Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

November 22, 2024

Greetings, Middle School Families, 

This week, the Middle School was filled with kindness, generosity and thanksgiving. We concluded our Annual Canned Food Drive by collecting a total of 2,334 cans. The students were not only excited to participate in a little friendly competition, but, more importantly, an opportunity to serve and to give back to our community. Congratulations to Mrs. Hoffer’s advisory class for collecting the most cans. 

The students completed a “Thankful Turkey” activity posting what they are thankful for which included slime, family, friends, pets, and pizza. This beautiful turkey display served as a reminder of the little things that we sometimes take for granted. The students also engaged in the celebration of “Thanksgiving” by showing appreciation to our incredible security, staff, and maintenance team for all they do. In addition,  in honor of World Kindness Day, the students shared handwritten notes and thoughtful cards to brighten everyone’s day. 

Our amazing STUCO members designed a week full of fun and engaging activities as an exciting way to begin the Thanksgiving Break. On Tuesday, the advisories went head-to-head in a Trivia Challenge to determine which advisory was the “greatest of all time.” Wednesday, the students completed a canned food building tower challenge utilizing the cans that they collected in their individual advisory classes. 

Finally, the highlight of our week was spending time on campus with our Grandparents and Grandfriends. This annual occasion was an opportunity for us to showcase all of the amazing things that are happening in Middle School, and to show our appreciation for those who mean so much to us. Activities included stained glass window projects, generation gap kahoot, French Monopoly, Spanish Scrabble, and tabletop bowling. 

Please come out and join us from 9-11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 20, for the Turkey Toss at Mission Arlington. Our service is to remove the frozen turkeys from the walk-in freezers and begin the thawing process so they are ready for Thanksgiving Day. Families, friends, alumni, and students of all ages are welcome, and don’t forget to bring some gloves and a jacket. 

All Oakridge polos, oxfords and outwear are to have The Oakridge School logo monogrammed on them. However, due to Dennis Uniforms unexpectedly going out of business, please have your child in clothing that matches the color and texture of Dennis Uniform brand as closely as possible. This includes jackets that can be worn in the classroom. Also note that our Spirit Store, Owl’s Landing, has several great options for sweatshirts and hoodies. Please label all items with your child’s name.

With gratitude,

Tamika R. Dees
Head of Middle School

 

Information Station: 

Middle School Semester Exam Schedule

7th Grade Class Trip- March 26-28 

8th Grade Class Trip- April 9-11

 

Upcoming Dates: 

• November 25-29: Thanksgiving Holiday, No School 
• Monday, November 25: Turkey Toss @ Mission Arlington, 9:00 a.m. 
• Wednesday, December 4: OPC Dessert Party 
• Thursday, December 5: LHMS Musical Theatre Show, 7:00 p.m. 
• December 9-13: OPC Holiday Treasures 
• Wednesday, December 11: US/MS Winter Orchestra Concert, 7:00 p.m. 
• Thursday, December 12: US/MS Winter Choir Concert, 7:00 p.m. 
• Friday, December 13: Wellness Wise, Bridge, 8:00 a.m. 
• December 16-19: Semester Exam Week, Early Dismissal
• December 20-January 7: Winter Break, No School