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

January 6, 2023

Happy New Year! Welcome, 2023. 
 
I hope your Winter Break was full of time with family, friends, and relaxing. I enjoyed staying up past my normal bedtime and sleeping in. Krista and I were thrilled to have all the kids home under one roof. We watched lots of football (wow, TCU!), played board games, and we even played some disc golf outside when the weather warmed up. I love Texas weather! 

As we move into the new year, predictions and resolutions are all around. I particularly enjoyed reading some of the recent predictions of Mrs. Reddig’s Language Arts Class (5th grade). Enjoy!

• My basketball team will make it to the championships.
• I will get much stronger and better at football and basketball.
• I think more people will come and have fun at Oakridge for the rest of the year.
• The Oakridge Football and Track teams will go undefeated.
• I think TCU will beat Georgia.
• I predict that I will make straight A’s the entire semester.
• I predict that there will be snowfall in the first week of February.
• I think the Cowboys are going to win the Super Bowl.

Each week, I include questions that have been asked, or that may be helpful to you in our weekly communication. In addition, 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.

1. When and how will I be able to view my child’s semester exam grades and semester grades?

Report card grades are now posted. Students and parents can access marking period, semester exams, and semester grades through My BackPack. Eligibility for Honor Roll and Head of School lists are determined solely from marking period grades and conduct. In Middle School, semester exams are calculated to prepare students for their impact on the semester grade. Semester grades are used to determine if a student has passed a course.    

2. Will my Eighth Grader have the opportunity to learn more about the Upper School before next year?

The first step in their Upper School journey will be the Eighth to Ninth Grade Move-up Social on Monday, January 23, from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm. Please save the date. Historically, move-up socials have been come-and-go events that allow families to meet the faculty and administration for the next division in a setting conducive to an informal conversation without a formal presentation. For the move-up to Upper School, both parents and students are invited to attend. To RSVP, please email Mrs. Wetzel. 

3. When is the STEM Showcase? Can I attend as a parent?

Please join us on January 27, 2023 for the Bright Minds Bright Ideas STEM Showcase. This come and go event will run from 8:00am-9:30 in the Student Activity Center. Parents are welcome to attend.

 

4. Are there any upcoming non-uniform dress days?

Monday, January 9, is the College Football Playoff National Championship! We will have a "Purple" Dress Day in honor of our TCU Horned Frogs. We are hoping to show our support by showing up in purple on Monday. If not purple, students can continue to wear regular school uniforms.

Also, next week, instead of Spirit Day on Friday, January 13, Middle School will have a Spirit Day on Thursday, January 12.  

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

We're excited to announce our first book club - The Wise Owl! Oakridge's first Parent, Faculty/Staff, and Alumni Book Club. Join us on January 18 at 8:15 AM or 1:45 PM to discuss The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. Our Librarian, Mrs. de Winter, loved this book and is thrilled to share it with us. It is available at most bookstores for pickup, or you can order a copy from Amazon.