May 12, 2024

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

May

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 23 - Kindergarten Orientation

May 28 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm

June

June 3-6 - Field Day (Grades K-4)

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

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Once again the Ox Ridge community is welcoming a new principal. While this past year may

have been a little unsettling, it provided an opportunity for all of the stakeholders in our

community to reflect on the type of leadership that will help the Ox students to achieve at their

highest levels. Last Wednesday, Chris Melillo toured the building and visited with the staff at Ox

Ridge. On Thursday the parents had an opportunity to meet him. Click here for an article that

looks at the role of a principal and describes characteristics that make for successful school

Leadership.

Staff members, as well as parents, are dramatically affected by changes in leadership. Here is

an article, written by a middle school teacher to her new principal.

Harry Laub, Ph.D.

Interim Principal

Ox Ridge Elementary School

Dear Ox Ridge Community,

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone. We hope you had a nice day celebrating.

Last Tuesday (May 7), Dr. Addley presented his his recommendations for the $2 million budget cut, which does including reducing instructional aides in the elementary schools. For families headed to MMS next year, the proposed cut includes a reduction in teachers. This Monday (May 13), the RTM (Representative Town Meeting) will vote to approve the Board of Finance approved budget (the $2 million reduction) or could vote to further reduce. More details are below.

The PTO executive board has been actively planning for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, including filling positions on our PTO slate and budget planning. We will share these details more broadly in the coming weeks for the school community to vote on. There are still several positions that we would like to fill - reach out to o xptorecruiting@gmail.com if you are interested:

Exec Board

Special Education

Communications

Website

Community

Back to School Coordinator
Kids Care Club
Veterans Day

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

DEI Committee

Fundraising

Book Fair Committee
Fundraising Committee

Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman

PTO Co-Chairs

oxridgepto@gmail.com

2024-2025 BUDGET UPDATE

On May 7, Dr. Addley shared his proposed changes to meet the BOF approved appropriation of $119,864,475 for FY25. As happened in the original process, BOE members then debate and possibly modify these recommendations on May 14th and May 28th. A final vote by the BOE is scheduled for the May 28th meeting.

The proposed changes include:

Elementary

Cut of five Instructional Aides across the 5 schools.
Cut of one Music teacher
Cut of 0.8 FTE Art teacher
These are all positions the BOE added back to the budget from the Superintendent’s original proposal
Rise in elementary lunch cost from $3.55 to $4.05

Middlesex Middle School

Five Teacher retirements that will not be replaced - two English, two Science and one Social Studies
Cut of one Spanish teacher and one Math teacher
There is no information about how the loss of these seven teachers will affect the team model
Rise in middle school lunch cost from $3.75 to $4.25

High School

Cut of one Campus Monitor
Implementation of DHS Athletic Participation Fee of $200 per sport, with a family cap of $1,000 along with financial aid for those on free and reduced lunch or with an economic hardship (Participation fees were discussed and declined in the fall)
Rise in high school lunch cost from $4.75 to $5.25.

Special Education and Student Services

Hiring two Speech Language Pathologists, thereby reducing the use of contracted SLPs
Hiring five Occupational Therapists, thereby reducing the use of contracted OTs

You can find the full memo here.

FUN RUN RESULTS - WE DID IT!!!

Thank you for all your support with the Fun Run in late April. We blew past our $30,000 goal and just found out that we surpassed our $40,000 stretch goal.

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 GRADE PARENTS - ORDER MMS SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Order online now for next year until June 10th.

*A portion of the proceeds benefit MMS.* More information in the attached FLYER.

To order:

WEBSITE: https://suppliestoplease.com/

USERNAME: Middle

PASSWORD: mms2024 (case sensitive)

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.

*Late Fees Applied

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS

Courtney Concannon and Paola Sordoni (Fundraising) for organizing next Sunday’s Yankee Game tickets.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF

Laura Straiton (ELP Director) - May 13

Kim Egan (Teacher - Grade 1) - May 14

Amy Beazley (BCBA) - May 15

Kristen Iorio (ELP Teacher) - May 15

Jessica Easter (ELP Teacher) - May 16

Antoinette Napolitano (ELP Para) - May 17

Jessica Sprague (Teacher SPED) - May 18

Hayate Boujid (ELP Para) - May 18

Lindsay Uzwiak (Paraprofessional) - May 19

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 - 1pm 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

DARIEN LIBRARY 1894 DAY ANNIVERSARY - Wednesday, May 22nd

Darien Library is celebrating its 130th anniversary and Sixth Annual Day of Giving on 1894 Day, Wednesday, May 22th. Festivities will take place in the Library courtyard throughout the day, including crafts, live music by Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band from 3 – 5 p.m. and an ice cream truck from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The goal is to raise $130,000 in 24 hours and each donor will receive a special gift at various suggested contribution levels. Please join the celebration and plan to make a gift to the Library online at https://www.darienlibrary.org/donate or in-person on May 22^nd! Contact the Darien Library Administrative Office at 203-669-5220 with questions.

DARIEN EMS-POST 53's ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY FOOD FAIR

Post 53, Darien’s Emergency Medical Service, is excited to announce its annual Memorial Day Food Fair at Tilley Pond. Sponsored by Baywater Properties, Hollow Tree Storage and Houlihan Lawrence, this year’s event, filled with food, live entertainment, games, ambulance tours, and a silent auction, will take place on Monday, May 27th , immediately following the parade from 11 am-2 pm.

Food tents and Food Trucks this year include: Heights Pizza, Fryborg, Rincon Taqueria, Fisherman’s Net crab meat salad, Michael Joseph’s salads and sandwiches, Gregory’s iced coffee, Kona Ice and Mr. Softee.

Tickets will be available for purchase at select locations across town on May 17/18 or at Post Headquarters at 0 Ledge Road. Please visit our website Post53.org for exact times and locations. The annual celebration is Post 53’s signature fundraising event. This Town tradition raises money for patient care and equipment and continuous training of our members. Post 53’s annual operating budget is 100% funded by donations. It depends on the generous contributions of friends and neighbors to maintain the highest quality of pre-hospital care for the people of Darien.

MIDDLESEX MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER READING BOOK FAIR - 6/4-6/7

Stock up on your incoming 6th grade summer reading books at the MMS Summer Reading Book Fair at Barrett Bookstore. Mention MMS and 20% of your sale will go back to the Middlesex Parents Association. All required summer reading materials will be available.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

Bring your creativity and join our new art class which will merge natural materials, care for the planet and your artistry to benefit nature! Toad houses, bug hotels, pollinator water cups and a nature collage are some of the art we will create. Nature Educator and art enthusiast Caroline Cone and the great outdoors will inspire your budding artist. Register today!

https://www.dariennaturecenter.org/after-school-programs

PURCHASE YOUR 5TH GRADE GRADUATION SIGNS THROUGH THE DEPOT

Show your grad how proud you are by purchasing a 5th Grade Graduation lawn sign. The Depot is providing signs for $30, which includes delivery directly to your home. Order deadline is Wednesday, May 22nd, so do not delay. CLICK HERE to place your order or go to www.dariendepot.com to learn more.

MUSEUM OF DARIEN

is hosting several springtime events as well as its annual summer Explorers program for children.

Bus Tour of Historic Homes of Artists, Authors and Actors in Darien, in partnership with HisTOURy, takes place on Sunday, May 19^th from 1-5pm. Participants will gather at the Museum to start to see a corresponding art exhibit then all will visit several home interiors on our bus tour, and see and learn about many more buildings along the way. Actor Frank Latimore, award-winning artist Dorothea Warren O'Hara, and acclaimed author Erskine Caldwell are among many talented and renowned artists, authors, and actors that once called Darien home. Admission is $75 for adults, $49 for students. A 10% discount coupon is available when registering from MoD’s website.

Darien Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 27th – all are invited to celebrate and march with the Museum of Darien in the annual parade presented by the Darien Monuments and Ceremonies Commission. The parade will begin at Goodwives Shopping Center and proceed toward the Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery to lay commemorative wreaths around the Karl Lang flagpole during a ceremony honoring those who gave their lives in battle. Meet at the Museum at 9am and depart in the parade at 10am.

CT Statewide Open House, featuring guest artist, Jane Mossa from Pink Rhubarb. Visit the Museum on Saturday, June 8^th, from 12-3pm, for this free event. Featuring guest artist, Jane Mossa, from Pink Rhubarb, with a drop in project for all ages inspired from MoD’s Colonial herb garden. Take a tour of the Bates-Scofield House with our student docents dressed in period costume.

Summer Art & History Explorers – Ages 7-12 can join the Museum for four days of exploration, artistry and fun, with hands-on arts and cultural experiences that bring history to life. June 24-27, 9:30am-12:30pm. $330 for Members, $360 for Non-Members.

Register for events or find out more at museumofdarien.org. The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old King’s Highway in Darien, CT. For questions, call (203) 655-9233.

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. Spring and summer registration for all ages, including adults, is ongoing.

Jewelry Making Sip & Bead Workshop for Adults - Friday, May 17th from 7-9pm. This ‘Night Out’ workshop provides the needed supplies to create a custom bracelet and offers a fun and relaxing night out with friends. Brilliant glass beads, crystals, pearls, seed beads, tassels and more are used to design a wearable piece of jewelry with no tools required. Participants are encouraged to bring their own wine and refreshments. Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy some culinary delights with provided light bites from NAYA, adding a culinary dimension to the evening. Fee is $75.

Beach-Themed Frame Workshop at Naya For PreK-Grade 5 | May 30 | 4:30-5:45pm - Come join us and decorate your own unfinished wood frame with paint, shells, sea glass and more found objects. At home find the perfect photo for your unique beach-themed frame to welcome summer! After the creations are complete, participants enjoy a NAYA “Little Habibi” Kids Meal with their classmates. This workshop takes place at Naya in Darien Commons. Fee is $35.

Summer Visual Arts 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

Summer Dance Camps:

Summer Dance Camps & Classes for Ages 3-6:

Petite Dancers Class: Ages 3-6, Dance Beginnings Class: Ages 3-4, Pre Ballet Class: Ages 4-5

Summer Dance Intensives for Ages 10-18:

I ntermediate Summer Intensive: Ages 10-13, Advanced Summer Intensive: Ages 14-18

Adult/Teen Open Classes

Summer Music:

Email Juanita Bosee at juanita@darienarts.org for private summer music lessons.

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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