Press Release

Release Date: November 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Susie Pickering

Oak Lane Day School

137 Stenton Ave, Blue Bell, PA 19422

Phone: 610-825-1055

Fax: 610-825-9288

Email: spickering@oaklanedayschool.org

"Sir Gawain and the Loathly Lady"

At Oak Lane Day School, located just outside of the Chestnut Hill area, each grade is expected to present an assembly for the rest of the school sometime during the course of the year. These assemblies reflect curricular projects that are designed to showcase the students' abilities and talents in reading and writing, art, music, and acting. Recently, it was the 4th/5th Grade's turn to show their stuff, and the children rose to the occasion admirably with a stage production of the Arthurian legend of "Sir Gawain and the Loathly Lady."

As the culminating project of the 4th/5th Grade's study of medievalism, the play combined language and dress with the finer points of chivalry and the magical aspect of a time long ago. A great deal of time and effort go into the preparation of the assemblies as they are meant to educate all members of the school.

As the entire student body is present, steps are taken to accommodate the developmental and educational needs of each grade level. For instance, before the play began, 4th/5th Grade teacher Sherry Shaeffer very deliberately introduced the young actress playing the part of the "Loathly Lady." As a part of her costume, Caroline wore a mask in order to make her character appear extremely ugly ("loathly"). It was a fairly frightening mask so Sherry took the time and effort to make it very clear to the youngest members of the audience that the face was just make-believe, and that the person beneath was still pretty, friendly Caroline and therefore no one to be afraid of.   

Oak Lane Day School has a strong tradition of combining the grade levels and exploring a topic of study along this spectrum. This tradition is seen in school-wide community service projects, the Winter Concert, and Extended Day activities as well as in the eclectic and innovative assemblies. From the pre-kindergarten 3-year-olds to the oldest in the School, the 6th Graders, the students and their teachers benefit greatly by being involved in each others' learning. Shared points of interest are created and the community as a whole is strengthened and brought closer together.

Oak Lane Day School Information

An independent elementary school, founded in 1916 and located in Blue Bell, Oak Lane Day School serves a diverse population of boys and girls. Oak Lane honors each child's unique individuality while fostering intellectual, creative, academic, and personal growth within a diverse community of active, engaged learners. Small class sizes and an atmosphere that encourages children to develop their academic and social skills are priorities at Oak Lane, where learning is a meaningful and joyous pursuit. Oak Lane's country-like property of 30 acres along Butler Pike and Stenton Avenue boasts a stream, pond, woods, meadows, and specimen trees as well as athletic fields and playgrounds.

Oak Lane Day School is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS).