Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

September 12, 2025

Greetings, Middle School Families, 

We are super excited for the change in the seasons and the much cooler temperatures. However, what I love the most about this time of year is watching our middle school scholars play four-square in the quad, swing on the tire swings at the playground, and just being kids.

Our 7th and 8th graders had an amazing time at Dynamix in Dallas for their annual class trip. This exciting adventure was designed to foster teamwork, ignite problem-solving skills, and create lasting memories.

At Dynamix, students engaged in a variety of interactive challenges and collaborative games that required effective communication and strategic thinking. The trip was an incredible opportunity for students to step outside the classroom and build stronger bonds with their classmates while having an absolute blast. We all had a day of fun, collaboration, and friendly competition.

Our 5th graders experienced the great outdoors on their first Middle School class trip this week. We started our day bright and early at 7:00 a.m. and traveled to Trinity Forest Adventure Park in Dallas. On the bus ride to the park, it was refreshing to see the students socializing, laughing, and interacting with their peers and teachers.

Once we arrived, the students were divided into groups and participated in team-building, rock climbing, and free play activities. The students were courageous, encouraged one another, and worked together as a team to accomplish various tasks. However, the trip's highlight was ziplining through the breathtaking adventure park and experiencing nature at its finest. To say that the students had a blast is an understatement! 

On Friday, September 12th, all NEW Oakridge Families are invited to the New Family Tailgate before the Varsity football game, hosted by The Oakridge School Board of Regents! Join us early for the game to enjoy food, fellowship and friends before kickoff. Please RSVP using the link Tailgate RSVP LINK

Hopefully, you received information about Homecoming Spirit Week, which will take place during the week of September 29 - October 3. Click here to view the Homecoming packet, which includes the daily themes and the schedule of events. We invite you to join us on October 3 at 10:00 a.m. for the annual Homecoming Parade and hope that you will come back to the O.A.C. (Oakridge Athletic Complex across the street) for the football game that evening. Homecoming Shirts must be purchased by September 23, 2025. Proceeds from t-shirt sales go toward the fireworks show after the game. Students may wear their 2025 Homecoming t-shirt to school on Friday, October 3. 

The 1.1 Progress Report is now available on your “My Oakridge” parent portal.. This document can be accessed and viewed under Classes and Reports. If you need assistance accessing your portal, please email technology@theoakridgeschool.org. 

Finally, Middle School picture day is scheduled for September 23rd, 2025.  We will be sending home Picture Day Order Forms next week.

NEW PORTAL FEATURE ADDED:

The parent portal has a new Absence, Transportation, and Extended Care Change button. It's a red button that allows parents to update a child's absence, transportation change, or extended care schedule changes.

Simply select your child from the dropdown list, provide the reason for the change, and the request will automatically be emailed to the appropriate staff member.