Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School
October 10, 2025
Michael Millians (7), Christian Hunter (5), Dexter Coakley(6), Jodi Coke (8)
Greetings, Middle School Families,
Our Middle School Deans are making a significant impact on student development this year. They kicked off Homecoming week with this year’s first and much-anticipated Deans’ Day, focusing entirely on community building and free play. The team is also engaging in a year-long continuous Professional Development Program by reading Dr. David Yeager's groundbreaking book, 10-25: The Science of Motivating Young People. By integrating these research-backed principles, the Deans are actively working to transition students from simple external compliance to genuine self-discipline, empowering every student to take greater ownership of their academic and social success.
On October 31st, we invite you to our Parent/Teacher Conferences. The link to sign up for these conferences is on your MyOakridge portal. The deadline to register for conference times is no later than 3pm on Thursday, October 30th. Additionally, if any changes need to be made, you may update your appointment time in the portal. There will not be school for students this day, so that teachers have the necessary time to meet with parents. Parents can also request a conference anytime throughout the year by emailing teachers directly or calling the Middle School Office.
Over 175 private, parochial, and home schools (grades 1–8) across Texas compete annually in the PSIA academic contests. These contests are designed to motivate students to achieve a higher mastery of subjects, reignite their passion for learning, and receive recognition for their academic excellence. There are several categories in which students may compete which include Oral Interpretation; Maps, graphs, and charts; Mathematics; Number sense; On site drawing; Science, Spelling, and more. There will be a PSIA interest meeting for students on Wednesday, October 15 during Advisory.
Parents and students: Join our College Advising and Athletic staff to explore the college athletic recruiting process. This event is open to the public, so feel free to share with your friends and neighbors!
Tamika Dees
Head of Middle School
Thank you to those of you who have already supported The Oakridge Fund for the 25-26 school year!
We are pleased to share that, coming off the excitement of Homecoming, the school is lucky to have an Alumni Parent donor who will match any donation made today through Sunday, October 12. Thus, any donation made this week will be worth double its usual value!
You can make a gift online here or one of the following tap-to-pay options (PayPal, Apple Pay, or Venmo - just search for The Oakridge School).
New this year, in The Oakridge Fund campaign, each grade is competing in a school-wide contest based not only on giving and fund participation, but also on spirit-based activities by our kids! Watch this video to hear more details about this spirit challenge. Additionally, if your family didn’t see the flyers at the football game, we are collecting attendance to have grade levels earn more points. If your student attended the Friday Homecoming game, please complete this form.
- October 10th - October 13th - Fall Break No School
- October 16-18th - Fall Play
- October 22-23rd - Fall Orchestra Concert
- Thursday, October 30th - Picture Make Up Day
- Friday, October 31st - Parent/Teacher conferences, No school for students
- Wednesday, November 5th - Academic Recognition (First MP)
- November 6-8 - SPC Championships
- Tuesday, November 11th - Oakridge Live! Move Up to 5th Grade Edition
- Friday, November 21st - Grandparents/GrandFriends Day, Early Dismissal
- November 24th - 28th - Thanksgiving Break
