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Above: 4th grade student in music class
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A Message of Gratitude from
The Head of School
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Reaching our hands out to feel the warmth of the fire crackling in the pit at the center of Stone Circle, we talked about gratitude. It was the start of the school day. A 10th grade student, still visibly groggy from sleep, shared, “I am grateful for my mom’s good cooking and for her taking the time to make it for me.” A senior said, “I am grateful for my friends who are always there to support me.”
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As the chill of the early morning started to give way to the bright sun, we discussed how the feeling and the expression of gratitude release the “feel good” chemicals in the brain – dopamine and serotonin – and how gratitude fosters the regulation of cortisol, reducing stress and anxiety. How regular expressions of appreciation can lead to long-term improvements in mood, restful sleep, and strengthen healthy relationships. Practicing gratitude can assist in restructuring harmful thoughts, and cognitively assisting with building deeper neuropathways, making it increasingly easier to access these feelings of appreciation.
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But what about when we are feeling stressed or scared about real problems in our personal lives or in our larger world? What about when we are grieving the loss of a loved one? What about when our bodies are filled with pain from an injury or an illness? This might be the most important time for us to tap into our gratitude. According to neuroscientists, it is impossible to feel gratitude and fear/anxiety/sadness at the same time.
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Helping children to build the muscle of gratitude can also aid in a sense of humility – when we can see how interdependent we are on others for everything we have, everything we are from the most basic level. The trees that offer us breath, the glorious mountains that hold our valley, the water that quenches our thirst. The item I hold in my hand, or wear on my body, has passed through many other hands to be first imagined, then designed, made, marketed, and shipped.
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On Thursday, the Kindergarten students thoughtfully wandered around the yard to the sound of melodious music softly playing in the background. Each found an item to symbolize something for which they are thankful. I found a small piece of smooth wood I could hold in my hand and instantly felt a sense of gratitude for the steady strength of our school community – for you.
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When we gathered at the tree stumps to share, some students chose to share their ideas out loud, while bringing their foraged item to the center of the circle and placing it in the bowl left there by their teachers. One shared, “My parents and my friends, and the whole world.” Another softly shared, “The trees, the moon, my teachers, my heart.”
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Have a wonderful fall break from school, and may you feel the full weight of gratitude for those you love most.
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Our Appeal to You
Choosing Oak Grove School
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As a school, we care deeply about how each of our students’ lives will impact our world if, through their education, they have discovered and understood how they are connected to and, therefore, responsible for the world in which they exist.
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We cannot do this without your support. Please donate today.
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Our Annual
Tea Event
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The Tea is a yearly fundraising tradition that assists our school’s Annual Fund and helps to sustain our mission, providing essential support for every aspect of school life. This video shows the full Tea event, including all the speeches, a musical performance, and the theme film.
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High School
Violet's Poem
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Each year, our senior class participates in the Annual Fundraising Tea, assisting with set up, food service, and as speakers. Violet McMurray ’25, a student passionate about writing and horse riding. shared the following poem during this year’s tea.
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This Year's Theme Film
A Light to Oneself, A Light to the World
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"When you are a light to yourself you are a light to the world, because the world is you, and you are the world. I wonder if you see that!"
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Each year we choose a school theme as a way to frame our ongoing inquiry into the intent of the school as articulated by our founder, J Krishnamurti. The following is a short video based on this year’s theme, “A Light to Oneself, A Light to the World.”
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Parent Perspective
Why We Give
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"We feel strongly that the world needs more places like this. Krishnamurti talked about education and “the flowering of goodness.” That is a perfect way of explaining what we see in the students all around this campus."
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Theater Department Kickoff
Into the Woods, Jr.
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Our theater program is in full swing, with all roles cast and rehearsals well underway. The program provides a joyful and creative environment for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade to shine on stage, with the intention to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive musical theater community that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and self-expression, as well as a lifelong appreciation for the theater.
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This year’s production, Into the Woods Jr., is a lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm tales featuring fairytale characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch. A total of 63 Oak Grove students have been cast to perform in the production, with 35 from 4th-12th grade and 28 in the K-3rd ensemble, all coming together to bring Into the Woods Jr. to life.
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Below: Students auditioning
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High School Showcase
Save the Dates – Yes, Both of Them!
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— Join Us for Two High School Showcase Events —
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Dance & Theater
Saturday, December 7
4:00–5:30pm
Ojai Underground • 616 Pearl St, Ojai
Featuring student choreography from our high school dance elective, and The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon—a hilariously unique performance by the high school theater elective.
This event is ideal for ages 13+
Suggested donation: $5-$10 (at the door)
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Live Music, Studio Art, Woodworking, Photography, and Ceramics
Friday, December 13
3:15–5:15pm
Oak Grove Campus
Enjoy a mix of visual and performing arts, showcasing the high school students' work from the first semester.
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Free event. Refreshments served.
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What are They Doing Now?
Alumni Profiles
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As featured in this month's annual fundraising tea program
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Malika Lindsay - Class of 1990
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Malika Lindsay attended Oak Grove from 1984 to 1990 when she graduated as the school’s first Black student. She currently lives in Mississippi, where she works as a college counselor and independent educational consultant.
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Shannon Ross - Class of 2014
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Shannon Ross joined Oak Grove for her senior year in high school. After studying and traveling the world, she is back in Ojai and runs her company Springer, which develops innovative products for pets.
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K Quote
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“Choice is always breeding misery. Watch it and you will see it, lurking, demanding, insisting and begging, and before you know where you are you are caught in its net of inescapable duties, responsibilities and despairs. Watch it and you will be aware of the fact. Be aware of the fact; you cannot change the fact; you may cover it up, run away from it, but you cannot change it. It is there."
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Socially Speaking
A recent Instagram post —
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High school students host the 8th grade students for a high school visit day.
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Follow Us
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Upcoming Events & Programs
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Learn more about the programs and books offered by the Krishnamurti Center
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Parents ...
Here's a handy summary of December's Parent Engagement offerings.
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Download this image to your device. Be sure to check the ParentSquare app for any last minute additions or changes.
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