Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood

August 18, 2023

“The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six.” -Maria Montessori.

Dear Families,

We are grateful and honored that you have chosen The Oakridge School Early Childhood Center to be part of your child’s educational journey. The teachers have been busy preparing our building to welcome 90 energetic little learners. Soon, the ECC buildings will be filled with laughter, dramatic play, creativity, and joyful children as we embark on our 2023 - 2024 school year. 

We hope to see many of you tomorrow, August 19, for our annual Back-to-School Bash and Meet and Greet. The Teacher Meet and Greet will run from 9 - 9:45 a.m. 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. 

On the first day of school, 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. 

Save-the-Date:

• August 19: Back-to-School Bash and Meet and Greet: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
• August 21: ECC Parent Information Night 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• August 23: First Day of School
• September 8: Picture Day

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 me or Brittanie McGee, ECC Administrative Assistant. 

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

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

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 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 partners with Food4Life to provide hot lunches daily for 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. 

Warm regards,

Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005
Head of Early Childhood