Making the MOST 529 Plan Work for Your Oakhill Tuition

Did you know that you can use the MOST 529 Savings Program towards tuition at Oakhill Day School for kindergarten through eighth grade?

MOST, Missouri's 529 Savings Program, is a "backup plan" to grants and scholarships, derived from the 529 revenue code. The program started in the '90s to help families save for college expenses and included state incentives for opening an account. To this day, there is no minimum amount to start a 529 account, families with a 529 plan have the ability to save on taxes, there are a variety of investment options to choose from, and you are now able to use your 529 Savings Plan at a large number of schools. The best part of the program... there are no age, length of time, or income limitations! You could even open an account for yourself if you have plans to go back to school!

NEW in 2019 - The MOST 529 account used to only cover college tuition. But now you can use your account to pay tuition at K-12 private schools! This account is a pre-tax way to cover some or all of your tuition costs each year that your child is an Oakhill student.

For more information on the MOST 529 program, download their updated brochure, or visit their website at most529.com.

If you have any questions about taking advantage of the MOST 529 program in regards to Admissions at Oakhill, please don't hesitate to reach out! Contact the Admissions Office

Sign up for one of our upcoming admissions events!

Questions? If you have questions regarding the Admissions process or your plans for next year, please contact The Admissions Office by email or phone.

Helen Pouch Memorial Fund Classroom Grant Report

For Claudia Feaster of Missouri, William Boydston Chapter

Narrative of Spending: 

It has been a goal of mine for a few years to add new resources to our Library so that our students can check out electronic books (E-books) and digital audiobooks from our Library.  We have a wide range of reading interests as well as reading levels. In addition to this, students have various preferences on "how" they read ~ whether they listen to an audiobook; read the book electronically on their computer, smartphone, or tablet; or read a good old-fashioned paperbound book.  Up to this point, we have only been able to offer our students actual books, with a few audiobooks on CD available as well. It is going to be wonderful to have more options for our students to read their favorite books.

I am ordering 21 digital audio books, 11 Ebooks, and 3 CD audiobooks.  This will give us 35 new titles in our Library ~ some of these titles we have in book format as well, and some of them are brand new.  This will give our students more formats to choose from and more fun books to read. Our total order comes to $1,042.92 and the $500 from the Helen Pouch Memorial Fund Classroom Grant will help make the whole project possible.  We have some funds in our Library account that will cover the difference in the cost for all of the books. Since I am introducing something new and different with these resources, it is nice to have so many to offer from the start.  It wouldn't be as much fun for them to try it out if I was only able to purchase a handful of new books. This way more students can give them a try and help spread the word.

Narrative of Impact of Grant: 

I love to listen to audiobooks that I download on my phone.  I have the books with me all the time and I especially love listening to them in my car.  I have some CD audiobooks in the Library, but they require access to a CD player and many students don't have that.  It is going to be much more convenient for them to listen to the digital audiobooks. While listening to audiobooks is certainly a wonderful way to enjoy a story, it also serves a greater purpose for students who might struggle with reading a traditional book.  Listening is often more enjoyable for them and they are able to get more from the whole story when they don't have to think about the reading process and their lack of confidence in it. They can just simply enjoy the story and that is such a gift. Listening to an audiobook can also improve their comprehension of the story ~ especially when they listen as well as read the book.  

I have always known and appreciated the benefits of listening to audiobooks and when I had one of my 7th-grade students write me a letter requesting that we have more audiobooks in the Library to help with students who have learning difficulties, I was inspired to complete my goal of adding new the resources.  The opportunity for this grant came along at just the right time and we are so grateful for the money to get this done. These resources will be enjoyed for years to come and will be a pleasure as well as a learning benefit for so many students.

Identify the number of students and the other classrooms in your district (school) that will be impacted by your grant.

I am the Library Coordinator for both Libraries at Oakhill and I teach the 4th-8th-grade Library classes.  I submitted the application for this grant on behalf of all of the students who can use these wonderful resources.  We have 188 students in the 1st through 4th grades this year and these resources will be available to all of them.  We will use the majority of them for our Middle School students since they will be very proficient in using the electronic and digital resources independently. Our classroom teachers will also be able to utilize these books in their classrooms.

Ambassadors Give Thanks at Chamber Luncheon

As the calendar year comes to an end, many of us start to reflect. Have we met our goals, read that book, taken that vacation?

Our 2018-2019 Student Ambassadors were able to recently reflect and even share with the community at the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce's November luncheon. Our students chose to share why they are thankful for Oakhill and the experiences they have had in their time as a Panther.

Emma Dake, 8^th grader, was able to share why she is thankful for Oakhill and the education she has received:

I am thankful for Oakhill because of the family you are immersed in every day. I always feel loved at Oakhill and never feel ashamed to be myself. I am thankful for the education I have received. I love Oakhill so much and our school is proud to be recognized year after year for its award winning education. I also love how many kids are "lifers", people who have been here since kindergarten. I am proud that I am a Lifer at Oakhill Day School attending since I was a toddler. I am thankful for all of these things.

8^th grader Griffin Gregg shared why he feels Oakhill has made him prepared for high school and beyond:

Oakhill has prepared me for high school by doing multiple things for me.

First, they have taught me how to manage my time and my schoolwork, a very important life skill. They taught me this with the specific due dates for all my different assignments.

Second, they have taught me how to be a good person with life skills that have shown me how to behave in society. They've taught us this with the Life Skill Awards at our school-wide meetings. 

And lastly, I think most importantly, they have taught me to love learning. And with that, I will continue my life always trying to find a new fact or a new way to do something.

Tatum Smith, who is in 7^th grade, told to members why she is thankful that Oakhill is in this community and the things we do together:

I am thankful that Oakhill is in Gladstone because it gives students opportunities that only a small community can give. Gladstone gives Oakhill places to go both academically and athletically. Oakhill and Gladstone do things together that some schools could only dream of doing with their community. Some of these are open houses, luncheons, Gladfest, Mayors Christmas Tree and don't forget the amazing choir performances. Gladstone also helps Oakhill partake in organizations like Northland Christmas Store and Miles of Smiles. So during this season of giving, I plus the entire student and teacher body, are thankful for YOU, our community.

7^th grader Jonas Beckham closed out the Ambassadors time by sharing why he thinks community members should come and learn more about Oakhill:

Oakhill is a great place to learn. Our small teacher to student ratio ensures that each of our students can learn at their own pace. This also means that students build strong relationships with other students and teachers alike. Our athletics program include five sports, so there's something for everyone. Combined with the plentiful amount of before and after-school classes and clubs, students can pursue any interest they may have. There are so many opportunities for students to be the best version of themselves with a strong foundation both academically and socially. A prime example of everything I've talked about and more, are tours. We offer private and group tours so that you can come and see Oakhill in action!

Jonas was able to then introduce to those gathered one of those opportunities that Oakhill students receive, our After School Choir programs, who then finished out lunch with wonderful entertainment.

Listening to these four students who are a representation of our overall student body share, was a wonderful way to start the holiday season. The Oakhill staff and administration are thankful for each of you, OUR Oakhill family, for sharing with us your children as they travel on their education journey.

We are looking forward to an amazing 2019!

Three Winter Foods Kids "Should" Hate, But Actually LOVE...and how we prepare them.

One of the most common things that I hear from parents is: how do you get my child to eat _____?

The top 3 culprits that parents believe their kids hate but they come back begging us for more are Brussels sprouts, Spaghetti Squash, and Eggplant. When prepared correctly and with the right selection of seasonings, they can be fail-proof favorites.

Brussels Sprouts:

These are my personal favorite on the list and I am sure that is part of the reason it is so easy for us to convince the kids to keep coming back for more. The key is to make sure they have plenty surface area when you roast them in the oven so that they are able to caramelize some which intensify their sweet flavor. We start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees. Cutting them in half and removing any hard stem at the base is the best way to maximize their surface area. You can also quarter them to cut down on cooking time. Put them in a bowl and toss with vegetable oil and (my secret ingredient) McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning. Spread them out in a single layer on a foil or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the outer leaves turn dark brown and crispy. 

Spaghetti Squash:

Is it spaghetti? Is it a squash? Spaghetti squash gets its name from the texture of the cooked flesh of the squash. It will become naturally stringy and have a spaghetti-like appearance. You may not fool a "carbivore" who eats pasta regularly, but you can likely convince your kids to try this meatless pasta alternative regularly if you pair it with some Alfredo sauce.  The simplest way to prepare spaghetti squash is either in the microwave or roasted in the oven.  Start by cutting the squash in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds.  Salt and pepper the inside liberally and place it cut side down on a foil or parchment lined sheet pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool to the touch.  Alfredo sauce is made of just heavy cream (1 cup), butter (1/2 cup), and grated Parmesan cheese (2 cups). You'll just melt the butter and cream together, remove from the heat, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it's thick and creamy. Season with some salt and pepper and its done. Scoop the spaghetti squash out from the now-cooled shell and mix it with the alfredo sauce and serve.

Eggplant:

Eggplants can be a bit intimidating at first but the trick is to bread them and pan fry them up nice and crispy! Start by cutting the eggplant into 2" x 1/2" x 1/2" sticks.  Soak those sticks in heavily salted water for 30 minutes.  This helps to remove the bitterness some larger eggplants can have. While they are soaking, heat a 1/2" of frying oil in a cast iron pan to about 350 degrees.  Remove the eggplant sticks from the water and pat them dry. You will make a standard breading station and bread the eggplant before frying. Dredge them in flour, shake off the excess, and dip them in egg wash.  After removing them from the egg you will toss them immediately in panko breadcrumbs seasoned with Italian herbs. Line them up on a tray ready to fry. Once the oil is up to temp you will add a few sticks, one at a time to the hot oil and fry them until golden brown, turning to promote even cooking. Once removed from the oil, place them on a cookie cooling rack or paper towel to wick away the excess oil. Hold them in a warm oven until ready to serve. Season lightly with salt.  Eggplant "fries" are excellent dipped in your favorite marinara sauce!

Hopefully, these few tips and recipes will help you prepare some of our most popular menu options that you never would have known your kids will love!

A Time to Be Thankful

I cannot believe Thanksgiving has come and gone! Time really does fly; that is why I try to make time and take time to be thankful for all of the things in my life! The people/things that make me thankful are actually the things/people that make me happy! 

I am thankful for my two children, Brooke (15 and driving) and Brady (19 and away at college), and all the love and fun they bring to my life. I am thankful for Kevin, my husband of almost 24 years, who has learned how to be a teacher's husband since day one (lots and lots of big ideas that he ALWAYS gets dragged into)! I lost my dad this fall, and I am thankful I was able to be with him daily for the last six weeks of his life; of course, it made me wish I had spent even more time with him over the past several years. I am thankful for my mom, my sister, and my entire extended family (I actually organized an extended family get together so that we see one another during happy times, and not just the necessary times). I am thankful that my family is happy and healthy.

I am thankful for this rewarding "job", my colleagues...my friends, and all of the incredible parents and students I get to know and interact with each and every day. I am thankful to hear so many cute and humorous remarks each day (working in a school keeps you young at heart). I am thankful for my friends...they know me well and accept who I am. I am thankful for the great outdoors – biking, hiking, running, boating, rock climbing, etc... I am thankful for National Parks, State Parks and pristine wilderness. I love to be outside, realizing just how small I am on this big Planet Earth! I am really thankful when we travel somewhere so remote that our phones and devices don't work! I am also very thankful when I can really see the stars! I enjoy planning trips probably more than actually taking them!

I am still...and always will be...thankful for homemade mashed potatoes (thanks mom), chocolate pie, really good scallops (Grand Street Café), Cane's chicken, really sweet tea, chick fil a sauce (because it is free), an ice cold Coca-Cola (in a glass bottle), and a Venti Starbucks decaf mocha with extra whip! I am thankful that I don't have to grocery shop (Kevin is our chef and shopper), and I am thankful for the incredible lunches I enjoy here at school each and every day (love those Brussel sprouts).

I am thankful for great movies in theaters with reclining seats and reserved seating (the Grinch movie made my heart grow), funny and family-friendly TV shows (The Goldberg's), and football (Thursday night, Saturday, Sunday night and Monday night). I am thankful that I got to see Brady over Thanksgiving (he drove 7 hours from Dallas to meet me in Branson)! I am thankful (scared sometimes) that Brooke is now driving (it keeps me from always being late to pick her up). I am thankful for traditions (preparing to cut the Christmas tree so we can hang the sentimental ornaments that are getting older and more fragile each year)!

I am thankful for Silver Dollar City over the Holidays (the lights, the skillets (yum), the roller coasters). I am thankful for a snow day or two each year (I can't wait for a RED SNOW DAY – Go Chiefs)! I am thankful I get to sleep in every once in a while – not waking up to an alarm! I am thankful for my cat (Smoky)! I am thankful that my dog, Princess, gave us so many years of happiness and losing her this summer has motivated me to search for another dog to bring into our family. I am thankful for the seasons (especially when it is 75 and sunny), the stars, the beach, waterfalls, Redwood Trees, and the mountains! I am thankful that my family loves to travel, to explore, and to try new adventures. I am thankful for fond memories and future dreams.

As I write, I find myself thankful for so much...the little things, the big things, and the simple things! These things truly make me happy!

I wish you a wonderful Holiday season...be thankful each and every day.

Suzanne

Dreaming of Summer

In 2018, we as Oakhill introduced a brand-new summer camp program that brought the true summer experience back to our campers. We took out technology and returned the laughter, took out phones and put in smiles. Oakhill Fully Charged was a huge success and we cannot wait to show you what we have planned for 2019!

Oakhill Fully Charged is coming back again with a whole new program but not straying from our foundation. This summer your camper will experience a new lunch program, camp-wide field trips, a cultivating camp atmosphere, and multiple camp locations. This will be a summer that you and your camper won't want to miss.

Summer Lunch

After taking feedback about our lunch program last summer, we are now taking it so much farther. We will now have a full-service hot lunch option located in the South Building with multiple refreshment options, hot entree choices, and a dessert every day. This is a camp focus as we want to make lunch a focal point of the summer day. There will be table games present each lunch and a clean-up game that may make you the sweeper for the day. The environment will be family style as the counselors and campers will all intermingle as the enjoy a nice lunch and maybe even a dance party. Every camper will look forward to lunch for the amazing meals or the activities that come along with our lunchroom games. Who will be crowned the lunchroom champions?

Camp-Wide Field Trips

We are expanding our field trips to offer them camp-wide and to every age! As a camp, we understand that different ages need and want different field trips and we have listened. We will venture off-site each and every week so there is always something for your camper to look forward to. Our highlighted field trips for this year in our 4-8th-grade team are Worlds of Fun, Rowdy Ribbit's, and maybe an overnight trip! Our 1-3rd group will experience Lego Land, the Kansas City Zoo, and a trampoline park. Our youngest campers will have their field trips brought to them, whether it is a magician, bounce house or the local fire department bringing over their firetruck for us to tour. We are really focusing in on making these field trips opportunities that will build new friendships and memories that will extend far beyond this camp.

Camp Amp'd

Finally, our camp atmosphere is being brought into a new light in 2019. As last year the excitement was at an all-time high, but we only plan to build on that environment. This year we will incorporate camp cheers, dress up days and a summer remodel to our buildings. We will use our camp cheers from the time we arrive until the moment your camper leaves. It may even be brought up at home as the campers will get to bond as they scream out their favorite cheers throughout the summer. Our brand-new dress up days for our campers will be a challenge every Monday with a group being crowned champion each day and shown off on our social media profiles. The dress-up days include superhero showdown, twin day and much more. Everyone involved in camp will be encouraged to participate, from counselors all the way down. Also, our buildings will get a summer makeover for when you arrive to drop your camper off on the first day you will know its time to party as the school building will look similar but now will scream summer time!

Room to Grow

This year we are so excited to announce the inclusion of both buildings at Oakhill Day School giving us more room for our campers and for activities. Our oldest team will call the South Building home, while our youngest campers will be in the Main Building for their own space. This will give each group a sense of belonging and a place they can grow and design.

Overall, this year is going to be everything 2018 was and so much more! We plan to deliver the best summer ever in 2019. This summer will deliver a delicious lunch each and every day, adventures your camper will never forget, an environment they can be themselves and big enough room to fulfill all dreams. Please come to see what we are about here at Oakhill Fully Charged before your sections fill up! This will be the best summer your camper has ever been a part of!  

2018 Oakhill Day School National Junior Honor Society Inductees

Oakhill Day School held an induction ceremony on November 19, 2018, to welcome ten new members into the Oakhill chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). The National Junior Honor Society established in 1929, is an offshoot of the prestigious National Honor Society organization. The NJHS™ recognizes superior Middle School students for their achievements in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship, and character while challenging them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

This year's inductees are Sam Brown, Grade 8; Luke Freyermuth, Grade 7; Nura Henok, Grade 7; Mary Kimmerle, Grade 7; Ella Kramer, Grade 7; Isabella Mountjoy, Grade 7; Joey Nguyen, Grade 7; Ava Pickens, Grade 7; Mya Quarles, Grade 7; Mia Zdvorak, Grade 7.

Additional Oakhill NJHS™ members include Kylee Carlson, Grade 7; Georgia Carter, Grade 7; Ryan Dodson, Grade 7; Griffin Gregg, Grade 7; Wain Guo, Grade 7; Lauren Holloway, Grade 7; Julia Holmes, Grade 7; Addie Kimmerle, Grade 7; Ava Kirkpatrick, Grade 7; Ava Mallams, Grade 7, all inducted during the 2017-2018 school year.

NJHS™ is a program of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). NASSP is the preeminent organization and national voice for middle level and high school leaders. For more information about this organization, visit www.njhs.us.

2017-2018 Annual Report

We are extremely thankful for everyone who supported Oakhill during the 2017-2018 school year. As we prepare for #GivingTuesday2018 we want to recognize everyone who helped propel the school's 17-18 giving and volunteerism to record-breaking levels!

Give Back to Oakhill While You Shop this Holiday Season!

During the holiday season, there are several ways to earn money for Oakhill through Rebate Programs!

Amazon Smile

When you #StartWithaSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of your purchase to Oakhill Day School. Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/44-6001359 and support Oakhill every time you shop.

Shop with Scrip

Gift cards are a quick and easy go-to gift. By purchasing gift cards through the Great Lakes Scrip Center, Oakhill earns between 1% - 15% back on purchases made. Visit Shop With Scrip and use the organization code 2B1BLA7918486. With over 750 retailers, there is something for everyone on your list!

School Store

Over 400 merchants, including Sears, Target, and WalMart.com, have joined together to offer up to 50% of sales to our school for shopping through SchoolStore.com. To shop and support our school, simply go to www.schoolstore.com and select Oakhill.

Box Tops for Education

Prepping your holiday feast? Make sure to shop for Box Tops products over the holidays season! Clip and return your Box Tops to the Central Office with your child's name marked on the collection sheet or Ziploc® Storage Bag.

• Download Holiday Collection Sheet
• See Participating Products

Each year,Oakhill raises around $5,000 through these programs and we look forward to you helping us earn this Winter!

Enrollment season is upon us and we have many opportunities planned for your family to visit and discover (or rediscover) what Oakhill is all about! We hope that you will join us for one of our Admissions Open House Events.

As a bonus THANK YOU to our current Oakhill families, we are offering you a chance to save $1000 off next year's tuition by helping us spread the word about the school and our upcoming events! Learn more about the Referral Raffle.

Upcoming Open House Events

Early Childhood Panther Playdates
These events are for parents and children 12 months through prekindergarten to come and play with our Early Childhood Division! These fun, family-focused events combine learning and play.

Kindergarten Kickoff Night
Prekindergarten students, bring mom and dad for a fun-filled evening learning all about Oakhill's Kindergarten program! Your child will have a blast introducing you to our Technology, Music, Art, Physical Ed, Spanish, Library, and Science teachers while seeing what these programs have to offer. Oakhill's Kindergarten teachers will outline the curriculum and answer questions about this fundamental year.

Tuesday, November 6
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Main Campus Building | Directions

Kindergarten-Third Grade Open House
Get a first-hand view of life in and out of our Lower School Division Classrooms! Children and parents will tour the school before students head off to participate in special activities of their choosing. While the children are off learning, mom and dad will have the opportunity to talk with teachers and staff about the Oakhill experience.

Saturday, November 17
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Main Campus Building | Directions

MOST - Missouri's 529 Savings Plan Presentation
Recent tax changes effective this year have brought about the exciting potential for k-12 private school families to finance your child's education using an established 529 plan. We encourage those who are unfamiliar or interested in the Missouri 529 Savings Plan to attend this event with representatives from MOST. For specific information or to see if the 529 savings program is the right solution to help your family manage private school tuition costs, visit the website.

Tuesday, November 27
6 p.m.
South Campus Building Commons | Directions

RSVP for an Event!

Questions? Contact Dorothy Beckham