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

January 20, 2023

Dear Middle School Parents,

I am energized by the spirit in the Middle School. I continue to hear from teachers about the amazing engagement of students in academic classrooms. Our Fine Arts classes are busy preparing for their next concert, play, or project. I can’t wait to see their preparation pay off! The athletic teams are competing at high levels and finding success. It is a great time to be an Owl! 

With re-enrollment released last week, we encourage families to complete all steps by February 3 so that we can continue to plan for next year. Additionally, students currently in grades 4, 5, 6, or 7 who re-enroll by Sunday (1/22) will have priority in selecting their locker location for next year.

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.org

1. When is the next Spirit Dress Day in Middle School?

Unless we have an exception that is communicated, Fridays are the Spirit Dress days for the rest of the semester.

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. Middle School students are taking the second round of ERB Milestone Assessments next week. What is this benchmark?

“Milestones offer educators regular, short assessment touchpoints across each school year to provide the real-time data … without occupying a lot of valuable classroom time.”  ERB

The Milestone Assessments are given three times a year, and this will be the second administration, with the third given in Spring. These are low-stakes assessments in Math and Reading Comprehension. Students take their assessments on their iPad. We encourage students to eat a good breakfast, get a good night’s sleep, and charge their iPad. The following testing session is during advisory on Tuesday, January 24 (Math) and Wednesday, January 25 (Reading).

4. 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 8-9:30 a.m. in the Student Activity Center (SAC). Parents are welcome to attend.

 

5. Friday, January 27, is a Last Friday early dismissal. What is going on that day? 

There is always lots going on Last Fridays. It is early dismissal at 11:45 am for Middle School. Students in 7th and 8th grade will get picked up by the flagpoles, and 5th and 6th-grade students will get picked up in their usual location (MAC Porch). Please note that the library will be closed and will not be an option for after-school. We expect pick up for all students OR 5th, and 6th-grade students registered with Clayton may use their services for extended care.  

All students are encouraged to wear a college shirt or sweatshirt on Friday. Some of the activities on campus will include Stem Showcase, college activities for 8th grade as they join with the Upper School, and Student Council-led activities for grades 5, 6, and 7. 

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