I had the opportunity to meet with the Board of Directors of the Oakdale Sports Boosters on Sept. 8 to ask for their help with funding transportation for our Oakdale athletes. The meeting was very cordial and it was very apparent why this group of dedicated citizens was in attendance. They were all there for one reason: their sole purpose was to make Oakdale schools’ sports programs a great experience for the students of Oakdale High and Oakdale Junior High.
I have been reflecting on that meeting and have concluded that one of the major reasons that the community of Oakdale and the Oakdale School District is such a special place is because of the many groups of honest, hard-working, good people who care enough about their children and their community to get involved and make a difference. This willingness to volunteer and make a difference is really is what makes Oakdale a special place.
The Sports Boosters is one of many organizations that need people to continually step up and volunteer so that we continue to be a cut above other communities. Although there are many great volunteers in the Oakdale High Sports Boosters, they still need more to continue on with the outstanding job they perform. The two primary ways that the Oakdale Sports Boosters generate their funds are the annual dinner dance and by selling those fabulous tri-tip sandwiches at the home football games. All of the money earned by these fundraising efforts goes directly to support students in our athletic programs. If you are interested in joining this fine organization you may contact them through Oakdale High School, on the Oakdale Joint Unified School District website, www.oakdale.k12.ca.us, or talk to one of the officers directly. Kevin Brunk, Cheryl Brunk, Cheri Martin, Brett Martin, Dionn Avant and Ron Avant are active officers in this fine group.
I would like to share a partial list of other fine support organizations and provide you with contact information that parents and community members may want in order to get involved in organizations that make Oakdale a great place to live, work or go to school.
District Wide: The Oakdale Educational Foundation is incredible! This group continues to support the teachers and students in the Oakdale District by raising tens of thousands of dollars year after year to supplement our educational programs. This group is made of fabulous “Energizer Bunnies” that never stop working to improve our schools. They can always use more help. Contact them through the district website or talk directly to Connie Friel, Jan Barton, Kim Whitemyer, Frank Clark, Denise Hitch or any other OEF Board member.
Oakdale High School: Academic Boosters – This group of parents works with the school site council to support high academic standards and to provide support to the Advanced Placement curriculum. The Academic Boosters help financially support the Academic Decathlon and Science Olympiad teams. They generate funds for the Renaissance Program and give support to the students and staff in many student activities. The Academic Boosters may be reached through the Oakdale High website or you may contact Jonna Ohe or Jill Clayton directly.
Music Boosters – This group of parents and friends supports drama, band and choral productions in many ways. The music boosters raise money for additional musical instruments, sheet music and uniforms. The Music Boosters provide scholarships for students to attend band and music camps and arrange or provide transportation to various performances. The Music Boosters primary revenue source has historically been the annual dinner and auction. The best way to contact the Music Boosters is through the Oakdale High website or to contact Jeff Hood, the Music Booster President.
Oakdale Junior High: OJHS has a Parent Teacher Club that meets the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the OJHS staff room. This group works tirelessly assisting in sports, student activities and in whatever other areas help is needed. This year the president is Jennifer DeGraff, she may be reached through the school office or you may contact her directly. OJHS also has a group of parents that are working on the “Jeans and Jerseys” crab feed. Maria Cobarruvias is the contact and may be reached by contacting the OJHS office.
Cloverland: Great things are happening that you can be a part of if you join one of the two parent support groups. The Cloverland Parent Teacher Club meets once monthly to plan fundraising to help support school activities such as assemblies and field trips. The PTC helps plan activities for the school and also purchases educational supplies for the classrooms. The PTC president is Crystal Tredway and she can be reached through the Cloverland office.
The Cloverland Art Corps provides monthly art lessons for all of the Cloverland students and produces the Annual Art Show featuring student work. The Director is Mary Margaret Chappell and she can be reached through the Cloverland office.
Fair Oaks: The Fair Oaks PTA is a very involved group. The PTA supports the Jog-A-Thon, book fair and Family Fun Night. They assist in supplying supplemental books for the library and classrooms as well as provide funding for field trips. The President this year is Jennifer Jacobsen and she may be reached through the Fair Oaks School office.
Magnolia: The Magnolia Parent Teacher Club is very involved in all aspects of Magnolia School. They meet monthly and are currently looking for volunteers to help with the Fall Festival and the annual dinner/dance. The Magnolia PTC provides school supplies to the classrooms and has brought the Missoula Children’s Theater to Magnolia for the past three years. The president is Teresa Medeiros and she may be contacted through Magnolia Elementary or through the PTC website, www.magptc.org.
Sierra View: The Sierra View PTC is a dedicated, high energy, creative group that works tirelessly for the Sierra View School community. The funds raised by the PTC are used to support field trips, support art and drama education, provide library books, and to offer free family fun nights. The president this year is Angie Dart and she may be reached through the Sierra View office. New members are always welcome.
Superintendent’s Spotlight is a monthly column provided by Oakdale Joint Unified School District Superintendent Fred Rich, updating the community with information about school district activities.
