September 28 – October 4, 2023

Current School News

Current School News

September 28 – October 4, 2023

A Thought To Savor

"We cannot know anything as we ought to know it if we don't know God. We cannot deal wisely in this world without remembering this world's creator. We cannot avoid sin as we ought to if we have no reverence for God. We cannot listen to truth the way we should without respecting the true God. Without the fear of the Lord, marriages crumble, or limp along, education leads to swollen conceit, money leads to evil, work leads to frustration, loss results in depression, gain results in pride, and the list goes on. God really is the glue that holds the good life together."
–Jared Longshore, Wisdom for Kings and Queens: Truth for Life from the Book of Proverbs

Bible Reading Plan
I Know My Redeemer Lives (Cantabile Entry Song)

All School

Formal Fridays Begin Sept. 29

Once again this year Fridays will be our weekly formal uniform day. Grammar school P.E. classes will take place Monday through Thursday during the school year, making Fridays a perfect day for formal clothing. There will be a few exceptions to this through out the year that will be announced here. 

New & Improved Cantabile!
*Office closed during Cantabile

As we begin a new school year and are in a new building, the framework of Cantabile is being strengthened and improved to reflect the beauty of joining together in song as we worship our God. Parents, grandparents, and guests are always welcome and encouraged to participate. At the beginning of each Cantabile time (8:15am Mondays & 3pm Fridays) students and teachers will leave their classrooms as they hear Mr. Eyestone begin the call portion of I Know That My Redeemer Lives (our new entry song), singing the response as they make their way to the Great Hall. Parents are welcome to join your child either at their classroom or in the Great Hall during this call and response song. Kindergarten through 6th grade along with 7th grade ladies will be on the main floor, while 7th grade gentlemen along with 8th through 12th grade will be upstairs, lining the railing. Once the entry song has concluded all should be in their places and movement should cease for the rest of the Cantabile time. All staff will be participating in Cantabile, so classrooms and offices will be closed during these 15 minutes twice a week. The front office will not be open during Cantabile times. Thank you for helping to make this time of worship a blessing to all.

Family Night  – Fri., Sept. 29
*WHITE OUT! Wear white to the game!
*Sign-up to Help!

Bring the whole family to cheer on our Oaks soccer and volleyball teams on Friday, September 29. For $8 per person (family maximum - $24) you will receive dinner and admission to all the games. Wear white and get ready to cheer! If you are available to help with this event please sign up to help. Let's fill the gym and field with Oaks fans and root on our teams. GO OAKS!!!

DINNER SERVED:
5–7pm
GAME TIMES:
4pm – Soccer;
5:15pm – JV Volleyball; 6:30pm – Varsity Volleyball

Ladies Prayer Coffee – Mon., Oct. 2 [8:30–9:30am]

The Oaks' Ladies Prayer group invites all Oaks moms and grandmas to a coffee on Monday, October 2nd at 8:30am. Plan to gather right after Cantabile to fellowship and kick off the year of prayer. Please see (and share) the Ladies Prayer Flyer for all the details.

1st Friday Pizza Lunch is Oct. 6 – Monthly Order Forms Now Available!
*All October orders must be placed by 3pm Wed., Oct. 4.

Friday pizza lunch is an opportunity many families enjoy every year! It's a chance for parents to take a break from packing lunches and for kids to enjoy a special treat with friends. We are excited to announce that Friday, October 6 will be the 1st pizza lunch of the 2023-24 school year. As in past years, Friday pizza hot lunch orders will be placed monthly with the forms being due no later than 3pm the Wednesday prior to the 1st Friday of the month. New this year, the entire year's worth of forms are now available for those of you who'd like to take care of ordering for the whole year at once. A reminder will go out in the school news each month as the due date approaches.

We ask that you please make your payment with cash or check in the school office for this item. If you would like to pay via credit card on Jupiter, please do so by combining the payment with other fees you are paying. The margins on pizza hot lunch are very small and we would like to keep the price as low as possible for you. The fees associated with credit card payments make this difficult, so by taking these steps in your payment you can help us to keep the cost of pizza hot lunch low. Thank you!

To place your order:

  • Go to Forms in your Jupiter parent portal and click on Pizza Lunch Order.
  • Select the number of slices you would like to order and/or sides.
  • Check the Place Order box and hit Submit.
  • Repeat the process for each child individually.
  • The fee will be added to your Jupiter invoice the first Thursday of the month.
  • You may pay with cash or check in the school office. If you would like to pay via credit card on Jupiter, please combine with other fees.
  • Hot lunch helpers will check off orders as students pick up their lunch each Friday. 

Additional Notes:

  • All orders must be submitted by 3pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month. The forms will be locked after this time. We will notify you, on this news page, when the due date is approaching.
  • Fees are non-refundable & non-transferable once the due date has passed.

Those who are interested in helping with this endeavor please reach out to Jenna Batto (contact info. is available on the Family Directory).

Lost & Found  – Thurs., Oct. 5
*Please label everything! We want to reunite you with your missing items.

Lost & found items will be set out in the Great Hall on Thursday. 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. We want to return your items to you and labels are a great help in this endeavor.

Father & Son Breakfast - Sat., Oct. 14 [8–10am] *RSVP Today!

Calling all Dads and Sons! It's that time again, for men to gather together in unity for The Oaks Annual Father & Son Breakfast on Saturday, October 14th.

  • When? Saturday, October 14 [8–10am]
  • Where? The Oaks Great Hall
  • Who? Oaks fathers, sons, and grandfathers of all ages
  • What? Bacon (need we say more?), Sausage, Pancakes, Coffee, and good conversation!

This is a great opportunity to think biblically about one of the most fundamental questions that shapes any culture or society: "What does it mean to be a man?" Considering this question in the company of godly brothers we will seek to help one another be better men and raise godly men. Mark your calendars and plan to join us!

Conservatory Registration Open!
*Dance Classes Begin Oct. 24 & 26

The Oaks Conservatory registration is now open and there are lots of exciting opportunities available this fall. So be sure to check out the Conservatory website for complete details and fill out an interest form today!

Dance Foundations Classes
Begin Oct. 24 & 26

Primary Ballet (Jr K & K)
Ballet & Lyrical I (1st–3rd)
Ballet & Lyrical II (4–6th)
Ballet–Intermediate Foundations (details coming soon!)

Private Music Lessons
Strings
Guitar & Ukulele
Piano
Percussion
Woodwinds
Brass
Voice

Register Here

Fall Instrumental Concert - Thurs., Oct. 26 [7pm]

All are invited to attend The Oaks Fall Instrumental Concert Thursday, October 26 at 7pm in the Great Hall. Come and be blessed by a tapestry of beautiful music provided by The Oaks Orchestra.

Grandparents' Day - Fri., Oct. 27
*Half-Day of School

Invite your child's grandparents to school Friday, October 27th for The Oaks' annual Grandparents' Day. We look forward to hosting grandparents on this special half-day of school, concluding with Cantabile from 12:15–12:30pm and followed by a Grandparents' Lunch. There will also be an evening full of athletics and a family night that grandparents are invited to attend. Further details coming soon.

Parking Instructions

Parents may park in the parking lot previously used for drop off & pick up, just west of the new building. Please do not park in the church's main lot, between the church buildings.

  • Enter the lot on the west side (by Valley Fourth's sanctuary)
  • Exit the lot on the east side (by The Oaks new building)
  • Do not park along the fence on the east side of the lot, facing the new building. These spaces are reserved & will be marked as such shortly.
    *For information on acquiring a reserved spot contact Development Director, Mrs. Shelley Moss.

Students driving themselves may park in the student parking lot, north of the MP building. Parents, please do not drop-off or pick-up in this lot so that we can ensure adequate parking for students.

Staff parking is located in the gravel lot behind the new building. Parents, please do not drop-off or pick-up in this lot so that we can ensure adequate parking for staff.

After-school Study Hall

From 3:00pm to 4:15pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays a study hall will be available in Mr. Joel Dowers' classroom (#210-upstairs). Students who are still on campus after 3:15 will be directed to study hall. A $25 charge per quarter per student will be applied to Jupiter for those using this study hall. Conservatory students waiting for a lesson may wait in the available chairs in the main foyer on the first floor.

Uniform Reminders
*A new note each week highlighting a uniform tidbit to assist us all.

Uniform items, other than the embroidered cardigan and vest, should all be from Lands' End. This includes all young men's pants and shorts. Thank you for checking that your young man is wearing the correct khakis to school.

As of last year, all polo shirts and formal shirts (unless always worn underneath another layer) need to be embroidered with The Oaks logo. Even if they are not embroidered, shirts need to be Lands' End items as well. Thank you for helping to keep our students looking sharp and ... uniform!

Uniform Embroidery

Families who have purchased new navy sweater vests and/or cardigans from Spokane Uniform House or the Dennis website may bring these items into the school office at any time to be exchanged on the spot for the same item with the logo already on it. The embroidery cost is $5.95 (tax included) per item. If you have a uniform item that is not embroidered you may bring it to the school office to be included in the next batch sent out for embroidery. You will be notified when it is ready & charged accordingly at that time. 

Uniform Closet

Families are welcome to stop by the uniform closet anytime to find a gently used uniform item that may be available for your child. A charge of $5 per item procured will be applied to your Jupiter account to help cover costs associated with the maintenance & upkeep of this shared space. 

The front office is also stocked with items such as belts, ties, socks, tights, etc. which are often immediate needs on formal uniform days. A charge to cover the costs of these items may be applied to your Jupiter account if applicable.

Background Checks for Parent Volunteers

We are so thankful for the many volunteers we have at The Oaks. It is such a joy to see our community serving one another. This year we are asking all parents (or grandparents) who are planning to volunteer in the classroom, chaperone a field trip, or serve on campus with students in any capacity to please complete the Volunteer/Chaperone Background Check form available in Jupiter prior to serving. This background check will be good for any volunteering you do at The Oaks for 2 years. Thank you!

Fall Athletics: Come Cheer on Your Teams!

The Oaks fall sports are underway and all are welcome & encouraged to come cheer on your teams! 

COMING THIS WEEK!
Fri. 9/29
Volleyball at The Oaks – Jr High [4:30pm]; JV [5:15pm]; Varsity [6:30pm] Cross Country at Kiwanis Park [4:30pm]
Tues. 10/3
Soccer at The Oaks [4pm] Volleyball at The Oaks – Jr High [4:30pm]; JV [5:45pm]; Varsity [7pm] Thurs. 10/5
Volleyball at The Oaks – Jr High [4:30pm]; JV [5:45pm]; Varsity [7pm]

For complete schedules see the calendars on each sport's page.
Soccer (9–12th grade gentlemen)
Volleyball (Jr High, JV, & Varsity | 7–12th grade ladies)
Cross-Country (1st–8th grade ladies & gentlemen)

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
Family Night Meal
Ladies Prayer Coffee Monday, October 2nd at 8:30am
Mr. Dowers, Head of School, Addresses Cantabile
Mr. Dowers, Head of School, Addresses Cantabile
Cantabile Entry Song
Lady Galadriel (Mrs. Bursese) Visits Grammar Students
Lady Galadriel (Mrs. Bursese) Visits Grammar Students
Grammar School Lunch Blessing
Grammar School Lunch Blessing
The Oaks New Building
The Oaks New Building
The Oaks 2023-24 Staff
The Oaks 2023-24 Staff

Grammar School

Please refer to your child's Weekly Letter for class specific information.

The Grammar School Highlights document that was distributed at Parent Orientation is an excellent reference for all parents.

PERKS Program
Parents Engaged in Regular Acts of Kindness Toward our Staff

In 1997, one year after The Oaks was founded, a group of moms looking to do something tangible on a regular basis to bless teachers, faculty, and support staff founded the PERKS program, a voluntary parent-led program that shows appreciation by providing Oaks staff with prayers, notes, treats, and gifts throughout the year. The PERKS program has been running ever since and all families are invited to get involved! It is a great way to get to know teachers and parents, and bring a smile to our staff's faces. Each year 1 or 2 parents per class sign up to coordinate the PERKS for their child's teacher, which may include traditions such as coordinating Christmas and end-of-year gifts, as well as new ways that would bless the teacher. If this is something you'd like to participate in please  use the PERKS parent Sign-up to sign up or to contact Sophie Donoghue, Grammar School PERKS coordinator. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful program!

Logic & Rhetoric Schools

College Financial Aid & Scholarship Workshop
Mon., Oct. 9 [7–8:30pm]

Mrs. Lynn Gibson invites high school parents and interested students to the annual College Financial Aid and Scholarship Workshop on Monday, October 9, from 7 to 8:30pm. The College Financial Aid & Scholarship Workshop Flyer shows the complete details.

PSAT Test - Wed., Oct. 25
*MANDATORY WORKSHOP – WED., OCT. 4

PSAT Information Flyer

This year the College Board is transitioning to a digital format in which students will take the test on their laptop computer or tablet. As such, there will be a mandatory workshop on Wednesday, October 4 in room 2 of the Multi-purpose building. Juniors will participate in the workshop from 11:30–12:30. Sophomores and Freshmen will participate in the workshop from 3:15–4:15. Student must bring the device on which they intend to test to this workshop. Please see the PSAT Information Flyer for full details.

Juniors, you are automatically registered to take this test, as it is required. The PSAT also serves to establish juniors who qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition which identifies the top academic students in the country.

Sophomores and Freshmen, you are welcome to take this test for practice. Registration through the Jupiter form is due by Friday, October 20. Students must participate in the mandatory workshop to be eligible to test on the 25th. The PSAT serves to give students an indication of how they will perform on the SAT test for college admissions. 

The PSAT test will be administered at The Oaks, 8:30am–11:30pm, on Wednesday, October 25, for students in 9–11th grades. The test fee of $18 is due by November 1. You may pay with check or cash in the school office or via Jupiter. To prepare, it is recommended that you take the PSAT practice test.

College Brown Bag Lunches

High school students, 9–12th grades, are welcome to participate in the annual College Brown Bag Lunch Series. Come with questions and converse with admission officers from colleges and universities around the country. These lunches will be held in Room 4 of the Multi-purpose building from 12:35 to 1:05pm. The College Brown Bag Lunch Flyer shows the complete schedule. Questions? Email Mrs. Lynn Gibson.

Scheduling Appointments  with The Oaks' College and Career Counselor

New this year, Mrs. Lynn Gibson, The Oaks College and Career Counselor, has a QR code that students and parents may use to schedule appointments with her. See the Appointment Sign-up Flyer for the QR code and further details. Or schedule here.

Class of 2024 SAT Registration

Registration is open for the August–December SAT on the College Board's website.

UPCOMING 2023 WEEKEND SAT DATES:
November 4, 2023
(Registration Deadline: 10/5, Late Registration Deadline: 10/24)
December 2, 2023
(Registration Deadline: 11/2, Late Registration Deadline: 11/21)

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

- Psalm 1

Grammar School

Please refer to your child's Weekly Letter for class specific information.

The Grammar School Highlights document that was distributed at Parent Orientation is an excellent reference for all parents.

PERKS Program
Parents Engaged in Regular Acts of Kindness Toward our Staff

In 1997, one year after The Oaks was founded, a group of moms looking to do something tangible on a regular basis to bless teachers, faculty, and support staff founded the PERKS program, a voluntary parent-led program that shows appreciation by providing Oaks staff with prayers, notes, treats, and gifts throughout the year. The PERKS program has been running ever since and all families are invited to get involved! It is a great way to get to know teachers and parents, and bring a smile to our staff's faces. Each year 1 or 2 parents per class sign up to coordinate the PERKS for their child's teacher, which may include traditions such as coordinating Christmas and end-of-year gifts, as well as new ways that would bless the teacher. If this is something you'd like to participate in please  use the PERKS parent Sign-up to sign up or to contact Sophie Donoghue, Grammar School PERKS coordinator. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful program!

Logic & Rhetoric Schools

College Financial Aid & Scholarship Workshop
Mon., Oct. 9 [7–8:30pm]

Mrs. Lynn Gibson invites high school parents and interested students to the annual College Financial Aid and Scholarship Workshop on Monday, October 9, from 7 to 8:30pm. The College Financial Aid & Scholarship Workshop Flyer shows the complete details.

PSAT Test - Wed., Oct. 25
*MANDATORY WORKSHOP – WED., OCT. 4

PSAT Information Flyer

This year the College Board is transitioning to a digital format in which students will take the test on their laptop computer or tablet. As such, there will be a mandatory workshop on Wednesday, October 4 in room 2 of the Multi-purpose building. Juniors will participate in the workshop from 11:30–12:30. Sophomores and Freshmen will participate in the workshop from 3:15–4:15. Student must bring the device on which they intend to test to this workshop. Please see the PSAT Information Flyer for full details.

Juniors, you are automatically registered to take this test, as it is required. The PSAT also serves to establish juniors who qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition which identifies the top academic students in the country.

Sophomores and Freshmen, you are welcome to take this test for practice. Registration through the Jupiter form is due by Friday, October 20. Students must participate in the mandatory workshop to be eligible to test on the 25th. The PSAT serves to give students an indication of how they will perform on the SAT test for college admissions. 

The PSAT test will be administered at The Oaks, 8:30am–11:30pm, on Wednesday, October 25, for students in 9–11th grades. The test fee of $18 is due by November 1. You may pay with check or cash in the school office or via Jupiter. To prepare, it is recommended that you take the PSAT practice test.

College Brown Bag Lunches

High school students, 9–12th grades, are welcome to participate in the annual College Brown Bag Lunch Series. Come with questions and converse with admission officers from colleges and universities around the country. These lunches will be held in Room 4 of the Multi-purpose building from 12:35 to 1:05pm. The College Brown Bag Lunch Flyer shows the complete schedule. Questions? Email Mrs. Lynn Gibson.

Scheduling Appointments  with The Oaks' College and Career Counselor

New this year, Mrs. Lynn Gibson, The Oaks College and Career Counselor, has a QR code that students and parents may use to schedule appointments with her. See the Appointment Sign-up Flyer for the QR code and further details. Or schedule here.

Class of 2024 SAT Registration

Registration is open for the August–December SAT on the College Board's website.

UPCOMING 2023 WEEKEND SAT DATES:
November 4, 2023
(Registration Deadline: 10/5, Late Registration Deadline: 10/24)
December 2, 2023
(Registration Deadline: 11/2, Late Registration Deadline: 11/21)

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