April 7, 2024

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

April 9 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm

April 9 - Board of Finance Meeting at 7:30, including School Budget Vote

April 11 - Enrichment - Dan Santat Author Visit

April 12 - Kids Care Club at 8:15am

April 13-21 - No School for April Break

April 22 - Fun Run fundraiser kickoff

April 23 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm

April 30 - Fun Run fundraiser event day

May 6-10 - Staff Appreciation Week

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

Useful Links:

• DPS Calendar 2023-24
• Six Day Schedule for Elementary Schools 2023-24

Missed last week's Hoot? Click here

The Eclipse Is Coming 

On Monday, weather permitting, we will be bringing the children outside to see the eclipse. It is expected to begin at 2:00 p.m. We will start our trips outside after that so that the eclipse will be more noticeable for the children. The height of the eclipse will be at around 3:25 p.m., just as the children are dismissing. 

● All children will be given NASA approved solar eclipse glasses to protect their eyes. They will be given the glasses to take home so that they can view the eclipse with their families. 

○ Please, Please, Please talk to your children about eye safety with the eclipse. They should never look directly at the sun or the eclipse without the glasses on. 

● While we are anticipating a normal dismissal

○ Please do not request an early dismissal–we are unable to handle a high volume of early dismissals. 

○ Expect that the pick up line may be longer than usual and take extra time.  

● We recommend that parents instruct the children to keep their glasses in their backpacks during dismissal and only look at the eclipse with the glasses under adult supervision

The Art Show 

Sonia Almonte, our art teacher, has curated an art show of student work at the Darien Library and the Darien Town Hall. These works will be on display from April 2nd to April 29th.

Darien Library: 

• Mason Creutz 4-T
• Patrick Rand 5-L
• Stella Wang K-E
• Andrew Voytovych 1-G
• Skylare Gajwani 5-W
• Gigi Muir 4-R
• Mia Carolan K-T
• Graham Kilmartin 2-B
• Maggie Grant 3-F
• Kyla Bodis 1-D

Darien Town Hall:

• Charlotte Long 4-R
• Logan Troy 2-T
• Scarlett Johnson K-P
• Max Marengo 5-W
• Liam McAnany 5-W
• Hailey Lam 5-W
• Shawn Zheng 3-W
• Emilia Davies 1-E
• Daniel Simoes 4-R
• Mia Roe 5-W
• Jack Burdette 1-M
• Benjamin Simoes 3-F
• Chiara Hu 4-T
• Grace Sinex 1-E
• Griffin Muench 2-F
• Francesca Galluzzo 5-B
• Angelina Kohlberger 5-H
• Eloise Antozewski 5-L
• Emma Tyler 5-W
• Ainsley Beck 1-G
• Reagan Zimmer 5-W
• Sophie Bowan 5-W
• Isaac Nour 4-R

Harry Laub, Ph.D.

Interim Principal

Ox Ridge Elementary School

Dear Ox Ridge Community,

We are excited to bring our third school-wide enrichment event to Ox Ridge - Caldecott Award winner and New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, Dan Santat, will be visiting our students this Thursday!

You can now register for the Ox Ridge Fun Run - go to my booster to register. Some background on the Fun Run is below, and more information will be coming about how you can help raise money for Ox Ridge.

As we have previously communicated, the 2024-2025 school year budget is not finalized. The Board of Finance is voting this Tuesday, April 9 in their 7:30pm meeting. This is an opportunity to make a public comment - see below for additional details.

Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman

PTO Co-Chairs

oxridgepto@gmail.com

BUDGET PROCESS: STILL HAPPENING

The Board of Education voted on a budget last month. The process is over, right?

• No. On 2/27 the Board of Education (BOE) approved a 2024-2025 budget of $121,864,479, up 6.48% over 2023-2024. However, this is only the FIRST step in the process. The budget must now be approved by Darien's Board of Finance (BOF) and then the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Dollar-amount (vs line-item) cuts could be made by either of these two town bodies.

Wait, the budget can still change? 

• Yes. If the BOF or RTM make cuts, the budget goes back to the Superintendent and the BOE. That means some of the original proposals that were previously rejected could be back on the table (for example, cutting teachers at the middle school, Specials teachers and instructional aides at the elementary schools) OR they can suggest brand new cuts.

So what is happening right now?

• The BOF held budget work sessions last week on Tuesday 4/2 and Thursday 4/4. The final vote will take place on 4/9. That’s when the public will learn the outcome. If the budget is approved as-is, it will move to the RTM meeting on 5/13, at which time there could still be a cut.

How does this impact me?

• Cuts to the Darien Public School budget could have direct effects on students. Additionally, the quality of Darien’s school system is a significant strength and draw for potential and existing residents, which keeps property values high.

How can I tell the BOF what I think?

• You can speak in person at the start of the BOF meeting this Tuesday 4/9 at 7:30pm in Room 206 of Town Hall or you can email the BOF directly: bof@darienct.gov

OX RIDGE FUN RUN

You can now register for our Ox Ridge Fun Run! Our goal is to raise $30,000 for PTO activities (enrichment in school, field trips, staff appreciation, and classroom supplies). Registering is easy and free!️ Register Now On MYBOOSTER.COM  ️

Once you’re registered, you have access to all of the fun sharing & donation features to help us raise funds. Features like:

• ️ The Student Star Video featuring YouTube Trickshot Stars, Dude Perfect!
•  Easy Email and Texting
•  Automatic payment features, like Apple Pay

You can watch this video with your children featuring YouTube Trick Shot stars, Dude Perfect!

Key Dates to Remember:

- Registration - Now Open!

- Program Event Kicks off at school - April 22

- Fun Run Event Day - April 30

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.

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.

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 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. 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!

PASSPORT NIGHT

Passport Night is a chance to celebrate and learn about the diverse heritage and cultures of our Ox Ridge community. Students and families are invited to sign up to prepare a display about a country representing their heritage. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 8th from 5:30-7:30pm and will include musical and dance performances and samplings of international cuisine. We look forward to celebrating the diverse nationalities of our Ox Ridge students! Sign up here to reserve a table for your country display. Please contact DEI Chair, Danielle Kohlberger, with any questions.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS

Amanda Elgert (School Wide Enrichment) for organizing our Dan Santat author visit.

Kerry Goldberg and Alexis Starzynski for hosting this week’s Kids Care Club meeting.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF

Sandra Henry (Kindergarten Teacher) - April 8

Regine Thadal (4th Grade Teacher) - April 12

Dennis Kopec (Custodian - Head) - April 13

Jenifer Wuite 3rd Grade Teacher) - April 15

Christina Stauble (Speech & Language Path) - April 16

Linda Lippmeier (Speech & Language Path) - April 18

Richard Cruz (Strings Teacher) - April 19

CHERRY LAWN PARK PLAYGROUND WALKWAY FUNDRAISER

Thanks to a federal grant, Cherry Lawn Park playground will be receiving new playground equipment and flooring this spring. The existing walkway is not long enough to reach the entrance of the new playground, so the Parks and Recreation Commission is selling personalized bricks to defray the cost of extending the walkway.

Please consider purchasing a personalized brick by April 8th to become part of the new pathway. The bricks are a perfect way to honor a special person (family member, volunteer, friend, etc.), local business or non-profit. There are no similar opportunities coming up in Town in the foreseeable future. Details and purchase information is available here.

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE

For those of you who are planning a “stay-cation” for the upcoming April vacation, the Darien Youth Commission and Darien Parks and Recreation are pleased to offer a screening of "The Super Mario Bros." movie at Highland Farm on Friday, April 19th. This movie is rescheduled from the fall of 2023 and is free of charge.

The movie will start at 7:30pm. Please plan to arrive prior with blankets, chairs and snacks. Mr. Softee will be on hand as well up until the start of the movie selling ice cream treats. All ages and families welcome. Thank you for your continued support of Darien Youth Commission & Darien Parks & Recreation community events, we look forward to seeing you there!

REVOLUTIONARY DAY AT MATHER HOMESTEAD ON SATURDAY APRIL 27TH 11am-2PM!

Step back in history with Sheldon’s Horse 2nd Regiment Light Dragoons: Connecticut’s Revolutionary War Cavalry. Families will learn about skills required to become a soldier for a Revolutionary War cavalry unit and see live drills on horseback! Throughout the day there will be narrated demonstrations of infantry and cavalry drills plus education stations, live music and crafts in the Mather Homestead barn. Member tickets: $15/Adults and Free/Children. Non-member tickets: $20/Adult and $10/Child. Ticket information: https://www.matherhomestead.org/event-details/a-visit-from-the-second-regiment-light-dragoons. Other questions please email: info@matherhomestead.org. Mather Homestead is located at 19 Stephen Mather Road, Darien. 

APRIL VACATION SOCCER CAMP

The Parks and Recreation Department and Darien High School Boys Soccer Coach Jon Bradley have joined forces to bring this fun-filled soccer camp to the youth of Darien the week of April 15th. Parents have the choice of registering for all five days from 9 AM – Noon for $240 or individual days for $70.

Jon Bradley and his Blue Wave Kickers coaches will offer a great week of soccer drills and games for children in grades K-6. The camp will be held on the Darien Town Hall front fields and the Town Hall gymnasiums will serve as the rain location. Campers should bring a water bottle and nut-free snack each day. Cleats and shin guards are not required but can be worn if you have them. For more information or to register, please visit April Vacation Camp. Please reach out to us with any questions at parkrec@darienct.gov or 203-656-7325.

DHS BASEBALL CLINIC: APRIL 16

The DHS Varsity Baseball team and Coaches will be hosting a Spring Break Youth Clinic for players in grades 1-6 on Tuesday, April 16 from 12:00-2:00pm (rain date will be Thursday, April 18). The clinic will take place at the Varsity Baseball field at DHS. Don't miss this great opportunity to kick off the baseball season and get to play with the high school players. The cost is $50 and is a fundraiser for the DHS Baseball program. Come out for some great baseball and support the program! Registration is required by noon on April 11. Please Venmo $50 per player to Annie Zawacki @Annie-Zawacki, please include your child's name. In addition, please complete the form using this link.

DARIEN CHALLENGER BASEBALL - REGISTRATION OPEN

Darien Little League's Challenger baseball Spring division is open for registration. The program enables differently abled athletes to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an environment structured to every child's unique ability; developmentally and physically.  

League is split into two teams, the Lions Club (5 to 10 yrs. old) and The Recollectics (10 to 18 yrs. old). Each Challenger athlete is paired for the season with a wonderful High School student "Buddy" who volunteers at every practice to support each athlete’s participation, enjoyment, fun, and success.

Season will run from April 28th to early June, with Lions Club players enjoying weekly 1 hour Saturday morning practices on Challenger Field at McGuane Park in addition to one Friday "under the lights" game versus our Stamford Challenger friends.

A fantastic team sport opportunity that promotes skill development, friendship, community, and inclusivity for the entire family. If interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Jenn Keating or Jessica Bennet. For more information please visit the Darien Little League Site .

DARIEN JUNIOR CHEERLEADING REGISTRATION

Get ready to pump up our players and the crowd! Announcing Darien Junior Cheerleading League’s Fall 2024 registration! Mark your calendars for returning Cheerleaders (April 22nd) and new Cheerleaders (April 29th). Spots are limited and grades 2-5 are eligible. We have a tremendous staff of incredible volunteer parents that will guide your child through the basics of cheer, simple stunts, dance, and team spirit. If you are interested in joining our incredible team, we have positions open for 2nd grade assistant coaches. Please visit our Instagram for more information, and let us know if you have any questions!

SMARTPHONES, SOCIAL MEDIA & YOUR KIDS

OK To Delay Darien, The Depot Youth Center, Darien Library and Thriving Youth Darien invite you to a Childhood 2.0 documentary screening and Q&A on Tuesday, April 23rd at 6pm. Childhood 2.0 is required viewing for anyone who wants to better understand the world their children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age. Featuring actual parents and kids as well as industry-leading experts in child safety and development, this documentary dives into the real-life issues facing kids today — including cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more. A Q&A session will follow the screening. Learn more and register here. 

DLL BASEBALL OPENING DAY CLINIC: APRIL 28

Darien Little League invites you to our Opening Day Baseball Clinics for ages 8-12 with Mets World Series Champion, Howard Johnson (HoJo) featuring 90 minutes of clinic work (hitting and fielding) and 30 minutes for autographs (limit 2 pp – bring your own items to have autographed). HoJo was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame Summer 2023. Taking place at McGuane Park on Sunday, April 28th directly following the Opening Day Ceremony, 100% of the $40 fee will benefit The Depot Youth Center. Clinic 1, for ages 8-10, will run from 12:30-2:30 pm. Clinic 2, for ages 11-12, takes place from 3-5 pm. Limited to 50 players per session. Click to Register. 

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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