In a Nutshell: Enjoy the Ride - Year is Coming to an End!

I just returned from a fun-filled, five day trip to the Florida Keys with our 7th and 8th graders - kayaking through the mangroves, snorkeling at Dry Tortugas National Park (a beautiful ferry ride), enjoying the sunset celebration at Mallory Square in Key West, exploring the Everglades in an airboat, visiting the Turtle Hospital (had to get another shirt), feeding the tarpons (literally by hand), learning about the history of Key West on our bike ride, eating some delicious key lime pie, and “relaxing” with some beach time! This trip is educational, adventurous, and full of fun; the students learn to be organized, gain confidence (no mom or dad to help), become more independent, and (most importantly) have fun and freedom with their friends! I saw … first hand … the importance of an Oakhill education (the lifeskills I witnessed), the strong partnership with parents (thank you for trusting us), and the family-like bond between the students! 

My daughter, Brooke, returns from her study abroad on May 16th - she has enjoyed her time in Prague and has traveled to many European countries … broadening her horizon and becoming more appreciative of the “world” around her! I can’t wait to see her in person (a huge thank you to FaceTime), and I am excited to see her embark on the next chapter of life. She graduates from college on May 17th with a Bachelors in Political Science and a minor in Classics. Brady and Eliza are traveling from Dallas for the weekend to help celebrate her! I’ll have my kiddos in the same space for 2 whole days!

This time of year brings natural change at school, too - some big and some small! Change is never a bad thing in education … it keeps a school from being complacent … it keeps us on our toes. Change brings new ideas, new thoughts, and new perspectives! These next few days bring about “normal” change, as well as the many end of year traditions and celebrations! 

Our 8th graders are about to head to High School; our Kindergarten students are almost “graders”; our Pretoddlers aren’t so little anymore (their age is defined by years versus months); and our final days of the school year bring a bit of anxiety, excitement, and apprehension. We are all creatures of comfort, and the end of a school year brings a perceived finality with a new beginning in August - new teachers, new friends, new classrooms, and new opportunities.

I will keep you informed of facilities, program, and personnel updates and changes throughout the next weeks and months, but for now, I want to share a few updates regarding faculty and staff. 

Music 4th-8th - Tiffany Leever will teach 4th-8th grade Music next fall, as well as direct Choir and Drama. She holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education (vocal music) as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education (vocal music) from Northwest Missouri State University. Tiffany has spent her entire career teaching 5th-8th grade students (she clearly enjoys this age group), and she is excited to teach at a school where the entire community values and advocates for the arts! We are lucky to have her come on board!

Art 4th-8th - Michele Cole is excited to teach Intermediate and Middle School Art, as well as use her choreography skills to assist with the drama production. Michele received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Stephens College, and she enjoyed teaching Art to high school students in Rwanda. Michele has been a part of the Oakhill faculty and staff consistently since 2013 in some way or another! She looks forward to inspiring students to nurture their own creative spark…to challenge them to engage in creative processes while practicing their artistic skills. 

4th Grade - With Angie Compton’s move to 2nd Grade, I’d like to introduce Julie Knight to our 4th Grade team. Julie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Park University. She also received her Doctorate in Higher Learning Leadership from Walden University. Julie worked in the NKC School District for 15 years as a classroom teacher and instructional coach. She is excited about the autonomy she will enjoy at Oakhill - to make decisions for what is best for each child; she shares that differentiation is limitless in this type of academic setting! 

Prekindergarten - With Janelle Crouse’s retirement, I would like to announce Sarah McConkey as the new Lead PK teacher. Sarah received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and has many years of Early Childhood experience in Prekindergarten. She has enjoyed her time as a Teaching Assistant and is excited to now take the lead. Stephanie Youngblood stepped in as the lead teacher in Mrs. Crouse’s classroom, and she has given it her all! I am appreciative of her work ethic and strong relationships with the students and families, and I am grateful for her willingness to take on the additional responsibilities that came along with that role. Stephanie will continue as a Teaching Assistant alongside Mrs. McConkey next year … what a strong, complementary team! Stephanie will also enjoy sharing her gifts and passions with the students and program in new and exciting ways (more to come)!

I’d like to welcome Nick Verwers to our team. Nick received his Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science/Mathematics with a minor in Sports Management, as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration/Marketing from Northwest Missouri State University. Nick will be supporting the Marketing and Communications Department, as well as Athletics … and he started Monday, May 5th! Nick’s official title will be Digital Marketing & Community Engagement/Event Coordinator - overseeing our Social Media Platforms and merchandise/apparel, as well as supporting publications and website content and much more. Nick brings creativity, perspective, and new ideas to our team … and fame (as a swim coach for the New Mark Stingrays)! Nick will also lead our Early Childhood and Lower School Athletics next fall giving Mr. Ziegler more after school time for his role as Division Director. 

I look forward to the next few days and weeks! Hold onto your hats and enjoy the ride!

Love this time of year,

Suzanne