March 14–20, 2024
Current School News
Current School News
March 14–20, 2024
A Thought To Savor
"'When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house – she brought an alabaster jar of perfume.' Luke 7:37
It is wonderful how genuine goodness draws to itself the unfortunate, the troubled, the friendless, the outcast, the fallen. Wherever Jesus went these classes always found Him out and gathered about Him. It was because He was the true, unselfish friend of all men. They found sympathy in Him. He would listen to their story. Though He was the sinless One, there was yet no air of "I am holier than you" about Him. He was just as gentle to an outcast sinner as to a religious Nicodemus. No matter who reached out a hand for help. He was ready to grasp it. One of the truest things ever said of Jesus was the prophetic word concerning him, 'He shall not break a bruised reed!' He always dealt most gently with sore spirits and with bruised hearts!
Those who want to be useful in this world must have the same qualities as Jesus. There is a kind of false "holiness" which draws nobody to itself but rather repels. Genuine holiness, however, wins its way everywhere into men's hearts. The secret of it all is in living 'not to be served, but to serve;' in considering one's self not too good to serve the unworthiest of God's creatures. If we live in this world to be served we shall be of no use to anyone. But if we live to minister to others, yearning to be of service to everyone we meet then our life will be of great worth. The hungry-hearted and the soul-needy will be drawn to us and God will love to put work into our hands.
We need, too, to train ourselves to exceeding gentleness in dealing with human souls in their spiritual crises. Many earnest people, in the excess of their zeal do incalculable harm to those whom they greatly desire to help. People with sore and bruised hearts usually need loving sympathy and strong, kindly friendship much more than they need a lecture in theology!"
– J.R. Miller, Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ
Bible Reading Plan – Cantabile Entry Song
Cantabile Prayers
The Oaks Acorn has gone online! This student led newspaper is now available under the Parent tab.
All School
Lands' End Sale – Penny Logos!
March 8–15 – get the school's logo applied for a penny
Lands' End website – School Number: 900069105
Code: PENNYLOGO
Sale Flyer
Cantabile - Wed., Mar. 20 [3pm]
Cantabile will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 3:00pm, at the conclusion of the school week, leading into parent/teacher conferences.
Parent/Teacher Conferences - Mar. 20–22
*sign-ups available online!
March '24 Parent/Teacher Conference Sign-ups
Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences are just around the corner. This is a great opportunity to partner with your child's teacher as you seek to raise your child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Grammar School conferences are mandatory for all families and are scheduled for Thursday & Friday, March 21 & 22. Sixth grade conferences follow the Logic & Rhetoric School schedule.
Logic & Rhetoric School conferences are highly encouraged and are scheduled for Wednesday evening & throughout Thursday & Friday, March 20–22. Conferences in the Logic & Rhetoric School are done in a group format where parents will meet with multiple teachers at one time. We ask that families sign up for no more than 3 teachers for each student so that all families have an opportunity to conference with teachers. Please let the office know if you need to meet with more than 3 teachers.
To sign up for conferences please select the desired time under each of your child's teachers' tabs. Please contact the school office if you need any assistance.
No School - Thurs. & Fri., Mar. 21 & 22
There will be no school on Thursday, March 21 or Friday, March 22 so that parents and teachers have the opportunity to conference with one another.
CONSERVATORY NEWS:
Masterworks Masterclass - Sat., May 11
*Register by Mar. 29 for best seats!
The Oaks Conservatory is looking forward to hosting their 2nd Masterworks Masterclass on Saturday, May 11. Participants will enjoy a delicious meal at The Oaks while learning about the evening's performance from Conservatory Instructor, Mr. John Gardner, and then attend the symphony at the Fox Theater downtown. For more information about this event and to register, please visit the Conservatory website. For the best seats, be sure to register by March 29!
Conservatory Honors for Washington State Music Artistry
This past week, 15 Oaks Conservatory students participated in the Washington State Artistry Program at the Steinway Piano Gallery. Each pianist performed 2 memorized pieces for a distinguished adjudicator and had the opportunity to work one-on-one with a visiting artist, receiving valuable feedback and encouragement to help maintain standards of fine musicianship. Of the 300 student performers from all over Spokane, 45 were selected for a Steinway honors recital, including our own Oaks Conservatory students, Jordan Oswald (5th) and Vasi Arger (6th). Oaks Conservatory students, Anastasia Oswald (1st), Anna Garriques (10th), and Adelaide Jones (10th) were among another 50 students who received an honorable mention for their excellent performances. Congratulations to all who participated!
Cantabile - Thurs., Mar. 28 [3pm]
Cantabile will be held on Thursday, March 28 at 3:00pm, at the conclusion of the school week, leading into Easter weekend.
No School Good Friday - Fri., Mar. 29
There will be no school on Friday, March 29 in observation of Good Friday.
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life a ransom for many."
– Mark 10:45
Late Start Easter Monday – Mon., Apr. 1
*Cantabile [9:15 am]
*Ladies' Prayer [9:30am]
Easter Monday, April 1, there will be a late start with Cantabile beginning at 9:15am and Ladies' Prayer beginning at 9:30am. Students will follow an AM Activity Day schedule this day.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
– John 3:16
Upcoming Financial Aid Meetings for 2024-25 School Year
* Attendance required for '24-'25 tuition assistance
* RSVP to Anya Schnell
If you are interested in receiving financial aid for the 2024-25 school year, Mr. Dowers will be hosting four informational meetings regarding The Oaks' tuition assistance program throughout April (dates & times below). Attendance at one of these meetings is required in order to apply for financial aid for the 2024-25 school year. Please RSVP to Mrs. Anya Schnell, so that we can plan accordingly. These will be the only meeting times available prior to the end of the school year and your family's first tuition payment for the upcoming year.
2024-25 Financial Aid Meetings
Tuesday, April 2 [3:15–3:45pm]
Friday, April 5 [7:45–8:15am]
Wednesday, April 10 [4:30–5:00pm]
Tuesday, April 23 [4:30–5:00pm]
Friday Pizza Lunch – April Orders Due by 3pm Wed., Apr. 3
It's time to place your April Pizza Lunch Order. 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. Please note that pizza purchased the day of will be $3 per slice on a first come, first serve basis after all pre-orders have been fulfilled.
Pizza Lunch Volunteer Sign-ups
The hot lunch crew is seeking volunteers to help serve pizza on Fridays through the rest of the school year. If you are willing and available, please sign up.
March Pizza Friday Volunteer Sign-up
April Pizza Friday Volunteer Sign-up
May/June Pizza Friday Volunteer Sign-up
Senior Thesis Presentations - April 5–6
The seniors are presenting and defending their theses the evening of Friday, April 5th and morning of Saturday, April 6th. All are welcome to attend these presentations. Please see the attached schedule for a complete listing of times and topics. The schedule is also available on The Oaks' Google calendar.
2024 Senior Thesis Presentations
Senior Thesis Request for Help
With Senior Thesis Presentations just around the corner, Rhetoric Teacher, Mr. Kevin Kimball is requesting help from our Oaks families. If you are willing and able to help with judging and/or technical support please contact Mr. Kimball.
- Judging: Judging consists of (1) asking a few questions to the students after their speech and (2) giving feedback to the advisor to assist the advisor in grading. More detailed information, including tips for asking good questions, will be gladly provided to anyone interested. If you would like to judge, please let Mr. Kimball know the times and topics you prefer.
- Audience: We would love to have you as a guest at the thesis presentations to hear the many interesting topics the seniors have prepared. You and your child will have the opportunity to see where younger Oaks students are heading. This is the culmination of the rhetoric training and overall education at The Oaks, and the seniors would be honored to have a good size audience.
- Technical Support: The speeches will be recorded and shared with the students' families. Help recording the speeches would be greatly appreciated. Please let Mr. Kimball know if you are able to assist.
Thank you for your supporting our seniors!
Spring Concerts [6:30pm]
*Tues., Apr. 9 – Grammar School Choir & Jr High Orchestra
*Tues., Apr. 30 – Logic & Rhetoric School Choirs & High School Orchestra
As the grass greens and the birds sing, it's time for us to make music with them. Please plan to attend either or both of the spring concerts on Tuesday, April 9 for Grammar School (JrK–6th) and 7–8th Orchestra and on Tuesday, April 30 for 7–8th Choir, 9–12th Choir, and 9–12th Orchestra. These opportunities to share what students have been learning and working diligently to present with beauty and grace are considered foundational to our music education, so all students are expected to participate in their respective group's concert. You are encouraged to invite family and friends to these performances which will be held in Valley Fourth Memorial Church's Sanctuary beginning at 6:30pm.
Father/Son Breakfast - Sat., May 4 [8–10am] *RSVP by Wed., May 1!
All Oaks grandfathers, fathers, and sons are invited to attend The Oaks' annual Father/Son Breakfast on Saturday, May 4 from 8:00 to 10:00am in the Great Hall. We are looking forward to a great event with lots of bacon! Please RSVP for this event no later than Wednesday, May 1.
First Semester Honor Roll
Congratulations to those Oaks students who made the Honor Roll for the 1st Semester of the 2023-24 school year!
HELPFUL LINKS:
Fiddler Cast & Crew Information Page
Attendance/Tardy Policy (effective 2/5/24)
2023-24 Volunteer Sign-up
Parking Lot Flow
YEARBOOK PHOTOS (E-mail): 23-24-yearbook@yogile.com
YEARBOOK PHOTOS (Upload): Jupiter –> Materials –> School Office –> Yearbook Photos
Upcoming Dates
October 8
- Grand Tour Meeting (11th Grade) [7–9pm]
October 9
- Weekly Formal Uniform Day
- Ladies' Prayer [8:30–9:15am]
- Cantabile [3pm]
October 12
- Cantabile [8:15am]
- College Financial Aid Scholarship Meeting [7-8:30pm]
October 13
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Seattle Pacific University [12:35-1:00pm]
October 14
- Mid-Term Grades Posted [8am]
- Cantabile [3pm]
October 15
- PSAT Test [8:30–11:30am]
- SAT Test [12:30–3:30pm]
October 14–16
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 15–16
- No School
October 19
- Cantabile [8:15am]
October 20
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Hillsdale College [12:35-1:00pm]
October 21
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Eastern Washington University [12:35-1:00pm]
October 23
- Weekly Formal Uniform Day
- Ladies' Prayer [8:30–9:15am]
- Cantabile [3pm]
- Family Night [4pm]
October 24
- MCL Jr High Volleyball Tournament
- Annual Fall Friends of The Oaks Event [5–8pm]
October 26
- Cantabile [8:15am]
October 29
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Whitworth University [12:35-1:00pm]
October 30
- Half-day [8:30am–12:15pm]
- Grandparents' Day
- Weekly Formal Uniform Day
- Cantabile [12pm]
- Family Night/Senior Night [4pm]
October 31
- MCL JV Volleyball Tournament
November 2
- Cantabile [8:15am]
November 3
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Washington State University [12:35-1:00pm]
November 6
- Weekly Formal Uniform Day
- Ladies' Prayer [8:30–9:15am]
- Cantabile [3pm]
November 6-7
- MCL Boys Soccer Tournament
- MCL Varsity Volleyball Tournament
November 9
- Cantabile [8:15am]
November 10
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Gonzaga University [12:35-1:00pm]
November 11
- High School Boys & Girls Basketball Begins
November 12
- College Brown Bag Lunch - University of Idaho [12:35-1:00pm]
November 12-13
- NW ACCS Administrators Conference
November 13
- Weekly Formal Uniform Day
- Ladies' Prayer [8:30–9:15am]
- Cantabile [3pm]
- Talent Show [6:30pm]
Grammar School
Please refer to your child's Weekly Letter for class specific information.
Silverwood Read 2 Ride Program
*Updated Due Date - Mon., Mar. 25
Silverwood Theme Park is once again offering Oaks students the opportunity to participate in their Read 2 Ride program and earn a ticket for free admission just by reading. The below information was sent home with your child before mid-winter break. *Please note that the due date has been updated to Monday, March 25.
Silverwood Read 2 Ride Program Information
Speech Meet
This year's Grammar School Classroom Speech Meets will be taking place March 19 and 20. The qualifying students will then present their speeches to the entire Grammar School at the Speech Meet Assembly.
Classroom Speech Meet:
Tuesday–Wednesday, March 19–20
*All speeches will take place in the Choir Room
TUESDAY, MARCH 19
8:45am – 1st Grade – Order of Speeches
9:45am – 2nd Grade – Order of Speeches
11:00am – 3rd Grade – Order of Speeches
1:00pm – 4th Grade – Order of Speeches
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
8:45am – 5th Grade – Order of Speeches
10:45am – 6th Grade – Order of Speeches
*Grammar School lunch will take place in classrooms these two days
Speech Meet Assembly:
Tuesday, April 2
*Parents and guests are welcome to join us in the Great Hall at 1pm to enjoy the presentations and congratulate our finalists.
Secondary Siblings Attending Speeches:
*Parent note due 1 day prior
Parents who would like their secondary child to attend a grammar sibling's speech must turn in a note to the secondary teacher(s) whose class(es) they will be leaving at least one day prior to the speech. Please note that notes will not be accepted the day of. Notes are required for both the classroom speech meets and the speech assembly.
Logic & Rhetoric Schools
Congratulations to The Oaks' Mock Trial Team!
*State Tournament Mar. 22–24
The Oaks' Mock Trial recently competed in the District competition in Wenatchee with the White Team (Varsity) going 4–0, placing 1st overall, and the Green Team (JV) placing 3rd. The White Team qualified and will compete in the State Tournament in Tacoma March 22–24. Go Oaks!
Special recognition was awarded to the following nominees in their respective roles:
Attorney:
Colin Alvis
Rebekah Bursese
Isabella Carter
Mairenn DeRuyter
Lucy Jones
Micah Lundberg
Ethan Reade
David Wendt
Witness:
Addison Howard
Ethan King
Julia Maier
Josten McEachran
Courtney Nelson
Isaac Rickert
Gracie Singer
Thank you to The Oaks Mock Trial coaches for a great season!
Scott Welch, Emily Woodroof, Lauren Snook, and Ian Garriques
Spokane Scholars Honorees
The Spokane Scholars competition was founded in 1993 to formally recognize academic excellence among local high school seniors. Over the last three decades, the Spokane Scholars Foundation has recognized more than 3500 scholars and awarded in excess of $1.5 million dollars to students to further their education. Spokane area schools choose six students to be Scholars, one in each discipline (English, Mathematics, Science, Fine Arts, Social Studies, and World Languages), to compete in the annual banquet on April 15. The Spokane Scholars Foundation will select four students in each category to receive a cash award during the event.
Congratulations to The Oaks' 2024 Spokane Scholars:
Isabella Carter, World Languages
Izak Hall, Mathematics
Ethan Reade, Social Studies
MingMei Szymanowski, Science
Almar Tishenko, Fine Arts
Davy Williams, English
ACCS Blakey Prize in Fine Arts Competition
*Entry deadline: Apr. 5
High school students (grades 9–12) from ACCS schools are invited to compete with their peers from other ACCS schools in a national visual arts competition. This competition has four categories–drawing, painting, apparel, and stationery–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 Test - Thurs., Mar. 21 [9am–12pm]
Oaks students recently had an opportunity to register to take the SAT at The Oaks on Thursday, March 21 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. For those registered, the SAT Practice and Preparation page can provide helpful information on how to set up the Bluebook app on your laptop (a laptop, power cord, and the Bluebook app are required to take the test), as well as how to access a full digital SAT practice test. For those who took the PSAT last October this app is already downloaded on your device. For questions, please contact Mrs. Lynn Gibson and/or reference the SAT Flyer.
Helpful Links:
College & Career Counselor Appointment Scheduling
Going Merry – College Scholarships Website
United States Naval Academy's Summer Seminar
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Phillippians 2:5–11
Grammar School
Please refer to your child's Weekly Letter for class specific information.
Silverwood Read 2 Ride Program
*Updated Due Date - Mon., Mar. 25
Silverwood Theme Park is once again offering Oaks students the opportunity to participate in their Read 2 Ride program and earn a ticket for free admission just by reading. The below information was sent home with your child before mid-winter break. *Please note that the due date has been updated to Monday, March 25.
Silverwood Read 2 Ride Program Information
Speech Meet
This year's Grammar School Classroom Speech Meets will be taking place March 19 and 20. The qualifying students will then present their speeches to the entire Grammar School at the Speech Meet Assembly.
Classroom Speech Meet:
Tuesday–Wednesday, March 19–20
*All speeches will take place in the Choir Room
TUESDAY, MARCH 19
8:45am – 1st Grade – Order of Speeches
9:45am – 2nd Grade – Order of Speeches
11:00am – 3rd Grade – Order of Speeches
1:00pm – 4th Grade – Order of Speeches
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
8:45am – 5th Grade – Order of Speeches
10:45am – 6th Grade – Order of Speeches
*Grammar School lunch will take place in classrooms these two days
Speech Meet Assembly:
Tuesday, April 2
*Parents and guests are welcome to join us in the Great Hall at 1pm to enjoy the presentations and congratulate our finalists.
Secondary Siblings Attending Speeches:
*Parent note due 1 day prior
Parents who would like their secondary child to attend a grammar sibling's speech must turn in a note to the secondary teacher(s) whose class(es) they will be leaving at least one day prior to the speech. Please note that notes will not be accepted the day of. Notes are required for both the classroom speech meets and the speech assembly.
Logic & Rhetoric Schools
Congratulations to The Oaks' Mock Trial Team!
*State Tournament Mar. 22–24
The Oaks' Mock Trial recently competed in the District competition in Wenatchee with the White Team (Varsity) going 4–0, placing 1st overall, and the Green Team (JV) placing 3rd. The White Team qualified and will compete in the State Tournament in Tacoma March 22–24. Go Oaks!
Special recognition was awarded to the following nominees in their respective roles:
Attorney:
Colin Alvis
Rebekah Bursese
Isabella Carter
Mairenn DeRuyter
Lucy Jones
Micah Lundberg
Ethan Reade
David Wendt
Witness:
Addison Howard
Ethan King
Julia Maier
Josten McEachran
Courtney Nelson
Isaac Rickert
Gracie Singer
Thank you to The Oaks Mock Trial coaches for a great season!
Scott Welch, Emily Woodroof, Lauren Snook, and Ian Garriques
Spokane Scholars Honorees
The Spokane Scholars competition was founded in 1993 to formally recognize academic excellence among local high school seniors. Over the last three decades, the Spokane Scholars Foundation has recognized more than 3500 scholars and awarded in excess of $1.5 million dollars to students to further their education. Spokane area schools choose six students to be Scholars, one in each discipline (English, Mathematics, Science, Fine Arts, Social Studies, and World Languages), to compete in the annual banquet on April 15. The Spokane Scholars Foundation will select four students in each category to receive a cash award during the event.
Congratulations to The Oaks' 2024 Spokane Scholars:
Isabella Carter, World Languages
Izak Hall, Mathematics
Ethan Reade, Social Studies
MingMei Szymanowski, Science
Almar Tishenko, Fine Arts
Davy Williams, English
ACCS Blakey Prize in Fine Arts Competition
*Entry deadline: Apr. 5
High school students (grades 9–12) from ACCS schools are invited to compete with their peers from other ACCS schools in a national visual arts competition. This competition has four categories–drawing, painting, apparel, and stationery–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 Test - Thurs., Mar. 21 [9am–12pm]
Oaks students recently had an opportunity to register to take the SAT at The Oaks on Thursday, March 21 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. For those registered, the SAT Practice and Preparation page can provide helpful information on how to set up the Bluebook app on your laptop (a laptop, power cord, and the Bluebook app are required to take the test), as well as how to access a full digital SAT practice test. For those who took the PSAT last October this app is already downloaded on your device. For questions, please contact Mrs. Lynn Gibson and/or reference the SAT Flyer.
Helpful Links:
College & Career Counselor Appointment Scheduling
Going Merry – College Scholarships Website
United States Naval Academy's Summer Seminar
Upcoming Dates
October 8
- Grand Tour Meeting (11th Grade) [7–9pm]
October 9
- Weekly Formal Uniform Day
- Ladies' Prayer [8:30–9:15am]
- Cantabile [3pm]
October 12
- Cantabile [8:15am]
- College Financial Aid Scholarship Meeting [7-8:30pm]
October 13
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Seattle Pacific University [12:35-1:00pm]
October 14
- Mid-Term Grades Posted [8am]
- Cantabile [3pm]
October 15
- PSAT Test [8:30–11:30am]
- SAT Test [12:30–3:30pm]
October 14–16
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 15–16
- No School
October 19
- Cantabile [8:15am]
October 20
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Hillsdale College [12:35-1:00pm]
October 21
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Eastern Washington University [12:35-1:00pm]
October 23
- Weekly Formal Uniform Day
- Ladies' Prayer [8:30–9:15am]
- Cantabile [3pm]
- Family Night [4pm]
October 24
- MCL Jr High Volleyball Tournament
- Annual Fall Friends of The Oaks Event [5–8pm]
October 26
- Cantabile [8:15am]
October 29
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Whitworth University [12:35-1:00pm]
October 30
- Half-day [8:30am–12:15pm]
- Grandparents' Day
- Weekly Formal Uniform Day
- Cantabile [12pm]
- Family Night/Senior Night [4pm]
October 31
- MCL JV Volleyball Tournament
November 2
- Cantabile [8:15am]
November 3
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Washington State University [12:35-1:00pm]
November 6
- Weekly Formal Uniform Day
- Ladies' Prayer [8:30–9:15am]
- Cantabile [3pm]
November 6-7
- MCL Boys Soccer Tournament
- MCL Varsity Volleyball Tournament
November 9
- Cantabile [8:15am]
November 10
- College Brown Bag Lunch - Gonzaga University [12:35-1:00pm]
November 11
- High School Boys & Girls Basketball Begins
November 12
- College Brown Bag Lunch - University of Idaho [12:35-1:00pm]
November 12-13
- NW ACCS Administrators Conference
November 13
- Weekly Formal Uniform Day
- Ladies' Prayer [8:30–9:15am]
- Cantabile [3pm]
- Talent Show [6:30pm]
