Matt Burgy, Head of School
February 9, 2024
Dear Oakridge Family,
I was reminded this week of another “Why Oakridge?” moment. In touring a prospective employee around campus, a group of 1st grade students stopped us in the library. They joyfully ran up to us and fervently told us about the books they had in their possessions and how excited they were to read these books. After telling us about their book adventures, they became curious about the person I was with. “Excuse me,” one student asked, “who are you?” she said to the visitor. My visitor told them who she was and why she was there, and the three students introduced themselves and exclaimed, “Welcome to Oakridge!”
At the end of the day, I asked our visitor how their day had gone and if they had any “Aha” moments…This is a question I love asking because it shows me the creativity and thoughtfulness of a prospective person we might add to our team. Her response was the secret sauce to Oakridge’s success. She said, “Mr. Burgy, I was astonished at our interaction with the 1st graders this morning. First and foremost, I could tell how comfortable they were in their environment. It was clear that this is their home away from home. You knew each of them by name, and they knew you. They knew that I was a stranger and were unafraid to ask me who I was and what I was doing in their school. They were kind enough to ask me who I was and to make sure that I felt welcome in their home, even without prompting from you or any other adults. You could tell it was authentic. That’s unique. That’s special.”
Our visitor was right; Oakridge is unique and special. The culture of warmth and welcome is not something you see in every place; it is a trait that we hope is instilled throughout the Oakridge experience. Intentionally building that culture is the work that we endeavor to do each and every day. It was certainly visible to me when I first visited this campus two years ago, and it continues to shine through for those who come to our campus.
Have a wonderful weekend, and I hope to see you at the Super Supper and Auction on February 24!
Warmly,
Matt Burgy
Head of School
