Notes from the Head of School

Happy New Year & Happy Friday!

I hope everyone had a wonderful break! We are back in the swing of things now here at White Oak.

*It's Floor Hockey season in PE classes. You can see that Alyssa's pup Lady is the real MVP! Our Thunderbirds fans make sure to represent in class with their awesome jerseys!

*Speaking of the Springfield Thunderbirds... Don't miss the chance to join the White Oak crew at the game on Monday, January 19th! Our chorus will take the ice to sing "God Bless America" and 10 lucky students will ride the Fanboni between periods! The flyer is attached - scan the QR code to buy your tickets!

*Mrs. Fuda's class constructed amazing volcanoes in science! Look at these masterpieces. The students had to research a specific volcano, write about it and then construct it. We can not wait for them to explore the science behind eruption and see them blow them up! Nice job class!

*Did you know that Chess is a very popular game here at White Oak? Students can be seen challenging each other at milk break or lunch or even during class meetings! Today, Mr. Consolatti and Mrs. Kelly organized a chess tournament during the sophomore class meeting where the students coached each other (with a side snack of Dunkin' Munchkins). What a great way to end a Friday!

*The 11th grade class is hosting a 3 vs 3 Basketball Tournament on Friday, January 23rd! It is $5.00 Per Person or $15 Per team to enter. There will be a 50/50 Raffle and Bake Sale during the tournament. Listen to morning announcements to register your team. Need a player or 2? Ask your favorite teacher, a classmate or someone at your cafeteria table to join you! You can also ask a family member or friends from outside of school!

*The Senior Class is having a Gift Card Tree Fundraiser. There are 2 chances to win a collection of gift cards valued at over $200! Tickets are 1 for $5.00 or 5 for $20. Use this link to order your tickets today! The drawing will be at the end of January.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn9XoIMApobJaz5tPG2qfSba72XrhqX1_rYzHrco7ccmkzug/viewform?usp=preview

* Senior Scarlott Shea is in another wonderful drama production at Jaduke Theater later this month! See the dates below and visit their website to get tickets!

* Mrs. Armstrong wanted to share a free 3-day event called The Sensory Journey Summit. It’s an expert symposium focused on how the nervous system and our senses impact the way students learn, move, and interact.

The sessions are designed to help students feel secure and focused by decoding the sensory "why" behind their behavior. While there are 15 sessions in total, I especially recommend:

• Dr. Ross Greene on using collaborative solutions to help kids meet expectations.
• Greg Santucci on understanding the "why" behind student behavior signals.
• Kelly Mahler on Interoception (helping students recognize internal signals like hunger or stress).
• Kelsie Olds on Proprioception (how movement helps students feel grounded).

Each day’s sessions are free to watch live for 24 hours. If you can’t make the live times, there is an optional "All-Access Pass" available for professional development certificates or long-term access to the recordings.

*If you ordered White Oak clothing, it should be in next week and I will get it distributed as soon as possible! Thank you for your patience!

*There are 2 home basketball games for our White Oak Wolfpack next week! Monday and Wednesday, the team will play in the gym at 4PM. Students are welcome to stay and watch - parents must send permission to Mrs. Ricco at bricco@whiteoakschool.org and let their bus company know. All students need to be picked up at 5PM. Come cheer on the Pack!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jody

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