Oakestown FAQ - Oakestown Intermediate

General Information

What is Oakestown Intermediate, and why is it opening?

Named after Charles Oakes, the founder of Grandville, Oakestown Intermediate is a new intermediate school opening August 2024 in Grandville Public Schools. It is located in our former middle school. All students in grades 5-6 throughout the district will attend Oakestown. This change is part of our effort to enhance the educational experience by creating a specialized environment for these grade levels. Approved by voters in 2019, this change will also help alleviate congestion in our bustling elementary schools.

What are the hours of operation?

Oakestown’s hours have been strategically scheduled to align with the district’s busing schedules, ensuring an efficient and timely transportation system for all students in the district. Our instructional hours will be as follows:

Regular Days: 7:40 a.m.- 2:35 p.m.
Half Days: 7:40 a.m.-10:41 a.m.

Our doors will open at 7:20 a.m. for students. Buses will drop students off at approximately 7:15-7:20 a.m. Students will head inside the building for breakfast and/or head to their homeroom with their teacher. Students will not be allowed on the playground before school starts.

How is Oakestown Intermediate different from the elementary schools?

Will my child be automatically enrolled in Oakestown Intermediate if they are currently in grade 4?

Academic Programs

What academic programs will be offered at Oakestown Intermediate?

The school will offer a comprehensive, board-approved curriculum that aligns with state standards. Our goal is to bring active engagement, real-world experiences and student connections across several levels using our building goals to maximize each area for our staff and our students.

Specifically, we have identified the following goals:

● Increase hands-on, meaningful activities through curriculum-connected project-based learning experiences.
● Provide robust support for teachers in the development and implementation of these experiences.
● Expand cross-curricular learning opportunities, with a special emphasis on integrating reading, writing and creative problem solving across subjects.

Will students switch classes each hour?

What music classes will be available at Oakestown?

Fifth grade will have a general music class two times per week. The students will participate in an improved music program to focus on age-appropriate musical activities and lessons. There will be more exposure to band, orchestra and choir with our 5th grade students so they can be better prepared for the choices in 6th grade.

Sixth grade will have four options to choose from in music: band, orchestra, choir or a general music class. These classes will be held during normal school hours. Students will have four 30-minute classes per week. There will no longer be a “zero hour music class” for 6th graders as has been done in the past. Our GMS and GHS music staff will continue to teach these classes.

Are there any specialized programs or extracurricular activities at Oakestown Intermediate?

Oakestown will also offer extracurricular activities and clubs through our Community Education Program office. Our goal is to increase access to after-school programs and activities for our students. Specific details will be communicated closer to the start of the school year.

All students will take part in the Amazing Shake, an educational program and competition embedded in the curriculum that teaches life skills such as firm handshakes, communication, manners and social skills.

How does the school support students who may need additional academic assistance?

School Culture

What is the school's approach to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment?

Oakestown will run a formal house system using the Ron Clark Academy house resources. Every student will be in one of four houses so they can connect to students and staff across the building. The houses are an exciting and proven way to create a positive culture and feeling of belonging. Students are celebrated for their efforts through a process that builds character, empowers academic excellence, fosters school spirit, enhances relationships and promotes a culture of belonging for all.

Facilities and Resources

What facilities and resources will be available at Oakestown Intermediate?

Over the 2023-24 school year, our former middle school is being transformed by O-A-K Construction into a building specifically for this age group. Oakestown will have modern classrooms, a library, music rooms, art rooms, STEAM rooms, a gym for physical education, science labs and other facilities to support a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The building is even equipped with an indoor swimming pool that will be used for Community Education classes and after-school swim activities.

Will transportation be provided for Oakestown Intermediate students?

What kind of technology will be provided?

Are there guidelines for students regarding the use of electronic devices at school?

What safety measures are in place, such as emergency drills and security procedures?

All schools in Grandville have a secure locked entrance. Oakestown students will enter through the main office doors at the start of the school day and exit through the same doors at the end of the day. We will have all emergency drills in place for fire, tornado and safety drills. We are adding a new paging and audio system to enhance our communication and responses both inside and outside the building.

Around the exterior of the school, security film has been added to all windows, making them resistant to being broken or shattered from the outside.

Transition and Support

How will the transition to Oakestown Intermediate be facilitated for students and parents?

What support services are available for students at Oakestown Intermediate?

Communication and Family Engagement

How can parents stay informed about Oakestown Intermediate updates and events?

Is there a PTA or PTC at Oakestown Intermediate?

What are the guidelines for volunteers and visitors entering the premises?

Parents and volunteers will enter through our main doors and head directly into our office. We will have a laptop kiosk to sign students in and out of the building, along with tracking all visitors to the building. All guests will be buzzed into the office through the office staff. We will use our district-provided background check system for parents participating with groups of students during the school day.