February 2021

Alumni Spotlight Silver Oak holds a special place in many people’s hearts. Every month, we’ll talk to an alumni who will talk about the impact Silver Oak had on their life.

By Tanisha B., Akshara S., Ayan B., & Sophia N. Current Events Learn about what’s going on in our world today! Get tips, Imagine walking into school on your first day of tricks, and information... kindergarten with your parents. You might be nervous or a By Annika S. & Ayan B. little excited, but you just want to get to your classroom to start your day. Now imagine that the person dropping Not too long ago, several covid-19 vaccines you off actually went to the very same school that you are became available to certain people. Healthcare workers, attending. Silver Oak alumni and current parent, Kevin first responders, and people in long-term care facilities Dizon, was part of the very first graduating class from have begun receiving the vaccine. The Moderna vaccine Silver Oak in 1995. Now he is sharing his love of Silver Oak is available and intended to be used by people 18 and with his own children. Mr. Dizon remembers his first older, while Pfizer’s vaccine can be used for people 16 teacher at Silver Oak, Mr. Conway. When we asked Mr. Dizon and older. Currently, the covid vaccine has not been if any staff members are still working at Silver Oak now studied on children, so kids aren’t authorized to take that were part of Silver Oak when it first opened its doors, the vaccine. Recently there have been some questions he recalled that recently retired Mr. Laraway and Mrs. on whether or not the vaccine could have negative side Cassie was a part of Silver Oak from the start. Mr. Dizon effects such as swelling, mild fevers, fatigue, and reminisced about when there was only one class per grade. aches. Like with any health related issue, look at the Being in a tight-knit group helped to solidify bonds with facts and make the best decision for yourself, your people. “One thing that I learned at Silver Oak is that family, and those around you. Stay safe and healthy, everyone has their own lives outside of how you see them. SaberCats! When you look at your teacher, you see a teacher. However, they are more than that. You should try to get to know Have you noticed the trend of nearly every day being a them outside of their job.” “National ‘Something’ Day”? Well, on February 4th, it was Mr. Dizon and his twin brother were part of a special “National Create a Vacuum Day!” National Create a Vacuum group of kids who started the tradition of promotion into Day aims to teach people about space, void, and matter. On middle school at Silver Oak. When we asked Mr. Dizon if he this day, we are challenged to create a vacuum. A vacuum is was excited for his children to go to Silver Oak, he replied, created when the pressure inside a space is lower than the “I’m super excited for them to go to Silver Oak because I pressure outside the area. This is what happens in space, and had a great time there, and I hope they will too!” why you can’t breathe there. There is no matter in space…not Mr. Dizon is part of a Star Wars obsessed costuming even gas! And no, dismantling and re-assembling your home’s group. “We get Star Wars costuming kits and fit them to our vacuum does not count. Although it is not currently vacuum size,” he said. “We volunteer at different places all dressed day, it's never too late to celebrate! Here’s one way to make up in our Star Wars costumes! The only thing we ask for in a vacuum:: return is a donation to any charity of our customer’s choice in our name.” We asked Mr. Dizon if he had any advice 1) Cut a circle in the top of the mason jar that will just for younger students, and he answered, “Try your best fit the rubber stopper. always and be in the moment. Don’t just focus on the good 2) Insert the rubber stopper into the top of the or the bad- take in the whole experience and learn from it.” jar. We can learn so much from Mr. Dizon, who enjoyed his 3) Place a candy, such as a peep, into the jar. experience at Silver Oak so much, that he wants his own Screw the top on tight. young children to experience the same wonderful 4) Place the nozzle of the pump into the jar through community. Let’s remember to take our opportunities at the stopper. Silver Oak and spread love throughout our terrific school! 5) Evacuate the air from the jar.

Have fun and stay curious! February 2021 Friendship Q&A

We ask the questions and you give the answers…

By Akshara S., Tanisha B., Kian G., & Mia D.

Sports Kindergarten Question: A best friend is someone who you Sports in 2021 are a welcome distraction. Fans are getting love to be around and they make you smile - who is your best their fill of baseball, hockey, NFL training camp, and more. friend? Hope you enjoy an overdose of sports! Answer: Nolan quietly answered, “ My best friend is Marcus because I like to play games with him and I like to play with By Anay K. & Aarnav B. my toys with Marcus.”

NFL First Grade Question: What do you love most about your best friend? Superbowl LV is officially in the history books! In a Answer: Javen replied happily, “That we play with each other.” show of dominance, the GOAT (greatest of all time), , played in his 10th Superbowl and added his 7th Second Grade Question: What do you love most about your Superbowl win to his vast collection. It was not an easy teacher? road for the defending champions, the Answer: Joshua P. answered, “ I like that Mrs. Brown speaks or the . Both the Green Bay nicely to her students.” Packers and the Buffalo Bills lost to the Chiefs in the playoffs. Additionally, the Buccaneers beat the New Third Grade Question: What is the best memory you have of Orleans Saints to secure a spot in the big game. Early on, you and your best friend? Answer: Julie excitedly replied, “The best memory of my best the Bucs showed power over the Chiefs. The Superbowl friend is when she first came to school, and Mrs. Roberts was so one sided that the Chiefs did not even score one chose me to be her buddy. We were best friends ever since!” ! No one could have guessed that the Bucs

would see their best plays coming from , Fourth Grade Question: What has your best friend done to , and Leonard Fournette. We got to see comfort you when you were sad? Gronk score and spike the ball twice in the first quarter Answer: Sara A. happily replied, “When I am sad, my friend and and Antonio Brown score one for his new team. Not I go on bike rides together in the neighborhood.” surprisingly, Tom Brady won the MVP award in the . The Chief’s offensive line didn’t do a great job of Fifth Grade Question: Pick three words you would use to keeping quarterback safe. During the describe the qualities you would want in a friend… be last half, Mahomes was scrambling all over the place and creative! Answer: Eva V. thoughtfully answered, “I would want them to trying to throw. The Tampa defense was just too good. All be loyal, compassionate, and understanding!” in all, it was a great Superbowl. Considering every NFL

team not only battled injuries (hello 49ers!), but also the Sixth Grade Question: If you were to meet someone you’ve Covid pandemic, we can be proud that the National never met before, what would be the first thing you say to Football League put on a safe and exciting season! them? Answer: Reese excitedly said, “I’d probably compliment them NBA and maybe say that your shirt looks nice.” Last season saw the most efficient scoring in NBA Teacher Question - Mrs. Watkins: What do you love the most history with teams averaging 110.1 points scored per about your students? 100 possessions. As of Sunday, with the schedule a Answer: Mrs. Watkins replied, “In my eyes, my students are little less than 33% complete, the NBA has already superheroes. They show up on time everyday to school, and surpassed that mark, scoring 110.7 per 100 overcome any difficulties they face from technology to not possessions. Fred VanVleet had 54 points on Tuesday, being there physically at school. Additionally, my students and Nikola Jokic and Stephen Curry had 50 and 57, never complain about anything, and they care for each other. respectively, on the same night. What an exciting time They also make me smile!” in the NBA!