March 18, 2020

Dear Oakridge Family,

Greetings. We miss you. Will you please share that sentiment with your children? The faculty and I also join you in acknowledging how disruptive these uncertain times are for our community. We will, however, persevere. I like what Maya Angelou once said, "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." We need to stay strong, and it is important that we stick together.

This week, as we have continued preparations for virtual schooling, Zoom meetings and conference calls have become our norm. The campus is definitely quiet (only essential personnel), but all faculty and staff are working remotely and strategically. This is one way Oakridge is supporting the effort to "flatten the curve" and helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to older and other at-risk people.

Even in the midst of uncertain times, our administrative team is committed to maintaining a culture of positivity and celebrating victories. For example, before tackling a challenging agenda Monday we kicked-off our virtual meeting by sharing uplifting stories. This week, we received exciting news from the college office. The Class of 2020 has gained admission to a multitude of universities: TCU, Tulane, Purdue, Pepperdine, Smith, Stanford, MIT, Michigan, Virginia, Vanderbilt, Southern California, St. Andrew's in Scotland…and the list goes on.

In the ongoing effort to keep you informed, I share the following:

1. Third quarter grades will be posted Friday, March 20.

2. The new Coronavirus Response link on our website is now active. Information will be added frequently.

3. Division Heads will communicate distance learning plans by Friday, March 20. Please join in making this transition with courage, flexibility, respect, empathy, and, perhaps most importantly, a growth mindset.

4. The campus is closed for now, with the exception of essential personnel. Based on recent developments, we have made the decision to extend the distance learning plan through Friday, April 3.

5. Any faculty or staff who must come to campus to pick up necessary items may do so Wednesday, March 18 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Arrangements must be made in advance with a direct supervisor.

6. Any student who must pick up necessary items from campus may do so Friday, March 20 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Arrangements must be made in advance with a divisional administrator. Please follow these times if you are able: last name A-G, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.; last name H-O, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; last name P-Z, 1-3 p.m. This will help us maintain social distancing. Note: if you are or have been ill, or if you have been exposed to illness or traveled lately, please do not come to campus.

Faculty members will continue dedicating their efforts this week (and likely through the weekend) to launch virtual school Monday, March 23. This is an extraordinary task, and I believe you would be as proud of them as I am if you knew the time, energy, and passion they are investing in reimagining their craft, their pedagogy.

We will continue to stay in touch, often. In the meantime, please join me in keeping the less fortunate, the sick, the unemployed, and the lonely in your thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully,

Jon Kellam