Dr. Amy Alsip, Head of Upper School

Upper School Families, 

As we enter into this holiday season, I want to encourage everyone to remember the words of the Merchant from Aladdin, "Like so many things, it is not what's outside, but what is inside that counts." One way the US students demonstrate that it’s what inside that counts is through their Junior and Senior Buddies programming.  This week Junior and Senior advisories visited the ECC and LS for a Christmas cookie decorating activity. 

We will be kicking off our Comfort and Care Drive this week and it will run through January 9. Please see the graphic below for the items that Mission Arlington truly needs to serve their families. To encourage early participation, each advisory is charged with collecting one item per student and if that goal is met, those advisories will be rewarded with Merry Monday Holiday Dress on 12/15 (please remember non-uniform dress guidelines). 

When we return in January we will have two very important events. Please mark your calendars:

College Colloquium- Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 6:00 pm - FAPH

You do not want to miss College Advising's premier event, College Colloquium, which brings college admission vice presidents and deans to Oakridge to share their insight with our faculty, parents, and students. This year's distinguished guests will join us from Ohio State University, Trinity University, and the University of Southern California. 

With the rapidly changing higher education landscape, the College Colloquium program is an important opportunity to update our families on the admission process and to connect one-on-one with selective colleges and universities. This program is made possible by the generous support of Oakridge's Parent Club!

Class of 2026 Information Night - January 12, 2026

Students and parents are invited to join us on Monday, January 12, at 6:00 PM in the Library for the Class of 2026 Information Night. We will review important spring senior events, graduation details, and the Yearbook Ad process. This evening is a great opportunity to get all the information you need to make the final semester memorable. We hope to see all seniors and their families there!

Cooler Weather Dress Code- Now that the cooler weather had descended here are a few reminders about our US Dress Code:

• Collared uniform shirts are required Monday-Thursday. No exceptions.
• Tights may be worn under skirts but must be navy blue, black, or white (opaque or cable- not sheer).
• All outerwear (including Spirit Days) must be purchased from the school’s approved uniform vendor or the Owl’s Landing Spirit Store. (sweatshirts, fleece zip up, sweaters, sweater vests)
• Sweatshirt may not be longer than the skirt or short
• Blankets may not be used as jackets (i.e. worn as capes)

Semester Exam information: Dec. 15 - Normal full school day (A)

• Semester Exams (½ day early dismissal Tue-Fri for US students)
• Dec. 16- 3rd and 6th
• Dec. 17-5th and 1st
• Dec. 18- 7th and 4th 
• Dec. 19- 8th and 2nd 
• Make up exams will take place in January unless you have made arrangements with your teachers. 

We wish you a wonderful weekend!

All my best,

Dr. Amy Alsip
Head of Upper School