The Importance of Community in Schools

Class of 2022 high school students wait for their little buddies on the first day of school.

Our youth can say the sweetest things. As children learn to properly articulate their thoughts, there is a special truthfulness that always rises to the top. In January 1972 words from O’Neal’s students were printed in the program for its first-ever Monte Carlo Benefit. The section was called “Why I Like Wallace O’Neal School”. Fourth-grade … Continue reading The Importance of Community in Schools

Swimming

2015 Boys and Girls swim teams hold their state championship trophies.

Swimming and O’Neal have gone hand in hand from almost the beginning. The natatorium was a part of O’Neal’s first brick and mortar project which is comprised of the Edward Taws Education Center, Tate Gymnasium and the pool. For many years it was the only offering in town.

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The Blackbird’s Eye

Tuesday, May 18th O’Neal will hold its annual dedication ceremony of the Blackbird’s Eye – a literary publication featuring poetry, prose and art of students from all three divisions over this school year. The first issue was in 1974, only two years after the School opened and though it may have changed its look and some content, the publication has withstood the test of time.

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Student Leadership

Through the years, O’Neal has experimented with student governments and leadership programs. In 1975, when Wallace O’Neal Day School served students in grade 3-10, there was a Lower School Senate (grades 3-7) and an Upper School Senate (grades 8-10). Both divisions held full blown student elections for their governing groups. In 1986 there was evidence of class presidents and a student government association in the Upper School and the Lower School retained the Lower School Senate structure. For a few years after, the student government association was called the Advisory Council. The 1987/88 school year saw the creation of an official middle school division. By the 1990’s standard student government structures existed in the Upper and Middle School, with the Lower School sticking to a Senate.

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