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April Fool’s Day has come and gone … a day I REALLY enjoy each year, but a day the faculty and staff have come to dread! I do like a good joke, and what a better day to try out a joke or two! I was pranked throughout the day by the students, as well - think whoopie cushion!
It was great to be back at school; I enjoyed catching up with the students - they shared their Spring Break adventures, their travels, their family time, and their idea of FUN! I, too, had a memorable break; Kevin and I traveled to Prague to see Brooke! Prague exceeded any and all expectations; what a beautiful city - the architecture, the food, the sites (that castle was amazing), and THAT Old Town astronomical clock tower! We enjoyed several days traveling with Brooke - Prague, Paris, and London!
It was 33 years ago that I, too, studied abroad … in Bath, England! I taught at a village school near the Cotswolds - Langley Fitzurse! I always say that children are children no matter where you go, and I enjoyed teaching the students AND learning so much from them! The weekends were filled with travel; we literally traversed the entire UK by train and ferry (to Ireland). We also spent a few weeks exploring the rest of Europe (with no plan, no phones, and no worries)! I remember this time fondly; it was a time to become more independent, a time to grow up (a bit), and a chapter of life that could/would NEVER be replicated - the freedom, the lack of true responsibility, an unforgettable experience with friends, and a carefree “I can do anything” attitude. I don’t think I ever thanked my parents enough for this opportunity…but I am grateful to this day!
During the next few weeks, the Oakhill community will enjoy the sites, traditions, activities, events, and final matriculation of this school year! We host these special moments for the students and families - a way to honor the students, the families, the community members, and the Oakhill way!
So many things make this a special time - our 5th-8th grade signature trips (to the Cosmosphere, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Florida Keys), traditional activities and events (Spring Fling, Earth Day, Acorn Day Celebration, Field Day), and our grand finales (graduations and awards celebrations). We mix work (learning) with play (activities/events) to create THAT special time of year!
We will celebrate our entire community (past and present) at our Annual Auction on Saturday, April 12. We hope to see you there! So many parent and staff volunteers help make this evening happen; we are grateful for their creativity, dedication, commitment, and talent! And a huge thank you to all of our donors and gift givers - class baskets, art projects, silent items, vacation homes, trips, memorabilia, tickets, experiences, etc…
Our silent auction will open on Monday, April 7 at noon, 100 for $100 is open now, and our Live Auction is the best I have seen in 18 years! You can still buy your tickets NOW or Proxy Bid if you absolutely cannot attend! We ask you to share the catalog with friends, neighbors, and extended family members, as well!
Our Fund a Need dollars raised will go towards a new ornamental iron fence that will encompass the new green space including the Living Lab and where the white house once stood. Our games committee has some fun surprises up their sleeves along with traditional games such as Heads and Tails.
To keep you updated with regards to faculty/staff changes, I am excited to announce the following:
Piper Abernathy - I am excited to share that Piper is STAYING at Oakhill! Piper graduated from William Jewell College with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Education, and received her M.Ed. from Rockhurst University in Literacy Studies. She also holds an MFA in Poetry from UMKC. She taught in Park Hill for nine years, at Pembroke Hill for 12 years, and has taught at Penn Valley College, as well! Piper’s own children attended Oakhill several years ago, and she brings so much to our Middle School team … to our curriculum … and (most importantly) to our students - she truly appreciates each and every one! Oakhill is fortunate to have her!
Angie Compton - I am also excited to share that Angie is moving from 4th grade to 2nd grade next school year. She has been an Elementary Educator for 26 years and has a passion for teaching! Angie grew up in the KC Northland and graduated from Oak Park High School. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Missouri Western State University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Northwest Missouri State University. Angie’s husband served as a physician in the Air Force, and they moved around the country with the military for many years; therefore, she has taught in Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Nebraska, and New Mexico with a wide-range of experience in all grades 1st through 6th. She is excited for this change and looks forward to teaching in the Lower School!
It is no April Fool’s joke that Oakhill is a special space and place! I appreciate each and every day with these amazing students, talented teachers, trusted families, and strong community! You don’t have to travel to Prague … or to Paris … or to London to experience awe … it is right here … right in front of you every day! Oakhill is an awesome place to be a kid … to be a teacher … to be a parent … to be a part of the community!
Enjoy all that is to come,
Suzanne