The Upper Elementary students love their “Out of the Box” time in the classroom. During “Out of the Box” time, the teachers introduce a specific piece of literature and then students are presented with a challenge that relates to that story.  In groups, students use teamwork and problem solving skills to collaborate on how to solve a specific challenge within a certain period of time. These activities are rooted in Science, Technology,  Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M) and are a fantastic complement to our already rich and integrated Montessori curriculum.

The teachers introduced the last challenge of the year by reading Humpty Dumpty. Students were then asked to create a structure to put an egg in that would then be dropped from a specific height. The goal was to have the egg remain unbroken after being dropped.  There was excitement and a buzz of anticipation as the students created their structures. When the time was up, Mr. Ryan dropped the structures and students cheered as unbroken eggs were pulled from most of the structures.  In addition to addressing S.T.E.M.,  these challenges give students the opportunity to collaborate and use their problem-solving skills to actively solve each challenge. These skills, although not traditionally considered academic skills, are essential for the 21st century learner and are fostered every day in a Montessori environment.

The Kindergarten and Elementary students are learning about Jackson Pollock, an influential American painter and a leading force in the abstract expressionist movement, in Art History.  Pollock was well known for his unique style of ‘drip and splash’ painting.  Last week, students learned about his life and the impact he had in the art world. This week, the excitement is in the air as they replicate the process of his famous drip paining.

The ‘drip and splash’ style, which many believe he introduced to the art world around 1947, were created on canvas laid out on the floor rather than fixing them to an easel or wall. From there, he used a style where he would allow the paint to drip from the paint can. Instead of using the traditional paint brush, he would add depth to his images using knives, trowels, or sticks. At times, random objects would fall onto the wet painted canvas and he allowed them to become a part of the work. This form of painting, known as “action painting,” had similar ties to the Surreal movement, in that it had a direct relation to the artist’s emotions, expression, and mood, and showcased their feeling behind the pieces they designed. He was nicknamed “Action Jackson” because of the dynamic movement he used in creating his artwork.

The students loved the action while creating their very own ‘drip and splash’ painting, just like “Action Jackson”! The mess and fun was abundant! Even the rocks around the painting got in on the action!

Will Baur, Ms. Emily, Gagne, Mr. Russ Morin, and Shaun Schroder

Congratulations to former Five Oaks Academy students Will Baur, Mac Berg, Juliet Jacob, and Shaun Schroder on their High School Graduation! In the fall, Will and Juliet will be attending High Point University, Mac will be attending USC, and Shaun will be attending the University of Missouri. We wish you the best on your next adventure! Imagine the possibilities!

FOA will celebrate the 12th annual International Festival this Friday, May 1. The students look forward to this exciting event all year. Teachers and students dress up in their choice of international costumes and perform songs they have practiced in their classroom and during Spanish.  This year we are thrilled to have a mariachi band, Mariachi Cabos, entertain us during the festival. After the student performances, parents and students take part in many cultural activities and crafts as well as enjoy international dishes brought by FOA families.

FOA has a very culturally diverse community. There are now 30 countries represented within our 215 students. The International Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the differences found in cultures around the world as well as in the families of Five Oaks!

Please join Five Oaks Academy at the Simpsonville Arts Foundation Inc. (SAFi) on April 23 at 6:00 p.m. for a special event exploring Effective Communication with your child: Win-Win Strategies for the 21st Century Parent. Special guest speaker, Dr. Jane Bluestein, will focus on how to avoid power struggles with your child, motivate children with positive consequences, build cooperative relationships with mutual respect, and guide children to make their own choices. Dr. Bluestein will offer 15 simple “Magic Sentences” for effective communication. These key phrases offer parents practical ways to use specific positive language to avoid conflict and negotiate agreements. Dr. Bluestein is an award-winning author and internationally known speaker who has made several appearances as a guest expert on CNN, National Public Radio and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

FOA would like to thank Summers Orthodontics, Flatrock Family Dentistry, Five Oaks Academy Annual Fund and the South Carolina Montessori Association for sponsoring this event.

Catch a sneak peek of Dr. Bluestein on Your Carolina with Jack and Megan on Thursday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. on WSPA.

Congratulations to the 13 students who performed at the SCISA Music Festival held at The University of South Carolina’s School of Music on Thursday, March 12. The students each performed before a judge a piece of music they had selected. The performances ranged from voice ensembles, instrumental ensembles, piano soloists and guitar soloists. All 13 students earned the top score of “Superior” and were awarded the highest honor of the festival, a gold medal!   We are so proud of all of our students and their dedication with many long hours of practice! A special thank you to our music sponsor, Mr. Chris, who organized and led our students in this competition for the first time.

Five Oaks Academy competed in the “Battle of Books” competition through the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). Both of our teams, Middle and Elementary, competed in Regionals in November and made it to the state finals held March 3. The FOA Middle School Team won 1st place competing against 12 other teams from the 3 regions of the state. The FOA Upper Elementary Team, who placed 1st in Regionals, placed 4th at the state competition.

Congratulations to both teams! Your many hours of reading and practice, along with great teamwork and collaboration paid off!  A SCISA Representative will come to our International Festival to recognize our state championship.

Due to the inclement weather expected, the Dr. Jane Bluestein event Communicating Effectively with Your Child: Win-Win Strategies for the 21st century Parent will not be held tomorrow, February 26.  The rescheduled presentation will be on Thursday, April 23 at 6:00pm.

Dr. Bluestein will use this opportunity to share her deep understanding of child development and unique perspective on parent/child interactions. She will give practical advice that is applicable for both parents and educators to use in daily interactions with children. Her focus will be on how to avoid power struggles and communicate peacefully with your child. Please join us for this entertaining and informational event.

Five Oaks Academy celebrated National School Choice Week with a spirit day Wednesday, January 28.  National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on the need for effective education options for all children. FOA supports the rights of individuals to choose a school that fits the needs of their child and their family.  For more information on School Choice or to see where  South Carolina stacks up against other states on the issues concerning school choice,  visit http://schoolchoiceweek.com/press/media-center?s=sc.

School Choice Week is a nonpartisan and nonpolitical public awareness effort.

FOA is thrilled to be named one of  Greenville’s Top 10 Preschools by Kidding Around Greenvilles readers.  Kidding Around Greenville is a website designed to unite a community of parents to help each other find schools, upcoming events, and other needed information. Find FOA on their Top 10 list at http://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/2015/02/best-preschools-in-greenville.html.