Dr. Amy Alsip, Head of Upper School

Upper School Families, 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This week has been such a treat attending the winter concerts for our talented orchestra and choir. I am always impressed by the musical abilities of our US Owls.

Students are diligently preparing for final exams next week. Please review the schedule below to know which days your student needs to report to school. 

Semester Exam information:

Students are only required to be here during the times they have exams. Student exams are scheduled by the period that they have each class and will be taken in their teacher’s classroom.  Buses have two departure times Tuesday-Friday at 12:15 and at the normal 3:45 time.

• 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. 

Our Comfort and Care Drive started 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). 

Academic Holds:

As a reminder if your student is failing one core class or two or more classes they can be placed on an academic hold for next semester. We do this to ensure students are on track to receive full credit for their courses. If your student is in this situation at the end of the semester you will be notified so a plan for success can be created. 

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)

We wish you a wonderful holiday season!

All my best,
 

Dr. Amy Alsip
Head of Upper School