Serving Bright Students with Language‑Based Learning Disabilities
Apr 11, 2025
Notes from the Head of School
On Tuesday, Ms. Capobianco and Mrs. Golann brought their ELA classes to Barrington Stage Theater Company in Pittsfield to see the Playwright Mentoring Project. They saw scenarios written by area high school students addressing mental health issues including feeling like they aren't being seen, and questioning identity and worth. The morning spotlighted the challenges prevalent for many teens today. One quote that resonated with our students was, "How am I supposed to climb a tree if the tree won't stop growing?" Our students enjoyed the production and came back with a lot to think about!
On Wednesday, Gina Anselmo and Tony Simmons from the DA's office Community Task Force presented "Just Once" about the dangers of using prescription and opioid drugs to our high school students. They also discussed the dangers of vaping and the risk of addiction which can lead to the need for other, more dangerous substances. Please continue this important conversation at home.
On Thursday, members of the junior and senior class attended the Credit For Life Financial Literacy Fair at Westfield High School. Students chose a job, received a monthly income, and a credit score. Then they were tasked with finding housing, transportation, utilities, insurance, cell phone and internet plans, and clothing among other life essentials. Did your student have to interview for a part time job? Get denied for housing because of a low credit score? Decide to buy the flashy Bronco? Were they swayed by the discounted trip to Nashville or did they play it safe and settle for game night at a friend's house? It was a fun morning filled with real-life decisions and some surprising consequences!
Today all of our high school students attended a financial literacy workshop with 3 representatives from Berkshire Bank. They talked about budgeting, credit vs debit, and fraud protection. Can you tell the difference between a real and a counterfeit bill? Ask your student to show you the hologram on a $20 bill!
New artwork popped up this week in C Building! Check out the amazing Jackson Pollock Community Art Projects. They are so awesome!
In Mrs. Williams' math class, Mark demonstrated the powers of 10 by building a tower totaling 2,838 blocks. Great job Mark!
FUNDRAISER! On Thursday, April 17th, Mrs. Fuda's Financial Literacy class will be having a Pajama Day fundraiser! For just $1.00, students can wear their favorite, school-appropriate pajamas to school. A member of the class will be collecting money in the hallway outside the cafeteria on Thursday morning!
Don't forget that the final round of parent conferences is this coming Wednesday, April 16th. Please look for an email from Betsy Ricco to confirm your conferences day and time. If you can not make your conferences, please let Betsy know at bricco@whiteoakschool.org.
The White Oak Players will present their production of "Clue" on Friday, May 2nd at 7PM in the gym! Please see the ticket order form attached. Ticket orders can be emailed or delivered to Mrs. Williams, Ms. Michalski, or Ms. Alger in the front office. Checks can be made payable to: White Oak School. Your name will be on the list at the door the night of the play. There will be refreshments for sale as well! Come see who dun it! It's guaranteed to be a night of fun and laughs!
*If you would like to contribute to the refreshment table at the play, please use this link to sign up! Thank you!!!
The Student Council Spring Festival is May 9th!
The Student Council is hosting a Spring Festival open to all students and their families. An outdoor event, there will be a scavenger hunt, yard games, crafts and refreshments for sale! $12 per person or $25 per family for entry! Tickets will be on sale after April vacation.
Enchanted Forest Prom
An Enchanted Forest Prom is at Storrowtown Tavern on May 17th for Grades 9-12. Tickets are $75 each. Tickets are on sale at milk break and lunch. Checks can be made payable to White Oak School. Students are allowed to bring guests from outside of school. There is a form to be signed available at the ticket table.
Reminder: Thursday, April 17th is a 1 PM dismissal and there is no school on Friday, April 18th.
