Jim Andersen, Head of Upper School

October 27, 2023

Be a student as long as you still have something to learn and this will mean all of your life.

- Henry Doherty
 

• SPC tournament Friday, November 3

• 1st 9-week grades

• AP Exams 

• Halloween Dress 

• Fall Play

• 9th Grade Trip

• XC Results

• STEM Showcase Application 

• Check out procedures- updated email link

• Campus policy
   

SPC TOURNAMENT:  The Oakridge field hockey and volleyball teams compete Thursday, November 2- Saturday, November 4 in Fort Worth.  Thursday’s games will be after school ends, but Friday’s games are during the school day (brackets and times are yet to be determined).  Oakridge loves to have its teams supported by the students. On Tuesday, we will know the times of the games. Once we know the times, a permission form will be made available.  Students will need this form signed by a parent and alert their B day teachers of their absence from class on that day.  Every student has a different set of academic circumstances.  As a parent, please help your child make an informed academic decision about missing class on this day. Go Owls!

1ST 9-WEEK GRADES: The first quarter grades are posted to your parent portal.  This is an ideal time for you and your child to discuss his/her progress, speak with teachers at our parent conference day, and to set goals for the 2nd 9-week marking period.  The first and second 9-week grades, along with the semester exam grade, are used to calculate the 1st semester grade.  The semester grade is the only one that transfers to a student's transcript and is seen by colleges.  Semester grades are the only ones used to calculate a student’s cumulative grade point average.

AP Exams: Even though AP EXAMS are not taken until May, College Board requires schools to order them by November 15. Students were given a class code at the beginning of the school year by their teacher. This code allows them to use the AP classroom materials and it automatically registers them to take the exam. If they don’t register in AP Classroom, an exam cannot be ordered for them. So, parents, please make sure your student is registered.

If a student does not wish to take the AP exam, they must ask me by email ppfursich@theoakridgeschool.org to change it to “No” for them. If not, please know that they will be charged for the exam ($100) or the ($40) cancellation fee. Any exam ordered AFTER November 15 incurs an extra $40 fee on top of the $100 exam cost. Therefore, we really need accurate records before the order is placed. Thank you for your help and attention to this!

HALLOWEEN DRESS: Our Upper School students will enjoy a themed dress day next Tuesday, October 31.  All students are invited to wear fall colors on this day.  We will not have costumes or masks.  

FALL PLAY: Join us for an incredible theater experience as our Upper School talent presents Dracula.  This play is recommended for those 13 and older.  The run is from Thursday, October 26 through Saturday, October 28.  You may purchase tickets here.

FRESHMAN CLASS TRIP: We are excited to spend off-campus time together with our wonderful 9th graders! Please note we will spend November 13-16 for terrific team building and relationship-building time at The Outdoor School in Marble Falls. The detailed trip letter is accessed here.  The shared stories/experiences and time spent together yield benefits for years to come. Contact Mr. Andersen immediately if there is an unavoidable conflict.  We are happy to work with you.

XC Results: The upper school varsity cross country squad competed in the North Zone SPC Meet at Norbuck Park in Dallas last Thursday.  Our crew ran very well overall.  We had 5 of our runners finish the 5K course with sub-21 minute times.  Karina Wheeler placed 13th in her race.  Rocco Guevara placed 15th in his race.  Way to go Owls!

STEM Showcase Application: The 2024 STEM Showcase is now accepting applications. Complete the application here. 

CHECKOUT PROCEDURES: Anytime a student needs to leave campus early a parent must email Ms. Halbert- Blake to let the US office know. Once the office knows, the teachers are notified and then the student can dismiss from the class without disrupting the teacher and be on time for their checkout. It is best practice to give 24 hours notice. Giving less than an hour notice may result in classroom disruption and delayed dismissal. 

CAMPUS POLICY: Parents please support us in our updated security policies. All students and families must have a car tag on their rearview mirror, deliveries from outside vendors are not allowed, parents may deliver to the Admissions office and text their child to pick up delivery from the main office as soon as possible. Parents may check into the main office and then proceed to any appointments scheduled on campus. We are a closed campus. This means students may not leave for study hall and return nor may they leave for lunch and return. If they leave campus it must be with prior parental notification. Appointments should be accompanied by a note to return to school as this ensures the absence is excused.

Congratulations to Sophia Anderson for getting first in the Youth Open Gaited Breed Class and 4th in the Championship Open Gaited Breed. She won a buckle for the 2nd most points in the youth division for Gaits of Texas.

Please note the dates for the US November Calendar:

The  Upper School Team