Hello Diamond Oaks Families,
  

This is Scott Colliflower, Diamond Oaks Dean of Instruction, posting your weekly update.
  
First, if you liked episode one of the Diamond Oaks Podcast, or even if you missed it, be sure to check out the latest episode: Diamond Podcast 2025 Episode 2 with guest host - Me - Scott Colliflower. Mr. Horton and Coach Lisa are setting up the first student meeting so be sure to scan the QR code in the episode to let them know you're interested in joining the crew. By the next episode, you'll be able to watch the podcast episodes on YouTube. Stay tuned for details!

 
Second, Student Services is in the process of conducting a "Needs Assessment" of our students. Students need to click the link below and complete this very short survey.  It should take around one minute to complete, and the responses will provide the counseling team with valuable insight on how we can better support the needs of students: https://forms.gle/nXBJW17wQwMihmyTA  

Third, this year Diamond Oaks’ Senior Ceremony will be on May 12, at NKU, with the ceremony starting at 4:00 PM.  As the date gets closer, more details will follow.  Seniors will be required to wear a graduation gown to senior ceremony.  Even if your student will not be participating in their homeschool graduation, he or she will still need to order a gown.  Graduate Services will be on campus 10/9, to meet with seniors from Harrison, NCH, Oak Hills, St. Bernard, Taylor, Mason, and Norwood.  If there is an issue with ordering gowns, please contact your student’s counselor.
 
Fourth, Diamond hosted its first Student of the Month Luncheon for Health Tech., Surg. Tech., and Exercise Science.  The below students were honored:

Fifth, parent-teacher conferences will be held on October 23, between the hours of 3:30 and 7:30 PM.  Conferences can be in-person or Zoom.  To schedule your appointment please go to https://pickatime.com/diamond.  For more information contact Ms. Hopkins at 513-612-7036 or hopkinsa@greatoaks.com.  The Conference Night Flyer, which contains instructions is attached to this post.

Sixth, another reminder about uniforms: we are seeing more hoodies being worn over program attire.  Unless program approved, long-sleaved clothing, including hoodies, need to be worn underneath program uniforms.   Additionally, if your student’s program allows for hoodies or long-sleaves, they must be Great Oaks spirit wear or plain.  For your reference, the Program Uniform Description is attached to this post.  If out of uniform, your student will be asked to change and/or receive consequences.

Seventh, Diamond will have its spirit week from 10/13 – 10/17.  All clothing must comply with the general dress code and be school appropriate.  The themes are as follows:

Monday – Pink Out for breast cancer awareness

Tuesday – White T-Shirt with a “white lie” on the front

Wednesday – Generations (seniors dress as senior citizens and juniors dress as 

babies/toddlers)

Thursday – Throwback (dress from the past – 2000s, 70s, 80s, or 90s).

Friday – Dress Down Day (no leggings, ripped jeans, shorts, or PJs)

 
Finally, this week’s lab focus is on Culinary.  Chef Nared explained: our Culinary juniors are building a strong foundation in the kitchen through classic knife skills and collaborative, team-based lessons. Each student has already earned their ServSafe Ohio Person-in-Charge Food Safety Certification as well as First Aid/CPR certification, advancing them toward their 12-point credential graduation pathway. The juniors consistently demonstrate enthusiasm, respect, and dedication in their work.  One standout is Cayden Lewis, who exemplifies the Great Oaks Next Ready: Skilled Professional attribute—setting a positive example in every situation, exceeding expectations, and taking pride in their craft.

Meanwhile, our Culinary seniors are applying their knowledge to real-world experiences. They are currently completing their business plan project, which will culminate in a Pitch Day where students present their ideas to parents and guests while showcasing two sample menu items. In addition, seniors are preparing for their weekly Café Takeover Pop-Up Lunches. During these events, students design menus, assign job roles, order supplies, and calculate food costs. Working in pairs, they take on the role of restaurateurs, managing all aspects of the café for two days.  We are also proud to share that five seniors are currently on job placement, gaining valuable hands-on industry experience.  Among our seniors, Mya Broyles stands out by demonstrating Great Oaks Next Ready: Critical Thinker—analyzing challenges, developing creative solutions, and applying classroom learning to real-life situations.  

 
Thank you for reading and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thanks,

Scott Colliflower

Dean of Instruction

Diamond Oaks Career Campus

6375 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH

Desk: 513-612-7014  
Web: www.greatoaks.com 
Email: colliflowers@greatoaks.com