Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

November 15, 2024

Greetings, Middle School Families, 

Charlemagne said it best when he said “To have a second language is to possess a second soul.”

The Middle School World Language Department here at The Oakridge School is simply one of the best. Research indicates that the benefits of studying other languages include enhancing memory skills, increasing analytical capabilities, and the ability to work with abstract concepts.

In French I, students are learning how to say which leisure time activities they enjoy the most. Also the students are learning how to use -ER verbs that help them express their likes and dislikes of certain activities. In addition, students are researching different sight-seeing activities one can experience in Paris, as well as learning about the 2024 Paris olympics and its cultural impact on the world. 

French II students are learning about French art. Students have been exploring French art styles such as Impressionism and Cubism. Students have been learning how to look at and analyze complex ideas and concepts through French art and derive meaning from works of beauty. In addition, students have developed a great appreciation for the visual fine arts through the masterpieces of grand artists such as Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.     

Students in the Spanish A classes just wrapped up Hispanic Heritage Month with presentations of each of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries. The students presented tremendously well in Spanish, and learned about a variety of countries’ governments, schools, popular foods and everyday life.  

In the Spanish B classes, students presented on a prominent Latino/Hispano who have made great contributions to our society. Students presented on individuals such as Sonia Soto-Mayor, Lionel Messi, and Carolina Herrera. During the presentations students were poised and engaged the audience. In addition, students in Transitional Spanish learned the importance of Dias de Los Muertos understanding the meaning and history of this holiday.

Finally, students in the 5th and 6th Spanish classes have been introduced to grammar construction, and although some of these forms are quite different from English, the students have been able to perform at a high level in such a short period of time. In addition to sentence structure, students are currently utilizing Spanish vocabulary to discuss healthy living styles and things they enjoy while vacationing. All of the students have shown great improvement in their pronunciation skills, and it’s so exciting to see their love and passion for learning a second language.  

The World Language Team, 

Dr. Fraiser- World Language Teacher, History Teacher 

Mrs. Rizzi- World Language Coach, World Language Teacher 

Mr. Bullon- World Language Teacher

Semester Exam week is December 16-19. Each day, students are dismissed after their exams to prepare for the remaining exams. There are no classes during this week, only exam sessions. Your child does not need to come to school if they do not have an exam during the scheduled time. We know that for some of your children, final exam week can be stressful and may cause anxiety. Here are a few tips to help them stay calm: (1) review notes, study material, and practice problems; (2) get plenty of rest the night before; (3) eat a good breakfast. The Parents’ Club will provide students with a snack between exams. Please review the following link for dates and times of exams: Middle School Semester Exam Schedule.

Information Station: 

2024 Grandparents’/Grandfriends’ Day Schedule

7th Grade Class Trip- March 26-28

8th Grade Class Trip- April 9-11

November Food4Life Menu