Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School
August 16, 2024
“A great education can change anyone. A great teacher can change everything!” -Unknown.
This week has been filled with energy and excitement as our teachers prepare for the upcoming school year. The dialogue around implementing new instructional strategies, focusing on soft skills, and creating a challenging and nurturing environment, has been paramount.
Research indicates that teachers are the single most important classroom factor in a child’s academic success. In the synthesis of over 50,000 studies, researcher John Hattie noted that the greatest influence on student progress is having highly expert, inspired, passionate teachers working together to maximize the learning of all students. Our goal in Middle School is to help students become well-rounded, self-motivated, critical thinkers. However, we understand that this goal can’t be achieved without taking risks and thinking outside the box. This week has proven that our teachers are up for the challenge.
As we begin this journey together, we invite you to come out to our Back to School Bash. You will have an opportunity to meet your child’s advisor, and students will have a chance to set up their lockers. On Monday, August 19, we would love to see you at our MS Parent Night, where teachers will provide an overview of your child’s courses and expectations.
We are excited to announce that we have transitioned to a new, more streamlined parent portal system. To ensure a smooth experience, please take note of the following important changes:
Returning families: Please remove any existing bookmarks to My Backpack and Magnus Health. My Backpack is no longer in use, and the way to access Magnus Health has changed.
All families: You can now access Magnus Health directly through our school website. Simply click on the "My Oakridge" button, sign in with your credentials, and then click on the orange Magnus Health button on the left side of the screen. There is no longer a need to log in to Magnus Health separately.
Please note that the updated 2024-2025 Family Handbook is now available. The handbook provides information about topics such as dress code, code of conduct, our school's guidelines for responsible use of technology, as well as division specific content. A digital version of the handbook can be found on the Oakridge Parent Portal or a physical copy is available in each Division.
Below are a few reminder links. Also, to view your child’s class schedule for the 2024-25 school year, please log in to your “My Oakridge” parent portal.
Middle School Class Trip Information
“All Things Middle School” Video Message
Upcoming Events:
8.17.24- Back-to-School Bash, 9:00 a.m.
8.19.24- MS Parent Night (Parents Only), 6:00 p.m.
8.21.24- First Day of School
8.21.24- Cheers & Tears, 7:45 a.m.
We look forward to partnering with our Middle School families this school year, as we endeavor to continue this amazing new journey in the “middle.”
With profound gratitude,
Tamika R. Dees
- 8.17.24- Back-to-School Bash, 9:00 a.m.
- 8.19.24- MS Parent Night (Parents Only), 6:00 p.m.
- 8.21.24- First Day of School
- 8.21.24- Cheers & Tears, 7:45 a.m.
- August 29 - College Colors Day - It’s on a Thursday this year.
