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

Nov. 11, 2022

Dear Middle School Parents,

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.-- Coretta Scott King

I am fortunate to be in a position to see the kindness and compassion of our community (students, faculty, and parents) day in and day out. As most of you know, Oakridge is a special place with amazing people. Whether it’s sacrificing family time to chaperone a class trip, participating in the annual canned food drive, a donation to the Oakridge Fund, or simply a smile in the carpool line on a cold day, our community seems to know exactly what is needed and makes the magic happen every day. To this, I am grateful.      

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. With the holiday season quickly approaching, will there be a school-wide canned food drive this year?

Yes. Continuing the long-standing tradition of partnering with our community neighbor, Mission Arlington, Oakridge, is collecting canned food items for those in need. The drive will run from November 7-November 16. Mission Arlington will pick up on November 17. For all divisions, the cans can be dropped off in the library.

2. Semester Exams are coming up the week of December 12. What does the schedule look like for Middle School?

Semester exams are given in Middle School to gradually prepare students for longer, more comprehensive exams (developmentally similar to what they will see in Upper School and College). There are no classes during this week, only exam sessions. Middle school students will take one or two exams a day on Monday (12/12) through Thursday (12/15). Friday (12/16) is reserved as a make-up testing day. Students do not need to come to school on Friday if they have completed all of their exams. 

Each day, all students will have an exam from 8:30 am-10:00 am. On Tuesday and Wednesday, a second exam will be given from 10:30 am-12:00 pm with a snack break in between. When a student only has one exam, dismissal will be at 10:00 am. On days with two exams, students will dismiss at 12:00 pm.

Visit the Middle School Exam Schedule- Fall to see the detailed schedule.
 

3. When is the last day to sign-up for the STEM Showcase?

The Bright Minds Bright Ideas STEM Showcase is a non-competitive display of student work promoting science, technology, engineering, and math. The due date for all entries is November 17. Sign up here. 
 

4. What is the schedule for visiting Middle School Grandparents/Grandfriends on Friday, November 18? 

• 8:00 am- Welcome - Middle School Grandparents/Grandfriends register and have refreshments in the Student Activity Center (SAC). 
• 8:30 am- Middle School Grandparents/Grandfriends attend the Program in the Flavin Fine Arts Performance Hall. 
• 9:00 am- Middle School Grandparents/Grandfriends visit Middle School classrooms. 
• 10:00 am- Middle School Dismissal 

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