Dr. Amy Alsip, Head of Upper School

Dear Upper School (US) Families,

It’s been a busy week in the Upper School and I know that everyone is getting excited for our upcoming Spirit Week and Homecoming next week. We will be taking advice from Mary Poppins who said “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.” Although school will continue next week with our normal academic activities, there will definitely be many elements of fun sprinkled throughout each day. There will be contests for the most spirited outfits each day and house points can be earned for these winners. House games will also take place throughout the week for additional ways to earn points. 

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. Students can wear their 2025 Homecoming t-shirt to school on Friday, October 3. There will be a Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 4, from 7:00-10:00 pm in the MAC. Tickets will be on sale in the US office next week for $15 per student. 

US Grading Philosophy:

There have been many questions lately about our adjusted grading policy in the Upper School. You can visit the Family Handbook for more information, but one area to take note of is the approach to homework. Students are graded on formative and summative assessments, but homework itself is not taken for a grade. Homework does have great value, and we want to make sure parents understand that faculty do expect students to complete assigned homework for practice and feedback which will help them to be successful on their in class assessments. If you have any questions regarding this policy please reach out to your child’s teacher or to the US administration for clarification. 

Missing Books and Supplies:

At this point in the year all students should have secured all books and supplies. If you are still missing something for your child’s class and need assistance please reach out to the US office asap because valuable time is being wasted each day students do not have the books and supplies they need to be successful. 

All my best,

Dr. Amy Alsip
Head of Upper School