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Dr. Banbury

It is hard to believe that fourth quarter is underway! With spring break behind us, Oakton students and faculty are preparing for the end of the year. Students have already registered for next year’s courses, and AP and SOL exams will begin next month with final exams following close behind. Although many are looking forward to June, I would like to share my reflections on a few highlights from third quarter, which proved to be an extraordinarily special one for Oakton High School.
Our inaugural Exhibition of Learning on March 20 and 21 filled our school with joy and enthusiasm for the accomplishments of our students and for the love of learning. I was overwhelmed with pride for the variety and sophistication of the presentations and the matu­rity of our students. According to feedback from many community members, the Exhibition of Learning inspired both the students who presented their work and the community members who attended. One Oakton par­ent “was just blown away by what the OHS students are doing and were able to share during this event.” Students described the Exhibition as “surprisingly fun” and as “one of the most interesting and enjoyable academic experi­ences I have ever participated in.” After viewing one student’s art project, the seven-year-old child of faculty member exclaimed, “that girl really inspired me!”
In addition to the positive response of our im­mediate community, Principal Augie Fratalli from Rachel Carson Middle School lauded the students’ presentations as “impressive” and “awesome” and expressed that it was “a treat to see many of [his] past students and see how they matured in their thinking.” Assistant Superintendent Dr. Fabio Zuluaga told us that the event was the highlight of his school year. As a result of such favorable feed­back from all who were involved, we are already looking forward to next year’s Exhibition of Learning and devising ideas to make the event even better. For those of you who attended, thank you so much for supporting Oakton students by providing an audience for their hard work.
We also have much to celebrate in the world of Oakton athletics. At the beginning of March, our girls’ varsity swim and dive team, led by coaches Parker Ramsdell, Cheryl Meltz, Brent Willess, and Holly Wheeler, placed first in the 2012 Virginia High School League AAA Swim & Dive State Championship. Days later, the Oakton girls’ varsity basketball team won the Virginia High School League Group AAA Championship under the leadership of Fred Priester, Chris Kestyn, Krista Jay, Kathleen Rose, and Les Hughes. Congratulations to both teams for these mile­stones! Your athletic achievements, coupled with your sportsmanship and dedication to excellence, make all of Oakton very proud.
Just prior to spring break, our Performing Arts De­partment hosted Footloose, The Musical for three nights, showcasing the talents of over eighty Oakton students through superb and passionate acting, dancing, singing, and musical accompaniment. When I attended on Friday night, the auditorium was packed with guests and with a whimsical energy just right for the time of year. Bravo to all involved and special thanks to Vanessa Gelinas, Cheryl Newton, and Tiffany Powell for all of your hard work!
Undoubtedly, third quarter provided many rea­sons for celebration. Oakton students continue to outdo themselves, and their parents must be very proud. Thank you for the many sacrifices you make that foster Oakton’s culture of ever-advancing achievement. I am looking for­ward to a strong finish of the 2011-2012 school year, and I can only imagine what next year will bring.

 

 

Sincerely,
Dr. John Banbury

 

Last update: April 30, 2012
Curator: Cris Bradshaw
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