Adopt-a-Pilot program finishes yer with test flights

The Southwest Airlines Adopt-a-Pilot finished the school year with paper airplane test flights and letters from Southwest passengers.

Pilot Kristopher Nastro has spent the semester teaching fifth-grade students about the science of flight including drag, resistance, lift and weight. The students experimented with those things firsthand by designing and building test paper airplanes. The project with students flying their planes in a competition on the Western Nevada College parking lot.

Along with learning the science behind flying, students also practiced their writing skills. Each student hand-wrote a letter to a Southwest Airlines passenger. Nastro then took the letters on his flight to Hawaii, asking passengers to reply to the students.

Passengers shared personal stories and their trip plans to the islands.

“We are on our way to Hawaii for a little vacation,” wrote one passenger. “My husband works hard; we raise cattle and it is a lot of work so we needed a little rest.”

The passengers also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to write and share their thoughts.

“Thank you for the letter. This has made my trip more interesting and fun,” wrote another passenger.

“Kris brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the classrooms! Kids had a genuine understanding of the physics of flight,” said Rochelle Tisdale, Oasis Academy principal.

The lessons from Nastro were engaging for the students.

“He got creative with the lessons and made sure there were plenty of hands-on activities for all the students. We cannot thank him enough for dedicating his time to Oasis Academy and for taking Buster Bighorns in the cockpit with him around the U.S.,” Tisdale added.

MAKING THE SCHOOL YEAR MEMORABLE

The dedicated parents of Friends of Oasis Academy helped ensure that during the 2023-24 school year long standing Oasis traditions were kept alive and grew.

The first tradition was Pizza Thursdays. Parents purchase pizza throughout the year that allow students to have Domino's Pizza on Thursdays for lunch. The Pizza Thursday program at Oasis helps fund Field Day. The students avidly look forward to delicious hot pizza every Thursday.

Another growing event at Oasis Academy has become the Book Fair. This year’s Candy Land themed event was held in November and saw the largest turnout to date. At the culmination of the fair FOA ensures that all students from kindergarten through eighth grade receive a book.

Finally, one of the favorite days of the year is Field Day. The kindergarten through sixth grade students enjoyed bounce houses, cotton candy, dunk tanks, a rock wall, snow cones and more.

Seventh and eighth grade students’ Field Day was also made possible in part by FOA renting the outdoor pool and renting bounce houses from Louie’s Ace Home Center.

The day makes lasting memories for the students. It takes hours of planning and coordination to pull off this memorable day.

“FOA could not operate without the support of Oasis parents, families, and the Fallon community,” said Melinda Santos, FOA vice president. “We are so thankful for the generous contributions made this past year that helped make all these fun events happen to create memorable experiences for students and staff.”

FOA continues to encourage parents to volunteer with them. If you are interested in joining or supporting FOA, please contact FOA President Sarah Moffitt at foabighorns@gmail.com. More information will also be available for parents about FOA at Back to School Night and in the Uniform Store.