Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

Greetings, Middle School Families, 

Our Middle School Fine Arts programs continue to thrive this year as we round the corner toward holiday performances and midterm projects! Here are a few highlights from each of our programs.

Art

Upper House art students wrapped up their alebrijes for Dia de los Muertos. Students used plaster to secure the frames of the animals before painting the alebrijes in bright, bold colors with intricate designs on top. Students in 5th grade began their second rotation in Art three weeks ago and are learning about Neurographica art, a meditative art technique developed by Pavel Piskarev that uses a specific line-drawing method to transform stress and anxiety into a work of art.

Choir

The Oakridge Choir program is proudly celebrating the success of 13 talented students who have earned a spot to represent the school at the TPSMEA Children's and Middle School Honor Choir Clinic and Concert this Friday, November 14th. These students will spend the day rehearsing alongside top singers from private schools across North Texas who earned a spot in this elite ensemble. A free concert open to the public will be held at Doxology Bible Church in Ft. Worth, TX on Friday evening at 6PM to showcase this brilliant group of students. Middle School Honor Choir- Harrison Okler, Bryson Rogers and Beckham Shimek. Children’s Honor Choir- Noah Bauer, Ethan Dees, Christian Hill-Vaughn, Sophie Jaeger, Ella McHugh, Sidney Walters, Rowan Starling, Levi Stewart, Achilles Stuckey and Alex Wong

Orchestra

Please join the 6th grade orchestra for their first performance of the year, along with the middle school and upper school orchestras in the Oakridge Fine Arts Performance Hall on Wednesday, December 10 at 7PM. It is always a favorite for everyone involved, so come and enjoy traditional and not-so-traditional melodies with your families and friends.

Theatre

Our students in theatre are diving deep into the world of performance by rehearsing and presenting scenes from plays written especially for middle school actors. These scenes give them a chance to explore character, emotion, and collaboration in a supportive, creative environment; however, their work does not stop there. As an exploration activity in some classes,  each student is writing an original short scene that takes place either before or after the one they are performing. This creative extension challenges them to think critically about motivation, consequence, and story structure—skills that make for stronger performers and more thoughtful storytellers. Through this process, students are learning how to listen, empathize, and imagine beyond the script. They are gaining confidence speaking in front of others, improving their teamwork, and finding joy in creative problem-solving. Whether on stage or on the page, these young actors are learning that every story continues when curiosity leads the way.

Spelling Bee

Our annual Spelling Bee is coming up soon! Students can participate in an optional qualifying event on Wednesday, December 3, during Advisory. A packet of Spelling Bee words can be picked up from the Middle School baskets near the elevator.  We are excited to see our students take on this challenge! 

Progress Report 2.1

Progress Report 2.1 is now available on your “My Oakridge” parent portal. This document can be accessed and viewed under Classes and Reports. If you need assistance accessing your portal, please email technology@oakridgesch.org. 

MS Exam Schedule

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

Semester Exams (½ day early NOON dismissal Tuesday - Friday for US and MS students)

Middle School Exam Schedule:

• Dec 16 - A2 / A5
• Dec 17 - B7 / A1
• Dec 18 - B9 / A4
• Dec 19 - B10 / B6 

*Students in grades 5-8 will follow the exam schedule.

Tamika Dees
Head of Middle School