September 8, 2024


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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

September

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

Six Day Schedule for Elementary Schools 2024-25

PTO website


Missed last week's Hoot? Click here

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Dear Ox Ridge Families,



At Ox Ridge School, we are always looking for ways to enhance our school culture and ensure that our environment is as positive and supportive as possible. This year, we are thrilled to announce that our staff has adopted the Fish Philosophy, a set of principles designed to bring energy, engagement, and joy to the workplace.


The Fish Philosophy originates from the world-famous Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, Washington. Known for its lively atmosphere, the Pike Place Fish Market became famous not just for the quality of its seafood but for the way its employees interacted with customers and each other. The market's workers are known for their enthusiastic, playful attitude—throwing fish, joking with customers, and creating a memorable, positive experience for everyone who visits. Their unique approach caught the attention of business leaders and educators worldwide, leading to the development of the Fish Philosophy as a model for improving workplace culture and performance.


The philosophy is built around four key principles:

  • Play: The idea of incorporating fun and creativity into everyday tasks. At Ox Ridge, we believe that learning and teaching should be enjoyable, and we’re committed to fostering a sense of curiosity and playfulness in our classrooms. By embracing "Play," we aim to make our school a place where students and staff are excited to come each day.
  • Make Their Day: This principle is about creating memorable moments for others, whether it’s through a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply being fully present. Our staff is dedicated to making sure every student, parent, and colleague feels valued and appreciated. We understand that small acts of kindness can have a big impact, and we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those we interact with.
  • Be There: Being fully present in the moment is essential for building trust and strong relationships. At Ox Ridge, our staff is committed to being fully engaged with our students, paying attention to their needs, and providing support when it’s needed most. "Be There" reminds us of the importance of attentiveness and connection in everything we do.
  • Choose Your Attitude: The Fish Philosophy emphasizes the power of choice, particularly in how we approach our work and challenges. By choosing a positive attitude, we can transform our experiences and influence the mood of those around us. Our staff is encouraged to approach each day with optimism, resilience, and a focus on solutions rather than problems.


By integrating the Fish Philosophy into our daily practices, we are not only enhancing our school’s atmosphere but also modeling these valuable principles for our students. We believe that this approach will help us create a more engaging, supportive, and joyful environment where everyone—students, teachers, and parents—can thrive.


We are excited to see the positive impact that the Fish Philosophy will have on our school community this year and beyond. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make Ox Ridge School a place of growth, joy, and learning!


Christopher Melillo

Principal

Ox Ridge Elementary School

Dear Ox Ridge Parents,


You should be hearing from your Room Parents in the next week or two - thank you to all who volunteered.


This week we have School Picture Day on Wednesday (September 11th) and Open House (September 12th). Don’t forget - September 11th is the last chance to purchase your Ox Ridge spirit wear via our online store.


We also encourage everyone to take a look at the before and after school activities offered at Ox Ridge by Darien After School.  


Have a great week!

Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman

PTO Co-Chairs

oxridgepto@gmail.com

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Nut Free Snacks:  Your child’s classroom is a nut-free environment. We kindly ask that you refrain from sending snacks or foods containing nuts with your child to school. This policy is in place to protect students who have life threatening nut allergies, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone. Additionally, if there are any other specific allergens present in your child's classroom, you will be made aware by your classroom teacher. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for helping us keep our school a safe place for all students.


Student Medications: Per Connecticut law, students are not permitted to bring any medications to school themselves. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications. For the safety and well-being of all our students, any medications that your child needs during the school day must be delivered directly to our school nurse by a parent, guardian, or a designated adult. Please note that medications should not be brought to the main office. Instead, they must be taken directly to the nurse's office to ensure they are properly documented and stored. Our school nurses are available to meet with families between 8:15 AM and 3:45 PM, or at another mutually agreed-upon time. If you need to arrange a different time, please contact the nurse's office directly so we can accommodate your schedule. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this law, which is in place to ensure the safety of all students at Ox Ridge School. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our nurse’s office or Mr. Melillo directly.

PARENT COFFEES WITH MR. MELILLO

Thanks to all who came to the Kindergarten and 1st grade parent coffee with Mr. Melillo last Friday.  If you missed the session or have students in Grades 2-5, please 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

OX RIDGE OPEN HOUSE

All parents are invited to the Ox Ridge Open house on Thursday, September 12th. 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.

  • 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

CHORUS REGISTRATION IS OPEN - 4TH & 5TH GRADERS

The Ox Ridge Chorus is open to ALL fourth and fifth grade students. Rehearsals will take place on Wednesdays from 8:00am to 8:55am in the gym. Band and orchestra students can also participate in chorus.


The Ox Ridge Elementary School Chorus performs in the Winter and Spring Concerts and for the Bridgeport Islanders Hockey game every January. Members of the Ox Ridge Chorus are also eligible to audition for the “Darien Elementary All-Town Chorus.”


Sign your child up here. Chorus begins Wednesday, September 11th.

SAVE THE DATE - 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!

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

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

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.

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVTIES THROUGH DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL

Darien After School provides before and after school activities at Ox Ridge. Fall session dates are 9/17-12/19. Visit our New Website and create a new account and new user name! You MUST 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

RETURNING YOUR “WELCOME TO OX RIDGE” SIGNS

Volunteers will be collecting all “Welcome to Ox Ridge” signs that were distributed to Kindergarten and new students in 1st through 5th grades.  You can also bring the signs to Ox Ridge and leave in the lobby.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS

  • Sara Santana (Ox Ridge Treasurer) for keeping up with paying our PTO bills.  
  • All of our Room Parents for volunteering to support our children’s classrooms and teachers.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF

September

11 Lauri-Ann Pirraglia - Paraprofessional

16 Donna Asaro – Nurse

20 Jessica Rosado – ELP Paraprofessional

26 Sharon Amato – Paraprofessional

27 Michelle Schaller – ELP SLP

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.

5TH GRADERS 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


Please reach out to James Lucchesi at The Depot with any questions.

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.

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

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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