FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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Dear Ox Ridge Families,
I’m thrilled to share that the 2024-2025 school year is off to a fantastic start! The energy and enthusiasm across our school have been truly inspiring, and I want to take a moment to reflect on the many highlights we’ve experienced so far.
Our Open House event was a resounding success. It was wonderful to see so many families come together to meet our dedicated teachers and staff. This event allowed parents to gain insights into the curriculum, daily schedules, and expectations for the year. The feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are so grateful for your involvement in this important kick-off to the school year.
We welcomed our newest students—those entering Kindergarten and the Early Learning Program (ELP)—with special orientation sessions. These orientations were designed to help our youngest learners and their families ease into school life. The excitement in the air was contagious, and it’s been heartwarming to see these students quickly acclimate to their new surroundings, ready to explore, learn, and grow.
Our Meet and Greet events for the Developmental Learning Center (DLC), Kindergarten, and First Grade students were fantastic! These gatherings gave families the opportunity to get to know their administrator team in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
None of this would have been possible without the outstanding support of our Ox Ridge staff, families and PTO. Our teachers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare their classrooms and lessons, ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition for all students. From planning engaging activities to making sure each child feels seen and valued, their dedication is truly remarkable. Our PTO has been instrumental in organizing and supporting many of our events, ensuring everything ran smoothly and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all. Their dedication to our school community is truly invaluable.
Additionally, I want to extend a special thank you to our families for your continued partnership. Your involvement, whether through attending events, volunteering, or supporting your child at home, plays an essential role in the success of our school. Together, we’ve fostered an environment where every child feels supported and excited to learn.
Last but certainly not least, I want to commend our students. Whether new to Ox Ridge or returning, they have stepped into this school year with eagerness and positivity. Their curiosity, kindness, and willingness to embrace new challenges have been incredible to witness. Each day, they remind us why we do what we do.
As we move forward into the school year, I’m confident that we have laid a strong foundation for a year full of growth, learning, and joy. Thank you again to everyone who has helped make the start of this school year so successful. I look forward to all the exciting moments ahead!
Sincerely,
Christopher Melillo
Principal
Ox Ridge Elementary School
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Open House on Thursday! We hope to see parents of 2nd and 3rd graders this Friday, September, 20th, at our Parent Coffee with Principal Melillo. The chat will take place in the cafeteria from 9:45 - 10:15 AM. Parents are welcome to attend any of the chats if they are unable to make the date for their student’s grade.
The school year is officially underway and by now you should have received communication from the Room Parents assigned to your student’s classroom! For those in grades 3-5, orchestra and band lessons will begin this week.
Finally, we hope to see you at Ox’s annual Sunday Funday this Sunday, September 22nd!
Have a great week!
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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PARENT COFFEES WITH MR. MELILLO
Our Parent Coffees with Principal Melillo continue this Friday in the Ox Ridge Cafeteria. We hope you will join us:
- 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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JOIN US FOR SUNDAY FUNDAY
Join us on September 22nd from 10am-12pm for a morning of fun and mingling with other Ox Ridge families! We will have an inflatable obstacle course and slide, sports games, My Bubble Guy, playground and lots of smiles! Tickets are $12 ahead and $15 at the door (cash only) and are required for children over 3 (adults do not need a ticket). The event will open at 9:30 for those who enjoy a sensory friendly environment. Hope to see you all there! BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW! Volunteer to help at the event here.
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RETURNING YOUR “WELCOME TO OX RIDGE” SIGNS
We hope our kindergarten and other new students enjoyed seeing our “Welcome to Ox Ridge” signs! Volunteers will be returning to collect all “Welcome to Ox Ridge” signs that were distributed so please do not remove them if possible.
You are also welcome to bring the signs to Ox Ridge and leave in the front lobby.
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PTO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We still 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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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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BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES WITH DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL
Darien After School provides before and after school activities at Ox Ridge. To sign up, visit the New Website and create a new account and new user name! *You MUST create it before you can register.
There’s still time to join classmates after school - Fall Session through 12/19 - Class start dates have changed:
- Morning classes will start on September 17.
- Afternoon classes will start on October 7.
Rolling registration open throughout the session – prorated class fees. Questions? info@yourafterschool.com / 888.212.3837
Click the link to see the programs offered!
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SAVE THE DATE - WALK, BIKE, AND ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY
Have your kids ever wanted to walk or bike to school? Join us, and join the country! For Ox Ridge's participation in the national Walk, Bike and Roll to School day! There will be FULL Darien Police street support from Highland Farm to Ox Ridge for a safe ride. All abilities are welcome! As a community, let's take a fun, safe, and important alternative to school. Together, we can demonstrate our need for safe roads for us all!
You're Invited! Walk, Bike and Roll to Ox Ridge! on October 9th, Highland Farm, 7:30-8:30AM. 8:30AM Community Departure to Ox Ridge. Questions or accommodations? Email us! OxGreenWBR@gmail.com
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
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Caitlin Griswold and Elizabeth Melaugh for running the Ox Ridge Outfitters fall webstore
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Beth Morgan for planning our Fall Family Photo Days Fundraiser
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
September
16 Donna Asaro – Nurse
20 Jessica Rosado – ELP Paraprofessional
26 Sharon Amato – Paraprofessional
27 Michelle Schaller – ELP SLP
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RIDE THE WAVE TO DHS HOMECOMING WEEKEND!
Mark your calendars and show your Blue Wave Pride the week of October 14-18!
Tuesday, October 15:
3:15 pm Boys Golf at Country Club of Darien
6 pm Girls Soccer vs. Brien McMahon at DHS Stadium
Wednesday, October 16:
2:30 Boys Cross Country at Waveny Park
4 pm Girls Cross Country at Waveny Park
4 pm Girls Volleyball vs. Fairfield Ludlow at DHS Main Gym
Thursday, October 17:
4 pm Girls Field Hockey vs. Stamford at DHS Stadium
Friday, October 18:
4 pm Boys Soccer vs. Norwalk at DHS Stadium
7:30 pm Football vs. St. Joseph’s UNDER THE LIGHTS!
Follow us on Instagram.
For questions, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities email Sara Hesli.
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JOIN THE BLUE WAVE BOOSTER CLUB FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR AT DHS
With the start of the fall season comes the membership renewal of the Blue Wave Booster Club! The Blue Wave Booster Club is funded through donations from individuals and families, local business sponsorships and fundraising events such as the Harlem Wizards game, which have enabled the Blue Wave Booster Club to provide over $750,000 in support to Darien High School athletic and spirit programs since inception!
The Blue Wave Booster Club, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, raises funds for additional items needed by Darien High School's teams - items not normally covered by the Board of Education budget. In recent years, we are thrilled to have expanded to support non-athletic endeavors as well! In addition, our mission is to foster sportsmanship and school spirit among students, parents, teachers, and staff. Some examples of recently donated items include AED machines installed at the DHS fields, as well as tents, backpacks, speakers and foul weather gear for our teams, music stands and a bass amplifier for band and so much more - all thanks to our generous membership!
Please visit our website to learn more about our membership levels. We hope you’ll join us by becoming a member and supporting our teams at DHS!
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YWCA Darien/Norwalk Family Open House
Join YWCA Darien/Norwalk on Sunday, September 22nd from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm for a FREE, fun-filled day of games, crafts, performances, and interactive activities including My Bubble Guy, Jumpin' Jams, Scribble Dabble Creative Studio, and the Darien School of Dance. While your kids are entertained, learn about how you can get involved with YWCA Darien/Norwalk to create a more tolerant, empowered and connected community through our various clubs and programming. Complimentary snacks and light bites will be provided by Granola Bar and Four Forks. Rain date will be October 5. See more about the event here.
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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 19th! Bring your friends! You don’t want to miss this fantastic party! Register HERE
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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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