Bighorn Bulletin

Summer School Learning

Oasis Academy is once again offering a dynamic summer school program, providing students with enriching opportunities to continue learning and stay engaged during the break.

The summer school sessions are scheduled in the mornings, running from 8 to 10 a.m. throughout June. The extra classroom time focused on reading and math gives students a chance to reinforce core skills and explore new interests in a fun, supportive environment.

While the summer school program emphasizes academic growth, teachers are using hands-on, engaging lessons. Activities have included balloons to teach phonics patterns and vocabulary, and playing cards to build three-digit numbers.

These offerings help students develop not just academically, but also socially and creatively, preparing them for the upcoming school year.

“Summer school offers benefits such as preventing learning loss and helping students catch up on missed material while exploring new subjects and developing skills,” said K-8 Vice Principal Shannon Garcia. “It provides personalized attention and smaller class size, which can boost confidence and prepare students for the upcoming academic year,” she said.

As always, Oasis Academy continues to set high standards for student achievement and engagement, making summer school a valuable extension of its year-round educational mission.

Playground Refresh Underway

Oasis Academy’s kindergarten through eighth-grade playground refresh has begun, thanks to the generosity of local donors, families, and dedicated school leadership.

After a request for bid was advertised for the project, Big T Recreation, a trusted company that has completed multiple community playground projects throughout Northern Nevada, was awarded the bid.

The much-anticipated upgrades come after a successful Future Fest Fundraiser in April 2024, which helped secure part of the necessary funds for the project. The remainder of the more than $160,000 project was funded by the school with support from school administration and the Oasis Academy Board of Directors.

The refresh will address critical needs such as replacing worn-out turf on the upper portion of the playground with poured rubber surfacing and adding a new playground structure to provide a safer, more engaging environment for students. The new structure will offer more slides, an extended set of monkey bars, and a variety of exciting climbing sections to encourage active play.

“I am super excited for our Oasis students,” said Dane Nott, Oasis Academy K-12 School Leader. “Playgrounds offer a safe place for children to release energy, manage stress, and increase overall mood while engaging in social or imaginative play.”

Nott knows the value of playgrounds for student development. “Playground obstacles also help children develop an understanding of space, distance, and their own body in relation to their surroundings. Additionally, playgrounds encourage outdoor play opportunities to develop essential social skills such as learning to share, taking turns, negotiation, and cooperation,” he added.

Nott expressed his gratitude to the Oasis Academy Board of Directors, previous Oasis Academy administrators, Future Fest benefactors, and other supportive members who helped make this change a reality.

The playground is set to be ready for students on the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 25.