The students in NJHS are excited to share their next school-wide service project. The supply drive will run from March 31 - April 4 and will work with Shelter KC, a Kansas City rescue mission for the homeless. Click here to find out how you can help!
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In today’s digital world, every post, text message, or comment in a game chat contributes to your child's "digital tattoo"—a permanent online record that’s nearly impossible to erase.
Join us on April 16 for an exciting celebration of the arts at Oakhill!
I often joke that the only thing I collect is memories, but in all seriousness, when all is said and done, the memories are what remain. Experiential trips and travel in general are a great way to make some amazing memories to last a lifetime.
Join us this summer here at Oakhill with your favorite Oakhill Fully Charged and or our brand new half-day program Oakhill Scholars Summer School! Sign up today!
Brewing up some learning fun! ☕📚 Students in second grade enjoyed a Starbucks-inspired day in the classroom, where reading and treats came together for a perfect blend of learning and excitement!
Jazz, with its roots in African American communities, is an expression of creativity and influencing music worldwide. Learning about the Negro Leagues introduces them to the incredible athletes who overcame segregation in baseball, showcasing courage and talent. These stories help children understand the importance of perseverance, creativity, and highlighting the significant contributions of African Americans to American culture and history.
Oakhill Day School invites you to our free Panther Playdates—fun, interactive experiences designed for Early Childhood students and their parents!
Mark your calendars! Voting for Kansas City Favorites opens Monday, March 31 at 12 PM and runs through Friday, April 18 at 5 PM.
Before spring break kindergarten through third grade students performed their 'buggy/pirate" lifes for their friends and families at Oakhill! Continue on to learn about each grade and their shows!
Discover ways you can utilize moments in the car and at the grocery store to keep your kids engaged and sharp by working on basic skills!
Third graders try out hands-on experiments with simple machines and sound— learning with fun projects!
Students brought facts to life, one page at a time!
The kindergarten students have been busy learning all about nonfiction books this quarter. Their learning began by investigating many different nonfiction books. The students engaged in conversations together about what they noticed in the illustrations, the layout of the text, and information the author shared. They came to the conclusion that nonfiction books teach us true facts!
At the end of their non-fiction unit about (dis)Ability, sixth graders did an interactive workshop at the Museum of Deaf History, Arts, and Culture.
Fifth grade is working on world peace through the annual World Peace games. Can they solve crises without the use of militaries? Can they make treaties without breaking down?
We are excited to offer Oakhill Summer Scholars, a half-day enrichment-focused summer program designed to challenge and advance students into the next grade level. This program is open to both Oakhill and non-Oakhill students, providing a unique opportunity for all learners to engage in academic exploration and critical thinking.
Our intermediate students have been shooting/hooping their way into spring with a wide variety of basketball shooting, dribbling, and passing games! One of our class favorites was “SORRY BASKETBALL”.
Intermediate students have been working hard designing a poster for the 2025 National Spanish Art Contest. The theme this year is Celebrating Our Roots and Culture in the Heart of the Universe.
Recently, as part of a cooking unit, 6th grade students helped prepare breakfast and lunch for Oakhill students. Building confidence and comfort in the kitchen are just some of the benefits of the cooking class, but it also assists with math, time management, creativity, and critical thinking skills necessary for enriching young minds.
This quarter, 7th grade students are exploring the Renaissance through a creative and hands-on project that blends history and technology.
On Thursday, March 6, the Oakhill community came together to celebrate a major milestone—the start of Phase One of the Welcome Project with the demolition of the white house on NE 71st Street and Cherry Lane. This exciting change paves the way for more green space on campus, enhancing our students’ learning and play areas.
Collaboration between different age groups in school fosters a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students. Younger children benefit from mentorship, gaining confidence and learning new skills through guidance from older peers. Meanwhile, older students develop leadership, patience, and a deeper understanding of concepts by teaching and assisting younger classmates.
Don't forget! The Golf Tournament is coming back - September 29, 2025.
Thank you to all of our Mighty Oak Fund Donors to date!
The Pre-Toddlers have been exploring the world of shapes lately! This is also one of the core units in our Spanish curriculum, one that we build on each year. At this age, they are not expected to know the name of the shapes in Spanish, it’s just an introduction to the language.
Our early childhood students were recently treated to a very special and exciting in-house field trip – and it was full of laughter, music, and energy! Mr. Stinky Feet, the colorful and charismatic entertainer, gave our early childhood students an experience they’ll never forget.
Congratulations to our 5th graders on an amazing production of At the Bandstand!
Pretoddlers, Toddlers, and Preschoolers are exploring the world of instruments! In class, we’re playing xylophones, bells, drums, tambourines, sticks, and triangles, all while keeping the beat with these fun instruments.
Our Oakhill Spelling Bee season wrapped up on Saturday, May 1 when Lucia Peterson (8th grade) competed in the final round of the Mid-Continent Public Library Spelling Bee and placed in the top 9!
The eighth grade class took a field trip to B’nai Jehudah Synagogue to kick off the study of Night, a book about the Holocaust.
5th grade students took an experiential learning field trip to the School of Economics!
Oakhill Day School invites you to our free Panther Playdates—fun, interactive experiences designed for Early Childhood students and their parents!
Last year at this time, Mrs. Thompson and I were packing our bags for an unforgettable professional development trip to Alaska. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mike and Karen Morris, we attended the Iditarod EDU Conference, visited veteran musher Travis Neal’s Turning Heads Kennel, watched vet checks, and even got to meet the Iditarod veterinarians who care for the sled dogs along the trail.
The Lower School students enjoyed a field trip to the Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts this week to see KinderKonzerts: Weather Ahead performed by the Kansas City Symphony and guest Chief Meteorologist Bryan Busby of KMBC.
Although February is a shorter than normal month, this is the time of year (in the Education world) when retirements are announced, opportunities are pursued, personal decisions are made, puzzle pieces are assembled, open positions are posted, and change fills the air.
The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and that can only mean one thing—spring sports season at Oakhill Day School is ready to roll! Whether you're a returning athlete or trying a sport for the first time, this is the perfect chance to get involved, have fun, and represent the Panthers with pride. Register Today For Spring Sports: Track & Field, Girls Flag Football, Boys Volleyball, and Golf.
The Oakhill Day School State of the School for the 2024-2025 school year is here! Read it online now!
Simple things bring joy!
Fifth grade has been busy preparing for their upcoming field trip to the School of Economics (SOE). The first steps to prepare for SOE involved completing a job application, writing a resume, and being interviewed.
Lucia Peterson made it to the finals of the Mid-Continent Public Library Spelling Bee!
Although assessments are one piece of the puzzle, they are just that—a piece. Our teachers and students have truly set personal goals for growth this year, and it’s been incredible to see the progress! Below, you’ll find some amazing highlights and trends that showcase the hard work, dedication, and growth happening across our classrooms.
Our toddler scientists embarked on a prehistoric adventure that was nothing short of dino-mite! From erupting volcanoes to reading about dino drama, they uncovered the mysteries of the Mesozoic Era in ways that only the littlest learners can.
We first sold these parties at the 2024 Auction and we are opening them back up for more friends to join in on the fun! Don't miss out!
Now that we have made it through a pretty brutal winter, my countdown to spring is on! Warmer weather is exciting in itself, but the spring means some pretty fun activities at Oakhill!
Life’s lessons are typically not learned when things are going smoothly. As parents, it’s hard for us to not jump in and rescue when we see our children struggling. By not always helping out, but sometimes holding back, we can help our children learn important life lessons.
As we returned from school after the new year, we set out on a journey to discover our “one word.” We discussed that as humans, trying to be better versions of ourselves is something that is important to reflect and act upon.
Read to learn more about the importance of allowing your child time to develop at their own speed. Be sure to also check out this article if you or your child is a fan of Bluey!
This chapter provides a practical guide for those who may feel unsure about where to start with executive functioning skills. Peg and Richard break down the process into manageable steps, making it easier to implement effective strategies for your child.
The Prekindergarten crew stood tall while exploring the United States of America. Students started by taking a look at symbolism.
At Oakhill Day School, we are fortunate to have educators and leaders who are deeply committed to innovation, growth, and the success of our school community. One such leader is Taylor Clevenger, an Oakhill alum (Class of 2012) whose journey has come full circle—bringing his passion, creativity, and strategic mindset to every aspect of school life.
5th grade scientists are designing "green" spaces for Oakhill. Their designs will be submitted in April's iBuild showcase!
8th graders simulated a 1920s speakeasy and shared ideologies and biographies of real-life people from the Roaring Twenties!
In our Preschool curriculum, we dedicated two weeks to exploring Healthy Habits, covering topics like nutritious eating, hydration, dental health, and hand hygiene.
At Oakhill Day School, lunch is more than just a meal; it’s a time to refuel, connect, and share a moment with friends. Our journey toward exceptional dining has been years in the making, beginning with the move to an all-inclusive lunch model in our South Campus Building eight years ago. Now, with our partnership with FLIK Independent School Dining Services, we’re elevating mealtime to a whole new level.
Your Admissions Office is hitting the road and we would love to see you! Support local businesses or learn great things about early childhood... or both! Saturday, March 1 is packed with some free, fun events for your whole family!
Ms. Hill is working with the prekindergarten students on reading the quarter note, quarter rest, and eighth notes using rhythm sticks.
Celebrating the 100th day of school in early childhood is a joyful milestone highlighting how much our young learners have grown since the start of the year
Every Thursday, we’ll explore the latest tech trends, share tips to keep kids safe online, and provide strategies to support parents and their child’s emotional well-being.
Geometry might be one of the oldest branches of mathematics, but just ask a fourth grader how marshmallows and spaghetti noodles can make it one of the coolest concepts in mathematics!
Take a peek into Mr. Kleyh's 8th-grade math class. Today, they learned about multiplying and dividing rational expressions!
8th grades led 2nd-5th graders through displays of cultural items related to the Lunar New Year!
Today at Oakhill Day School x FLIK, our students enjoyed a comforting and delicious hot lunch!
With ice hockey being a popular sport in many cold and snowy parts of the country, the winter weather to start the new year was a great way to kick off our floor hockey unit in PE.
In Social Studies, 6th graders have created card games based around ancient Greek gods and goddesses!
7th grade Spanish students practiced Spanish conjugation by creating conjugations of slang like "fade," "slay", and more!
Toddlers have a natural enthusiasm for jumping, making it an ideal activity for developing their coordination and motor skills.
This educational experience is made up of many pieces and parts. Each and every second is a learning experience - a time for growth, development and reflection. Thank you for being an integral part of Oakhill’s educational experience!
As we get closer to the end of the school year, we also get closer to the start of a new one! Re-enrollment is open!
The lessons students learn from being involved in parent teacher conferences.
On the heels of winter break, I felt that my first Acorn article of 2025 should focus on family and some ways to deepen connections with your kids while maintaining expectations and keeping them safe.
Do you or someone you know need office space? We have space available in our 6910 N Holmes location!
Join us for fun, themed dress-up days to show your spirit and celebrate this exciting occasion. Super Bowl Spirit Week at Oakhill: February 3-6!
This week, our pre-kindergarten class is embarking on an exciting ocean exploration to escape the snowy weather!
Read about how our learning support staff and HEART team assists our students as well as when a psychoeducational evaluation could be beneficial.
First grade students have been learning about important Midwesterners during a recent social studies unit.
If you need to request a year-end statement for your tax return, Dependent Care FSA statement or have any questions about your billing in Blackbaud, payments due, or payment plans, please reach out to Kristin Smith in the Business Office.
Mrs. Pavlisin and Mrs. Verwers are teaming up to offer a powerful mix of SEL insights and tech tips!
We think the third graders should have their own display at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art after these creations!
The kindergarten through third grade students have been filled with excitement as they bundle up for recess, their laughter making its way through the cold breeze.
7th grade students have been learning about American painter Wayne Thiebauld. Students chose a treat to paint in his style!
Motivating your child to build their executive skills takes patience and creativity, but the rewards—both theirs and yours—are well worth it. Whether it’s a sticker chart, a high-five, or a coveted snowboard, finding the right approach for your child can make all the difference.
8th grade Social Studies students accessed the emotions of WWI trench warfare. They expressed what they learned through art and poetry.
6th grade Spanish students created an "All About Me" poster. It will lead to their first Spanish essay!
The 7th grade Aqua City and Springbook city planners presented to the 2025 Future City Competition!
The Pretoddlers have enjoyed being back at school and playing with their friends.
4th and 5th graders are preparing for their Spring mini musicals!
Snow way we won't play in the snow! Check out photos of Intermediate students enjoying the winter wonderland, and click the link for even more pictures!
In fifth grade, the students have begun their novel studies about Tuck Everlasting, The Island of the Blue Dolphins, or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Excitement is in the air as basketball season is in full swing, and our Panthers are ready to dominate the court!
Learning to count in Spanish is a skill that starts in Early Childhood and continues throughout your student’s learning journey here at Oakhill.
After returning from winter break, the pre-kindergarten class dove into learning all about winter.
Check out some tips on how to keep your family active and thriving this winter!
Together, the school community raised an impressive $2,229.11 to support hurricane relief efforts, showcasing the incredible generosity and teamwork of our students, families, and staff.
Nothing is quite as memorable as "this" school during this time of year - the kindness, the gratitude, the traditions, the special feeling in the air!
Traditions are important to children and family life by helping to teach important life lessons.
As we approach the end of the year, we’re filled with gratitude for the generosity of our incredible Oakhill community. Together, we’ve raised an impressive $194,283 for the Mighty Oak Fund, and we’re excited to see how much further we can go before December 31!
Oakhill Fully Charged registration opens on January 1st for the 2025 summer season. Running from June 2 to August 1, 2025, the camp offers exciting activities for toddlers through 8th grade, including weekly field trips, on-site visits from fun attractions, and extended care options.
As the first day of Hanukkah begins, we share the joy of this holiday with our Oakhill community.
While environmental interventions can help reduce challenges, they aren’t portable. This article focuses on two approaches to teaching executive skills—informally and through targeted interventions.
Huge congratulations to Evan Hughes-Morris, Class of 2014, on your marriage to Autumn!
Calling all Early Childhood Families! Join us this at Music and Movement for some fun with your parents!
With your MOScholars Tax Credit, you can direct up to 50% of your state tax liability to fund scholarships for students to receive a private education.
Get ready to walk the red carpet, celebrate our incredible community, and bid on amazing items—all in support of our beloved Oakhill Day School.
At Oakhill Day School, we appreciate the investment you're making in your child's education and are here to support you in managing tuition and fees.
In Mrs. Smith’s music class, 7th grade students have been learning to utilize the Garageband app on their iPads to compose music. Each student composed a ringtone as a precursor to their current project, a music album.
In the Innovation Lab, creativity and technology are coming together as 7th-grade and half of 8th-grade students transition from 3D design in Tinkercad to 3D coding in CoSpaces.
All of the South Building students met Santa and Mrs. Claus as part of the holiday fun this week! Check out the link to Oakhill's SmugMug page for more photos as the week goes on!
Mallory Potts recently participated in a deer capture at El Sauz Ranch with The Texas A&M Wildlife Society and the East Foundation.
Drake Potts, an Oakhill Day School lifer, recently premiered his Western short film Burleson, inspired by Texas history and family roots.
We’re thrilled to have one of our very own alumni speak at this year’s Winter Program!
Abbie and Hensley, along with other 6th grade coders, made dancing robots! Link to video in the post!
As a kid, I used to love the new year… It meant a “fresh start”, new opportunities/experiences, and another year closer to achieving the goals I had set for myself. As an adult, I feel that a new calendar year means more memories created and challenges overcome, but it also means that my kids get a little bit older and reminds me that time moves too quickly!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Oakhill Day School’s 2024 Holiday Musicals. As we celebrated the talents of our students, we also had the privilege of welcoming back Avery Giles, an alumna from Oakhill’s 8th grade Class of 2016.
The kindergarten students have recently been working through a thematic gingerbread unit, incorporating literacy and math skills with hands-on activities.
Third grade has been so excited to see what is under each 'gift' to participate in their acts of kindness!
We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for our students to make a meaningful impact through our Task Tacklers and MAS Mentors programs! These initiatives are designed to foster leadership, build responsibility, and encourage students to give back to their school community.
By participating, students will not only grow personally but also earn valuable service hours—all starting this winter, January 2025
We are thrilled to introduce our Winter Small Group Tutoring Sessions with Ms. Manley!
Students in kindergarten through third grade are embarking on an exciting learning journey of developing their "thinking like an engineer" skills.
Read all about the fun 4th and 5th graders have had in PE this semester!
Students in 2nd grade are learning how to play shuffleboard in P.E. with their coaches! This will be a favorite
What a wonderful year it has been so far! It has been such a joy to watch your children learn, grow, and develop new friendships.
This holiday season, our Pre-K students are embracing the spirit of kindness!
Your gifts allow Oakhill teachers to innovate and grow through professional development opportunities. Because of you, they inspire and challenge every student to become their best selves!
Middle school students partied in a Winter Wonderland at the first mixer of the year!
Fifth grade scientists did experiments on pennies!
8th grade students may not be able to physically travel to Washington, DC, but tech innovations allow them to "travel" there in class!
Our Oakhill community values family traditions and we love when they are shared throughout the school year. Maria Diaz de la Pena, parent to Andrés and Eddie Vollenweider, recently visited kindergarten and first grade classrooms to share Advent traditions with the students.
8th graders Mackenzie and Philip got to tour the facilities of non-profit organizations that they are studying! This is a great opportunity provided by the annual Mission Possible Project.
Fifth-grade students experienced the treasure of learning about the past. They took a field trip to the Arabia Steamboat Museum to deepen their learning about the Industrial Revolution.
Parents had the opportunity to tour both buildings and watch learning in action!
You are a powerful Ambassador for Oakhill! Share your love and story through a variety of ways to help us grow and thrive. Here's to the next 80 years with your contiuned support!
Re-enrollment is here and we are honored to work with your family! Information has gone out on the 25-26 School Year and are looking forward to a great year.
During the last few months, we have met weekly with the design team - the General Contractor, architect, project manager, and engineers. With many meetings behind us, many unknowns uncovered, and estimated costs from subs in hand, we have more accurate numbers ready to go!
For most families, there are five key causes they support. I encourage you to think about what Oakhill means to you and your family, and how you can place it on the list of key organizations you support.
I am grateful I “live” at Oakhill each and every day; I see, hear and feel our mission coming to life on a daily basis! We should all be proud of the Oakhill “way” - what we do…for our students!
How to use the holidays as a time to teach and reinforce lifeskills.
Don't miss out on this year’s exclusive 2024 Oakhill Holiday Tees—a perfect way to showcase your holiday spirit and Oakhill pride!
Congratulations to the 5th-8th grade Panther Flag Football Team for an incredible season! From nail-biting victories to games that came down to the wire, the Panthers played with heart, determination, and grit until the very last whistle.
Congratulations to our 8th-grade volleyball athletes! It was so amazing to see all you were able to accomplish this season and wish you luck on and off the court as you transition to high school next year. Thank you for some incredible and forever memories!
Congratulations to our 7th-grade volleyball team for a tremendous season! We are so proud of the growth they demonstrated this year.
Eight outstanding middle school students were honored for their commitment to NJHS's five pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Citizenship, and Character during a special induction ceremony on November 22, 2024.
Small changes in the environment today can lead to big leaps in your child’s ability to manage tasks, emotions, and interactions in the future.
The long anticipated wait for the dress up days is officially over. See this post to find out the exciting days for this year.
Kindergarten has been learning all about corn during their first semester thematic unit. From planting, to observing, to harvesting, to tasting, they’ve seen the whole process!
Check out this semester's Spirit Week plans!
Check out all of the afternoon afternoon offered for the rest of the school year!
Fourth grade students explore all of the body's systems!
Halloween + math = fun!
Happy Thanksgiving! Please know that we are off school for our break from November 25-29. There will be Kids Club available on the 25-26!
Oakhill's 4th-8th graders have a lot of talent! They showed off what they love to do at the annual talent show.
I hope that this long week off is the beginning of a happy holiday season! Take time to connect and rest up for an exciting few weeks before winter break!
As we approach Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday on December 3rd, it’s a time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for. Oakhill and the impact of the education provided here for our grandchildren are high on our list.
We will have Full Day Kids’ Club over Winter Break!
At Oakhill Day School, we are fortunate to have educators who are deeply committed to their craft and always striving to grow as both leaders and learners. One such teacher is Audra Olson, a dedicated 5th-grade teacher who has gone above and beyond in her professional development this year.
Early Childhood wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving! Our students are thankful for crayons that color, soft stuffies, dry days on the playground, yummy snacks, and good friends.
The toddler classes had the opportunity to have Oakhill's FACES students read a book to our classes.
Please join us in congratulating Lucia, Andrew, and all of our Spelling Bee participants for their hard work and determination
Welcome to Mighty Oak Fund 101—your crash course in how Oakhill Day School transforms your support into something truly extraordinary!
Halloween is one of the best days at Oakhill! From witches to bananas, from emotions to puzzles, it's a great day of fun, food, parades, and parties!
See photos of Intermediate and Middle School students participating in Global Celebration!
Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we’ve already raised $2,500, putting us halfway to this week’s $5,000 goal. Let’s keep going and reach that target by Friday!
I am also thankful for and appreciative of our current fundraising momentum. Giving seems to be a catalyst and precursor for continued generosity. We are thrilled to have secured another $50,000 match from now through Giving Tuesday on December 3rd!
Thank you to each member of our community—parents, alumni, friends, and supporters—for making Oakhill such a vibrant place of giving and growth.
Parent Visit Days are a great way to see Oakhill in action! Come and learn more about upcoming grade levels and divisions to find out now about the next year.
The third graders are not only learning to speak in Spanish but learning real information from countries around the world!
At Innovation Lab this week we are talking about the upcoming World Kindness Day, which is celebrated on November 13. We started by reading a story called, “The Little Spot of Kindness” by Diane Alber.
We had a special visit from Neena Patel, mom to our very own Krish and Arjun, who joined us to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights!
Come join the Lower School Science Wizards Club once a month!
Toddlers have had fun moving and exploring in P.E. classes this month.
Fifth grade has been working hard and rockin’ it in the process! Between our informational reports and our movie poster book reports, we have been busy inside and outside of the classroom!
Do you need care for two days over Thanksgiving Break? Oakhill has you covered on the 25th and 26th of November!
Our Lights, Camera, Oakhill Auction Vacation Raffle is officially underway, and raffle tickets should have started coming home via backpacks yesterday, November 4!
Do you want to come to your child's school for the morning? RSVP now to be put on the schedule!
Did you know a campground could come to school? It did in 2nd Grade with it being Noun Camp!
This year the kindergarten students planted corn in the Living Lab. Three varieties of corn were planted at different times, allowing students to observe the plant life cycle in various stages.
The first grade students have been busy building their number sense using manipulatives to represent numbers to one hundred. Number sense is an important building block that leads into other math competencies, such as composing and decomposing numbers.
Ms. Trager's preschoolers had an amazing time exploring the important roles of our community helpers!
Experimenting in Science with Mrs. Cole!
Do you know when Hispanic Heritage Month is? Our Lower School students in second grade had a social studies lesson in Art!
Oakhill Day School invites students to embrace the season with a unique blend of fun and learning at the Living Lab’s Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt.
Take a look around Kansas City with the third graders!
We’re thrilled to offer incredible prizes that make participating in our auction even more rewarding! Don’t miss your chance to win an unforgettable vacation or $2,500 in cash!
Wednesday was nothing short of incredible as we came together for our now-annual Mighty Oak Fund Call-a-Thon! With just days left in our Giving Month, we rallied an outstanding team of volunteers and staff to help close the gap on our generous $50,000 match challenge!
Sharing your story helps Oakhill get and keep amazing families!
The sixth graders created clouds! In jars! Check out these great photos!
Middle School PE has gotten off to a great start! Check out photos here!
The students of Mrs. Clevenger and Mrs. Craven's classes walked over to the Gladstone City Hall and received a "key to the city"!
As of today, no tricks—all treats—we’ve reached $181,920! Yes, we've reached our halfway point, but we’re not done yet. We still have a ways to go to meet our $350,000 goal!
A project base learning experience is hands on where the students are engaged in the "what's next"!
The fourth grade students in Mrs. Clemis’ and Mrs. Compton’s classes created landforms out of playdough as a fun, hands-on way to review definitions.
November’s Morning Club theme is Fall Fun!
Please welcome to Oakhill Day School- Kaden Kenney
Kaden is a 5th grade student in Mrs. James’ Homeroom
Seventh grade Science students established zones in the cities they are designing for the Future City Competition!
Championship-level effort, outstanding performances, and winning mindsets carried the 3rd-8th Grade Cross Country Team through another successful season of running.
We are incredibly proud of the 5th-grade girl's volleyball team for their hard work and dedication during their inaugural season!
We are incredibly proud of the 6th grade Girls Volleyball team for their hard work, sportsmanship, and dedication during this exciting season!
Thank you to our amazing room parents for volunteering for the 2024-2025 school year! It is a BIG job and we couldn't do what we do without them.
Save the Date for our Holiday Hoopla! The one-day boutique shopping experience benefiting the students of Oakhill Day School will take place on Saturday, November 16 from 9am-3pm.
We have compiled a list of our faculty and staff's favorite things, along with their classroom wishlists, for you. Check it out!
We have two events coming up - one in October and one in November - to thank our teachers!
Grandparents and Special Friends Day is one of our favorite events at Oakhill and it would not have been possible without our amazing chairs!
What a fantastic evening! Thank you so much for joining us at Alldredge Orchards.
At Oakhill, we understand you have a choice when deciding on the right school for your child. We also understand it is a big decision, so here is why keeping your child at Oakhill Day School can set the stage for a lifetime of learning and success.
Pablo the lion puppet has lots of friends who come to visit our Spanish classroom, and one of the all-time favorites is Bruja (the witch)!
Attention all first through eighth-grade students! Are you ready to showcase your incredible talents? The annual Talent Show is just around the corner, and we can't wait to see what amazing performances you have in store.
In pre-K, Mrs. Crouse's friends had a wonderful time learning all about pumpkins!
You know it's fall time at Oakhill when the kindergarten students go on parade for their annual Scarecrow Day! This special tradition not only showcases innovative scarecrow costumes, but includes a day of thematic learning.
The third graders take on a challenge to do a chapter book study and turn the retelling into a whole cereal box story!
In 3rd grade the scientists have been creating models to build an understanding that all organisms share certain stages in their life cycles: birth, growth, reproduction, and death.
Hats off to you as we glide into the end of a big month at Oakhill!
8th graders took the characters in Julius Caesar to court...for real!
How the Oakhill curriculum, along with other important things like taking the PreACT, prepares our students to excel beyond the walls of Oakhill Day School.
Winter sports season is quickly approaching, and we’re thrilled to offer exciting opportunities for our 5th-8th grade students! Whether your student is eager to hit the basketball court, dive into the competitive world of E-Sports, or join our new Middle School Dance team, we’ve got something for everyone this winter!
Be sure to mark your calendar for this year's talent show! All of our talented students will love for their friends and family watch them show their stuff. It's a fun night where Oakhill students shine on stage.
Save the Date - November 14 @ 6PM
I am loving my new role as the prekindergarten through third grade music teacher. We are working on the fundamental elements of music.
A student favorite, Foodies, returns for the 2024-2025 school year! Students who like to eat and/or discuss food can sign up to share delicious treats and delightful company. Scan the QR code!
The sixth grade students have been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by making a Mexican sun. The students worked in groups to brainstorm and create their suns.
Oakhill is embarking on exciting facility upgrades, including the addition of much-needed restrooms and a new lobby. Just like paying a mortgage while renovating your home, the Mighty Oak Fund helps cover daily operational costs even as we tackle these larger projects.
After two successful Grandparents and Special Friends Days, where even a family from Honolulu attended, it became clear that Oakhill could greatly benefit from having a golf cart for events and tours. The Johnson Family kindly loaned theirs for the event, with Alyssa Kimbrough volunteering as the driver, making our visitors feel special.
First through eighth grade students are encouraged to sign up for the annual Talent Show!
Fall is in the air (kind of) football is in full swing - my fantasy team is injury ridden so my fantasy fame is crushed - and playoff baseball adds one more exciting layer to the best time of the year!
This year we are offering basketball for our K-4th grade students and cheerleading for our PK-3rd grade students.
Learn more about i-Ready and why we use the assessment tool at Oakhill!
Yearly fundraising goals are a part of a larger vision - our strategic plan. Oakhill’s strategic plan acts as a blueprint for the current year and beyond including all facets of what is needed for a healthy school - academics, personnel, climate, community, and finances.
Mark your calendars for October 29 because Oakhill Day School is hosting a Mighty Oak Fund Call-a-Thon!
Each year, kindergarten students perform chosen nursery rhymes in class, further developing their listening and speaking skills. This year they combined their nursery rhyme unit and technology to create a special presentation for Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day. Each child chose a rhyme to recite, including making and gathering their own props and costume pieces.
Oakhill is thrilled to announce the launch of the Summer Scholars Program, a challenge track designed to advance students eager to dive into next-grade-level skills and standards. This dynamic program offers a challenging yet supportive environment where students can strengthen their knowledge in math, reading, and critical thinking!
Here are ten principles, based on Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare, to support the development of executive functioning skills.
The second graders just completed their first writing piece of the year!
Incoming 3rd through 5th grade students are invited to join Mrs. Compton for small group activities that will strengthen their reading and comprehension skills.
We are excited to share that our 5th graders have been working on building fact fluency in math playing games!
WHAT??? - yes, you heard it right- games!
We are excited to offer Morning Clubs this school year for our Intermediate Division. As the name suggests, Morning Clubs are held before school and they are an exciting, fun-filled way for your child to begin their day.
Please welcome to Oakhill Day School- Owen Arth. Owen is a 5th grade student in Mrs. Olson’s Homeroom
Early childhood teachers tend to frown at the term "crafts" when referring to activities done in the classroom. What may look like just a craft has many benefits.
Check out some of the many, many ways parents are involved at Oakhill!
Join us for the Kindergarten Showcase on October 29, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM!
Oakhill early childhood students are so excited to learn about Music! Ms. Ely is introducing instruments, including Xylophones, Shakers, Tambourines, and Triangles, as they are playing to the beat.
The Oakhill community is strong beyond school grounds and school hours, as shown at Carey's Denim Dash.
When you look up the word "involved" you might find the names David and Jackie Conkling referenced! Their son, David, graduated 8th grade at Oakhill in 2018, yet their connection to Oakhill remains strong!
The preschool recently visited Deanna Rose Farmstead, providing the children with a hands-on experience to see and touch the animals they had learned about during their farm unit. This exciting outing allowed them to connect their classroom lessons with real-life interactions, fostering a deeper understanding of the animals they studied.
The First Grade Shoe Tying Club has been gaining new members. As students master their shoe tying skills, they are rewarded with new laces and are members of this lifeskill club. The shoe tying club is open to all ages.
Our alumni play a huge role in making our community special, and we have some fantastic events lined up just for you.
Oakhill alumna Delaney Clawson is making impressive strides in biomedical engineering, and we're proud to see her living out "The Oakhill Way" from first grade all the way to her next chapter at Northwestern University.
We’re excited to celebrate Oakhill alumni Bria and Hannah, Class of 2023, who have earned their academic letters through the Park Hill School LEAD program! These two are making big strides, and we couldn’t be prouder to showcase their accomplishments as part of the Oakhill community!
Homerooms competed in a Cardboard Regatta in the first teambuilding activity of the year!
During the first week of school, the 8th graders went on a teambuilding field trip to ROKC (a rock climbing gym) and lunch. They climbed the walls and hung from boulders, and they encouraged, supported, and coached each other. Check out the photos
Photos from the first few days of school show big smiles and lots of joy! The South Building students, 4th-8th grade, are ready for a great year!
6th graders, parents, and Leadership demonstrated their politeness and consideration at a Manners Meal!
Alayna, Emma, and Miku join the 7th grade and share how the beginning of the school year has gone.
The Middle School Homeroom class focuses on communication, preparation, and The Oakhill Way!
There are many opportunities each year to save on tuition at Oakhill! Read more to learn about the different ways!
It's not just about the pumpkin spice and cooler weather—this month is packed with exciting initiatives that will make a lasting impact on our school’s future. From doubling your donations to fueling our students' growth, here are five reasons why your support this October is a game-changer for Oakhill!
Donations in the month of October will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000! Join the drive to help reach the goal of $350,000 for the students of Oakhill!
Sixth graders are using Tinkercad to create bespoke monsters for their second grade "clients"!
Our toddlers received an exciting special delivery filled with lab coats, safety glasses, and official name badges, along with a letter from Bingo on Old MacDonald's farm.
Kindergarten students are growing corn with the help of the ODS Living Lab. Students are currently observing three varieties of corn and measuring their growth. Soon they will harvest the plants and use the corn to further their knowledge during a thematic corn unit.
Our 4th and 5th graders have started their podcasting unit and are already diving into the creative process!
Second Graders took action in their first election process while voting for a class representative for the Oakhill's Student Council. This is just their first election this year and they look forward to the next!
Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in Quiz Bowl!
Incoming 3rd through 5th grade students are invited to join Mrs. Compton and Mrs. Clemis for small group activities that will strengthen their reading and math skills.
Fourth graders have been hard at work for several weeks, so it was time to showcase their amazing assignments and projects to their parents.
Hi! My name is Lucas, and I am nine years old. I live with my mom, dad, two brothers, and one sister. I have one pet, a dog, that lives with me too!
We are excited to offer Morning Clubs this school year for our Intermediate Division. As the name suggests, Morning Clubs are held before school and they are an exciting, fun-filled way for your child to begin their day.
Middle School art students made abstract art based on the Olympics.
We are excited to tell you all about Mrs. Ely's new role at Oakhill. Mrs. Ely is teaching Pretoddler, Toddler, and Preschool music this year.
Introducing Mrs. Ziegler, who joins us from a role as a substitute at Oakhill! She’s excited to work consistently with our special group of kindergarteners, bringing an extra trusted presence to guide and support them.
We are excited to introduce you to one of our new Teaching Assistants, Miss Lafferty. She is working in our Pretoddler classroom with Mrs. Clark.
Fall has arrived, bringing a vibrant season of activities and learning at Oakhill!
Look at these Panthers living out the "Oakhill Way"—our Class of 2020 alumni are out in the world doing great things!
Perfect Porridge definition - each student deserves, needs, and wants the perfect curricular porridge (not too easy, not too hard, but just right) and no two pots of porridge have identical recipes.
Read updates about the Upper School at Oakhill.
Students learned about life with blindness and visual impairment, and had simulation experiences related to what they learned!
Why conferences are such an important part of your child's education.
We are excited to introduce you to Miss Clevenger. She works as a PE Assistant, Alumni Assistant and she also works Kids Club.
Meet Mrs. Cole, who joins us this year after a fantastic stint as a substitute teacher at Oakhill! With her enthusiasm for kindergarten and passion for supporting both students and teachers, she’s ready to make a positive impact.
We are excited to tell you about Mrs. Hill's new role at Oakhill. Mrs. Hill is teaching Prekindergarten through 3rd grade Music this year.
We are excited to tell you about Ms. Ferris's new role at Oakhill. Having worked at Oakhill for 21 years, she knew she wanted to stay involved in the Oakhill community and give back in any way she can.
We are excited to introduce you to one of our new Teaching Assistants, Mrs. Wheeler. She is working in one of our Toddler rooms with Mrs. Hagan.
First grade students used the writing process to write to community heroes. They recognized their character traits and how they are real heroes to the community.
We will have Full Day Kids’ Club on October 11th from 8:00-4:00. We will also have Kids’ Club Conference care on October 24th and 25th.
Kindergarten students recently engaged in a thematic learning on Bear Day. Students made connections in math reading, science, art, music, and writing, along with their stuffed friends.
We are excited to tell you all about Mrs. Craven's new role at Oakhill. Mrs. Craven is teaching 2nd grade this year.
ODS students are preparing for the school-wide spelling bee on November 12. Students can study grade-level lists to prepare for in-class spelling bees. Our ODS finalists will move on to the Mid-Continent Regional Spelling Bee in February, an official qualifying bee for the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Come support your Oakhill Panthers as we attend a variety of events in our community AND host many more! Look forward to seeing you soon!
Soon, Oakhill will have another beautiful addition that promotes physical activity both indoors and outdoors, increases facility space with much-needed storage and restrooms, and continue to grow our footprint here in the Northland as the only independent private school north of the river.
Thank you to all of our Mighty Oak Fund Donors to date!
Did you know you can use your 529 account to pay for K-12 tuition at Oakhill Day School? It's true!
We are excited to tell you all about Mrs. Cole's new role at Oakhill. Mrs. Cole is teaching Prekindergarten STEM and co-teaching Kindergarten science with Mrs. Thompson this year.
I see parallels between the Chiefs and Oakhill. We strive to create, offer, and share a winning program daily - one where our students learn, grow, and thrive and where our families find connections, opportunities, and like-minded peers!
When Karen and I were asked to Chair the Mighty Oak Fund, the decision to agree was simple. We believe that the only thing we can leave the next generation that cannot be taken away or lost is an educated mind.
Read how progress reports start in early childhood and build through each division all they way up to middle school.
Through hands-on learning, they used their imaginations to illustrate the continuous flow of energy and the interconnectedness of nature. Learn more about the 3rd grade food chain unit in science!
Students in Third Grade had a task to complete all while learning how they were going to present their knowledge to the class.
Last week, classrooms across Oakhill selected their grade-level representatives for this year’s Student Council (STUCO). These elections were a great opportunity for students to step into leadership roles and represent their classmates.
Just in the 1st Quarter, we have had over 90 lifeskills recognized across the entire school… that is AWESOME! And I know that isn’t all of them.
We are excited to introduce you to one of our new Teaching Assistants, Miss Trejo. She is working part-time in our Toddler classroom with Mrs. Stout. Miss Trejo hopes to provide a safe and positive space for the kids that she works with. We are happy to welcome her to our Oakhill staff.
We are excited to tell you about Miss Gunderson's new role at Oakhill. Miss Gunderson is now doing weekly storytime with our Pretoddler, Toddler, Preschool, and Prekindergarten students.
Until you understand how your executive skills, both strengths and weaknesses, align or misalign with your child’s, it can be challenging to know where to adjust your actions and how best to support your child.
This week, our Pre-K students had an exciting adventure learning about community helpers, and guess who they got to meet? REAL FIREFIGHTERS!
As we headed back to school this year, I thought it was the perfect time for my 4th and 5th graders to set some new goals and to choose their focus word for the year.
Students have been diligently working with Mrs. Smith to prepare their lines and choreography for the upcoming school production of The Little Mermaid Jr.!
Lower School morning clubs are a fun way to socialize with your friends but yet learn in fun ways from the club teachers!
Did you know that not only do Oakhill students work hard with academics each day but they also work on learning a variety of life skills and executive function skills? It’s the Oakhill Way!
In 5th grade at Oakhill, students are diving into the essential skill of map reading! While online navigation tools are everywhere, understanding how to read a map builds critical thinking, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities.
We are excited to introduce you to our new Intermediate and Middle School Music teacher, Mrs. Smith.
Prekindergarten students and their parents are invited to learn more about this fundamental year.
We are excited to introduce you to one of our new Teaching Assistants, Ms. Carpenter. She is working in one of our Preschool classrooms with Mrs. Johnson.
We are excited to tell you all about Mrs.Verwers's new role at Oakhill. Mrs. Verwers will be teaching Innovation Lab at the South Campus.
Activities outside the classroom are beneficial in early childhood education. They provide a unique opportunity for experiential learning that goes beyond the classroom setting.
Kendell, Harrison, and Haiden are Oakhill's three new sixth graders. They have had a great year so far, with more fun to come!
The Oakhill community had the privilege of hearing from one of our own, an alumna, Brianna Duncan (Ely) '11, who not only thrived at Oakhill but has taken the values and lessons learned here to make a difference in the world.
In these early days of the 2024-2025 Mighty Oak Fund kick-off, we would like to thank those who have already committed to this year's campaign!
The more everyone understands the need for fundraising at Oakhill, the better Oakhill will be concerning academics, curriculum, programs, personnel, training, campus maintenance and improvements, safety and security, technological safety, and logistics … all facets of what it takes to run a business and provide an excellent educational experience.
Our pretoddlers spent the week learning about family! Mrs. Clark does a wonderful job creating and implementing creative and age-appropriate lessons for her students.
Lower School has been off to a great start with our beginning of the year routines!
Kindergarten students went on a back-to-school scavenger hunt in connection with the read aloud, "David Goes to School" in order to learn how to display lifeskills throughout the school building.
The first few days of school in our early childhood classrooms have been nothing short of magical!
Welcome to Oakhill, Margaret Sarver! Read this article to get to know all about our new Intermediate & Middle School Division Director.
Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! Learn some fun facts about Mr. Zielger!
This year’s school theme is “The Oakhill Way - our Mission in Motion”! We will be focusing on respect, responsibility, kindness, and honesty. We will be focusing on high academic instructional/curricular expectations in all subject and specialist areas. We will be focusing on communication across the board.
Thank you for sharing your love of Oakhill to other wonderful families! We have had 24 students enroll this year because of YOU. Keep sharing your love of Oakhill and receive tuition credit!
With the start of school I wanted to talk about something you’ve probably heard before: executive skills. While the term can sound a little technical, it’s all about the brain-based abilities that help us manage tasks, stay organized, and get things done.
Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 school year! How exciting the first few days have been!
To ensure that each student receives the individualized support they need to succeed, we use a variety of data-driven tools, including the i-Ready math and reading diagnostics and ERB's Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP). Here's how we leverage this data to create a supportive learning environment:
As the new school year kicks off, it's crucial that all families take a few moments to update their child’s SchoolDoc profile. We must have 100% completion by August 30th.
At Oakhill Day School, we appreciate the investment you're making in your child's education and are here to support you in managing tuition and fees.
Oakhill Athletics kicks off the fall season with enthusiasm, led by passionate coaches dedicated to helping every student-athlete succeed. Whether it's developing a new skill, finding a love for fitness, or aiming for the next level, our coaches are here to guide and inspire each player on their journey. Here’s to a season of growth, teamwork, and unforgettable moments on the field, course, and court!
Oakhill will have two students arriving from Guatemala in a few weeks but it is not too late! Your family can host an exchange student this fall - contact your Admissions Office for more information!
Save the date for this year's ISACS Parent Education webinar series.
Get ready for an exciting year of sports at Oakhill! Our 2024-2025 athletics program offers a wide range of activities for students from 3rd to 8th grade. Go Panthers!
Voted-based summer camp and a tangible example of why we earned this honor! See what the difference is when the staff if fully invested in providing the best summer ever, each and every day.
Find out why we choose FLIK to provide your child breakfast, lunch, and dinner here at Oakhill! The company behind the food that our students and faculty already love. Learn more about our dining program and sign up for the full-year program today!
There is no time like the end of summer/beginning of a new school year to talk about Optimism!
Technically, summer is still going strong … another 52 days to go until the official start of fall! But, in a school sense, summer is coming to a close and SCHOOL is starting!
Save the date for a fun day of golf as we honor our beloved Helen Wills, who taught many generations of Oakhill students and left a legacy that has forever become part of the Oakhill community culture.
To help you navigate the year ahead, please take a moment to review the attached handbook. It is designed to be a comprehensive and user-friendly resource, answering many of the questions you might have.
We are excited for the start of another amazing school year. School supply lists for the 2024-2025 school year are now available online.
To help you navigate the year ahead, please take a moment to review the attached handbook. It is designed to be a comprehensive and user-friendly resource, answering many of the questions you might have.
Voted-based summer camp and a tangible example of why we earned this honor! See what the difference is when the staff if fully invested in providing the best summer ever, each and every day.
Join us for Kids' Club for the 2024-2025 school year! We are here for your children daily from 7:15 am until 6:00 pm. While also being open for Full Day offerings throughout the year starting here soon from August 5th through the 14th. Sign up today!
Find out why we choose FLIK to provide your child breakfast, lunch, and dinner here at Oakhill! The company behind the food that our students and faculty already love. Learn more about our dining program and sign up for the full-year program today!
As the world celebrates the Olympic Games, we're feeling a bit like Olympians ourselves! With gold medals in multiple categories, Oakhill Day School is honored to be standing on the podium, thanks to our dedicated teachers, supportive families, and amazing students.
Join us Friday, August 23 from 3:30-6:30pm at the Main Campus for our Back to School Carnival!
We hope our grandparents and special friends plan to visit during Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Wednesday, October 9 and/or Thursday, October 10 to get a glimpse of the learning at school. Schedules are ready!
Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! Here's some exciting things happening at Oakhill this year!
Join us for Kids' Club for the 2024-2025 school year! We are here for your children daily from 7:15 am until 6:00 pm. While also being open for Full Day offerings throughout the year starting here soon from August 5th through the 14th. Sign up today!
4th of July is only a few days away! How can that be? It seems as though summer has just begun, yet it is half over (is the glass half full or half empty?)!