Sarah Schecter, Head of Lower School

August 9, 2024

Dear Lower School Parents,

Watching the Olympics each evening has been an extra bonus of the summer. But as the Olympics ends, school begins and we are excited to have everyone back on campus. Teachers are busy throughout the building eagerly preparing for the first day of school. 

It is always a joy to welcome our students back after summer. In addition, we have over twenty new students in Lower School and the third grade even has a wait pool of strong candidates! As you see new families and faces, I know you will extend a warm Oakridge welcome. 

Next Wednesday afternoon, August 14, you will receive an email from your child’s homeroom teacher for this school year. We know you are all looking forward to hearing this news!

Most of you ordered school supplies from the Oakridge Parents’ Club. If you did not, please bring supplies to the Back to School Bash, August 17. That will make the first day of school a bit easier.

A note regarding carpool for those who have more than one child in Lower School. Older siblings go to afternoon carpool with their younger siblings, so parents only have one place to pick up each day. Please note this change, first and fourth grade students will be dismissed from the MAC porch (where drop off is), while second and third grade students will dismiss at the flagpoles.

We are excited to announce that we have transitioned to a new, more streamlined parent portal system. 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 click on the "My Oakridge" button, 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.

Mark your calendars for these important dates:

• Morning of August 17, Back-to-School Bash

  • 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Meet the Teacher

• August 21, First Day of School

• August 22, Lower School Parent Night, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. (Parents only, please)

 

Things to note:

• School hours:

  • Drop-off begins as early as 7:30 a.m. daily
  • Lower School Hours: 7:50 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.

• After school care program details will be available on our website soon. Online registration is expected to open on August 15.

• Hot Lunch: Food 4 Life provides a variety of hot lunches daily. Details on how to set up an account for your child will be provided at the Back-to-School Bash Food 4 Life table.

• Communication during the school year: Communication is key to ensuring student success. Throughout the school year, we communicate through a variety of platforms. We utilize:

  • Oakridge Weekly E-News Emails (Each week, our administrative team will send out an email that contains imperative information about our school.)

  • Remind App (one-way messaging platform to communicate information). Please follow the link to join your child’s class.

• Magnus Health: When you login to the new parent portal, you will be able to update your child's Magnus Health information.

• Label everything that is brought to school (lunch boxes, change of clothes, backpacks, sweaters, etc.).

• School supply list for grades 1-4 is here.

• We hold the health and wellness of all of our students, teachers and staff as a high priority. Click here to view our health guidelines.

• Owl’s Landing Spirit Store: We love seeing our families in Oakridge spirit wear. You can purchase spirit items during our Back-to-School Bash and throughout the school year.

Lower School Contact Information:

Sarah Schecter, Head of Lower School
sschecter@theoakridgeschool.org
817-451-4994, ext. 2720

Melanie Butts, Administrative Assistant
mbutts@theoakridgeschool.org
817-451-4994, ext. 2719

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or Melanie Butts with any questions. We can’t wait to have you and your child back on campus!

See you soon,

Sarah Schecter