It's finally time to sign up for Titan Summer Camp! We have all the information you need down below! If you have any questions, our emails and phone numbers are on the bottom of the flyer and the information pamphlet. You can email the teacher(s) directly.
Lake Oconee Academy Honors Black History Month With Night of Celebration
Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) hosted its Inaugural Black History Celebration on February 28, 2024. The evening was a delightful celebration highlighting Black American culture from the past, present, and future. "It was a great event that brought many community members to celebrate. Attendees enjoyed the food as much as the performances. It was a joy to watch the students perform," shared Jermika Buck, LOA School Social Worker.
Roughly 150 people attended the evening. Artwork from elementary, middle, and high school students lined the event space, creating an immersive art showcase. These talented students created sculptures, paintings, and photographs to pay tribute to Black Artists and their contributions to the field of art and photography.
Food trucks from Jeremy's Wing Shack, Jamaican Backyaad Cookout, and CC's Sweet Treats were on hand for the evening, serving up mouth-watering local favorites. Even a local elementary school entrepreneur served his famous lemonade from his business, "Taylen's Lemonade." The threat of rain and a sudden downpour didn't hinder the enthusiasm for this memorable event.
What student-led event would be possible without the Master of Ceremonies? Eighth-grade student Christian Robbins, a very active member of the student body, was the MC for the evening. He kept the audience entertained and engaged throughout the night.
The talent showcased at this Inaugural event was plentiful! Dakota Moon, the seventh-grade student, kicked off the evening with an enthusiastic piano performance of "Ragtime Dance" by Scott Joplin that had the audience tapping their toes while the 7th-8th grade Chorus left the crowd moved as they sang the traditional spiritual "Moses and David" by Sally K. Albrecht. An 8th-grade student, Rylie West, recited "The Battle of Birmingham," and LOA senior, Jakeria Porter, performed Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise." These young ladies' voices encompassed the room as their powerful performances radiated throughout the usually bustling cafeteria. Singing "Rise" by Andra Day, Rashedah Mitchell, a Milledgeville resident, moved attendees as she captured this powerful anthem's emotion. Students from grades 1st through 4th performed a beautiful lyrical dance with the coaching of Tyya Alexander. "I worked closely with the elementary dancers. In a short time, we organized a dance team with the help of the amazing Tyya Alexander. Ms. Tyya took the lead in teaching our young dancers a routine for the performance. "I think the dancers stole the show!" laughed LOA paraprofessional Dominique Sneed.
Lake Oconee Academy was honored to have a special guest speaker, Mamie Hillman, who gave a powerful narrative and history of Black Americans in Greene County. Ms. Hillman is the Director of the Greene County African American Museum. "The Black History Celebration was the first of its kind at LOA. It was amazing to make this event a reality and showcase LOA's diverse and talented student body," said LOA's ESOL teacher, Mrs. Shannon Hooks. The Black History Committee is already thinking of meaningful and creative ways to add to next year's Black History event!
A Note from Nurse Jessica - March Wellness Update
LOA Families and Staff ~
I hope you have all handled the 'spring forward' well!! I am not one who loves losing an hour of sleep, but I am looking forward to the first day of spring (March 19) and all the warmer weather (minus the seasonal allergies)!!
I wanted to let you know about our update to the LOA Covid Policy. In keeping with the recommendations from the CDC and Department of Health we have updated our guidelines for our staff and students.
Here is the update in our policy:
In terms of actual protocols, the key elements are as follows:
• Positive Cases – will stay home until there has been a 24 hour improvement in overall symptoms, and fever-free (without the use of medication) for at least 24 hours;
• Symptomatic Students – if on campus, will be seen by our staff and can consult a Telehealth practitioner, and then test if it is deemed necessary, with positive cases isolating (per above) and negative cases being addressed accordingly (including sent home for cough, muscle aches, sore throat, and/or fevers, etc.);
• Exposed Students – will remain on campus if asymptomatic.
Please see below the updated information from the CDC:
NEW from the CDC:
When you have a respiratory virus infection, you can spread it to others. How long someone can spread the virus depends on different factors, including how sick they are (severity) and how long their illness lasts (duration). This is not the same for everyone.When, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms are getting better overall and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication), you are typically less contagious, but it still takes more time for your body to fully get rid of the virus. During this time, you may still be able to spread the virus to others. Taking precautions for the next 5 days can help reduce this risk. After this 5-day period, you are typically much less likely to be contagious.
Examples
For illustrative purposes, not to scale
Example 1: Person with fever and symptoms.
Example 2: Person with fever but no other symptoms.
Example 3: Person with fever and other symptoms, fever ends but other symptoms take longer to improve.
Example 4: Person gets better and then gets a fever.
These precautions include:
Practicing Good Hand Hygiene
Covering Coughs and Sneezes
Cleaning Frequently Touched Surfaces
Taking Steps for Cleaner Air
We are still seeing a large number of students with stomach viruses. Please continue the following guidelines pertaining to stomach sickness:
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea: Must be kept home for 24 hours following the last vomiting/diarrhea episode. This includes if students are sent home, they may not return prior to the time in which they were sent home the day before (ex; sent home at 10:00 am, student may not return until after 10:00am next day if no other vomiting/diarrhea episodes occur).
HEALTHY KIDS = BETTER LEARNERS
Kind Regards,
Jessica Tolbert, RN
Lake Oconee Academy
School Nurse
LOA Students at the National History Day Regional Competition
Congratulations to two groups of Lake Oconee Academy students for their incredible achievements at the National History Day (NHD) regional competition held at Augusta University on March 2nd! Both teams secured a berth in the state competition at LaGrange University in April, by clinching the 1st and 2nd positions in their respective divisions.
Both teams competed in the category of Group Exhibit. Irem Erturk, Ana Garcia, Adam Kalmanowicz, Maria Marquez, and Jewell Morrison presented on "Genetically Modified Organisms: A Turning Point" and took first place Emily Harrison, Braylen Nelson, Sidney Pattison discussed "The Significance of Gunpowder" to secure second.
National History Day is a nationwide academic program where students conduct historical research on a chosen topic related to an annual theme. This year’s theme is “Turning Points in History.” Students present their findings through various formats such as exhibits, documentaries, websites, performances, or papers. It provides a platform for students to dive deep into history and showcase their knowledge and skills.
Winners at the state competition will have the prestigious opportunity to advance to the National Contest in Washington, DC, in June. We wish our talented students the best of luck as they progress through this exciting journey!
Career Day at Lake Oconee Academy
We are excited to share the date for our school-wide grades PreK-12 Career Day on Friday April 12th, 2024 @ LOA. Presenter formats will vary based on student age. We are currently seeking presenters and welcome parents and others with engaging careers to sign up to volunteer as a speaker.
Feel free also to forward this sign-up link to others!
We welcome all presenters from a variety of backgrounds! We will support you to prepare and more details are forthcoming upon sign-up. If you have questions, please feel free to contact our school counselors:
Lower School Grades preK-4: erica.seybert@lakeoconeeacademy.org
Middle School Grades 4-8: jennifer.patton@lakeoconeeacademy.org
Upper School Grades 9-12: john.noto@lakeoconeeacademy.org
Our goal is to expose students to a variety of careers and connect what they are learning in school to the world of work in order to jumpstart their thinking about the future.
Lake Oconee Academy Invites The Community to a Black History Month Celebration
Lake Oconee Academy is excited to celebrate Black History Month with a joyful celebration that will highlight Black American’s past, present, and future. This community wide event will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in the lower school cafeteria and will kick off with some of Greensboro’s most delicious food trucks from local vendors: Jeremy’s Wing Shack, Redd’s BBQ and Catering, Jamaican Backyard Cookout, and CC’s Sweet Treats. Food trucks will have local favorites available for purchase from 4:00PM-7:00PM and will be in the parking lot by the lower school cafeteria.
The program will begin at 5:00PM with a special art showcase displaying various student art pieces that pay tribute to the talents of some of the most noteworthy Black artists. All are welcome to peruse the skilled technique that these students have been working so hard to perfect. Photographs inspired by the styles of Gordan Parks and Kennedi Carter, African American Masks inspired by Kimmy Cantrell, and collage paintings with the flair of Romare Beardon are just a few examples of the beauty and creativity that will be on display. The showcase will include artwork from all LOA’s art departments, elementary through high school.
As the art showcase wraps up, spirited performances in dance, music, and poetry will begin at 6:00PM in the lower school cafeteria. Students from 1st through 4th grade will share a beautifully inspiring dance. There will also be a special reading of “Ballad of Birmingham '' by Dudley Randall to be recited by one of LOA’s seniors. The celebration will continue with piano and vocal performances by LOA middle school students, as well as a foot-tapping compilation by Fatz Waller and other composers, performed by LOA’s Jazz band.
Lake Oconee Academy is honored to have Mamie Hillman, Director of the Greene County African American Museum, as the event’s guest speaker as she shares her enthusiasm and commitment to Black history and culture with our community.
A Note From Nurse Jessica - February Wellness Update
Happy February LOA Families!!
I hope that this email finds you well!!
We are still in the midst of Flu and Stomach Bug season, as I am sure many of you are aware!!! Please continue to keep your kids home when they are not feeling well, especially in regards to fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
February is known for Valentine's Day, but we also need to remember that it's American Heart Month (Congenital Heart Month), Black History Month, and Cancer Prevention Month!!!
Each of these are important and I hope that you take the time to learn about each this month.
With health being the main focus for my emails, I thought it only right to highlight a little about the American Heart Month!!!
CARE FOR YOUR HEART ♥️
American Heart Month:
The American Heart Association is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving work.
Their theme this year is "Bold Hearts." Remember heart disease does not just affect the elderly, it can affect ANYONE!! Let's start introducing behaviors that can help our kids foster heart-healthy habits for their future.
How to better your kids heart health:
Eat a Balanced Diet: Eat more fruits and vegetables, try whole grain, mix up your protein, and drink more water.
Get Active: make movement a part of your daily routine.
Healthy Lifestyle: Mental Health/Well-being, Don't Smoke!!
Get Enough Sleep: Most children require 10-11 hours per night, key to have a bedtime and wake-up routine.
Healthy Kids = Better Learners
Jessica Tolbert, RN
Lake Oconee Academy
School Nurse
Phone: 706-454-1562
Fax: 706-453-1773
Children's Miracle Network & LOA/Lake Oconee Heart Swap
A Message From Teena Garland:
LOA family,
1 in 100 babies are born with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). CHD affects not only our community, but our LOA family as well. I have shared my story of my grandson, Ford, with you before, but there are others here with CHD. Lacie Groeninger's son, Smith, a 3rd grader here at LOA also has CHD. Smith had open heart surgery when he was just 4 days old. I am writing again today on Ford and Smith's behalf, along with the others in our community touched by CHD that I do not know......yet!
Smith Groeninger
Governor Kemp proclaimed February 7 - 14th as this year's Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week. As part of CHD Awareness Week, the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) hosts its annual fundraising event called the "Heart Swap." This year, the Heart Swap is held from January 17th to February 16th. The proceeds benefit the Children's Heart Center, providing critical funds to the pediatric cardiac programs of CHOA. This fundraiser has an online link where you go and pick your "neighborhood." You can purchase a heart yard sign, a virtual heart, donate, etc. through this link. I actually put one of my heart yard signs on our campus as you come in. Hopefully, you have seen the pinkish purple heart! My daughter's mother-in-law, Dana Gilleland, is the Heart Swap representative for Eatonton and Snellville. So, we have been feverishly delivering signs throughout our Eatonton and Snellville communities.
LOA supports CHOA yearly with its LOA Miracle, which is student led. LOA Miracle hosts a 5K/Fun Run event, babysitting services, carline canning, and other various events throughout the year. I thank you for your support of each of these. I now ask that you help your CHD Lake Oconee representative, Lacie Groeninger, in our area Heart Swap to help merge our efforts with LOA Miracle. What a beautiful sight it will be to fill our Lake Area with hearts in order to support the ones who struggle so much!
There are several ways to contribute to the Heart Swap:
You can follow the link below. Once on the site, choose "Buy Now." Then, choose your neighborhood of "Lake Oconee-Reynolds." Lastly, choose your yard sign or whatever option you prefer. Lacie will get your sign if that is what you choose. You can pick it up from her, or she can bring it to me for you to pick up here at LOA. Just email or text me your name and what you prefer so that we will know your preference.
OR
You can contact me here at LOA. Lacie brought over some heart yard signs. I have them here in my classroom. You can purchase them from me directly.
Prices are:
Valentine's Heart Yard Sign = $30
Valentine's Heart Yard Sign, 4 pack = $100
Heart Swap Virtual Donation = $10 - $5,000
Neighborhood Sponsorship = $500
Valentine's Heart - Virtual = $5
Every single donation does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Blaine Gilleland with Ford
Please find it in your whole heart to help the ones in our community that were born without a whole heart. I have attached pictures of Smith and Ford so that you can see truly what lifesavers the caregivers at CHOA have done. It's with donations like these that our children can continue to seek medical attention throughout their lives. They will never outgrow CHD.
If you have any questions, concerns, etc., please reach out to me. My cell number is 706.473.2386.
Thank you for your time and continued support of our children and community.
Teena Garland