Bighorn Bulletin

When students return to Oasis Academy this fall, they will be greeted by a familiar face in a new role. After spending the past two years supporting students across campus, Michael Dynek will teach third- and fourth-grade math.

“This will be my third year at Oasis Academy,” Dynek said. “While completing my degree, I worked as both a one-on-one aide and a STEM specialist. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in spring 2025 and am now working toward my master’s degree in elementary education.”

Dynek’s path to teaching was not traditional. Before entering education, he spent more than a decade working in manufacturing.

“I realized I wanted a career where I could make a difference,” he said. “As a parent of three, I enjoyed helping my own children learn and watching them grow. Teaching allows me to build relationships with students, help them gain confidence and make a positive impact every day.”

Dynek said he is eager to begin teaching math and continue building connections with students he has come to know during the past two years.

“I am looking forward to having my own classroom, teaching math every day and helping students learn, grow and enjoy coming to school,” he said.

Outside the classroom, Dynek enjoys spending time with his family, camping, traveling, exploring new restaurants, going to the gym and practicing jiu-jitsu.

School supply lists available

School supply lists for students entering kindergarten through 10th grade are available at oanv.org.

The first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 19. Incoming kindergarten students will attend Kindergarten Practice Day on Tuesday, Aug. 18, allowing them to meet their teacher, visit the classroom and become familiar with the school.

Oasis Academy will host its annual Back to School Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17. Families may visit classrooms, meet teachers and drop off school supplies.

Jones earns pilot license at 17

At 17, Oasis Academy student Eli Jones earned his private pilot certificate in July.

Jones, who is expected to graduate in 2027 from both Oasis Academy and Western Nevada College through the dual-enrollment program, completed flight training through Great Basin Aviation in Reno and private pilot ground school coursework through WNC’s aviation program.

His interest in aviation began with his father, Russ Jones, who served as an electronic warfare officer in the Navy.

“Growing up, he gave me a firsthand look at naval aviation and inspired my fascination with flying,” Jones said.

That interest grew through time spent with his uncle, Brian Martin, a bush pilot in Alaska.

“He took me on several flights that showed me a completely different side of aviation, one defined by adventure, skill and the freedom of flight,” Jones said. “From that moment on, I knew I would do whatever it took to become a pilot.”

Jones balanced high school and college coursework with basketball, golf, cross-country and flight training. He credits Martin and Anthony Tisdale, owner of Flyin’ Tiz Aviation, with helping him reach his goal.

“Anthony supported me every step of the way, from checking in each week to serving as my designated pilot examiner for my private pilot checkride,” Jones said. “Their encouragement, guidance and belief in me have shaped the pilot I am becoming.”

Jones said earning his license is only the beginning.

“I want to build a career flying, whether that leads me to the airlines, corporate aviation or another path I truly enjoy,” he said.

He also hopes to make aviation more accessible by one day sponsoring another young pilot’s flight training. Earlier this summer, Jones served as a junior camp leader at Fallon’s Operation Aviation Foundation Aviation Career Education Camp.

“I want my impact on aviation to extend far beyond the cockpit,” Jones said.

Picture below: Andy Lenon, Oasis Lead Counselor with Eli Jones.