VC Star Article

VC Star Article:

Supporting Our Children During a Stressful Presidential Election

by Jodi Grass • VC Star • August 2024

As we return to school this fall, our students, even the smallest of them, may arrive to us with questions about conversations or news reports they are overhearing about the upcoming presidential election. No matter the political perspectives of the adults surrounding the child, the soundbites are often emotionally elevated.

“When we confirm what we are feeling, along with a message of safety, we name the angst they might be perceiving while reassuring them that everything is going to be OK.”

– Jodi Grass, Head of School

Read Full Article @ VC Star

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🌿 Nature is the best teacher! Our High School East–West Psychology class recently had the privilege of immersing themselves in the lush beauty of Taft Gardens, Ojai’s 264-acre hidden gem.

In this wildlife sanctuary, students explored Ecopsychology: the study of how our minds and the natural world are deeply related. Research suggests that just two hours a week in nature significantly boosts well-being, and our students put that to the test! 🌎

To explore ancient Eastern philosophies of interconnectedness, beauty, and harmony, the class conducted a sensory awareness exercise. By pausing to notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around them, students observed the immediate shift in their own inner states. 🌱

Here are a few reflections from the exercise:

💬 "To me, nature is medicine. Just like how some people go to a temple during hard times, or even on regular days. Nature reminds us of what’s true and reconnects us to our purpose."

💬 "I feel connected to the place because of the serene energy it exudes."

💬 "When we crossed over the little river, I instantly became aware of my surroundings, it almost felt magnetic."

By learning to notice the small details around us, we are invited to notice the subtle movements within.

📷 Select photos by 9th grade student Novella

#EastWestPsychology #Ojai #EcoPsychology #OutdoorLearning #MentalHealth #StudentLife

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Open post by oakgroveschool with ID 17854862304625671

🌿 Nature is the best teacher! Our High School East–West Psychology class recently had the privilege of immersing themselves in the lush beauty of Taft Gardens, Ojai’s 264-acre hidden gem.

In this wildlife sanctuary, students explored Ecopsychology: the study of how our minds and the natural world are deeply related. Research suggests that just two hours a week in nature significantly boosts well-being, and our students put that to the test! 🌎

To explore ancient Eastern philosophies of interconnectedness, beauty, and harmony, the class conducted a sensory awareness exercise. By pausing to notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around them, students observed the immediate shift in their own inner states. 🌱

Here are a few reflections from the exercise:

💬 "To me, nature is medicine. Just like how some people go to a temple during hard times, or even on regular days. Nature reminds us of what’s true and reconnects us to our purpose."

💬 "I feel connected to the place because of the serene energy it exudes."

💬 "When we crossed over the little river, I instantly became aware of my surroundings, it almost felt magnetic."

By learning to notice the small details around us, we are invited to notice the subtle movements within.

📷 Select photos by 9th grade student Novella

#EastWestPsychology #Ojai #EcoPsychology #OutdoorLearning #MentalHealth #StudentLife

Registration is open for our 2026 Summer Camps. Check out the exciting variety of offerings for ages 3-18! ☀️🎉 (linktree in bio)
oakgroveschool.org/programs/SUMMER
#ojaisummercamp #oakgroveschoolojai #prekthru12 #fun #learning #creativity #friends

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Open post by oakgroveschool with ID 17860064361615963

Registration is open for our 2026 Summer Camps. Check out the exciting variety of offerings for ages 3-18! ☀️🎉 (linktree in bio)
oakgroveschool.org/programs/SUMMER
#ojaisummercamp #oakgroveschoolojai #prekthru12 #fun #learning #creativity #friends

Thanks to Vitalant all who were able to come out Saturday and give blood in honor of Ruby Doss `15 and her one-year anniversary of needing five blood transfusions to save her life during childbirth. What a way to give back @rubydossequine !

Find a blood drive near you @vitalantca

#everydropcounts #blooddrives #gratitude #oakgrovealumni

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Open post by oakgroveschool with ID 17943426621149953

Thanks to Vitalant all who were able to come out Saturday and give blood in honor of Ruby Doss '15 and her one-year anniversary of needing five blood transfusions to save her life during childbirth. What a way to give back @rubydossequine !

Find a blood drive near you @vitalantca

#everydropcounts #blooddrives #gratitude #oakgrovealumni

Last weekend, a group of our high school and 8th grade students backpacked up Horn Canyon to The Pines campground on Friday evening and spent time continuing to restore the campground—pulling weeds, cutting back brush, leveling tent areas, and helping with general camp maintenance.

On Saturday afternoon, a group hiked up to the ridge and towards Chief’s Peak, enjoying incredible views of the Ojai Valley, and all the way out to the Channel Islands.

We headed back to town on Sunday morning with tired bodies, but energized souls.
It was a rewarding experience, a great adventure, and a lot of fun. We’re grateful for the students’ hard work and adventurous spirit, and we look forward to more opportunities for trips like this in the future.

Thanks to everyone who participated and supported!

#communityservice #backpacking #lospadresnationalforest #friendship #nature #theartoflivingandlearning #oakgroveschoolojai

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Open post by oakgroveschool with ID 18125838268500279

Last weekend, a group of our high school and 8th grade students backpacked up Horn Canyon to The Pines campground on Friday evening and spent time continuing to restore the campground—pulling weeds, cutting back brush, leveling tent areas, and helping with general camp maintenance.

On Saturday afternoon, a group hiked up to the ridge and towards Chief’s Peak, enjoying incredible views of the Ojai Valley, and all the way out to the Channel Islands.

We headed back to town on Sunday morning with tired bodies, but energized souls.
It was a rewarding experience, a great adventure, and a lot of fun. We’re grateful for the students’ hard work and adventurous spirit, and we look forward to more opportunities for trips like this in the future.

Thanks to everyone who participated and supported!

#communityservice #backpacking #lospadresnationalforest #friendship #nature #theartoflivingandlearning #oakgroveschoolojai

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Summer Camps 2026

oakgroveschool.org

Our 2026 Summer Camps include woodworking, preschool camp, arts & crafts, music, film production, and more! Click on the sign up button below each

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