Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood

 

August 8, 2025

Dear Parents,

On behalf of the entire Early Childhood Faculty and Staff, I extend a warm welcome to our new families and a welcome back to our returning families. We are thrilled to have you as part of our early childhood community and look forward to seeing you at the Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, August 16.

“We Skoolhouse” reminds us that, “early childhood should be built on movement, connection, and play. That’s how we build whole, capable, thriving humans.” Too often, children in early childhood programs are expected to focus, sit still, and regulate their emotions. Yet, many haven’t had the chance to build the body systems that make those skills even possible. At Oakridge, we believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged in hands-on, experiential activities. We believe that children must be given opportunities to take risks and fail forward. We believe that through play, children are given the freedom to stay curious and explore. Our daily schedules are designed to provide your child with opportunities to explore their interests, develop their skills, and build a strong foundation for future learning. Most importantly, our daily schedule is built to give students the chance to have fun and enjoy learning.

Although it is always nice to have a summer break, the teachers and I are excited to start the 2025 - 2026 school year on Wednesday, August 20. Don’t forget to join us on Saturday, August 16, beginning at 9:00 a.m. for our Teacher Meet and Greet at the ECC and Back-to-School Bash. From 9:00 - 9:45 a.m., students will spend time visiting their classroom and meeting their teachers and classmates. Parents, this is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with other Oakridge families. At 9:45 a.m., families and teachers will travel to the Quad on main campus for the bash. 

 

Additionally, we hope to see as many of you as possible at the Parent Information Night (parents only, please) on Monday, August 18 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the ECC. You will have the opportunity to learn about carpool routines, curriculum goals, and other pertinent information to make sure the school year runs smoothly. 

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you that we have three new hires joining us this school year. 

Icaria “Cara” Flynn will be stepping into the Preschool teacher role. Mrs. Flynn is a parent to two wonderful Oakridge Owls, Thomas (3rd Grade) and Teigan (Pre-K). Mrs. Flynn has served as a trusting substitute teacher for Oakridge as well as served as a Preschool through 1st grade teacher. Cara believes that “every student can learn and succeed when provided the right support, resources and opportunities to grow.” Mrs. Flynn’s love for teaching and learning will be a wonderful addition to our Oakridge Family. 

Jenna Smith will be serving in the Kindergarten Aide position. Ms. Smith is a seasoned educator having served as a Preschool Teacher at Trinity Early Learning Center for over ten years. Ms. Smith’s co-workers shared with me that she is a ball of energy and always has the biggest smile on her face. We are excited for the expertise and energy she will bring to our ECC Team. 

Finally, we welcome Coco Cornell, Oakridge Class of 2020, to serve alongside Coach Townsley in the Music and Movement Program. Coach Cornell played Field Hockey while attending Smith College, has served as a substitute teacher for Oakridge, and being a long time Oakridge Owl student, bleeds blue and green. Coach Cornell believes that “it is essential to continue to cultivate the love of movement in children as it plays a pivotal role in their overall development.” Coach Cornell will be a wonderful asset to our team.  

ECC FAQs:

What is the parent portal and how do I access it?
The parent portal will gain you access to:

• All school calendar
• All messages sent from the school
• Magnus Health - All students must be 100% Magnus compliant before the first day of school
• Faculty, Staff and Student Directory
• Billing and statements

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at technology@oakridgesch.org.

When will we find out which class our child is in for this coming school year?

During the week of August 11, an email will be sent to you from your child’s teacher. We know that you are very much looking forward to receiving this email! In the event that you do not receive an email, please contact the ECC on August 14. 

What school supplies do I need to purchase for my Preschool, Pre-K or Kindergarten child?

Other than a full-sized backpack, lunchbox and a sports water bottle, Oakridge provides all school supplies for Preschool - Kindergarten students. *Preschool students will also need to send a nap-mat. 

What are the daily school hours?

• Preschool and Pre-K: 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Kindergarten: 8:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
• Students may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m.
• Extended Care, “Owls’ Nest” (Grades PS - 8th Grade)
  • Registration for Owls’ Nest can be done through your Parent portal
  • Auxiliary Program Coordinator: Marissa Desjardins Cox
    • mdesjardins@oakridgesch.org

Do I need to send a sack lunch daily, or is there an option to order a hot lunch?

Students are welcome to bring lunches from home each day. Food4Life provides hot lunches daily to families that would like to go that route. Please be sure to view the daily lunch schedule. 

Do ECC students wear uniforms?

All ECC students are required to wear Oakridge uniforms along with tennis shoes (no boots or light up shoes). You can purchase your uniforms from FlynnO’Hara. FlynnO’Hara has a brick and mortar store to try on uniforms in Fort Worth. You will also find gently used uniforms at the Uniform Resale held on August 16 during our Oakridge Back-to-School Bash. 

Save-the-Date:

• August 16 - Oakridge Back-to-School Bash and ECC Meet the Teacher - great fun for the whole family! 
• August 18 - ECC Parent Information Night, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the ECC - Parents only, please.
• August 20 - First day of school and Cheers and Tears - our welcome back social event for parents (more information to come).

Be sure to soak in the remaining days of summer - maybe in the air conditioning though. 

ECC Contact Information:

Ashley Read, Head of Early Childhood
817.451.4994 ext.) 3527
aread@oakridgesch.org

Brittanie McGee, Administrative Assistant
817.451.4994 ext.) 2715
bmcgee@oakridgesch.org

Warm regards,

Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005

Head of Early Childhood