Oak Grove School District 68

Labor Day is more than just a holiday—it's a tribute to the resilience and strength of workers who have shaped our nation. At Oak Grove, we teach and embody these values of hard work and determination every day. Let's use this holiday to reflect on how each of us contributes to making our community better.

Have a safe and meaningful Labor Day!

🌟 Today, we wanted to take a moment to share some inspiring words from 1st Grade Teacher Bonnie Brown, celebrating her 30th year at Oak Grove School! 🌟

"I am very excited to start a brand new school year! This year, I will be walking through the doors at Oak Grove School for my 30th year of teaching, welcoming students as excited as I was when I started at OGS in 1995. Each year is as exhilarating as the first, with many hopes and promises for the students I greet daily. I always have a wish for my students - To believe in themselves, to persevere, and to show me the RAINBOW of possibilities they have inside of them." Teaching young six-year-olds is inspiring, and their success drives me to do my best, knowing every moment counts in their precious lives as eager learners. I'm excited to share my love and passion for teaching with my 3 new first-grade teammates this year and to learn from them as well!

Beginning this school year is extra special because we are delighted to have Dr. Lemon coming out of retirement just for us, along with his friend and colleague Dr. McKay, guiding the staff, children, and parents here at OGS. We will once again get to see Dr. Lemon welcome the students on the bus each morning before they enter our classrooms, come rain or shine. In no time, he will know their names, and they will know him."

What a wonderful start to a year where our students always come first!

🌟 Last Day to Register to Participate in our Superintendent Search - Deadline is 4 pm TODAY! 🌟

The Board of Education is actively seeking community input to assist in the selection of our new superintendent. We invite you to contribute to this critical process by attending one of the upcoming focus groups facilitated by Dr. Patricia Viniard from the Illinois Association of School Boards.

Focus Group Details:

Thursday, August 29: 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Junior High Gym
Friday, August 30: Sessions at 7:30 – 8:30 AM and 8:30 – 9:30 AM, Junior High Gym

Childcare is available. You must RSVP TODAY by 4 pm to attend. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3YWyYyP

Please bring a pen to record your responses. All feedback is anonymous and will be synthesized and presented in an Open Session to the Board, influencing both the recruitment and interview processes.

Your insights are invaluable in our search for a leader who will embody Oak Grove SD 68's values and advance its mission.

🍎 As we continue into our first full week of the 2024-2025 school year, we're filled with optimism for the year ahead. We’re especially inspired by the words of our dedicated 3rd-grade teacher, Heather McCarty, who has been a cornerstone of our community since 1999.

"We are excited to be led by two outstanding Superintendents this year. Dr. Lonny Lemon & Dr. James McKay truly want what's best for our incredible students and staff. They are working hard to make sure that teachers feel supported and that our community is valued. It's going to be an amazing year at Oak Grove School!" ✨

Thank you, Dr. Lemon and Dr. McKay, for leading with such dedication! Here's to a year of growth, learning, and success at Oak Grove School. Let’s make it amazing together!

🏐🌟 Reminder for all 7th & 8th Grade Girls! 🌟🏐

Volleyball tryouts start today, and we can't wait for you to show us what you've got! Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, we want to see your skills in action.

📅 Dates: Monday, August 26th & Tuesday, August 27th
⏰ Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Patt Gym

Bring your enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and determination. This is your chance to be part of a team that values teamwork, growth, and school spirit. Don’t miss out on the fun and the opportunity to be a part of the Oak Grove volleyball family!

🌟 Participate in Oak Grove SD 68’s Superintendent Search 🌟

The Board of Education is actively seeking community input to assist in the selection of our new superintendent. We invite you to contribute to this critical process by attending one of the upcoming focus groups facilitated by Dr. Patricia Viniard from the Illinois Association of School Boards.

Focus Group Details:

Thursday, August 29: 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Junior High Gym
Friday, August 30: Sessions at 7:30 – 8:30 AM and 8:30 – 9:30 AM, Junior High Gym

Childcare is available. You must RSVP by Wednesday, August 28th, to attend. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3YWyYyP

Please bring a pen to record your responses. All feedback is anonymous and will be synthesized and presented in an Open Session to the Board, influencing both the recruitment and interview processes.

Your insights are invaluable in our search for a leader who will embody Oak Grove SD 68's values and advance its mission.

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Reminder for our Runners! 🌟

Join us on Monday for the Cross-Country Student-Athlete Meeting and One-Mile Run.

🗓 Date: Monday, August 26th
⏰ Time: 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
📍 Location: Jr. High Cafe

Come dressed in your running clothes and ready to show your speed! This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the coaches, learn about the cross-country program, and get a quick run-in with potential teammates.

Cross country is open to all students from 5th to 8th grade, no matter your experience level. Let’s start the season strong!

📧 Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Coach Cummins at [email protected].

The Oak Grove staff turned the school pink on Monday, August 19 to show their support and caring for one of their own, Lynn Klunder, who is having to battle breast cancer for a second time.

Mrs. Klunder was surprised by the staff matching t-shirts that said, “Her Fight is Our Fight” which was organized by Ms. Gibbar, Ms. Douglass, Ms. Honaker.

This amazing support shows the best parts of this staff and school family! It is a beautiful start to the new school year in a unified way that helps everyone involved!

🤝 On Monday, our Oak Grove community enjoyed a delightful afternoon at the "Meet the Superintendent/Popsicles on the Playground" event, beautifully organized by our PTO. It was a perfect day filled with sunshine, smiles, and, of course, delicious popsicles!

Parents and students had the wonderful opportunity to meet our interim superintendents, Dr. Lemon and Dr. McKay, engage in lively conversations, and make new friends. These gatherings reinforce the strong community spirit that makes Oak Grove truly special.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a huge shoutout to the PTO for making this event a memorable one!

🔍📚 Last Chance - We Need Your Input: Help Shape the Future of Oak Grove! 📚🔍

The Oak Grove School District 68 Board of Education is starting an important journey to find our next Superintendent, and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is crucial in selecting a leader who will drive the success of our students and our community.

Please take a moment to complete this survey and share your thoughts on the qualities that are most important for our next superintendent.

👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9FT7PT6

Your perspectives will guide us in making a decision that best reflects our district's values and aspirations. Thank you for participating and helping us find the ideal candidate for this vital role.

🎒🚌 Yesterday was a milestone for our newest little Eagles and their proud parents! We celebrated their first bus ride to kindergarten with smiles, waves, and maybe a few happy tears. Congratulations to our brave kindergarteners—you did it!

Thank you to all the parents who sent off their little ones with such joy and support. It’s the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning and growth at Oak Grove. Here’s to a fantastic first year and many more exciting days to come! 🍎

🍎✨ A Sweet Start to the School Year at Oak Grove! ✨🍎

Yesterday morning, our Interim Superintendents, Dr. Lemon, and Dr. McKay revived a beloved tradition, personally handing out apples to each of our staff members. This gesture, started by Dr. Lemon during his previous tenure as Superintendent, is more than just a welcome—it's a symbol of a nourishing and fruitful start to the school year.

Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and many more joyful traditions!

🏐🌟 Calling All 7th & 8th Grade Girls! 🌟🏐

Are you ready to serve, set, and spike? Join us for the volleyball tryouts and show us what you've got! Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, we want to see your skills in action.

📅 Dates: Monday, August 26th & Tuesday, August 27th
⏰ Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Patt Gym

Bring your enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and determination. This is your chance to be part of a team that values teamwork, growth, and school spirit. Don’t miss out on the fun and the opportunity to be a part of the Oak Grove volleyball family!

🌟 Meet Our New Team Members at Oak Grove School! 🌟

We are thrilled to introduce the newest additions to the Oak Grove family! Each of these talented educators brings a unique set of skills and enthusiasm that will undoubtedly enrich our school community. Please join us in welcoming them!

📸 Featured in the photo, from left to right:

1st Row - Front:
Safa Amin (1st Grade)
Larisa Falconer (1st Grade)
Madison Zaengle (1st Grade)

2nd Row:
Lisa McCauley (7th Grade Math)
Michelle Hill (4th Grade ELA/SS)

3rd Row:
Jenny Argaez (K-5 Spanish Substitute)
Lisa Foley (7th Grade Science)
Justine Braskich (Instructional Coach)

4th Row - Back:
Elisa Bailis (5th Grade Math/Science)
Elaine East (Kindergarten)

📌 Note: Kristina Padula (7th Grade ELA) is not pictured but equally celebrated as she joins our team.

We're excited about the energy and fresh ideas they will bring to their classrooms and our school. With their support and guidance, let's make this academic year one of the best yet!

🏆🗓️ Stay on Top of Oak Grove Sports! 🗓️🏆

Athletes, parents, and fans—make sure you never miss a game! Check out the Athletic Calendar for all the latest updates on game dates, times, and locations.

👉 Access the full calendar here: https://bit.ly/46XwOB2

We can't wait to see all our fans in the stands!

🎒✨ We'd also like to share a special welcome back message from Mrs. Zanon! ✨🎒

Hello, Oak Grove families! I’m Kelly Zanon, and as I step into my 13th year here, I’m reminded every day why this community is so dear to me—it truly feels like family. My incredible Kindergarten team and I are thrilled to meet our newest little Eagles soon!

I can't wait to welcome each of you to OGS. Seeing your smiles and excitement about learning is truly the highlight of my day. Together, we’re going to make this a fantastic year filled with fun, learning, and growth.

Here’s to a wonderful school year ahead!

🎒✨ To celebrate the first day of the new school year, Mrs. Kiefer has a special welcome back message for you! ✨🎒

Hello, Oak Grove family! Mrs. Kiefer here, your Social Emotional Learning teacher for K-5, and I'm thrilled to be kicking off another school year with you all. I am especially excited to reconnect with our returning students and meet all the new faces joining us in kindergarten. I'm looking forward to exploring new learning adventures together!

Oak Grove is more than just a school to me—it's a family. Whether I'm cheering you on at sports events or sharing a smile at local concerts, our community's spirit truly warms my heart. 🌟

This year, my goal is to inspire each of you to see the bright side of every situation and to view challenges as opportunities to grow and set new goals. I can't wait to celebrate all your successes, big and small, and support you every step of the way.

I am constantly inspired by our students and my amazing colleagues, whose uniqueness and dedication make Oak Grove a truly special place to learn and grow. Here’s to a year of learning, sharing, and becoming the best versions of ourselves!

🌲🥾 As a side note, my family and I had a wonderful summer hiking through some of the nation’s most beautiful national parks. These experiences remind me of how exploring and overcoming new trails can be much like our journey through each school year.

Let's make this school year the best one yet at Oak Grove!

🌟🎒 Welcome Back, Oak Grove Students! 🎒🌟

Today marks the start of a new adventure—your first day back at school! We are so excited to see each of you walk through our doors, ready to learn and grow. Let’s fill this year with new knowledge, friendships, and countless memories. Here’s to making every day amazing!

🔍📚 Reminder - We Need Your Input: Help Shape the Future of Oak Grove! 📚🔍

The Oak Grove School District 68 Board of Education is starting an important journey to find our next Superintendent, and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is crucial in selecting a leader who will drive the success of our students and our community.

Please take a moment to complete this survey and share your thoughts on the qualities that are most important for our next superintendent.

👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9FT7PT6

Your perspectives will guide us in making a decision that best reflects our district's values and aspirations. Thank you for participating and helping us find the ideal candidate for this vital role.

🍎 All parents are invited to commiserate and celebrate at Shelter C at Old School Forest Preserve on Friday, August 23rd. 🎉

Come network and meet with other OGS parents. If you'd like to bring a breakfast item to share, please sign up here: https://signup.com/go/gCuCwdC.

To RSVP, click this link: https://bit.ly/46R90OS.
Make sure to tag all your OGS parent friends below so they can join us too. We can't wait to see you there!

🚶‍♂️ Tomorrow is the day to Walk Your Schedule! 🗓️

This is a fantastic opportunity to find your classrooms, meet some of your teachers, and see your friends!

Schedule Details:
🗓️ 4th & 5th Grades: 2:30-3:00 PM
🗓️ 6th Grade: 2:45-3:15 PM
🗓️ 7th & 8th Grades: 3:00-3:30 PM

Don’t miss this chance to ease into the school year, and make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running.

🎉🔵 Back to School Blue Out! 🔵🎉

Oak Grove students, let’s kick off the new school year with a wave of school spirit. On Wednesday, our first day of school, we're calling all students in Grades 1-8 to dress in Oak Grove blue.

Show off your school pride and start the year strong by wearing your favorite blue outfits. We’re excited to see everyone’s school spirit and look forward to an amazing start to the school year!

🔍📚 We Need Your Input: Help Shape the Future of Oak Grove! 📚🔍

The Oak Grove School District 68 Board of Education is starting an important journey to find our next Superintendent, and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is crucial in selecting a leader who will drive the success of our students and our community.

Please take a moment to complete this survey and share your thoughts on the qualities that are most important for our next superintendent.

👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9FT7PT6

Your perspectives will guide us in making a decision that best reflects our district's values and aspirations. Thank you for participating and helping us find the ideal candidate for this vital role.

🍎 Get ready for our upcoming Meet Your Teacher Days! ✨

Are you as excited as we are to start the new school year? Come meet your teacher and see your new classroom!

Schedule for Grades 1-3:
🍎 1st Grade: August 19, 2:30-3:00 PM
🍎 2nd Grade: August 19, 2:45-3:15 PM
🍎 3rd Grade: August 19, 3:00-3:30 PM

Kindergarten Meet the Teacher:
✨ Dates: August 26 & 27 (Monday & Tuesday)
✨ Time: 1:00-2:00 PM each day

Bring your smiles and get ready to make new friends! We're excited to welcome back our students and start the year strong.

🍦🤝 Meet Your Superintendents at Oak Grove's Popsicles on the Playground! 🤝🍦

As you come to Meet the Teacher and Walk the Schedule, don't miss a special treat from the amazing Oak Grove PTO! Join us for delicious popsicles and a fantastic opportunity to meet our superintendents.

🗓 Dates & Locations:

Monday, August 19th, at the Elementary Playground
Tuesday, August 20th, at the Jr High Playground

⏰ Time for Both Days: 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Bring your smiles and get ready for a fun afternoon!