CELEBRATING LEGACY AND GENEROSITY: CLASS OF '74 HONORS DORMITORY ROOTS WITH GENEROUS DONATION

During OU's Alumni Weekend last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming back a special group of individuals -- the Class of 1974, who holds the unique distinction of being the last class to experience dormitory life at our esteemed institution. Their visit was not only a nostalgic trip down memory lane, however, it was also a testament to their enduring commitment to giving back to their alma mater.

While visiting, the Class of '74 demonstrated their unwavering dedication to their alma mater by presenting a generous donation of $7,500.00 to Oakwood Adventist Academy. This donation, made in honor of their cherished memories as dormitory students, will support various initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience and preserving the rich traditions of our institution.

OAA STEM STUDENTS VISIT NASA'S MARSHALL SPACE & FLIGHT CENTER

On March 28, 2024 our STEM students had the opportunity to visit NASA's Marshall Space and Flight Center allowing for an exciting and inspiring day filled with touring the incredible facilities. The staff was generous and shared their time to ensure our high school students could engage in science and engineering outside of the classroom.

NASA's Ms. Whitney Davis stated "It was such a pleasure meeting you. I was very proud to see the kids in their uniforms and representing well. I did not have exposure to these types of opportunities when I was their age, and much less of an opportunity to attend private school. So it warms my heart knowing they are excited about doing things like this. It was also nice seeing my former Youth Pastor Caldwell."

It is great to see our students' impact on the community. Please enjoy the pictorial tour of their visit.

UNLEASHING SCHOOL SPIRIT: GET READY FOR K-8 SPIRIT WEEK

Get ready to show off your school spirit K-8 Mustangs! From April 8-12, 2024.

Spirit week is an exiting tradition that allows our school community to come together, build camaraderie and create lasting memories. It's a time to showcase our unique personalities, creativity and enthusiasm for our school, while also fostering a sense of belonging and unity among students, faculty and staff.

Each day of spirit week will feature a different theme as displayed on the flier. This is giving students an opportunity to dress up and express themselves in a creative and imaginative way.

We encourage all K-8 students to participate!

STEPPING INTO HISTORY

Mrs. Ross's 2nd Grade class presented a Living Wax Museum which allowed history to come alive. Through enthusiasm and dedication, these young historians embarked on a journey through time, bringing to life the stories of remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. They transformed their classroom into living exhibits.

The Wax Museum culminated in a special event where students had the opportunity to showcase their presentations to parents, teachers and fellow classmates. The pride and excitement radiating from each student were palpable as they shared their new found knowledge and passion for history with the audience.

CONNECTING THROUGH DATA: EXPLORING OUR SCHOOL'S  DATA WALL

We are excited to share a recent development at Oakwood Adventist Academy that promises to enrich our educational journey and foster a deeper connection within our school community: the introduction of our new data wall.

Over the past week, our students had the opportunity to visit the data wall in small groups alongside their classroom teacher or Mrs. Callender. This experience was designed to introduce students to the purpose and significance of this powerful tool.

What is a data wall?

A data wall is a visual representation of student progress and achievement. It provides an overview of various data points such as assessment scores, attendance records and other relevant metrics. This collective display not only showcases individual accomplishments, it also aids in identifying areas for improvement and growth.

The Purpose it Serves

At OAA, our primary goal is to support each student's academic and personal development. The data wall plays a crucial role in achieving this goal by:

1. Fostering accountability: The visibility of the wall encourages accountability and ownership of learning. Students can track their progress and set personal goals to strive towards.

2. Informing Instruction: Teachers can use information based on the data wall to tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. By identifying trends and patters, teachers can implement targeted interventions and enrichment activities.

3. Promoting Collaboration: The data wall serves as a catalyst for collaboration among students, teachers, adminsitrators and parents. It facilitates meaningful discussions about progress, challenges and strategies for improvement.

As we embark ion this journey with our data wall, we are committed to ensuring that it remains a dynamic and inclusive tool for our entire community.

JOIN US FOR A SNEAK PEEK INTO OAA KINDERGARTEN LIFE

Are you or someone you know looking for the ideal place for your [their] little one to begin their educational journey? Look no further than Oakwood Adventist Academy! We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Kindergarten Roundup event, where you'll have the opportunity to experience firsthand the warm and welcoming environment of our kindergarten program for the 2024-25 school year.

Please refer to the flier as we have 2 separate events for you to partake in:

1. 2024 Promotional

2. Kindergarten classroom demonstration

During our roundup, you and your child will have a chance to:

• Meet our kindergarten teacher committed to providing a nurturing and enriching learning experience for every child.

• Tour our facilities, including the classroom, age appropriate playground and other exciting learning spaces.

• Learn about our comprehensive curriculum, which focuses on fostering academic excellence, social-emotional development, and a love for learning.

• Discover the range of extracurricular activities.

• Connect with other prospective families and become part of our vibrant and inclusive school community.

Whether your child is just beginning their educational journey or transferring from another school, our Kindergarten Roundup is a wonderful opportunity to explore all that OAA has to offer.

For more information or to register for Kindergarten Roundup, please send an email to oaainfo@myoaa.org .

We hope to see you there! 

TRACKING READING ADVENTURES

Ms. McLean's 5th grade class harnesses the power of the library as a love for reading isn't simply encouraged, yet celebrated and quantified in their classroom. Students are utilizing the school library as a hub for logging their reading hours.

Logging reading hours not only encourages students to read more, however, it also fosters accountability and goal setting. Students set personal reading goals for themselves, whether it's to read a certain number of books or to spend a certain amount of time reading each week. The act of recording their reading progress serves as a visual reminder of their goals and motivates them to stay on track.

CLOTHES DRIVE COLLABORATION W/ NHS AND SPANISH CHURCH

A couple of weeks ago, our school community joined forces in a remarkable display of generosity and compassion. Led by the NHS and Mrs. Romero, students, parents and staff rallied behind the cause, donating gently used clothing items to support those in need.

The success of the clothes drive serves as a testament to the strength and compassion of our school community. Together, we have demonstrated the profound impact that can be achieved when we unite behind a common cause.

Thanks again to each of you who contributed. Let's continue to spread warmth and kindness wherever we go. 

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS: MS. WEBB'S 3RD GRADE CLASS VENTURES INTO BUSINESS

Excitement and innovation are in the air as student's in Ms. Webb's 3rd grade class embark on an unmatched entrepreneurial journey.

As the class concluded their Social Studies Economics unit, Ms. Webb, designed a project that sparked their creativity while incorporating math, language arts, and science aspects in addition to social studies. This project required students to create their own business by manufacturing a product using their resources and then they would present the project to the class. The producers (students) had the option to sell it to the consumers (their classmates) utilizing their class cash. Some students created original art pieces, a car, comic books, dog snacks, and more. They had a blast presenting their projects, sharing their business, and making money! 

THE POWER OF THE BLACK DOLLAR

In our African American History and Economic classes taught by Mr. Bellamy, students are learning about the importance of financial literacy within the black community. One of our parents, Mr. Michael Clark, Assistant Branch Experience Manager at Avadian Credit Union, gave of his time and came to do a presentation for our 11th and 12th grade students.

Mr. Clark began his financial literacy presentation with Malachi 3:10 and the importance of putting God first. He stated that the spending power of the Black dollar stands at a staggering $1.7 trillion, reflecting immense potential for community growth and economic empowerment and that it is time to recognize the power that lies within OUR community's economic choices while addressing a mentality that hampers OUR progress.

Furthermore, Mr. Clark gave insight and clarity as it relates to:

• checking and savings accounts

• the importance of saving money

• home ownership

• how the choices you make today will affect each student/person, now and within the next 5-10 years.

Mr. Clark's goal is to help people. He provided a valuable Q and A after the presentation. We salute Mr. Clark and our fellow community partners who come in, giving of their time and depositing into our young people.

FROM EGGS TO FEATHERS

Step into Mrs. Drake's 1st grade classroom and you will find more than just desks and textbooks. As they embrace the life cycle of chickens, you'll discover a vibrant ecosystem of teeming with life and learning via bringing nature right into their classroom.

with a clutch of eggs as their starting point, Mrs. Drake's class delved deep into the world of embryology. Through intentionally planned activities and observations, they are witnessing firsthand the miraculous transformation from egg to chick. From incubation to hatching, each stage of the process unfolded before their eyes, igniting wonder and curiosity.

Students in the 3rd grade class taught by Ms. Webb visited Mrs. Drake's class to obeserve the chicken eggs early April. The 3rd graders were able to participate in turning the eggs in the incubator ensuring that the yolk is moved away from the embryo which gives the embryo room to move. The students were in awe and enjoyed this activity.

We look forward to keeping up with the eggs as they continue to develop in preparatiion for hatching.

CONTINUING TO TAKE OUR STAND

As a result of our commitment to the observance of the Sabbath, our students were given the opportunity to participate in the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair (ASEF) on Monday, April 1, instead of Saturday, April 13, 2024.  Eight of our middle and high school students were hosted by faculty and staff of Auburn University.  Upon our arrival, our students were greeted by the university's staff and were provided refreshment.

The team was then given a tour of the university's campus by two Auburn students, a junior and a senior, both STEM students.  This was followed by lunch in the EDGE, one of the eateries on campus.  Our amazing students then presented their research to ASEF judges.  They did an amazing job!  The results will be posted on Monday, April 15th, on the ASEF website. 

We want to congratulate the following students for a job well done, and for ably representing OAA:

Middle School: Christina Kwarteng, 7th, and Janaia Vanterpool, 8th

High School: Joshua Henry, 10th, Jordan Vanterpool, 10th, Chrisanne Jackson, 12th, Vaughan Mountain, 12th, Antonio Ward, 12th, and Jasmyn Vanterpool, 12th. 

We also want to thank Mrs. Henry, Dr. Chandra Mountain, and Dr. Elaine Vanterpool for their commitment, dedication, and leadership to our students. Special kudos to our drivers, Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Mountain, we are truly blessed!

K-12 TUTORING OPPORTUNITY

We are excited to announce that Tutor Me is available for all students at OAA K-12.  We were blessed to add this program when we added the GoGuardian program.   Tutor Me is an online on-demand individualized 24/7 learning support program for all subjects and all grade levels K-12 through college level. 

Students can receive live one-to-one tutoring and feedback in all subjects and assignments.  See the attached student guide document on the program and the website. www.tutorme.com will provide additional information on how the program works.  They have just recently announced that it is now called Pear Deck Tutor.  

Students can find the blue login link in the bottom left-hand corner of every Canvas subject to log into the TutorMe (Pear Deck Tutor) program. Take advantage of this free online tutoring program!

For the safety of you, your child(ren), the OAA volunteers, safety patrols and staff, please be reminded of the following:

GENERAL RULES:

• Children should enter and exit the vehicle from the right side only.

• Only allow your child to exit your car on the sidewalk.

• Drive slowly while on campus, especially during drop-off/pick-up.

• All cars move together "One Band, One Sound" [this is for the safety of your child(ren) + all children of Oakwood Adventist Academy]

MORNING SPECIFIC RULES:

• Drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 7:55 a.m. Students may not enter the building until 7:30 a.m. Oakwood Adventist Academy is not responsible for their safety before that time. Please do not leave them unaccompanied outside of the school building.

• Safety patrols are here to assist your children out of the car and to class. If you need to speak to a teacher, please schedule a conference. 

• If you are not at the drop-off zone in front of the school, your children should not exit.

• Children should be ready to exit the vehicle when they arrive at the drop-off zone. Please don’t wait to put sneakers on and collect your school supplies when you pull up to the drop-off zone.

• Do not begin to pull away from the car line until all children are safely on the other side of the barrier.

• If the 8:00 a.m. bell rings, your child is tardy and you MUST sign them in at the front desk.

AFTERNOON SPECIFIC RULES:

• K-8 ||| Pick-up now begins at 3:05 p.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m., M-TH AND begins at 2:05 p.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. on Friday

• 9-12 ||| Pick-up begins at 3:30 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m., M-TH AND begins at 2:30 p.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. on Friday

• OAA car tags are preferred to be hanging from the rear view mirror. Bare minimum they must be placed on the driver side of the dashboard.

• Students may NOT walk to the parking lot at any time unless accompanied by an OAA staff member.

• Please refrain from talking with the teachers during pick-up, as this distracts them from ensuring the safety of all children.

AFTERNOON SPECIFIC PROCESS:

• Cars arrive and we group names based on arrival for calling students to line up for dismissal.

• Cars make their way to the front of the building (8 cars at a time)

• Students are dismissed to their car based on how they were grouped.

• Once the sidewalk is clear and all students are loaded, the group at the sidewalk departs so that the next group of 8 cars can arrive to the front of the building. 

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***Please do NOT drive around pass the old high school building/the Anna Knight building to cut the line. When you cut the line, it prolongs the car line process for everyone as the names and numbers get thrown off.***

OAA HandS welcomes parent participation in support of our OAA school programs (grades K-6, 7-8, 9-12). We promote a positive and beneficial partnership with OAA Administration and Teachers. Research indicates many positive outcomes for children when parents volunteer and actively participate in their child’s school.

Follow these simple steps to become a successful OAA In-School Volunteer:

Step 1. Fill out this Google survey form to submit your name for service as an OAA volunteer.

Step 2. Complete the mandatory South Central Conference risk assessment. The link to begin the risk assessment can be found in the Google survey form.

Please use the following for the assessment:

Union: Southern Union

Conference: South Central

Step 3. You will be contacted by the OAA HandS Parent Coordinators for final review:

Parent Coordinator: Tawnya Laughinghouse (tpl3222@gmail.com)

Asst. Parent Coordinator (K-6): Shantel Wise

Asst. Parent Coordinator (7-8): Charmaine Woode

Asst. Parent Coordinator (9-12): Tarshall Dublin

OAA HandS and OAA Administration believe that volunteering and visiting within the school building is a privilege. As part of a team supporting student success, you are very important to OAA as a school volunteer.

These volunteer guidelines are established for the benefit of our children, whose needs are our highest

priority.

Be sure to follow us on all social media platforms as this is another amazing way for us to stay connected for latest news and updates!

We also encourage you to use our hashtags when showing your Mustang pride so that we can repost you on our pages!

#letsgomustangs #gooaa #oaainmydna #oaamustangs