Author: COURTNEY BALLANTINE

Monday, August 24th began on a high note as Oak Hammock K-8 students were welcomed by a cheering crowd during our annual Tunnel of Hope. Lined with community partners, district leaders, staff members, and supporters, the pathway served as a powerful reminder that our students are surrounded by people who believe in them and are invested in their success. As students entered campus, they were greeted with smiles, encouragement, and enthusiasm that helped create an atmosphere of excitement and belonging. The event highlighted the strong partnerships that make our school community special and reinforced the message that every child has … Read More

The first week of school at Oak Hammock K-8 was filled with excitement, anticipation, and school spirit as our newest Ospreys participated in an exciting event: House Selection! At Oak Hammock, students do not choose their House. Instead, our Houses choose them. New students eagerly approached the House Box and reached inside to reveal a colored band representing their House assignment. As each color was unveiled, cheers, smiles, and excitement filled the room as students discovered which of our six Houses they will call home throughout their Oak Hammock journey. The House System is an important part of our school … Read More

Oak Hammock K-8 wrapped up the school year’s PBIS celebrations with an exciting, school‑wide event that honored students who demonstrated The Osprey Standard. This final PBIS celebration was a joyful reminder of how positive choices, respect, and responsibility help our campus soar. Our youngest K-2 Ospreys enjoyed a high‑energy Glow Party, where pods were transformed with music and glowing fun. Laughter, smiles, and dancing filled the pods as students celebrated their positive behavior together in a safe and supervised indoor setting. Students in grades 3–5 cooled off with a Popsicle Social. With music playing and friends gathered together, this sweet … Read More

On Wednesday, April 15, Oak Hammock K-8 was thrilled to welcome our Grade 3 students and families for an engaging evening centered on learning, academic growth, and preparation for FAST testing in May. Attendance was outstanding, and our students truly rose to the occasion as leaders of their learning. During the evening, third graders confidently reviewed their academic data, shared personal learning goals, and explained the testing strategies they are using to be successful. One particularly proud moment came as students demonstrated the RKIA strategy, walking their families through how it helps them tackle multiple‑choice questions with purpose and confidence. … Read More

Oak Hammock K-8 is incredibly proud of our 6th Grade World History students, who recently represented our school with excellence at the April School Board meeting. The students performed a powerful poem that was collaboratively written by Ms. Madera’s 6th grade classes in recognition of our annual Holocaust Survivor Visit, held in March. The poem reflects historical understanding, empathy, and respect, and was originally prepared as part of this meaningful learning experience. The students were extended a special invitation to present the poem at the April School Board meeting. Standing before district leaders, the students shared their words with confidence, … Read More

Congratulations, Oak Hammock K-8! Our Ospreys are soaring high! We are incredibly proud to celebrate our outstanding Oak Hammock K-8 students, who earned First Place in the category of Entrepreneurship at the 4th Annual CTE Entrepreneurial Showcase, held at the St. Lucie Public Schools District Office. This remarkable achievement is a true reflection of the Osprey Standard—Soaring to Excellence. Through innovative thinking, strong collaboration, and confident leadership, our students showcased the power of creativity paired with determination. Their entrepreneurial vision and ability to clearly and confidently present their ideas set them apart from the competition and demonstrated what is possible … Read More

On Thursday, April 2, Oak Hammock K–8 proudly celebrated the hard work and academic growth of our K–2 students with a special Ice Cream Incentive. This celebration honored students who demonstrated growth by increasing their scale scores from PM1 to PM2 in both Reading and Math. The event reflected The Osprey Standard—recognizing effort, perseverance, and a commitment to soaring to excellence. Eligible students enjoyed ice cream with a variety of toppings, including sprinkles, M&M’s, and chocolate syrup. Students celebrated outside, enjoying time with their peers in a fun and positive environment. The outdoor setting added to the excitement and helped … Read More

Our school garden has always been a special place — a gathering space, a place of connection, and a central part of our campus. Recently, it became clear that it needed some extra love and attention. Thanks to an incredible team of teacher and student volunteers who saw that need and stepped up, this space is being refreshed and reimagined. Led by our 6th Grade World History Teacher, Mrs. Miller‑Grant, and supported by dedicated colleagues and students, the garden is well on its way to becoming a beautiful space for all of us to enjoy. While the work is still in … Read More

Oak Hammock K-8 recently provided students with two meaningful and impactful experiences that brought history to life and deepened students’ understanding of perseverance, empathy, and the lasting impact of history. Holocaust Survivor Visit – 5th and 6th Grade Our 6th-grade students had the profound opportunity to participate in a Holocaust Survivor Visit as part of our annual Holocaust Remembrance observance. Survivors from The Child Survivors/Hidden Children of the Holocaust of Palm Beach County spent the day at OHK8 sharing their personal stories and lived experiences with students. Through firsthand accounts, students gained a deeper understanding of the historical realities of … Read More

Oak Hammock K‑8 recently transformed its campus into a joyful celebration of family, connection, and school pride during its annual Daddy Daughter Dance. The special evening welcomed young ladies from Pre‑Kindergarten through third grade to enjoy a night of music, laughter, and lasting memories alongside their fathers or father figures. The event provided students and their guests with an opportunity to dress up, dance, and spend quality time together in a positive and welcoming school environment. From the moment families arrived, the atmosphere was filled with excitement as participants enjoyed music, dancing, crafts, food, and fun throughout the evening. Each … Read More

Recently, students in one of our classrooms at Oak Hammock K-8 enjoyed a unique and engaging reading experience as the room transformed into the Martin Café Coffee House. This creative lesson marked an exciting instructional shift toward independent first reads of grade-level texts. The coffeehouse experience was thoughtfully designed to support students in building reading stamina, confidence, and independence. During this time, students practiced reading complex texts independently while applying key strategies they have been developing all year—such as annotating, marking the text, and thinking deeply about meaning. To make the learning experience both engaging and memorable, the classroom atmosphere included coffeehouse-style … Read More

During Elementary PE at Oak Hammock K-8, Coach Branim guided our Ospreys through a series of exciting Winter Olympics–themed activities designed to build teamwork, sportsmanship, and overall physical fitness. Students rotated through speed skating, curling, and skiing challenges, each one encouraging them to stay active while proudly representing our Osprey spirit. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as students supported one another, celebrated successes, and embraced friendly competition. Many shared that it was the most fun they had ever experienced in PE, highlighting how meaningful and memorable the event was. The day truly showcased collaboration, effort, and joy in movement.

What an incredible House Day at Oak Hammock K‑8! From the very first rotation to the final transition, our students brought unmatched energy, teamwork, and house pride. The entire campus buzzed with excitement as students engaged in a full day of enriching, hands‑on activities designed to build community, strengthen collaboration, and celebrate what makes Oak Hammock such a special place to learn and grow. Throughout the day, students rotated through a wide variety of events—including escape rooms, obstacle courses, team‑building games, and friendly competitions. Whether balancing eggs on spoons, working together to crack escape room clues, or cheering on classmates … Read More

Oak Hammock K‑8 proudly participated in this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, showcasing our school spirit, student leadership, and commitment to honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service and unity. Our Operation Osprey students—an Air Force–based citizenship program sponsored by Ms. Bozzo—represented Oak Hammock with excellence as they carried the United States Flag and our school banner throughout the parade route. These student leaders also played a key role behind the scenes, assisting with the creative decoration of the school’s parade float. The float itself was a true labor of love. Ms. Miller‑Grant, Mr. Franzese, Ms. Bozzo, and Ms. … Read More

On January 7th, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) visited Oak Hammock K‑8 for a memorable and inspiring presentation centered on the creation and purpose of the Braille American Flag. This special flag, crafted with raised elements and Braille text, was thoughtfully designed so that individuals who are blind or visually impaired can fully experience the meaning, symbolism, and pride of the American flag through touch. Representatives from DAR shared stories about the flag’s development and its importance in honoring accessibility. Students were highly engaged as they explored the history behind this unique design and gained a … Read More

Oak Hammock K-8 honored outstanding young scientists during its annual Science Fair Awards Ceremony, a showcase of creativity, critical thinking, and scientific discovery. Students in grades 6–8 displayed their projects that demonstrated impressive research skills and innovative problem-solving, earning well-deserved recognition for their efforts. Families filled the event space with excitement as they explored the winning projects, gaining a firsthand look at the ingenuity and dedication behind each experiment. Three winners were recognized in each grade level, celebrating achievements that stood out for originality, depth, and real-world application. These awards not only highlight academic excellence but also encourage students to … Read More

Oak Hammock K-8 recently celebrated Future Destination Day, and it was an unforgettable experience for our students in Grades 3–8! This inspiring event gave students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of careers and professions in a fun, interactive way. Our incredible guest speakers shared their personal journeys—how they chose their careers, the education and experiences that shaped them, and what their day-to-day work looks like. Presenters rotated through classrooms, allowing students to spend time with multiple presenters, asking thoughtful questions, and gaining real-world insights into the paths that await them. To make the day even more engaging, many … Read More

This past Saturday, the spirit of empowerment and teamwork filled the air at Westside Church in Fort Pierce as Oak Hammock K-8’s Girls on the Run team joined the 2025 Memories in Motion Celebration 5K. The event brought together girls, families, coaches, and community members for a morning of running, laughter, and accomplishment. Girls on the Run is more than just an after-school running program—it’s a movement that inspires girls in grades 3-5 to discover, build, and grow their self-confidence. Through twice-weekly practices, participants learn valuable life skills such as managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy, all while preparing … Read More

Oak Hammock K-8 recently welcomed families to its annual Title I Family Night, “Falling into Literacy,” an event designed to strengthen early literacy skills and foster meaningful family engagement. The evening brought together Kindergarten through 3rd-grade families for an interactive celebration of reading and learning. The night began with a heartfelt welcome and an informative Title I presentation, where school leaders shared important information about Title I goals, resources, and ways for parents to get involved. Each family received a folder filled with handouts, literacy tips, and take-home activities to support reading at home. In addition, students received books that … Read More

Recently, our Oak Hammock K-8 first graders participated in an exciting, hands-on voting activity that brought social studies and math benchmarks to life. The lesson centered on citizenship, helping young learners grasp the importance of making choices and having a voice in their community. To make the experience fun and relatable, students voted on the topic: Which pet is the favorite—dog, cat, or fish? After every ballot was counted, the results were in: Dogs stole the show with 59 votes Cats followed closely with 50 votes Fish made a splash with 9 votes But the learning didn’t stop there! This … Read More