School has developed an active community that enhances student experience
Published in the Oct. 16, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Amy Liu
Photo by Amy Liu
Preschool students Ani Kouyoumdjian, Alexa Verbeek, and Aidan Ferguson complete the obstacle course at Oakwood School’s annual Fund Run.
Morgan Hill’s Oakwood School had its beginnings in 1998 with a handful of portable classrooms. Since then, the private school campus has grown into a vibrant environment that fosters the education and unique individuality of about 433 students from preschool to twelfth grade.
“There are so many things that contribute to Oakwood’s uniqueness,” said Mona Reel, the principal of the preschool through fifth grades. “For me, the overarching word on this campus is ‘relationship.’ Oakwood students feel a connection to each other and to their teachers.”
The teachers at Oakwood are passionate about their students and their programs, and they are sincerely interested in their students’ growth as people, she said. Expectations are set high with the belief that even struggling students can achieve beyond what they thought they could.
Oakwood students are known for being inquisitive and passionate about learning, said Melinda Merten, who has taught in the elementary school for 15 years.
“Oakwood is unique because of its students. They are creative, risk takers and ready for anything and everything,” she said.
The school has developed a community of active students, teachers, and parents. One example of Oakwood’s student involvement is the annual Freedom Festival.
In this event, students from all grades gather in the school’s gymnasium to show their patriotism and celebrate America through skits, performances, and speeches. On Halloween, the students get in the holiday spirit by dressing up in costumes for a parade. Every year at Thanksgiving, the school celebrates with a Thanks and Giving Festival where they give back to the community by putting together Thanksgiving meals for families who otherwise would not have a holiday dinner.
While students enjoy themselves at these events, they are also dedicated to learning in the classroom. “I enjoy watching students discover something new, especially when a concept has been challenging and they suddenly understand it,” Merten said. “It’s like a light bulb goes off above their heads. I enjoy discovering the different strengths and gifts in each of my students.”
Oakwood provides students with a campus environment where they feel safe to express their unique qualities, said Patty Crone, the high school principal.
“The school allows each student to make a mark in a number of areas and also to leave a legacy due to the opportunities to get programs off the ground,” she said. As an example, the founding of the high school’s debate team and soccer team were entirely student driven, demonstrating leadership by students.
High school junior Maddie Hanson said, “At Oakwood, I like how easy it is to get involved with what you are interested in.” She enjoys how the environment encourages involvement in many different programs while also providing the opportunity to create new clubs or groups.
Now entering its sixteenth year, Oakwood continues to grow and change, a dynamic environment that inspires self-expression and curiosity in all of its students.
Amy Liu is a senior at Oakwood School who serves as editor for the school newspaper. She also likes art, musical theater, and math. Publisher Marty Cheek helped her write this story.
