School News

 

 

News

School-Wide Service Project - Shelter KC
Margaret Newhouse

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!

Experiential Learning
Margaret Sarver

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! Fun and Learning at Oakhill
Taylor Clevenger

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! 

Starbooks or Starbucks Day?
Kaylyn Clevenger

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!

American Jazz and Negro League Baseball Museums
Kaylyn Clevenger

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.

Preschool class using rhythm sticks in music
Michelle McDaniel

Oakhill Day School invites you to our free Panther Playdates—fun, interactive experiences designed for Early Childhood students and their parents!

Let's go to the Grocery Store to Learn!
Timothy Ziegler

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!

The Kindergarten Writing Journey
Kristin Forsen

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!

Oakhill Summer School: Summer Scholars
April Gunderson

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.

Hooping Our Way into Spring
Joy Jackson

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”.

Art Takes Root
Joy Jackson

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.

Yes, Chef! Heard, Chef!
Joy Jackson

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.

Da Vinci Would Be Proud
Joy Jackson

This quarter, 7th grade students are exploring the Renaissance through a creative and hands-on project that blends history and technology.

Perkins Family
Michelle McDaniel

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.

Oh the Places You'll Go!
Stephanie Lafferty

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.

Shapes In Spanish
Stephanie Lafferty

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.

Mr. Stinky Feet Visits Oakhill
Stephanie Lafferty

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.

 
Student using rhythm sticks
Melaina Hagan

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.

Spelling Bee Season Update
Kristin Forsen

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!

Shalom Alekhem: Peace to You
Joy Jackson

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.

Iditarod
April Gunderson

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.

Symphony Meets Science
Kristin Forsen

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.

Maple Syrup
Suzanne McCanles

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.

Warmer Days, Faster Plays: Spring Into Athletic Spring Offerings
Chris Fernandez

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.

Fifth Graders Don't Need Luck: They've Got Hard Work!
Joy Jackson

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.

First page of the PDF file: DataStudySkills
Delaney Zimmermann

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.

Toddler's doing a science experiment, making a volcano
Melaina Hagan

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.

Calling All Night Owls!
April Gunderson

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!

Lifeskills Highlight: Honesty
Abigail Pavlisin

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!

To Help Out or Hold Back?
Margaret Sarver

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.

One Word On Wall
April Gunderson

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. 

Run Your Own Race
Timothy Ziegler

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!

First page of the PDF file: EFthumbnail
Delaney Zimmermann

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.

USA In Prek
Stephanie Lafferty

The Prekindergarten crew stood tall while exploring the United States of America. Students started by taking a look at symbolism.

Faculty Spotlight
Michelle McDaniel

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.

These Students Know Their Onions
Joy Jackson

8th graders simulated a 1920s speakeasy and shared ideologies and biographies of real-life people from the Roaring Twenties!

Preschool students learning about germs through a science experiment
Melaina Hagan

In our Preschool curriculum, we dedicated two weeks to exploring Healthy Habits, covering topics like nutritious eating, hydration, dental health, and hand hygiene.

 
Girl at Lunch
FLIK Dining Services

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. 

NorthlandPATResourceFairFlyer1_1 (PDF)
Dorothy Beckham

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!

Prek students playing with rhythm sticks in music
Melaina Hagan

Ms. Hill is working with the prekindergarten students on reading the quarter note, quarter rest, and eighth notes using rhythm sticks.

 
Screen & Seen - Our New Weekly Series
April Gunderson

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.

Marshmallows + Math = Sweet Success
Joy Jackson

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!

Mount Olympus Comes to Oakhill
Joy Jackson

In Social Studies, 6th graders have created card games based around ancient Greek gods and goddesses! 

In a Nutshell - January
Suzanne McCanles

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!

A Focus on Family and Tech
Abigail Pavlisin

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. 

Wonders of the Ocean in Prek
Stephanie Lafferty

This week, our pre-kindergarten class is embarking on an exciting ocean exploration to escape the snowy weather!

Midwestern Marvels
Kristin Forsen

First grade students have been learning about important Midwesterners during a recent social studies unit. 

Business Office - End of Year Statements
Kristin Smith

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.

Art Installations by 3rd grade
Kaylyn Clevenger

We think the third graders should have their own display at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art after these creations! 

Mrs. Pearce and James Enjoy Winter
April Gunderson

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.

Deliciously Drawn Treats
Joy Jackson

7th grade students have been learning about American painter Wayne Thiebauld. Students chose a treat to paint in his style!

First page of the PDF file: EFthumbnail
Delaney Zimmermann

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.

Imagery and Emotions in the Trenches
Joy Jackson

8th grade Social Studies students accessed the emotions of WWI trench warfare. They expressed what they learned through art and poetry.

Lee Todo Sobra Mí!
Joy Jackson

6th grade Spanish students created an "All About Me" poster. It will lead to their first Spanish essay!

Seventh Grade City Planners
Joy Jackson

The 7th grade Aqua City and Springbook city planners presented to the 2025 Future City Competition!

Novel Studies Bring Novelty
Joy Jackson

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

Girl Basketball Players
Chris Fernandez

Excitement is in the air as basketball season is in full swing, and our Panthers are ready to dominate the court!

Ms. Hule's Spanish Class
Melaina Hagan

Learning to count in Spanish is a skill that starts in Early Childhood and continues throughout your student’s learning journey here at Oakhill.

Snow Much Fun
Stephanie Lafferty

After returning from winter break, the pre-kindergarten class dove into learning all about winter.

Students Reading
Michelle McDaniel

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!

Summer Camp 2025: Oakhill Fully Charged
Taylor Clevenger

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.

Auction 2024-2025 Logo
Michelle McDaniel

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.

Business Office - End of Year Reminders
Kristin Smith

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.

Future Beethovens, Pharrells, and Billies?
Joy Jackson

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.

Coding Brings the Grinch to Life!
Joy Jackson

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.

Holidays are a Claus for Celebration!
Joy Jackson

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!

Spotlight: Mallory Potts!
Lily Clevenger

Mallory Potts recently participated in a deer capture at El Sauz Ranch with The Texas A&M Wildlife Society and the East Foundation.

Spotlight: Avery Giles!
Lily Clevenger

We’re thrilled to have one of our very own alumni speak at this year’s Winter Program!

Domo Arigato, Oakhill Robotos
Joy Jackson

Abbie and Hensley, along with other 6th grade coders, made dancing robots! Link to video in the post!

Respect for the Holidays
Abigail Pavlisin

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!

Oakhill Alumni
Maggie Newhouse

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.

Thematic Learning with Gingerbread
Kristin Forsen

The kindergarten students have recently been working through a thematic gingerbread unit, incorporating literacy and math skills with hands-on activities.

12 Days of Kindness
Kaylyn Clevenger

Third grade has been so excited to see what is under each 'gift' to participate in their acts of kindness! 

First page of the PDF file: MASMentorsTaskTacklers1
Delaney Zimmermann

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

Winter SG Tutoring
April Gunderson

We are thrilled to introduce our Winter Small Group Tutoring Sessions with Ms. Manley!

Innovation Lab Photos
April Gunderson

Students in kindergarten through third grade are embarking on an exciting learning journey of developing their "thinking like an engineer" skills.

Shuffleboard in P.E.
Kaylyn Clevenger

Students in 2nd grade are learning how to play shuffleboard in P.E. with their coaches! This will be a favorite

Toddler students smiling in holiday headbands
Melaina Hagan

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.

Kindness in Action
Stephanie Lafferty

This holiday season, our Pre-K students are embracing the spirit of kindness! 

This Party Sleighed
Joy Jackson

Middle school students partied in a Winter Wonderland at the first mixer of the year!

There's an App for That
Joy Jackson

8th grade students may not be able to physically travel to Washington, DC, but tech innovations allow them to "travel" there in class!

Holiday Traditions
Kristin Forsen

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.

Fifth Graders "Treasure" Field Trip to Museum
Joy Jackson

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.

Open Doors, Opened Eyes
Joy Jackson

Parents had the opportunity to tour both buildings and watch learning in action!

You make a difference!
Dorothy Beckham

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 - we heard you!
Dorothy Beckham

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. 

Welcome Project Update
Suzanne McCanles & Taylor Clevenger

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! 

Pittenger Family
The Pittenger Family

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.

What a Season! Flag Football
Chris Fernandez

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.

What a Season! 8th Grade Volleyball
Chris Fernandez

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!

What a Season! 7th Grade Volleyball
Chris Fernandez

Congratulations to our 7th-grade volleyball team for a tremendous season! We are so proud of the growth they demonstrated this year. 

2024 NJHS Inductees
Michelle McDaniel

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. 

First page of the PDF file: EFthumbnail
Delaney Zimmermann

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.

December Spirit Week
April Gunderson

The long anticipated wait for the dress up days is officially over. See this post to find out the exciting days for this year. 

It's Corn!
Kristin Forsen

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!

Afternoon Adventures
Jaci Ebert

Check out all of the afternoon afternoon offered for the rest of the school year!

Body and Soul
Joy Jackson

Fourth grade students explore all of the body's systems!

Gus Parade
Kaylyn Clevenger

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! 

Kindness in a Jar - For Parents!
Abigail Pavlisin

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! 

Grandparents with Grandchildren
Mark and Karen Mathes

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.

Faculty Spotlight
Michelle McDaniel

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.

Happy Thanksgiving
Stephanie Lafferty

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. 

Students reading to toddler classes
Melaina Hagan

The toddler classes had the opportunity to have Oakhill's FACES students read a book to our classes.

 
Spelling Bee Contestants 2024
Michelle McDaniel

Please join us in congratulating Lucia, Andrew, and all of our Spelling Bee participants for their hard work and determination

Spooky, Scary, Silly, and Fun!
Joy Jackson

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!

Ski Tahoe
Michelle McDaniel

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!

Oakhill Day School Alumni
Suzanne McCanles

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!

Upcoming Parent Visit Days!
Dorothy Beckham

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.

Informational Flags in Spanish!
Kaylyn Clevenger

The third graders are not only learning to speak in Spanish but learning real information from countries around the world! 

World Kindness Day-- Innovation Lab
April Gunderson

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.

Science Wizards
Kaylyn Clevenger

Come join the Lower School Science Wizards Club once a month! 

Toddlers Enjoying PE
April Gunderson

Toddlers have had fun moving and exploring in P.E. classes this month. 

Rockin' Reports
April Gunderson

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! 

Parent Visit Days!
Kaylyn Clevenger

Do you want to come to your child's school for the morning? RSVP now to be put on the schedule! 

Camping in 2nd Grade
Kaylyn Clevenger

Did you know a campground could come to school? It did in 2nd Grade with it being Noun Camp! 

Harvest Time
Kristin Forsen

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. 

Building Number Sense Through Games
Kristin Forsen

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.

Hispanic Heritage Month in Art
Kaylyn Clevenger

Do you know when Hispanic Heritage Month is? Our Lower School students in second grade had a social studies lesson in Art! 

Ski Tahoe
Michelle McDaniel

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!

October MOF Giving
Advancement Team

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!

Clouds in a Jar!
Joy Jackson

The sixth graders created clouds! In jars! Check out these great photos!

2nd Grade to Gladstone City Hall
Kaylyn Clevenger

The students of Mrs. Clevenger and Mrs. Craven's classes walked over to the Gladstone City Hall and received a "key to the city"! 

Halloween at ODS
Suzanne McCanles

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!

Project Base Learning
Kaylyn Clevenger

A project base learning experience is hands on where the students are engaged in the "what's next"! 

Landforms DB
April Gunderson

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.

Panther Spotlight
April Gunderson

Please welcome to Oakhill Day School- Kaden Kenney

Kaden is a 5th grade student in Mrs. James’ Homeroom

Above the Current, to the Future
Joy Jackson

Seventh grade Science students established zones in the cities they are designing for the Future City Competition!

What a Season! 3rd-8th Cross Country Recap
Chris Fernandez

Championship-level effort, outstanding performances, and winning mindsets carried the 3rd-8th Grade Cross Country Team through another successful season of running.

What a Season! 6th Grade Volleyball Recap
Taylor Clevenger

We are incredibly proud of the 6th grade Girls Volleyball team for their hard work, sportsmanship, and dedication during this exciting season!

Room Parents
Michelle Boyd

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.

Join us for Holiday Hoopla 2024!
Ali Mordhorst

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.

Favorite Things
Maggie Newhouse

We have compiled a list of our faculty and staff's favorite things, along with their classroom wishlists, for you. Check it out!

Why you should stay for K!
Stephanie Lafferty

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.

Puppets used in spanish
Melaina Hagan

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)!  

Talented Students Needed!
April Gunderson

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.

First page of the PDF file: Pre-KPumpkin-1
Melaina Hagan

In pre-K, Mrs. Crouse's friends had a wonderful time learning all about pumpkins! 

Scarecrow Day
Kristin Forsen

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.

3rd Grade Science Class!
April Gunderson

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.

Order in the Court!
Joy Jackson

8th graders took the characters in Julius Caesar to court...for real!

The Oakhill Difference
Margaret Sarver

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, Register Today!
Taylor Clevenger

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!

Oakhill's Got Talent 2024
Elaine Scheidecker

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

Foodies Returns for 4th-8th Graders
Joy Jackson

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!

Los soles en la clase de arte
Joy Jackson

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’s Wish List: A “drive” for Support
Taylor Clevenger

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.

Talented Students Needed!
Joy Jackson

First through eighth grade students are encouraged to sign up for the annual Talent Show!

Bullying Prevention & Red Ribbon Week
Abigail Pavlisin

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!

PK-4th Grade Winter Sports!
Timothy Ziegler

This year we are offering basketball for our K-4th grade students and cheerleading for our PK-3rd grade students.

i-Ready, are you Ready?
Timothy Ziegler

Learn more about i-Ready and why we use the assessment tool at Oakhill!

Rhymes and Reels in Kindergarten
Kristin Forsen

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.

First page of the PDF file: OakhillScholars
Delaney Zimmermann

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! 

Publishing Party
Kaylyn Clevenger

The second graders just completed their first writing piece of the year!

Tutoring Opportunities
Angie Compton

Incoming 3rd through 5th grade students are invited to join Mrs. Compton for small group activities that will strengthen their reading and comprehension skills.

Math Games-Fact Fluency 2
Angie Compton

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!

Morning Club October
April Gunderson

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.

It isn't just a craft!
Stephanie Lafferty

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.

Preschool students dancing in music.
Melaina Hagan

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. 

Involved the Oakhill Way
Suzanne McCanles

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! 

Preschool Visits Deanna Rose Farmstead
Stephanie Lafferty

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 Shoe Tying Club is Looking for New Members
Kristin Forsen

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.

Once a Panther, Always a Panther!
Maggie Newhouse

Our alumni play a huge role in making our community special, and we have some fantastic events lined up just for you.

First page of the PDF file: HannahHaarandBRianaWallace
Lily Clevenger

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!

Cardboard Regatta
Joy Jackson

Homerooms competed in a Cardboard Regatta in the first teambuilding activity of the year!

We Will, We Will, ROKC You!
Joy Jackson

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

Back-to-School Smiles!
Joy Jackson

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! 

Good, Loving, and New
Joy Jackson

Alayna, Emma, and Miku join the 7th grade and share how the beginning of the school year has gone.

Students at recess
Michelle McDaniel

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!

Toddler dressed as a scientist
Melaina Hagan

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.

It's Almost Harvest Time
Kristin Forsen

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.

Podcasting Adventures Have Begun
Sara Verwers

Our 4th and 5th graders have started their podcasting unit and are already diving into the creative process! 

Election Time!
Kaylyn Clevenger

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!

Quiz Bowl Returns!
Joy Jackson

Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in Quiz Bowl!

Tutoring Opportunities
Angela Compton

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.

Fall Fest
Angela Compton

Fourth graders have been hard at work for several weeks, so it was time to showcase their amazing assignments and projects to their parents.

Intermediate Division Panther Spotlight
Angela Compton

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!

Introducing Intermediate Division Morning Clubs
Angela Compton

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.

Let the Games Be Drawn!
Joy Jackson

Middle School art students made abstract art based on the Olympics.

Mrs Ely Portrait
April Gunderson

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.

Student with pumpkin
Melaina Hagan

Fall has arrived, bringing a vibrant season of activities and learning at Oakhill!

 
First page of the PDF file: OakhillAlumniUpdate
Lily Clevenger

Look at these Panthers living out the "Oakhill Way"—our Class of 2020 alumni are out in the world doing great things!

In a Nutshell: The Perfect Porridge
Suzanne McCanles

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.

"Seeing" a New Perspective
Joy Jackson

Students learned about life with blindness and visual impairment, and had simulation experiences related to what they learned!

Mrs. Hill Portrait
April Gunderson

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. 

Ms. Ferris
April Gunderson

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. 

Writing To Our Heroes
Kristin Forsen

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.

Bear Day: A Thematic Approach
Kristin Forsen

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. 

Spelling Bee Season is Here!
Kristin Forsen

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.

Mrs. Cole's New Roles at Oakhill Day School
April Gunderson

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.

Progress Reports ... Coming Soon!
Timothy Ziegler

Read how progress reports start in early childhood and build through each division all they way up to middle school. 

Students Becoming Teachers!
Kaylyn Clevenger

Students in Third Grade had a task to complete all while learning how they were going to present their knowledge to the class. 

Lifeskills in Action - Responsibility
Abigail Pavlisin

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. 

Miss Trejo
April Gunderson

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.

Miss Gunderson Portrait
April Gunderson

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.

First page of the PDF file: EFthumbnail
Delaney Zimmermann

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.

The Fire Truck Visits Oakhill
Stephanie Lafferty

This week, our Pre-K students had an exciting adventure learning about community helpers, and guess who they got to meet? REAL FIREFIGHTERS!

Strong
Sara Verwers

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. 

Drama Practice 2
April Gunderson

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
Kaylyn Clevenger

Lower School morning clubs are a fun way to socialize with your friends but yet learn in fun ways from the club teachers! 

4th Grade Planners
April Gunderson

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!

Teacher teaching map skills
Angie Compton

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.

A Peek Outside the Classroom
Melaina Hagan

Activities outside the classroom are beneficial in early childhood education.  They provide a unique opportunity for experiential learning that goes beyond the classroom setting.

 
Three New 6th Graders, Infinite Fun
Joy Jackson

Kendell, Harrison, and Haiden are Oakhill's three new sixth graders. They have had a great year so far, with more fun to come!

Students Smiling
Sherri Gannon

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!

Students with their hands together
Suzanne McCanles

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.

Families in Pretoddler
Stephanie Lafferty

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.  

Back to School Here We Are!
Kaylyn Clevenger

Lower School has been off to a great start with our beginning of the year routines! 

Learning Life Skills with Literature
Kristin Forsen

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.

Two Toddler students swinging
Melaina Hagan

The first few days of school in our early childhood classrooms have been nothing short of magical!

Meet Margaret Sarver!
Timothy Ziegler

Welcome to Oakhill, Margaret Sarver! Read this article to get to know all about our new Intermediate & Middle School Division Director.

Meet Tim Ziegler!
Margaret Sarver

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! Learn some fun facts about Mr. Zielger!

The Way Sign in France
Sharon Phillips

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.

First page of the PDF file: EFthumbnail
Delaney Zimmermann

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.

Back to School & What's Ahead
Abigail Pavlisin

Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 school year! How exciting the first few days have been!

First page of the PDF file: DataStudySkills
Delaney Zimmermann

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:

Finance Office Back to School Reminders
Kristin Smith

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.

Meet your Coaches: Fall Sports at Oakhill
Taylor Clevenger

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!

Exchange Students 2024
Dorothy Beckham

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!

3 New Sports! Oakhill Athletics 2024-2025
Taylor Clevenger

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!

The Oakhill Difference: Summer Camp Fully Charged 2024
Taylor Clevenger

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. 

Oakhill Bites: The Reason Why We Choose FLIK
Taylor Clevenger

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! 

Save the Date: 2024 Golf Tournament
Maggie Newhouse

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.

First page of the PDF file: School_Handbook
Michelle McDaniel

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.

Oakhill School Supply List Icon
Michelle McDaniel

We are excited for the start of another amazing school year. School supply lists for the 2024-2025 school year are now available online.

First page of the PDF file: School_Handbook
Michelle McDaniel

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.

The Oakhill Difference: Summer Camp Fully Charged 2024
Michelle McDaniel

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: Kids Club Registration 2024-2025
Michelle McDaniel

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! 

Oakhill Bites: The Reason Why We Choose FLIK
Michelle McDaniel

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! 

Grandparents & Special Friends Day - We're Ready for You!
Margaret Newhouse

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 Back!
Margaret Sarver

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! Here's some exciting things happening at Oakhill this year!

Join Us: Kids Club Registration 2024-2025
Taylor Clevenger

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! 

 


 

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