New school bulding completed
Wishful thinking and a challenging idea become a working reality today, when the Oakwood school opens the doors of its new school at 11230 Moorpark, North Hollywood. Thirty-six excited children are looking forward to completing their school year in the new building.
The wishful thinking started last June, when the Robert Ryans, the Rose [sic] Cabeens and the Sydney Harmons saw their children "graduate" from nursery school.
An elementary school based on the close relationship between the parents and teacher which they had experienced at their nursery school was not to be found. The actor, the engineer, and the writer, with their wives, decided to start a school.
Soon the three families were eight, and whatever else was lacking, there was no scarcity of interest, and from all over the valley came more parents--to listen, to question, to enthuse or to doubt.
A search for professional guidance in this educational venture led finally to Bryson Gerard of the Pacific Ackworth Friends' school in Temple City, who became the director of the school. He was joined a few weeks later by Betty Emlen, a kindergarten teacher.
Determined to start the fall semester on schedule, the parents rented the old Valley Jewish Community Center, where school has been proceeding until the completion of their new school.
Concerning the philosophy of education behind the Oakwood school, the parents provide the following statement of purpose: "Our school provides an opportunity for each child to be guided indivudually in all areas of his development, physical, mental and spiritual."
Oakwood School in New Home Attracts Wide Interest
Wide interest is being focused upon a unique elementary school in the San Fernando Valley that was actually "parent-built."
Inquiries from communities all over the United States regarding its organization are being received by the non-profit non-sectarian Oakwood school.
Organized last year by Valley parents who recognized the crowded conditions of local schools, Oakwood will move into its new permanent quarters at 11230 Moorpark Street in North Hollywood on September 15 when its new semester begins.
It offers classes from the kindergarten level through the fifth grade.
Oakwood, which bases its curriculum on that used by the Los Angeles public school system, is wholly owned by its parents and students.
A particularly strong parent participation program is emphasized, with parents meeting twice monthly to determine the policy and operation. They also maintain its buildings and grounds.
Bryson Girard, formerly of the Pacific Ackworth School of Temple City, is Oakwood's director. He is aided by three other teachers, all well experienced in Southern California elementary education.
Oakwood was founded last spring by a group of parents including actor Robert Ryan, engineer Ross Cabeen and writer Sydney Harmon.
15 Grade Schoolers 'Teach' Teachers
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"SAY 'A'" requests Miss Mary Davidson, director of reading program at Oakwood School in North Hollywood. She will teach teachers her technique at Occidental College. Youngsters are (from left) Daniel Fishbein, Jeffrey Kuller, Lindsay Margaret Doran, Sherill Simms and Steven Meunier, all students of Oakwood's classes.
At Occidental College, they'll be part of a reading course designed to train teachers in the newest techniques of teaching children to read, acting as subjects for normal school students.
Miss Mary Davidson, director of the reading program at Oakwood, an independent school, will teach the special course in reading techniques.
Chosen because of the success attained at Oakwood in this specialized field, Miss Davidson will direct a three-week workshop at Occidental.
Her approach emphasizes what she terms the "three-fold language pattern"...the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic.
Current educational emphasis on reading instruction methods prompted the college to survey schools in the immediate area to find one whose techniques merited study.
Miss Davidson was director of the primary department and a reading teacher at Fieldston School, Riverdale, N.Y., before coming to Oakwood School two years ago.
Miss Marie Spottswood, director of Oakwood, will give the introductory lecture to the course.
NO CHANGE HERE! Children still must practice reading to learn new way. Group includes (from left) Bruce Brown, Henry Sanicola, Jeremy Johnson, Mark Merrick, Cheyney Ryan and Mickey Handler.
STUDENT-RUN LIBRARY holds volumes pupils enjoy reading. From left are Librarian Danny Doran, Bruce Brown, Meredith Kaiser and Henry Sanicola reading "Spacecat."