New Fourth Grade Level Launched
It was a historic day on this year’s first day of school as 35 brand new fourth grade students set foot on the OCS campus. The launch of the inaugural fourth grade level officially makes Oaks Christian a 4 – 12 grade school. The last grade level added was in 2014 when Academy V (fifth grade) was established.
“This first week went so well. It was very gratifying to see all the hard work and preparation pay off. It was so great to see students smiling and bonding with one another. Our teachers and TAs had nothing but great things to say about their new classes,” shared Middle School Dean of Students Brant Childers.
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Highlights of the first week were: attending the spirit assembly and the community gathering on Friday morning; learning about the Portrait of Graduate; discussing this month’s focus word “collaborative;” and the fourth and fifth grade core commitments. The scavenger hunt was certainly a highlight and a great activity for students to get to know one another.
Chapel was another highlight, having all fourth through eighth graders together for the first chapel of the year. Moving forward, fourth grade and Academy V will have their own chapels.
The students were eager and excited to meet their new classmates and teachers, either Jenna Shore or Morgan Moellering who were also thrilled to teach the youngest OCS learners.
“We did a Friday afternoon wrap up with peaches and pits (good things and not so good things from the week). Some of the peaches were: being in this class, making new friends, and feeling like the class is like their home. Some of the pits were: they had to leave, and the school day isn't long enough. it was so sweet,” said Moellering.
Teachers gave each class a tour of the campus, including the principal’s office!
“ I invited them to visit me often for GOOD things: I want to hear about their successes and also to ask for help when they need it.” said Principal Tara Morrow, “Greeting the students as they exited their cars in the morning was a highlight. What a great way to start each morning!
Morrow added she especially enjoyed watching the teachers and TAs “in action” and how terrific and skilled they are.
Overheard in the lunch line and on the playground were student comments such as:
“I love it here!”
“This is the best first day of school ever!”
“I really like my teacher!”
As the fall semester unfolds, administrators and teachers are excited about the academic, emotional, and spiritual growth of the young students, as well as relationship building and classroom connections.
“We have such a wonderful team of teachers and TAs who love kids and love teaching. I am excited to see their creativity and vision come to life as they plan exciting learning experiences,” said Childers.