Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School
August 29, 2025
Greetings, Middle School Families,
We are definitely off to a great start in Middle School this year! Our students are mastering the skills of opening their lockers, arriving at class on time, and being prepared for the day. During this week's advisory period, students discussed methods for staying organized, managing their time effectively, and the importance of developing team-building skills. These executive functioning skills are an important part of their academic endeavors, valuable in the workforce, and, most importantly, in life. Don’t forget students need a white 1” three-ring binder with a clear view cover to house handouts and materials.
As we continue to build a partnership with our families and develop Owls who are phenomenal scholars, here are some tips on how our parents may engage in the learning process at home:
(1) During the week, ask your child what they’re learning in class and how this may apply to the real world.
(2) Encourage your child to review/study their notes for 10-15 minutes a day.
(3) Develop routines/procedures to help your child with organizational skills.
(4) Inspire perseverance.
We welcome you to come out and support our Middle School sports teams! This is an opportunity for students to cheer on their classmates and create lifelong memories. Athletic events are posted on the Athletic Calendar in the parent portal. Parents, please remember middle school students should not be at an event without adult supervision.
A note from the librarian: Overdue library books from the summer need to be returned by next week.
STUCO forms are now available online or students can pick them up in the Middle School foyer near the elevator. There is an online application as well as forms needing to be signed by a parent/guardian, and a teacher recommendation. Forms are due by September 4th. Please clinic on the STUCO FORMS link to view all the information from Mrs. Hoffer.
Finally, note that the updated 2025-2026 Family Handbook is now available in the My Oakridge Parent Portal. The handbook provides information about topics such as dress code, code of conduct, our school's guidelines for responsible use of technology, as well as division-specific content. Also, in order for students to attend field trips and participate in athletics, all health records for your child must be 100% compliant in Magnus.
CLASS TRIPS:
We aim for 100% participation in these one-day excursions. The $150 class trips offer valuable learning opportunities, team bonding, and fun memories for both students and teachers.
- 5th Grade Class Trip- September 12- Trinity Forest Adventure Park
- 6th Grade Class Trip- September 19- Camp Grady Spruce
- 7th Grade Class Trip- September 9- Dynamix- Class Team Building
- 8th Grade Class Trip- September 10- Dynamix -Class Team Building
In addition to our class trips, we look forward to providing an optional, theme-based learning experience for 7th and 8th-grade students. The 7th/8th Grade Experience- Civil Rights Tour Spring of 2026 will be hosted by Grand Classroom Register Here (payment plan offered). Please mark your calendars for March 3rd - 6th for this experience!
Let’s Go Owls!!
Tamika R. Dees
INFORMATION LINKS:
Last chance to purchase the 2024–2025 Oakridge Yearbook—order before it’s too late! Order here (Pre-K through current 7th graders)
9.1.25 - Labor Day NO SCHOOL
9.9.25 - 7th Grade Class Trip
9.10.25 - 8th Grade Class Trip
9.12.25 - 5th Grade Class Trip
9.16.25 - Track My Progress Math Testing
9.17.25 - Track My Progress English Testing
9.18.25 - North Texas Giving Day
9.19.25 - 6th Grade Class Trip
9.23.25 - MS Picture Day
9.26.25 - Faculty/Staff In-Service Day - NO SCHOOL
9.29.25 - 10.3.25 - Spirit Week and Oakridge Homecoming
10.3.25 - Homecoming Parade at 10 AM
ALL School Early Dismissal: MS dismissed at 11:45AM
10.9.25 - 8th Grade PSAT testing
10.10.25 -10.13.25 - Fall Break - NO SCHOOL
10.31.25 - Parent Teacher Conferences - NO SCHOOL
