From classroom talk to school-wide announcements, communication is the crucial point that keeps Oak Park running smoothly. Whether it’s teachers assigning projects, students hyping up the next big game such as basketball, or clubs spreading word about events, the way people talk and share here shapes OP.
“Honestly, I think communication is very important,” junior Kris Miller said. “If teachers don’t make expectations clear, it doesn’t just affect grades—it affects how we talk to them. So, things like Google Classroom, announcements, and sometimes just simple check-ins during class help tremendously.”
For many teachers, platforms like Clever, Remind, or even email are essential tools. But for students? It’s often a different story.
“A lot of times we hear about stuff from friends, Snapchat, or news posts,” said junior Donavan Kirby. “Like, someone hears there’s a spirit day or basketball game, and suddenly it’s blowing up on social media.”
Events like prom, football games, or the ACT don’t have to be crazy important to the student body; they can, however, become the talk of the school. And how that talk happens varies by different things like grades or friend groups.
Take the recent basketball game, for example. Papers were posted, announcements on socials made, and players were hyping it up during AR before they departed. But for some students, they only found out because someone mentioned it in class, or because of the outcome.
“I didn’t even know there was a game until like two hours before,” said junior Robert Angelo. “But my friend was going and posted about it, so I went too.”
Clubs and student organizations also have their own ways of spreading the word. The Student Council uses Instagram and news reports, while other clubs rely on posters such as QR codes, or even just word of mouth.
Even with all the different ways we communicate, one thing is clear: the student body communicates somehow—even if the method isn’t always the same.
Whether it’s about homework, hallway gossip, or hyped-up school events, the way OP communicates brings people together. It reflects not just what they say, but who the OP student body is.
“We’re all different,” junior Deniz Karabulut said. “But when something big happens, we all find a way to talk about it.”
