Building Oakdale Community Day

Each year, Oakdale Elementary Principal Holli Armstrong and her teachers, hold a field day for the students in grade 5. The purpose of this event, is to bring the class together, to create a lasting bond. Over the summer, Principal Armstrong had a vision... creating the same bond, but on a much larger scale.

As the school year began, this vision turned in to a plan - and this plan turned in to an event. Recently, the Oakdale staff, along with over three dozen parent volunteers, held the 1st Annual "Building our Oakdale Community Day." Ms. Armstrong's message: "it takes a team, to make a community..."

Oakdale's 300 plus students and their teachers, were assigned a team color (red, blue, green. white). With the help of 5th grade student Grace Barrett, Principal Armstrong held opening ceremonies in the school`s front field. Stations were set up around the school, and the colored teams (each made up of students in grades 1-5) competed against one another. To keep things running smoothly, Oakdale parent Allison Staton-Todaro, manned the microphone, directing the groups from station to station. 

As the day unfolded, good sportsman chips were handed out to any student that exhibited sportsman-like behavior. DJ Jim was set up in the courtyard, not only providing the entertainment, but allowing the students to dance and perform together as a team. Bottled water, fresh fruit and snacks were donated to keep the energy going.

All in all, the event was a huge success. This was a day dedicated to having fun, building community, learning to be a good sport, and being an Oakdale peacebuilder.