Matt Burgy, Head of School

Dear Oakridge Community,

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we naturally find ourselves pausing to reflect on the blessings in our lives. This year, as I considered the many things I am grateful for, I found myself returning to the words of our school’s mission. While we often look at our mission as a roadmap for what we do, this season reminds me that it is also a beautiful reflection of who we are and what we cherish.

• "Inspiring Students to Seek Their Potential" - I am deeply thankful for the boundless potential within each of our students. Witnessing their "aha" moments in the classroom and their drive toward academic excellence is a daily gift. We are grateful not just for their grades, but for their curiosity and their bravery in asking big questions.

 

• "Enriched by the Arts and Athletics" - This season, I am grateful for the color, sound, and movement that fill our campus. Whether it is a student finding their voice on the stage or finding their strength on the field, these moments enrich our lives. We give thanks for the talents our students share with us, reminding us that education is about the whole child.

 

• "Nurturing and Challenging" - I want to extend a special gratitude to our faculty and families who balance these two critical acts every day. It takes love to nurture a child, and it takes courage to challenge them. I am thankful to belong to a community that knows how to do both—providing a safe harbor while encouraging students to sail into new waters on their unique journeys.

 

• "Fostering Character, Confidence, and a Lifelong Love of Learning" Ultimately, Thanksgiving is a celebration of character. When we teach our students to look around and appreciate their community, we are fostering the very character and confidence our mission promises.

Thank you for being partners in this mission. An independent school is only as strong as the community that supports it, and your dedication makes Oakridge a place where learning and love go hand in hand.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with peace, joy, and the warmth of family and friends.

Warmly,

Matt Burgy
Head of School