Notes from The Head of School Aug 29, 2025

Happy 1st Friday of the school year!

It was a great 1.5 days easing back into our schedules. We are so happy to see our returning students and thrilled to welcome our new students! Each week, I will try to send you a wrap up of the events of the week and preview upcoming activities.

*Please check out our new website if you haven't already at www.whiteoakschool.org. It is easy to navigate and has all the information you should need. There are bound to be some snags as we get used to updating the site, so please reach out with anything you see!

*You will notice in some of the pictures below the addition of a big screen TV in the cafeteria! This will be used to provide students with reminders each day as well as be used for presentations.

*Speaking of new additions... we are so fortunate to be the recipients of Ames's Eagle Scout project this summer! Ames and his troop built us a beautiful greenhouse near our garden beds. Be sure to check it out the next time you are on campus. We are excited for a longer growing season and the opportunity for students to take on the responsibilities of upkeep! Thank you so much Ames!

*Students heard about many club and activity opportunities this week. I will summarize them below with the names of the advisors.

Some clubs will meet on designated Fridays DURING the school day. Next week, students will be asked to choose the club they want to participate in. These are:

-Helping Hands: White Oak's community service club - open to all ages - this club organizes fundraisers/drives/local walks/activities for various causes and organizations. They also make holiday cards for our troops and Veterans and partner with area organizations. Advisors: Ms. Rossi and Mrs. Luongo

-Drama Club: Open to all ages - this year's play will be announced next month - we need actors, stage help and set design! This club will meet during Friday meetings but will also have an after school and weekends commitment as the production time gets closer. Advisors: Mrs. Mercier and Mrs. Williams

- American Sign Language: open to all ages - Students will learn basic sign language! Some at-home practice will be needed. Advisors: Mrs. Fuda and 3 Seniors currently taking ASL at HCC

-Writers' Club: open to all ages - this will be a space for writers and illustrators to hone their craft - stories, poems, essays, comic strips....Advisor: Mrs. Rida

-Boardgames Club: Open to all - a different game will be the focus of each meeting - come learn games like chess, checkers, and card games. Advisor: Mr. Girard

- Knitting/Crocheting Club: open to all ages - new and experienced knitters and crocheters are encouraged to join! The advisors will let you know what supplies you need. Advisors: Ms. Capobianco, Ms. Crowe and Mrs. Lynch

-Innovators Club: Open to High School ONLY - come build and explore given various materials to meet goals and use critical thinking and problem solving skills in addition to group communication and cooperation opportunities. Advisors: Mr. Consolatti and Mrs. Armstrong

*Clubs that meet AFTER SCHOOL:

- Dungeons and Dragons - Open to high school students only - Wednesdays from 3:30-5 PM. Advisor: Mr. Girard

- Fishing and Nature Club: Open to Grades 8-12 - Fridays from 330-530PM - fish with Mr. Gumina or explore nature by making observations, foraging, or bird watching with Mrs. Armstrong at Hampden Ponds. Advisors: Mr. Gumina and Mrs. Armstrong

-Chorus: Open to all - Tuesdays from 330-5PM - will NOT meet every week, will perform around the holidays at Armbrook Village, at graduation, for special events, host karaoke nights. Advisor: Mrs. Williams

*Other opportunities to be involved:

-The Acorn school newsletter: all students are encouraged to contribute to the monthly newsletter. This can be news articles, creative writing, photography, or artwork! Advisor: Ms. Crowe

-Gardening Club: this club meets sporadically on good weather days to plant/weed/upkeep the garden boxes and greenhouse. Advisor: Ms. Ramsden

-Yearbook Committee - will meet 1-2 times a month at lunchtime to create the yearbook - photographers/editors/graphic designers needed! Advisor: Mrs. Williams

-Student Council: High school students are encouraged to campaign for the positions of President, VP, Secretary and Treasurer. Elections will be held in the coming weeks. Student Council plans events and fundraisers for the school, including fall fest, dances, and prom. Advisors: Mr. Rodak and Mrs. Kelly

-SheLeads: a Club open to all female-identifying students - build confidence and camaraderie now and for the future! Advisors: Ms. Michalski and Mrs. Kelly with student leaders Lucia and Lauren

*Sports:

-Soccer - open to grades 8-12: practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 330 - 5PM - games will also be on those days but pick up times will vary depending on the location of the games. Coaches: Mr. Gumina and Mrs. Rida - there will be an informational meeting and permission slips will go home next week - students should listen for that meeting announcement!

- Cross Country - open to grades 8-12: practices will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 330- 5PM. Students will run 3.1 mile courses through woods and on trails. Meets will also be on Wednesdays - pick up times will vary depending on meet locations. Coach: Mr. Gumina - there will be an informational meeting and permission slips will go home next week - students should listen for that meeting announcement!

Basketball will be offered in the winter and Ultimate Frisbee in the spring for students in Grades 8-12.

* It is not too late to join us!!!

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Sun • Oct 12, 2025 • 7:00 PM

TD Garden, Boston

Join White Oak at this Pre-season Celtics Game!

Seats are in Sections 308/309 in the upper rows

$65.00 Each

We will meet at the TD Garden.

You will get your tickets the week prior.

Note that this is a holiday weekend and there is no school on Monday

Email me at: jmichalski@whiteoakschool.org to reserve your tickets NOW!

Checks should be made payable to: White Oak School