OAA WRITES!

Middle school is a critical time for students to develop strong communication skills, and writing is at the heart of that journey. This year, our middle school students are diving into various activities designed to not only improve their writing skills but also spark their creativity and build confidence in expressing their thoughts.

Our English Language Arts program is focusing on both foundational skills and creative exploration. Students are learning to craft well-structured essays, analyze texts, and articulate their ideas with clarity. In addition, teachers are incorporating fun and engaging writing exercises that encourage students to think critically while tapping into their imagination.

Journal writing, peer reviews, and writing workshops have become staples in the classroom. These practices give students a platform to explore different genres, receive constructive feedback, and refine their voice. Whether they are writing narratives, opinion pieces, or research reports, our middle schoolers are learning to approach writing with a growth mindset—understanding that every draft is a step closer to improvement.

One exciting initiative is the integration of technology to enhance writing skills. Students are using digital tools for brainstorming, drafting, and editing. They are also collaborating on group writing projects through interactive platforms, making the writing process more dynamic and engaging.

To further nurture their growth, our teachers are introducing mini-lessons on key writing techniques, such as crafting compelling introductions, organizing ideas, and using descriptive language. These focused lessons help students develop the skills they need to become confident and effective writers.

As they continue to sharpen their writing abilities, our middle school students are not only becoming better communicators but also discovering the joy of expressing themselves through words. We look forward to seeing their progress and celebrating their achievements in the months ahead!

A BLESSED START: OAA x OU CONSECRATION SERVICE

Last week, our school community experienced a powerful and spiritually uplifting event as Oakwood Adventist Academy joined with Oakwood University for our annual Consecration Service. This special occasion brought students, teachers, parents, and our community together in a shared moment of prayer, reflection, and dedication for the new school year.

Held in the OAA gymnasium, the service began with a warm welcome from university officials, setting the tone for a time of reverence and unity. OAA students led us in worship, focusing on the theme of committing our hearts, minds, and actions to God as we embark on the academic year ahead.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the anointing ceremony. University officials and local pastors robed up and offered a special prayer of blessing over students, teachers, and parents who desired anointing. Lines formed as many took this opportunity to be prayed over and consecrated for the tasks and challenges of the year ahead. It was a touching sight to see our community come together in faith, with a collective desire to align our work and learning with God’s will.

The service concluded with a sense of renewed purpose and spiritual strength. Families and students left inspired and encouraged, ready to approach the school year with a deeper commitment to excellence, character development, and faith.

We’ve captured some of the special moments from this event in a pictorial tour, highlighting the unity, reverence, and joy shared by all who attended. 

Thank you to Oakwood University and our local pastors for partnering with us in this meaningful service. May God continue to guide and bless our students, staff, and families throughout this school year.

Enjoy the pictorial tour below!

K-6 CHOIR SINGING ENGAGEMENT 

Our K-6 choir has been asked to minister in music this coming Sabbath, August 31, 2024 at Oakwood University Church for the 11:00 AM service.

The Details:

• Date: August 31, 2024

• Time: 11:00 AM

• Call Time: 10:30 AM 

• Location: OUC Multi Purpose Room. ***Please enter via the parking lot entrance located at the back of the family life center

• Attire Formal uniform this includes blazers, dress shoes and ties. If you do not have a blazer for your child just yet, please be sure to have the white oxford shirt, neck, cross bow or bow tie on.

Due to singing Sabbath, K-6 students are permitted to wear their casual uniform on Friday, August 30, 2024. 

OAA x OU DUAL ENROLLMENT

Did you know that Oakwood Adventist Academy students have the unique opportunity to jump-start their college education while still in high school? Through our partnership with Oakwood University, OAA is proud to offer a dual enrollment program that allows eligible students to earn college credit alongside their high school diploma.

This program is an incredible advantage for our students, providing them with the chance to experience college-level coursework and get a head start on their higher education journey. Dual enrollment not only challenges students academically but also helps them develop time management, study habits, and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in college and beyond.

Beyond the academic benefits, dual enrollment fosters a closer connection between OAA and Oakwood University, allowing our students to experience the college environment and interact with university faculty and peers. This exposure can be incredibly enriching, giving students a clearer sense of their future goals and aspirations.

We want to celebrate our students pictured as they are participants in the dual enrollment program. They were caught in action in words of Principal Dent, "handling their business" in the collab lab. We are very proud of those taking  advantage of this incredible program, setting them up for a successful future!

OAA ALUMNI WEEKEND

On behalf of the OAA Alumni Association we are thrilled to invite all Oakwood Adventist Academy alumni to join us for a special weekend of fellowship, celebration, and reconnection! Mark your calendars for OAA Alumni Weekend from August 30 to September 1, 2024. This event promises to be a memorable occasion as we come together to celebrate our shared legacy and the impact OAA continues to have on generations of students.

The weekend will be packed with exciting events, including an alumni vespers service, class reunions, and a special worship experience. There will be plenty of opportunities to reconnect with former classmates, teachers, and staff while reflecting on the growth and progress of our beloved academy.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a long-standing member of the OAA family, this weekend is for you! More details are below.

See you there!

INSPIRING MINDS: TEACHERS WHO MADE A LASTING IMPACT

OAA Alumna, Sharon Dublin shares about her experience with OAA Alum and former teacher James Roberts:

As a student, you never realize how much certain teachers are having an impact on you. Mr. Roberts stands out to me as one of the most selfless teachers I ever had. He went above and beyond to foster my success in math, which developed a passion in me to pass that love along to future generations of students. 

He was my Geometry teacher my Freshman year of high school, and the following summer he took time out of his own break to teach me Algebra 2. After learning Algebra II, I was excited to be on the fast track to learn more, so he used his planning period during my sophomore year to tutor me in Precalculus as independent study. This allowed me to enroll in Calculus the first semester of my Junior year, therefore all of my required math was completed in 2.5 years. 

The extra time and attention that he sacrificed to cultivate my love for math is something I do not take for granted. I am proud to be following in his footsteps as a math teacher at Challenger Middle School, and I hope to be able to instill the same excitement in my own students. Mr. Roberts has become one of my most valued colleagues. He is a mentor who provides no shortage of life and teaching advice, and I now consider him a good friend. 

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