April 17, 2020

Dear Oakridge Family,

During a news conference today, Governor Abbott shared a plan for reopening businesses across the state in the weeks ahead. He also addressed schools. Following the advice of his team, who determined it "unsafe for students to gather in schools for the foreseeable future," Abbott declared all Texas campuses – public, private, and higher education – closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Consequently, Oakridge Owls will not return to campus this school year, but our exceptional faculty will continue to serve students via distance learning.

This announcement may not come as a surprise to you, yet it is nonetheless sobering. To all students, faculty, staff, and parents who were holding onto hope that we might resume our work together on campus for a few weeks in May, I am sorry. I share your feelings of sadness, disappointment, and loss. Perhaps we should count this as yet another Coronavirus lesson: Life can change in an instant. Don't take anything or anyone for granted.

On Sunday, March 15, at a distance learning preparation meeting, our leadership team developed a foundation for our new learning model, one built on seven key words. That evening, we established a philosophy with regard to education, relationships, and assessment. School operations, while different for a while, would continue calmly, courageously, wisely, humbly, optimistically, respectfully, safely, and creatively. We unanimously agreed that this crisis would require our team to think outside the box, lead boldly but with humility, embrace positivity, and place students first, always. This has served us well.

Expect to hear from your division heads often between now and the end of May, and the faculty will continue to teach, support, and love your children. Along the way, I am confident we will face additional difficulties and also experience sprinklings of joy. Let us commit to sticking together as we tackle new challenges and delight in unexpected blessings.

In closing, many of you have heard our alma mater. As one of our traditions, it is sung in the Lower School hallways before school, at pep rallies, and after home football games. This version, however, is unique. I hope it brings a smile to your face and illustrates the collaborative work still taking place at Oakridge.

Take care of yourselves, and please let us know if we can be of assistance.

Go Owls!

Jon