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June 3-6 - Field Day (Grades K-4)
June 3 - 3rd Grade Strings Concert
June 5 - Yearbook last chance sale (one day only)
June 5 - Ox Ridge Spirit Wear sale (one day only)
June 6 - Beginner Band Concert
June 7 - Kids Care Club at 8:15am
June 10 - 5th Grade Field Day and Picnic
June 12 - 5th Grade Yearbook signing breakfast
June 13 - 5th Grade Graduation
June 14 - Last Day of School
Useful Links:
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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Play-Based Learning
How do children learn–especially in the early years? If you look at your child you see that, as children experience activities, they become more sophisticated in that activity–by the way, this concept continues throughout their schooling. One of my favorite examples is watching children play with blocks. Younger children tend to pile them up somewhat haphazardly. As they get a a little older, you suddenly see planned structures–something a child might describe as a castle. If you think about it, the child building the castle has developed an understanding of some basic geometric concepts: the larger blocks go on the bottom, the base is larger than the top, throughout, blocks must be supported.
Play-based learning is a tool for learning through play. New State of Connecticut regulations require that districts implement this approach in kindergarten. Darien is embracing this idea and providing staff development to our staff. Here is an article, from the Montessori Society, that provides parent tips on how to work and play with your child.
Harry Laub, Ph.D.
Interim Principal
Ox Ridge Elementary School
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Dear Ox Ridge Community,
Most grades will be participating in field day this week. For those who ordered t-shirts through Ox Ridge Outfitters, the children should have received the t-shirts last week. Contact Outfitters if there are any questions - oxridgeoutfitters@gmail.com.
The Board of Education voted on the 2024-2025 school year budget last Tuesday, May 28 - Dr. Addley’s latest proposal was approved. You can find a summary of the information on pages 9-18.
There are still several positions on our 2024-2025 PTO slate that we would like to fill - reach out to oxptorecruiting@gmail.com if you are interested:
On Wednesday, June 5, we will hold a “last chance yearbook” sale if you forgot to order previously. This will be a one day sale only via Pay4School stuff. Our Outfitters team will also be offering all Ox Ridge spirit wear items via their website on this day.
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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FIELD DAY SCHEDULE
Each grade will participate in field day for ~90 minutes. Ideally this is held outside and parents are invited to watch. If held indoors due to weather, parents are not invited.
The schedule is as follows:
K Monday, June 3 9:45 a.m.
1 Monday, June 3 1:00 p.m
2 Tuesday, June 4 10:00 a.m.
3 Wednesday, June 5 10:00 a.m
4 Thursday, June 6 10:00 a.m.
5 Monday, June 10 10:30 a.m.
Please remember that parking is difficult. Where possible, please carpool. You may also park around the perimeter of the parking lot as long as the curb is not painted yellow.
● For the kindergarten field day on Monday, June 3rd, please do not arrive until 9:40
a.m. so that the ELP drop off may be completed.
● For 1st grade field day on Monday June 3rd, please note that ELP pickup will occur
around 1:30 p.m. If you are leaving early, please know that you may be blocked in. This is expected to be cleared by the end of field day.
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FAMILY PHOTO DAY FUNDRAISER
Reserve your spot now for our fall Family Photo Day Fundraiser with the talented Karen Morneau Photography! It’s a great opportunity to have professional family photos taken and support the Ox Ridge PTO at the same time.
Spots are available for:
- Friday, September 6th - Weed Beach 4:00-6:00pm
- Friday, September 13th - Weed Beach 4:00-6:00pm
- Saturday, October 19th - Mead Park, New Canaan 8:00am-5:30pm
- Saturday, October 26th - Cranbury Park, Norwalk 8:00am-5:30pm
Click here to select an open time slot and pay the $75 sitting fee (which will be donated directly to the Ox Ridge PTO). There are several digital and print packages available to choose from following the session.
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INTRODUCTION TO STRINGS NIGHT
All second graders and their parents are invited to attend the Darien String Program's INTRODUCTION TO STRINGS on Monday, June 3 at 7:00 P.M. at Middlesex Middle School Auditorium. This evening program will introduce the violin, viola, and cello to interested incoming third graders. Parents will receive information on the in-school lesson program and string rental procedures. The Third Grade String Program involves weekly half-hour lessons during the school day and two concerts a year. If your child is interested in playing a string instrument in the Third Grade String Program, please attend this evening information session. For more information, please contact Richard Cruz at RCruz@darienps.org (Orchestra registration for 4th & 5th graders will be in the fall.)
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DARIEN ELEMENTARY ACADEMIC CHALLENGE - OPEN TO CURRENT 5TH GRADERS
Next week is the annual Quiz Bowl Day at MMS! All current 5th graders from all 5 Darien elementary schools are invited to attend. Details:
- Thursday, June 6th at Middlesex Middle School from 4:30 – 7:30 (there will be a dinner break).
- Students will represent their school in a fun academic tournament.
- Test your knowledge of Geography, History, Literature, Science, Math, and Pop Culture.
- There will be three rounds of Bowl (team) competition and one round of Bee (individual) competition.
- Meet the Quiz Bowl coaches and team from the nationally-ranked Middlesex Quiz Bowl Team.
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Please RSVP to Mrs. Martin with your child’s name and school no later than end of day, Monday June 3rd! Mrs. Martin will then send additional details to all registrants.
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Caitlin Griswold and Liz Melaugh (Ox Ridge Outfitters) for organizing field day t-shirts.
Kerry Goldberg and Alexis Starzynski for hosting our last Kids Care Club meeting for the year.
Beth Morgan for organizing our Fall 2024 Family Photo Days fundraiser.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Shannon Hernandez (Paraprofessional) - June 3
Amanda Merjian (ELP Teacher) - June 6
Chris O'Connor (4th Grade Teacher) - June 7
Thalia Goo (SPED Teacher) - June 7
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DARIEN NATURE CENTER
DNC is offering six one-week sessions of summer camp. Select weeks still available.
Explore the outdoors, make new friends, build confidence, bond with counselors, develop problem-solving skills, foster curiosity, and discover the wonders of nature!
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DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL
Darien After School is excited to announce that registration for our fall session will open on June 6th @ 10am! Get ready, visit the New Website! and create a new account and user name TODAY! *You MUST do it before you can register. Don't miss out on a season full of fun, learning, and new experiences for your child. Session dates 9/17-12/19.
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MATHER HOMESTEAD
Summer programs at Mather Homestead!
Please join us this summer at Mather Homestead for learning and fun. Cooking workshops run weekly from June 17-August 1st. Outdoor Skills workshop on June 29th where kids will learn how to use a compass, read a map and build a campfire. Kids writers workshop week of August 5th. Any questions please reach out: info@matherhomestead.org. Mather Homestead is located at 19 Stephen Mather Road, Darien.
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OKAY TO DELAY DARIEN - RISING 5TH & 6TH GRADE PRESENTATION | JUNE 3
Does your child really need a smartphone for middle school? A presentation geared toward parents of 5th (and 4th!) graders, as well as their students, who are weighing the “right” time to get a smartphone, followed by a panel discussion with MMS students and parents + Q&A. Discussion led by Sarah Gallagher Trombley, a former Snapchat Exec and founder of Thoughts From A Digital Mom. Monday, June 3, 2024 6:30-7:30PM at First Congregational Church, Parish Hall, 14 Brookside Road. Email questions to oktodelay.darien@gmail.com. Register here.
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LGBTQIA+101
An Introduction to LGBTQIA+ Identities and Allyship - Wednesday, June 5th at 7pm via Zoom
In Thriving Youth Darien's 2023 survey of Darien 6th-12th graders, LGBTQ+ youth reported significantly lower rates of connectedness to youth in school, adults outside of school and the community where they live. They also reported significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety, leading to a heightened risk for substance use. Having adults in their lives who are supportive and accepting of LGBTQIA+ youth is a protective factor!
Join us to learn about the LGBTQIA+ community and how to create more welcoming and supportive spaces with your family and friends. Zoom presentation by educator and community organizer Justin Zeigler; program brought to you by Thriving Youth Darien, The Depot, and Lighthouse, a program from Kids in Crisis. Register here.
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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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