The Acorn's Perspective
A student publication of The Oaks.
Dear Readers,
Due to a delay in moving articles from our paper edition to the webpage, we often do not update this digital edition until a week after the publication of our paper edition. We apologize for the delay. The current digital edition is February 2025. We hope you enjoy the Acorn's Perspective.
Sincerely, The AP Staff
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
- Philippians 2:5-11
Behind the Pipe and Drape
By Colin Alvis
It takes a countless number of people to run the Oaks, from faculty and staff to aides and volunteers. With events ranging from the play to the Christmas Concert to the Winter Ball, it’s not hard to spot those who are working hard to make things happen on campus. But there is one group whose very important work often goes unnoticed: the Oaks Board of Directors.
Back when the Oaks was founded in 1996, the Board of Directors was placed in ultimate control of the school. The original board consisted of four members, all founders of the school, but that number has changed over the years. Currently four men serve on the board: Mr. Mark Smith as President, Mr. Merrill Miller as Vice-President, Mr. Brian Schultz as Secretary, and Mr. Michael Mosback as the newest member.
The board and the Head of School work together to identify and select potential new board candidates as needed, and then willing candidates go through a guest period, sitting in as guests at meetings for up to a year. At the end of that guest period, the board either approves or disapproves the candidate’s appointment to the board.
The board’s mission is “to act on behalf of the school’s Owner, the Triune God, to provide the high level vision and mission for the School and steward that mission, care for and assess the Board’s own performance and health, encourage and support the Head of School, and take responsibility for financial health of the School.” In practice, this goal is accomplished in monthly meetings, usually at members’ homes, where the board works on the school budget, hears reports from Head of School Mr. Charlie Dowers, and discusses school policy. Meetings usually begin with a devotional time, prayer, and singing, then an update on the life of the school from Mr. Dowers. As the Head of School, he is the only employee under the board’s direct supervision, and is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the school, white the board handles overall policy. He also serves as a non-voting (ex officio) member. The Head of School then acts as a conduit between the board and the rest of the administration and staff. As a result, the board maintains a strong relationship with him.
The members of the board play an important role in the life of the school, and we are grateful for their work. So, the next time you see one of these men, thank them for everything they do to ensure our school functions properly, and be sure to join us for our “Behind the Pipe and Drape” next edition.
Poems Flourish in The Great Hall
By Olivia Dimeler
On January 16, sophomores Sophia Funchess and Peter Schmidt, junior Adelaide Jones, and seniors Grace Kaiserman and Bobby Bailey competed in the final round of the Oaks 2025 Poetry Competition.
On January the eighth
A contest of poems took place.
Fourteen students from ninth through twelfth
Ran in this lovely word race.
Seventh through twelfth watched them speak
They heard every marvelous word
That took flight from mouth to the air
And soared up high like a bird.
Three judges watched with delight
As poems bounded off the walls
Mr. Tasche, Indgjerd, Ms. Woodroof
Judged voices rise and then fall.
They got to choose the top five
Out of all who poems had said
Including Ms. Woodroof herself
Who had all superbly led.
Finally, their choice, the winners
All went to that very last round
And the final winner was named.
Grace Kaiserman had been found!
The Oaks Protocol
By Ellie Choi
The annual Oaks Protocol Winter Ball dazzled attendees on January 25, 2025 as guests and students gathered at the Great Hall for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and celebration. The event, a cherished tradition for the community, brought together sons and daughters of the Lord. This event taught the young Christians how young ladies and gentlemen act during elegant, formal events.
The Great Hall was transformed into a breathtaking scene, with beautiful lights and green streamers to represent the Oaks. The decorating was led by Mrs. Beth Schultz and many students and faculty volunteered during the preparations. Guests arrived in their finest attire, with gentlemen in sleek suits and ladies in elegant ball gowns, adding to the night’s atmosphere.
After hors d'oeuvres and a formal meal, student arrived on the dance floor during the Grand March, to the tune of ‘The Blue Danube Waltz’. Talented string musicians played the songs to each dance.The event then started the first official dance with a waltz, which the men got to dance with their partner. Other memorable moments include the Showcase by the juniors and seniors’ Protocol Class. A few favorite dances were the Regency Dance, Soldier’s Joy, and the Viennese Waltz.
Attendees shared their joy and appreciation to the Oaks Board for holding the Winter Ball. Senior Bobby Bailey toasted the Board’s leadership: “Evenings like tonight make us step out of our comfort zone, and it is a blessing that there are people that have done this for us. Those people are the members of the board.” Another senior, Beatrice Wiens, showed her appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. LaVoie, by saying, “Mr. and Mrs. LaVoie have sculpted us into dancers.”
As the evening concluded with an Open Waltz, many left with fond memories and anticipation for next year’s ball. With its blend of tradition and excitement, The Oaks Winter Ball once again proved to be a highlight of the season, bringing the Oaks community together.
Eighth Grade Celebrates the Heroes of Middle Earth
By Kate McMorris
On January 17, 2025, Mrs. Bursese hosted a party for the eighth graders in order to celebrate Tolkien's heroes in The Lord of the Rings. The two parties happened during the fifth and sixth periods. In preparation for the celebrations, the students each chose a Middle Earth character to represent. Several Gandalfs delivered wise words, as well as a few Eowyns, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, and other various elves. As these characters, the students each wrote an encomium: a speech in character praising a protagonist in the story. Then, after each speech, the student toasted the praiseworthy attributes of the characters with root beer. Luke Pearce said this: “A very fair afternoon to the folk that be here. I am Samwise Gamgee’s Gaffer. I am here to give some praise about me boy, Sam.” Titus DesRoches, one of the many Gandalfs, declared, “My friends, I will start with these ancient words: ‘All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost.’” The students wore costumes and ate lots of Middle Earth themed food. Mrs. Bursese dressed up as Lady Galadriel; she even wore a wig!
Teacher Feature: Mrs. Holly Kimm
A.P. (Acorn’s Perspective): Where are you from?
M.K. (Mrs. Holly Kimm): I’m from Spokane Valley. I was born and raised about 10 minutes away from The Oaks!
A.P.: Where did you go to college?
M.K: My college experience was a bit of a variety, but I stayed close to home. I started out at Spokane Community College then transferred to Whitworth University where I played percussion in the wind ensemble. Itching for adventure, I transferred to Seattle Pacific University where I rowed on the crew team. I graduated with a BA in English and Education. A couple years later I earned my M. Ed. in Special Education from Eastern Washington University.
A.P.: What’s your favorite subject from college?
M.K: My favorite subject in school was Methods of Reading. In this class, I learned about the science behind teaching reading and how systemically introducing letters and sounds teaches all students how to read.
A.P.: What’s your favorite book genre?
M.K: It’s hard to choose just one! I do love a good piece of fiction, especially along the lines of Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. However, biographies and memoirs are both favorites. Reading the stories of peoples’ lives, especially heroes of faith, shows how God’s divine plan is executed through ordinary people. John Piper is quoted as saying, “Few things inspire radically for Christ than the story of those who did.”
A.P.: What’s your favorite music genre?
M.K: Again, choosing just one favorite is hard! I love modern hymns (think Keith and Kristen Getty) and anything with an Irish folk flavor. But you can also catch me singing along to classic rock and show tunes.
A.P.: How did you become associated with The Oaks?
M.K: Believe it or not, it all started with Google. We were looking for a school for our children and God led us here. Like many, our time at The Oaks has been transformational in our family and our faith. Being on staff has allowed me to meet many dear friends, too. I am so grateful that God has brought us to The Oaks.
A.P.: Why are you interested in teaching?
M.K: I love watching children experience the wonder of God’s world. Teaching really gives me a front row seat to see this happen. When children are given a structure of truth, goodness, and beauty, they blossom. Walking alongside in families is another joy in teaching. I don’t just have the children in my class each year, I get to know and love their families as well. It is a privilege to celebrate life’s joys and pray with them through hard times… There’s no other profession that allows someone to do that.
A.P.: What subjects do you teach?
M.K: I earned my teaching degree in 2003, so I have been teaching for quite a while and in various capacities. In that time I have taught students with special needs, 6th grade, middle school English, worked in school leadership, and I’ve even taught at the university level. Right now I’m loving the busy world of kindergarten where I get to teach everything. By everything, I mean EVERYTHING. From how to use a glue stick, to how to sit like a student, to knowing how many tissues to use to blow your nose, we tackle it all in kindergarten. Oh, and we teach academics, too.
A.P.: Which is your favorite subject?
M.K: Teaching reading is my favorite. The fun thing about kindergarten is that we are at the starting line of the school experience and laying the foundation that so many will build upon in school years ahead. It’s like watching a child take their first steps. They grow from
learning letter names and sounds to reading little books in just one year. Knowing one day these kiddos will be able to read God’s word (and every other amazing work!) on their own is just amazing!
A.P.: When did you move to Washington? Why?
M.K: I’ve been in Washington my entire life, with the exception of one summer when I worked with high schoolers in a church in Fresno, CA. Ask me about the summer when I climbed Half Dome and biked across the Golden Gate Bridge.
A.P.: Is teaching what you want as a career?
M.K: The short answer is yes. I get excited when the school supplies come out in stores, so that’s a pretty good sign. Teaching is a joy. It is a profession that simultaneously empties and fills you. God has created me to be a teacher and my prayer each day is that He will continue to use me for His glory and my good.
From the Desk of Mr. Trotter
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we step into the second semester, I want to encourage you with these words from Philippians 2:3-4:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
This passage calls us to live in a way that reflects the heart of Christ. With that in mind, consider these three challenges:
Be a doer. Scripture says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition. That means
we are called to action—not passivity. Seek to be a blessing to your parents, teachers, and
fellow students. Keep your room clean. Help with the dishes. Be ready to leave the house
on time. Come to class prepared, with your homework completed. Participate in
discussions. Leave things better than you found them. Listen well and follow directions.
In all things, be a doer.
Walk in humility. Pride is a thief—it robs us of wisdom and growth. Scripture urges us
to embrace a posture of humility, remembering that we are not the center of the universe.
You are not entitled; you are a student, a learner, a servant. Reject the temptation to think
too highly of yourself and instead embrace the truth that you have much to learn.
Be a blessing to others. The Christian life is not about self-preservation but giving. Look
for ways to serve your parents, siblings, teachers, and friends. Ask, “How can I
help?” instead of waiting to be asked. Be intentional in showing kindness, meeting needs,
and encouraging those around you.
Our Heavenly Father calls His children to love one another, and in doing so, we reflect His glory. This is how the world is changed—not through grand gestures or great achievements, but through simple, daily acts of love.
Go and live as Christ calls you to live.
Blessings,
