September
2: No School - Labor Day
6: Parent Coffee with Mr. Melillo - Kindergarten and 1st grade
6: Family Photo Day Fundraiser
10: Board of Education Meeting
11: School Picture Day
11: Outfitters Webstore Closes
12: Open house
13: Family Photo Day Fundraiser
20: Parent Coffee with Mr. Melillo - 2nd and 3rd grades
22: Sunday Funday
24: Board of Education Meeting
27: Parent Coffee with Mr. Melillo - 4th and 5th grades
Useful Links:
DPS Calendar 2024-25
PTO website
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
Dear Ox Ridge Families,
We are delighted to share that our school year is off to a fantastic start at Ox Ridge School! It has been wonderful to see all our students back in the classroom, and we are especially excited to welcome those who are new to our school community. The energy and enthusiasm that our students bring each day set the stage for a year of learning and growth. Our Ox Ridge PTO-sponsored playdates and ELP/Kindergarten orientations were a tremendous success, offering a warm introduction to our school for both students and families.
As we settle into our routines, we want to remind you that bus schedules may be irregular for the first few weeks while our drivers fine-tune their routes. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Additionally, we encourage all parents to download the PikMyKid app, which will help us streamline the dismissal process and ensure your child’s safety. This easy-to-use platform will simplify many aspects of our day-to-day operations and improve communication.
Please mark your calendars for some important upcoming dates:
- Monday, September 2nd, is Labor Day, and there will be no school.
- Friday, September 6th, we will host an Administrators Meet and Greet for Kindergarten and 1st Grade families at 9:45 AM.
- Wednesday, September 11, Picture Day
- Thursday, September 12, Ox Ridge Open House, See details under School News
Christopher Melillo
Principal
Ox Ridge Elementary School
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at Ox Ridge! The Hoot will continue to be the primary source of communication. Please make sure to take a look every Sunday evening, so you will be informed of all the upcoming events at Ox Ridge. You can also follow the Ox Ridge PTO on Instagram and become our “friend” on Facebook. The PTO website is a great resource as well with many helpful links.
Please join us in welcoming our new Principal, Chris Melillo, to Ox Ridge. We also welcome Jackie Welsh, our new Assistant Principal. Mr. Melillo and Ms. Welsh have done a wonderful job getting to know our school, staff, and students. We also extend our appreciation to our other assistant principal, Maya Feldman, who has done so much to ensure a smooth transition and successful start to the school year!
Please feel free to reach out to us anytime if you are interested in getting involved or need help with anything Ox Ridge related.
Have a great year ahead!
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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PARENT COFFEES WITH MR. MELILLO
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Meet & Greet events, a wonderful opportunity to connect with our administrators, meet other families, and learn more about the school year ahead.
Please join us on the following dates based on your child's grade level:
- Kindergarten and Grade 1: Friday, September 6th, 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
- Grades 2 and 3: Friday, September 20th, 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
- Grades 4 and 5: Friday, September 27th, 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
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OX RIDGE OPEN HOUSE
All parents are invited to the Ox Ridge Open house on Thursday, September 12. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and learn about the school year ahead. Administrators are available to meet as needed throughout the entire evening.
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ELP – 5:30 - 6:00pm
- Special education teachers, SLPs and School Psychologists, Special Education and Student Support Facilitator and SRBI specialists – 6:00 - 6:30 pm
- Specialist teachers (art, music, P.E., world language and library) - available for visit 6:00 - 7:00 pm
- Grades 2 and 3 – 6:00 - 6:30 pm
- Grades K and 1 – 6:40 - 7:10 pm
- Grades 4 and 5 – 7:20 - 7:50 pm
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BEGINNER BAND REGISTRATION
It's not too late to sign up for Beginner Band! If your child is in 4th or 5th Grade and would like to learn a Band instrument for the first time, please click on these links for more information.
Click Here: Online Registration Form
Click Here: View Virtual Presentation
Click Here: Rental Information
The online Registration Form is due Friday, September 6th.
*Please note: If you signed up in the spring for Beginner Band, you do not need to fill this out. The Advanced Band and Orchestra Registration Forms will be sent home later this week for those students who are continuing their instrument from last year. If you have any questions, please contact: CWalters@darienps.org
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PTO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We have a few more positions on our PTO volunteer slate to fill - links to positions and descriptions below. If you are interested in one of these positions or helping in any other way, email oxridgepto@gmail.com
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OX OUTFITTERS
Ox Outfitters is excited to launch our Fall Pre Order Webstore for new OX gear! The store is now open and will close Wednesday September 11th. Shop all new styles at the link below and grab your gear fast- after we close the shop no orders will be able to be processed. The store allows everyone to shop all the new merch and guarantees sizes! Orders will be delivered to your child's classroom 3-4 weeks after the store closes. We no longer have a year round website, so this is your chance to grab gear until Spring! Please reach out to Caitlin Griswold or Liz Melaugh at oxridgeoutfitters@gmail.com with any questions. Fall Webstore: Click HERE
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DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL
Darien After School is excited to announce that registration for our fall session is OPEN! Late fees start September 10th. Fall session dates 9/17-12/19. Visit our New Website and create a new account and new user name! *You'll need to create it before you can register. Don't miss out on a season full of fun, learning, and new experiences for your child. Questions or suggestions? Reach out to us at info@yourafterschool.com / 888.212.3837
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SAVE THE DATE FOR SUNDAY FUNDAY
Mark your calendars for September 22nd for our Ox Ridge Sunday Funday! The event will be from 10am-12pm (with 9:30-10am being for those who need a quieter experience). Look forward to hula hoops, bubbles, and lots of fun! Be on the lookout for ticket sales coming soon!.
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FAMILY PHOTO DAYS 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:
- 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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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
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Meghan Beller and Jen Richardson (Beautification) for helping decorate the outside of the school to welcome everyone back
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Janet Grier and Susie Cornicello for helping organize and run a delicious welcome back lunch for the entire staff.
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Rachel Sharon, Kate Haavik, Carolyn Elmi, Una Dunphy, Georgina Middleton and Meghan Shain for helping with welcome sign distribution.
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Dayna Checketts for coordinating and delivering students' school supplies so everyone is ready to learn on Day 1.
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Natalie Hackett for helping welcome our kindergarteners and new 1st through 5th grade students at last week’s welcome play date.
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Caitlin Griswold and Elizabeth Melaugh for running the Ox Ridge Outfitters
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Jordan Perry for keeping us all informed via social media posts and updating the Ox Ridge PTO website
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Elkin Serna for dressing up as Hootie to welcome the kids on their first day back
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Jenn Marty for kicking off our first Hoot edition of the school year
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
September
3 Christine Lampedusa – 5th Grade Teacher
7 Corey Sieke – Special Ed Teacher
11 Lauri-Ann Pirraglia - Paraprofessional
16 Donna Asaro – Nurse
20 Jessica Rosado – ELP Paraprofessional
26 Sharon Amato – Paraprofessional
27 Michelle Schaller – ELP SLP
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4TH & 5TH GRADE HAPPENINGS AT THE DEPOT
The Depot, Darien's Youth Center, is now registering students for fall programs. While most programs are for middle or high school students, we have a great new program for 5th Graders this year called Disconnect 2 Connect. Embracing a tech-free lifestyle, Disconnect to Connect invites students to experience the joys of offline activities. Participants will enjoy board games, outdoor play, crafts, and more, providing a chance to truly connect with peers without the distraction of phones or tablets. A weekly session just for Darien’s 5th Graders will also be offered every Thursday afternoon from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register HERE. The program is $150 for the entire school year and is always free of charge to anyone who requires financial assistance by submitting the confidential Scholarship Form.
4th and 5th Graders are invited to join students from all 5 elementary schools for a Back-to-School Ice Cream Party at The Depot! We'll have Mr. Softee and a DJ spinning tunes and playing games. Parties cost $25 and will be held rain or shine. Learn more and register HERE!
4th Grade Party: September 4 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm
5th Grade Party: September 5 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Please reach out to James Lucchesi at The Depot with any questions.
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OX RIDGE CUB SCOUTS
Darien Cub Scouts welcomes BOYS and GIRLS in grades K-5 for the 2024-25 school year! Cub Scouting is a chance to get outside, go camping, play games, try new things, and to help other people. Our first Pack Meetings are an ice cream social and game day on Sun, Sept 15th, at 1PM, a town wide Intro to Cubs and open house on Sun, Sept 22nd at the Scout Cabin (140 West Ave), and a new parent info night on Wed, Sept 25th. Our first campout will be in October (no experience necessary)! . For all info or to join, visit our website
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DARIEN ARTS CENTER
Registration is open for all fall classes in dance, art & music at darienarts.org. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. Call (203) 655-8683 for more information.
Dance: Academy classes for all ages include Dance Beginnings, Pre Ballet & Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pointe, Conditioning, Broadway, Partnering and Lyrical Jazz. Company, Trainee and Apprentice classes are available for those who want to focus on a pre-professional ballet and contemporary path.
Visual Arts: Find all the creativity your heart desires for you or your young ones from ages 3 and up! Choose from drawing, painting, cartooning, crafty projects for kids at Naya and adult workshops that include creative writing, acrylic pours and wreath making!
Music: Our music program is open to children and adults. Strengthen technique, artistry and individuality with our musical professionals! Choose from piano, flute, harp, saxophone, percussion, string instruments and guitar or voice lessons. NEW! Middle School Musical Theatre Audition Prep Workshop Ready to shine in this year’s school musical? Join our Audition Workshop and take your performance skills to the next level! This five-week course is designed to help you prepare for auditions with confidence and flair. Beginning on September 11 at 7:15pm.
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FIRESIDE AT THE DARIEN NATURE CENTER
Join us for a fun-filled evening of bonfires, dancing, and drinks at Fireside on Saturday, October 19, 2024! Bring your friends! You don’t want to miss this fantastic party! Register HERE
Your support helps us:
-Care for our 22 species of animals
-Create captivating programs for adults, children, and families
-Bring climate change and sustainability curriculum to Darien schools
-Outreach to underserved communities
-Maintain our building, keep it free and open to the public six days a week
The Darien Nature Center is a fully self-funded non-profit that does not receive any funding from
the town or state. The money we raise at Fireside significantly impacts our ability to deliver high-quality programming to Darien and surrounding communities. Your support, whether through attending the event or spreading the word, is invaluable to us, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity.
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OX RIDGE HOOT | HOOT EMAIL | PTO WEBSITE
EDITORS NOTE:
Jenn Marty - September, December, March, June 1
Roberta Brodis - October, January, April, June 8
Aynsley Joyce - November, February, May, June 15
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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