Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood


August 11, 2023

Dear Early Childhood Families,

Pools, sunscreen, air conditioning, family time, trips to Mexico and Santa Fe, lots of laughter - just a few things that my summer has consisted of. I hope you and your families are enjoying your time together, and we cannot wait to see you soon.

Although it is always nice to have a summer break, the teachers and I are excited to start the 2023 - 2024 school year on Wednesday, August 23. Don’t forget to join us on Saturday, August 19, beginning at 9 a.m. for our Meet and Greet and Back to School Bash. The details to the Back-to-School Bash can be found on the flyer below. Additionally, we hope to see as many of you as possible at the Parent Information Night (parents only, please) on Monday, August 21, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. You will have the opportunity to learn about carpool routines, curriculum goals, and other pertinent information to ensure the school year runs smoothly. 

I want to take this opportunity to share a few ECC changes in roles. Arthur Ivo will be spreading his wings and moving from the ECC Spanish and Music and Movement teacher to joining the Lower School and Middle School P.E. Programs. Mara Townsley, “Coach T,” will join the ECC in full capacity this year. She will serve as the ECC Music and Movement teacher for Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten. Brittanie McGee served as the Kindergarten Aide last school year. This year, she will benefit our entire ECC community as the ECC Administrative Assistant. Vicki Reed will remain the 1st through 4th grade Spanish teacher and will also serve as the ECC Spanish teacher. Haymen Wall, an alum Oakridge student, and 2nd grade teacher at Oakridge will join us as a Kindergarten teacher. 

It is with great pleasure that I share with you that Jacklyn Hatley and Brooke Gordon have also joined our flock. Jacklyn Hatley, mom to three precious girls, will be teaching Preschool with Marissa Desjardins Cox as her aide. Jacklyn has many years of teaching experience, most recently in the Grand Prairie ISD. Brooke Gordon will be serving in the part-time Kindergarten Aide position. A fun fact about Brooke is that she also loves organization, so much so that she has a part-time job in the organization world. We are beyond honored to have Jacklyn and Brooke join the ECC Family.

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

Next Wednesday afternoon, August 16, your child’s teacher will send an email to you. We know that you are very much looking forward to receiving this email! In the event that you do not receive an email, please contact the ECC on August 17. 

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.
  • For students with siblings in Oakridge Lower, Middle or Upper School, we offer Owls’ Nest daily until 3:20 p.m.
  • Clayton Youth offers extended care in the afternoons should your child need an extended day. Students MUST be pre-registered in order to attend. 

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. Oakridge is partnered with Food4Life, which provides hot lunches daily to families that would like to go that route. You can choose which days you would like your child to receive a hot lunch.

Do ECC students wear uniforms?

Students in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten are required to wear Oakridge uniforms along with tennis shoes (no boots). You can purchase your uniforms from Mills Company. If your child prefers “dri-fit” clothing, there is now a “poly-wicking” option at Mills. You will also find gently used uniforms at the Uniform Resale held on August 19 during our Oakridge Back-to-School Event. Preschool students are not required to wear uniforms. Instead, we ask that you send them in clothing that allows for easy movement and is comfortable paired with tennis shoes. 

Save-the-Date:

  • August 19 - Oakridge Back-to-School Bash and ECC Meet the Teacher - great fun for the whole family! 
  • August 21 - ECC Parent Information Night, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the ECC - Parents only, please.
  • August 23 - First day of school and Cheers and Tears - our welcome back social event for parents.

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

Warm regards,

Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005
Head of Early Childhood