May 26, 2024

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

May

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

May 31 - Field day shirts delivered

June

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

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

When the School Calls Home

For many parents, when the school calls it can be a nerve wracking experience. If it is an issue about behavior, it can lead a parent to wonder how to handle the conversation. In this article, the authors give some practical and meaningful advice on how to handle these calls. You will note, along the bottom and sidebar of this article are links to other helpful articles.

Harry Laub, Ph.D.

Interim Principal

Ox Ridge Elementary School

Dear Ox Ridge Community,

We hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We have 3 weeks left of school! This Friday, the children will be at a Fun Run assembly to celebrate exceeding our fundraising goal - this will include Mr. Rebello, one of our gym teachers, being turned into a human ice cream sundae (or getting slimed).

The Board of Education will vote on the 2024-2025 school year budget this Tuesday, May 28 - the proposed changes are below. There is an opportunity to make public comment before the vote.

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:

Community

Back to School Coordinator
Kids Care Club
Veterans Day

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

DEI Committee

Fundraising

Book Fair Committee
Fundraising Committee (to help plan next year’s Silent Auction gala)

If you ordered a field day shirt through our Ox Ridge Outfitters team, they will be delivered to your child’s class by May 31.

Please also save the date of June 5 for a last chance yearbook purchase 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

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.

LAST CHANCE YEARBOOK 1 DAY SALE

Forget to order a yearbook? Order one on June 5th only, for $25. There are a limited number available. Please indicate your child's name and teacher when placing the order. Yearbooks will be delivered to students during the last week of school.

If you have any questions, reach out to Natalie Gould at natalie.j.gould@gmail.com

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

Megan Bussey Katz and Jaklyn Limoges (Recruiting) for setting up our 2024-2025 PTO slate.

Roberta Brodis for being our May Hoot editor.

Sara Santana for paying our PTO bills and setting up our 2024-2025 PTO budget.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF

Kristen Walsh Teacher (Grade 3) - June 1

Jo-Ann Sawitsky (Assistant Principal's Secretary) - June 2

John O'Connor (SSO) - June 2

DARIEN NATURE CENTER

is offering six one-week sessions of summer camp. Select weeks still available.https://www.dariennaturecenter.org/

Explore the outdoors, make new friends, build confidence, bond with counselors, develop problem-solving skills, foster curiosity, and discover the wonders of nature!

For Summer 2024, we will be running six one-week summer camp sessions. Our experienced summer camp staff will share their love of adventure and nature with your camper, creating a summer to remember. All sessions include outdoor exploration, science experiments, hands-on animal encounters, nature-based arts and crafts and more. Children who spend camp at our nature center find friendships, bond with counselors and learn about themselves and their connection to nature.

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, including 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 The Depot, 25 Heights Road. Email questions to oktodelay.darien@gmail.com

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 at www.communityfunddarien.org/ty-programs-and-events

POTENTIAL 2024-2025 TEEN TALK COUNSELOR AT MMS

The findings from the recent Thriving Youth Survey of Darien 6th-12th graders, which indicated the need for mental health support for our youth, were a call to action for The Community Fund of Darien to place a TeenTalk Mental Health Counselor at Middlesex Middle School.

The Community Fund of Darien and the Town of Darien's Department of Health have committed $70,000 towards this initiative that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of our youth. To fully cover the program cost for the 2024-2025 school year, an additional $30,000 must be raised by May 31st. Please consider investing in our youth with a donation to the TeenTalk initiative. For more information or to contribute, please click on the link: 2024-2025 TeenTalk Counselor at MMS

MUSEUM OF DARIEN

Open House Day at the Museum of Darien

Interested in learning more about Darien’s history? Admission is free to the Museum of Darien during our open house on Saturday, June 8th from 12 to 3! Come see what the third and fifth graders do on their annual field trips, enjoy a tour of the historic Bates-Scofield House, and drop in for a printmaking craft led by our guest artist Jane Mossa from Pink Rhubarb. All ages are welcome! Questions or more information contact the Museum of Darien at 203-655-9233, www.museumofdarien.org.

DARIEN SUMMER SCHOOL AND ENRICHMENT

Registration for Darien Summer School and Enrichment (DSS&E) programming is currently open. DSS&E provides a wide variety of options including Fairy Tale Fun, Globetrotters, Leap Ahead Writing, Marvelous Math, Super STEAM, and more! For more information and registration, visit www.dariensummerschool.com.

DARIEN YOUTH COMMISSION

The Darien Youth Commission invites you to a free family concert at Weed Beach. Taking place at 6:00pm on Wednesday, June 12, ANNIE & SAFARI BOB (of Annie & the Natural Wonder Band) will continue their tradition of delighting audiences of all ages! (Annie & the Natural Wonder Band has been performing in Darien and neighboring Fairfield County towns for 35 years.) So grab a blanket and beach chair and come enjoy music by the sound at one of Darien’s most beautiful parks. Feel free to bring a picnic, or buy dinner at the “Beach Grille,” Weed Beach’s concession. (Life guards will not be on duty…swimming at your own risk.)

DARIEN JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Darien Junior Football League (DJFL) Registration is STILL OPEN

RATES INCREASE JUNE 1ST

Please note that ALL returning and new players MUST enroll on our NEW Website (www.darienjuniorfootball.org)

June 4th: Equipment Pickup will be on June 4th from 5:30-8:30pm @ DHS Stadium. All medical forms must be completed, stamped and brought to equipment pickup.

July 31st: Registration closes

August 12th: Preseason Starts

Please visit our new and improved website for more information on programs, dates and other football camps happening this summer.

DARIEN ART CENTER

The Darien Arts Center Dance Academy is proud to present their 2024 spring concert at the Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, June 2 at 6pm. Tickets are available at darienarts.org. This end-of-year performance showcases the DAC Dance Academy’s youngest dancers through graduating students in a variety of dance styles. Featuring excerpts from Marius Petipa’s Sleeping Beauty and East Coast Contemporary Ballet’s Vessels performed by the DACDA pre-professional company, audiences will have the opportunity to see the full potential of opportunities offered to students at the academy. In addition to being a serious ballet school, Darien Arts Center also offers professional instruction in Contemporary, Partnering, Lyrical, Broadway, and Hip Hop, allowing students to explore and excel in the full range of movement that dance has to offer. Find out more at darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683. The Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court in Westport.

THE DEPOT

End-of-Year Ice Cream Parties at The Depot

Let's celebrate the end of a wonderful year at The Depot with a town wide party that's open to all our amazing Darien 4th and 5th graders! We've planned a DJ, games, prizes, and Mr. Softee to ensure everyone has a great time. The cost is $25. The 4th Grade party is on Tuesday, June 4, from 4:30-5:30, followed by the 5th Grade party on Wednesday, June 5, from 4:30-5:30. Click to register and join the fun. Scholarships are available and the events will be held rain or shine.

SafeSitter Babysitting Course: Saturday, June 1

Rising 6th graders can participate in The Depot's upcoming SafeSitter course, a daylong course from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm taught by Post 53 EMTs that teaches infant and child CPR, safety, and First Aid and skills to help them become knowledgeable babysitters. Click to register and learn more. These classes fill up quickly so don't delay!

PaddleSmart Seminar: Wednesday, May 29

This 2-hour seminar at The Depot is presented by the Darien Sail & Power Squadron and open to students in grades 4-8. It will focus on safety, emergency preparedness, and tips for efficient paddling when kayaking, paddleboarding or canoeing. Taking place from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday, May 29, the cost is $45. Click to register.

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

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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