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


Oct. 21, 2022

Dear Middle School, 

“Encouraging a child means that one or more of the following critical life messages are coming through, either by word or by action: I believe in you, I trust you, I know you can handle this, You are listened to, You are cared for, You are very important to me.”  - Barbara Coloroso

Working with students during the middle school years is fulfilling, rewarding, and at times, frustrating. And sometimes, all of these emotions happen all at once. Developmentally, we know these are the years when connections are made, “lightbulb” moments happen, and life lessons are experienced. Encouragement from educators and parents can help ensure we are not wasting the opportunities to encourage children through the inevitable positive and negative experiences during these middle school years. 

I am grateful for the partnership between the school and our community of parents. Together we can encourage your children and our students. Together, our words and actions will let them know that we care for them. Together we are all better. 

Each week, I try to include questions that I have received or think 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. With the end of the Fall sports season coming up next week, will students still have non-uniform Spirit Days?

  • Yes, the school spirit this year has been awesome! Since the last Middle School football game is Thursday, October 27, we will move our weekly Spirit Day from Thursdays to Fridays beginning Friday, November 4.

2. Besides weekly Spirit Days (see above), are there any upcoming special dress days in the Middle School?

  • Pink Out is Tuesday, October 25. Students can wear their purchased 2022 Pint Out shirt or any pink shirt. Students can follow the non-dress code guidelines or may wear the regular school uniform.
  • On October 31, Middle School students can wear Fall/Halloween colors (orange, black, white, yellow, and brown). Students can follow non-dress code guidelines or may wear the regular school uniform.

3. Parent Conference Day is coming up on October 28. Is this the only day to see teachers? How do I make an appointment?  

  • Each year, Oakridge sets aside one day in the Fall (October 28) and one in the Winter (February 17) to hold parent conferences. However, parents can request a conference anytime throughout the year by emailing the teacher directly or calling the Middle School Office at 817-451-4994. To schedule a conference with a teacher during October, including October 28, please make an appointment at the Fall 2022 Conferences.

4. The Oakridge Parent’s Club Fall Middle School Dessert Party is on October 27. Can I help or donate any food items for the party?

5. What is the STEM Showcase, and how does my child participate?

  • The Bright Minds Bright Ideas STEM Showcase is a non-competitive display of student work promoting science, technology, engineering, and math. The application is now open, and Oakridge is accepting submissions.

  • To submit an entry, please visit  STEM SHOWCASE. The due date for all entries is November 17.
     

6. My child is ready for more of a challenge in math. Are there any enrichment programs or math clubs in the Middle School?

  • Mrs. Hunter, the school’s math specialist, is hosting a Math Challenge club on Fridays during Study Hall.
     
    • 5th and 6th-grade students will meet to work on puzzles and CML (Continental Mathematics League) Contest problems. Periodically, students will participate in a CML contest during Study Hall.
    • 7th and 8th-grade students will meet to work on MathCounts warm-ups and workouts. Later in the year, students can participate in the MathCounts competition. 
    • Interested students can sign-up by emailing Mrs. Hunter. 

7. Is there a Lost and Found in the Middle School if my child lost an item at school?

  • Yes, Middle School has a Lost and Found. Three lockers directly across from the Middle School Office are full of quality items seeking a good home. Water bottles, textbooks, clothing, and lunch boxes. Items not collected soon will be thrown away or donated.  

8. When is the Fall visiting author coming?

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

Please SAVE the following dates:

  • October 25 - Pink Out non-uniform dress day

  • October 27 - MS Spirit non-uniform dress day

  • October 28 - Parent Conferences 

  • October 31 - Fall/Halloween Colors non-uniform dress day

  • November 1-2 - 7th Grade Class Trip

  • November 10-11 - 8th Grade Class Trip