Notes from the Head of School

Happy Friday!

We had a very busy week here at White Oak!

*Mrs. Lynch's OE class did a sequencing directions activity where they made paper airplanes and then they got to fly them, taking advantage of the beautiful weather earlier this week! So fun!

*On Tuesday, Mr. Micks took 16 students to a food industry trade show on the grounds of the Big E. There, the students explored various booths of products sold to kitchen and restaurant businesses. They learned about pricing and the volume of options available while getting some yummy samples!  

*We had some visitors on campus this week - a momma bear and her cubs awakened from their winter slumber. We were able to observe them from the safety of our cafeteria windows as they lumbered around the edge of the woods!

*On Wednesday, Mrs. Rida's and Mrs. Luongo's social studies classes visited the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, MA. Here's a summary from some of the students who went: "Mrs. Rida and Mrs. Luongo’s history class is learning about different wars and took a field trip to the American Heritage Museum.  We were able to learn about the different types of wars and their history.  First, we traveled a long way on the school vans to get there, which was fun.  When we arrived there, there were tanks parked in the back.  The tanks were epic to see!  Next, we entered the building, and there was a cannon there!  Next, we went into a room and watched an intense and interesting movie about all the wars from the earliest to the current war.  After the movie, we got to be in an actual trench, which simulated a battle going on around us.  This showed us what it was like to be a soldier at this time during WWI.  Then, we walked into a room where we saw the first tanks ever created and used.  After that, we got to watch another war video about WWII.  Other wars we learned about were the Vietnam War, the Civil War, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror.  Overall, the coolest things we saw were a giant missile, a big, big jet, a tank painted like a tiger, a boat that transports tanks, a super old prison cell, and a train that showed a movie in it.  This was a great trip, and we learned a lot!"  

By: Bradley, Callie, Madeleine, Finn, Richard, and Blake

We are grateful to the docents and the veterans who were there to enrich our visit with information and stories!

*On Thursday, we were privileged to have Professor Bob Benard from American International College speak to our 11th and 12th graders about the different options available to students after high school. He spoke about trade schools, 2 year and 4 year colleges. He also explained the differences students can expect as they leave high school and continue on post-high school tracks, including the need to be independent in seeking accommodations. Thank you to Mr. Benard for sharing this important information with our students!

*Today, a group of students embarked on our first 8 week program at the Acts of Hesed Farm in Southampton. This leadership program incorporates the use of animals such as horses, goats and donkeys in a safe, supported environment with an equine specialist and a clinician in addition to our Mrs. Kelly. The goal of this program is to generalize emotional regulation, social and leadership skills from the farm to the school setting.

We are so thankful to 11th grader Alyssa C. who introduced us to this farm. Alyssa has a passion for animal-assisted experiences. Much of this opportunity has been financially supported by St. Germain Investment Management in Springfield, MA in Alyssa's name. Alyssa is currently working on a project to share more information about the farm and her experiences there. I look forward to sharing it with you all soon!

*Don't forget to reserve your dinner tickets for next Thursday's senior raffle and pasta dinner! This is the biggest fundraiser of the year - bring family and friends! I will attach a raffle prize list to this email - you can:

*Purchase your dinner tickets and raffle tickets ahead of time and send the attached form in to Mrs. Williams

*Purchase just your dinner tickets ahead of time and buy raffle tickets the night of - please reserve your dinner tickets with Mrs. Williams ASAP

*Purchase just raffle tickets ahead of time - you do not need to be present to win! Fill out the form and send it in to Mrs. Williams.

There will be many more prizes than those listed available the night of the raffle, including themed baskets, gift cards, a night at Foxwoods Casino and more!

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*Senior Lauren B. is working on her Gold Award- the highest award a Girl Scout Senior/Ambassador, gr 9-12 can earn! For her project titled "The Power of Understanding Dyslexia, she wanted to help other kids & families struggling with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, while also helping teachers with resources.  She is creating resources to teach others about these disabilities and the importance of early identification and intervention.  She is also creating a library of literacy resources and activities that teachers can both use and share with parents when kids are struggling.  Lauren is gathering donations to add an audiobook section in a local public school’s library.  Her hope is to help both struggling readers and all students reach their reading goals, and hopefully encourage more of a love for reading.To donate or support Lauren's project, please see the flyer below!

UPCOMING:

*Tuesday, March 24th & Wednesday, March 25th - 10th Grade ELA MCAS testing will take place.

*Friday, May 1st - The Drama Club presents Willy Wonka Jr.

*Saturday, May 9th "Once Upon A Time" Prom - open to grades 9-12 - The Carriage House at Storrowtown Tavern in West Springfield.

Have a great weekend - hope to see you on Thursday the 19th for the Senior fundraiser!

Jody

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