Dr. Sarah Schecter, Head of Lower School

Dear Lower School Parents,

The chicks have arrived! Ms. Scarborough and our fourth graders have patiently tended our incubator these last few weeks, anxiously awaiting the first signs of life. Twelve chicks have hatched and all are doing well. In addition to learning about the science of new life, the students have been diligent in our Idea Lab with Mrs. Carfa, creating a dynamic and exciting environment for these little chicks. They have transformed the display case outside the Lower School office into a Harry Potter themed playground. All of Lower School, as well as friends all over campus, stop to visit our newcomers.

The Last Day on the Plains is next week. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been inspiring Oakridge Lower School students since 1988. Each year they travel to Texas from Kansas, bringing their traveling museum, filled with artifacts, to our school and sharing their vast knowledge of American History with our students. Through the years, we have learned about Native Americans, Mountain Men, and the Civil War. Generations of students have learned to set up a tipi, shoot an arrow and throw a tomahawk. This year, sadly, is our “Last Day on the Plains.” On Wednesday, March 11, we will celebrate our final event with Mike and Belinda Adams. During the school day each class will spend time learning about and experiencing life in a tipi. After school from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. we will celebrate with an extra special send-off, featuring a campfire, hotdogs, crafts, and games. Because of the nature of the activities, parent participation with their children is required. For this special day, there will be no homework and it will also be a non-uniform day.

Our students have been working hard in Spanish. You are invited to watch their class play (Los Tres Cerditos, Galinna Pequeña, or Dondé Está el Perro). All of the plays begin at 8:00 a.m., so you can be on your way by 8:30. The schedule is posted here for your convenience.

With the chicks and our Living History Program going on at the same time, it is hard to add another thing. Yet Diffendoofer Day is around the corner on April 17.  If you haven’t talked with your child about it and selected a topic, this would be a good weekend to do that.

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!

Have a good weekend,

Sarah Schecter
Head of Lower School