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April 30 - Fun Run fundraiser event day
May 3 - Kindergarten Orientation
May 6-10 - Staff Appreciation Week
May 7 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm (Discuss latest school budget)
May 8 - Passport Night from 5:30-7:30pm
May 9 - Spring Soiree Parent Social at Ox Ridge Riding & Racquet Club from 7-10pm
May 10 - Kids Care Club at 8:15am
May 13 - Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Vote on School Budget
May 14 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
May 19 - Ox Ridge Family Day at Yankees Game
May 22 - Spring Concert
May 28 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
Useful Links:
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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This week’s column is written by our Assistant Principal, Maya Feldman.
As Autism Awareness month comes to an end and we think about our students' diverse learning styles, we wanted to share with you some of our observations of a recent classroom walkthrough. We hope that the thoughts we share with you will provide you with a glimpse into the classroom strategies we have in place that support student learning at Ox. The strategies that our staff implement are rooted in the ideas of inclusivity of varied learning needs, while acknowledging and valuing the multiple facets of student need.
In our classes, you will see a "Zen Den", "Calm Corner" or " Chill Zone " which provide our students with an opportunity to take a moment or a break when needed. These spaces may be a cozy corner with pillows and/or a small tent to help elude a sense of calm and Zen. Some of our chill zones have fidgets and visuals to aide in mindfulness activities. Our classrooms have flexible seating options to allow for movement should a student need a bit more input to help them sustain focus to learning. On our classroom walls, you will see visuals to support our learners who may benefit from visuals to support learning. You will see students engaging in breaks to allow for brain breaks and movement activities both in and out of the classroom. Our teachers will utilize student interests to encourage student engagement through personalized learning.
Most importantly, throughout the course of the year, our teachers remind their students that we all have our own unique qualities that make us special. We work hard encourage our students to be accepting of individual need and foster a sense of acceptance within the classroom and greater school community.
Maya Feldman
Assistant Principal
Ox Ridge Elementary School
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Dear Ox Ridge Community,
We are excited to host our school’s first Fun Run event on Tuesday - have the kids wear athletic shoes and their Ox Ridge Spirit Wear or school colors. The weather is looking great and we would love to have K-5 parents cheer the kids on (ELP students will participate from their classrooms). Here is the schedule:
- 3rd and 4th grades 9:20-10:10 (note due to ELP drop-off, parents cannot arrive before 9:45am)
- Kindergarten and 1st grade 10:10-11:00
- 2nd and 5th grade 11:00-11:50
There is still time to register at mybooster.com! Thanks for supporting the PTO in achieving our goal of raising $30,000.
We are also excited to welcome incoming Kindergarteners at this Friday’s orientation. If you have a child eligible for Kindergarten and have not registered, please contact Ox Ridge to start the process.
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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RSVP FOR PASSPORT NIGHT!
Travel around the globe with Ox Families on Wednesday, May 8, from 5:30 - 7:30PM. We hope you will join us to learn about the heritages of our students, enjoy samplings of international cuisine, see live dance performances, and enter to win door prizes! A quiet space will be available for anyone who may benefit from it during the evening. Please RSVP here to attend. (If your family is doing a country display, please RSVP as well, thank you!)
The DEI committee is also seeking a few volunteers to assist with set-up and clean-up, and during the event. If you are able to help out, please sign-up here.
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ADULT LEARNING OPPORTUNITY: BELONGING AND IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN
Join Darien PTO's on May 7th, 7-8pm at Darien Library to hear Dr. Christopher Bogart from the Sasco River Center discuss child development and identity formation and how adults can nurture a sense of belonging across various aspects of identity. Open to all community adults. Register here to attend. Event recording will be available.
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STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK IS COMING SOON!
The Ox Ridge PTO is planning a week of special events to give our teachers, staff, and administrators a World of Thanks and show how much they are appreciated. To see the schedule, click HERE. See below for ways Ox Ridge families can participate:
STUDENT NOTES TO TEACHERS & STAFF - May 7
Have your child(ren) write a note on the template HERE to a teacher or staff member letting them know why they are world-class! Students are invited to deliver their notes to their classroom teachers on Tuesday, 5/7. We would love to have 100% participation! If you do not have a printer, please email Claudia Ebert at CSR222@gmail.com to get a paper copy. Let’s give a world of thanks to our amazing Ox Ridge teachers and staff.
TREATS FROM OX RIDGE PARENTS & CAREGIVERS - May 10
On Friday, 5/10 we’ll be setting up sweet treats in the Ox Ridge staff lounge. We’re asking parents and caregivers for help to make this a success! Sign up to bake (or buy!) some treats, drinks, or paper supplies for that Friday. A big THANK YOU to those who have already signed up. Please drop items off before 10:30am at the front entrance (someone will be there to help collect). Sign Up Genius link HERE. Thank you for supporting and showing your appreciation for our Ox Ridge Staff!
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SPRING SOIREE
The Ox Ridge PTO invites you to a spring parent social at Ox Ridge Riding & Racquet Club. Thursday May 9 from 7-10PM. We will have beer, wine, themed cocktail, flatbreads, salad and dessert for $50pp. Mingle with your fellow Ox Ridge parents before the end of the school year! Please register here.
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EDUCATION BUDGET CUT
On April 9th, the Board of Finance (BOF) voted to cut $2 million from the Board of Education (BOE) approved budget of $121,864,475. Dr. Addley and the BOE will now need to determine the specific items to be removed from the budget. A special BOE meeting had been added to the calendar for May 7th, at which time Dr. Addley will present his recommendations for specific cuts. Additional discussions on the budget cuts will also be included in the regular BOE meetings on May 14th and May 28th, with a final vote by the BOE scheduled for the May 28th meeting. There will be opportunity for public comment at all upcoming BOE meetings.
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YANKEES TICKETS ADDED!
Come and cheer on the division-leading New York Yankees! After a hot start to the season, Ox Ridge’s initial allotment of 75 tickets sold out but we have added 15 more tickets. Purchase today and join the Ox Ridge community for a day at the ballpark to watch Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and the rest of the Bronx Bombers take on the Chicago White Sox on Sunday May 19th at 1:35pm in the "Ox Ridge Section". The Yankees will donate a portion of sale proceeds to Ox Ridge. Tickets are $60 plus fees and include a Yankees backpack and a $15 food and beverage voucher. Click here to buy tickets!
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PRE-ORDER SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR 2024-2025
The Ox Ridge 1st-5th grade teachers have compiled their list of necessary supplies for the next school year. Order now and school supply kits will be delivered directly to your child's classroom and will be available on the first day of school. Be sure to order supplies for the grade your child is entering next year (not their current grade).
To order, log on Supplies to Please and click on the blue "Log In" button in the top right corner.
Username: OxRidge
Password: ox2024 (case sensitive)
We are encouraging families to place their orders by the end of the school year. You will receive a confirmation email once your order is placed. If you do not receive an email, please contact Supplies to Please that day. Click Here to view the flyer.
Please contact Mariana Begonja for information about school supply scholarships.
When purchasing your kit(s), please consider making a donation to the Darien Human Services' Back-to-School program to help provide much-needed school supplies and other services to local families in need. This is a high need year! Please contact Dayna Checketts (daynachecketts@gmail.com) with questions.
5th Graders Going to Middlesex Middle School next year: You can also order your supplies for 6th grade on Supplies to Please. We haven't heard when their supplies will be on sale, but it will also be on this website and we will keep you posted.
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AUTISM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE MONTH
April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and we are celebrating minds of all kinds! As a community we are working to raise awareness and build acceptance of neurodivergence. Sometimes called "invisible disabilities," autism and other neurological differences can be easily misunderstood. The DEI and Special Education Committees created a display in the main level trophy case to provide more information about these differences and how they make our community stronger. Stop by and take a look!
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DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL
Spring is blooming with excitement at Darien After School! Our Spring Session is in full swing and will keep the fun going until May 31st. Missed the initial sign-up? No worries! You can still jump in with prorated fees for late registrations*. Don't miss out—secure your spot now at Darienafterschool.com/OxRidge.
Contact us at info@darienafterschool.com / 888.212.3837. Follow us on social media for updates.
*Late Fees Applied
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Courtney Concannon and Paola Sordoni (Fundraising Co-Chairs) for helping run our school’s first Fun Run.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Donna Bruno (ELP Paraprofessional) - April 28
Jen Fischer (3rd Grade Teacher) - April 29
Louis Crespo (Custodian) - April 30
Brianne Schneider (OT) - May 1
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5TH GRADE LASER TAG AT THE DEPOT
Step into the arena and gear up for an electrifying laser tag showdown at The Depot! It's time to ditch the screens and dive into some real-life, action-packed fun. Grab your lasers and get ready to team up with your squad! Friday, May 3rd, from 4:30-5:30pm. Space is limited, so register today at www.dariendepot.com. $40pp. Contact James Lucchesi with questions.
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NEW DATE! MOVIE AT HIGHLAND FARMS
Due to the unsettled weather forecast for Friday, April 19, we are rescheduling our Movie at Highland Farms once again. New date and time: Friday, May 3rd – 8pm. Feature film is The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Mr. Softee will be on hand selling ice cream treats prior to the start of the film. Stay tuned for additional event details!
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HINDLEY HAPPENING
Please join us at the Hindley Happening Saturday May 11th from 10am-6pm for food, fun, games, rides, raffle and prizes. For more information and to purchase tickets in advance please visit hindleypto.org/shop
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MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING
Darien Human Services will be sponsoring a Mental Health First Aid Training on May 15th and 16th from 8:30am - 1 pm at EMS Post 53. Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour certification course that helps individuals and communities better understand mental health issues and respond accordingly to others who may be experiencing distress. More information can be found here. Any questions or requests to register can be made to Ali Ramsteck with Darien Human Services at aramsteck@darienct.gov
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DARIEN SUMMER SCHOOL WITH MR BARTOL!
Sports Plus!
If your child loves activity and involvement, this camp is for him/her! The daily sport activity will keep your child’s growing body in constant movement with lots of physical activity: floor hockey, kickball, basketball, capture-the-flag, adventure games, parachute activities, individual and group challenges and more! Campers will continue to work on throwing, catching, kicking, and movement through space while playing some of their favorite games from school. There will also be opportunities to work on communication skills with some new activities like escape room physical education. Teams must work together to solve problems and complete a common goal! Camp is June 24-July 26. Options for all five weeks or weekly. 8:30-10:30 or 10:30-12:30 or Both.
Blue Wave Track and Field Fundamental
Whether your child has an interest in Track and Field, wants to explore a new sport, or just do something active this is the camp for them. Children will be introduced to the fundamentals of various running, jumping, hurdling, and throwing events in a fun atmosphere. Sessions will be age appropriate and focus on having fun! Campers will have use of the DHS Track as well as gym space in case of inclement weather. Camp is Monday through Thursday 1-3:30pm. July 8-11. No class on Friday due to Town Fireworks.
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DARIEN ARTS CENTER
To register, visit links below or darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall.
New Summer Camps:
Creative Movement & Art Camp:
Ages 3-5: 11-1:30pm. June 10-13 | June 17-20 | June 24-27
Cartooning Camp:
Grades 1-3: 2:30-4pm. June 10-13 | June 17-20
Grades 4-7: 2:30-4pm. June 24-27 | July 8-11
Good Morning Art Camp:
Grades K-2: 10-11:30am. July 8-11 | July 15-18 | July 22-25
Grades 3-5: 10-12pm. July 29-August 1 | August 5-8 | August 12-15
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OX RIDGE HOOT | HOOT EMAIL | PTO WEBSITE
EDITORS NOTE:
Danielle Kohlberger - September, December, March, June 2
Jennifer Marty - October, January, April, June 9
Roberta Brodis - November, February, May, June 16
OX RIDGE HOOT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
The Ox Ridge Hoot is emailed every Sunday during the school year. The deadline for submission is Thursday at noon. Please send your submission to oxridgehoot@gmail.com with the text of your e-mail, single spaced and left adjusted (NO FORMATTING!), with "Ox Ridge Hoot Submission" in the subject line.
"Community News" information/events will run for a maximum of two consecutive Hoot editions. Please time your submissions accordingly.
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR DECLINE ALL SUBMISSIONS.
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