Dr. Amy Alsip, Head of Upper School

Dear US Families,

WOW what a spirited week it has been in the Upper School. The student and faculty participation in the dress up days has been amazing! During non-uniform weeks with late night athletic events and academic assessment happening all at the same time we are in costumes, our vibe this week has been a little like Dory from Finding Nemo when she says “Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.” That is exactly what we have done to wrap up this fun filled week! We hope to see everyone at the Homecoming game tonight at 7:00 pm at the OAC. There will be a Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 4 from 7:00-10:00 pm in the MAC. Tickets will be on sale for $15 per student until 5:00 pm Friday or $20 at the door. Students will park in the east parking lot and enter from the MAC porch. All students bringing a guest from outside of Oakridge must complete a form. Students will not be allowed to leave the dance until 9:30 without parent permission.

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. 

Freshmen Class Trip:

There are still 6 slots left for our 9th Grade Class Trip on November 10-14 to Big Bend National Park. Please click here if you are interested in one of these spots.

Ring and Pin

One of Oakridge’s most beloved traditions is just around the corner. On Monday, October 6, our seniors will receive their Oakridge pin, a symbol of their leadership in the Upper School, and our juniors will receive their class rings, marking their step into upperclassman life. It is always a special moment to pause and honor the journey these students are on together.

I apologize for the late notice in sharing these details and truly appreciate your understanding as we prepare for this celebration.

Rings

• Juniors who ordered rings through Jostens will have them delivered to the school.
• If your student has a ring from another source, please send it to the Upper School office before the ceremony so it may be included.

Ceremony Details

• Time: 1:20 p.m.
• Location: Fine Arts Performance Hall
• Parents are invited to attend!

Dress Code

• All Seniors: Dressy attire is required (jackets, ties, and appropriate dresses that fall in the Oakridge dress code).
• Juniors receiving rings: Dressy attire is required (jackets, ties, and appropriate dresses that fall in the Oakridge dress code).
• Juniors not receiving rings: Dressy attire is optional.

Thank you for supporting your students and sharing in these memorable traditions. We look forward to celebrating with you on Monday afternoon.

Due to SPC in November and the large number of students participating in athletic events the Upper School will not have classes on Friday, November 7.

All my best,

Dr. Amy Alsip
Head of Upper School