that and the fact that I will buy less food at home and the water bill will be much lower). 

So considering the Roney family and our #2 son, we came out more than $13,000 to the good for an education that instilled in Joel a love for learning, a strong work ethic and confidence that he can accomplish great things!  Honestly, the intangibles alone are worth the 64K!  

Sincerely,

Melinda Roney

More good reading:
Values Added: The Lifelong Returns of an Independent School Education,www.nais.org/files/PDFs/NELSReport_2-3-04_FINAL.pdf.