Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood

November 17, 2023

  

Dear Families,

As we approached Thanksgiving Break, it was an opportune moment to express gratitude for one another. ECC students marked the National Day of Kindness on Monday, with Preschool and Kindergarten students distributing kindness cards to faculty and staff members throughout the campus. The Pre-K class gathered to read the book, A Spot of Kindness. To symbolize the spirit of kindness, each child put an individual sticker on their hand. 

 

Native American Museum: To help students better understand the significance behind Thanksgiving celebrations, we welcomed a distinguished guest, Mrs. Garton, affectionately known as "Mrs. G." She shared insights about her heritage as a member of the Cherokee Tribe. Mrs. Garton, who served as the Director of Early Childhood for 37 years before retiring, setup a Native American Museum at the ECC. She showed the students various Native American artifacts and shared traditional Indian practices, such as hunting for food, living in teepees, and utilizing canoes or horseback for travel.

 

Kindergarten Friendsgiving: On Thursday, our Kindergarten students participated in the traditional "Kindergarten Friendsgiving." This unique occasion brings together Kindergarten students and their parents to express gratitude and celebrate each other.

Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day: The week concluded with our annual Grandparents' and Grandfriends' Day at the ECC. We were delighted to welcome hundreds of grandparents and special friends to our school. Throughout our time together, grandparents explored the "Mayflower" on the playground, joyfully posed in the photo booth, and even participated in feeding the animals at our petting zoo. As an Oakridge graduate, I can personally attest that Grandparents' Day holds a special place in my heart. "A grandparent is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend." Thank you for sharing your loved one with us.

Visiting Author: Mrs. DeWinter, our school librarian, is excited to share that author Christ Barton will be visiting with our Kindergarten students on November 29 during the school day. Click here to learn more about the author visit and how to purchase a book for the author to sign for your child.

Holiday Treasures, December 4 - 8: Each year, our Oakridge Parents’ Club volunteers host Holiday Treasures. The OPC shares the following information about Holiday Treasures:

• The Holiday Treasures Gift Shop is an annual gift shop that provides an opportunity for ECC, Lower School, and Lower House Middle School students to “shop” for holiday gifts for family and friends. 
• Volunteers are needed to assist children in the gift selection process and wrapping gifts. 
• Shifts are available every day throughout the week of December 4 - 8, morning, afternoon, or both.
• Volunteers are also needed in the month prior to the event for pre-wrapping of gifts and display set up. 

 

Whether you are staying home or traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, the ECC Faculty, Staff and I extend our warmest wishes to you and your families. We are genuinely grateful that you have selected Oakridge to play a vital role in your child's educational journey.

Sincerely,

Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005
Head of Early Childhood