
OPPA Blue Knights Parent Newsletter
May 19, 2023
Important Dates
5/25 - Sneaker Ball 5-7 pm
5/26 & 5/29 - No School
5/31 - 8th grade trip to Cedar Point5/31 - Hump Day Hangout 4-7 pm
6/2 - OPPA trip to Chicago
6/8 - 8th grade Dinner Dance
6/9 - 7th grade trip to CJ Barrymore
6/12 - 8th grade Picnic
6/15 - 8th grade Promotion Ceremony 1 pm
6/15 & 6/16 - 1/2 day
8th Graders Visit OPHS
8th grade students had an opportunity to visit OPHS to tour the building and eat lunch with some upperclassmen. Our 8th graders are anxiously anticipating their promotion to high school and all the great experiences that come with this exciting time in their lives. OPHS is looking forward to welcoming the class of 2027!
Summer School
OPPA's summer program will begin June 26th and go through July 20th. Hours will be 8-12, Monday through Thursday. There is limited space available, so be on the lookout for more information.
OPPA Garden Spring Planting
The students in Mrs. JMac's 7th grade science class spent some quality time outdoors this week where they prepared the school garden for use to grow food and to make observations that connect with topics learned in science class this year. They pulled weeds and discussed the importance of soil and the need to preserve it when removing weeds. Students will plant herbs, flowers and vegetables in the garden that will be used in summer school and by next school year's Garden Club.
Robotics Competition
The OPPA Competitive Robotics team competed was one of 50 Michigan Schools to compete at Square One's Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge at Kettering University. They competed in the Mini IVD Challenge in multiple events (pit stop, top score, rock climb, mini oval, and agility). Ciara Fraser earned the team a 1st place trophy for Perfect Pitch in the competition.
Money Matters Visits Finance Park
Students traveled to the Junior Achievement Finance Park to take part in their yearly personal finance and career exploration expo for young people. "Our mission is to provide students with opportunities to make those dreams a reality. Students will have the rare opportunity to experience their personal financial futures first-hand. Here, middle and high school students participate in an immersive simulation that enables them to develop skills to successfully navigate today’s complex economic environment and discover how decisions today can impact tomorrow."
OPPA Teacher of the Year Nominee
Our very own Lois Lawton was nominated for Oakland County teacher of the year. Mrs. Lawton is an enthusiastic, committed, and compassionate educator with decades of experience under her belt. She loves science, and she loves kids even more. We can always count on Mrs. Lawton to go above and beyond for the kids and the school. We are so very fortunate to have her as part of the OPPA 6th grade team. Congratulations and thank you for your years of service!
Mosaic Field Trip
On Friday, May 12th, the Oak Park Voices of Inspiration Choir had the opportunity to attend a play which was put on by the amazing student performers of the Mosaic Youth Theater. The show tells about the unforgettable adventures of Alice in Wonderland. Alice is a 12-year-old Black girl who struggles to reintegrate into the real world. After feeling alienated by her family and friends, she sets off to find a new wonderland in her city. This was an awesome and educational experience for our students.