Spring is Here! In a Nutshell

Spring is here! Aprull (a “full” April) is almost here and Maycember is not far behind! I have enjoyed literally watching the transition from winter to spring - the grass getting greener by the day, dandelions popping up (I know they are weeds, but I like them), the trees budding, daffodils blooming, frogs croaking, and birds singing! Such an inspirational time of year - newness, a fresh start, and an invigorating time (my running shoes practically jump onto my feet)!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Spring Break… the real bridge in this seasonal change. I had a long list of to-do’s ready to go for break! I was intentionally staying home…staying put… to GET.THINGS.DONE - on the farm, in my job, and for Brady’s wedding (which is only 3 weeks away)! But, the day spring break started (which happened to be Friday the 13th), I unknowingly became bitten by some sort of a spider! That spider bite is still healing 17 days later…after many doctor visits, lots of strong antibiotics, and an ever evolving “look” of my forearm! Needless to say, THAT spider must have been telling me to slow down for a couple of weeks! 

It is great to be back at school… with the faculty and staff… with the kiddos - an exciting time for sure! I am so proud of Oakhill for winning the Rita Blitt Award for the Kindest School in Kansas City. We don’t just talk about lifeskills every day, but we live them - responsible, respectful, honest, and flexible to name a few! We are honored to be recognized and committed to kindness each and every day! 

The Welcome Project is getting soooo close to being finished - prepping for our ribbon cutting on April 7th at 9:30 am! This space will make a huge difference to EVERYONE… and it is just plain awesome! We are excited for the ribbon cutting - to thank our community and the generous donors who made the project possible. It is hard to believe that in a few short days we will have 13 restrooms available for use - a monumental moment and just in time for our Annual Auction on Saturday, April 11th!

Many hours have been spent preparing for our biggest fundraiser of the year… our largest community party of the year - Oakhill In Bloom! A huge shoutout to the entire Auction Committee - to Michelle McDaniel who “steers” this crew, as well as gratitude and appreciation for our parent leaders - Auction Chairs Kyle and Jenn Tankesley, along with Step Up Chairs Tim Julian and Jenny Kincaid Julian. Many sub-committees complete the team including decor committee (thank you Amy Potts, alum parent), food committee, games committee, and sponsorships. 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…

We have raised over $95,000 in sponsorship tables, have sold 10 VIP tables thus far, and ticket sales are going strong! 

Our silent auction will open next week, 100 for $100 is opening soon, and our Live Auction is on fire! You can still buy your tickets NOW or Bid by Proxy on anything in the Live Auction if you absolutely cannot attend! We ask you to share the catalog/bidding link with friends, neighbors, and extended family members, as well! Our Fund a Need dollars raised will go towards professional landscaping on the East side of the main campus - walkways, retaining walls, a sledding hill, and trees/shrubs. Our games committee has some fun surprises up their sleeves along with traditional games such as Heads and Tails. 

The Oakhill community will enjoy the sites, sounds, traditions, activities, and special events during the next 39 school days! We host these special moments to honor the students, the families, and our community! So many things make this a special time - our 5th-8th grade signature trips (to the Cosmosphere and the Grand Canyon), traditional activities and events (Spring Fling, Earth Day, Acorn Day Celebration, Pancake Breakfast, 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!

April Fool’s Day is tomorrow… I do love this day! But, it is no joke that Oakhill is a special space and place! I appreciate each and every day with these awesome students, gifted teachers, trusted families, and strong community! I am fortunate to be a part of something so special. 

Be kind, be present, and enjoy this busy season,

Suzanne