2/28/25 OG DISTRICT NEWS

Dear Oak Grove Families and Community,

We could not be more proud of our Oak Grove staff, students, parents/guardians and community members that comprise the Oak Grove family.

We hope that this small newsletter gives you a glimpse of the fantastic happenings that occur within our walls each and every day, from this month’s Eagle Spotlights to the ways we are supporting our youngest learners.

As your co-interim Superintendents, it has been a true pleasure working alongside such an amazing group of people. It would take an entire encyclopedia volume to properly describe the accomplishments of our students.

Thanks for the wonderful support you give our school and students. Go Grovers!

With Oak Grove Pride,

Dr. Lemon and Dr. McKay
Interim Superintendents

The Those Who Excel awards are given by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to recognize outstanding educators and staff in school districts across the state. Oak Grove School District has been honored to have multiple recipients of this prestigious award. This year, we are proud to celebrate four exceptional educators whose dedication and impact continue to shape our school community.

Melissa Ostach, Speech and Language Pathologist

Melissa Ostach, a dedicated Speech and Language Pathologist at Oak Grove since 2013, has earned the Those Who Excel Special Recognition Award for her expertise and commitment to student success. She supports students with diverse needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, and auditory processing disorders, creating individualized treatment plans that enhance communication skills. Mrs. Ostach has transformed Oak Grove’s approach to assistive technology, implementing AAC devices and training staff. She actively contributes to the School Leadership Team and various committees, leaving a lasting impact through her passion and professionalism.

Rebecca (Becky) Jakubowski, Reading Interventionist

With over 30 years of experience, Becky Jakubowski is a dedicated Reading Specialist who has restructured Oak Grove’s Reading Intervention Program, ensuring all students develop strong literacy skills. A Those Who Excel Special Recognition Award recipient, she is a certified Wilson Dyslexia Therapist and expert in multisensory instruction, supporting students in decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension. Beyond teaching, she mentors colleagues, organizes literacy events, and was honored with the 2023 Soaring Eagle Award. We’re so glad to celebrate Mrs. Jakubowski’s passion for and dedication to literacy!

Heather McCarty, 3rd Grade Teacher

Heather McCarty, an outstanding third-grade teacher, is a Those Who Excel Meritorious Service Award recipient. She creates engaging, research-based lessons that build student confidence and foster critical thinking. A champion of inclusivity, Mrs. McCarty differentiates instruction to meet diverse student needs, ensuring every child feels valued. She collaborates closely with families and colleagues, mentors new teachers, and plays a key role in curriculum planning. Her leadership and dedication enrich Oak Grove’s learning community, making her truly deserving of this recognition!

Logan Farris, Music Teacher

Logan Farris, an exceptional music teacher, has been honored with the Those Who Excel Meritorious Service Award for his dedication to students and the school community. Beyond teaching music and band, he fosters a welcoming atmosphere for over 900 students, greets students and plays a key role in school traditions like the Veterans Day assembly. He will co-lead over 100 eighth-grade students in a production of Willy Wonka Jr. this spring. As a member of the Fine & Applied Arts team, Mr. Farris actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, ensuring that the creative spirit of our students is nurtured. His passion for the arts and commitment to student success make him a valued member of Oak Grove.

Congratulations to all of our Those Who Excel award recipients! We are celebrating you and the incredible impact you make at Oak Grove every day!

Oak Grove’s Extended Day Program is celebrating a special achievement! Seven of our students participated in the "Create Your Own Monster" contest by Young Artists—and their artwork was selected for publication in the official contest book!

Congratulations to: Nathan L., Michael Z., Evan F., Nolan L., Amelia A., Madison F., and Isla P.!

We are so proud of our talented young artists and can’t wait to see what they create next. Great job, Extended Care!

The recent expansion of Oak Grove’s early childhood program has allowed more students and families to join the school community at an earlier age, strengthening their foundation for future learning. Research consistently shows that high-quality early childhood education leads to greater academic achievement, improved social-emotional skills, and long-term success in school and beyond.

Designed to foster curiosity, independence, and social-emotional growth, our early childhood program integrates key support services such as occupational therapy, social work, and speech therapy to meet the diverse needs of early learners. Through a play-based approach using the Creative Curriculum, young learners build essential skills while preparing for a smooth transition to kindergarten. Classroom visits and structured activities help students become comfortable in their future learning environment, easing the shift for both children and families.

To ensure all children have the support they need to thrive, Oak Grove offers community-based early childhood screenings to assess developmental progress. These screenings help determine whether children are developing within the expected range or may benefit from additional support. If a potential developmental delay is detected, families are offered a full evaluation through a team-based, play-focused model that provides a deeper understanding of a child’s strengths and needs. Based on the results, students may be recommended for Oak Grove’s early childhood program or additional services, ensuring they receive targeted, individualized support at this critical stage of development.

By investing in early learners, Oak Grove is helping children build confidence, develop critical early skills, and establish a strong path for lifelong learning. With a focus on early intervention and individualized support, the program ensures that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential from the very start.

Oak Grove’s motor room is a dynamic space designed to enhance students’ sensory and motor development through structured, movement-based activities. This specialized environment helps children build essential skills in balance, coordination, and self-regulation—key factors in both academic success and daily life.

Equipped with swings, trampolines, climbing structures, and sensory tools, the motor room provides targeted support for students with sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and other developmental needs. Occupational therapists, special education staff, and teachers use this space to help students strengthen muscle control, improve focus, and develop self-regulation strategies.

By combining structured exercises with play-based learning, the motor room empowers students to thrive both physically and cognitively. This invaluable resource ensures that every child can engage, focus, and succeed in the classroom and beyond—another example of Excellence in Action at Oak Grove!

Kindergarten Registration is now open! Click here to register today.

• February 27-28: 8th Grade Musical Performance - 7:00 PM

• February 29: 8th Grade Musical Performance - 11:00 AM

• March 4: Report cards Emailed Home

• March 6: Spring Conferences

• Virtual - 1:00 - 4:00 PM

• In-person - 4:00 - 8:00 PM

• March 7: No Student Attendance - Teacher Institute Day

• March 18: Board of Education Meeting

• Committee of the Whole - 6:00 PM

• Regular Meeting - 6:45 PM

• March 24-28: No Student Attendance - Spring Break

Please click HERE to view the flyers in our virtual backpack. Flyers are updated weekly, so please check back often so you won't miss any of the events going on in our community.