Dr. Amy Alsip, Head of Upper School

September 5, 2025

Dear US Families,

In our society it is oftentimes challenging for teenagers to be true to themselves in a world that is filled with social media telling them to be someone or something else. In the spirit of our upcoming Homecoming theme “The Most Magical Place” I am reminded of a quote by Walt Disney. “The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.” In the Upper School we strive to create a safe space for your teens to explore their unique passions, interests, and hobbies without stifling their creativity and individuality.

Homecoming Spirit Week:
At this point, you should have received information about Homecoming Spirit Week which will take place during the week of September 29 - October 3. Click here to view the Homecoming packet which includes the daily themes and the run of events. We invite you to join us October 3 at 10:00 a.m. for the annual Homecoming Parade and hope that you will come back to the O.A.C. (Oakridge Athletic Complex across the street) for the football game that evening. Purchase Homecoming t-shirts by September 23, 2025. Proceeds from t-shirt sales go toward the fireworks show after the game. Students can wear their 2025 Homecoming t-shirt to school on Friday, October 3.
 

House Info
We can feel the excitement building in the Upper School as we are now sorted into our houses (Honor, Trust, Respect, and Wisdom).  We will be announcing advisory representatives today during our first House Games event.  Last Friday students (and faculty) had the opportunity to earn points for their houses by scanning the QR to register their event attendance at our season home opener. The stands were full, the school spirit was electric and we ended the evening with a huge victory, winning 56-20!

Handbook
If you have not had a chance to review the updated 2025-2026 Family Handbook please take time to do that as soon as possible so you are up to date on changes with our dress code, code of conduct, our school's guidelines for responsible use of technology, as well as division-specific content.

All my best,

Dr. Amy Alsip
Head of Upper School