Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

January 12, 2024

 

Greetings, Middle School Families, 

“Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding.” — William Paul Thurston

The Oakridge Middle School Mathematics Department is simply extraordinary to say the least. Together our math teachers have over 63 years of teaching experience here at The Oakridge School, and believe that math is not just about numbers and equations, but the poetry of logical ideas. 

Throughout the semester the students have attended a variety of field trips and participated in a number of fun activities. Last fall, the Honors Geometry class participated in two field trips. At the Dallas Museum of Illusions, they experienced how geometry influences art, architecture, and saw how geometrical designs and properties can be used to create brain teasers and optical illusions. At Alley Cats, the class used google sheets along with their algebra and geometry skills to write equations of lines that model their individual bowling performance.  

The next adventure for the Honors Geometry students will be to begin a class quilt for the Super Supper and Auction. Each student will choose a quilt block, pick out colors, measure and cut fabric. All of the designs will then be sewn together to make a quilt, which will be available for bidding in the auction.

This spring in our Upper House math classes, students will be creating a three-dimensional object in which the students have to measure and calculate surface area to design and cover their unique object. 

 Students in our sixth grade math classes learned to write checks and balance a checkbook. After purchasing fancy clothes, cars, and houses, students in the honors class quickly discovered that it was fairly easy to spend a million dollars. Both classes are currently designing math games to be put to the test by our brilliant kindergarten students at the ECC. 

Finally, our fifth graders have learned to master adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions and decimals. One of the most important concepts students learn at this stage is that fractions and decimals are two different ways to represent the same value. One of the 5th graders’ favorite activities in class is solving the daily Math Challenge - a picture puzzle where they build algebra skills as they solve for the mystery number. 

We are so excited about all of the wonderful things that are in store for our budding mathematicians and how they will utilize their math skills in the real world. 

With profound gratitude, 

Tamika R. Dees

 

January Food4Life Menu 

Important Upcoming School Information: 

MLK Day of Service: The Oakridge school invites you to join us for the MLK Day of Service at Mission Arlington-Mission Metroplex on Monday, January 15, at 9:00 a.m. Please complete the registration form at www.arlingtonmlk.com and list The Oakridge School in the organization box. If you have any questions, please reach out to April Benjamin. 

 

Oakridge Book Fair Information: 

• Place: The Oakridge School Library 
• Dates: January 22-27 
• Times: Monday - Thursday - 7:30am- 4:00pm
• Friday (early dismissal) - 7:30am-12:00pm
• Saturday - 9:00am-12:00pm 
• www.theoakridgeschool.org/bookfair 

 

College Colloquium Information: College Colloquium is College Advising's signature event, bringing college admission vice presidents and deans to Oakridge to share their insight with our faculty, parents, and students. With the rapidly changing higher education landscape, College Colloquium is an important opportunity to update our families on the admission process and to connect one-on-one with selective colleges and universities. This year's program will be Thursday, January 25 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the John P. Flavin Fine Arts Center. All parents are welcome to attend.

Oratorical Showcase: Calling all student voices! The DEIB Faculty/Staff committee proudly presents the first annual Oratory Showcase. Express yourself through speech, poem, song, or prose on the themes of community, culture, and celebration. Applications open next week! Don't miss your chance to take the stage and claim your spotlight! Stay tuned for the link!