Talking Heads

Join us as we discover the heart and soul behind our educators' passion for teaching. But first, the Heads set the stage with a lively chat about binge-worthy TV shows for the chilly winter months.

Then, we sit down with an incredible lineup of Oakhill teachers: Terri Ferris, Alex Dickey, Dena Cole, Stephanie Lafferty, Leah Hyatt, Jaci Ebert, April Gunderson, and Becky Clemis. Together, we explore the unique motivations that le...

This month, the Heads discuss preparations for the holiday season and movies before engaging in a conversation with K12itc President Brad Sandt. They delve into the behind-the-scenes efforts of his company to maintain Oakhill's technology infrastructure security amid the rising tide of cyber attacks. Brad also imparts valuable advice to the Heads on incorporating aspects of their school-focused strategies into their daily onlin...

This month, the Heads will explore the vital work of Oakhill's H.E.A.R.T. Team. Join special guests Delaney Zimmermann, Abby Pavlisin, and Chris Fernandez as they delve into the team's dedicated efforts to foster the mental and physical well-being of Oakhill students. Discover the impactful initiatives and strategies that make a difference in our school community. Tune in for an insightful conversation on creating a nurturi...

Join us as the Heads go all in on Oakhill's new 2-year Fund-a-need project, the Welcome Project! Director of Auxiliary Services, Athletics, and Edupreneurship Taylor Clevenger and Oakhill Parent and Architect Aaron Ross join the heads to talk about how the project came to be and to give all of the details on what we hope to see change around campus within the next 2 years! Also, the Heads chat candy, Halloween, and all the fun ...

In this episode, Kathryn Dodson, Director of Campus and Business Operations, joins the Heads to delve into the critical topic of school safety at Oakhill. Tune in to learn about our strategies for ensuring a secure environment and gain insight into Oakhill's holistic approach to campus safety. And, stay tuned for a recap of Parents' Night and more exciting updates as we kick off the fall season at Oakhill!

Mailbag time!

Sea...

Portrait of an Oakhill Graduate - Where are they now?

It's hard to believe we are wrapping up our second season of the Oakhill Taking Heads Podcast. By popular demand, we invited some of our ODS Alumni back for a catch-up session. Join us as The Heads take on the portrait of an Oakhill graduate - round 2! What does it mean to be an Oakhill graduate, what are they doing, and where are they now? This year, our Heads are catching ...

The Talking Heads are back from a little hiatus caused by the hustle and bustle of the end of the school year! Maggie Newhouse steps in for Ms. G for part of the show, and Jared Cole, Middle School Science Teacher, joins the heads for a special Earth Day edition of the Podcast. Hear Mr. Cole's rundown of Oakhill's Living Lab outdoor classroom and other green initiatives from his science room. Also, on the show, the Heads di...

This month on The Talking Heads, we get candid about our journey into D.E.I. work. Special guest Elaina Holsey joins the podcast to talk about her work with Single Story, Inc. and her work as Oakhill's S.E.E.D. (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) leader. The Heads also discuss how Oakhill's D.E.I. work is furthering its mission of making each student, staff, and community member feel known and valued. We'll also find ou...

This month on The Talking Heads, our Heads get unfiltered while talking, having a filter on and offline. Oakhill works hard to teach students how to live the Lifeskills, but what happens when they go online? Communication gets tricky with a screen involved, and we will unpack it all with today's special guest, Mrs. Sara Verwers, Oakhill's Techbrarian, with knowledge of all things online. We'll also find out how our Heads have kicke...

This month on The Talking Heads, our Heads are flying solo and giving their hot takes on hot education topics. In the digital age, is it essential to still teach students how to read a clock, write in cursive, learn measurements, and more? We'll also find out what our Heads have planned for the holidays as Winter Break quickly approaches. Enjoy!

Mailbag time!

We'd love to hear from you! What things did you learn to do as a chi...

This month on The Talking Heads, our Heads dive into the next steps after a student receives a diagnosis. Finding out your child needs more academic or emotional support can be stressful; that's why Oakhill's Learning Specialist, Delaney Zimmermann, and Wellness Counselor, Abby Pavlisin, are on the podcast to help give parents ways to go from diagnosis to academic success! Also, on the podcast, the Heads share how they get ready fo...

This month on The Talking Heads, we welcome Oakhill Upper School Division Director Margaret Sarver to the podcast! Then, our Heads sit back and listen to a few members of the ODS teaching staff explain what makes them happy to teach. The team then discusses the impact each of those teachers brings to the school community, especially their classrooms. The Heads also dive into Halloween and the hustle and bustle of school life in the...

The Talking Heads welcome Audra Olson, 5th Grade Teacher, back to the podcast to dive deeper into Conscious Discipline. The team discusses teacher training, implementation, and what has been working so far as the Oakhill teaching staff progress on their journey into positive social and emotional learning. Also, on the podcast, the Heads talk football and the start of Autumn!

Mailbag time!

Are you anxious to try Conscious Discipline...

The Talking Heads are back, refreshed, and ready to take on a new season of conversations in all things education. To kick off season two, the Heads are talking to Oakhill Athletic Director Taylor Clevenger about the importance of movement on classroom management, success, and athletics at Oakhill. Also, on the podcast, we hear about the Heads' adventures over the summer months, and Ms. G reveals her secret talent! 

Mailba...

That's a wrap! Our first season of the Oakhill Taking Heads Podcast is coming to an end. What better way to end the season than by catching up with a few of our alumni! Join us as The Heads talk portrait of an Oakhill graduate. What does it mean to be an Oakhill graduate, what are they doing, and where are they now? Chatting with our Heads are alumni Alex Diaz ('12), Anthony Giordano ('13), Harrison Feaster ('14), Delaney Clawson (...

This month, our heads are talking internet safety and cyber security. In an increasingly digital world, the conversation is not whether or not to give students technology but how we can keep them safe while using technology. Join us as The Heads talk about their own technological woes and how the school has pivoted to make the tech students bring with them part of the school day. Stick around as guest experts join us, Oakhill's Inn...

This month, our heads are talking parenting and discipline. Parenting is one of the most challenging jobs that a person can have, and there is no guidebook. Join us as The Heads talk about their parenting journeys, discuss questions from Oakhill parents, and more! Then stick around for the show's second half, where 5th-grade teacher Audra Olson will walk us through Conscious Discipline, a comprehensive emotional intelligence and cl...

This month, our heads are talking State of the School and Summer. How is Oakhill doing as we head into the last half of the year? Get a real-time update on admissions, finance, and more as we talk about the growth the school has seen so far over the 2021-2022 school year. Board of Trustees President, An Le, is joining us to help lead this important conversation. In the second half of the episode, Kids' Club and Summer Coordinator, ...

This month, our heads are talking about investing in the future. Specifically, your child's future. How can you save for your child's education expenses while creating a nest egg that will last well beyond your lifetime? Our guests, Angela Williams from MOST (Missouri's 529 Education Plan) and Leslie Gasser, Oakhill's Director of Development, will walk us through the process of saving for today and tomorrow.

This month's episode is...