Britt Robinson, Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning, Head of Middle School

Sept. 16, 2022

As we finish the fourth week of school, the activity in the Middle School is buzzing on campus. This week we held Student Council elections for our Presidents and Activity Chairs. We had so many amazing speeches and brave students running for office, many for the first time. The candidates really impressed me with their confidence, poise, and leadership. Also, today we had our first class trip of the year. The 5th grade had an exciting time working on team building and participating in many outdoor activities. Finally, our sports teams are in full motion, with Field Hockey, Cross Country, Volleyball, Cheerleading, and Football representing Oakridge and competing fiercely against other area schools. You should join us and watch a game or two if you get a chance. Definitely a busy time, but the energy is what keeps Middle School lively and engaging. 

Each week, I am trying to include questions that I have received or think may be helpful to you in our weekly communication. If you have a question that you feel might be helpful for other parents in the Middle School that you would like considered for our weekly communication, please email your questions to me at brobinson@theoakridgeschool.org.

 1. I understand Student Council leadership is currently being selected. But what is the team system I keep hearing about from my child?

• One of the goals of the Student Council is to create opportunities for students to connect and belong. This year, students were randomly assigned to four different Marvel-themed teams- The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Black Panther, and Spider-Man. Teams will compete and participate in a variety of activities throughout the year. Some activities may be physical, some could be challenging brain games, or some may require just the right touch of a paintbrush. No matter the activity, the Student Council hopes to create an atmosphere of collaboration and fun. The competition kicks off during school on Friday, September 30 (early dismissal- 11:45 am) with a Capture the Flag tournament. 
   

 2. With the Oakridge Homecoming just a month away, what does this mean for Middle School students? Also, are mums allowed in the Middle School?

• One of the benefits of being at a PreSchool-12th grade school is that we can all share in the energy of Spirit Week and the traditions of the Homecoming parade, Pep Rally, and Varsity Football Game. While these traditions are shared across campus, some are reserved for students as they get older and give them something to look forward to when they get to Upper School. 

• In Middle School, students are not allowed to have mums during the school day, and there is not a Homecoming Dance until Upper School. Through the years, I will often overhear students saying they are going to Homecoming with someone else. Half-jokingly, I haven’t figured this out since we don’t give mums and don’t have a dance. Maybe it just means they will meet at the varsity football game and enjoy the food trucks together as friends. In all seriousness, Homecoming is about belonging to a community and living out school spirit. All the other traditions will happen at the developmentally appropriate time.     
    

 3. I received a notification that the first progress report were posted. How do I access these grades, and what do they mean?

• Students and parents can view a snapshot of their child’s grades in My BackPack. The current snapshot was posted this past Wednesday. The next progress report will be posted on September 27. The reports are typically posted in the late afternoon. Finally, the report card grade will be posted on October 11.
• The progress reports serve a couple of different purposes. First, the reports allow parents to see their children's progress in each of their classes. Depending on the goals and expectations of each student and family, this progress or lack of progress should generate productive conversation about study habits and time management. The second purpose of the progress report is for students to take ownership of their learning. If a parent or a student has a question about a grade, I believe that, in most instances, the student should be the first to approach the teacher to seek clarity or guidance. This approach does not intend to leave parents out of the conversation; instead, parents guide, practice, and coach their children on how to be independent, such as tips on writing an email or how to appropriately talk with the teacher to ask for help. These important skills are critical to helping build independence. Of course, if clarity is not achieved, the partnership between teachers and parents can and will be the foundation to ensure no gaps.
   

As always, please email me if you have additional questions.

Kind regards,

Britt

Britt Robinson
Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning
Head of Middle School