Dr. Amy Alsip, Head of Upper School
March 27, 2026
Dear Upper School Families,
This week I had the pleasure of watching a talented group of young men and women be inducted into The Oakridge School chapter of Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society). The requirements for being eligible for this esteemed group are not easily reached and I am very proud of them for their hard work, commitment to excellence, and dedication to academic success. I’d like to give a huge shout out to Mrs. Knott for her efforts in sponsoring Mu Alpha Theta this year and for making the ceremony so special!
Class Trips 2026-2027
Don’t miss out on the last few spots for next year’s class trips! Please click the links below to learn more about our trips. It is going to be an amazing week for all of our students, so be sure to register your child today!
Washington DC Trip- 9th/10 grade
Florida Keys Trip- 11th/12th grade
AP Mock Exam/Community Service/Powderpuff Football
On Wednesday April 1st we will have our AP Mock Exams along with some Community Service opportunities both on and off campus. That afternoon we will serve pizza for all Upper School students and host our annual Powderpuff Football game starting at 2:00 pm.
Colloquium
On Thursday, April 2 we will host the 13th Annual DFW Interscholastic Colloquium: AI IRL (artificial intelligence in real life). The colloquium has traditionally been a paper conference where students from independent schools around the Metroplex present their ideas on a common literary text. This year, however, students were given a list of dystopian, science fiction, and nonfiction texts on which they could base papers or artwork. This is an academic day for US students. Attendance will be counted (which goes towards exam exemptions) and there will be a summative level assignment that will be due.
On the day of the colloquium, our Upper School students will be engaging in an enriching academic experience on our campus. Students from other independent schools across the metroplex will join us Thursday for a day celebrating student choice and voice. The day will be facilitated by our US students, providing leadership opportunities outside of the classroom that cannot be replaced.
We encourage you to discuss this opportunity with your kids so they understand the value of hearing ideas exchanged between their peers during the conference. By asking questions and engaging with differing perspectives, our students will have a preview into the rich intellectual exchange they’ll encounter at the collegiate level. Please encourage them to maximize this opportunity as a truly college preparatory experience.
Junior and Senior Prom is just around the corner! Tickets will be $115 in advance and will go on sale next week. At the door prices will be $130 per ticket and will be charged to your student’s incidentals account. The ticket covers the entire event including casino games, dessert bar, pizza, and a prize for every senior in attendance courtesy of the OPC. There will be Visa gift cards prizes awarded to the 3 highest winners of the evening at 10:45 p.m.
We highly encourage carpooling or parent drop off as the parking is very limited near Bass Hall. There is a parking garage available but the prices range from $20-30 for the evening.
Non-Oakridge guests must complete the required form BEFORE the day of Prom to be approved by the US office. The final time to arrive at the event is 8:30 p.m. Students will NOT be allowed to leave the event until 11:30 p.m. without prior written parent approval. NO emails or text messages will be accepted the day of Prom. Please make sure you have sent your approval to Dr. Alsip or Mrs. Candace Blake by the end of the school day Friday, April 24. Otherwise your student will remain at the event until we release them at 11:30 p.m.
Have a great weekend!
All my best,
Dr. Amy Alsip
Head of Upper School
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 28: Class of 2027 Essay Workshop w/College Advising
- April 1- Mock AP tests/Powerderpuff/Community Service
- April 1- Senior Moms’ Luncheon
- April 2- US Colloquium
- April 16- Goodbye Hello
- April 22- Owl About You (including Senior Awards)
- April 25- Junior/Senior Prom
- May 4- US Awards for grades 9-11 @ 1:20 p.m.
- May 4-15 AP Testing Weeks
- May 6- Athletic Banquet/Awards
- May 8- Early Dismissal and Fine Arts Night
- May 11- Graduation Walk
- May 16- Graduation
