OPA Traditions
Traditions play an important role in the culture at Oxford Preparatory Academy. They provide us with shared experiences which in turn help create a sense of school pride and provide a way to form and express our unique school identity. Traditions also help us make meaningful connections with each other and reinforce our community's shared values.
OPA has many time-honored traditions, loved and celebrated by our entire community. Here are some of our favorites!
Literature Day
Literature Day is a highlight of OPA traditions, blending having fun with building a joy for reading! On or near October 31, students dress as a favorite character in a book and bring a copy of their book to share with their classmates and read throughout the day. Bringing characters to life in a fun and engaging environment helps to build a lifelong love for reading and learning.
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Academic Achievement (Cum Laude)
The tradition of celebrating academic achievement is deeply embedded in the culture of OPA. Recognition for academic achievement happens each term to promote future achievement, encourage students to excel, and support our mission of building a foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Cum Laude is an annual award ceremony recognizing outstanding student achievement in grade-level standards. This formal event is based on the previous year's California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and recognizes both achievement and significant growth in grade-level standards.
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Frosty Follies
School-wide performances and activities at each grade level are designed to showcase talents, build confidence, celebrate growth, and promote the fun in learning. In 8th grade, students put on a talent show, called Frosty Follies, to showcase their individual talents and entertain our elementary-age students. Showcasing their skills and talent on stage not only builds their confidence but provides endless entertainment for all.
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Annual Day of Service
Engaging in community service-based activities is one way that OPA works to fulfill its mission. The annual day of service provides an opportunity to come together as a school through the shared values of service and activism, while also helping to build contributing members of society.
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Polar Express Day
The magic of the Polar Express comes alive with pajamas, hot chocolate, and some snow! Every student gets a golden ticket and dances to the hot chocolate dance to get into the winter spirit. Sometimes we do things just for the sake of having fun!
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Teal Donuts
Sometimes it's the small things that matter the most! Celebrating the first day of school with teal donuts is an eagerly anticipated tradition for all students. Nothing says "Welcome Back" like a delicious donut!
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Jingle Jam
Get into the spirit of the holiday season with a Jingle Jam! OPA's music program plays an important role in developing the whole child, helping to foster self-expression and self-discovery, while also creating a sense of community. Jingle Jam is a fun way to showcase OPA's approach, and with each grade singing songs of the season, you can't help but want to sing along!
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International Day
Parents, champions, and the community come together to celebrate and learn about the many cultures represented at OPA. Building this awareness promotes inclusion and supports our mission of valuing and embracing our diversity. Performances and demonstrations provide entertainment while delicious food and drinks are available for sampling. Participants are encouraged to come with an appetite for food and learning!
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Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendars traditional to many East Asian countries. OPA celebrates this time of year with activities such as lion dances where they "feed" red envelopes into the lion's mouth for good luck.
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