Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood
March 27, 2026
Dear Parents,
Words are powerful. This week, students have been learning about the importance of using kind words. When we say something to someone, the words can make a person’s heart feel happy or sad. We have to be careful that we don’t use words that hurt people’s feelings. Just because we think something, doesn’t mean we should say it. We also discussed the importance and power of manner words such as please and thank you.
A Visit from the Kraft Family Farm!
Preschool students recently completed their farm unit, focusing on animals like chickens and goats and their role in providing food for our community. A special thank you to Preschool student, Finn Kraft, and his family for sharing a part of their family farm with us! The students were thrilled to learn more about goats and chickens, especially enjoying the opportunity to pet them.
Class Pictures on Tuesday, March 31
Pictures will begin promptly at 8:30, so please arrive on time. Students are to wear their school uniform for class picture day.
Wednesday, April 1: ECC 1st Wednesday Calendar Chat and special visitor, Ms. Solby
Please plan to join us at 8:15 a.m. for our monthly ECC 1st Wednesday. Ms. Solby, our counseling intern, will be presenting "Big Feelings, Calm Adults: A Parent's Guide to Co-Regulation." This presentation will introduce the concept of co-regulation and its role in helping young children manage large emotions. The presentation will explain how children ages 3 to 7 developmentally rely on adults to help them through difficult moments of sadness, anger, and frustration. Parents will learn practical strategies to support consistent co-regulation and guide their child in developing their own self-regulation skills.
Preschool & Pre-K Spring Showcases and PS-K Egg Hunt and Easter Parties
If you have not heard from your room parent, please contact Mrs. McGee.
Kindergarten Walk to the Future:
Kindergarten parents, an email regarding Walk to the Future was sent on Thursday, March 26.
Join us for “Summer at the Ridge!”
Registration for Summer at The Ridge 2026 is now open! Get ready for a summer packed with exciting camps, creative projects, outdoor fun, and unforgettable adventures. Register now to secure your spot!
Warm regards,
Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005
Head of Early Childhood
Mr. Burgy shared the following message on the night of the 2026 auction:
“Before we begin, take a moment to picture your child discovering something new on the playground, students laughing together, and friendships forming that last a lifetime. Those moments don’t just happen—they’re created by a community like ours.
Since our founding in 1979, Oakridge has been committed to nurturing the whole child—curiosity, character, creativity, and connection. And the spaces where our students learn and grow play a vital role in that mission.”
That evening, we launched our Paddle Raise: Investing in the Spaces Where Our Students Grow, with a goal of $100,000.
These funds will enhance key outdoor spaces—from play areas for our youngest learners, to a new climbing structure, a revitalized Upper School Quad, and lighting for evening activities.
Together, these spaces will foster confidence, friendship, and joy for every student.
Years from now, students will create memories in these places—because of what we chose to do together that night—and what we continue to make possible through your support today.
It all began with the first paddle.
Thank you for supporting our Outdoor Spaces Project.
- March 31: ECC Class Picture Day and New Student Pictures
- April 2: Preschool & Pre-K Spring Showcases (See flyer above for details)
- April 2: ECC Spring Parties and Egg Hunt (See flyer above for details)
- April 3: Holiday - NO SCHOOL
- April 24: ECC Fun Run
- Kindergarten: 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
- Preschool: 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.
- Pre-K: 10:30 - 11:15 a.m
- April 29: Kindergarten Walk to the Future, Kindergarten Showcase and Kindergarten Family Picnic 10:00 a.m. - about 1:00 p.m.
- May 6: ECC 1st Wednesday @ 8:15 a.m.
- May 8: ECC and LS Field Day and 11:30 dismissal - More details coming soon
- Fine Arts Night from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- May 19 - 22: All School Early Dismissal @ 11:30 a.m. and ECC End of Year Parent-Teacher Conferences
- May 22: End of Year Parties @ 10:30 a.m., Last Day of School, and 11:30 Dismissal
