LIZARD BLOG
News, Articles, & Updates from different perspectives.
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Rooted in DignityJanuary 29, 2026 - 4:02 pm
Day of Reading Votes Raptor CenterJanuary 27, 2026 - 9:43 pm
Parent Ed: Data to DialogueJanuary 23, 2026 - 3:13 pm
MLK Day 2026January 20, 2026 - 7:10 am
Garden Dispatch: Connection to the EarthDecember 22, 2025 - 7:53 pm
Ahead of this year’s Day of Reading, our annual student-led fundraiser that celebrates a love of books while supporting meaningful causes, Oak Grove students cast their ballots to choose a local nonprofit to support. Through this student vote, they selected the Ojai Raptor Center @ojairaptorcenter, directing 20% of the funds they raise to the organization and its work rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned birds of prey. ❤️🦅
By voting to support the Ojai Raptor Center, students are extending the spirit of Day of Reading beyond campus—demonstrating civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and thoughtful giving in action. We’re looking forward to another successful Day of Reading and the positive impact it will have on both our classrooms and the broader Ojai community.
The Day of Reading campaign will launch on February 2 and culminate on the official Day of Reading on Friday, February 13. On that day, students come to school in their pajamas with a favorite book and stuffy to spend the day immersed in reading and storytelling! 🦎🚀❤️📚📚
#dayofreading #studentfundraiser #loveofreading #readmorebooks #gratitude #community #theartoflivingandlearning #oakgroveschoolojai #prekthru12 #ojaicalifornia
As part of our Parent Ed series, Dr. Sara Marnell and Dr. Allie Binkowski facilitated a timely talk entitled "Data to Dialogue: Shining a light on youth mental health and discussing ways to support families and children in our modern tech culture." They shared evidence-based data and cautionary stories from the frontlines. In addition to specific professional recommendations, they shared helpful parenting hacks and ways in which we can better protect our children in the online world. We hope anyone attending felt better informed, connected, and supported. Thank you to Sara and Allie and all who were able to take part in this important discussion!
Find a summary of this Parent Ed event with links to resources on our blog (link in bio).
#parenteducation #technologysolutions #techsafekids #theartoflivingandlearning #science #earlychildhood #middleschool #elementaryschool #highschool #oakgroveschoolojai #prekthru12
How wonderful to welcome our seniors and chaperones back to campus today after their three-week visit to sister schools in India. We are incredibly grateful for the unique care, kindness, and friendships we experience each year. Thank you, Rishi Valley and The Valley School! Welcome home, Class of 2026! 🦎❤️ 🇮🇳 🪷
#gratitude #friendship #worldtravel #classof2026 #India #seniortrip #experientiallearning #theartoflivingandlearning #education
Another inspiring and meaningful MLK Day. Thanks to High School students across the Ojai Valley @ojaiyouth, and to all who helped and participated in today`s event. ❤️ #MLKDay #peace #civilrights #justice #peacelikeariverinmysoul 🎶🎶
2 days ago
Authority in the Classroom
Blog, News, Staff & Facultyeven and a half years ago, I started my first day of teaching at Oak Grove School. I had spent the summer lesson planning, figuring out how to adjust from teaching 40 students a class to teaching 12 to 16. As 8:00am approached, I put on my game face, ready to show the kids that […]
Art as Self-understanding
Arts, Blog, Eventst is the end of the semester and a time when our students share what they have been working on in class. In core academic subjects, learning might be expressed through presentations, reports, fairs, project engagements, and tests. In the arts, learning is shared through performances and exhibitions. At Oak Grove, performing, presenting, or displaying […]
The Reflective Classroom
Blog, Events, Newshe nature of the conversation was argumentative, but there was a sense of affection between us. The vibrant voice on the other end of the phone was persistently posing questions, “What is the self?” “How are the students going to ask these questions?” “What is the point of understanding a self that doesn’t, in fact, […]
Journalism: Podcast on China-US Relations and Trade
Blog, Student PerspectiveThe Journalism class produced an in-depth audio report on China-US trade relations. Listen here:
Artist in Residence – Cole James
Arts, Blog, NewsIn coordination with the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, Oak Grove is pleased to welcome its first Artist in residence, Cole James. Oak Grove will host the artist on campus with a guest apartment, as well as studio space in the loft of the Art Building. This partnership offers a unique opportunity for students and faculty […]
Radical Downtime
Blog, News, Staff & FacultyI was lying in the shade on the Main House lawn looking up at the sky. The weather was warm, not hot. I could see the gentle breeze move through the trees. Nearby, other staff and faculty members were spread out around the lawn, gazebo, and pathways. Some were seated on rocks, others lay on […]
The Power of the Published Word
Blog, News, Student PerspectiveThe spaciousness to ask both practical and perennial questions is an essential part of the Oak Grove educational program. Through academic inquiry (Socratic, scientific, normative, conceptual, etc.), dialogue, Council, as well as reflective practices, students and teachers explore questions about the world outside and within. The student newspaper, The Oak Grove Times, is a place […]
Peace Day 2019
Blog, Events, NewsIn 1982, the United Nations declared the third Tuesday in September as International Peace Day. Since 2001, it has been celebrated on the 21st of the month. This year’s Universal Declaration is “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.” In September we celebrated Peace Day on campus with our students. Given […]
It’s Never “Goodbye”
Blog, News, Student PerspectiveA Time for Leisure
Blog, Staff & FacultyAs the Oak Grove academic year ends, students depart and the campus quietens. This is a time for staff and board members to retreat, recoup, and reflect.