The students of Spanish Oaks Elementary were honored to have the members of our local American Legion visit our school and share their veteran experiences with us. Steve Wilson, a local veteran, encouraged students to be grateful every day to be able to live in our wonderful country. The veterans attending from the American Legion shared where and how they had served their country. We watched a video on what a veteran is and how we can show our appreciation to the veterans for their service. The veterans were also honored with patriotic songs from our school choir.

The fifth grade at Spanish Oaks celebrated a Colonial Day as an end to their studies of Colonial times. On that day, they came dressed as colonial children, and some students even brought their lunches in a knapsack. They participated in many learning activities such as writing with a feather pen, learning lessons from colonial classrooms, making butter, constructing a Jacob’s Ladder and playing many fun colonial games. Students gained a great appreciation for colonial life.

The Prevailing Winds Woodwind Quintet preformed for the students at Spanish Oaks Elementary. They individually introduced each instrument (flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn and bassoon) and demonstrated the distinct sound of each one. They discussed the history of each instrument and how the instruments have changed over the years. Some of the pieces they played were Beethoven Ode to Joy, Harry Potter Suite, and Turkey in the Straw. The students and faculty enjoyed this assembly very much.

On Friday, November 9th, the kindergarten students at Spanish Oaks Elementary celebrated the 50th day of school this year by dressing in 50’s attire. The students enjoyed activities in language arts, music, math and science. They counted 50 objects, wrote numbers to 50 and made a necklace with 50 rings. They enjoyed listening to music and dancing to music that was popular during the 50’s. It was a fun day! Photos of kindergarten teachers and students

Mrs. Kris Truex is a computer technician at Spanish Oaks. Her husband has been in the military for over twenty years. She and her husband live in Spanish Fork and they have two sons. Kris grew up in California and graduated and attended college there. She has lived in Utah for the past twelve years. She is interested in going back to college and pursuing a degree in mortuary science. Her favorite foods are anything you can wrap up in a tortilla and a good sloppy joe. Her favorite vacation destination is anywhere with a good beach!

Mrs. Angela Olsen teaches kindergarten at Spanish Oaks. She and her husband, Matt, live in Spanish Fork, and they have two daughters and one son. Angela grew up in Spanish Fork and has attended college at Dixie State, Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University. Her favorite foods are chips and salsa from Joe Banditos, peanut M&M’s and pizza. Her favorite vacation destination is Lake Powell where her family enjoys relaxing on their houseboat. Her favorite genre of books is anything with mystery and suspense.

Football players from Maple Mountain High School took time out to read to the students at Spanish Oaks Elementary. They visited classrooms and read their favorite books to the students. They encouraged the students to always work hard and to be the very best they can be. We would like to thank Coach Burtenshaw and the Golden Eagle players for their visit. Photos of Maple Mountain football players

The week of October 15-19 was Red Ribbon Week at Spanish Oaks. Every day there was a theme to help remind students to be healthy, drug-free and safe. Monday, the students were given a wrist band to wear for the whole week that said “Peace Out to Drugs.” There was an assembly that reminded the students of internet safety sponsored by NetSmartz.

The annual 6th grade vs. faculty football game was played on a beautiful fall afternoon at Spanish Oaks. The sixth grade had an extra player on their team this year, former BYU football player, Korby Eason. He first spoke to the sixth graders before the big game. He stressed to them that learning and always doing the best you can in school is very important and will benefit them all of their lives. Korby played quarterback for the sixth grade team. The student body made signs and cheered for both teams. This yearly event is enjoyed by students and parents who come and watch.

Mrs. Susan Huff, Principal of Spanish Oaks Elementary was awarded the 2012 David O. Mckay School of Education Alumni Achievement Award. Mrs. Huff spent eighteen years in the classroom and taught first and fourth grades, served as a clinical faculty associate in the BYU-Public School Partnership, and is a local and national educational consultant. In the past she has been awarded Utah Rookie Principal of the year, Nebo District’s Instructional Leader of the Year, Utah Reading Principal of the Year and most recently the National Distinguished Principal Award. Mrs.