February 16 - March 1, 2023

Current School News

Current School News

February 16 - March 1, 2023

Parent Education Corner

Why is it that our good desires don't always match our bad habits? This is where understanding the concept of habit can be helpful. In The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business, Charles Duhigg explains it this way:

Habits are powerful, but delicate. They can emerge outside our consciousness, or can be deliberately designed. They often occur without our permission, but can be reshaped by fiddling with their parts. They shape our lives far more than we realize–they are so strong, in fact, that they cause our brains to cling to them at the exclusion of all else, including common sense.

Notice here that habits are things we are not conscious of. They are sub-rational, that is to say, they form almost without notice. We may be surprised about why our life is not what we want it to be, but we fail to examine the habits that lie beneath the surface. This is true both individually and collectively. Just as a person has good or bad habits, so a family, school, or corporation has good or bad habits. Consider this in light of the home. Do we have a paideia of the Lord in our home? How do habits contribute or take away from building that?

Oaks Family '22–'23 Bible Reading Plan & Scripture Memory

All School

Picture Re-Takes, Class Photos, & All School Photo - Fri., Feb. 17

The all-school photo, re-takes, and class photos are scheduled for Friday, February 17. As with every Friday, formal uniforms shall be worn by all students.

Class Photos: Order packets are available in the school office or may be placed online here, using the code: GR1222141. When placing an online order please complete an order packet from the office for your child to turn in to the photographer on picture day.

Basketball Skill Development - Saturdays, beginning Feb. 18

Beginning Saturday, February 18 one of The Oaks' varsity basketball coaches, Mr. Jeff Schlect, is offering skills development for any 3rd–8th grader. This is a fun opportunity to spend time shooting hoops with your child while receiving coaching; it is not a drop-off event. Coach Schlect will be facilitating this open gym time at The Oaks from 9–10:30am Saturday, February 18, February 25, March 11, and March 18.

Mid-Winter Break - Feb. 20–24 [No School]

Enjoy the mid-winter break. We look forward to welcoming you all back on Monday, February 27.

Reminder: No Oaks Sweatshirts After Break

On non-formal uniform days this fall/winter Oaks students have had the opportunity to wear their Oaks hoodies and crew necks during the school day. As a reminder, upon returning from mid-winter break, as we head into spring, Oaks sweatshirts will no longer be acceptable uniform items during the school day. 

Lands' End - Refresh Springtime Wardrobe & Save! – Feb. 9–24

February 9–24 – 40% off school uniform bottoms & 20% off everything else
Lands' End website – School Number: 900069105
Code: PENCIL – Pin: 1356
Sale Flyer

The Sound of Music Theatre News

Rehearsals for The Sound of Music begin Monday, February 27, directly after mid-winter break. The full cast read through will start at 3:15pm, followed by parent/cast meeting from 4:45–5:15. For the complete rehearsal schedule please subscribe to The Oaks Theatre's Google calendar, available on The Oaks Theatre page of the website (*please note, this page will be updated with details for The Sound of Music, but the calendar has already been updated.) Please contact Mrs. Teri Woodroof or Mrs. Amy Kim with any questions.

The Sound of Music will be performed May 25–27 at ONE* Church on Sullivan.

Upcoming Open Houses - Tues., Feb. 28 & Mar. 21
*RSVP online

Open House Flyer

There are still two open houses upcoming for the current enrollment season on Tuesdays, February 28 and March 21. Feel free to invite friends and family who are interested in The Oaks to an open house. To RSVP please use the Open House RSVP Form or call the school office at 509-536-5955 for more information.

Friday Pizza Lunch – Place your March Order Now!
* All March orders must be placed by 3pm Wed., Mar. 1.

The March Pizza Lunch Order form is now open on Jupiter. All orders must be submitted by 3pm the Wednesday prior to the 1st Friday Pizza Lunch of the month. The form will be locked after this time. Please call the office prior to the due date if you have questions or need to make modifications to your order. 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.

Monthly Jupiter Invoice Reminder

As a reminder, any family with a current balance owing in Jupiter will receive an invoice on the 1st of each month. At this time, those who have children enrolled in both grammar & secondary will receive two invoices. We have contacted Jupiter to fix this, but in the meantime please know that the second invoice is a duplicate of the first. Providing you with this monthly invoice is intended to be a blessing and provide an additional level of service. Please contact Mrs. Michelle Lily, Oaks Bookkeeper, if you have questions regarding your invoice. Mrs. Anya Schnell is available for questions regarding Jupiter.

Talent Show Tryouts
*Sign-up March 3
*Auditions week of March 6

Sign-ups for The Oaks' Talent Show are right around the corner! Sign-ups will be available March 3. Auditions will be the week of March 6, and selected participants will be announced on March 10 with the Talent Show to follow on Friday, March 24, at 6:30pm. There are some fun additions to this year's event, so be sure to mark your calendar whether or not your child is participating.

Continuous Enrollment & Priority Registration for 2023-24
* Enrollment Fee Automatic Bank Payment Drafted Mon., Mar. 6

The 2023-24 enrollment season has now begun. Current kindergarten through 11th grade students have been automatically enrolled for the upcoming school year. The enrollment fee for all re-enrolling students and  new students from current families will be automatically drafted on Monday, March 6. Please read the Continuous Enrollment Letter and Information for complete details.

Mother/Daughter Tea - Sat., Mar. 25 [8:30am]

Save the date for the Mother/Daughter Tea Saturday, March 25 at 8:30am in The Oaks' Gymnasium. Mrs. Judy Palpant, mother of Mr. Ben Palpant and grandmother to Oaks students and alumni, will be speaking at this year's tea. Plan to attend and enjoy good conversation on what it means to be a woman, while enjoying delightful refreshment. Stay tuned for more details.

RSVP
Volunteer SignUp
Mother/Daughter Tea Flyer

Cantabile - 2nd Semester Updates & Appreciation

With the beginning of a new semester we wanted to take a moment to thank all those parents who attend Cantabile regularly. It's a joy to see the Oaks family come together to sing to our Lord as we begin and conclude each week. Even if you are only able to make it occasionally, we love having you there! As you are aware, Bible reading is an important part of Cantabile and at the start of the semester Mr. Trotter introduced a short liturgy that is being incorporated into the Bible reading (see below). God gives us many good gifts and the gift of His word is at the top of the list. As The Oaks family let's teach and train our children to love this wonderful gift, His Word! At the end of Cantabile Mr. Dowers is teaching us all a Puritan prayer for Monday mornings and a Prayer for Guidance for Friday afternoons (see below) that we, as a family, will be memorizing and reciting throughout the 2nd semester. We hope that these pieces will be a joy and encouragement to your own family as we grow and lean into God's abundant goodness as an Oaks family.

BIBLE READING LITURGY
What is this book?
The Bible
What is found in the Bible?
The very Word of God
What do we know about God's Word?
It is True
Because it is True, what should we do?
With a glad heart, listen and obey

A PURITAN PRAYER
(Monday mornings)
O Lord, as I cross the threshold of this day I commit myself, soul, body, affairs, and friends, to Thy care.
Watch over, keep, guide, sanctify, and bless me.
Let those around see me living by Thy Spirit, transformed by a renewed mind, clad in the whole armor of God, showing holiness in all my doings.
May I speak each word as if my last word, and walk each step as my final one.
If my life should end today, let this be my best day.
In the name of our Lord Jesus we pray.
Amen

PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE
(Friday afternoons)
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings,
with thy most gracious favor,
and further us with thy continual help;
that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee,
we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally,
by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2023-24 Significant Dates Calendar
* Updated Christmas Concert Date & Christmas Break

The 2023-24 Significant Dates calendar is now available on the Schedules page under Significant Dates and these dates have been added to The Oaks' Google calendar. Further events for the upcoming year will be added to the school calendar as they are available, so subscribing to the Google calendar is recommended.

The 2023 Christmas Concert Date has been adjusted to Tuesday, December 19 and then Christmas Break will begin Wednesday, December 20. This is a modification from what was previously communicated.

Second Quarter Report Cards Now Available
Proverbs for Parents

The 2nd quarter report cards are now posted on Jupiter. To view your child's report card, log into your Jupiter parent portal and select Report Card from the menu. Please contact Oaks Registrar, Anya Schnell, if you have any Jupiter questions. 

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]

September 29

  • Weekly Formal Uniform
  • Cantabile [3pm]
  • Family Night

October 2

  • Cantabile [8:15am]

October 3

  • College Brown Bag - Dordt University [12:35pm]

October 4

  • PSAT Prep - Virtual Presentation - 11th grade [11:30–12:30]
  • College Brown Bag - George Fox Honors College [12:35pm]
  • PSAT Prep - Virtual Presentation - 9th & 10th grade [3:15–4:15]

October 5

  • College Brown Bag - New Saint Andrews College [12:35pm]

October 6

  • Weekly Formal Uniform
  • Cantabile [3pm]

October 9

  • Cantabile [8:15am]
  • College Financial Aid Scholarship Meeting [7pm]

October 11

  • College Brown Bag - Eastern Washington University [12:35pm]

October 13

  • Weekly Formal Uniform
  • College Brown Bag - Colorado Christian University [12:35pm]
  • Cantabile [3pm]
  • Family Night

October 14

  • Father-Son Breakfast [8am]

October 16

  • Cantabile [8:15am]

October 17

  • College Brown Bag - University of Idaho [12:35pm]

October 18

  • Mid-Term Grades Posted
  • College Brown Bag - Gonzaga University [12:35pm]
  • Cantabile [3pm]
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences Begin [evening]

October 19–20

  • No School
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences

October 21

  • Jr High Volleyball Tournament

October 23

  • Cantabile [8:15am]

October 25

  • PSAT Test

October 26

  • College Brown Bag - Whitworth University [12:35pm]
  • Instrumental Concert [7pm]

October 27

  • Half-Day of School
  • Grandparents' Day
  • Weekly Formal Uniform
  • Cantabile [12:15pm]
  • Family Night

October 28

  • JV Volleyball Tournament

October 30

  • Cantabile [8:15am]
  • Grand Tour Meeting [7pm]

November 2

  • College Brown Bag - Carrol College [12:35pm]

November 3

  • Weekly Formal Uniform
  • Soccer Tournament
  • Cantabile [3pm]

November 3–4

  • Varsity Volleyball Tournament
Mother Daughter Tea

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.

Silverwood's Reading is the Ticket

Silverwood Theme Park is once again offering Oaks students the opportunity to participate in their Reading is the Ticket program and earn a free ticket for reading. Information will be sent home with your child before mid-winter break, so check those back packs for more details.

Classroom Speech Meets
Mon.–Wed., Mar. 13–15
*Updated with times

This year's Grammar School Classroom Speech Meets will take place Monday through Wednesday, March 13 through 15 (schedule below).

All students should have their pieces memorized by Friday, March 3.

MONDAY, MARCH 13
– 1:00 PM –
6th Grade (CE3)

TUESDAY, MARCH 14
– 8:45 AM –
3rd Grade-Kimball (Classroom)
5th Grade-A (Sanctuary)
– 1:00 PM –
1st Grade-Rickert (CE3)
– 2:00 PM –
2nd Grade-Liimakka (CE3)
4th Grade-T.Szymanowski (Classroom)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15
– 8:45 AM –
3rd Grade-Mewes (Classroom)
5th Grade-B (Sanctuary)
– 1:00 PM –
1st Grade-Holland (CE3)
– 2:00 PM –
2nd Grade-Jones (CE3)
4th Grade-L.Szymanowski (Classroom)

Logic & Rhetoric Schools

Protocol Photos Available on Jupiter

The Oaks' 2023 Protocol event was a lovely evening, enjoyed by all, and we are so thankful to have some beautiful photographs of the event. These photos are now available to Oaks parents via Jupiter. To view them, log into your Jupiter parent portal, select Materials, then School Office where the 2023 Protocol Photos link is available. Feel free to download and print any pictures you would like.

ACCS Blakey Prize in Fine Arts Competition
*Entry deadlines: Mar. 14 & Apr. 7

High school students (grades 9–12) from ACCS member schools are invited to compete with their peers from other ACCS member schools in a national visual arts competition. This competition has four categories, drawing, painting, apparel, and greeting cards, in which students may enter. For details please visit the ACCS Blakey Prize in Fine Arts Competition website and contact Mr. Trotter if you are interested in submitting an entry.

SAT School Day for Juniors – Wed., Mar. 22

Juniors and their parents, please read the SAT School Day Flyer from The Oaks College Advisor, Mrs. Lynn Gibson regarding the upcoming SAT School Day on Wednesday, March 22, in which all juniors are required to participate. Please contact Mrs. Gibson for questions.

Upcoming Activity Schedule Days

The Logic & Rhetoric Schools 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., Feb. 17 – AM Activity Schedule
All School Photo

FEBRUARY SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
- Romans 1:16–17

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.

Silverwood's Reading is the Ticket

Silverwood Theme Park is once again offering Oaks students the opportunity to participate in their Reading is the Ticket program and earn a free ticket for reading. Information will be sent home with your child before mid-winter break, so check those back packs for more details.

Classroom Speech Meets
Mon.–Wed., Mar. 13–15
*Updated with times

This year's Grammar School Classroom Speech Meets will take place Monday through Wednesday, March 13 through 15 (schedule below).

All students should have their pieces memorized by Friday, March 3.

MONDAY, MARCH 13
– 1:00 PM –
6th Grade (CE3)

TUESDAY, MARCH 14
– 8:45 AM –
3rd Grade-Kimball (Classroom)
5th Grade-A (Sanctuary)
– 1:00 PM –
1st Grade-Rickert (CE3)
– 2:00 PM –
2nd Grade-Liimakka (CE3)
4th Grade-T.Szymanowski (Classroom)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15
– 8:45 AM –
3rd Grade-Mewes (Classroom)
5th Grade-B (Sanctuary)
– 1:00 PM –
1st Grade-Holland (CE3)
– 2:00 PM –
2nd Grade-Jones (CE3)
4th Grade-L.Szymanowski (Classroom)

Logic & Rhetoric Schools

Protocol Photos Available on Jupiter

The Oaks' 2023 Protocol event was a lovely evening, enjoyed by all, and we are so thankful to have some beautiful photographs of the event. These photos are now available to Oaks parents via Jupiter. To view them, log into your Jupiter parent portal, select Materials, then School Office where the 2023 Protocol Photos link is available. Feel free to download and print any pictures you would like.

ACCS Blakey Prize in Fine Arts Competition
*Entry deadlines: Mar. 14 & Apr. 7

High school students (grades 9–12) from ACCS member schools are invited to compete with their peers from other ACCS member schools in a national visual arts competition. This competition has four categories, drawing, painting, apparel, and greeting cards, in which students may enter. For details please visit the ACCS Blakey Prize in Fine Arts Competition website and contact Mr. Trotter if you are interested in submitting an entry.

SAT School Day for Juniors – Wed., Mar. 22

Juniors and their parents, please read the SAT School Day Flyer from The Oaks College Advisor, Mrs. Lynn Gibson regarding the upcoming SAT School Day on Wednesday, March 22, in which all juniors are required to participate. Please contact Mrs. Gibson for questions.

Upcoming Activity Schedule Days

The Logic & Rhetoric Schools 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., Feb. 17 – AM Activity Schedule
All School Photo

Upcoming Dates

Office Hours
Mon.–Fri. [8am–4pm]

September 29

  • Weekly Formal Uniform
  • Cantabile [3pm]
  • Family Night

October 2

  • Cantabile [8:15am]

October 3

  • College Brown Bag - Dordt University [12:35pm]

October 4

  • PSAT Prep - Virtual Presentation - 11th grade [11:30–12:30]
  • College Brown Bag - George Fox Honors College [12:35pm]
  • PSAT Prep - Virtual Presentation - 9th & 10th grade [3:15–4:15]

October 5

  • College Brown Bag - New Saint Andrews College [12:35pm]

October 6

  • Weekly Formal Uniform
  • Cantabile [3pm]

October 9

  • Cantabile [8:15am]
  • College Financial Aid Scholarship Meeting [7pm]

October 11

  • College Brown Bag - Eastern Washington University [12:35pm]

October 13

  • Weekly Formal Uniform
  • College Brown Bag - Colorado Christian University [12:35pm]
  • Cantabile [3pm]
  • Family Night

October 14

  • Father-Son Breakfast [8am]

October 16

  • Cantabile [8:15am]

October 17

  • College Brown Bag - University of Idaho [12:35pm]

October 18

  • Mid-Term Grades Posted
  • College Brown Bag - Gonzaga University [12:35pm]
  • Cantabile [3pm]
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences Begin [evening]

October 19–20

  • No School
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences

October 21

  • Jr High Volleyball Tournament

October 23

  • Cantabile [8:15am]

October 25

  • PSAT Test

October 26

  • College Brown Bag - Whitworth University [12:35pm]
  • Instrumental Concert [7pm]

October 27

  • Half-Day of School
  • Grandparents' Day
  • Weekly Formal Uniform
  • Cantabile [12:15pm]
  • Family Night

October 28

  • JV Volleyball Tournament

October 30

  • Cantabile [8:15am]
  • Grand Tour Meeting [7pm]

November 2

  • College Brown Bag - Carrol College [12:35pm]

November 3

  • Weekly Formal Uniform
  • Soccer Tournament
  • Cantabile [3pm]

November 3–4

  • Varsity Volleyball Tournament