Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood

 

August 16, 2024

Dear Families,

This week, we welcomed back all faculty and staff for our annual Pre-Planning Days. The teachers have been busy preparing our building to welcome close to 90 energetic students. We anxiously await our building to be filled with laughter, dramatic play, creativity and joyful children.  

Back-to-School Bash and Meet the Teacher:

We hope to see many of you tomorrow, August 17, for our annual Back-to-School Bash and Meet and Greet. The Teacher Meet and Greet will run from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. in the ECC. Immediately following, we invite you to join us at the come-and-go Bash on the main side of campus. The Bash Runs from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. 

Extended Care: Owls’ Nest

We are excited to share that our After School Programming has been brought in house this year and is called, “Owls’ Nest.” Mrs. Marissa Desjardins Cox serves as our Auxiliary Program Coordinator and can be reached at mdesjardins@theoakridgeschool.org. More detail will be provided about Owls’ Nest at our Parent Information Night on August 19.

Owls’ Nest information: 

• Owls’ Nest siblings: Families with children in different divisions receive no charge for sibling care during the wait period between dismissal times. If children are not picked up within 15 minutes after the eldest child’s dismissal, both children will be charged the daily rate for Extended Care.

• Owls’ Nest Bus Riders: ECC students who ride the bus will stay in ECC Owls’ Nest care (free of charge) until the bus arrives at the ECC. Once the bus arrives, an Owls’ Nest teacher will walk your child to the bus and ensure he/she is seated safely. You will then meet the bus at the designated pick up point.

• Owls’ Nest Extended Care: available until 5:45 p.m. daily; 15 minute grace period followed by $50 late fee plus $2/minute/sibling.

• Owls’ Nest Extended Care is available on Last Friday Early Dismissal days.

 

Parent Information Night:

Don’t forget to join us on Monday, August 19, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. for ECC Parent Information Night (parents only, please). You will learn more about extended care options, carpool expectations, and curricular goals from both the classroom teachers and me. 

First Day of School:

On the first day of school, August 21, you are invited to walk your child in and snap a few photos, or come through the carpool line and a faculty or staff member will help direct your child to his/her classroom. 

Family Handbook: 

Please note that the updated 2024-2025 Family Handbook is now available. The handbook provides information about topics such as dress code, code of conduct, our school's guidelines for responsible use of technology, as well as division specific content. A digital version of the handbook can be found on the Oakridge Parent Portal or a physical copy is available in each Division.

FAQs:

In last week’s email, I shared a few ECC FAQs with you. As a reminder, I have pasted them below. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brittanie McGee or me. 

Ashley Read, aread@theoakridgeschool.org, ext. 3527

Brittanie McGee, bmcgee@theoakridgeschool.org, ext. 2715

What is the parent portal and how do I access it?

We are excited to announce that we have transitioned to a new, more streamlined parent portal system. The parent portal will gain you access to:

• All school calendar

• All messages sent from the school

• Magnus Health 

• Your Middle and Upper School student’s daily schedule

• Faculty, Staff and Student Directory

• Billing and statements

To ensure a smooth experience, please take note of the following important changes:

Returning families: Please remove any existing bookmarks to My Backpack and Magnus Health. My Backpack is no longer in use, and the way to access Magnus Health has changed.

All families: You can now access Magnus Health directly through our school website. Simply navigate to www.theoakridgeschool.org, click on the "My Oakridge" button in the top right-hand corner, sign in with your credentials, and then click on the orange Magnus Health button on the left side of the screen. There is no longer a need to log in to Magnus Health separately.

We believe this new system will provide a more convenient and user-friendly experience for our families. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at technology@theoakridgeschool.org.

When will we find out which class our child is in for this coming school year?

On Wednesday afternoon, August 14, you should have received an email from your child’s teacher. If you did not receive an email, please contact Mrs. McGee.

What school supplies do I need to purchase for my Preschool, Pre-K or Kindergarten child?

Other than a full-sized backpack, lunchbox and a sports water bottle, Oakridge provides all school supplies for Preschool - Kindergarten students. *Preschool students will also need to send a nap-mat. 

What are the daily school hours?

• Preschool and Pre-K: 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

• Kindergarten: 8:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

• Students may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m.

• After-school care program details will be available soon. 

Do I need to send a sack lunch daily, or is there an option to order a hot lunch?

Students are welcome to bring lunches from home each day. Food4Life provides hot lunches daily to families that would like to go that route. You have the option to choose which days you would like for your child to receive a hot lunch.

Do ECC students wear uniforms?

All ECC students are required to wear Oakridge uniforms along with tennis shoes (no boots or light up shoes). You can purchase your uniforms from Dennis Uniform. If your child prefers “dri-fit” clothing, there is now a “poly-wicking” option at Dennis. You will also find gently used uniforms at the Uniform Resale held on August 17 during our Oakridge Back-to-School Bash. 

Be sure to soak in the remaining days of summer - maybe in the air conditioning though. 

Warm regards,

Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005
Head of Early Childhood