Oak Meadow News

Oak Meadow Announces New Faculty:

David Rosner, M.Ed., K-8 Faculty
 David received his Master of Education degree from Manhattanville College, and runs an independent tutoring business in Westchester (NY) County where he works individually with students in math, history, writing and standardized test preparation. David enjoys hiking, nature, art, music, cello, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Dave Bradt, B.A., High School Science
 Dave graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Environmental Science. He taught science for five years and was the Assistant Director of the Outdoor Education Program. Having homeschooled during his middle school years, Dave has a unique perspective on homeschooling and distance learning. In his free time, David is an avid reader of science fiction, an aspiring cook, gardener, and barbeque meister.

Cydney Smith, M.S., ChHC, High School Health
 Cydney is a certified health coach and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Environmental Science, as well as certifications in permaculture design and Integrative Nutrition. Cydney also founded an online health and lifestyle coaching service. Cydney loves adventure, and has taken extended solo backpacking trips in the wilderness of Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.

Sara Molina. M.Ed., High School World Languages
Sara holds a Masters degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Vermont. She has taught social studies, Spanish, and ESL in independent, public, and university classrooms for over 5 years. Born in Madrid, Spain, Sara grew up in a multi-lingual and multi-cultural home in Vermont. Sara's passion is travel and she hopes to foster this love of travel in her students.

Sarah Hoffman, M.Ed., College Counselor
 Sarah earned a Masters of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and worked as a college and admissions counselor at Smith College and McGill University, as well as at private and public high schools. She particularly enjoys working with students who have chosen a non-traditional path in their education. In her free time, Sarah enjoys playing tennis and ice hockey, and sings in a gospel and world music chorus.

 

Oak Meadow School offers an accredited option to homeschoolers looking for teacher support and official school records. Our expert, caring faculty and staff work to ensure each student is inspired to thrive and achieve personal success. This column highlights some of the recent additions to our program that further empower the independent learner and enhance the vibrant learning culture of Oak Meadow School.

New Programs

OM College Planning Webinars Underway

Sarah Hoffman, Oak Meadow's College Counselor, is offering a series of informative webinars for juniors enrolled in Oak Meadow School. These webinars will help students get started on the complicated college admission process. Sarah will address such topics as how to research colleges, narrow down choices, enjoy a productive campus visit, and prepare application materials. College entrance exams, the Common App, letters of reference, and the creation of an admissions portfolio will also be discussed. Look for emails announcing each College Planning Webinar.

 

Oak Meadow Joins International Education and Resource Network (iEARN)

Oak Meadow School is now a member of the worldwide community of iEARN, which means that enrolled Oak Meadow students will have a plethora of new opportunities to learn and share as global citizens. The motto of iEARN is simple: Learning with the world, not just about it. The organization's reach spreads across 130 countries and 30 languages, and includes 40,000 educators and 2 million students. Their website describes iEARN as "the world's largest non-profit global network that enables teachers and youth to use the Internet and other technologies to collaborate on projects that enhance learning and make a difference in the world." There are currently over 200 projects to choose from, and Oak Meadow students can contact their teachers if they find a project that interests them. Projects may be substituted for Oak Meadow assignments or done in addition to regular coursework, depending on the scope of the project. To learn more about this innovative program and see a full list of projects, speak to your Oak Meadow teacher or visit the iEARN website at https://media.iearn.org/home.

 

Experiment Partnership

Oak Meadow School has recently joined in partnership with The Experiment in International Living to offer Oak Meadow students more ways for engaged learning on a global scale. The Experiment is a program of World Learning (worldlearning. org), an organization in Brattleboro, Vermont, that "provides education, exchange, and development programs that cultivate the global leadership and social innovation needed in a shrinking world." Read about one Oak Meadow student's Experiment experience.

 

Oak Meadow Teacher Bikes Through Alaska

What's the difference between biking the ancient Adirondacks and the rugged Alaskan frontier? Julie West, Oak Meadow science teacher and adventurer, decided to find out firsthand. She and her partner, Don are bicycling along the Alaska Highway for 1500 miles from Anchorage to British Columbia. Considering the likelihood of rain, bears, and other unforeseen adventures, they expect to be gone for four weeks. Julie is planning to keep her students and friends apprised of her progress via a blog that will be updated whenever she passes through a town with internet. She has invited her students to "follow me and learn about the land and natural history of the north!"

 

Mark Your Calendars and Book Early:
Oak Meadow Graduation, June 30, 2012
Fall Open House, October 6, 2012

Two great annual Oak Meadow events are on the horizon. In June, Oak Meadow families, faculty and staff will gather in Brattleboro, Vermont, to honor and celebrate the graduating Class of 2012! Graduation festivities are planned for Saturday, June 30, with a Welcome Gathering the evening before. Oak Meadow graduates and their families come from all over the country to participate in our graduation ceremony, and local families are welcome to attend to enjoy the warm and heartfelt gratitude that always marks this lovely event.

Another Oak Meadow tradition, the Fall Open House, is scheduled for Saturday, October 6. Our Open House is a great chance to gather with Oak Meadow faculty and staff as well as homeschooling families from around the country to share ideas, make connections, and enjoy community. Oak Meadow materials are on hand to peruse, and faculty and staff can answer your questions. As always, our annual Open House is an event to put on your calendar!