FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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As I am ending my first full week of being the principal of Ox Ridge, I wanted to share some observations and thoughts with you.
- First, and foremost, I have been warmly welcomed by the Ox Ridge community. The entire staff have been helpful in sharing their thoughts about teaching, providing suggestions for moving forward and familiarizing me with both an Ox Ridge education and the beautiful new building. Parents and families have been welcoming and supportive of the school. The children have been terrific! I see them engaged in their classes and responsive to their teachers. For me, walking into this building has been a professional (and personal) pleasure.
- During my first few days here I have visited every classroom. Not only are the students engaged, I see them being both challenged and supported as they expand their skills and knowledge.
- I have also met with various groups of our support staff. Once again, I am seeing committed and dedicated professionals.
- I would also like to thank our two assistant principals–Maya Feldman and Siobhan McCormick for their support during this transition as well as our office staff, Mariana Begonja and Jo-Ann Sawitsky, who are instrumental to the functioning of this building.
- I am looking forward to supporting the teachers and children for this year and begin the planning for next year.
One note: As much as possible, we bring the children outside at recess. The weather is getting
colder. Please be sure that your children have an adequate coat or jacket and encourage them
to wear it when they go to recess.
Best,
Dr. Laub
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Dear Ox Ridge Community,
It was great to see so many smiling children making their Gingerbread houses last week. We are continuing the holiday spirit this week with a parents’ night out for wreath making at Nielsen’s Florist on December 7 - there are still spots left if you’d like to join. We also ask that you consider supporting the broader community by supporting our Holiday Hope Chest program.
We will be hosting a coffee with our new interim principal, Dr. Laub, on Wednesday, December 13 at 9:30. Dr. Laub will share his observations and answer any questions you may have.
Have a great week!
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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WREATH MAKING AT NIELSEN'S
Join the Ox Ridge PTO for Holiday Wreath Making at Nielsen's Florist on Thursday, December 7th at 6:30pm! Gather with friends, enjoy light bites and drinks, and get into the Holiday spirit. You'll go home with a gorgeous Holiday wreath from Nielsen's for your front door! Tickets are $105 and can be purchased here. Nielsen's is limiting headcount to 60 people, so buy your ticket quickly. Please reach out to Alison Muench with questions.
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HOLIDAY HOPE CHEST - DEADLINE EXTENDED
Ox Ridge is marking its 22nd year of supporting the Family & Children’s Agency through their Hope Chest program, which sponsors foster children in Fairfield County during the holidays. If your family would like to contribute to this great cause, please assign your name to a foster child listed on the Sign-Up Genius and purchase one of the child’s desired gifts/gift cards from any convenient location. Please wrap your gifts and label them with the child’s name. Wrapped gifts should be dropped off at 66 Holly Lane (box on the side porch) by Friday, December 8, so that all donations can be hand delivered to FCA in time for their holiday party, when the foster children will receive their gifts. Please visit the FCA webpage to learn more about the work of this vital organization and contact Beth Marengo and Suzanne Anderson with any questions about the Hope Chest Program.
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BRIDGEPORT ISLANDERS
Save the Date - February 10th: Family Night at the Bridgeport Islanders
The PTO’s have partnered once again with the Bridgeport Islanders! The Ox Ridge Chorus will be performing at the Bridgeport Islanders on February 10th. Please mark on your calendars. More details to follow. Any question, please email Paola Sordoni or Courtney Concoran.
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MINTED HOLIDAY CARDS
'Tis the season for holiday cards and Ox Ridge is Fundraising with Minted! Get 20% off your Minted card and gift purchases, including custom photo gifts, tote bags, stationery, children’s art and more. For every order placed, Minted will donate 15% back to the Ox Ridge PTO!
Step 1: Visit minted.com and start shopping!
Step 2: Apply code FUNDRAISEOXRIDGE at checkout to claim your 20% discount. The code can be used year-round!
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Beth Marengo and Suzanne Anderson for organizing the Holiday Hope Chests.
Sibel Magripli-Mesta and Meghan Thornton (Ox Appreciation Committee) for providing December treats for the Ox Ridge staff.
Alison Meunch and Nicole Sweeney (Social Committee) for planning the Holiday Wreath Making at Nielsen's Florist parents’ night out.
Courtney Concannon and Paola Sordoni (Fundraising Co-Chairs) for planning the Shop & Support fundraiser at The Cabana
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Stacy Johnson (2nd Grade Teacher) December 6
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DECEMBER AT THE DEPOT
Henry L. Farmer Memorial Toy Drive at The Depot
Now through December 19, donate new, unwrapped toys, books, and games in Henry Farmer's honor. Collections will go to Adam J. Lewis Academy in Bridgeport, serving underserved students in Pre-K through 4th grade. Donations are accepted at The Depot (25 Heights Road) Monday-Friday from 10am to 8pm or shop their Amazon Wishlist.
Depot Wrap Up: December 18-23
No time to wrap? Let the Depot "elves" help in our annual charity gift wrap fundraiser! Drop off your unwrapped, labeled presents from 10am to 9pm Monday-Friday the week of December 18th and we'll have them wrapped and ready for pick-up! You can bring your own paper, or we'll use ours. On Saturday, December 23, we'll be accepting presents from 9am to noon, and offering pick-up until 3pm. Find out more at dariendepot.com.
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GIVE BACK WITH PERSON TO PERSON HOLIDAY INITIATIVES
Holiday Toy Store: Each year, Person to Person (P2P) hosts its Annual Holiday Toy Store, a heartwarming event that helps ensure 2,000 children from lower-income families experience the joy of the holiday season. Help P2P collect toys, books and board games by visiting our Amazon Wish List or by making a donation online. For online donations: Virtual Toy Drive 2023 - Campaign (p2phelps.org). Amazon Wish List: Amazon.com.
Volunteers are also needed during the toy drive - sign up to volunteer.
Virtual Food Drive: P2P's mission centers around making sure everyone in our community has access to healthy, nutritious food. The need for food in our community is increasing, and costs are rising. For online virtual food donations: www.p2phelps.org/fooddrive
About Person to Person
Person to Person (P2P) is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing individuals and families with essential resources to help them overcome daily challenges and put them on a path toward economic stability. P2P serves 28,000 residents in Fairfield County with the following programs: three food pantries, clothing center, caseworker assistance, Financial Opportunity Center™, emergency financial assistance, college scholarships and summer camperships. Learn more at p2pHelps.org.
Established in 1968, P2P has sites in Stamford, Norwalk and Darien and serves the communities of Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. For more information visit our website at p2pHelps.org
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HELP HUMAN SERVICES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Would you consider spreading some kindness to a family or senior citizen in need? Darien Human Services has an Amazon Wish List of gift cards and household items for residents that are struggling financially. If you are in a position to give, we invite you to purchase a gift card or two using this link. If you would like to include your children in the process there is a Giving Tree in front of Human Services (room 109) Darien Town Hall. Stop by and have your children choose a gingerbread man off the tree and fulfill the gift card request on the back. Questions? Call us @ 203-655-7328
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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
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