March 27, 2020

Dear Oakridge Family,

The first week of distance learning is almost in the books. Congratulations to our incredible faculty and staff for transitioning swiftly to this temporary school model, and also to our students and families for adjusting quickly to their temporary new normal. This is cause for celebration.

The innovative shifts that The Oakridge School has undertaken over the last decade were strategically designed to advance institutional priorities such as creativity, collaboration, connection, and engagement. While we never imagined a situation like what we now face, a Coronavirus pandemic, the forward-thinking mindset of the past prepared us well for the uncertainties of the present. Thankfully, we possessed the tools – and the right people - to launch distance learning expeditiously. Go Owls!

On behalf of our team, I am grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement. Your kind words in texts, emails, and posts have heartened and motivated us during a difficult time. Clearly, we are a united Oakridge Family, and we are all in this together. Moving forward, know that we have designed age-appropriate divisional programs. Our plans are solid but will not be perfect for all, and we will make mistakes along the way. As you assess progress in your home and evaluate how you think we are doing, please remember Rome wasn't built in a day. I assure you we will continue to evaluate and refine, until our return to campus.

Based on recent developments and surrounding county restrictions regarding COVID-19, distance learning will continue through at least Thursday, April 9. Friday, April 10 is a school holiday. The earliest we would return to school would be Monday, April 13. I will continue to communicate with you frequently.

I have received many articles and videos and participated in many conference calls, webinars, and Zoom meetings lately. One of the best videos explaining the "why" of social distancing and stay-at-home orders is here. As Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said Tuesday during her press conference, "Y'all stay safe. Y'all stay healthy. Y'all stay home." Together, we can do this.

Sincerely,

Jon Kellam

P.S. Please keep the Oakridge community in your thoughts and prayers. While we are hearing many positive, heartwarming stories, we are also aware of some who are experiencing heartache and pain.