Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

 

Greetings, Middle School Families,

This week we will shift our focus and observe what has been going on in the Middle School Science Department this year. This team of innovative educators have been working hard to ensure that our students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects and labs.

In 5th grade science, students are wrapping up the unit over Ecology with a diorama project.  Students chose a biome, researched 10-15 organisms that inhabit their chosen biome, and constructed a food web using their organisms.  The students are in the process of designing and constructing a diorama that showcases what they have learned.  Finally, students will be presenting their dioramas and teaching their classmates about the different biomes that were explored.

Our 6th grade science classes are completing the stress testing of their bridges in the Bridge Project.  The students have analyzed the aftermath using videos and photos,  to determine weak areas and failure points.  The students also explored materials, processes, and techniques for "earthquake proofing" their bridges.  This quarter,  we will be moving into Fossils & Geologic Time to explore Earth's past.  The students will look at blocks of time, extinct species, and conditions on Earth.  

The 7th grade students are working hard and getting ready for their Cell Processes Assessment. Next, they will begin their Significant Figures Project. Each student will complete a presentation over a scientist of their choosing, which can range from ancient scholars to prominent youtubers in the scientific community. This project gives the students an opportunity to explore an area of science that interests them, practice their public speaking skills by presenting in front of their peers, as well as learn important research skills that will help prepare them in the future.

Students in 8th grade physical science are learning to solve basic gas law word problems, improving their graphing skills, and experimenting with crushing cans with air pressure. This quarter, the students will continue with an exploration of atoms, bonding, and chemical reactions to finish out the semester.

Parent Conferences

We invite you to our Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 31st.  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.  Students will not have school 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. 

First Quarter Report Card

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

Finally, we would like to say thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we experienced the passing of Coach Lanzce King Sr., who served as a substitute teacher and middle school coach for both football and girls’ basketball. We were truly inspired by Coach King’s life, and his legacy will forever remain in our hearts.  

With gratitude,

Tamika R. Dees
Head of Middle School

Whether your student is exploring the idea of playing sports in college or already involved in the recruiting process, we invite you to the Oakridge NCAA College Athletic Placement Workshop.  This event will provide valuable insight into the world of collegiate athletics featuring a panel of Oakridge Alumni who are current collegiate athletes, as well as the director of compliance from TCU. Please RSVP by clicking here.

Date: Monday, October 27, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM “Meet the Coaches” | 6:30 PM Main Presentation

Location: Flavin Fine Arts Performance Hall