Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood

 

January 24, 2025

Dear Families,

Our students have been practicing how to pay attention. “We pay attention with our eyes and ears, but not our mouths. Where the eyes go, the brain follows.” Listening is an active practice and takes time to learn. Students have been practicing facing the speaker, putting their eyes on them and actively listening. This is also a wonderful way to practice showing respect. 

Oakridge Live! Group Visit Day, January 25:

Do you know of a family that would benefit from The Oakridge School education? Tomorrow, January 25, we are hosting our annual “Oakridge Live! ECC Group Visit Day” from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Prospective families will drop off their children to the ECC at 9:00 a.m. where they will spend about two hours visiting with the appropriate teacher. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about prospective families and for them to learn more about us. We are hosting a second “Oakridge Live! ECC Group Visit Day” on February 23. Please help us spread the word to your friends and neighbors. Inquiries may be directed to abenjamin@theoakridgeschool.org. 

Cross-Divisional Collaboration:

As a Preschool through 12th grade school, we welcome cross-divisional opportunities that speak to our mission of “cultivating social responsibility, mutual respect and personal integrity.” These unique collaborations offer our older students a chance to mentor our younger students. 

Kindergarteners had a wonderful time with their Junior Buddies on Wednesday. The students created a snowman together, shared laughter, and created lasting memories. This cherished tradition benefits both groups: Juniors get to practice mentorship skills, while Kindergarteners soak up all the attention.

Next week, we are excited to host a Middle School and Preschool and Kindergarten Cross-Divisional Collaboration. 6th grade students will visit the ECC to lead Kindergarteners in math games they created as part of a Design Thinking Process. The 6th graders designed the games to reinforce Kindergarten math objectives. Also, 5th grade students will partner with Preschoolers on a community service project creating bags for those in need. 

Book Fair, January 27 - 31:

Each year, the Oakridge Parents’ Club in conjunction with Mrs. DeWinter, our Head Librarian, hosts the annual Book Fair in our beautiful Library. This event allows all our students and families to purchase books, which in turn, raises funds for our library. It’s a win-win! All the proceeds raised during the Book Fair go directly to The Oakridge School Library in the form of new books and funds to purchase things like new furniture and take-home kit supplies. Parents, we welcome you to volunteer at this special event. More information to come soon on how your children can purchase books.  There are several ways you can pay for books at the Book Fair. Cash, credit cards, and checks made out to OPC are all acceptable. 

On January 27, each ECC student will visit the Book Fair with their class. Students will be allowed to purchase books during this time if they choose. Students can also shop during “Breakfast and Books” and Family Night. ECC students will shop with their classes during the below listed times on Monday, January 27:

• Buckalew: 8:40 - 9:00 a.m.
• Hatley: 9:00 - 9:20 a.m.
• Strode: 9:30 - 9:55 a.m.
• Gaspar: 10:00 - 10:25 a.m. 
• Wall: 12:30 - 1:00
• Rogers: 1:00 - 1:30
• Schley: 1:30 - 2:00

Best regards,

Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005
Head of Early Childhood