October 2, 2009 Vol. 5, No. 4
Also available on OES website at http://www.oes.edu/newsletter
  
  Front row,
from left:
Cameron C., Eli J., Varun I., and Lito N.
Back row:
Gwendolyn J., Kerry S., Jenni V., Kara J., Laurel M., and Larissa P. All are seniors.		  
 

Ten Students Named National Merit Semifinalists
Ten seniors were honored in Upper School Gathering on Friday as semifinalists on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The PSAT/NMSQT includes math, critical reading, and writing, and the highest-scoring students, usually those in about the 99th percentile, are named as semifinalists. About 90 percent of semifinalists become finalists and about half of the finalists receive National Merit Scholarships. Finalists also are frequently offered scholarships by colleges. Nationally, 16,000 students were designated as semifinalists.

  
 
 
   
 

Got the Spirit?

  
  Students had fun dressing up this week in athletic jerseys, clashing clothing, Harry Potter outfits, and OES colors to get in the spirit for tonight's Homecoming. An all-school ice cream social this afternoon provided an opportunity for impromptu celebration before the beginning of homecoming games and the parade tonight. See more photos of Clash Day or more photos of the ice cream social.  
 
 
   
 

Insects Metamorphose From Nature to Paper to Clay 
First-graders went to the OES woods on an insect safari with their classroom teachers, and in Margaret Synan-Russell's art class, they drew sketches of the bugs they had found. Then they used their sketches to create clay versions of the insects that are then fired and glazed or painted to make exquisite objets d'art. See more photos.

  
 
 
 

Wreaths and Greens Sale
Benefits Experiential Education
The OES Christmas Wreath and Holiday Greens Sale is an all school fundraiser that supports the OES Community. This year when you are purchasing wreaths and greenery, poinsettias, and holiday mailers, you will be supporting both experiential education and guest speakers across all divisions. Thank you in advance for your generous support! You may purchase greens here.

  
 
 
 

Interim Finance Director Brings Extensive Experience

  
  Ace Ellis will act as interim director of finance at OES. He brings 27 years of finance experience including 10 years as the business manager of St. Christopher’s School, an Episcopal K-12 boys day school in Richmond, Virginia. Ace received a bachelor's degree in mathematical economics from Wake Forest University and an MBA from University of Richmond. He serves on the board of directors of the National Business Officers Association and is known within the independent school community for his work on financial sustainability. Ace will fill the position while Kathy Layendecker is serving as interim head of school during the search for a new head.  
 
 
 

Events Herald OES Fund Month in October

  
 
Leadership donors attending the 1869 Society dinner on Tuesday.		 The annual 1869 Society leadership donor appreciation dinner and the OES Fund Parent Participation Kickoff and volunteer training were held this week. Parents will receive appeal letters soon and can easily give or pledge by return mail or by following this link to our secure online giving page. A parent volunteer will contact you soon to answer any questions you may have about annual giving to OES. Please consider making an early contribution. Or you can pledge now and pay by June 15. Thank you!  
 
 
 

Cub Scouts Visit
Opal Creek Forest
OES Cub Scout Pack 67 spent a recent weekend at Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center where they caught salamanders and newts in the pristine stream. Those amphibians are indicators that there is no pollution in the stream. The pack is open to all boys in the 1st through 5th grades. Interested parents can call Karen Drebes at 503-890-4633.

  
 
 
 

About This Newsletter
The Aardvark is a weekly online newsletter for the OES community. If you know of a grandparent who would like to receive this newsletter, please send an email address for the grandparent(s).