Notes from the Head of School

• It's Pickleball season in PE classes! Our students are learning how to play this very popular sport- maybe they will teach you at a nearby court this spring!
• A big congratulations to our very own Sonny F. who came in 3rd place in the Kids Race at the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Road Race last weekend!
• Speaking of 3rd place - a big wahoo!! to Ainsley P. who's Stop the Swerve PSA poster earned 3rd out of 27 entries for the District Attorney's office's contest. The winners were announced at Wednesday night's event at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Ainsley won $500 to be used at the school for technology purposes!
• Students who attended the event heard about the dangers of distracted driving from the DA and an ADA and had the opportunity to use drunk and drugged simulation goggles to experience how our bodies and minds become impaired under the influence. I am attaching important information for parents about the legal ramifications of hosting underage social gatherings.
• On Thursday, the Juniors attended a Career Exploration and Job Fair at Westfield State University. With over 70 local businesses in attendance, students had the opportunity to ask questions and learn about all different jobs and careers. As a bonus, they were able to grab lunch in the campus dining hall!
• The Drama Club has been practicing several times a week and the production is really coming along! Mark your calendar and join us on May 2nd for the viewing of "Clue"! It's sure to be a fun night of figuring out who dun it!
• This week Evan D. had an interview with Coach Sutter from Westfield State University. He did an amazing job - watch the April Acorn for a summary of their conversation!

SAVE THE DATE:

Friday, April 11th the Student Council is hosting a Spring Festival! It is open to all students and their families. An outdoor event, there will be a scavenger hunt, yard games, crafts and refreshments for sale! $12 per person or $25 per family for entry! Flyer coming soon!

Prom Tickets

Prom tickets will be on sale next Tuesday! $75 Per Person. Checks should be made payable to White Oak School. See a Student Council member at milk break or lunch to purchase your tickets!! Prom is open to Grades 9-12.

April theme of the month:

April: Perseverance

Give extra effort to make it through to the end.

This month, we are challenging students to work hard and stay determined. We are partnering with you to acknowledge your child’s achievement of goals- big and small! By helping your child develop perseverance now, you can prepare them to learn from their future failures and work hard to achieve future successes. This month, look for opportunities to teach and model the power of perseverance.

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow.‘  
–Mary Anne Radmacher

Watch the April Acorn for some activities you can do at home to support this theme!

Upcoming events:

• April 10th - Credit For Life Financial Literacy Fair at Westfield High School for Juniors and Seniors- field trip forms ARE DUE BY THURSDAY, APRIL 3RD!!
• April 11th - volunteers from Berkshire Bank will be presenting their program "Financial Decisions for Young Adults" to all high school students.
• Parent Conferences are April 10th and April 16th. Watch for a confirmation email from Betsy Ricco for your scheduled day and times!

We have 2 upcoming programs with the District Attorney's office for Grades 8-12:

April 9th: Just Once: A presentation that addresses the dangers of experimenting with drugs and the risk of taking prescription medications, that includes:

• A 24-minute documentary that tells the story of drug addiction and recovery through former students that attended local high schools, their parents, and experts in the field
• A guest speaker who shares their personal story of their battle with addiction.
• Target Audience: Grades 8-12

May 13th: Stop the Swerve: Addresses the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, and includes:

• A 19-minute documentary that tells the story of two local tragedies that were a result of driving under the influence.
• An Assistant District Attorney who specializes in vehicular homicide cases.

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Have a great weekend!

Jody