Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood

 

October 25, 2024

Dear Parents,

Fall is in the air! Well, at least in the mornings. Texas weather can be unpredictable at times and hard to dress for. Sweaters in the morning and shorts in the afternoon. Speaking of sweaters, as we head into cooler weather please be mindful of our winter dress code (more details can be found in the Family Handbook located on the Parent Portal). 

• Boys and girls may wear:
  • Long-sleeved polo knit light blue or white polo shirts
  • Long-sleeved oxford cloth light blue or white shirts
  • Tennis shoes only (no boots or light up shoes)
  • Long, navy blue pants
  • Non-Oakridge jackets, sweaters, scarves, hats and gloves when outside
• Outerwear for boys and girls:
  • Solid navy sweatshirt over uniform shirts
  • Navy cardigan over uniform shirts
  • Navy sweater vest over uniform shirts
  • Approved outerwear purchased from The Oakridge School Spirit Store, Owl’s Landing, may be worn. 
• Girls may wear:
  • Tights under skirts or dresses. Tights must be navy blue, black or white (opaque or cable - not sheer)

*All Oakridge polos, oxfords and outwear are to have The Oakridge School logo monogrammed on them. However, due to the delay in uniforms with Dennis Uniform, if you have not received your order or your child’s size is unavailable, please have your child in clothing that matches the color and texture of Dennis Uniform brand as closely as possible. Please note, the OPC Uniform Resale will be happening on November 4 from 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. in the OPC Building if you are in the hunt for winter uniforms. 

Thought of the Week: Our thought of the week this week is, “Always tell the truth.” Dan St. Romain shares the following:

At a young developmental age, many students might initially lie when confronted. They do this out of fear of getting in trouble. Our goal as teachers is to develop a relationship of trust with our students so that they are not scared to tell the truth. We want our students to be honest because it is the right thing to do, not because they are scared of punishment. Ethical development comes from an understanding that our actions impact other people. The more we foster caring relationships, the greater the likelihood our students will develop a strong ethical foundation. 

Dan St. Romain’s beliefs speak to the end of mission statement, “To inspire students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics in a challenging and nurturing environment that cultivates social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity.” We provide opportunities for our students to take risks, fail forward all while maintaining their integrity and remain truth tellers. 

Book suggestions: 

The Berenstain Bears and the Truth by Stan and Jan Berenstain

The Dog Who Cried "Woof!" by Bob Barkly

Sarah's Little Ghosts by Thierry Robberecht

Sam Tells Stories by Thierry Robberecht

Fall Showcases: The students are only two weeks away from their Fall Showcase performances. Showcases are an integral part of our public speaking initiative. Students will showcase what they have learned in terms of rhythm, singing voices and performance skills. Parents and loved ones are invited to join and be in the audience.

• Wednesday, November 6:
  • Buckalew @ 10:00 a.m.
  • Hatley @ 10:30 a.m.
  • Wall @ 12:00 p.m.
  • Schley @ 12:45 p.m.
  • Rogers @ 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday, November 7:
  • Gaspar @ 9:30 a.m.
  • Strode @ 10:15 a.m.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: What a wonderful turnout for Parent-Teacher Conference week. Thank you for making it a priority to join your child’s teacher and hear about the progress your child has made thus far. 

Owlfest: On Thursday, we had the best time seeing our littlest owls in costume as we enjoyed the fall carnival. From Spidermen, to puppy dogs, to cheerleaders, the cuteness was too much to handle! 

We hope you enjoy a restful weekend. 

Sincerely,

Ashley Read, Class of 2005

Head of Early Childhood