2021-2022 Principal's Messages

 
Principal: Brian Young
Assistant Principal: Megan Sullivan
 
 
May 2022 - Oaklea Middle School
 
The staff and students at Oaklea began the month of May celebrating our teachers during Appreciation Week.  Our teachers deserve tremendous praise during this challenging school year, and we enjoyed spoiling them.  They have done tremendous work for our students this school year, and we are so thankful for the dedication they provide each day.
 
As the conclusion of the school year approaches, students will enjoy a variety of field trips and active learning.  The 6th graders will be participating in Forest Field Day on May 24th, as well as the annual Newport science trip on June 13th and 14th.  Our 7th graders will be going to the Rogue River for the jetboat excursion on June 10th, and 8th graders will travel to Portland to visit OMSI on June 9th.  5th graders will enjoy a fun filled activity "field day" on June 13th.  
 
Oaklea track & field season has wrapped up, with 14 of our student-athletes finishing in the Top 3 at Districts.  Our District Champions are as follows: Kaleb Moore in Shot put, Discus, and Javelin, and Everleigh Johnson in the 100 m Hurdles, 200 m Hurdles,  and Long Jump.  Our girls 5th and 6th grade team took the District title over all, and our 7th & 8th grade boys took the District 2nd place trophy.  We have 10 athletes who have qualified for the Oregon State Meet of Champions and two more who are currently alternates.  Special thanks to Coach Jeff Starr and all of our assistant coaches and volunteers for making this another memorable season!
 
We continue to plan for Summer School and are working on securing staff to support enrichment opportunities. We are planning to work with Lane Arts Council and focus on building positive connections with some of our students who could benefit from additional support. 
 
Students have been busy forecasting for elective classes for the 2022-23 school year.  We are excited to add Spanish as a new elective course at Oaklea.  We are continuing with the AVID elective class and focusing on the recruitment of 40-50 incoming 7th and 8th graders who could benefit from the program.  AVID stands for "Achievement Via Individual Determination" and is focused on building student skills to get individuals prepared for high school, college, trade schools, and other careers.  
 
The 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony will be held at Peden Field on Friday, June 10th at 6PM, with an after-party sponsored by the Oaklea Parent Group to follow.  June 10th will be the final day of the school year for our 8th graders, with other grades ending on June 17th.  
 
We will welcome our incoming students from Laurel and Territorial on Tuesday, June 24th at 6PM (Oaklea main gym) with the annual New Student Orientation Night.  This event is geared for current 4th graders at Laurel as well as 5th graders from TES.  Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Young will also be visiting LES and TES soon to tell students more about middle school, and will also welcome our incoming students in for a building visit with their class and teacher before the conclusion of the year. 
 
Finally, a huge shout out to our District Nurse, Damaris Bishop, who has gone above and beyond this school year to keep us as safe and healthy as possible  A school district nurse is a busy position already, but the Covid pandemic increased the amount of work and communication, and we are truly thankful for Nurse Bishop and all she has provided to staff, students, and families!  
 
Here is to a wonderful conclusion of the 2021-22 school year and Go Tigers!
 
Brian Young
Oaklea MS Principal