Oasis Academy public charter school kicks off its 10th anniversary serving the Fallon Community this year. Fallon’s charter school has grown from only serving Kindergarten through eighth grade students to having a graduating class of over 40 students in 2021. Many of these students graduated with both their associates degrees from Western Nevada College and their high school diplomas with no cost to students or parents. From the beginning Oasis has prided itself on being a free educational choice for families in Fallon. Other highlights include a 100% graduation rate, state championship athletics, and over $1 million in scholarships awarded to high school seniors. Along with athletics such as softball, volleyball, lacrosse, and basketball, clubs and organizations have grown as well to include Honor’s Society, Lego Robotics, Archery, FFA, e-sports, and much more. The school has maintained its 5-star rating from the Nevada Department of Education even through a difficult year with a pandemic and the challenges of pivoting to remote learning. “This is even more exciting as we have recently learned that our students have grown substantially even in the midst of Covid. A true testament to the dedication of our staff to our students,” added Rochelle Tisdale, chief academic officer. “I am absolutely thrilled about what we have been able to accomplish in the first 10 years and the sky's the limit going forward. From day one, we have had the very best people on this team and that holds true today. This staff is so committed to the whole child and it makes all the difference,” said CEO Melissa Mackedon. Oasis Academy Offerings The Oasis Academy Offerings (OAO) Food Pantry opens its doors to Oasis students’ families and staff Thursday. With the support of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada (FBNN), Oasis will now be able to offer fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, bread, dairy and dry goods to families that are facing food insecurity. Hours are from 4:15-6 p.m., on the following dates: Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 14, Oct. 28, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. “Oasis Academy Offerings is a great opportunity for our Oasis families and staff who need additional resources for food. As with any education setting we have students and families that are in need of this kind of support,” said Page Hiskett OAO co-facilitator. “We know that students cannot learn if they are hungry and in the past we have always tried to make sure students have a snack or lunch if needed. Offerings will help more students and families feel more secure about where their next meal will come from,” Shelley Kelly OAO co-facilitator explained. “We are so thankful for the partnership with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. This would not have been possible without the help from our CFO and FBNN Board member Dusty Casey for bringing this crucial resource to our school.” Families will be sent home a confidential intake form to register for the pantry on the first school. They can also call 775-423-5437 or contact Kelly at skelly@oanv.org or Hiskett at phiskett@oanv.org with questions and to receive more information.
COVID-19 updates Having students attend school in a safe learning environment is of the utmost importance to Oasis Academy. As a reminder, please be cognizant of your students' health. If your child is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19, do not send them to school. If they have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID, do not send them to school. Again please do not send your student to school if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Keeping the doors open all year will be easier if these protocols are followed. Oasis understands that these are difficult times for everyone and in order to keep children attending school in-person, everyone needs to be extra attentive to their children’s health. Oasis Academy continues to abide by CDC directives and is diligent in the fight against COVID-19. If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 policies or procedures please feel free to call 775-423-5437. New! The Oasis Academy App Stay up to date on all things Oasis by downloading the Oasis Academy App. The app can be found in both the Apple Store and through the Google Play Store by searching Oasis Academy. Parents will be able to access current information and updates from the school in one place. The app also includes a school directory, access to school forms, and live feed updates from the school. Five $100 Walmart gift cards will be raffled to individuals that download the app. Enter to win by downloading the app and signing and returning the app flyer that will be sent home with students the first day of school.
Classes start off school year for juniors and seniors Juniors and seniors started the school year early again with three-week classes through Western Nevada College. Classes began on August 3. Students enrolled in either communications, music appreciation, or art appreciation. These classes not only count for credit towards their high school diplomas, but also as college credit towards an associate’s degree. There is no cost to the students or parents to participate in the program. “This is an excellent opportunity for our students so they can have a lighter load the remainder of the semester and allows for more time to dedicate to their studies,” said Tisdale. “I’ve watched many students over the past six years take advantage of the program and graduate with their associates degree. It is very fulfilling personally to see these students move on either into their careers or continue with their academic pursuits knowing that they received such a strong foundation because of this wonderful program,” said adviser Cheryl Venturacci. To learn more about the Jump Start and dual enrollment programs with Western Nevada College, contact Venturacci at cventuracci@oanv.org.
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