Great Hearts Live Oak Family Newsletter-May 8st, 2020
Greetings, Live Oak Owls!

This week’s GHLO 101 module is focused entirely on the Academy dress code. As a parent of three Great Hearts graduates, I can say without hesitation that I LOVE the uniform. My children found it comfortable and appreciated not having an extra set of decisions each morning. I appreciated the durability and longevity of the components, and the ease with which we could make needed adjustments and alterations. Most importantly, I relished the pride my children felt in the Academy for which the uniform stood. Whether at school or about town, when they donned the uniform, they wore their best selves because they knew that their speech and actions would reflect upon their Academy, teachers, and classmates. The uniform proclaimed that they belonged to something special.

A positive relationship with the dress code is critical to obtaining the good will of your children—and the key to a positive relationship is clarity . Our goal is that by the end of this module you will understand the philosophy behind the dress code, know the basic components for your child’s grade level, and will know where to acquire the required elements. However, the dress code is more than a list of uniform items. It also covers special events such as concerts and field days, and it offers guidelines for how to wear the uniform with distinction. In short, it will take some time before you and your children feel like you “know” the dress code.

Be assured that the administration, faculty, and staff are available to answer your questions and guide your children. We commit to being proactive in our communication about the dress codes for special events, and we will keep this module available on our website for your reference. In my first year as a Great Hearts parent, I reviewed the dress code periodically with my children—typically at the start of each quarter—and together we made any necessary adjustments. I highly recommend this practice for your family. Finally, please ask questions about anything you don’t understand. We are here to support you as you support your children. 

May you soar on wings of wisdom and strength,

Headmaster Audelo
Each week our online modules will end with a survey, giving parents the opportunity to submit questions. Questions will be answered in this section the following week.

Question :
  • Will my child's student aid from a previous school suffice to receive uniform vouchers?
  • Can I see if I qualify for after school assistance?
Answer :
  • Live Oak will be sending out a survey in mid-May to determine the anticipated need for financial assistance for our families; however, qualification for financial assistance will not be determined until July and is contingent upon meeting the federal requirements for Free/Reduced lunch. Families who qualify for free or reduced lunch may receive additional assistance with uniforms, school supplies, and after-school programs as funds are available.

Question :
  • When will the traffic plan be sent out?
Answer :
  • The traffic plan will be sent out in early August.

Question:
  • Are the "Classics to Keep" supposed to be summer reads, or are they books for the school year?
  • Do we purchase the "Classics to Keep" for the grades the student are currently in (19-20) or for the upcoming school year (20-21)?
Answer :
  • Classics to Keep are books that are read during the school year as part of the curriculum. Families should purchase the texts for the grade level their child is entering in the fall. Students are asked to please refrain from reading the books until they are first read as a class. Of course, the classics are just that--classic stories that your children will want to return to again and again. By purchasing the Classics to Keep, families are making an important investment in their child's personal library.

Question :
  • Does Kindergarten have the same school hours as the other grades?
Answer :
  • Kindergarten is full-day and will follow the same school hours as the other grades.

Question :
  • Can backpacks have patterns or graphics?
Answer :
  • Backpacks and lunch boxes are a fun way to celebrate color and pattern. We do ask that designs are both tasteful and free of images and references derived from popular culture--such as characters from a movie or video game.

Question :
  • What is the cost of after-school care?
Answer :
  • Please find more information regarding after school care on our website.
Building Update

T he building is looking great and the playground is ready. We cannot wait to see our school and it's playground filled with children!
Faculty & Staff Spotlight
Want to meet the founding staff at Great Hearts Live Oak? This week we introduce you to Abram Dick who will join us as our facilities technician. Please visit our Facebook page and find the hashtag #ghlofamilytree to find our weekly staff updates! If you are not on Facebook, you can read about our faculty here !