Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

August 30, 2024

 

Greetings, Middle School Families,

We are definitely off to a great start in Middle School! Our students are mastering opening their lockers, getting to class on time, and being prepared for the day. During this week's advisory period, students discussed methods for staying organized, managing their time, and the importance of team-building skills. These soft skills are an important part of their academic endeavors and valuable in the workforce and, most importantly, in life.

As we continue to build a partnership with our families and develop Owls who are phenomenal scholars, here are some tips on how our parents may engage in the learning process at home: 

(1) During the week, ask your child what they’re learning in class and how this may apply to the real world. 

(2) Encourage your child to review/study their notes for 10-15 minutes a day.

(3) Develop routines/procedures to help your child with organizational skills. 

(4) Inspire perseverance.

Lower House Class Trips:

5th- The 5th-grade trip is a one-day excursion to Trinity Forest Adventure Park in Dallas. The big day, Friday, Sept 13, 2024, is a wonderful day of learning, fun, and relaxation. Additionally, this day provides the class a chance to bond as a whole and an opportunity for students to interact with each other and teachers in a different environment than the classroom. The trip cost is $120, which will cover all aspects of the trip including lunch. Please use this link to pay by credit card or send payment, payable to “The Oakridge School” to Mrs. Wetzel by Friday, September 6. Please submit:

Trinity Forest Adventure Park Release Form

The release form must be completed so your child can go on the trip.

Please Review:

Packing List and Agenda

Special Dietary Request Form

6th- The 6th-grade trip is a one-day excursion to Camp Grady Spruce on Possum Kingdom Lake. The big day, Thursday, September 26, will include horseback riding, hiking, and lessons in history, geology, and earth science from the camp’s naturalists. It is a wonderful day of learning, fun, and relaxation. Click HERE to register. 

Upper House Class Trips

7th- The 7th-grade trip is a Texas History Hill Country overnight Adventure. Click HERE for details and to register. 

8th- The 8th-grade trip is a two-day Civil Rights and Social Justice tour beginning in Atlanta. Click HERE for details and to register. 

Join Grand Classroom for a Parent Webinar:  Middle School Trips 7th/8th- Thu. 9/12 @ 7pm cdt

Owls’ Nest Extended Day

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new in-house Owls' Nest Extended Day Program at The Oakridge School for grades preschool through 8th grade. This exciting addition to our offerings is designed to provide your child with a warm, welcoming, and engaging environment after the school day ends. Middle School students who are not picked up by 4:00 p.m. will report to the Middle School Learning Commons. Please note that students will no longer report to the library. 

Operating every school day until 5:45 p.m., Owls' Nest is more than just after-school care—it's a space where students can unwind, explore new interests, and connect with friends in a safe and nurturing setting. See the flyer below for more information. 

After School  Enrichment:

Music instructor Jodi Coke offers an after-school musical theatre program for 5th/6th grade Oakridge students. This program allows students to perform quality music from the Broadway stage, films, and children’s musicals.

*No audition is necessary. Classes will present a full-scale staged show in December and May. Enrollment is for the full year. The registration fee covers musical packages, performance rights, staging needs, costume supplies, props, and miscellaneous supplies.

You can register by logging into your parent portal or following this link. Don’t miss out on the chance for your child to explore new interests and develop skills in a fun and engaging environment. Secure your spot today!

Finally, we encourage you to come out and support our MS athletic teams. The athletic schedules are on the parent portal. This is a great time for students to bond with their friends and make long-lasting memories. 

With profound gratitude,

Tamika Dees