Bighorn Bulletin

Student Council Events Kick Off the New Year
By Neel Bhakta

As students return to Oasis Academy for another exciting school year, the High School Student Council has been working behind the scenes to make the first days of school welcoming and memorable for everyone. From helping new students find their classrooms to organizing fun activities, the Student Council planned several events to help students start the year on a positive note.

One of the activities that was planned for the beginning of the school year was food and drinks in the Hangout. This event gave students an opportunity to grab something to eat or drink while spending time with their friends. 

Another new event was “Kiss Your Mom/Parents Goodbye.” This activity gave students and their parents a lighthearted way to celebrate the start of a new school year. The event was designed to make the moment more fun and memorable. Juniors and seniors cheered on the underclassmen to kiss their loved one as they headed into the building. 

“I thought kissing my mom goodbye this morning was good. It reminded me about how much I care for her and I love her so much,” said Zachary Greenberg.

“It was awesome having the older kids cheering us on. I know how much my mom loves me and cares for me and it was a nice way to show her how much I appreciate all she does,” said Preston Gurr.

Student Council members also made an effort to ensure that new students felt comfortable on campus. Red-shirt helpers were available to assist new freshmen and sophomores as they learned their way around the school. 

Overall, Student Council’s back-to-school events were focused on creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere at Oasis Academy. These events were just the start of what the group has planned for the year.

Price Helps Staff Kick Off the School Year: “All In, All Year”

As staff prepared to welcome students back for a new school year, they were reminded that success starts with more than lesson plans and schedules — it starts with the energy and mindset each person brings to the school community.

Before the kickoff of the 2026-27 school year, staff heard from Matt Price of Priceless Coaching, who challenged them to think about how they can stay motivated, positive, and engaged throughout the year.

Photo below: From left, Shannon Garcia, Jami Rowlett, Matt Price, Andy Lenon, and Tori Sleight gathered during Oasis Academy’s staff kickoff for the 2026-27 school year.

Price began by having staff identify their personal “energy boosters” and “energy drainers.” Employees reflected on the people, activities, and experiences that give them energy and help them feel motivated, as well as the things that can leave them feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or discouraged. The activity encouraged staff to recognize what fuels them and to be intentional about finding ways to lean into those positive influences.

Staff also participated in a classic nine-dot challenge designed to encourage them to think outside the box. The activity pushed participants to look beyond the obvious and approach a problem from a different perspective — a lesson that can easily translate from the activity into the classroom and everyday challenges educators face.

The message connected directly to Oasis Academy’s theme for the new school year: “All In, All Year.” Price encouraged staff to use the energy boosters they identified as tools to help them stay focused and motivated even when the school year gets challenging.

Oasis Academy Honors Five 10-Year Milestones

Oasis Academy celebrated four dedicated employees and one longtime board member as each marked 10 years of service to the school community. Kimberly Sorensen, Sue Ware, Heather Wiessmer, Heidi Maynez, and board member Samantha Gomes all have contributed in unique ways to the growth, success, and spirit of Oasis Academy.

Sorensen started at Oasis through a part-time project teaching in fourth grade. When she stepped in to cover a maternity leave, she discovered a passion for teaching mathematics.

After spending two years teaching part-time third- and fourth-grade math, Sorensen transitioned into a full-time position and continued to grow as an educator and leader. In 2023, Oasis Academy created its first-ever Math Specialist position.

“Kim's influence can be seen throughout the school, through projects such as the school's first Family Math Night and her efforts to expand the school's collection of math manipulatives,” said Shannon Garcia, vice principal. “Her creativity, expertise, and willingness to take on new challenges have helped make mathematics more accessible, engaging, and meaningful for Oasis students.”

Ware’s journey at Oasis began as an instructional assistant, where she worked with students in grades 2-7 and learned from the many educators who helped shape her own path in education. 

Over the years, Ware has stepped into numerous roles, including substitute teaching across grade levels, serving as a physical education teacher, and organizing parent binders each year. She is now in her fourth year as a third- and fourth-grade English language arts teacher.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for schools, Sue demonstrated flexibility by co-teaching hybrid classes and eventually transitioning to an online teaching role to help ensure students continued learning,” said Garcia. “We are incredibly grateful for Sue’s talent, flexibility, and the genuine care and compassion she brings to our students.” 

Wiessmer’s story at Oasis began before she officially became an employee. In 2014, she volunteered in her daughter’s classroom, helping with reading fluency, spelling, and math facts. That experience led her to pursue a teaching degree and build a career at Oasis.

She officially joined the school in 2016 as a lunch duty aide and K-2 drama teacher. The following year, she helped launch Oasis Academy’s first physical education classes before moving into a full-time instructional aide position serving students in grades 2-7.

Wiessmer returned to college, earned her teaching degree, and completed her student teaching just before the COVID-19 pandemic. She now teaches first- and second-grade math. 

“Heather’s contributions have extended well beyond the classroom. She helped create Oasis Field Day, established a K-3 lacrosse program, and founded the school's first cheerleading program,” Garcia explained. “Heather’s journey and dedication to students is a testament to the many ways one person can make a difference in a school community.”

For Heidi Maynez, the past 10 years have been filled with helping some of Oasis Academy's youngest students begin their education. As a kindergarten aide, Maynez has earned a reputation for her warmth, patience, flexibility, and unwavering dedication to students.

Her connection to Oasis runs even deeper through her role as both a parent and volunteer. She has devoted countless hours to supporting not only her own children but the broader Oasis community, giving her a unique perspective on what makes the school special.

“Heidi has a special gift for making young learners feel welcomed, supported, and cared for as they take their first steps into school,” said Jami Rowlett, vice principal. “She has also devoted countless hours to the broader Oasis community, exemplifying what makes our school special.”

Oasis Academy's success also depends on the dedicated volunteers who provide leadership and governance behind the scenes. Samantha Gomes is one of those longtime community members.

Gomes began serving on the founding Friends of Oasis Academy Board before joining the School Board shortly before the school opened in 2011. Over the years, she has served as secretary, vice president, and board chair, providing leadership and institutional knowledge during the school's growth.

“Sammi’s service has extended far beyond board meetings. In the early years of Oasis, she volunteered and substituted at the school,” Rowlett said. “Her decade of service represents the importance of community involvement and the lasting impact that dedicated volunteers can have on a school.”