Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings Middle School Families, 

This week the Oakridge Middle School has been merry and bright and full of winter festive fun!  We started Monday off razzle-dazzled, dressing as our favorite holiday movie characters. From Rudolph, the Grinch, Scrooge, to the entire cast from Home Alone - the halls were decked with the best of holiday movie magic.  The students looked as sweet as peppermint bliss on Tuesday’s candy cane day, and on Wednesday we were in a full Winter Wonderland. Everyone was all aboard and full steam ahead the Polar Express on Thursday dressed in comfy clothes and sipping on hot chocolate. And for the grand finale on Friday we pumped up our winter sports teams by rocking our best Oakridge spirit wear. What an unforgettable spirited week!

Our Lower House students also had an opportunity to visit the Holiday Treasures event sponsored by the OPC where they shopped for friends, family members, and their pets. It was a joy to see our middle schoolers excited about shopping and selecting gifts for their loved ones. 

Wednesday evening, our Middle School Orchestra dazzled us with their musical gifts and talents by performing two beautiful pieces in the Winter Concert, titled “Douze Decembre” and “Rocked the Halls.”  The holiday spirit was alive and well as the students played with grace and poise. Thursday, our Middle School Choir performed “White Christmas” and  “The Man with the Bag.” The rich sound of these timeless pieces and new renditions rang throughout the auditorium. 

Finally, as we prepare for exam week, please review the schedule and discuss dismissal times with your child. Your child has the option of late arrival or early dismissal if they do not have an exam at the scheduled time. We also know that for many of your children, final exam week can be stressful and may cause anxiety. Here are a few tips to help them stay calm: (1) review notes, study material, and practice problems; (2) get plenty of rest the night before; (3) eat a good breakfast. 

It has been a pleasure watching your children enjoy these magical moments, while making lasting memories with their friends and teachers. The joy, laughter, and cheer that has filled the classrooms and hallways this week has been a gift that keeps on giving.  

Exam Week: 

Students in middle school will be dismissed following the conclusion of their last exam each day. Middle School bus riders without a second exam may use the Middle School Learning Commons to wait for noon bus dismissal. After noon dismissal, 5th-8th grade students also have the option to utilize Owls’ Nest; however, families need to register in advance in order to use this service. 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding transportation for next week, the exam schedule, or dismissal times/procedures.

MS Exam Schedule

Semester Exam Information:  Dec 15 - Normal full school day (A)

Semester Exams: Tuesday - Friday for US and MS students (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Middle School Exam Schedule :

• Dec 16 - A2 / A5
• Dec 17 - B7 / A1
• Dec 18 - B9 / A4
• Dec 19 - B10 / B6 

*Students in grades 5-8 will follow the exam schedule.

Owls’ Nest Update for December 19: Please note that on Friday, December 19, Owls’ Nest will be open but will close early at 3:00 p.m.

Happy Holidays!

Tamika Dees
Head of Middle School