Dr. Amy Alsip, Head of Upper School

Dear US Families,

This week’s Disney quote comes from one of my favorites, The Princess and the Frog. “Remember Tiana, that old star can only take you part of the way. You got to help him with some hard work of your own.” Appropriately enough, this quote is applicable to where some students are at the moment. Some are working diligently and seeking out help as needed, but others are not and we want to encourage them to seek out their teachers, the counselor, or the administrative office if they need help or support. We are all here to help them make their dreams come true!

Office Hours: Students may attend office hours from 8:00-8:30 each day. Teachers are on campus and available. Some teachers prefer an appointment system due to other duties, but if your child is failing a course we highly recommend they start attending office hours. After the next grading report, any student failing a course will be required to attend office hours and an academic lunch until the grade is passing. 

Parent Conferences: Parent Conference Day will be a little different this year. Conferences will be held in the classrooms this year. No classes are scheduled that day, so teachers are available to visit with you. Use this link to schedule an appointment with your child’s teacher through your Oakridge Parent Portal. If no slots are available to meet with a teacher, we are happy to schedule alternative times. The deadline to register for conference times is no later than 3pm on Thursday, October 30th.

Procedure for Reporting Concerns: If you or your child have a concern about a class here are the proper procedures to follow to get resolution. It is very important that concerns are addressed in this order to make things efficient and effective. 

• 1st: Reach out to the teacher directly
• 2nd: If no resolution is achieved, please reach out to the Head of US, Dr. Alsip
• 3rd: If still there is no resolution, please contact the Assistant Head of School, Mr. Robinson
• 4th: At this point if you still have unresolved concerns, please reach out to our Head of School, Mr. Burgy

Campus Policy: Parents, we ask you to please support us in our security policies. All students and families must have a car tag on their rearview mirror. Deliveries from outside vendors are not allowed, but parents may deliver to the Admissions office or the Upper School office and text their child to pick up delivery as soon as possible. Parents may check into the main office and then proceed to any appointments scheduled on campus. We are a closed campus. This means students may not leave for study hall and return nor may they leave for lunch and return. If they leave campus it must be with prior parental notification. Appointments should be accompanied by a note to return to school as this ensures the absence is excused.

Semester Exam information: Dec. 15 - Normal full school day (A)

• Semester Exams (½ day early dismissal Tue-Fri for US students)
• Dec. 16- 3rd and 6th
• Dec. 17-5th and 1st
• Dec. 18- 7th and 4th 
• Dec. 19- 8th and 2nd 
• Make up exams will take place in January.

Please click here to see the Senior Final Exam Exemption Contract. There are deadlines, attendance and grade expectations, along with conduct expectations.

Due to SPC in November and the large number of students participating in athletic events the Upper School will not have classes on Friday, November 7.

Save the Date: US Winter Formal is tentatively scheduled for February 7th. More details to come!

 

All my best,

Dr. Amy Alsip
Head of Upper School