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May 6-10 - Staff Appreciation Week
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Tuesday - Have your child(ren) write a note on the template HERE
May 7 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm (Discuss latest school budget)
May 8 - Passport Night from 5:30-7:30pm
May 9 - New Principal Christopher Melillo Meet and Greet from 6-7pm at Ox Ridge
May 9 - Spring Soiree Parent Social at Ox Ridge Riding & Racquet Club from 7-10pm
May 10 - Kids Care Club at 8:15am
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
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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Dear Ox Ridge Community,
This week is National Staff Appreciation Week where we celebrate our teachers, administrators and other Ox Ridge staff for what they do every day. Be sure to have your child write a note on the template HERE and then they will deliver on Tuesday.
There are lots of school events happening this week:
- Passport Night is returning to Ox Ridge on Wednesday evening. Thanks to all the families who signed up. All are welcome to attend (even if you are not sponsoring a country).
- We look forward to seeing many of you at the new principal meet and greet and at our parent social this Thursday evening.
- Friday morning is our May Kids Care Club.
During Tuesday’s board of education meeting, Dr. Addley will present his recommendations for the $2 million budget cut - see below for more details.
BUDGET PROCESS: $2 MILLION MUST COME OUT OF THE SCHOOL BUDGET!
It’s May. Why are we still talking about the school budget and budget cuts?
On April 9th, the Board of Finance (BOF) voted to cut $2 million from the Board of Education (BOE) approved budget.
Can this money get added back in by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM)?
No. The RTM can vote to approve the budget as is, or can cut more. But they cannot add anything. The BOF approved budget number is the highest it’s going to be for the 2024-2025 school year.
What happens next?
Dr. Addley and the BOE must determine the specific items to be removed from the budget. A special BOE meeting had been added to the calendar for May 7th, at which time Dr. Addley will present his recommendations for specific cuts. As happened in the original process, BOE members then debate and possibly modify these recommendations on the 7th, and on May 14th and May 28th. A final vote by the BOE is scheduled for the May 28th meeting.
What might be cut from the budget?
We don’t know for sure! Some of the original proposals that parents successfully fought against (for example, cutting teachers at the middle school, Specials teachers and instructional aides at the elementary schools) could be proposed as cuts again. However, the cost of these items total just over $1 million. So an additional approximately $1 million of cuts would have to be proposed. Students will be directly impacted.
How can I tell the BOE what I think?
You can let the BOE know what’s important to you through public comment at the start of the May 7th, May 14th and May 28th BOE meetings. Link to meeting agendas can be found here. You can also email the BOE directly: darienboardofeducation@darienps.org
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK IS THIS WEEK!
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. See below for ways Ox Ridge families can participate:
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 Ebert 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. A big THANK YOU to everyone who has signed up. There are a few slots still open for those of you who would like to contribute. 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!
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Ox Ridge DEI - May
Kamala Harris. Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. Yo-Yo Ma.
These are just a few of the names featured in this month’s DEI display cabinet in recognition of May’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. While the profiles featured attempts to capture the diversity of more than 22 million Asian Americans and 1.5 million Pacific Islanders, no one month is long enough to highlight the breadth of experiences of this heterogeneous community and their contributions to the American experience.
Did you know 60% of planet Earth’s population is Asian? But too often, the term “Asian” is used as a catch all when Asia is not a monolith. Asia is filled with diverse communities with over 50 ethnic groups and over 2000 languages and dialects.
We are thrilled to bring back and celebrate the beautiful diversity of our school community with Passport Night at Ox Ridge on May 8th. We hope you can join us that evening to lean in and learn about the cultural nuances and unique features of our cultural landscape.
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YANKEES TICKETS ADDED!
Come and cheer on the division-leading New York Yankees! After a hot start to the season, Ox Ridge’s initial allotment of 75 tickets sold out but we have added 15 more tickets. Purchase today and join the Ox Ridge community for a day at the ballpark to watch Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and the rest of the Bronx Bombers take on the Chicago White Sox on Sunday May 19th at 1:35pm in the "Ox Ridge Section". The Yankees will donate a portion of sale proceeds to Ox Ridge. Tickets are $60 plus fees and include a Yankees backpack and a $15 food and beverage voucher. Click here to buy tickets!
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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 Graders Going to Middlesex Middle School next year: You can also order your supplies for 6th grade on Supplies to Please. We haven't heard when their supplies will be on sale, but it will also be on this website and we will keep you posted.
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AUTISM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE MONTH
April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and we are celebrating minds of all kinds! As a community we are working to raise awareness and build acceptance of neurodivergence. Sometimes called "invisible disabilities," autism and other neurological differences can be easily misunderstood. The DEI and Special Education Committees created a display in the main level trophy case to provide more information about these differences and how they make our community stronger. Stop by and take a look!
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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.
Contact us at info@darienafterschool.com / 888.212.3837. Follow us on social media for updates.
*Late Fees Applied
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Meghan Thornton and Christina Kreuz (Ox Appreciation) for stocking our staff lounge last week with Starbucks Coffee pods.
Claudia Ebert and Lauren Lawrence (Vice Co-Chairs) for planning Staff Appreciation Week.
Danielle Kohlberger, Mia Kim, and the DEI Committee (Mary Elizabeth Garvey, Kathleen Sartorius, Marisa Leister, Minnie Liu, Annie Epperly, Lucy Grambling, Ansley Joyce) for hosting Passport Night.
Meghan Shain (Social Committee) for planning the Spring Soiree.
Kerry Goldberg and Alexis Starzynski for holding this month’s Kids Care Club meeting.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
No birthdays this week.
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HINDLEY HAPPENING
Please join us at the Hindley Happening Saturday May 11th from 10am-6pm for food, fun, games, rides, raffle and prizes. For more information and to purchase tickets in advance please visit hindleypto.org/shop
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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
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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
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SURVIVING THE PRESSURE COOKER
How to Help Teens Manage the Need to Succeed
Wednesday, May 15th at 7pm - Zoom webinar
In Thriving Youth Darien's 2023 Youth Survey, 64% of 6th-8th graders and 87% of 9-12th grade respondents reported that expectations of their future gave them stress, anxiety and worry in their day-to-day lives. How can we empower our children to maintain a healthy balance between their goals and their mental health? Join Dr. Amanda Craig, licensed marriage and family therapist, and Rebecca Campbell, Director of Therapeutic Services at Sasco River Center, on Wednesday, May 15th at 7pm for an interactive Zoom conversation for parents and teens about managing the stress that comes with living in a high-achievement environment. Program brought to you by Thriving Youth Darien, The Depot and YWCA Parent Awareness. Registration is free and required at www.communityfunddarien.org/ty-programs-and-events
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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.
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MUSEUM OF DARIEN
is hosting several springtime events as well as its annual summer Explorers program for children.
Lecture: Hiking Ruins of Southern New England, by Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni, CT State archeologist, emeritus, takes place on Thursday, May 9th from 7-8pm. Dr. Bellantoni will bring history to life by narrating various hikes through Revolutionary War history, stone ruins, 'castles', and areas of natural beauty on public lands open to hiking. All illustrated in his new book available at Barrett Bookstore in advance. Admission is $25 for Non-Members, $20 for members.
Bus Tour of Historic Homes of Artists, Authors and Actors in Darien, in partnership with HisTOURy, takes place on Sunday, May 19th 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 8th, 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.
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OK TO DELAY DARIEN
The topic of smartphones, social media and mental health has been gaining momentum in recent weeks. OK To Delay Darien is a local organization hoping to bring education and a collective action response to Darien.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to unite parents who share a growing concern regarding the negative effects of early and excessive smartphone use along with the implications of early use of social media. We are dedicated to building a community of educated, empowered, and supportive parents and students with the common goal to delay smartphone use for young children and tweens.
Interested in learning more? Join our distribution list here. Or email us at oktodelay.darien@gmail.com
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DARIEN SUMMER SCHOOL WITH MR BARTOL!
Sports Plus!
If your child loves activity and involvement, this camp is for him/her! The daily sport activity will keep your child’s growing body in constant movement with lots of physical activity: floor hockey, kickball, basketball, capture-the-flag, adventure games, parachute activities, individual and group challenges and more! Campers will continue to work on throwing, catching, kicking, and movement through space while playing some of their favorite games from school. There will also be opportunities to work on communication skills with some new activities like escape room physical education. Teams must work together to solve problems and complete a common goal! Camp is June 24-July 26. Options for all five weeks or weekly. 8:30-10:30 or 10:30-12:30 or Both.
Blue Wave Track and Field Fundamental
Whether your child has an interest in Track and Field, wants to explore a new sport, or just do something active this is the camp for them. Children will be introduced to the fundamentals of various running, jumping, hurdling, and throwing events in a fun atmosphere. Sessions will be age appropriate and focus on having fun! Campers will have use of the DHS Track as well as gym space in case of inclement weather. Camp is Monday through Thursday 1-3:30pm. July 8-11. No class on Friday due to Town Fireworks.
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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:
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.
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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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