Skip To Main Content

Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood

August 21, 2026

Dear ECC Parents,

What a joyful first three days it has been welcoming our tiniest Oakridge Owls to the nest! There were so many smiles, a few happy tears (and even some, “I can’t let my baby go!” tears from parents), and an overwhelming sense of joy filling our classrooms as we settle into new routines and structure together. Thank you for trusting us with your little ones during these first big days. We recognize that choosing to send your child to Oakridge is just that, a choice, and we do not take it lightly that you entrusted us with your most precious gifts. We already adore getting to know each and every one of them.

As we settle into the first few weeks, you'll likely notice a lot of fine motor practice, coloring pages, and simple routine-based activities coming home, and we want you to know this is completely intentional. Research in early childhood education is clear that the first six weeks of a quality program are foundational. This window is a time to slow down, focus on relationships, and help every child feel known, valued, and ready to learn, before academic pacing accelerates. Establishing strong routines isn't just about keeping a tidy classroom. Routines actually free up a young child's brain to focus on higher-order learning, while also strengthening classroom management, focus, and engagement. Studies even show that strong early routines are linked to better problem-solving, stronger language skills, and higher reading and math scores down the road. So while it may look simple on the surface, every color sheet and every practiced routine is laying the groundwork for a year of confident, joyful learning ahead.

Parent Information Night:
We had a packed house on Monday, August 17, for our annual Parent Information Night. Thank you for prioritizing this event and joining us to ensure a smooth start to the school year. You can click here to access my Parent Information Night slides that share carpool routines, how to register your child for the Yay Lunch! Program, and other important information to start the school year out strong. If you were unable to attend, please ensure you contact your child’s teacher. We want to make sure you have joined Seesaw and are aware of classroom expectations and learning goals.  

Carpool UPDATE and CHANGES:
Morning and afternoon carpools have been running smoothly this week, and we appreciate your patience and flexibility as we all settle into the rhythm together. A few notes:

  • Ensure you have your car tag hanging from your rearview mirror anytime on campus. If someone other than the parent will be picking up your child, please let us know and we can get you another car tag. 
  • Notify your child’s teacher and Mrs. McGee via Seesaw, phone call or email if someone other than a parent will be picking up your child.

Morning carpool:

  • Students may be dropped off anytime between 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. (tardy at 8:00 a.m.)
  • Students will stay in the Big Room from 7:30 - 7:50 a.m. 
  • Although you are welcome to park and walk your child in, we heavily encourage you to utilize the carpool lanes. 
  • Utilize the inside lane closest to the building.
  • Do not park on the crosswalk.
  • Pull all the way up, stay inside your vehicle, and a staff member will retrieve your child.

Afternoon carpool:

  • Although you are welcome to park and walk inside to pick up your child, we heavily encourage you to utilize the carpool lanes. 
  • Preschool/Pre-K carpool:
    • 2:30 p.m. dismissal
    • CHANGE TO AFTERNOON CARPOOL: 
      • Preschool Families: utilize the inside lane closest to the building 
      • Pre-K Families: utilize the outside lane farthest from the building
  • Kindergarten carpool:
    • 2:45 p.m. dismissal
    • Please do not line up before 2:40 p.m. We need to ensure Preschool and Pre-K students are picked up before we begin Kindergarten carpool line up. If you arrive early, Mr. TC will ask you to loop back around and park near the grass until he waves you forward. 
  • Pull up under the awning. Stay in your vehicle and a teacher will walk your child to your car. Pull forward close to the white fence where you can get out of your car and buckle your child in.
  • Do not park on the crosswalk.

 

Yay Lunch! Program:
We are excited to partner with Yay Lunch! for the 26-27 school year. A few notes:

  • Students must be registered to utilize the lunch program. Click here to register. 
  • Pre-order by Sunday at noon for the upcoming week. You will receive a slight discount for pre-ordering. Additionally, you have many different options to choose from by pre-ordering.  
  • You cannot pre-order after 10 a.m. prior to the day.
  • Students who do not pre-order will need to bring a lunch from home.
  • If your child has an allergy or is gluten free, please make sure the teacher is aware. This is helpful for lunches as well as snacks. 

Dress Code:
As a reminder, the daily outerwear policy has been updated this school year. Please make sure you have read through the 26-27 Dress Code expectations to ensure your child is following the uniform guidelines. 

Warm regards,

Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005
Head of Early Childhood 
 

2026-2027 Calendar & Key Dates

*Please note that the Kindergarten Showcase date has changed. The new date is November 3.