May 19, 2024

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

May

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

Teaching Children To Say No

As children get older they find themselves in positions where they are sometimes asked by friends or other people to do things that they do not feel are right or do not want to do. It is important to teach children “refusal skills,” the ability to refuse something that they feel is not right. Below is an article that outlines ten strategies for children to use when they choose to refuse doing something.

Top Refusal Skills for Teens: How to Say No Under Pressure

https://www.mcmillenhealth.org/tamtalks/refusal-skills#skills

Here is a video that you can watch with your children that also addresses how children can

refuse to do something.

Harry Laub, Ph.D.

Interim Principal

Ox Ridge Elementary School

Dear Ox Ridge Community,

We hope families enjoyed the Yankee game outing this afternoon. With only 4 weeks left of school, the PTO is wrapping up this year’s activities. We will soon be sharing our 2024-2025 budget and PTO slate for you to vote on.

We are excited to welcome the incoming Kindergarten students at this Thursday’s orientation.

Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman

PTO Co-Chairs

oxridgepto@gmail.com

OX RIDGE DEI - CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES

As we move into the final weeks of the school year, Ox Ridge is celebrating the unique and diverse group of students that make up our Ox Ridge family! We invite students to participate in two ways:

On Tuesday, May 21, which is National Diversity Day, students are encouraged to wear something that celebrates something that makes them unique. It could be a jersey from a sport they play, traditional clothing or colors that represent their cultural heritage, something from a club or activity that they participate in - dance, music, scouts, martial arts, etc. All clothing must follow the school’s guidelines and must not interfere with daily school activities.

Secondly, we are asking families to submit a family photo, or a self-portrait drawn by students for us to use in a display that celebrates our differences. Images can be uploaded here. Please submit by Friday, May 24.

We are Unique. We are Welcome. We are OX RIDGE!

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.

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. The BOE members have been deliberating the proposal and will vote at the May 28th BOE 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.

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

Jen Brauman (grade level enrichment) for planning activities for our current Kindergarten students during this week’s kindergarten orientation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF

Elizabeth Hayes (Teacher-Grade 5) - May 24

Derek Amato (Teacher Gym Itinerant) - May 26

Toni-Ann Rongoe (Teacher-Grade 3) - May 26

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.

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.

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 signature fundraiser at Tilley Pond Park on Monday, May 27th from 11am - 2pm, immediately following the parade. Tickets can be bought at the event, but are also available for prior purchase at select locations across town, for more information visit https://post53.org/food-fair/ With the help of our sponsors, Baywater Properties, Hollow Tree Storage, and Houlihan Lawrence this year’s event has fun for all ages. It will be filled with food trucks, live entertainment, games, ambulance tours, and a silent auction. Auction items include: Tickets to the Kelly Clarkson Show, a West Marine Inflatable Boat & Engine, a private sail on a gorgeous Catamaran on the Long Island Sound, and don’t miss the "BUY NOW" ride on the Ambulance in the parade for 1 child 8+ years old when the auction opens.

This town tradition raises money for patient care and equipment, continuous training of our members, and community training events such as Hands Only CPR and Stop the Bleed classes. 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. CLICK HERE

DARIEN JUNIOR FIELD HOCKEY REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Darien Junior Field Hockey (DJFH) promotes a fun, positive, inclusive, and robust youth field hockey experience for young residents of Darien, CT. The program is designed to teach fundamental skills, build a love of the game, and foster camaraderie across the entire Darien field hockey community. Our season starts in September!

Registration is open for all interested players in grades 1-4. Students in grades 5-8 can still sign up for our house program (late fees apply starting June 30, 2024). Please visit our website to register and to learn more. Any questions, please email: registrar@djfh.org

MUSEUM OF DARIEN

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

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.

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:

Intermediate 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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