Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood

Dear Families,

“That’s not fair!” If your home is anything like mine, this can be heard quite often. Although we don’t always get what we want, grown-ups will make sure you get what you need to do well in school. Different friends need different types of special help. Sometimes it doesn’t feel fair, and that is okay. This week, we have turned our attention to recognizing that even though it may not always feel fair, we get what we need and we celebrate others when they get something that maybe we don’t. 

Owls’ Nest Update for December 19: Please note that on Friday, December 19, dismissal is at 11:30 a.m. following our ECC Winter Holiday Parties. Owls’ Nest will be open but will close early at 3:00 p.m.

Holiday Treasures: 

Thank you to the OPC volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to making Holiday Treasures such a success! This special event serves a dual purpose: it raises important funds for the Oakridge Parents’ Club (OPC) to support our school community, and perhaps more importantly, it offers our ECC students a tangible lesson in the importance of thinking of others. It was truly joyous to watch our youngest students navigate the "store," while wearing such huge smiles as they carefully selected gifts for their loved ones.

Festive Dress Days are NEXT WEEK!

 

Comfort and Care Drive, December 1 - January 9:

As we embrace this season of thankfulness and giving, it is time for our annual Comfort and Care Drive. This year, we are partnering with Mission Arlington to collect a variety of essential items to support their incredible work in our community. Your generosity helps provide warmth and care to those in need, truly embodying the spirit of the holidays.

 

A Message from Dr. Schecter to Kindergarten Parents:

It was great to see so many of you for Oakridge Live, First Grade Edition! We enjoyed getting to know you and showing off Lower School. I would love the opportunity to meet with each of you, get to know your family and answer any remaining questions about next year. There is a button located on the parent portal for scheduling an appointment with me. See you soon!

A Message from Head Librarian, Mrs. DeWinter:

The Oakridge Library is a vital resource for lifelong learning, and we encourage families to use the space. We are open from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. These are three ways we would love to support your child’s literacy and learning:

1. Customized Book Bags: Mrs. DeWinter can create personalized book bags for your family, curated based on your interests and needs.
2. Reader's Advisory Sessions: Schedule a one-on-one session to find the perfect reading material for your child, whether your reader is:
   • Just beginning.
   • A devoted bibliophile in need of new books!
   • Struggling to find "just right" reads.
3. Partnering for Success: I look forward to working with you to foster your child's literacy journey.

To schedule a Reader’s Advisory session or request a customized book bag, please email pdewinter@theoakridgeschool.org.

Cooler Weather Dress Code: Now that the cooler weather has descended, here are a few reminders about our ECC Dress Code:

• Collared uniform shirts are required Monday-Friday, even under outerwear such as sweatshirts. 
• Tights may be worn under skirts, but must be solid navy blue, black, or white (opaque or cable- not sheer).
• All outerwear must be purchased from the school’s approved uniform vendor, FlynnO’Hara, or the Owl’s Landing Spirit Store. (sweatshirts, fleece zip up, sweaters, sweater vests, etc). Only school approved outerwear may be worn in the building. When students are outdoors, they are welcome and encouraged to bring non-uniform jackets, scarves, hats or gloves. 

Uniform expectations can be found on the parent portal in the Parent Handbook on pages 11 - 12.

Warm regards,

Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005
Head of Early Childhood