Students Celebrate National Milk Day

Oasis Academy students, faculty, and community partners came together to celebrate National Milk Day on Thursday, January 8. Thanks to generous contributions from Model Dairy, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), and local dairy Jared and Katrina Laca, students from kindergarten through 12th grade received a complimentary carton of milk. Students were also able to dress in cow and agriculture-themed attire for the day. Photo: Addison Sweeney and Shayana McNamer enjoyed free milk during National Milk Day at Oasis Academy.

National Milk Day, observed each year on January 11, was established to honor the first organized milk shipment in the United States in 1878 and to promote the value of dairy products in a balanced diet. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins, nutrients that support growing bodies and healthy lifestyles.

“This is the fifth year we’ve celebrated Milk Day. We’re thrilled to partner with community organizations that help us celebrate both healthy habits and the importance of local agriculture,” said Shannon Garcia, K-6 Vice Principal. “Giving each student a carton of milk not only honored the day’s traditions but reminded us of the impact of local dairies in our community.”

The dairy industry is a key part of agriculture in Churchill County. Agriculture accounts for hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in economic output. In fact, dairy cattle and milk production have historically been among the top contributors to the county’s agricultural output. 

Churchill County is home to one of the highest concentrations of dairy cows in Nevada, with around 14,000 head cared for by local producers whose work supports both local needs and broader industry demands.

Oasis Juniors Prepare for ACT Success Through Annual Prep Course

Junior students are getting a head start on college readiness through the school’s annual ACT preparation course. The course is offered each year between the fall and spring semesters. 

The course is designed to build confidence and improve exam performance. It walks students through the key components needed to succeed on the ACT while familiarizing them with the exam's structure and expectations.

Taught by Oasis High School faculty, the class covers all major sections of the ACT, including English, Math, Reading, and Science. In addition to content review, students learn valuable test-taking strategies, such as time management, question analysis, and pacing. They also cover valuable information on the importance of nutrition and hydration for test-taking. These skills help students approach the test strategically rather than feeling overwhelmed by its format or time constraints.

“Students have committed themselves to thorough ACT preparation,” said Andy Lenon, 7-12 Vice Principal. “I take pleasure in teaching them the Slight Edge Theory, which focuses on achieving success through small, consistent, positive daily habits and the idea of marginal gains, making small improvements that lead to substantial progress. My section covers topics such as nutrition, hydration, sleep, and insights into college admissions. It is an honor to help them come in primed to take the ACT.” 

By the time juniors sit for the ACT later in the spring, they are better prepared and more confident in their abilities. The school has seen how the class has helped students improve their test scores. 

The annual prep course reflects Oasis’s commitment to supporting students academically and equipping them with tools that will benefit them beyond the classroom as they begin planning for college and future opportunities.

Teacher Uses DonorsChoose to Support Students Through Food Pantry and Snack Program

The Oasis Offerings Food and Hygiene Pantry is making a difference beyond the classroom walls by addressing a challenge many students face every day: hunger.

Through a successful DonorsChoose project that raised more than $3,000, led by Melinda Santos, Oasis Offerings secured vital funding to provide nutritious snacks for students and essential items for families. This support helps ensure students have consistent access to food and basic necessities throughout the year. The project arrives at a critical moment, as more than one-third of Oasis Academy students live in low-income housing and face food insecurity.

“Our students come to school each day eager to learn, grow, and succeed, but many face challenges outside the classroom that directly affect their ability to focus and thrive,” Santos said. “A significant number of students experience food insecurity, unstable housing, or limited access to basic hygiene supplies.”

The initiative provides nutritious snacks, emergency lunches, and hygiene and laundry items that students and families can access during the school day, after school, and year-round through the school food pantry. These resources help remove barriers that can interfere with learning and emotional well-being.

“For these students, having reliable access to food and personal care items is not just about comfort. It’s about dignity, health, and the ability to fully participate in learning,” she explained.

Teachers often see firsthand how hunger affects students’ ability to concentrate and regulate their emotions. 

“Something as simple as a snack can prevent behavior struggles, tears, or a student trying to learn while feeling sick from hunger,” Santos added. “When students are hungry or worried about basic needs, academics become secondary.”

The success of the project was made possible by generous donors who believed in the mission and stepped forward to help. Their contributions are already making an immediate impact.

The teacher expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the project, emphasizing that the effects go far beyond the supplies themselves. 

“Every time a student takes a snack, receives a lunch, or uses a hygiene kit, your impact is felt immediately and meaningfully,” Santos said. “Your kindness goes beyond funding supplies—it sends a powerful message to our students: You matter. You are cared for. You are supported.”

Oasis Offerings is managed by a dedicated team of volunteer teachers, including Kelly Nott, Nicole Hyde, Michal Horn, and Jami Rowlett. To learn more about Oasis Offerings Food and Hygiene Pantry or to donate contact Kelly Nott at [email protected].