- Oakhill Day School

FALL 2013
We Got Game!
Story on page 4
ALUMNI
Alumni Coordinator
Brooke Van Lear-Jones ‘97- ‘02
Dear Oakhill Alumni,
I am amazed at what has happened in only 12 months. In just one year I have heard
from 75 alumni, spoken with 200 alumni families, and we have moved from one to two
issues of ROOTS. Starting this year we will be publishing both a fall and spring issue of
ROOTS. Thank you, Panthers, for your support and dedication to our school. Several
alumni attended the 2013 Annual Auction, the Alumni versus Faculty Basketball
Game and the 8th Grade Graduation. I can’t wait to see more of you at these events
this school year!
As always, keep the updates coming. I love hearing from you.
Go Panthers!
Brooke Van Lear-Jones
The Kalsu Society of Friends honors Oakhill alumni who make a gift to the annual fund.
Inclusion in the Society will be renewed each year you make a financial gift to Oakhill Day School.
Giving is easy!
Cash/Check
Corporate Matching Gifts
Online
Pledge a Gift
oakhilldayschool.org/annual-giving.html
2
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
E D U C AT I N G
THE
MIND & BODY
Education at Oakhill extends beyond academics. Our mission is to provide excellence in education by focusing
on the “whole child” by addressing the importance of each students' intellectual, emotional, social, and physical
development through our individualized curriculum and child-centered approach to teaching. We want to
inspire and equi p young leaders for both today and tomorrow through challenging each student to reach their
personal best in all areas of development.
Grade experience new ingredients and flavors while learning
about healthy foods and cooking techniques during Chef
Justin’s cooking class. Chef Brittani is new to Oakhill and leads
our Middle School cooking elective which guides students
on their own unique food adventure from week to week.
Physical Education @ Oakhill
Physical development of children is equally as important as
that of the intellectual, social and emotional. The physical
education curriculum at Oakhill Day School includes
movement and exercise, sports, nutrition and healthy living
instruction. Students in Toddler through Prekindergarten
attend Physical Education class 1 to 3 times a week depending
on how many days they are enrolled at the school. Kindergarten
through 4th Grade students spend 25 minutes, 5 days a week
in Physical Education class while 5th through 8th Grade
students attend five days a week for a 40 minute class period.
Farm 2 School @ Oakhill
This is Oakhill’s 7th year providing Farm 2 School lunches in
cooperation with Bistro Kids and Treat America. Partnering
with local farmers and food purveyors improves the
health of our students by introducing and reinforcing the
consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, grass
fed meats and hormone-free milk in their school lunches.
Outdoor Classroom/Garden and Community Supported
Agriculture @ Oakhill
The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program
is another addition to Oakhill’s healthy living initiatives.
This program is an alliance between Good Natured Family
Farms and over 160 other local family farms. The bulk of
the products provided through CSA are seasonal produce,
though meats, milk, cheese, eggs and bread are occasionally
included. The CSA program at Oakhill runs 18 weeks,
beginning in May and concluding in late September.
In addition to CSA, Oakhill hosted its first Farmers
Market this fall. The market provided an opportunity
for all Oakhill families, not just those who participate
in the CSA program, to conveniently access farm fresh
produce with the aid of our resident chefs who helped
answer questions and offer cooking tips to market patrons.
The dynamic science duo of Dena Cole and Maggie
Newhouse oversees the school garden. (Dena Cole is the
Science Specialist for grades 1st through 4th and Maggie
Newhouse is the 6th Grade Advisor and Middle School
Science teacher.) The school garden is an exciting, hands-on
living classroom that teaches the students about nutrition,
the life cycle of plants, how vegetables and fruit grow from
the earth and not the grocery store, and how to care for a
garden. Students also learn how to create and use compost!
Thanks to our wonderful Chef Justin, our entire student body
participates in monthly cooking classes. Toddler through 8th
ROOTS
FALL 2013
3
2nd Alumni/Faculty Basketball Scores Big
Thank you to all of our alumni and our current Oakhill
families who supported the 2nd Annual Alumni versus
Faculty Basketball Game in February 2013. The game
was a huge success…and we had a ball! 23 Oakhill
alumni returned to play basketball and it was wonderful
to reconnect with parents and families. We are so proud
of our alumni!
The final score was Alumni, 44, to Faculty, 31.
A special “shout out” to…
Coach Ziggy, winner of the half court challenge!
Ryan Roberts, the Alumni MVP!
Steven Brady, the 2nd top Alumni scorer!
The Alumni versus Faculty Basketball game will take a
different shape this year. There will still be a basketball
game, but there will be some new and exciting
additions…
High School Alumni, you are invited to participate in
the ultimate alumni challenge…The Color Games!
When you RSVP, you will be assigned to one of two
teams and will be given a specific team color. You must
show up wearing your team color. Special spirit attire
will be available to pre-order prior to the event if you
choose.
The first team to win 3/5 games will be announced the
winner of The Color Games.
Oakhill faculty will be there to cheer you on and
participate in faculty challenges that will take place
between the games.
If you would like input on what games will be played,
visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SHS9LVC
May the odds be ever in your favor.
4
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
Alumni Roster:
Ben Becker - Alumni Coach
Luke Becker
Leah Booth
Steven Brady
Taylor Clevenger
Alex Diaz
Jacob Eisler
Brianna Ely
Gabby Ferro
Mitchell Henderson
Cole Koeniguer
Max Laney
Andy Lee
Mitchell Manley
Satchel Manley
Perri Miller
Louis Reinmiller
Ryan Roberts
Patrick Robey
Alex Roney
Bryce Wehling
Jack Yosel
Maddy Yosel
Faculty Roster:
Mrs. McCanles - Faculty Coach
Mr. Feagles
Mrs. Feaster
Mr. Derrick Forbis
Mr. Alex Hall
Chef Justin
Mrs. Manley
Mrs. Newhouse
Mrs. Robertson
Coach Speer
Mrs. Van Lear-Jones
Coach Ziggy
MEET COACH
ZIGGY
This is Coach Tim Ziegler’s 4th year working at Oakhill Day School and his second year as the Physical Education
Specialist for the Toddler through Kindergarten students. In previous years, Coach Ziggy has coached volleyball
and basketball at Oakhill. Coach Ziggy played soccer at both Liberty High School and Park University and shared
that he has always loved sports, gym class and working with children. Coach Ziggy said that choosing to be a P.E.
Coach was simple because all of his interests “meshed together” in this position. The word he uses to describe
himself as a coach is “spunky,” and Coach Ziggy’s students and fellow teachers would have to agree…he is indeed
spunky and energetic! He loves to play with his students and he enjoys that P.E. is a place where children can use
their energy to move and express themselves. Coach Ziggy commented that he loves working with early childhood
children because they are always “super excited and want to participate in all class activities.” When asked why he
thinks P.E. and health are important, Coach Ziggy responded, “It’s important for kids to learn lifelong skills that
will keep them healthy and active for the rest of their lives.”
What is your favorite part about coaching P.E?
I played soccer.
I love to move around with the kids. I like that P.E. is
a place where kids can use their energy and are free to Why do you think P.E. and health are important?
express themselves.
It’s important for kids to learn lifelong skills that will
keep them healthy for the rest of their lives.
What do you love most about working with the early
childhood children?
They are always super excited and want to participate in
everything we do in class.
What is one word to describe you as a coach?
Spunky!
How did you know you wanted to coach P.E.?
I grew up loving sports, loving P.E., and loving kids…so
it all meshed together.
What sports did you play in high school and college?
ROOTS
FALL 2013
5
Oakhill Day School Class Representatives
By becoming a class representative, you agree to be the bridge between Oakhill and its alumni. Your job as class
representative is very important. We hope that by accepting this duty, you will always be an advocate of Oakhill Day
School to your fellow classmates/alumni, prospective families, and members of the community at large.
Representative responsibilities include:
Updating contact information, such as mailing addresses, telephone number and email addresses, of fellow alumni upon
notification of such changes. Notify Oakhill of changes
Encouraging communication and participation in Oakhill Alumni events
Gathering alumni data on a per class basis (including college acceptance, honors and awards, marriage, birth, illness,
death, etc.)
Keeping Oakhill current on the needs of its alumni community, such as summer or after school work, volunteer
opportunities and connections
Assisting in future alumni fundraising and assist in various phases of planning for alumni events: ideas, planning and
implementation
Please contact Brooke Van Lear-Jones if you would like to be a class representative or if you would like more
information. ([email protected])
Upcoming Events Calendar
We are pleased to announce that the 2014 Annual Auction will be held off campus
for the first time in 10 years. The theme this year for the auction is Boots, Bids, and
Bling! The 2014 Auction will be held at Embassy Suites hotel on Saturday, February
15th, 2014.
Oakhill’s annual holiday shopping experience, Holiday on the Hill, is on Sunday, November 10th,
2014 from 11:00-4:00pm. Holiday on the Hill will be held at The View by Visions KC, LLC in
Briarcliff, located in the Courtyard Marriot Hotel. Admission is $7... children age 4 and under are
free! Can't wait to see you there!
6
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
OAKHILL
FACES
Making a Difference:
On and Off the Field
Nick Hennessy attended Oakhill Day School in 1986 when his
family moved to Kansas City. He fondly remembers his time at
Oakhill (1986-1990) when his Kindergarten classroom was located
in the building Oakhill occupied on Englewood and North Oak.
Nick recalls moving to the current Oakhill campus during his
first grade year, where he had Mrs. Wills as his 1st and 2nd grade
teacher and Mrs. Calvert for 3rd grade. Moving into Oakhill’s
current building is one of Hennessy’s favorite Oakhill memories.
Nick reminisces that, “Moving to the new building was something
I will always remember… it was such a big deal for us as kids.”
When asked about specific teachers who stand out in his memories,
Hennessy named two: Mrs. James and Mrs. Wills. Mrs. Judy James
taught Hennessy during his Kindergarten year at Oakhill and
lived close to him in his neighborhood growing up. He remembers
being quite sad when she passed, though he states, “the teacher that
was the greatest effect on my learning being Mrs. Wills because of
the tough love I received… she also truly helped me in my love of
reading.” Although there were no “official” Oakhill sports teams
during Hennessy’s time at the school, he certainly remembers his
Oakhill P.E. Teacher Mrs. Hildebrand and her love for playing Neil
Diamond music during gym class!
After his years at Oakhill Day School, Nick went on to graduate
ROOTS
FALL 2013
from The Pembroke Hill School in 1999 and Drake University in
2003. He shares that he loved playing sports in high school; he was
on football, wrestling, and track teams. In college, Hennessy had
the opportunity to play football. While it was a great experience, it
did not last beyond his sophomore year.
Nick is now a Middle School Social Studies Teacher, Dean of
Students, Head Middle School Football Coach and assistant for the
Varsity Football Program at The Pembroke Hill School. Nick and
his wife Cara have a 6 month old daughter named Eloise Madeline
Hennessy.
Nick is no stranger to hard work on and off the field. Hennessy
discovered that being upfront with expectations as a teacher and
a coach gives children the opportunity to rise to any occasion.
He says, “being consistent with your message to each child and
providing a warm environment makes it much easier to get out of
them the kind of effort and production that even they are not sure
they’re capable of.” To Hennessy, his goals as an educator and coach
are twofold. First, his goal is to be a teacher that “helps identify and
teach children the skills to be successful as they grow into young
adults.” Secondly, Hennessy wants each child “to remember how
they were treated and the experience they had as a positive one so
they come back to see me.”
7
CATCHING UP WITH
COACH CARTER
Coach John Carter graduated with a BS in Physical Education, Health and Recreation from Southwestern College in Winfield, KS. He
worked with the city of Kansas City in Parks & Recreation for 11 years before teaching at Oakhill Day School. Coach Carter currently
teaches at Notre Dame de Sion.
Coach Carter was always a fan favorite to the students of Oakhill. Alumni have so many great memories of Coach Carter in
P.E class; he always greeted us with a smile and challenged us to be our best. So imagine the excitement we had when awarded
the opportunity to reconnect with Coach Carter!
Coach Carter, what years did you work at Oakhill Day School?
After leaving Kansas City Parks and Recreation, I worked at Oakhill Day School for 5 years, from I think 2000 to 2006.
In addition to being a P.E. instructor, what sports did you coach?
I coached Oakhill Day School’s first Volleyball and Basketball teams!
What are your favorite Oakhill memories?
Teaching P.E. and Health and interacting with the Oakhill parents.
Does any athlete in particular stick out to you from your Oakhill coaching days?
Kaitlyn Lewis was a great athlete. She gave her all in sports and she was a great student!
What are you doing now?
I am currently teaching at Notre Dame de Sion Lower School.
What’s your favorite thing about coaching PE?
How much fun it is to interact with the children.
8
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
She's Got Speerit!
C
oach Lauren Speer is the Athletic Coordinator at
Oakhill and is the Physical Education teacher for
grades 1-8. In addition to these positions, Coach
Speer coaches Oakhill’s Cross Country, Basketball,
and Track and Field teams. This is her seventh year working
at Oakhill. Prior to working at Oakhill, Coach Speer coached
the Varsity and Junior Varsity Field Hockey teams for four
years at Notre Dame de Sion. In high school, Lauren played
Field Hockey, Basketball, Soccer and Softball. She went on
to play Division I Field Hockey in college at Miami of Ohio
and was co-captain her senior year. Coach Speer is not only
athletic…she is also quite the artist! In the past, Coach Speer
worked at an art gallery and frame shop, as well as a selfemployed artist. She showed artwork at a few local art shows
and sold commissions for her drawings.
What does physical fitness mean to you?
Physical fitness means to me that individuals are able to carry
out a healthy and active lifestyle. Life-time fitness is my
favorite term! I hope to educate and influence our students to
have life-time fitness and to be able to go through their own
lives having a solid background and knowledge of how to
keep their bodies in shape. Whether that is going for walks,
running a marathon, exercising at a gym, playing sports or
even just choosing to take the stairs instead of an elevator.
How do you teach sportsmanship?
I am a big, big, big believer in good sportsmanship! I
constantly challenge and remind the kids to display good
sportsmanship at all times to their teammates, opponents,
referees and fans. Sportsmanship encompasses many of
our school’s life skills such as integrity, effort, responsibility
and friendship. I challenge my athletes to always wear the
Oakhill name with pride, while making the school proud to
have them wear it. You can’t control what other people do
– or as I call it the ‘uncontrollables’ – you can only control
your own actions – the ‘controllables.’ Good sportsmanship
will take any person far in life and people will remember you
for it.
Are you excited about the new P.E. additions…the rock wall
and new athletic field?
I am very excited. Every time the kids receive new equipment,
jerseys or gym accessories, their excitement builds and they
become more proud to be a Panther. Confidence can make
any athlete ten times the player they are. When our kids see
the athletic program and facilities grow with their success and
their hard work and dedication, they gain more confidence
and pride and that is priceless!
How do you instill a love for fitness and health in the lives of
your students?
I try to lead by example. From my own personal experiences,
I remember not appreciating my coaches when they would
only tell me what to do and they would never be involved in
the workouts or running that was expected of me. Therefore,
I strive to participate as much as possible in class and athletic
practices. If I expect my students to stay active, run and
exercise, then I need to show them that I live by what I preach.
What do you love most about teaching P.E.?
Sports and athletics are one of my top loves in life! I get to do
what I love every day. Team sports are some of my favorite
things - the competition, teamwork and challenge to do your
best.
I also love when I am a part of a child’s first experience! Their
first time to run a mile without stopping, first time to sled,
first time to score in a game…There is nothing better than
seeing their joy and sense of accomplishment!
ROOTS
FALL 2013
9
Back Row (L to R): Grant Gravis, Anthony Giordano, Daniel Miller, Alex Lee, Max Gruschka Middle Row (L to R): Shannon Hule`,
Kayla Roesner, Holly Hawkins, Molly Soltis Front Row (L to R): Bailey Ferrara, Suzanne Brown, Ellaina Sanders, Amy Gruschka
Congratulations to the Oakhill Day School Class of 2013!
Suzanne Lawton Brown - Park Hill South High School
Bailey Noel Ferrara - Staley High School
Anthony Peter Giordano - Staley High School
Grant William Gravis - Kearney High School
Amy Grace Gruschka - Oak Park High School
Max Carl Gruschka - Oak Park High School
Holly Marie Hawkins - Liberty North High School
Shannon Elizabeth Hulé - North Kansas City High School
Alexander Brian Lee - Park Hill South High School
Daniel Scott Miller - Park Hill South High School
Kayla Morgan Roesner - Adlai E Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire, Illinois)
Ellaina Rose Sanders - The Pembroke Hill School
Molly Mai Christine Soltis - Platte City High School
10
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
T
ANNUAL REPORT OF GIVING 2012-2013
Annual
Report of Giving
he Board of Trustees joins me in thanking all school
constituencies – current families, alumni, alumni
families, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends – for
their support of Oakhill this past 12/13 school year. Support
comes in many forms: giving time and expertise, assisting in
classrooms, chaperoning field trips, facilitating in the lunch
room, serving on committees, submitting information
and pictures for the ACORN, lending a green thumb to
the gardens, planning school events, and donating to the
Annual Fund and Fund raising efforts.
The Oakhill Annual Report is published each fall and
serves two main purposes: to acknowledge those who have
voluntarily participated in sustaining our mission and
operations, as well as to report our financial wellbeing.
The 2012/2013 school year was distinguished by the
following fund raising and advancement highlights:
• Collective gifts of $83,411 to the Annual Fund - $22,409 more
than the previous year
• Average Annual Fund gift of $371 based on 81% of the parent
population, 100% of the Board of Trustees, and 100% of the
faculty and staff who participated in the campaign.
• Twenty-six (26) Annual Fund Leadership gifts of $1000 or more
with three (2) being $5000 or more and one (1) gift of $10,000.
• Auction revenue of $161,535, which includes our new rock
climbing wall in the gymnasium, and fund-a-need gifts for special
projects totaling $9,268.
• Our second annual Panther Scamper 5K profited $3,256,
up slightly from the previous year. We are looking forward to
launching our very own Neon Rush 5K in May of this year –
family oriented and fun for all.
year, profited $3,110.
• A new south building campus expansion including four
classrooms, bathrooms, and two office spaces.
• New carpet and tile in six classrooms and four office spaces.
• Continued improvements in curb appeal made by Fuller Lawn
and Landscaping.
• Playground additions and parking improvements made by Mike
Morris of Musselman and Hall, as well as Frank Yager, of KG
Striping.
• Countless hours given by parents and families as leaders and
volunteers to sustain the integrity and connectedness of our
school community.
• Total fundraising efforts equaling $306,273!
The generosity, philanthropy, and spirit of volunteerism
across our entire school community inspire and drive
our continued growth and progress. We all share the
responsibility to be leaders through our involvement on
committees and in our daily interaction with one another.
The students benefit from your investment in the school,
establishing a pattern for them to emulate as they become
the leaders of the future – making Oakhill a priority. I
thank you for your generous contribution of time, talent,
and resources which are critical components to provide an
excellent educational experience to our children.
We hope to see 100% of the parent population giving to
the Annual Fund this coming year! We have many exciting
things to come!
Your support of Oakhill Day School is deeply appreciated!
• Community Partners brought in $20,146, up significantly from
the prior year.
• The Golf Tournament profited $9,387, up $3,516 from the prior
year.
Suzanne
• Our third annual Acorn Day Celebration held to help beautify
areas of the campus brought in $5,250.
• Rebate programs including Box Tops, Scrip, Target Red Cards,
etc… brought in $7,611, up $4,288 from the 11/12 school year.
• Holiday on the Hill, a brand new fundraiser for the 12/13 school
ROOTS
FALL 2013
11
Annual Report of Giving
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
T
he 2013-2014 school year is off to a great start at Oakhill. Once again the halls are
abuzz with energetic and smiling students- happy to be back with friends in familiar
surroundings and under the care and guidance of trusted and dedicated faculty
and staff. In short, they’re glad to be back home. It’s evident the faculty and staff are glad
to be back as well. You hear it in their voices and see it in their actions. Excitement for
the new year is everywhere you look. From my perspective it’s comforting to witness the
contentment…the sense of belonging that is so prevalent in our school. It gives me the
reassuring sense that ‘all is well.’
These are exciting times at Oakhill- so many changes and so much growth. Enrollment is
up significantly which, while being a wonderful thing, brings challenges as well. Growth
in the middle school necessitated additional restrooms which were constructed over the
summer. Growth in lower grade class sizes necessitated additional classroom space
which was also constructed this summer in cooperation with the City of Gladstone in the
professional building to our south. Technology and security improvements have been
made. Sustainability and ‘green initiatives’ such as the solar power generators have been
installed. Much progress has been made to facilitate growth, improve facilities and improve
the educational experience at Oakhill.
The Board of Trustees joins me in thanking you for your continued support. Without that
support the continual progression of everything ‘Oakhill’ would not be possible. Last year
your generosity resulted in record numbers for our annual auction, community partnerships,
annual fund and many other fundraising events. The Oakhill community stepped up like
never before. Again, we sincerely thank you for your generosity- your support means so
much to our school.
As another year gets into full swing please consider a renewed commitment to help us keep
the momentum going. The Board of Trustees establishes tuition rates consistent with the
recommendations of The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). NAIS
guidelines call for tuition to be set at roughly 85% of the actual cost to educate our students.
The remaining 15% is to be made up through fundraising efforts. This design allows for
tuition rates to be kept as low as possible and also creates a sense of purpose and sense of
community as we work together to fill ‘the gap.’ Currently ‘the gap’ (the 15%) amounts to
roughly $1,500 per year per student. Of this amount roughly $1000 is needed to cover
normal operating expenses. The remaining $500 is needed to help us plan and provide for
the future of Oakhill. Just as you’ve seen with recent expansion and improvements, future
expansions and improvements will be necessary to ensure a thriving Oakhill for generations
to follow.
I again challenge the Oakhill community to support our various fundraisers and help
us provide ‘Excellence in Education’ for our current students, as well as help our school
continue to grow and progress for future students. Oakhill’s status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization provides tax deductibility in some cases. This is a great way to invest in your
community as well as your child.
The Board of Trustees thanks you once again for your past support and future consideration
of Oakhill Day School.
Michael E. Morris
President, Board of Trustees
12
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
2012-2013 Board of Trustees
Michael Morris- President
Sean Schultz- Vice President
Brian Grauer-Treasurer
Renee Richardson- Secretary
Melanie Carter
Sean Eisler
Jane Ann Gorsky
Derek Potts
2012/2013
Fundraising Summary:*
$306,273
*This total includes the following:
Acorn Day
Annual Auction & Fund-a-Need
Annual Giving
Community Partnerships
Golf Tournament
Grants
Holiday on the Hill
Scarecrow Panther Scamper 5K
Rebate Programs
Annual Report of Giving
2012-2013 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
INCOME
Tuition & Fees 82%
Fundraising 9%
School Events >1%
Other Programs 9%
Miscellaneous >1%
ANNUAL FUND
OVER 3 YEARS
2010-11
$56,697
2011-12
$61,001
2012-13
EXPENSES
$83,411
Personnel 83%
Curriculum 3%
Facilities 5%
Utilities 2%
Administrative 4%
Miscellaneous 3%
ROOTS
FALL 2013
13
Annual Report of Giving
2012-2013 LIST OF DONORS
Kalsu Society of Friends Alumni Donors
C Curriculum Family of Funds
A Arts Family of Funds
S Athletics Family of Funds
F Campus Family of Fund
•
Circle of Excellence
The Cass Family
Michael and Karen Morris
John Ku•
Head of School Circle
Carter Family Partnership
Robin Morris and Darrin Clawson
Marcy Driskill
Dustin and Shelby Durand
Sean and Haley Eisler
The Kansas City Chess Club
The Grauer Family
Ron Gregg and Dr. Michelle Dew
Brent and Jenny Giles
Todd and Cynthia Gugler
Ben and Cinnemon Hilmes
Benjamin and Susan Jones
Tan Nguyen and An Le
Thomas and Kari Lipscomb
Kevin and Suzanne McCanles
William and Lisa Meiners
Marcus and Cara Painter
Mr. and Mrs. Derek Potts
Eric and Monica Puls
The Roesner Family
Sean and Robin Schultz
Brett and Elaine Smith
Jason and Micah Sonderman
Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Van Duser
Frank and Kristi Weatherford
Mr. and Mrs. Brett Yantis
1947 Club
Ed and Jill Kirkpatrick Bounds
Kendall and Leecil Culbertson
Carl and Rebecca DiGerlamo
David and Erica Ferrara
Michael and Anna Gibson
Family of Mackenzie King
Joel and Ann Koeniguer
Phil and Jennifer Latier
Alex Lee Family
Shannon Maples
Art Umali and Kathy Miller
Scott and Joy Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Roche` C
14
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
Larry and Sara Shandy
Bill and Robin Spooner C A S F
Daphne Yang C
Teal and White
Vikas and Sonali Agarwal
Stephen and Sarah Anderson
Brad and Wendy Barth
Robert and Stacey Becker•
Tim and Courtney Bettington
Kevin and Constance Brown
Anonymous
Quentin and Dena Cole
David and Jackie Conkling
Andrew Harkin and Stacie Cooley
Brett and Tara Coughlin
Christopher and Elizabeth Cuzner
Amy Davis
The Feaster Family
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Fitzpatrick
Scott and Traci Fleming
David and Kimberly George
Steve and Mary Giordano
Jane Ann Gorsky
Bryce and Dana Grandberg
Michael and Jana Guidry
Robert and Lauren Hamby
Ryan and Dina Hamilton
Jeremiah and Anita Hauser
Joel and Kristin Hennenfent
Jay and Nataliya Hennings
Mike and Janet Holloway
Drs. Michael and Colleen Hupp
Cam and Aimee Kirkpatrick
Bill and Kathryn Lingerfelt
Mr. Andrew Wert and Mrs. Michelle McDaniel
Lance and Veronika McDonald
Zachary and Lindsy Morton
Bryan and Melissa Ness
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Kent Peterson
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Phillips F
Stephen and Angela Tatum-Smith
Jim and Stephanie Soltis
Vijay and Sarah Somasegaran
Conrad and Shannon Stumpenhaus
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Sturdevant
Vincent and Kedra Vaccaro
Mr. and Mrs. Barry Yantis
Friends of Oakhill
Gregory and Emily Abella
Nicklas and Piper Abernathy
American Vacuum
Joshua and Felicia Bean
Cathy Bernholtz F
Brenda Bock
Scott and Angela Boedecker
Calvin and Sandra Bond
Apollo and Charlie Boyd A
Susan Brown
Matthew and Janese Brown
Randal and Edie Brown
John and Angela Brown
Heath and Martha Burch
Dennis and Jan Carter
Georgia Carter
Mrs. H.M. Cassity
Charles Melloway and Monica Chandler
Stephen and Tara Clark
The Clevenger Family
Michele and Jared Cole
Michael and Janelle Crouse
Lauren and Travis Cunningham
Deborah Dillon
Anonymous
Jason and Carina Draut
Marshall and Erin Ellington
The Ely Family A S
Robert and Emily Eshleman
Oscar and Kayla Estrada
Anonymous
Lee Feagles C A S F
Ms. Terri Ferris
Bradley and Rebecca Fisher
Aaron and Katie Fowler
Ryan and Amie Francois
Amy and Jeff Ganaden
Andrew and Leah Gipe
Vladislav Goodman and Inna Sirota
Graham Family
Anonymous
Jane Gruschka
Matthew and Haley Haar
John and Janet Hagan
Mr. Aaron Hall
Thomas and Celia Hancock
Michael and Renee Hannigan
Hargiss Family
Tyler and Shauna Hartman
Michael and Mary Hawkins
Jo Hill
Lucina Holloway
Adam and Shana Holmes
Gregory and Colleen Horwitz
Heidi Hule'
Jennah Irsik
Eric and Meghan Jansen
Timothy and Chelsea Johnson
Kim Jones
Steve and Brooke Jones
ROOTS
FALL 2013
Mike and Lisa King
Craig and Heather King
Robert and Claudia Kisela
Nicolaus Kuehn
Stephanie Kuehn
Anonymous
Joshua and Tara Leighr
Anonymous
Marcus and Kayla Mackey
GionCarlo Moreno-Mangum
Lisa Manley
Aaron and Hillary Marshall
Drew and Rana Martin
Brett and Carol Martin
Russell and Jennifer McCullough
Mr. Gage and Mrs. Alicia McGarry
Ryan and Emily McNellis
John and Stacy Miller
John and Lenora Miller•
Brad and Elizabeth Miquelon A
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Moorman
Anonymous
The Murch Family
Dean and Janet Nash
Nancy Neutgens
Peter and Maggie Newhouse
Chad and Valerie Nichols
Brian and Cyndie O'Bleness
The Parrack Family
Mickeal and Kelli Pennington
Sharon Phillips
Louis and Laura Pollina
Justin and Shannon Quigley
Ashley Ralph
Phil and Cristan Rayl
Anonymous
Melinda Reynolds
The Richardson Family
The Riddle Family
Dale and Amie Robertson
Thomas and Susan Rolli
Franklin and Alexandra Rosenblatt
Jason and Julie Rule
Joseph Sacco III and Sarah Sacco
Bill and Janet Sanders
Eddy and Jeanne Saylor
Ross and Sara Scimeca
Lisa Sexton
Kylie Shaffer
Kristen Sloan
Gerrad and Lauren Speer S
Lori Stallman
Mary Steinle
Robert Stevens•
Kate Stinson
Robert Biehl and Nicole Swartz
Anonymous
15
Micah and Sarah Tenner
Ms. Kathy Trager
Marc and Mandy Van Gorp
Chris and Tonya Vaughn
Leon and Heather Versfeld
Cody WalkerHolmes
James and Eva Webb
Daniel Weeks
Lawrence and Jennifer Weimhold
Jacques and Melissa Wenenn
Logan and Jennifer Wilkin
Anonymous
Benjamin and Amy Wright
Brian and Starla Yarbrough
The Yosel Family
Sargis and Victoria Zadoyan
Maria Zdvorak
Anonymous
Corporations and Foundations
American Century Investments Foundation
CARMAX Foundation
DST Systems
The Eli Lilly and Company Foundation
Ericsson Matching Gift Program
KSHB TV
MeadWestvaco Foundation
Union Pacific Funds
Gifts in Memoriam
The Cass Family in Memory of Brad Cass
Lee Feagles in Memory of Gene Feagles
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Giordano in Memory of Pete and Betty Giordano
Mickeal and Kelli Pennington in Memory of Lucille Boyd Faulhaber
Vincent and Kedra Vaccaro in Memory of the Parents and Sister of Kedra Vaccaro
Annual Fund Participation by Class
Oakhill Day School Total Participation: 81%
Ralph
65%
Parrack
79%
Ferris
81%
Bock
100%
Jones
75%
Boyd
100%
Trager
72%
Brown
100%
Crouse
86%
Wills
100%
Tenner
47%
Mackey
89%
Zdvorak
60%
Stripling
90%
Clevenger
82%
Robertson
77%
Driskill
91%
Newhouse
71%
Hulè
82%
Stinson
87%
Manley
71%
Feagles
100%
16
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
Annual Report of Giving
2012-2013 FUND-A-NEED
The project chosen for fund-a-need during the 2012-2013 school year included hanging microphones, new stage curtain, and LED
stage lighting.
The total amount of funds needed to complete this project was $12,000. Through the generosity of donors who attended the 2013
Cirque du Oakhill Auction, we were able to raise $6,750!
2013 Fund-A Need Contributors
Dennis & Jan Carter
Melanie Carter
Monica Chandler & Chuck Melloway
Christopher Cuzner
Carl & Rebecca DiGerlamo
Haley & Sean Eisler
Alan & Melanie Fashion
David & Erica Ferrara
Steven & Gig Ferro
Jeff & Amy Ganaden
Steve & Mary Giordano
Ron Gregg & Michelle Dew
Joel & Kristin Hennenfent
Trish Herzog
Dr. Lori and Mr. Zachary Kramer
Dr. Tracy Stevens and Mr. Brian Lee
Scott & Joy Miller
Karen & Michael Morris
Larry & Debbie Osborn
Marcus & Cara Painter
Phillip & Cristan Rayl
Sean & Robin Schultz
Sharon Middleton
Stephen Smith & Angie Tatum-Smith
Micah & Jason Sonderman
William & Robin Spooner
ROOTS
FALL 2013
17
Annual Report of Giving
2012-2013 LIST OF DONORS
Thank you to all of the generous donors that purchased a piece of the rock climbing wall at the Cirque du Oakhill Auction.
2013 Rock Wall List of Donors
The Abernathy Family
Angela Austin
Dennis & Jan Carter
Chandler Family
Stephen & Tara Clark
Joseph & Amy Clevenger
David & Jackie Conkling
Kendall & Leecil Culbertson
Christopher & Elizabeth Cuzner
Jason Dake
Amy Davis
Sean & Haley Eisler
Brad & Claudia Feaster
David & Erica Ferrara
The Ferro Family
Steve & Mary Giordano
Michael Guo & Daphne Yang
The Hennenfent Family
Cameron & Amiee Kirkpatrick
Robert & Claudia Kisela
Stephanie Kuehn
Bill & Kathryn Lingerfelt
Kevin & Suzanne McCanles
Scott & Joy Miller
Michael & Karen Morris
Brian & Melissa Ness
Robin Nguyen
Marcus & Cara Painter
Chad & Kirsten Pickens
Phillip & Cristan Rayl
Melissa Reynolds
Jason & Julie Rule
Sean & Robin Schultz
Stephen & Angie Smith
William & Robin Spooner
Vaccaro & Herzog at RE/MAX 1st Choice
Charles & Sarah Van Duser
The Versfeld Family
Matthew & Jennifer Waldman
Franklin & Kristi Weatherford
Brett & Deborah Yantis
18
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
Annual Report of Giving
2012-2013 ACORN DAY
Acorn Day is a collaborative effort between Alumni, Faculty, Students, Parents, Grandparents, and Friends of Oakhill. Through song,
student poetry, and a ceremonial planting, the Acorn Day Celebration serves as the first event celebrating the end of the Eighth Grade
Class' educational journey at Oakhill, as they pass down their legacy to the preschool students just beginning their journey. Oakhill
celebrated Acorn Day on April 19, 2013.
2013 Acorn Day List of Donors
John and Linda Younghanz
The Saylor Family
Lisa Meiners
Sean and Robin Schultz
The Culbertson Family
The Smith Family- Stephen, Angie, and Tatum
Mike and Lisa King
Susan Tate
Kisela Family
Linda F. Wilson
Conrad and Shannon Stumpenhaus
Sonderman family
Mike and Jana Guidry
The Somasegaran Family
The McCanles Family
Lew Krausse
Brett and Elaine Smith
Chase Candy Company
Susan and Bill Ellis
The Conkling Family
Dennis Carter Family
Susan and Tom Rolli
Frank, Kristi, and Isaac Weatherford
The Dozier Family
Brianna Ely- Class of 2011
Julie and Jason Rule
Robin Nguyen
Harper Rosenblatt
Dr. and Mrs. Bob Peterson
Brad and Becky Fisher
John and Mary Jo Diefenbach
The Vaughn Family
Terry Abella
Joel and Erin Frank
The Bettington Family
Kathy Trager
Terri Ferris
Morrissey Quigley
The Draut Family
The Van Duser Family
Ben Yager
Kate Yager
Kathryn Valenti
Mary Lee Sturdevant
The Hancock Family
The Roche Family
Evelyn T. Mendes
ROOTS
FALL 2013
Adrian and Mary Jo Goettl
Amy Potts
Stephanie Kuehn
Jan Carter
Jenny Giles
Veronika McDonald
Becky DiGerlamo
Kristen Sloan and Taylor Le
Ernest and Darlene O’Dell
Royce and Sara Jeffries
Benches were underwritten in recognition of the following:
In Memory of:
Linda Marie Redfern from the Van Duser Family
Frank L. Shaw from Jolene N. Shaw
Wanda Lee Kalsu from the Board of Trustees
Wanda Lee Kalsu from the Friends of Oakhill Day School
In Honor of:
The Reinmiller Family
19
Annual Report of Giving
2012-2013 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Thank you to all of our community businesses who financially supported Oakhill Day School through the 2012-2013 school year.
Community Partnership Levels for 2012-2013
Mighty Oak ($7,500 and above)
Pride ($5,000)
Spirit (3,500)
Panther (2,000)
Acorn ($1,000)
Cub ($500)
Musselman & Hall Contractors
Mighty Oak
BankLibertyMighty Oak
ROCA VendingAcorn
Shoal Creek Valley
Cub
TREZO MAREMighty Oak Dentistry for Children
Panther
Clayview County Club
Cub
20
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
CLASS NOTES
ALUMNI
students in his school. He is also on
the KC Dragons basketball team
coached by Steve Newman. Taylor
spent the summer playing in out of
town tournaments. If he is not on the
court in a gym, he is shooting in the
backyard or playing at the lake. He is
also practicing to take the wheel and
get his license in December.
COLLEGE
HIGH
SCHOOL
'99-'05
with honors with a Bachelor's Degree
in Entrepreneurship and a minor
in Leadership and plans to start law
school in the fall of 2014. She recently
studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain
for a semester. She enjoys traveling,
volunteering and being with family
and friends.
'97-'02
Jess Van Lear
attends
Maple
Woods Community College and
works for Luke Draily Construction.
Jess’ hobbies include fishing, playing
with his dog and eating Chipotle.
Jessica Michaelis
graduated from
Liberty North High School May
2013. For three years she competed
Max
Gruschka on the varsity track and varsity swim
graduated from teams. Jessica was an active member
Oakhill in 2013 and is now attending of marching band and got to perform
Oak Park High School. As part of his with the Liberty North High School
Tessa Williams
Eagle Scout project, Max and Scouts Band in the Inaugural Parade in
graduated in May
from Troop 360 built a wooden gate Washington, DC this past January.
and fence on the Early Childhood Jessica is attending UMKC for 2013 from Missouri Western State
University with a degree in Sociology.
Playground. This was a very welcomed Physical Therapy.
She is attending UMKC for her
addition for both Oakhill’s students
Ray Saari became Masters in School Counseling. Tessa
and early childhood teachers.
an Oak Park High works at Oak Park High School as the
Holly Hawkins School graduate in May 2013. Ray color guard coach for the marching
graduated from received both academic and athletic band.
Oakhill’s 8th Grade May 2013. She scholarships at the University of Tulsa
is a freshman at Liberty North High and is playing soccer there this fall.
School and is on the varsity tennis
Taylor Spooner
team.
went to Oakhill
from
early
learner
through fourth
and '09-'12 Taylor
Clevenger is a grade. She graduated from Park
sophomore at Kansas City Christian. Hill South in 2010 and currently is
He played freshman and JV basketball finishing her senior year of college
last year. Taylor volunteered this at Oklahoma State University in
summer at a camp for the younger Stillwater, OK. She will graduate
GRADUATE
SCHOOL
'00-'13
'94-'00
'98-'03
'00-'13
'94-'02
'03-'05
ROOTS
FALL 2013
21
POST
GRADUATE
'97-'02
in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where
she has taught 1st, 2nd, and 4th grade.
She also coaches cheerleading, and
hopes to continue to coach cheer and
to add soccer in the mix in the future
once her family grows.
Kyla Henderson
The
expression
“time flies” is an understatement
Kaela Rae Schuetz
when I reminisce about my years of
is getting married
education. From running through the fall 2014. She works for her family’s
halls as a young first grader at Oakhill company, City Rent-A-Truck, doing
Day School to graduating from sales and marketing.
Pittsburg State University last May;
I have really learned to appreciate
the instruction I have received along
the way. I attended Oakhill from
first through fifth grade and recently
graduated college with a Bachelor
Roots is published for the alumni, parent, past parent,
of Science in Biology and minors in
grandparent, faculty, staff, and friend community of Oakhill
Chemistry and Physical Sciences.
Day School.
I plan to further my education by
attending Dental Hygiene School next
Head of School: Suzanne McCanles
fall. While encountering many new
Co-Editors: Brooke Van Lear-Jones and Michelle McDaniel
chapters in my life, I am also planning
Director of Development: Rebecca DiGerlamo
a wedding! I recently said “yes” last
March and we are excited for what the
Letters and suggestions for future editions of Roots are
next chapters will bring!
welcomed and encouraged. Correspondence should be
addressed to Brooke Van Lear-Jones, Alumni Coordinator at
Taylor
Leigh
[email protected].
Beamer(Freeman)
attended Oakhill for first through
Oakhill Day School admits students of any race, color, religion
third grades and remembers her
and national origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and
teachers Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Wills,
activities generally accorded or made available to students
and Mrs. Calvert. Taylor went on to
at Oakhill. We do not discriminate on the basis of race,
play soccer in college for and graduate
color, religion or national and ethnic origin in administration
from Appalachian State University
of our educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid
with a degree in Elementary
programs or other school-administered programs.
Education. Taylor Leigh met her
husband of 8 years, Adam Beamer, in
Please send all address changes and Notifications (Marriage,
college and they are currently living
birth, and death announcements) to the Development Office.
in Ponte Vedra, Florida, with their 2
dogs (Cally-7yr old black and white
Oakhill Day School
lab mix, Cole- less than 1 yr black
7019 N Cherry Street
lab) and 2 cats (Bella-3yr old golden
Gladstone, MO 64118
tabby, Zoe-3yr old gray and white
816.436.6228
tuxedo tabby). She is in her 8th year
www.oakhilldayschool.org
as teacher for St. Johns County School
District at Ocean Palms Elementary
'89-'92
22
OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL
'94-'97
CHERRYSTREET
ON
Familiar faces can be spotted visiting 7019 N Cherry Street throughout the year...
Maybe next time it will be you!
Taylor Clevenger was spotted helping Oakhill Faculty move
into the new South Building with current student, Brady
McCanles, 8th Grade.
Max Gruschka was spotted updating the Early
Childhood playground with Troop 360.
Shelby Dodson, Kaitlyn Lewis, Perri Miller,
Madison Ferrara, Taylor Clevenger, Maddy
Yosel, Mary Gravis, Brianna Ely, and Brooke
Van-Lear Jones (L to R) came out to support
the 2013 graduates on May 23, 2013.
High School and College age alumni came
out in large numbers to support the second
Alumni/Faculty Basketball Game on February
16, 2013.
Got Pics? Please send any photos of yourself and
alumni friends to [email protected]
to be featured in the next On Cherry Street!
ROOTS
FALL 2013
Noah Barth, Maddy Yosel, Leah Booth, Brianna
Ely, Gabby Ferro, Mary Gravis, Taylor Clevenger,
Steven Brady, Alex Roney, and Patrick Robey (L to
R) meet with the 8th grade class to talk about their
high school years at the Chat-n-Chew event.
23
7019 N Cherry Street
Gladstone, MO 64118
Oakhill Road Racers Preparing to Take Off!