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2/5/2026 Diamond Weekly Update

Posted Date: 02/05/26 (06:43 PM)


Diamond Oaks Weekly Update

Important News, Dates, and Celebrations

February 5, 2026
Next Ready
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Diamond Oaks Main Entrance
 

Dean’s Corner: NextReady—Critical Thinking in Action

This week at Diamond Oaks Career Campus, I had the opportunity to see the Critical Thinking pillar of our NextReady initiative come to life in powerful ways. Across our classrooms and labs, students were not just learning content—they were applying it, analyzing it, and refining their thinking to achieve the best possible outcomes.

In academics, students connected math equations directly to their chosen labs, conducted thoughtful science experiments, composed and revised English papers, and analyzed rules of law in Government classes. In our career-technical programs, critical thinking was on full display as Welding students worked through complex problems while preparing for SkillsUSA competitions, and Cosmetology students practiced precise techniques—such as applying hair color without staining the surrounding skin line—by evaluating mistakes and adjusting their approach.

In every setting, students encountered challenges, tested solutions, learned from trial and error, and demonstrated the grit to keep going. That persistence and problem-solving mindset is exactly what NextReady is all about. As our students continue to think critically, they are not only growing academically and technically—they are preparing themselves for success beyond Diamond Oaks.

Scott Colliflower
Diamond Oaks Dean of Instruction
 

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

  • Friday, 2/13/2026, NO SCHOOL due to professional development.
  • Monday, 2/16/2026, NO SCHOOL in honor of Presidents Day.
  • Friday, 3/20/2026, End of 3rd Quarter.
  • Monday, 3/23/2026, NO SCHOOL due to a teacher workday.
  • 3/30/2026 - 4/3/2026, NO SCHOOL, due to Spring Break.
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2026–2027 Great Oaks Applications Now Open!

Great Oaks applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now open. Incoming juniors are encouraged to apply at https://apply.greatoaks.com/.

The deadline for early consideration is February 8.

If you know a student who may be interested in enrolling in one of our programs, please encourage them to apply. For more information, contact Laura Domet at DometL@greatoaks.com or (513) 612‑7006.
 

Senior Ceremony & Gowns

Senior Ceremony is closer than you think! 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. If there are issues with ordering gowns, please contact your student’s counselor: Dr. Freeman, freemaka@greatoaks.com, Mr. Poehner, Poehner.Michael@greatoaks.com, or Ms. Chapman, Chapman.Tamar@greatoaks.com.
 

JROTC Color Guard at NKU, 2/3/2026

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Diamond Oaks Career Day

Diamond Parents! We are hosting a Senior Career Day on Friday, March 6th! Our event will include a career and college fair, mock interviews, and informational sessions for our graduating seniors. If you are interested in participating in our event either as a mock interviewer or as an industry representative, we would love to have you! Please contact Anne Bangert at bangerta@greatoaks.com for more information and thank you!
 
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4th Annual FamEduDay

On Saturday, February, 28th, join MindPeace and 1N5 for a day of expert-led learning, discovering helpful resources, and exploring practical ways to support your family’s mental wellness—all with admission to the Cincinnati Zoo!

Cost: $15/person includes breakfast & lunch,
parking, and all-day zoo admission.

Scan the QR code or download the attached flier for more information.
 

ACT Testing Dates

The following homeschools will administer the ACT on the dates listed below. Students should report to their homeschool on their scheduled ACT testing day. Students will not report to Diamond Oaks on ACT testing days.
  • Tuesday, February 24: Harrison, Loveland, Oak Hills, St. Bernard, Sycamore, and Taylor
  • Wednesday, February 25: Finneytown and Winton Woods
  • Monday, March 2: NCH
  • Tuesday, March 3: Princeton
  • Wednesday, March 4: Reading
  • Tuesday, March 10: Mt. Healthy
 
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Important Reminders

Parent Contact: Sometimes cell phone numbers change or families move. It is very important that Diamond has guardians most up-to-date contact information. Please make sure you keep your contact information current by visiting FinalForms: https://greatoaks-oh.finalforms.com/

Extra Help: Students have the opportunity to receive extra help from their instructors after school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students should make an appointment with their instructor in advance to stay after.

Diamond Oaks provides a shuttle bus for students who stay after school, transporting them back to their home schools.
  • Tuesdays: Shuttle service to Finneytown, Mt. Healthy, and NCH
  • Wednesdays: Shuttle service to Harrison, Oak Hills, and Taylor

 
Feb. Student of the Month
 
Senior Cosmo Students

Cosmetology Lab Focus

Vickie Stuckey, Cosmetology Instructor:

As our cosmetology students both juniors and seniors return from their winter break entering the 3rd quarter, they entered the world of hair coloring. Each student using their critical thinking skills was to explore color options. Juniors were to make a picture selection choosing two colors with proper applications and seniors were to use two or more colors and complete their proper application. Each student using their adaptable navigational skills assembled all equipment and supplies needed for application assessment on application, coverage, and no coloring on the surrounding skin line. On a whole they turned out some fabulous coloring results, supporting their pictures, and stepping out of their comfort zones. Two students I would like to commend on their efforts, quality of work, and their end results are junior Saniyah Vaughn and senior Emma Ventura.

Our seniors are readily pursuing completion of their required state hours in order to sit and take their licensee exam. We have two seniors, Sage Blanton and Cordelia Sweeney who are currently licensed. Sage is also on placement. We have four other seniors with their hours making their plans to submit their paper work for their testing date and two more to follow in the next week. Other seniors are continuing to complete their hours to do the same.

 
Diamond Oaks front entrance

Diamond Oaks Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: