Out in the community, Reading Meeting, and new clubs!
Happy last Friday in September!
*Today at lunchtime, an Emergency Alert came through to notify us that the Westfield Police Department is looking for a missing 26 year old, nonverbal, Autistic man. An approximate location on our side of the city was listed. The students were in the cafeteria and before they went to recess I wanted to ensure we had the necessary information we needed, so I called a "shelter in place" . As everyone who had their phones in the cafeteria received the emergency alert, the sound was loud, startling, and caused some big feelings. I explained to everyone that we are safe on campus and the purpose of the alert was a tool to help a person in need. The students went outside for recess, with some needing some extra support and reassurance.
*The Garden Club had their 1st official meeting this week. More than 20 students helped harvest, weed and reseed for fall. We love when students of all ages come together for a wonderful community activity! If you have not visited our garden and greenhouse yet, be sure to do so on October 8th during our Open House!
*Speaking of our greenhouse... It's official! 9th grader Ames is an Eagle Scout! His Court of Honor was held last Sunday and it was a wonderful celebration of Ames' hard work and dedication to the organization. Congratulations Ames!
*The Wolfpack Cross Country team competed in their 1st meet of the season on Wednesday at GCC hosted by Four Rivers School. Our mighty 5 did awesome - conquering a hilly course and setting their times to beat for the season. Next week, we travel to Eagle Hill for a 330 start!
*On Thursday, our Student Council officers rocked their 1st official assignment as school representatives. They organized and ran a few rounds of Bingo with our neighbors at Armbrook Village Assisted Living. These four navigated the challenges and joys of playing games with the residents in the Memory Care neighborhood. It was truly a wonderful collaboration. Stay tuned for pictures from next week's meetup as our lower school students read to the residents.
*In Oral Expression class, Ms. Daley challenged her students to write out the directions for making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. As you can see, it wasn't as easy as they thought it would be! Some great laughs were had while the class learned about the importance of paying attention to details!
*Scenes from a huge game of Fishy Fishy at recess this week - our students LOVE this game!
*Today was our first "Reading Meeting" of the year. What does that mean? Periodically throughout the month, we hold Friday meetings where students are tasked to prepare and practice a reading to present to their peers. Grades 4-7 meet in one space and Grades 8-12 in another. This is a longstanding White Oak activity. As much as this causes nerves and some initial panic, students learn to get comfortable with reading and presenting in front of groups; a skill that serves them well both in and out of the school community. I attended the high school meeting today and I was so incredibly impressed by the readings prepared by Grades 11 and 12. Topics included the upcoming NHL season, the history of buffalo sauce, the origin of Pokeman, a popular movie speech, the story behind how guitar distortion was born, places that bring our students peace, and even... a lyrical reading of the song "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire! And the way our students cheered for and supported each other was second to none! Amazing job - I am so proud!
*Wednesday is the last day to order your mums from the Senior Class fundraiser!! Scan the QR Code on the flyer below to place your order! Payment can be made via venmo or cash or a check can be sent into the school. Pickup is October 8th - the night of Open House - there will be a variety of colors available on a first-come, first-served basis. Thank you for the support!
*NEW CLUB ALERT* -A note from Camilla: Hi Everyone, I just want to invite anyone who likes to play Pokemon cards, or wants to learn how to play to join our Pokemon Club at Milk Break and Lunch. See Camilla for details.
*NEW CLUB ALERT* The SheLeads Club is open to all female-identifying students in Grades 8-12. Next week, our 3 student leaders will take the names of those interested in joining. This will be a space that is positive, inclusive and impactful where female leaders will explore topics affecting them academically, socially, and culturally.
To kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the SheLeads Club is asking everyone to wear pink on Thursday, October 1st!
**Save the Dates:
*Thursday, October 8th - 4-6PM: Our Annual Fall Open House - RSVP to Mrs. Sutter
*Wednesday, October 21st - 9-10AM: Our first Parent Advisory Group meeting of the year! RSVP to Mrs. Sutter
*October 22 & 28th - Parent/Teacher Conferences. you will receive a notice from Betsy Ricco to schedule a time to meet with your student's teachers
*November 6th - School Picture Day
Have a great weekend!
Jody
Garden Club, Student Council elections, Save The Dates
Another great week!
*Our garden is still overflowing with amazing vegetables and flowers!
*The Cross Country team started practicing this week. Our first meet is next Wednesday at GCC!
*Student Council elections were today. Each of the candidates gave a wonderful, heartfelt speech. Every student was given a ballot and had the chance to cast their vote. We are so excited to announce our new officers: President: Ames Alvarado; Vice President: Ryan LeBorgne; Treasurer: Lochlin Bowie; and Secretary: Jayda Ruemmele! Congratulations team!
*Students who earned individual points for their Packs for being awesome this week: Josie G, Owen, Julien, Lucia, Mark F, Ames and Jayda! Way to go!
*The Class of 2027 is selling mums to raise money for their senior activities. They are $10 each. A variety of colors will be available at pick up which will be on October 8th - the night of the Annual Fall Open House here on campus- so families don't have to make a separate trip to pick up their flowers! Scan the QR Code on the flyer below to order. You can pay through Venmo or send in cash or a check made payable to: White Oak School with Mums fundraiser in the memo. ORDERS ARE DUE BY SEPTEMBER 30TH!
*Save the Dates:
*Thursday, October 8th - 4-6PM: Our Annual Fall Open House - RSVP to Mrs. Sutter
*Wednesday, October 21st - 9-10AM: Our first Parent Advisory Group meeting of the year!
*October 22 & 28th - Parent/Teacher Conferences. you will receive a notice from Betsy Ricco to schedule a time to meet with your student's teachers
*November 6th - School Picture Day
Have a great weekend!
Jody
Friday Club Meetings, Student Council elections, and more!
Happy Friday!
Classes are in full swing and the extra curricular activities are getting started!
*We would like to introduce the White Oak School community to our new PE & Health teacher - Mr. Mike Mason! One of our students is working on interviewing him so stay tuned to get to know our newest staff member!
*Today was the 1st day of Friday Club Meetings. The most popular by far is Mr. Mason's Club where today the students learned a new game. All 20 students were engaged in this awesome activity- they came out of the gym sweaty, laughing and happy! The Helping Hands Community Service club arranged a kindness garden by the C Building main entrance with rocks decorated by students last school year. Mr. Girard and the Board Games Club took on the challenge of chess today. Quiet Club gave our writers, readers and artists the space to work on their craft. The knitting club came back this year and they are talking about expanding into trying needlepoint, cross-stitch or embroidery. The Drama Club previewed the script for this year's drama production. They are getting excited for auditions!
*Student Council elections will take place next Friday. Campaign posters are appearing all over campus as our candidates prepare their speeches and decide what promises they can make to the White Oak student body.
*Did you know? We have a number of Juniors and Seniors participating in dual enrollment classes at Holyoke Community College and internships at area businesses, including Roots Aquatic Center! It's an exciting time as we help students prepare for the transition from high school.
*Students who earned individual points for their Packs for being awesome this week: Callie F, Joey J, JoJo C., Evie, and Jo C.! Way to go!
*Look at the awesome Wolf Pack logos representing the 4 packs!
*Mr. Micks has been making excellent use of the bounty coming out of our garden. This week's menus included Japanese eggplant and salsa from fresh tomatoes and jalapenos.
*The Class of 2027 is selling mums to raise money for their senior activities. They are $10 each. A variety of colors will be available at pick up which will be on October 8th - the night of the Annual Fall Open House here on campus- so families don't have to make a separate trip to pick up their flowers! Scan the QR Code on the flyer below to order. You can pay through Venmo or send in cash or a check made payable to: White Oak School with Mums fundraiser in the memo.
*Save the Dates:
Thursday, October 8th - 4-6PM: Our Annual Fall Open House - more information will be sent by Mrs. Sutter; this is an evening for families to join us on campus, meet the faculty and get to know each other!
*Wednesday, October 21st - 9-10AM: Our first Parent Advisory Group meeting of the year!
*October 22 & 28th - Parent/Teacher Conferences. you will receive a notice from Betsy Ricco to schedule a time to meet with your student's teachers
*November 6th - School Picture Day
Enjoy the weekend!
Jody
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