Letter from Board of Trustees

Dear Oakwood Family,

Although the Oakwood campus appears quiet at the moment, there is an amazing amount happening behind the scenes as we prepare for our most exciting school year yet.

A FIRST AND A LAST

The 2008-09 school year will be the first year that Oakwood welcomes a pre-school class and the last year that Oakwood adds another grade level to its Upper School. The growth and success Oakwood has accomplished during the past 12 years is nothing short of astounding. We should all be very proud of our school as it reaches its goal of being able to educate and nurture our children from pre-school through upper school.

A NEW LEADER

In addition to welcoming our first pre-schoolers and our first senior class, we are also welcoming our new Head of School, Mr. Rob Peterson, and his wife Gini Peterson, who will be our Admissions Director. The Petersons have moved to Greenville and are settling into their new home in the Ironwood community, very close to the Oakwood campus. Although Mr. Peterson did not begin his official duties at Oakwood until July 1, 2008, he has been in constant contact with Dr. Hawk and Dr. McFadden over the past few months and has traveled to Oakwood numerous times to become familiar with our school's operations, traditions, families, teachers and staff.

Oakwood is very fortunate to have Mr. Peterson as Head, as he brings with him not only extensive experience and a strong background in quality independent school education, but also a genuine caring for each of our children and their well-being. He embraces Oakwood's mission and has the skills to help us fulfill it as a school. Please welcome him and his family to our community.

A BIG "THANK YOU!"

It is also time to thank both Dr. Hawk and Dr. McFadden for their tireless efforts as they led us through a challenging year of growth and change as a school. Their tremendous dedication and extensive knowledge of education and curriculum development proved invaluable as we transitioned to new leadership. We appreciate their efforts and will always welcome them as part of the Oakwood family. One of the best ways we can thank them is to continue to recognize and support our excellent teachers in any way we can, including providing them with quality continuing education opportunities.

We also thank those members of the Board of Trustees who have completed their three-year terms and are rotating off of the Board. Harry Smith, B.J. Myers, Sangita Tewari and Chris Thomas have served our school with great dedication through difficult times and we appreciate their efforts and accomplishments.

A "WELCOME ABOARD"

Please welcome the new members of the Board of Trustees, who begin their three-year terms on July 1, 2008. They are Aurelia Monk, Dr. Parmalee Hawk, Dr. Bert Warren and Dr. Eric Martin.   Working as a member of the Board requires an extensive commitment of time and energy, so please thank these new members for their willingness to serve our school in this capacity.

The new officers of the Board are Eileen Van Houten, Chair, Alicia Hawk, Vice-Chair, Sandy Treibenbacher, Secretary and Jett Ferebee, Treasurer. We look forward to focusing on the general strategic goals and financial health of The Oakwood School while Mr. Peterson takes full charge of and responsibility for the daily operations of our school.

A CHALLENGE

As we begin this new and definitive year at The Oakwood School, we are in excellent shape in many ways. Devoted families, wonderful students, a talented faculty, a dedicated staff, an experienced Head, a solid curriculum, improved financial status, a complete pre-K to 12 program and a great facility all add up to an unbeatable school.

One last ingredient to make this coming school year a resounding success is more eager students who would benefit from an Oakwood education. Please share the story and mission of Oakwood with everyone you can, as you are our best asset when it comes to marketing our school and attracting new families to join us. Retaining our current students and attracting new students is the best way for our school to remain strong and successful, while also providing our children with the interactions and friendships that enrich their lives every day.

Gini Peterson, an experienced educator who has a strong understanding of independent schools, began work as our Admissions Director on July 1, 2008. Please introduce yourself to her and introduce her to your family and friends. She would appreciate your help and advice as she renews existing connections and establishes new relationships in our community. Our school and our children will benefit from our efforts.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and spread the excitement about 2008-09 with The Eagles!

Sincerely,

Eileen Van Houten and The Board of Trustees