Good Evening Diamond Oaks Families, Students, and Teachers:

As we reflect on Veterans Day, we pause to honor the incredible sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our country. Their courage and dedication remind us that the freedoms we enjoy come at a great cost.

We are proud to recognize members of our own Diamond Oaks community—our instructors, staff, and families—who have worn the uniform and served with honor. Your example inspires our students every day.

This week, our JROTC program demonstrated that same spirit of respect and gratitude. They honored veterans with a parade and Color Guard presentation at Harrison and extended their tribute at the Cincinnati Public Library. These acts of remembrance remind us that service is not just a word—it’s a legacy of sacrifice and honor.

As we move forward, let’s keep in mind those who are currently serving, protecting our nation with courage and resilience. We thank them, and we thank you for supporting a culture of respect and appreciation here at Diamond Oaks.

No School 11/20 and 11/21: Diamond Oaks will be hosting its annual Sophomore Visitation Days on Thursday, 11/20 and Friday, 11/21.  Some students will be asked to participate in the event to help facilitate tours and activities.  Other students will be tasked with an assignment or activity to complete on 11/20.   Lab teachers will hand out a Work-Based Learning Opportunity form (attached) which students will have to complete and return no later than 11/25 to get attendance credit for 11/20. 

Families in Need:  To provide additional support to our families during this difficult time, Diamond Oaks students and staff are sponsoring a food drive in partnership with Hamilton County ESC. We are collecting nonperishable items such as canned vegetables, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and boxed meals. Please avoid glass containers or perishable items. We are also collecting new or gently used winter clothing.
  
 The first distribution of food bags will be on Wednesday, November 19.  After that, all bags will be distributed to students every Friday starting November 28.  Collections will continue daily through December 19. If your family needs assistance, please contact your student’s school counselor as soon as possible. 
  
 Please do not hesitate to reach out to Diamond’s School Counselors if you require assistance: Dr. Freeman, Ms. Chapman, or Mr. Poehner.

Mental Health Resources:  Thanks to Best Point, Diamond’s student therapy partners, attached are excellent mental health resources for winter survival and important resources for youth mental health crisis.  Check them out!

Important Survey: We need your assistance! Great Oaks Career Campuses receives approximately $1.8 million a year in federal funds for Career Technical Education (CTE) through the Carl D. Perkins Act (commonly known as Perkins V). Per the Perkins V guidelines, we must seek stakeholder feedback on a regular basis to help inform our work with career technical programs. Please take a moment to provide your thoughts on CTE programming at Great Oaks HERE*. 

Thank you for taking the time to provide your input! 

Equine and Livestock Science and Management Lab Focus: Junior Equine and Livestock Science and Management students have all successfully earned their OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR credentials. They’ve also mastered animal handling skills and are now diving into conformation and judging. This semester, they’ve taken on the Student Management Project, where each week a different student manages the barn – hiring their own peers as employees. I’d like to highlight Stacia Boling and Katie Bacon for their outstanding efforts. Stacia has done an exceptional job managing this week—demonstrating excellent communication, leadership, and organization skills in the lab. Katie has gone above and beyond by sharing her knowledge and experience, helping teach her classmates everything from handling and horse care to beginner riding lessons. The entire junior class has shown incredible dedication and growth, and I couldn’t be prouder of their progress and hard work so far.

Senior Equine and Livestock Science and Management students have all completed their 12-point industry credentials and recently wrapped up their unit on Mare & Foal Care. Just in time, too—our first broodmare of the season has just moved in, due to foal in late January! Seniors will play an active role in caring for both mare and foal before, during, and after the birth. They’re also preparing for upcoming FFA elections, with several students running for chapter offices. I’d like to highlight Briley Schutte, who is excelling in her placement with Nicole Harrington, a USDF Gold Medalist and international Grand Prix dressage competitor. I also want to recognize Emiyah Voner for her dedication and perseverance in retraining an off-the-track Thoroughbred, giving the horse a new purpose and career after racing. I’m incredibly proud of the seniors’ professionalism, passion, and continued growth in and out of the classroom.