Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings Middle School Families,

Architecture came to life in the Middle School Art studio this week! Our talented students stepped into the roles of lead architects by designing and constructing 3D buildings from the ground up.  Using cardboard and an array of mixed materials, our students engineered and constructed original three-dimensional structures featuring functional doors, operating windows, intricate roofing, and detailed surface structures.

Ingenuity didn’t stop on the exterior. Interior spaces were thoughtfully curated with elements like floor designs, furniture, and room details to demonstrate an understanding of how spaces are used.

Throughout the process, students practiced skills in measuring, cutting, assembling, and reinforcing cardboard to create stable forms. Emphasis was placed on creativity, structural integrity, attention to detail, and neat construction. The final designs showcase students’ ability to translate imaginative ideas into tangible structures, while demonstrating an understanding of form, texture, and design in three-dimensional art. Stay tuned throughout the semester as we continue to highlight “what’s happening in the Middle School.” 

STEM Showcase:

Come celebrate our middle schoolers’ curiosity while witnessing what happens when passion meets persistence in the eyes of budding scientists and explorers.  We can't wait to see you at the Bright Minds and Bright Ideas STEM Showcase on January 30, from 8:00 - 9:00 am, in the Student Activity Center (SAC). 
 

Book Fair:

Calling all BIBLIOSAURURES!  Whether your student is into spine tingling mysteries, epic fantasy quests, or graphic novels they are sure to find a DINO-mite book at this year’s Oakridge Book Fair running January 26 - 30. 

Inside Today’s College Admissions: College Colloquium 2026:

Oakridge parents, guardians, and students are invited to College Colloquium, College Advising’s signature annual event. Hear directly from senior admission leaders from USC, Trinity University, and The Ohio State University as they share insights on today’s college admissions landscape. Families will gain clarity, confidence, and perspective through a dynamic panel and interactive breakout sessions. Join us on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM in the Flavin Fine Arts Performance Hall. This program is made possible through the generous support of Oakridge Parent Club.

Wellness Wise: Spilling the Middle School Tea

We would like to invite you to an evening of insightful discussion hosted by Madison Thomas, an EMDR trained therapist from The Salyer Counseling Group.

The middle school years bring unique changes and challenges.  During this session Madison will discuss the complexities of the early teen years and provide practical strategies for parents and guardians to stay connected, supportive, and present during this pivotal era.

We look forward to seeing you there for this valuable conversation. Please use the QR code in the graphic or RSVP by logging into your MyOakridge Parent Portal and clicking the orange registration link.

Tamika Dees
Head of Middle School