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This summer, I had an amazing opportunity to attend a two-week summer program at the University of Massachusetts for Hospitality and Tourism Management. During those two weeks, I got to live in the dorm at UMass, as well as have lectures about the different sectors in hospitality management and go on incredible day trips. Every day we had class from nine to four, which was filled with team-building activities as well as information about different avenues that hospitality management can offer. We also had two culinary sessions, on one day we made American-style dishes, and the other day we made international cuisine. In those cooking sessions, we each had a partner, and together we prepared one dish, and then everyone plated and served their dishes to the class. By far one of my favorite things about this program was the day trips we took: one was to the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA, and the other was to Boston, MA. At the Red Lion Inn, we got a private tour of the property by the
owner, who shared the history of the Inn as well as the charm of the Inn. From that experience, I found out that I can see myself working in a small inn or a small resort. I truly loved the historical part of it as well as the diversity of the property. Our next field trip was to Boston, where we went to Davio’s Italian Restaurant in Boston Seaport. At the restaurant, we got a presentation from the manager of that location, got a private tour of the restaurant, and got the chance to try their food. After that experience, we went to Fenway, where the Boston Red Sox play, and got a behind-the-scenes tour and explanation of what they do. From everything that I learned and saw at the two-week summer program at UMass, I am very certain that I want to major in Hospitality and Tourism Management in college.

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A tessellation is a pattern made of shapes that fit together perfectly without any gaps or overlaps, kind of like a puzzle
that goes on forever. The word comes from the Latin word tessella, which means a small square tile. Tessellations can be
made with simple shapes like triangles, squares, and hexagons, or with more complex designs.
You can find tessellations in many places in real life. They often appear in art and architecture, like in floor tiles, mosaics,
or stained glass windows. Nature also creates tessellations—for example, honeycombs made by bees, the cracked
patterns in dried mud, or even the scales on a fish.
Tessellations are known for their repeating patterns and their connection to both math and art. They show how geometry
can be both practical and beautiful, which is why they are studied in math classes and used in designs around the world.
In the display shown here, students worked hard to design their own tessellations. Each piece was carefully created and
then combined with others, showing how individual designs can fit together seamlessly into one large, connected
pattern—just like tessellations in the real world.

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On Friday, September 12, 2025, Ms. Ramsden and Ms. Capobianco held the first meeting of the garden club. All students were invited to sign up for this club which meets sporadically on nice days when there is work to be done. Last week, students weeded the beds, harvested vegetables, planted some new seeds for a hopeful fall harvest, and started to prepare the new greenhouse for plans to come. It was a beautiful afternoon and the students worked well together. Mr. Micks walked away with carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and squash to use in the Culinary Arts class.

Rain on Friday, May 30th, couldn’t stop White Oak School Field Day from coming! It came just the same! This year’s competition included fun new events like pool noodle croquet and an exciting sponge relay along with old favorites like bocce, cornhole, and the tug of war!

Thanks to Ms. Ramsden and Ms. Capobianco, the students and staff wore awesome tie-dyed T-shirts! (We will wear our T-shirts again on our upcoming trip to the Starfires baseball game on June 10th). Thank you to Ms. Daley for organizing our day.

Congratulations to the blue team who won 1st place! Purple came in 2nd and red and green tied for 3rd place! 

On May 17th, the historic Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern was transformed into White Oak School’s  “Enchanted Forest,” filled to overflowing with students and their guests who enjoyed dinner, dancing, and fun! A fabulous time was had by all!

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On June 2nd at 1:30, the White Oak community will gather to celebrate the members of the Class of 2025 with a very special White Oak Graduation ceremony. These seniors have big plans for their futures!

Mark Baymon will enroll at Holyoke Community College to study Culinary Arts. After that, he plans to work in fast food or at a convenience store. Mark then plans to work at a restaurant while he saves up for his dream job! Ten years from now, he hopes to own his very own food truck, “filled with tasty mouth-watering BBQ that could fall off the bone.” He also hopes to work at his favorite school by not only helping with the food but also teaching kids about culinary arts. Mark’s favorite White Oak memory was when he first got to the school and realized that, “there are a lot of people like me and they have learning struggles as well.”

Sam Cullen will travel with her family this summer before enrolling at Holyoke Community College in the Fall. She plans to transfer to a 4-year college to earn her Bachelor’s Degree. Currently, Sam’s career goal is to become a Forensic Psychologist, though she notes that her plan could change. Sam shared two pieces of advice with the younger students at White Oak: “Compassion makes people more likable,” and “Your actions have consequences.” 

Gadiel Ortiz-Muniz is looking forward to beginning the Educational Paraprofessional Program at Holyoke Community College this Fall in preparation for a career in education. Gadiel has aspired to a career in education since he first started at White Oak. His advice for younger students is, “Keep being yourself and be proud of the progress you make!”

Tiffany Maharne will enroll at Westfield State University in the Fall. She plans to major in Criminal Justice and minor in Social Work. In ten years, Tiffany plans to be a successful police officer doing her best to help people. Tiffany’s advice for younger students at White Oak is, “Don’t be afraid of failure because sometimes failure is the best thing that can happen to you.”

Eli Morley plans to work hard this summer while taking some time out to “hang with the fam!” Eli plans to complete an apprenticeship and night school to become a licensed electrician. Ten years from now, he hopes to be working on substations as a Union electrician working for the National Grid. Eli shares that his favorite White Oak memories involve Tutorial with Ms. Daley and Mr. Rodak and how Ms. Michalski, Ms. Daley, Mr. Rodak, and Mrs. Ricco “are always there for me.”

Paulina Rutkowski is excited to continue her education and career training in the Westfield Transition Program. Ten years from now, she hopes to be working at her dream job – as an Activities Assistant at an Assisted Living Facility or Senior Center. Paulina’s best advice to younger students is, “Be kind to your friends!” 

Olivia Standish will travel next year before enrolling in college. She plans to begin at a community college, then transfer to a 4-year college such as the University of Hartford. In addition, Olivia plans to become a certified dog trainer. Ten years from now, Olivia hopes to own and operate a successful service dog business. Outside of school, she loves to participate in car shows and train dogs!

Kyle Wickles plans to continue his internship at Look Park this summer, then obtain a full-time job. He plans to earn Security and Firearms certifications. Ten years from now, Kyle hopes to have a successful career as a Security Supervisor or TSA Officer. Kyle’s favorite White Oak memory was completing an internship working with younger students in gym classes – to whom he will always be known as “Mr. Wickles!!!”

Courtney Yaple has been accepted at Asnuntuck Community College. Her favorite White Oak memory was being a part of the Student Council. At ACC, she plans to study Psychology or Criminal Justice. In ten years, she hopes to have a successful career as a therapist or a victim’s advocate. 

On May 16th, White Oak hosted its annual Senior Recognition event to honor our Seniors. Eli M, Kyle W, and Tiffany M each received an athletic letter to recognize their contributions to our athletic teams. Tiffany M was awarded a $500 scholarship from the Westfield Womens Club, and Kyle W was serenaded by the lower school students with a special song just for him. In a separate ceremony, Mark B and school chef Mr. Micks were recognized for their culinary talents!

Congratulations, White Oak Class of 2025!

We are so proud of all of you!