Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School
August 15, 2025
Greetings, Middle School Families,
This week has been filled with energy and excitement as our teachers prepare for the upcoming school year! The dialogue around implementing new instructional strategies, focusing on soft skills, and creating a nurturing and challenging environment, has been paramount.
Research indicates that teachers are the single most important classroom factor in a child’s academic success. In the synthesis of over 50,000 studies, researcher John Hattie noted that the greatest influence on student progress is having highly expert, inspired, passionate teachers working together to maximize the learning of all students. Our goal in Middle School is to help students become well-rounded, self-motivated, critical thinkers. However, we understand that this goal can’t be achieved without taking risks and thinking outside the box. This week has proven that our teachers are up for the challenge.
As we begin this journey together, we invite you to come out to our Back to School Bash. You will have an opportunity to meet your child’s advisor, and students will have a chance to set up their lockers. On Monday, August 25th, we would love to see you at our Middle School (MS) Parent Night, where teachers will provide an overview of your child’s courses and expectations.
Please note that the updated 2025-2026 Family Handbook is now available in the “My Oakridge” Parent Portal. The handbook provides information about topics such as dress code, code of conduct, our school's guidelines for responsible use of technology, as well as division-specific content.
Finally, we encourage you to join the 2025 - 2026 grade level Remind Groups for quick reminders and updates.
CLASS TRIPS:
We aim for 100% participation in these one-day excursions. The $150 class trips offer valuable learning opportunities, team bonding, and fun memories for both students and teachers.
- 5th Grade Class Trip- September 12- Trinity Forest Adventure Park
- 6th Grade Class Trip- September 19- Camp Grady Spruce
- 7th Grade Class Trip- September 9- Dynamix/ Community Service activity
- 8th Grade Class Trip- September 10- Dynamix /Community Service activity
In addition to our class trips, we look forward to providing an optional, theme-based learning experience for 7th and 8th-grade students. The 7th/8th Grade Experience- Civil Rights Tour Spring of 2026 will be hosted by Grand Classroom. Register Here (payment plan offered). Please mark your calendars for March 3rd - 6th for this experience!
Please click the link for an important video announcement from myself and Mrs. Lane, Director of Student Life. In the video, you will find more detailed information about the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
INFORMATION LINKS:
SAVE-THE-DATE:
8.16.25- MS Locker Setup, 9:00 - 12 p.m. (Optional)
8.16.25- Back-to-School Bash, 9:00 a.m.
8.20.25- First Day of School
8.25.25- MS Parent Night 6:00 p.m. (Parents Only)
With profound gratitude,
Tamika R. Dees
- 8.16.25- MS Locker Setup, 9:00 - 12 p.m. (Optional)
- 8.16.25- Back-to-School Bash, 9:00 a.m.
- 8.20.25- First Day of School
- 8.25.25- MS Parent Night 6:00 p.m. (Parents Only)
- 8.16.25- MS Locker Setup, 9:00 - 12 p.m. (Optional)
