Oregon Episcopal School

For months, kindergarteners in Anne Savage’s class immersed themselves in the world of owls, studying their habitats, behaviors, and the 14 species found in Oregon. Through research, nature walks, classroom investigations, and conversations with experts, the students followed a guiding question: How do you hold on to belief in something you might never see?

Then, on a spring walk through the OES wetlands, their perseverance was rewarded when they spotted a barred owl perched in a tree. The discovery capped off a joyful inquiry project that inspired curiosity, observation, and wonder. Students later shared their learning with families through a classroom celebration, pictured here, featuring owl research, pellet dissections, handmade masks, and reflections on their connection to these remarkable birds. Read the full story to learn more about this unforgettable learning journey: https://www.oes.edu/board-posts/~board/aardvark-posts-content/post/hope-in-the-woods-kindergarteners-learn-all-about-owls.

As we step into the last couple of weeks of the school year, a quick appreciation post for our Upper School Spring Extravaganza!

Each May, the OES Spring Student Extravaganza showcases original student-created performances in theater, dance, and video under the direction of Upper School Performing Arts Teacher Emily Stone. Led by graduating performing arts seniors, this annual celebration highlights the creativity, collaboration, and storytelling of Upper School student artists.

This year’s productions included excerpts from "Pluck" by Jan Rosenberg, directed by Alexavia P. '26, a powerful story following twins Cleo and Bea as they navigate gender identity, dysphoria, and growing up. "Landlines," written and directed by Drew M. ‘26, explored grief, friendship, and unraveling reality after an unexpected tragedy changed one student’s life forever.

Audiences also experienced "The Sandman Cometh," written and directed by Gina P. '27 with Mina L. '27, a whimsical retelling of the Sandman fairytale featuring a young boy’s quest to save his family, and "Flight Risk," written and directed by Lee L. '27, about a tech CEO and his daughter confronting anxiety and fear in very different ways. Join us in celebrating the bold voices and original work of OES student performers and creators!

Photos courtesy of John Holloran.

For the past 19 years at OES, Upper School Spanish Teacher and Community Engagement Coordinator, Maria McIvor, has helped students build meaningful connections through service, language, leadership, and cultural exchange. Her work reflects a deep commitment to learning alongside the community.

"Community engagement is never a ‘one and done’ task. The most powerful form of community engagement is being in partnership with other people," Maria says. Through programs like the Vose Elementary Spanish learning exchange and the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship course, Maria continues to help students connect language, leadership, and service in meaningful ways at OES.

McIvor has also led Winterim trips around the world, creating opportunities for students to connect across cultures through language and shared experiences. "My goal is to foster partnerships where students both contribute their talents and receive the gifts of collaboration. That is how students truly learn to use their power for good."

Read more about Maria in the latest OES Spotlight: https://www.oes.edu/board-posts/~board/aardvark-posts-content/post/oes-spotlight-maria-mcivor-believes-in-building-community-through-partnership.

OES Head of School The Rev. Michael Spencer was recently published in the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education’s Quarterly “Connections” publication. In his thoughtful reflection, Spencer explores how personal identity, belonging, and shared humanity shape the work of schools. Drawing from his Cape Verdean heritage and experiences navigating questions of race and belonging, he calls on schools to foster communities grounded in empathy, pluralism, civil discourse, and connection across difference.

Through concepts like Beloved Community, bridging, and ubuntu, Spencer challenges schools to move beyond division and create spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to engage meaningfully with the world. Read the full article to explore this powerful vision for education and community: https://www.oes.edu/board-posts/~board/multiple-divisional-newsletter-posts/post/the-rev-michael-spencer-on-belonging-and-community.

OES Upper Schoolers brought months of hard work to the world stage at the International Science and Engineering Fair 2026. Competing alongside thousands of student researchers from around the globe, they represented OES with curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to scientific inquiry.

“It was truly eye-opening,” said Edwin Y. ‘27. “Being surrounded by thousands of students from around the world who are all passionate about solving complex problems was incredibly inspiring.” Edwin shared that meeting students from across the world at the opening mixer and presenting his research to the judges were among the most memorable moments of the experience.

Upper School Science Teacher Joshua Caditz described ISEF as “a massive honor” and reflected on the collaborative spirit of the trip. From group presentation practice sessions with feedback from peers and mentors to card games and meals shared together between events, the experience built both confidence and community. “It ended up building a lot of community,” Caditz said. “I love how the students listen closely to each other and think deeply about each other's presentations and give feedback.”

“Without Joshua, our project wouldn’t have worked in so many different ways,” said Joel G. ‘27. “He is such a great teacher.”

We are just over a week away from OES Alumni & Reunion Weekend 2026! With events both on and off campus, this weekend will give you time to reconnect with classmates, teachers, and generations of OES alumni. Join us May 29–31!

Friday, May 29: Class of 2026 Alumni Induction and Lunch | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (OES Campus)
Saturday, May 30: Alumni Chapel with Student Performances, followed by Campus Tours | 10 a.m. (OES Chapel)
Saturday, May 30: 65th, 60th, 55th, 50th Reunion Celebrations | 5 p.m. (OES Campus)
Saturday, May 30: 45th through 5th Reunion Celebrations | 6 p.m. Lake Theater, Lake Oswego
Sunday, May 31: OES Alumni Day of Service with Project Lemonade

Register now: www.oes.edu/reunion.

At OES, ambitious student-athletes don’t have to choose between elite academics and elite athletics. Through The Scholar’s Edge Program, students have direct access to the training environment of Oregon Fencing Alliance—widely recognized as one of the most successful fencing clubs in the United States. Embedded directly on the OES campus, this partnership creates a seamless balance between excellent academics and world-class athletic development.

Leading that experience is Adam Skarbonkiewicz, former U.S. National Sabre Champion and internationally respected coach. A longtime student and assistant to legendary Olympic coach Ed Korfanty, Adam has spent more than two decades developing some of the sport’s top athletes, including Caitlyn Thompson, a Cadet, Junior and Senior World champion, Siobhan Sullivan, a 2022 world silver medalist and Division I national champion, and U.S. National Team members and World Championship medal winners, including Chloe Fox-Gitomer, Avery Zuck, Eileen Hassett, Mara Keltner, Elliott Clinton, and Sarah Borrmann. His coaching accomplishments also include guiding his daughter, Magda Skarbonkiewicz, to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, along with multiple world championship titles at the cadet and junior levels.

The Scholar’s Edge Program gives dedicated fencers the opportunity to train under a coach with proven international success while thriving in a school community built around character, connection, and growth. For students pursuing excellence both on the strip and in the classroom, this is an environment designed to help them reach their highest potential.

Join us for our upcoming virtual information session on June 9 at 6 p.m. Sign up at www.oes.edu/fencing.

Congratulations to the OES band for taking home second place in the state at the OSAA Band/Orchestra State Championships yesterday!

Middle and Upper School Instrumental Teacher Hannah Klammer shared, "In order to be selected to play at State, we had to receive qualifying scores at an OSAA-sanctioned band festival earlier this year. Our band did that back in March at The Gorge Concert Band Festival hosted by The Dalles High School. Our recording was then submitted to the 'tape pool.' Out-of-state judges listen to all the tape pool recordings and decide which bands advance to the state championship. Out of 14 state-qualifying 3A bands, we were selected as one of the eight to perform at State. And we earned second place!"

Students in Sarah Hile’s marine science class traded the classroom for the tidal flats at the Hatfield Marine Science Center on Yaquina Bay, where they experienced hands-on field and lab work alongside researchers studying Oregon’s coastal ecosystems. From exploring marine habitats to observing tidepool organisms up close, students spent the day learning how scientists study marine life along the coast.

One of the highlights was “shrimp slurping,” a research method used to collect ghost shrimp and other organisms hidden beneath the estuary’s muddy sand flats at low tide. Using PVC sampling tubes, students collected shrimp, then returned to the lab to measure them, identify gender, and record whether females were carrying eggs. Their findings will contribute to an ongoing ecological community study led by Oregon State University scientists. The shrimp were safely returned to the estuary at the end of the day.

Students described the experience as exciting, surprising, and unforgettable. Leo (Yihan) C. ’26 was amazed by how energetic the ghost shrimp were, while Axel M. ’26 noticed how the shrimp reacted to light and settled when covered. Lucy W. ’26 was fascinated by seeing the underside of a massive starfish, and Avery C. ’26 said, “OES has the best field trips.”

Curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning were on full display at Discovery Day 2026! Led by an incredible team of parent volunteers, Lower School students explored new interests through interactive workshops ranging from STEM and sports to theater and cooking. As always, the day ended with popsicles and smiles to celebrate the students’ learning. Thank you to the 40+ parents who helped make Discovery Day such a memorable experience!