Dr. Amy Alsip, Head of Upper School

September 12, 2025

Dear US Families,

As we continue our theme of “Where Dreams Begin,” each week, I will share an inspirational quote from the magic world of Disney that relates to our Upper School students’ experiences. As a faculty, we encourage our students to be bold, brave, and try new things. In Ratatouille, Chef Gusteau said,  “You must be imaginative and strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from.” It is our hope that our students will live their lives never losing the spark of imagination and not fear failure, but see it as an opportunity for growth. 

It’s been a wonderful week in the Upper School. Today, you will be able to view your student’s grades in Veracross. Every three weeks a checkpoint will be posted, but since we have shifted to a semester grading system official report cards will come out in January and May. Students have academic checks in their advisories every Tuesday and Thursday to help support students and their academic success.

Announcing our 2025-2026 Stuco Exec Board and House Advisory Representatives: 

Exec Board:
President- Ben Tanner
Vice-President- Skyle McGraw
Secretary- Dylan Goodrich
Treasurer- Blake Buljan

Honor:
9- Shiloh Roberts
10- Emma Chan
11- Will Lemonds
12- Brandt Pettigrew and Vincent Walters

Respect:
9-Sarah Varela
10- Abby Clayton
11- Sam Shar
12-Carson Carter and Natalie Buckalew

Wisdom:
9- Genna Fain
10-Emerson Rexinger
11-Nick Harrell
12-Joelle Batrice

Truth:
9-Camila Jarmillo
10-Nathan Hwang
11-Josh Dees
12-Larkin Taylor

Congratulations to all the students and we look forward to a great year! House Presidents were voted on today and will be announced next week.

Please join us at the Class of 2026 Parents' Reception at the Arlington Lake House on Wednesday, September 24, at 6:00 p.m. The reception will be a mix and mingle event, followed by a few words from Mr. Burgy and Dr. Alsip. Click here to RSVP for the event. 

Remember to wear your Oakridge Senior Button! We'd love to see you wearing your parent button at all Oakridge events. And we have a special gift waiting for you, too! 

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.

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