October 1 - 7, 2020
Current School News
Current School News
October 1 - 7, 2020
All School
Check-in Policy
If you are just running into the office or classroom at the beginning or end of the day to drop off or pick up your child or materials, you do not need to complete the check-in protocols. If you are planning to stay for any length of time or arriving after school has begun please be sure to check in at the school office and obtain a visitor's tag.
Back-to-School Night - Tues., Oct. 6
*Please RSVP by Fri., Oct. 2
Join other Oaks parents for this year's Back-to-School Night, beginning at 5:30pm on the soccer field with food and fellowship. Dinner will be provided at no charge. Please RSVP to the school office no later than Friday, October 2nd so that we can plan accordingly. See the information below for a complete overview of the evening.
Moms Prayer Walks - Fridays at 2:30pm
All Oaks moms are welcome to join us for Friday afternoon "prayer walks" on The Oaks field at 2:30pm every week. Bring your Bible and we will pray through the Lord's Prayer and a Psalm, lifting up our school and community. We will wrap up in time to join Cantabile at 3pm. Please contact Mrs. Margaret Dowers with any questions.
Yearbooks
The 2019-20 yearbooks have arrived! Stop by the school office to pick yours up today. Logic & Rhetoric students may pick theirs up in the gym during lunch Friday, October 2.
Latin Boot Camp - Sat. Oct. 3, 9am-1pm
The Oaks Latin School cordially and with great cheer invites all 4th-10th grade new students and their parents to the 2nd annual Latin Boot Camp from 9am-1pm Sat., Oct. 3 in MP-5. Please RSVP to Mr. Eric Indgjerd, on account of limited seating. The aim is to introduce the curriculum, Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata, to demonstrate some of the instructional means and methods used in the classroom, to relieve unnecessary stress related to the difficulty of learning Latin in a happy exchange of anxiety and fear for confidence, courage, and a steady hand, and to cast a long-term vision for the study of Latin letters at The Oaks. There are about 3 hours worth of immersive sessions on the schedule to be taught Latinly from first principles through the first chapter or so of the book. Short breaks are scheduled as well as a Q&A session at the end. The less Latin you've had the better. If you've had none, better still. Please come prepared with the text and exercise workbook. We'll provide the entertainment.
In-Service Day (NO SCHOOL) - Fri., Oct. 9
There will be no school Friday, October 9th for a Teacher In-Service day.
Updated Calendar
The Oaks 2020-21 school calendar has been updated on the "Calendar & Schedules" page of the website. Families are welcome to subscribe to the school's Google calendar to get the updates added directly to your personal calendar as they are made. See the instructions on the "Calendar & Schedule" page if you would like to take advantage of this option. *Please note that there is currently a bug between Apple and Google that is not providing updates on iCal, so using Google calendar will ensure you see the correct information.
Mask Donations Wanted
The office has been going through our disposable mask supply rather quickly. If you would be willing to donate a box or two of disposable masks it would be greatly appreciated. You can drop them off at the school office.
Upcoming Dates
Office Hours
Mon.–Fri. [8am–4pm]
September 19–22
- Mount St Helens Field Trip (7th)
September 21
- Conservatory Parent Meeting [6:30pm]
September 22
- Cantabile [3pm]
September 25
- Cantabile [8:15am]
- Fall Play Rehearsals Begin
- Fall Play Parent Meeting
September 29
- Weekly Formal Uniform
- Cantabile [3pm]
- Family Night
October 2
- Cantabile [8:15am]
October 6
- Weekly Formal Uniform
- Cantabile [3pm]
October 9
- Cantabile [8:15am]
- College Financial Aid Scholarship Meeting [7pm]
October 13
- Weekly Formal Uniform
- Cantabile [3pm]
- Family Night
October 14
- Father-Son Breakfast [8am]
October 9
- Cantabile [8:15am]
October 18
- Mid-Term Grades Posted
- 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
- Instrumental Concert [7pm]
October 27
- Half-Day of School
- Grandparents' Day
- Weekly Formal Uniform
- Cantabile [12:15pm]
- Family Night
October 28
- JV Volleyball Tournament

Grammar School
Back-to-School Night
The Grammar School teachers are looking forward to hosting parents at this year's Back-to-School Night Tues., Oct. 6. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit with your child's teacher and find out more details about the upcoming school year.
- 5:30-6:30pm
Food & Fellowship on the soccer field - 6:35-7:10pm
Session 1 in your child's classroom - 7:20-7:55pm
Session 2 in your child's classroom - 7:10-8:00pm
Conference & volunteer sign-ups available in the gym
Mandatory Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thurs. & Fri., Oct. 22 & 23
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on Thurs., Oct. 22 and Fri., Oct. 23. Every grammar school parent is asked to sign up for a conference with your child's teacher during these times. Conference sign-up sheets will be put out at Back-to-School night and then be available in the school office beginning Wed., Oct. 7. Please stop by to sign up.
Logic & Rhetoric Schools
Yearbook Pick-up - Fri., Oct. 2
Logic & Rhetoric School students may pick-up the 2019-20 yearbook in the gym at lunch time Fri., Oct. 2. Secondary students are welcome to pick up any yearbooks that were ordered by their family.
Back-to-School Night
The Logic & Rhetoric School teachers are looking forward to hosting parents at this year's Back-to-School Night Tues., Oct. 6. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit with your child's teachers, see the classrooms, and find out more details about the upcoming school year. A schedule of your child's classes will be available in the gym.
- 5:30-6:30pm -- Food & Fellowship on the soccer field
- 6:30-8:00pm -- Open House in the classrooms
- 7:10-8:00pm -- Conference & volunteer sign-ups available in the gym
Grand Tour Meeting - Thurs., Oct. 8 at 7pm
All juniors and any seniors planning to participate in the 2021 Grand Tour are asked to attend this meeting, with at least one parent, Thurs., Oct. 8 at 7pm in the fellowship hall. Please contact Mr. Matt Dykstra if you have any questions.
College Financial Aid and Scholarship Workshop - Mon., Oct. 12 at 7pm
Families of 9th-12th grade students are welcome to join a College Financial Aid and Scholarship Virtual Workshop (via Zoom), Mon., Oct. 12, 7-8pm. Mrs. Lynn Gibson, Director of College and Career Counseling, will give an overview of the types of college aid, tips on filing your FAFSA, scholarships to consider, and the "real cost" of college. See the flyer below for more information. For questions, please contact Mrs. Gibson. The Zoom link for this meeting is available on the Jupiter calendar.
College Financial Aid and Scholarship Workshop Flyer
Parent/Teacher Conferences - Thurs. & Fri., Oct. 22 & 23
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on Thurs., Oct. 22 and Fri. Oct. 23. Logic & Rhetoric school parents who would like to meet with one or more of your child's teachers are asked to sign up during these times. We ask that parents please sign up to meet with no more than 3 of their child's teachers, if possible, to allow plenty of time for all parents to have the opportunity to meet with teachers. Conference sign-up sheets will be put out at Back-to-School night and then be available in the school office beginning Wed., Oct. 7. Please stop by to sign up.
Debate Club - Begins Mon., Oct. 5
The Debate club, open to 9th-12th graders, will be a semester-long apprenticeship in the art of argument. Only those who understand--the issue and the sides--have earned the right to debate. The work is good fun--God made us to reason rigorously and rejoice in the truth. We'll laugh, we'll listen, we'll lose. The arena awaits. Please note that online tournament participation will be optional. Additionally, 10th-12th graders may request class credit, contingent upon completion of certain requirements. We'll meet in MP-2 on Mondays from 3:15-4:15pm, beginning Mon., Oct. 5. Tea & treats are a given. Please message Miss Emily Woodroof if your child plans to attend, either for credit or simply as a club member. There is a $60 fee that covers club materials and a t-shirt. Any tournament fees would be an additional cost.
Uniform Notes
Students are looking so sharp in their new uniform pieces! As we adapt to the new policy, both new and returning families should read the updated policy over carefully. Of particular note:
- Belts -- Young men in the Logic and Rhetoric Schools should wear a black or brown, leather or leather-looking belt each day.
- Shoes -- Shoe guidelines have changed for both everyday and formal uniform. Please note color changes and heel height limitations.
- Skirts/Skorts -- Skirt or skort length for ladies should be no more than 2" above the knee. Lands' End does carry tall sizes in some items, and some skirts come in "below the knee" lengths for those who are blessed with extra height! Lands' End also offers a custom sizing option for a flat fee. Alternative formal skirts are also available through Lands' End for this year for those who have outgrown the Hilfiger bias-cut skirt. Parents, your help in attending to this requirement with your own young ladies is a great blessing to their teachers!
- Hair -- As we work to adopt changes and more closely follow our existing uniform policies, please note our existing hair policies for young ladies and young men: Students will keep their hair neat, clean, well groomed, and in traditional styles and colors. Boys shall not have any facial hair. Boys will keep their hair short with the back length no longer than the top of the shirt collar. Boys' hair is not to be bleached, highlighted, or cut or worn in a way to bring undue attention. Girls' hair may be tastefully and conservatively highlighted. Girls may wear hair accessories that are moderate in size and match uniform colors. Hats are not acceptable in the classroom or school buildings for either boys or girls.
Jupiter Student Log-in
Logic & Rhetoric School students may log-in on Jupiter as a student. Logic & Rhetoric students may use Jupiter to communicate with teachers, view messages and forms from the school office, turn in assignments, and more. Any student having difficulty logging into Jupiter should contact Mrs. Anya Schnell for help.
PSAT Test - Date Change
Attention 9th-11th grade students and parents: The PSAT test this year will be held Tues., Jan. 26, 2021, 8am-12:30pm at The Oaks. This test date, offered this year only, may allow for a better testing environment for our students so we are taking advantage of the opportunity from the CollegeBoard. The January administration will have the same benefits as the October PSAT/NMSQT, including eligibility for programs administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The Oaks requires all juniors to take the PSAT test. Registration will begin Mon., Nov. 30 and end Fri., Dec. 4. The test fee is $18. For questions, please contact Mrs. Lynn Gibson.
Grammar School
Back-to-School Night
The Grammar School teachers are looking forward to hosting parents at this year's Back-to-School Night Tues., Oct. 6. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit with your child's teacher and find out more details about the upcoming school year.
- 5:30-6:30pm
Food & Fellowship on the soccer field - 6:35-7:10pm
Session 1 in your child's classroom - 7:20-7:55pm
Session 2 in your child's classroom - 7:10-8:00pm
Conference & volunteer sign-ups available in the gym
Mandatory Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thurs. & Fri., Oct. 22 & 23
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on Thurs., Oct. 22 and Fri., Oct. 23. Every grammar school parent is asked to sign up for a conference with your child's teacher during these times. Conference sign-up sheets will be put out at Back-to-School night and then be available in the school office beginning Wed., Oct. 7. Please stop by to sign up.
Secondary School
Yearbook Pick-up - Fri., Oct. 2
Logic & Rhetoric School students may pick-up the 2019-20 yearbook in the gym at lunch time Fri., Oct. 2. Secondary students are welcome to pick up any yearbooks that were ordered by their family.
Back-to-School Night
The Logic & Rhetoric School teachers are looking forward to hosting parents at this year's Back-to-School Night Tues., Oct. 6. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit with your child's teachers, see the classrooms, and find out more details about the upcoming school year. A schedule of your child's classes will be available in the gym.
- 5:30-6:30pm -- Food & Fellowship on the soccer field
- 6:30-8:00pm -- Open House in the classrooms
- 7:10-8:00pm -- Conference & volunteer sign-ups available in the gym
Grand Tour Meeting - Thurs., Oct. 8 at 7pm
All juniors and any seniors planning to participate in the 2021 Grand Tour are asked to attend this meeting, with at least one parent, Thurs., Oct. 8 at 7pm in the fellowship hall. Please contact Mr. Matt Dykstra if you have any questions.
College Financial Aid and Scholarship Workshop - Mon., Oct. 12 at 7pm
Families of 9th-12th grade students are welcome to join a College Financial Aid and Scholarship Virtual Workshop (via Zoom), Mon., Oct. 12, 7-8pm. Mrs. Lynn Gibson, Director of College and Career Counseling, will give an overview of the types of college aid, tips on filing your FAFSA, scholarships to consider, and the "real cost" of college. See the flyer below for more information. For questions, please contact Mrs. Gibson. The Zoom link for this meeting is available on the Jupiter calendar.
College Financial Aid and Scholarship Workshop Flyer
Parent/Teacher Conferences - Thurs. & Fri., Oct. 22 & 23
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on Thurs., Oct. 22 and Fri. Oct. 23. Logic & Rhetoric school parents who would like to meet with one or more of your child's teachers are asked to sign up during these times. We ask that parents please sign up to meet with no more than 3 of their child's teachers, if possible, to allow plenty of time for all parents to have the opportunity to meet with teachers. Conference sign-up sheets will be put out at Back-to-School night and then be available in the school office beginning Wed., Oct. 7. Please stop by to sign up.
Debate Club
The Debate club, open to 9th-12th graders, will be a semester-long apprenticeship in the art of argument. Only those who understand--the issue and the sides--have earned the right to debate. The work is good fun--God made us to reason rigorously and rejoice in the truth. We'll laugh, we'll listen, we'll lose. The arena awaits. Please note that online tournament participation will be optional. Additionally, 10th-12th graders may request class credit, contingent upon completion of certain requirements. We'll meet in MP-2 on Mondays from 3:15-4:15pm. Tea & treats are a given. Please email Miss Emily Woodroof if your child plans to attend, either for credit or simply as a club member.
Uniform Notes
Students are looking so sharp in their new uniform pieces! As we adapt to the new policy, both new and returning families should read the updated policy over carefully. Of particular note:
- Belts -- Young men in the Logic and Rhetoric Schools should wear a black or brown, leather or leather-looking belt each day.
- Shoes -- Shoe guidelines have changed for both everyday and formal uniform. Please note color changes and heel heigh limitations.
- Skirts/Skorts -- Skirt or skort length for ladies should be no more than 2" above the knee. Lands' End does carry tall sizes in some items, and some skirts come in "below the knee" lengths for those who are blessed with extra height! Lands' End also offers a custom sizing option for a flat fee. Alternative formal skirts are also available through Lands' End for this year for those who have outgrown the Hilfiger bias-cut skirt. Parents, your help in attending to this requirement with your own young ladies is a great blessing to their teachers!
- Hair -- As we work to adopt changes and more closely follow our existing uniform policies, please note our existing hair policies for young ladies and young men: Students will keep their hair neat, clean, well groomed, and in traditional styles and colors. Boys shall not have any facial hair. Boys will keep their hair short with the back length no longer than the top of the shirt collar. Boys' hair is not to be bleached, highlighted, or cut or worn in a way to bring undue attention. Girls' hair may be tastefully and conservatively highlighted. Girls may wear hair accessories that are moderate in size and match uniform colors. Hats are not acceptable in the classroom or school buildings for either boys or girls.
Jupiter Student Log-in
Logic & Rhetoric School students may log-in on Jupiter as a student. Logic & Rhetoric students may use Jupiter to communicate with teachers, view messages and forms from the school office, turn in assignments, and more. Any student having difficulty logging into Jupiter should contact Mrs. Anya Schnell for help.
PSAT Test - Date Change
Attention 9th-11th grade students and parents: The PSAT test this year will be held Tues., Jan. 26, 2021, 8am-12:30pm at The Oaks. This test date, offered this year only, may allow for a better testing environment for our students so we are taking advantage of the opportunity from the CollegeBoard. The January administration will have the same benefits as the October PSAT/NMSQT, including eligibility for programs administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The Oaks requires all juniors to take the PSAT test. Registration will begin Mon., Nov. 30 and end Fri., Dec. 4. The test fee is $18. For questions, please contact Mrs. Lynn Gibson.
Upcoming Dates
Office Hours
Mon.–Fri. [8am–4pm]
September 19–22
- Mount St Helens Field Trip (7th)
September 21
- Conservatory Parent Meeting [6:30pm]
September 22
- Cantabile [3pm]
September 25
- Cantabile [8:15am]
- Fall Play Rehearsals Begin
- Fall Play Parent Meeting
September 29
- Weekly Formal Uniform
- Cantabile [3pm]
- Family Night
October 2
- Cantabile [8:15am]
October 6
- Weekly Formal Uniform
- Cantabile [3pm]
October 9
- Cantabile [8:15am]
- College Financial Aid Scholarship Meeting [7pm]
October 13
- Weekly Formal Uniform
- Cantabile [3pm]
- Family Night
October 14
- Father-Son Breakfast [8am]
October 9
- Cantabile [8:15am]
October 18
- Mid-Term Grades Posted
- 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
- Instrumental Concert [7pm]
October 27
- Half-Day of School
- Grandparents' Day
- Weekly Formal Uniform
- Cantabile [12:15pm]
- Family Night
October 28
- JV Volleyball Tournament