See below for more information on the upcoming creation of an Alumni Plaza (rendering pictured above).

OJH LINX 20181116

A Note from the Principal

In writing to you this week, I hope you are reading in the comfort of your warm and electricity-equipped home. This certainly hasn't been a typical end to the week in our community, and I appreciate the stories I've heard of families binding together and welcoming guests into more hospitable surroundings. Thank you for caring for your neighbors - and our students. This week's LINX returns to the Staff Spotlight in featuring OJH's Kristie Savino and Chris Fisher.

Prior to this summer, you may have heard your son or daughter speak of Mrs. Savino under her previous name - Miss Furst. Following her graduation from UD with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and a teaching certificate, Mrs. Savino served as a long-term substitute in Oakwood prior to teaching art in Preble Shawnee for two years. This is now her fifth year on staff in Oakwood, and she teaches drawing and painting, sculpture, and HS Art I this year. Additionally, she serves in a bevy of advisory roles - Lumberjack Leaders, OJH and OHS Art Clubs, Girl Talk, Varsity Softball Coach, Pups for People, and OJH fall and winter sports site manager. Your son or daughter is very likely to have her in class - and also pretty likely to see her in one of these other arenas! 

Kristie's husband, AJ, works at Gosiger in finance and marketing. The pair are puppy parents to Lucy, a Labrador-setter mix. In her free time, Mrs. Savino enjoys playing softball, biking, and spending time with her family at the flower shop. In the summer, she additionally carves out time for painting and creating chalk pastels - sometimes of her friends' pets. When asked what advice she'd share with OJH students, Mrs. Savino shared the following: "In 7th and 8th grade, students should be open minded to their futures and what they want to pursue. A lot of students feel set in what they want to do in life, but they should keep trying new things because they may find something they love but just haven't tried yet. Also, they should be true to themselves – it takes time to learn how to be okay being who you are."

Mr. Fisher is presently in his 24th year as an educator. He started his post-secondary work at Bluffton while also playing on the football team before transferring to BGSU. It was from Bowling Green that Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and he later added his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from UD. Mr. Fisher began his career teaching fifth grade for one year in Lima Shawnee and five years at Smith Elementary, and he is in his 18th year teaching at Oakwood Junior High. His role at OJH has always included teaching science, but he has also taught several elective courses - computer applications, STEM, study skills, and video production. 

Chris and his wife, Melissa, have two children - a freshman in college and a freshman in high school. Melissa teaches 4th grade in Northmont, and the Fisher family enjoys spending time together. Mr. Fisher's individual hobbies include fishing, woodworking/furniture building, and extended motorcycle riding. In the past, he has ridden on tours to four of the Great Lakes and to Las Vegas. Much further in his past, though, you can find the genesis of Mr. Fisher's interest in teaching. "I came through the special education program as a child, as I struggled with speech and with reading. I was always in the 'Blackbird Group.' I still remember the words shared by my Scout Master when I was 11: 'If it is to be, it is up to me.'" Of his role now, Mr. Fisher wants "to help students build their skills for independence, organization, and self-advocacy so that they can be set up for success in life."

Have a great weekend, Oakwood!

Tim Badenhop
Principal
Oakwood Junior High

Other Items in This Week's LINX

• Sports Shorts with Mr. Stone
  
• OJH Athletics in the Week Ahead
  
• Oakwood Schools Foundation - Alumni Plaza
  
• Jazz Band Concert - Saturday, 11/17 at 7:00 p.m.
• There's still time to sign up for the trip to Washington, DC!
• Next Week at OJH
  
   

Sports Shorts with Mr. Stone

Will return soon!

OJH Athletics in the Week Ahead 

 
 Will return soon!

You can find more information at the OJH/OHS Athletics Page.

Oakwood Schools Foundation - Alumni Plaza
 

The Oakwood Schools Foundation (OSF) has exciting news about an important project to share with you. Thanks to a $50,000 matching grant and the generosity of OHS alumni, the OSF will construct an Alumni Plaza at the  entrance of Oakwood Junior High this summer. This heavily traveled area will become a functional space for community gatherings, performances, outdoor classroom space, and much more. For our OJH students, the Alumni Plaza will significantly enhance a space for before and after school connections, lunchtime conversations, and even class discussions on nice days. What a great addition to our building!

The OSF is accepting additional donations to recognize individual classes, students, or families. While donations of any amount are accepted and appreciated, classes who raise $1,000 will be recognized on the plaza, and an individual donation of $500 or more will receive an engraved brick on the Alumni Plaza. This is a one-time opportunity to be a part of this project, and donations must be received by December 31, 2018 to be recognized with an engraved brick. Consider making a donation to honor your child's class (and/or your class if you are an alumnus).  Be a part of the past, present and future of Oakwood Schools by helping to build our Alumni Plaza!  **Deadline for donation is 12/31/18**.

To make a donation, please visit: www.oakwoodschools.org/ community/osf/donate-now

Thank you for your generosity!

Jazz Band Concert - Saturday, 11/17 at 7:00 p.m.

This Saturday (November 17th) is one of Mr. Uhlenhake's favorite concerts of the school year – the Oakwood Jazz Project.  This year they are bringing in the Sinclair Community Jazz Ensemble with guest vocalist Barbara Knight:

"The Sinclair Community Jazz Ensemble is a semi-professional big band that includes area jazz educators and performers from across the Miami Valley. Musicians include Adam Uhlenhake, Terry Staten, Peter Schomburg, Brad Morgan, Jeff Spurlock (saxophone); Chris Andrews, Phil Erskine, Bill Dixon, Nathan Rhodes (trombone); Brian West, Ken Taylor, Jan Hare, Dave Gribler, Manfred Stamguts (trumpet); Jeff Black (piano), Eddie Brookshire (bass), Mike Uchic (drums). Director/Saxophonist Bill Burns is past president of the Jazz Education Connection of Ohio and has had the honor of leading the Sinclair Community Jazz Ensemble since 2015. Guest vocalist Barbara Knight is one of Northeast Ohio's premier jazz singers.  For years she has captivated audiences with her warm, rich voice, and she is recognized by jazz bands and musicians as a truly gifted singer with dynamic stage presence and an intimate knowledge of her repertoire."

The Oakwood Jazz students will be spending the afternoon working with members of the Sinclair band, and the concert, featuring the OJH and OHS jazz bands and the Sinclair Jazz Ensemble begins at 7pm in the Auditorium.

The concert is open to the public, and there is a suggested $5 donation. All proceeds go to support the Jazz Project.

This event is truly a wonderful opportunity and showcase for our students, and features one of the best professional big bands in the area! We would love to see you there.

There's still time to sign up for the trip to Washington, DC!

Attention all 8th grade parents! There's still time to sign up for the trip to Washington, DC!

Don't miss your chance to embark on a travel adventure that you'll never forget. Whether seeing incredible sights, eating at great restaurants, or hanging out at your hotel – you'll have lots of time to spend with your friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Paying for the trip is easy and WorldStrides offers helpful tools to help pay for the trip. Check these out:

• Through FLAG financial assistance, over $2 million in assistance is given out each year to qualifying families

• Thousands of students pay for their trip through the easy-to-use Gift of Education Fundraising program

• Plus, there are easy and affordable payment plans so your trip payments can be spread out into small amounts and paid monthly prior to travel

Plus, this trip can even give you a jump start on your education! You can earn FREE high school credit through the WorldStrides' Discovery for Credit program, offering you a competitive advantage on your college application, distinguishing you as a savvy traveler and online learner, and starting you on the right path to a successful completion of higher education.

WorldStrides has over 50 years' experience in delivering unmatched travel programs to students all across the country, so you know you're in good hands. From the minute you arrive in your destination to the moment you return back home, there's a WorldStrides staff member there to help at a moment's notice.

Don't wait - sign up today at worldstrides.com/signup using Trip ID 158923. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Simpson at simpson.jennifer@oakwoodschools.org to find out more about the trip.

Next Week at OJH - Special Events

• Saturday, November 17 – Jazz Band Concert – 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium
• Wednesday, November 21 - Friday, November 23 - Thanksgiving Break/NO SCHOOL
   

For a full calendar of OJH activities, go to the OJH Webpage and view the Special Events.