School News 2014-2015
Reflections School Salute
Oakview Reflections winners were recently recognized on Dale's School Salute. More pictures can be seen here on our gallery page. Congratulations to all participants and winners!
Dan Yaccarino Visits Oakview
Oakview welcomed acclaimed artist, Dan Yaccarino on April 24th. Yaccarino visited with 5th graders and shared his creations. His work includes animations for Disney and Nick Jr. Oakview was among several schools vying for the free illustrator visit. The Greenville County Museum of Art fully funded the $2,000 in costs associated with bringing Dan Yaccarino to our school. The museum will also exhibit his work.
Oakview Recognized on Earth Day
In an article about the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, the Greenville News highlighted various people, places, and practices that have been influenced by environmental awareness. Toward the end of the article, Oakview Elementary was noted for its longstanding emphasis on the integration of environmental studies and the creation of multiple outdoor habitats. "In short, the watermark of environmental awareness is rising and one of the highest bars in the region is set by Greenville County’s Oakview Elementary in Simpsonville."
Trees Greenville Comes to Oakview
Oakview students worked with a local outreach group, Trees Greenville, to help each of the 5th grade classes plant a legacy tree in their honor. For the past two years, Trees Greenville has been an amazing partner to Oakview. Not only have they given us the 7 trees for free, but they have also sent us a horticulturalist who specializes in native trees. This year, Hope Timmerman led each class in the digging, planting, mulching, and watering of their special tree. Five trees (2 Witchhazels and 3 Sourwoods) are located on the nature trail to fill in spots where old trees recently fell. The other two trees (2 Red Maples) are located along the side of the track to grow into nice shade trees for sunny days. We are very grateful to Trees Greenville for their help and support. Happy Earth Day, from the 5th grade!
Oakview Receives 52nd International Flag
The Tervo family donated the flag of Bulgaria to Oakview for display in the school cafeteria. Jonah and Sarah's maternal grandmother is from Bulgaria. This is the 52nd international flag donated by Oakview families!
"Give a Hoot" Food Drive
Oakview students set aside time the first week in March to raise awareness about hunger in our community. Student council organized the drive, boxing the pantry items and travelling to the pantry to deliver 8,319 items. This donation will feed almost 5,000 people in one week. Teachers and administration lined up at the end of the event to take pies in the face from classes who brought in the most cans. Click here to see more pictures.
Snowflake Shuffle
On Saturday, January 31st, Oakview welcomed 250 students and families to the Snowflake Shuffle! The Snowflake Shuffle fun run was a 1.5 mile course through the nature trail and other various grassy areas on campus. The participants were asked to wear a silly winter hat and bring one canned or boxed food item to donate. Coach Miller and the Health and Wellness Team appreciate all the support and active participation for our 2 fun runs this year and look forward to making them a school tradition! Click here to see our picture featured on Dale's School Salute on February 11th.
Officer Jumper and Vinnie
After reading Officer Buckle and Gloria, second grade students met Officer Jumper and his K-9, Vinnie. During the assembly students learned about the jobs that these service dogs peform. Students also learned about service dogs like water rescue dogs and medical detective dogs the same week in the library.
Eagle Scout Creates Digital Nature Trail for Oakview
Rob Smith, former Oakview Elementary School student and current Eagle Scout candidate, completed a 21st century update to the school's existing nature trail! Students at the school can now bring their mobile devices with them on a nature walk and scan QR codes along the trail to learn more about the flora and fauna found within the campus's wooded acreage. Smith's project included mounting QR codes throughout the trail as well as the installation of new entrance signs and marker posts, refurbishing the benches in the trail's outdoor classroom, and clearing of the trail itself. Rob is currently a sophomore at JL Mann High School in Greenville County Schools.
Humane Society Donations
Thanks to Girls on the Run, who held a donation drive for items to benefit the Greenville Humane Society. Around 25 boxes of items were collected. Thanks to those of you who donated!
First Grade Vocabulary Parade
First Graders dressed up for the annual Vocabulary Parade. They sported their leaping lexicon! You can view a slidehose here. You can also see Mrs. Szymanska's class showcased here, on Dale's School Salute on WYFF4 in the morning.
Google Earth at Oakview
As part of National Geography Week (Nov. 16-20), fourth grade students navigated the world using Google Earth. Bill Fredenburg, brother of Mrs. Jacobs (4th grade teacher), and an employee of Duke Energy, led students in geographic search and application activities used in his work. Students were amazed to find their school, home, and locations around the globe!
America Recycles Week at Oakview
Life is a Highway -November 2014
Each month our School Counseling Department recognizes students who are on the “Road to Success.” We would like to recognize the following students for doing a great job showing the “Life Sign for Success” of Respect. Click here to see the list of names.
Teachers on the Run
Second grade teacher, Jake Gambrell, and first grade teacher Heather Higgins participated in the Color Vibe 5K on October 20th, 2014.
Energy Assembly
Thanks to Duke Energy for providing The Energized Guyz assembly for our students. The actors, from the National Theater for Children in Minnesota, were delightful. They entertained the students and taught them many ways to conserve energy.
Reading Tutor Training
Parents recently attended a reading tutor training session at Oakview Elementary taught by instructional Coach, Becky Riddle. Volunteers for the program will have the opportunity to work each week, one-on-one, with students to strengthen their reading comprehension and fluency.
Challenge Students Visit Biltmore
The Oakview Challenge classes visited the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina to tie-in with their unit of study.
School Salute
Ms. Greaves' first grade class was featured on Dale Gilbert's morning School Salute, The students are wearing their vocabulary parade outfits showing off their stellar lexicon.
Local Rotary Donates Dictionaries
Oakview received a generous donation of dictionaries from the Rotary Club in Simpsonville. Each third grade student received a copy.
WATCH D.O.G.S.
Oakview Dads, Uncles, Adult Brothers, and Family Men were all invited to a Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) kickoff. The response was overwhelming with over 500 men, children, and volunteers attending. The goal of the program is to have a dad volunteer at school one full day during the year. After the kick off, the calendar quickly filled up with dads committing dates through December and beyond. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Christi Yenser at yensercm@gmail.com.
Oakview Receives 50th and 51st International Flags
Lexi Rogers and her family donated the flag of Cuba to Oakview for display in the school cafeteria. Lexi’s grandparents are from Cuba. This is the 50th international flag donated by Oakview families!
Jose Urrutia, along with his mother and father, recently donated the flag of Guatemala to Oakview. This makes the 51st flag hanging proudly in our school cafeteria.
Back Packs for Kids
Five Forks Baptist Church made a generous donation of backpacks to Oakview. Adam Howard, Minister of Music and Outreach, delivered 25 bookbags full of supplies! We appreciate their generosity!