December 15, 2022 – January 4, 2023
Current School News
Current School News
December 15, 2022 - January 4, 2023
Parent Education Corner
"'Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord' . . . And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'"(Luke 2:8–14)
This week in Advent focuses on "Joy" (gaude) and the candle that is often lit to commemorate this story is the "Shepherd's Candle." The Christmas story teaches us how to rejoice, especially the kind of joy we find in the surprise of a good thing. Consider that this season. While the traditional celebration of Advent and Christmas are important, what are the ways in which we can do things differently this year, within the tradition, that will enrich the season, giving us and our children a deeper sense of joy.
Oaks Family '22–'23 Bible Reading Plan & Scripture Memory
All School
A Gift of Joy!
We do hope you had the great joy of watching The Oaks Christmas Concert, either in person at The Fox or via livestream! It was thoroughly delightful, beautiful, and soul-encouraging, thanks in great part to our extraordinary directress and director, Mrs. Amy Kim and Mr. Gary Woodroof. Their diligent, faithful efforts have resulted in edified students and kind gifts to all of us, for which we thank them profusely. The Oaks family is blessed that God has encouraged them to share their talents with us. Joyous Christmas!
Re-watch The Oaks' 2023 Christmas Concert
Regular Uniform Day (formal not required) - Fri., Dec. 16
*Christmas Socks Welcome!
Friday, December 16, just prior to the Christmas Break will be a regular uniform day. Formal uniforms will not be required this day. And students are welcome to wear their Christmas socks!
Christmas Cantabile - Fri., Dec. 16 [2:45–3:15pm]
Please plan to join us for a special half-hour Christmas Cantabile on Friday, December 16 at 2:45pm.
Basketball Season & Upcoming Family Nights
*Family Night - Fri., Dec. 16
Come cheer on The Oaks high school basketball teams this season. There are several Family Nights planned for our Oaks community and the teams would love your support at any (or all) of the games.
Grab a friend and sign up for a shift at a Family Night! It's a great way to serve the community and your help is always appreciated. All volunteers get a free meal and admission to the game.
Family Night Volunteer Sign-up
Upcoming Home Games (Family Nights denoted):
- Dec. 16 – Oaks vs PCS (Family Night - pulled pork sandwiches)
- Dec. 28 – Oaks vs Flathead Valley *Game times at 4:30pm (JV) & 6pm (Varsity)
- Dec. 29 – Oaks vs Flathead Valley *Game times begin at 2:30pm
- Dec. 30 – Oaks vs Stillwater *Game times begin at 1pm w/JV Ladies
- Jan. 6 – Oaks vs NICS (Family Night - hamburgers)
- Jan. 13 – Oaks vs CHS & CCP
- Jan. 20 – Oaks vs SCCS (Family Night - brats & burgers)
- Jan. 23 – Oaks vs PCA & KCA
- Jan. 27 – Oaks vs KTSI (Senior Night)
- Jan. 30 - Oaks vs CCA *varsity only at 3:45pm
GAME TIMES:
3:45pm –JV Ladies; 5pm – JV Gentlemen;
6:15pm – Varsity Ladies; 7:30pm – Varsity Gentlemen
FAMILY NIGHT DETAILS:
Dinner is served from 5–7pm
$6 per person/$24 family max. includes dinner & admission
For the complete schedule please reference the Basketball page.
Wear your Oaks gear and get ready to cheer! Let's fill the gym with Oaks fans and root on our teams. GO OAKS!!!
Christmas Break - Dec. 19–Jan. 2
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6
Prayers Requested for Goertzen Family's Loss
* Celebration of Life Service - Dec. 28 [5pm]
It is with a heavy heart that we share some difficult news with you. Monday morning, December 12, Mr. Shelby Goertzen, the father of one of our second grade students, died suddenly and unexpectedly at home. Please join us in praying for great grace and comfort for his wife, son, and the entire Goertzen family. There will be a Celebration of Life service December 28 at 5pm at Seventh Day Adventist Church in Coeur d'Alene (111 E Locust Ave).
May we say with the Psalmist,"Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you." (Psalm 33:20 & 22)
Teachers & Office Staff Return - Mon., Jan 2
*Office Open [11am–4pm]
The teacher and office staff will return to school Monday, January 2 beginning at 11am. The office will be open from 11am to 4pm this day.
Kindergarten Priority Applications for Current Families Begin - Jan. 2
Kindergarten priority registration for current school families opens Monday, January 2. To enroll your kindergartner for the 2023-24 school year please complete the Kindergarten Priority Application, available under Forms in Jupiter beginning in January. Further information regarding 2023-24 enrollment for current families will be sent to all families in January.
Classes Resume - Tues., Jan 3
*Cantabile [8:15am]
Classes resume Tuesday, January 3, beginning with Cantabile in the gym at 8:15am
Mid-term Grades Available on Jupiter - Wed., Jan. 4
Mid-term grades will be available to view on Jupiter Wednesday, January 4. Grades may be viewed on the first screen ("To-Do") in Jupiter. Click on the individual class/subject to see details of those grades.
The Gathering Place Closed - Wed., Jan. 4
*Re-opens Wed., Jan. 11
As we head back to school in the new year, The Oaks Coffee Bar will not be open Wednesday, January 4. The Oaks baristas look forward to opening back up and serving you the following Wednesday, January 11!
Friday Pizza Lunch – Place your January Order Now!
* All January orders must be placed by 3pm Wed., Jan. 4.
The January Pizza Lunch Order form is now open on Jupiter. All orders must be submitted by 3pm the Wednesday prior to the 1st Friday of the month. The form will be locked after this time. We will notify you, on this news page, when each month's form is posted. Please note that pizza purchased the day of will be $2 per slice on a first come, first served basis after all pre-orders have been fulfilled.
Lost & Found – Thurs., Jan. 5
*Please label everything - gloves, hats, coats, uniform pieces and more! We want to reunite you with your missing items.
Lost & found items will be set out in the MP foyer on Thursday, January 5. Please stop by to see if anything belongs to your family. All unclaimed items, except uniforms, will be donated at the end of the day. Thank you to all who come by the office to find missing belongings prior to them being placed out. We appreciate your help in keeping the lost & found pile low. Please be sure to label all of your items. We want to return your items to you and labels are a great help in this endeavor.
Fiddler on the Roof Auditions - Jan. 17–20
The Oaks' Theatre is excited to present their Spring Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, May 25–27. Auditions for this performance begin January 17. To audition, print and complete the Fiddler on the Roof audition packet and sign-up on the Audition Board in the MP foyer. Please visit MIT's Fiddler on the Roof Jr.'s page and scroll down to select "Audition Central" for a breakdown of each character's score (music).
Pre-Audition (Lunchtime) Workshops:
*for 6–12th grade students from 12:35–12:55pm
Wed., Jan 11 - Gentlemen (MP11)
Thurs., Jan. 12 - Ladies (MP11)
Audition Dates & Times:
Tues., Jan 17 - Grammar (sing, act, dance)
3:15–5:00pm - Grades 2–6 (MP11)
Wed., Jan. 18 - Logic & Rhetoric (sing, act)
3:15–4:15pm - Ladies, grades 7–12 (MP11)
4:15–5:15pm - Gentlemen, grades 7–12 (MP11)
Thurs., Jan. 19 - Logic & Rhetoric (dance)
3:15–5:00pm - Ladies & Gentlemen, grades 7–12 (Gym)
Fri., Jan. 20 - Call Backs (if necessary)
3:15–5:00pm
Upcoming Open House - Mon., Jan. 16
*RSVP to school office
The first open house of the season is just around the corner on Monday, January 16. Feel free to invite friends and family who are interested in The Oaks to this event. For more information or to RSVP call the school office at 509-536-5955.
Parking Lot Reminders
Please help us to be faithful to our parking agreement with Valley Fourth Church. The parking lot map shows a detailed view of where to park and/or drop-off your child between the hours of 7:00am and 4:00pm. We ask that you share this with anyone driving students to and from school.
School Photos & Student IDs Are In; Check Your Child's Backpack
The individual school photos & student IDs were sent home with your child, so please be sure to check those backpacks.
Snow Day Schoolwork Expectations
When school is cancelled for a snow day, or other weather related reason, students are expected to continue working in preparation for any upcoming tests or assignments. Test schedules and assignment due dates remain the same after school closures. Students should therefore plan to return fully prepared.
Weekend & Holiday Breaks Homework Note
As a policy, homework is not assigned over weekends or holiday breaks. Therefore, homework will not be assigned over the two-week Christmas celebration. However, it is highly encouraged that families take advantage of this time to focus on work that your child may have fallen behind on or could just use some extra preparations for. Using the extra study time in this way can be a benefit and a blessing to your child upon their return and for the entire school year.
2022-23 Yearbook Photos Wanted!
*Upload your photos from the year so far.
Calling all photographers! The yearbook committee is seeking photos for The Oaks' 2022-23 yearbook. There are several ways to submit your photos:
- Email – send your pictures directly to the yearbook photo album at 2022-23yearbook@yogile.com
- Upload – in your Jupiter parent portal go to Materials, select School Office, and click the link for Yearbook Photos. This will take you to a direct link where you can upload your photos.
- Flash Drive – bring your pictures into the school office on a flash drive & we'll upload them for you.
Lots of photos are needed to make an outstanding yearbook, so your help in acquiring a large selection is greatly appreciated!
Upcoming Dates
Office Hours
Mon.–Fri. [8am–4pm]
November 30
- College Brown Bag - Great Northern University [12:35pm]
- Dessert Theatre [6:30pm]
December 1
- 1st Quarter Report Cards Posted
- PM Activity Schedule
- Dessert Theatre [6:30pm]
December 2
- Dessert Theatre [6:30pm]
December 8
- Christmas Sock Day
- Corporate Sponsor & Family Night
December 15
- Christmas Sock Day
- Family Night
December 16
- Advent Celebration Concert [7pm]
December 18
- AM Activity Schedule
- Staff Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition
December 19
- Christmas Concert Rehearsal at The Fox Theater [8:30am–1:00pm]
- Christmas Concert at The Fox [6:45pm]
December 20–January 2
- Christmas Break (No School)
January 1
- Priority Applications Begin for '24–'25 school year
January 2
- Teachers & Office Return to School
- Office Hours are 11am to 4pm
January 3
- Cantabile [8:15am]
- Classes Resume
January 4
- Mid-Term Grades Posted
January 5
- PM Activity Schedule
- Conservatory Winter Classes Begin
- Family Night
Grammar School
Parents, please be sure to read your child's class newsletter which is sent home in backpacks weekly for class specific news items.
Oaks Hoodies - Through Feb.17
Grammar School students will now be allowed to wear their Oaks hoodies during the school day through February 17 (mid-winter break) on non-formal uniform days. Since the Logic & Rhetoric students have been allowed to wear Oaks hoodies, a few families have asked on behalf of their younger children and we are happy to extend this option to the Grammar students as well. Go OAKS!!
Snow Days
Upon returning from snow days students should be prepared to continue the assignment and test schedule published each week in the classroom newsletter. For example, if school is cancelled on Tuesday and a spelling test is scheduled for Wednesday, students should be prepared to return to school ready to take the scheduled spelling test. Snow days are great, unexpected days for creative play, time with family, reading good books, and a little extra time to review school work!
Logic & Rhetoric Schools
Upcoming Activity Schedule Days
The Logic & Rhetoric school will be following an activity schedule (see the posted schedules) on the following dates. Students will follow the modified schedule throughout these days with the activity being denoted in the list below.
Fri., Dec. 16 – PM Activity Schedule
Dance Practice (10–12th grades) TBD (7–9th grades)
*Dance practice begins at 6th period & continues until 2:45pm when the extended Christmas Cantabile begins.
Fri., Jan. 6 – PM Activity Schedule
Dance Practice (10–12th grades) TBD (7–9th grades)
Fri., Jan. 13 – PM Activity Schedule
Dance Practice (10–12th grades) TBD (7–9th grades)
Fri., Jan. 20 – PM Activity Schedule
Dance Practice (10–12th grades) TBD (7–9th grades)
Fri., Jan. 27 – PM Activity Schedule
Dance Practice (10–12th grades) TBD (7–9th grades)
Winter Ball Gown Closet - Thur., Dec. 15
Yes! It's true! The Oaks Protocol team is hosting a winter ball gown event that offers FREE BALL GOWNS to Oaks Rhetoric School ladies who are looking for a lovely dress for the upcoming Winter Ball.
Here's how it works... Beginning December 5th, families who would like to donate a modest formal gown (floor length only for the winter ball) may do so by bringing it to the clothing rack inside the girls locker room. The gown you donate will be freely offered to any young lady in grades 10–12 on Thursday, December 15 during the lunch period or directly after school. If the gown fits, it's hers to keep (or donate back next time)!
We hope this is a blessing to the giver and receiver alike. Please contact Mrs. Woodroof if you have any questions.
Protocol Event: Rhetoric School Winter Ball (10–12th Grades)
An Evening of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty - Sat., Jan., 28
WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 2022 from 5–9pm
WHERE: Spokane Club
WHAT: An evening of truth, goodness, and beauty to include a formal dinner and ballroom dancing
ATTIRE: Formal attire (also known as black tie attire) is more formal than business attire and slightly less formal than white tie. It is the most common formal dress code for events such as weddings, balls, formal dinners, and theatre.
When choosing your attire for this event please be mindful of both modesty and preferring others. This event is designed to be a blessing for all in attendance. Thinking of others when making your clothing selections helps to ensure a beautiful evening.
- Ladies - formal, floor length evening gown or ball gown skirt (full coverage, wide strapped; nothing revealing, strapless, or with high slits); simple, non-dangly jewelry; dress shoes; dress wrap or jacket - Ladies' Protocol Attire Ideas
- Gentlemen - suit in a dark color, white shirt, and traditional bow tie or tuxedo (dark vest with suit jacket, pocket squares, cufflinks, and shirt studs are all acceptable); dark dress socks and dress shoes; no gloves or hat. - Gentlemen's Protocol Attire Ideas
PREPARATION: Etiquette review and training with Mr. & Mrs. Trotter will take place during the school day for all 10th through 12th grade students.
PSAT Score Reports Available
Parents of 9th, 10th, and 11th graders: If your child took the PSAT in October, the test scores are ready and were passed out to students, along with their test booklets. These resources are helpful if your child chooses to create a personalized SAT study plan based on the questions they missed on the PSAT. The PSAT is meant to be a predictor of SAT success. The College Board's, Understanding Scores provides Information on how to understand the Score Report. Please contact Mrs. Lynn Gibson for further questions.
Lands' End School Starboard Scholarship, due Jan. 19
Students in 8–12th grades who display excellent leadership skills are invited to compete for one of 24 scholarships worth $5,000. The deadline is Jan. 19, 2023. For details check out Lands' End website.
DECEMBER SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION
Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to our father Abraham: to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
- Luke 1:68-79
Grammar School
Parents, please be sure to read your child's class newsletter which is sent home in backpacks weekly for class specific news items.
Oaks Hoodies - Through Feb.17
Grammar School students will now be allowed to wear their Oaks hoodies during the school day through February 17 (mid-winter break) on non-formal uniform days. Since the Logic & Rhetoric students have been allowed to wear Oaks hoodies, a few families have asked on behalf of their younger children and we are happy to extend this option to the Grammar students as well. Go OAKS!!
Snow Days
Upon returning from snow days students should be prepared to continue the assignment and test schedule published each week in the classroom newsletter. For example, if school is cancelled on Tuesday and a spelling test is scheduled for Wednesday, students should be prepared to return to school ready to take the scheduled spelling test. Snow days are great, unexpected days for creative play, time with family, reading good books, and a little extra time to review school work!
Logic & Rhetoric Schools
Upcoming Activity Schedule Days
The Logic & Rhetoric school will be following an activity schedule (see the posted schedules) on the following dates. Students will follow the modified schedule throughout these days with the activity being denoted in the list below.
Fri., Dec. 16 – PM Activity Schedule
Dance Practice (10–12th grades) TBD (7–9th grades)
*Dance practice begins at 6th period & continues until 2:45pm when the extended Christmas Cantabile begins.
Fri., Jan. 6 – PM Activity Schedule
Dance Practice (10–12th grades) TBD (7–9th grades)
Fri., Jan. 13 – PM Activity Schedule
Dance Practice (10–12th grades) TBD (7–9th grades)
Fri., Jan. 20 – PM Activity Schedule
Dance Practice (10–12th grades) TBD (7–9th grades)
Fri., Jan. 27 – PM Activity Schedule
Dance Practice (10–12th grades) TBD (7–9th grades)
Winter Ball Gown Closet - Thur., Dec. 15
Yes! It's true! The Oaks Protocol team is hosting a winter ball gown event that offers FREE BALL GOWNS to Oaks Rhetoric School ladies who are looking for a lovely dress for the upcoming Winter Ball.
Here's how it works... Beginning December 5th, families who would like to donate a modest formal gown (floor length only for the winter ball) may do so by bringing it to the clothing rack inside the girls locker room. The gown you donate will be freely offered to any young lady in grades 10–12 on Thursday, December 15 during the lunch period or directly after school. If the gown fits, it's hers to keep (or donate back next time)!
We hope this is a blessing to the giver and receiver alike. Please contact Mrs. Woodroof if you have any questions.
Protocol Event: Rhetoric School Winter Ball (10–12th Grades)
An Evening of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty - Sat., Jan., 28
WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 2022 from 5–9pm
WHERE: Spokane Club
WHAT: An evening of truth, goodness, and beauty to include a formal dinner and ballroom dancing
ATTIRE: Formal attire (also known as black tie attire) is more formal than business attire and slightly less formal than white tie. It is the most common formal dress code for events such as weddings, balls, formal dinners, and theatre.
When choosing your attire for this event please be mindful of both modesty and preferring others. This event is designed to be a blessing for all in attendance. Thinking of others when making your clothing selections helps to ensure a beautiful evening.
- Ladies - formal, floor length evening gown or ball gown skirt (full coverage, wide strapped; nothing revealing, strapless, or with high slits); simple, non-dangly jewelry; dress shoes; dress wrap or jacket - Ladies' Protocol Attire Ideas
- Gentlemen - suit in a dark color, white shirt, and traditional bow tie or tuxedo (dark vest with suit jacket, pocket squares, cufflinks, and shirt studs are all acceptable); dark dress socks and dress shoes; no gloves or hat. - Gentlemen's Protocol Attire Ideas
PREPARATION: Etiquette review and training with Mr. & Mrs. Trotter will take place during the school day for all 10th through 12th grade students.
PSAT Score Reports Available
Parents of 9th, 10th, and 11th graders: If your child took the PSAT in October, the test scores are ready and were passed out to students, along with their test booklets. These resources are helpful if your child chooses to create a personalized SAT study plan based on the questions they missed on the PSAT. The PSAT is meant to be a predictor of SAT success. The College Board's, Understanding Scores provides Information on how to understand the Score Report. Please contact Mrs. Lynn Gibson for further questions.
Lands' End School Starboard Scholarship, due Jan. 19
Students in 8–12th grades who display excellent leadership skills are invited to compete for one of 24 scholarships worth $5,000. The deadline is Jan. 19, 2023. For details check out Lands' End website.
Upcoming Dates
Office Hours
Mon.–Fri. [8am–4pm]
November 30
- College Brown Bag - Great Northern University [12:35pm]
- Dessert Theatre [6:30pm]
December 1
- 1st Quarter Report Cards Posted
- PM Activity Schedule
- Dessert Theatre [6:30pm]
December 2
- Dessert Theatre [6:30pm]
December 8
- Christmas Sock Day
- Corporate Sponsor & Family Night
December 15
- Christmas Sock Day
- Family Night
December 16
- Advent Celebration Concert [7pm]
December 18
- AM Activity Schedule
- Staff Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition
December 19
- Christmas Concert Rehearsal at The Fox Theater [8:30am–1:00pm]
- Christmas Concert at The Fox [6:45pm]
December 20–January 2
- Christmas Break (No School)
January 1
- Priority Applications Begin for '24–'25 school year
January 2
- Teachers & Office Return to School
- Office Hours are 11am to 4pm
January 3
- Cantabile [8:15am]
- Classes Resume
January 4
- Mid-Term Grades Posted
January 5
- PM Activity Schedule
- Conservatory Winter Classes Begin
- Family Night