Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

September 20, 2024

Greetings, Middle School Families,

We are moving and grooving in the “middle” this week. This week’s focus was on the importance of volunteering and community service. We know the tremendous benefits for adolescents and young adults who engage in community service events and projects. Volunteerism is vital in developing leadership skills, enhancing social awareness, and the need to give back.

Additionally, volunteering enhances positive self-esteem, self-confidence, and respect for others. Research shows that students who participate in community service develop good communication, time management, and decision-making skills. 

With the new implementation of the MobileServe app, every middle school student can log their community service/volunteer hours digitally. In the coming weeks, we will meet with our scholars to discuss what is deemed community service/volunteerism and how using this technology to document their service hours can be beneficial. We can’t wait to hear all about our Owls and the remarkable work that they will do serving others.

Owls in the Community

The Middle School Oakridge Owl student-athletes and Cheer participated in the Teamed Up With Tara Sawyer Foundation event, celebrating athletes of all abilities! Students from high schools across DFW joined together to coach and cheer on teams of special needs athletes. These scholars were so grateful for the opportunity and truly learned the value of becoming well-rounded citizens. Finally, our 7th and 8th grade Middle School Choir students did a phenomenal job singing the National Anthem at the Varsity Football game. They were so poised and sang with confidence and grace. 

First Progress Report Posted 

The first progress report of the year has been posted. This report can be accessed via your Oakridge Parent Portal and viewed under Classes and Reports. This checkpoint gives a glimpse of your child's progress in each course. Teachers may also leave notes and updates. If you need assistance accessing your portal, please email technology@theoakridgeschool.org.

Health News from the Nurse’s Office 

To help keep our students and staff as healthy as possible, please follow these basic guidelines: (our health guidelines are also found on our website, for your future reference)

1. Students and staff with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher must stay home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications (e.g., Tylenol or Motrin).

2. Students/Staff who have vomited, either at home or at school, should not return until they have been emesis-free for 24 hours.

3. Students/Staff with diarrhea must remain at home until they have been diarrhea-free for 24 hours.

4. Frequent handwashing is essential in preventing the spread of illness.

Information Station:

Visiting Author Aaron Reynolds- 5th Grade

Food4Life September Menu  

Homecoming 2024 

With gratitude,

Tamika