Ellen J Grossman

The Great Oaks Academy Wellness Program aims to foster healthy living through a robust mind and wholesome physical bodies, aligning with academic goals. It adopts a "Whole School, Whole Community and Whole Child" approach, focusing on ten key areas: physical education, nutrition, health advocacy, social/emotional environment, physical surroundings, health services, psychological support, staff wellness, community participation, and family engagement. The program emphasizes the correlation between good nutrition, hydration, and physical activity with improved academic performance, increased learning ability, better attendance, and enhanced focus for all students and staff.

The meeting agenda included planning an all-staff breakfast potluck to promote team building and health and wellness. Plans were discussed for the next year's Farm to School month in October, including a tiered garden stand. The committee discussed compliance with the Wellness Policy, annual goals, nutrition guidelines, and a marketing policy. The agenda also included a discussion about public involvement and staff activities, such as a step challenge and a water challenge.

This strategic plan outlines Great Oaks Academy's commitment to providing a classical, liberal arts education built on the pillars of Rigor, Literature, Wonder, and Virtue. Key strategic goals include ensuring all students meet school readiness goals, achieve grade-level literacy by third grade, close academic achievement gaps, graduate from high school, and attain college and career preparedness. The plan aims to graduate young adults who are fully prepared for college and career, value truth, beauty, and goodness, possess a lifelong passion for learning, are active community participants, and recognize the value of their contributions.

The meeting included a review of the ongoing hydration challenge, discussion of potential rewards for staff, and ways to keep staff engaged. The hydration challenge is scheduled to end on March 31, 2025. The committee discussed a yoga opportunity for staff in April, with Kristin leading sessions on Zoom on either Friday or Saturday, based on staff feedback. The committee plans to meet again in May to discuss accomplishments and goals for the following year.

The annual report for Great Oaks Academy during 2023-2024 focuses on providing a classical, liberal arts education emphasizing rigor, literature, wonder, and virtue. The academy aims to prepare students for college and career, instill a lifelong passion for learning, and encourage active community participation. Key areas include academic performance, innovative teaching methods, equitable distribution of effective teachers, and diverse community outreach. The report also outlines future plans for enrollment growth and academic goals, including reading proficiency by third grade and meeting high standards across all content areas.