Oak Leaf Weekly News

A candle's but a simple thing,
it starts with just a bit of string,
But dipped or rolled with patient hand,
it gathers wax upon the strand.
Until complete and snowy white,
it gives at last a lovely light.
Life seems so like that bit of string,
each deed we do a simple thing.
Yet day by day on life's strand,
we work with patient heart and hand.
It gathers joy, makes dark days bright,
and gives at last a lovely light.

Happy December ROCS Community,

Our students and teachers have been busy in their new main lesson blocks and moving forward with the new trimester. As you can see above, our nature table has changed, thanks to the dedication of Heidi Poloynis, our office manager.

We are entering the darkest days of the year.

Upcoming holiday plans are forming and it is hard to stay in the present moment. We can learn to stay present when we look closer in the natural world and notice the opposite of this constant, hurried motion. The earth is growing quiet. Animals and plants are storing food for the colder months, or preparing for sinking into dormancy. As the snow falls on the earth, the quiet becomes even deeper. Celebrations of light, such as the lantern walk, remind us to carry the gifts of summer with us into the quiet of winter.

It is our goal at River Oak to guide our students to stay present and keep learning through the hurriedness of life.

Please remember that arriving and picking up on time is a life habit that has a positive impact on your child's learning, and it decreases the anxiety that can arise from walking into class late and being picked up late.

We appreciate your support to follow COVID guidelines and procedures, and your support of the many class fundraisers! Please call the office to learn more about the burrito and pizza lunches offered at this time: 707-467-1855.

We are so fortunate to rebuild what in person learning means after the impact of distance learning, and we can feel the student and school culture getting stronger each day because of our community's dedication and participation. We know it is different this year, but we are adapting and finding our way!

Thank you, ROCS Community, for your support!

River Oak continues to support Ukiah Christmas Effort by accepting donations for families in Mendocino County. Ukiah Valley Christmas Effort was founded in 1945 and continues to help families in need during the holiday season. If you are inclined, we are currently accepting the following donations:

$25.00 gift card to Ross or Walmart

Board Games: Hi Ho Cherry-O, Chutes and Ladders, Connect 4, Life or Clue

The red barrel in our front office will be accepting donations until December 15th!

Talena Ruddick is the proud parent of a first grader, Cecilia, here at River Oak and also a two and a half year old. She enjoys making wooden toys for her children and by commission. She has donated one of her handmade puzzles to be gifted just in time for Christmas. This is a beautiful gift for young children and it can be yours for as little as $5.

How to participate: Raffle tickets are $5 each ticket or $20 for 5 tickets. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, December 15th and the drawing is Thursday, December 16th.

Raffle tickets can be purcahsed in the front office. Simply write your child's name on the back and be entered to win! Puzzle has a retail value of $75. Perfect for K-1st grade or a young child in your life. If you want to learn more about Talena's work, check out her Instagram: under.the.singing.tree

River Oak played Upper Lake Middle School and lost a close game, 24-19. Both teams struggled with shooting. Upper Lake shot 19% and River Oak shot 26%. The Wildcats dominated on the glass, out rebonding the firebirds 36-17. In the first half, River Oak hung with the Wildcats and the score was tied at halftime 10-10. The third quarter was a defensive battle, only 4 points were scored by both teams. In the fourth quarter, Upper Lake exploded defensively and offensively.

River Oak had one last chance when the score was 22-19. Coach Martinez drew up a play for a three pointer but Kaylee Maynard had her attempt blocked and the Wildcats went down the court and scored to end the game.

When asked what she would have changed, Coach Martinez said, “I guess I would just hope that the players would not get down (on themselves) in a situation like that. Sometimes the energy seems a little slow at times, but I'm super proud of their efforts.” Maynard, who had 6 points, gave her thoughts on the last few moments of the game, saying, “we could have been more aggressive and taken more shots and played better defense.”

-Kaleo Olson

River Oak suffered a deflating loss against Eagle Peak, 48-17. Eagle Peak came out with a fast pace offense scoring multiple fast break points and the Eagles had a 30-0 lead. River Oak then came out with a little intensity going on a 10-5 run to end the second quarter. River Oak played tough the rest of the game. In the end, they had 24 turnovers that really hurt them. The Firebirds only shot 22% from the field while the Eagles shot 33%.

Eagle Peak also had 22 offensive rebounds. The Firebirds kept fighting until the final whistle

blew. “I just let them know to just get out there and keep playing hard. They really picked themselves up after I told them that. We played a really tough team tonight, probably the best we will see all year.” Rebekah Martinez said after being asked how she kept the team motivated. When asked what the focus of the game is when you are down by that many points, Kaylee Maynard, who had 4 points and 9 rebounds said “ just giving it our all and playing hard even though we are down.” Varsity Gaches said, “I think the focus is making sure that you run the right plays and get easy points.” Zinnia Everson (6th grade) was asked how it felt to play up against bigger 8th graders, “ I have played with people my age up to freshman in high school so I am a bit used to it. Though I am always nervous about getting injured. I know in the future I will become a better player because I played at a higher level.”

-Kaleo Olson

Thank you to everyone who placed orders through the BSN Team Shop. The Team Shop is now officially closed. All orders placed helped raise $165 for the River Oak Basketball program. As soon as the orders arrive (most likely in December), the clothing will be distributed either at school/practice or a game to either the student or parent attached to the order.

Email: kmccullough@riveroakcharterschool.org
Website: www.riveroakcharterschool.org
Location: 555 Leslie Street, Ukiah, CA, USA
Phone: (707) 467-1855