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February 5-9 - Canned Food Drive
February 5 - 100th Day of School
February 6 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:00pm
February 8 - Middlesex Middle School orientation at 6:00pm
February 9 - Kids Care Club at 8:15am
February 10 - Ox Ridge Night at the Bridgeport Islanders Game at 7:00pm
February 11 - SOUPer Bowl Event at Bowlero at 11:00am
February 12-15 - Kindness Week
February 15 - 4th & 5th Grade Beginner Band Winter Showcase at 8:30am
February 16-25 - February Break (No School)
Useful Links:
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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On Tuesday of this week, all of our children had the opportunity to see the China Dance
assembly program. This was performed three different times and was geared towards
the age appropriate level of the children in that particular audience. The show provided
an insight into Chinese culture and was engaging to all of our students. A big thank you
to the show's sponsors, our PTO, and the dancers from The Chinese Cultural Center in
New York.
Reminder for 5th grade parents – there will be a meeting of incoming 6th grade parents in
the Middle School auditorium at 6:00 p.m. on February 8th.
Anxiety In Children
All children...actually all people...at some point deal with anxiety. The question becomes how
do we help our children cope and work through anxious moments. The link below leads to an
article from the Cleveland Clinic. This article provides an explanation of anxiety in children,
discusses various types of anxiety along with their symptoms and causes and provides advice
as to how to handle this. Please click on this link to read the article.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/anxiety-in-children
Here is a second article, published in a British journal, that also provides good insights into
understanding anxiety and how to handle it.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/anxiety/
Harry Laub, Ph.D.
Interim Principal
Ox Ridge Elementary School
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Dear Ox Ridge Community,
We have a busy week of PTO activities coming up - details are below in the “School News” section:
- Canned food drive this week
- Kids Care Club this Friday
- Ox Ridge night at the Bridgeport Islanders hockey game this Saturday
- SOUPer Bowling event on Sunday
On Tuesday, January 30th, the Board of Education (BOE) held a special meeting to continue deliberations regarding the Superintendent's proposed FY25 budget. This meeting included a Public Hearing. A link to the replay of the meeting can be found here and see below in “school news” for additional details. Time stamps to the discussion are below:
Public Comment - 10:52
Transportation Proposal: 2:16
Addition of Special Ed Paraprofessionals: 2:29
MMS Scheduling Update: 2:37
BoE Discussion of Add/Cut List: 2:55
Have a good week!
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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2024-2025 BUDGET DETAILS
Below are highlights for the Ox Ridge community that the Board of Education will be voting on February 13:
Elementary Schools
- Add all instructional aides
- Cut total number of Assistant Principals from 10 to 8
- Cut one building substitute per school
- Add one instructional aide per school
Special Education
- Cut K-12 Program Director
- Add SESS Director K-5
ELP
- Allow parent choice for 4 or 5 day program (discussed at 1:55:00)
- Cut 5-day ELP plan
The next BOE meeting will be held on February 6th; agenda and details will be posted here. This meeting will also include public comment if you would like to share your thoughts and opinions with the BOE.
Please continue to voice your opinion. We thank those who have already sent emails and made public comments, and we encourage parents to continue to do so until the vote (planned for February 13).
Key links:
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KINDNESS WEEK IS COMING
Ox Ridge will be celebrating National Kindness Week on Monday, February 12 – Thursday, February 15. The PTO will sponsor fun activities for our students that week, emphasizing the core kindness concepts of:
Respect - Treating people, places, and things with kindness.
Caring - Feeling and showing concern for others.
Integrity - Acting in an honest and right way in all situations.
Responsibility - Being reliable to do the things that are expected or required of you.
Inclusivity - Including others, inviting them in and welcoming them.
Courage - Being brave when facing new or difficult circumstances.
We hope you’ll enjoy the following fun days and celebrate along with us; please note that participation is always voluntary.
- Monday 2/12: Ox Ridge School Spirit Day – Wear your Ox Ridge spirit wear or Ox Ridge colors.
- Tuesday 2/13: Superhero Day – Dress up as your favorite superhero! (No masks please.)
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KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Please see the link below for important information regarding Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year. In order to get the most accurate enrollment numbers to determine the number of class sections for next year, we ask that you please register your child prior to February 9, 2024.
Kindergarten Registration Details
We would also be grateful if you could forward this information on to any families you know who have a child who will be registering for Kindergarten or who is considering registering their child for next year's class. Please reach out with any questions! We look forward to welcoming your Kindergarten student to our Ox Ridge School family!
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OX ROCKS 2024 - CALLING ALL TALENT!
The Ox Ridge PTO is excited to bring you the 2nd Annual Talent Show.
When: Thursday, March 28th at 7pm
Where: Darien High School
Who: All 4th and 5th Grade Ox Ridge students are invited to participate and we encourage all students to attend on March 28th!
Why: This is a chance for students to come together in a fun and inclusive environment to showcase their many talents - singing, dancing, comedy, magic, gymnastics, and acting are just a few ideas. Let’s get creative!
How do I sign up: Please complete this Google Sign-Up no later than Monday, February 12th.
Questions: Please email Ox Rocks Talent Show.
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PREPARING FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS WITH IEPS AND 504S FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Middlesex Middle School Administration in collaboration with the Middlesex Parent Association (MPA) invite you to join us for an informative panel discussion and explanation of the middle school transition process for fifth grade students with IEPs and 504 accommodations on Wednesday, February 28th 9am to 10am in the MMS Cafeteria.
Topics will include:
-Overview of Middlesex Middle School Schedule Structure, Services, and Specialized Programs
-Understanding the Transition to Middle School Process for students who have IEPs or 504 Plans (Articulation PPT Meetings/5-6th 504 Meetings)
-Q&A
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SOUPER BOWL FOOD DRIVE TO SUPPORT PERSON2PERSON
Help replenish Person2Person’s food pantry by supporting the Ox Ridge SOUPer Bowl Canned Food drive. Boxes will be placed at the school entrance to collect the week of February 5th. Most needed items can be found here.
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OX RIDGE SCHOOL - NIGHT WITH THE ISLANDERS
Enjoy a night of hockey with Ox Ridge Elementary School on Saturday, February 10th! Listen to the Ox Ridge choir perform "God Bless America" with the Darien elementary schools followed by a National Anthem performance by Middlesex Middle School! Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm game! Ox Ridge students can sit in the same section. Click here to purchase tickets.
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SOUPER BOWLING EVENT ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH AT 11:00AM
Get ready for Super Bowl LVIII with a parent + child bowling event at Bowlero in Norwalk on Sunday, February 11th from 11:00-12:30. The price will be $30 per person and includes 90 minutes of unlimited bowling, complimentary shoe rentals, unlimited soft drinks, 1 slice of Cheese Pizza, and a $10 arcade card for each child. Click here to purchase tickets.
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BEGINNER BAND SHOWCASE - FEBRUARY 15TH AT 8:15AM
The 4th and 5th Grade students who participate in the Beginner Band Program will have a performance in the Ox Ridge School Gym.
No special dress is necessary - students can wear their normal school clothes. The showcase will last around 25 minutes. Daily practice is essential for the success of this showcase. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
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DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL - EMBRACE THE SEASONS OF FUN!
Unlock Fun & Learning with Darien After School!
In an effort to support the participation of families in the past BOE meeting, the new Spring Session registration date is 2/6 at 8PM.
Spring Session dates 3/18 to 5/31. Preview classes @ www.DarienAfterSchool.com/OxRidge.
Save the Date: Conference Day Program Registration opens 2/13 @ 8PM!
Join us 3/13–3/15 for an unforgettable experience.
After registering for Conference Day Programs, please update your child’s dismissal plans to CONFERENCE DAY PROGRAM in School Dismissal Manager for each day your children are registered.
Questions? Contact us: info@darienafterschool.com / 888.212.3837
Follow us on social media for updates & let's make every session a BLAST!
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Nicole Sweeney (Social Committee Chair) for organizing our SOUPer Bowling event at Bowlero.
Christina Kreuz and Sibel Mesta (Ox Appreciation) for providing a monthly treat to the Ox Ridge staff.
Kerry Goldberg and Alexis Starzynski for hosting this week’s Kids Care Club meeting.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Samantha Walker (ELP SLP) February 7
Nancy Dineen (Teacher-Grade 1) February 9
Stephanie Frawley (Teacher- Grade 2) February 11
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DARIEN SOCCER ASSOCIATION SPRING REGISTRATION
for K-2 House and 3/4 House Development is now open! Please CLICK HERE to sign up. If you already have a SportsEngine account, you will be prompted to sign-in. Otherwise, please create an account and proceed with registration.
Our spring season will likely begin in early April and end in mid-June. Please register early as space is limited. Registration officially closes February 29th, 2024. Late registrations in March from 3/1-3/10 will be accepted ONLY if space permits with a $100 late fee.
More info can be found here: K-2 House and 3/4 House. Please also review registration guidance on the DSA website based on your child's birth year given the program shift to birth year next fall. See you on the field!
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DARIEN YOUTH COMMISSION'S SUMMER CAMP
The Darien Youth Commission’s Summer Camp registration begins at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, February 12. Online resident registration link will be live then (non-resident registration begins Monday, 4/22/24) and is on the DYC website (www.darienct.gov/yc). There will again be three grade-level programs, all operating out of Tokeneke School as follows: Camp Stony Brook (students who are entering grade 1) Camp Settlers (students who are entering grades 2 & 3); Camp Mather (students who are entering grades 4, 5 & 6). Summer camp dates are 6/24 – 8/02 (three, two-week sessions). FAQs regarding pricing, program content and registration information is currently on the DYC website. For those not registering online, downloadable registration forms will be posted on the DYC website on Thursday, 2/8/24.
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DARIEN PARKS AND RECREATION SPRING AND SUMMER REGISTRATION
The Darien Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that registration for 2024 spring & summer programs will begin on Wednesday, February 28th online at www.darienct.gov/parkrec, in-person in Room 110 of the Darien Town Hall or through the mail. Program offerings are currently available to view online. The 2024 spring and summer brochure will be mailed out to all Darien residents the week of February 19th. Please note that the sale of 2024 beach permits will begin on Wednesday, March 6th.
February Vacation Camp
The Parks and Recreation Department and Overtime Athletics have joined forces to bring this fun-filled camp to the youth of Darien on Friday, February 16th and Tuesday, February 20th – Friday, February 23rd. Parents have the choice of registering for all five days from 9 AM – 4 PM for $290, 9 AM – Noon for $160 or daily from 9 AM – 4 PM for $65/day.
This exciting variety sports camp for children ages 5 – 12 includes instruction in the fundamentals of traditional sports such as basketball and soccer as well as utilizing Overtime Athletics signature curriculum incorporating non-traditional sports such as kickball, relay races, and cooperative games. The camp will be held at the Darien Town Hall. Full-day participants should bring lunch each day. For more information or to register, please visit February Vacation Camp. Please reach out to us with any questions at parkrec@darienct.gov or 203-656-7325.
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DARIEN ARTS CENTER
So We Think We Can Dance 2024: Saturday, February 10th at 7pm and Sunday, February 11th at 2pm. The totally student-run production, consistently a sell-out, takes place in the DAC Weatherstone Studio at 2 Renshaw Road, behind Town Hall. Purchase tickets ($20) at darienarts.org. For questions call the DAC at (203) 655-8683.
Watercolor Valentines Sip & Paint: Friday, February 9th at 7pm. Calling all ladies, guys, singles & couples! Have a fun night out and make watercolor Valentines while relaxing with friends or a significant other. What's better than a handmade Valentine for someone you love? Bring your own wine or refreshments and enjoy light bites generously provided by Naya. Eat, drink and make art! Beginners & experts will learn new watercolor techniques from DAC Visual Arts Director & watercolor artist Lisa Koorbusch to make their own unique & special cards. $55
Students can try a Martial Arts class for free on Tuesdays or Thursdays by emailing Martial Arts instructor Rasheem Brown at lyricalthinker22@yahoo.com
Drop-in classes are available ($35) for Expressive Art for grades 6-8 and for Little Artist and You, a class for preschoolers with an adult.
The Darien Arts Center is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. Visit darienarts.org to register or call (203) 655-8683.
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THE DEPOT YOUTH CENTER
Safe@Home Class at The Depot Youth Center
Want to feel more comfortable leaving your 4th through 6th grader home alone? Our new Safe@Home class is a 90-minute program designed to prepare your child to be safe when they are home by themselves. Students learn how to practice safe habits, how to prevent unsafe situations, and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies. Students are also introduced to the Safe Sitter® First Aid Chart and learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses. The program is designed to prepare students for their first steps toward independence. Register at dariendepot.com. NEW DATES ADDED: Feb 5th and 13th. The $45 cost includes a student manual and an Important Information memo board to take home. Contact Amy Daniels with any questions.
The Depot's 5th Grade Valentine's Party
Join 5th graders from all 5 elementary schools (as well as area private schoolers residing in Darien) for music, games, food, and fun on Thursday, February 8th from 4pm to 6pm. Register at dariendepot.com. Tickets are $25 and will sell out! Spread the love and sign up with friends!
Back to the 90's Adult Dance Party
Parents: Support Darien's Youth as you dance the night away! Taking place on March 9th at Woodway Country Club, don't miss the party of the year! Fresh off of last year's sell-out event, this year we are moving to the 90's and spinning all of your favorite 90's jams from Hip Hop to Hairbands, Britney to the Backstreet Boys to transport you back in time. Learn more and purchase tickets before they sell out at dariendepot.com.
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HISTORY AT PLAY VISITS MATHER HOMESTEAD
Head to the Mather Homestead on February 10th at 4pm to see “A Revolution of Her Own!” a one hour performance followed by a Q&A session featuring actress Judith Kalaora. Judith will play the role of Deborah Sampson, the first woman to enlist in the US military and serve in the Revolutionary War. Come see history come to life! Family performance is at 4pm. Tickets: purchase here
The Mather Homestead is located at 19 Stephen Mather Road, Darien. Any questions please email info@matherhomestead.org
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DARIEN LIBRARY MINI GOLF
Saturday, February 10 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 11 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Darien Library is thrilled to announce its 9th annual Mini Golf fundraising event, where players of all ages will putt their way through the building on an 18-hole miniature golf course. All golfers are welcome to a free hot chocolate courtesy of Michael Joseph’s along with snacks for purchase at the Café at Darien Library anytime during the event. The cost is $5 per player and all proceeds will go directly to the purchase of books, movies, and technology as well as the support of countless programming opportunities at the Library. If you buy tickets in advance, you will be automatically entered into a raffle with a choice of several amazing prizes donated by ZSTRICT Indoor Golf Simulation, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics (SoNo Collection), and Two Roads Brewery. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event. For more information and to register in advance, visit darienlibrary.org/minigolf or contact the Darien Library Administrative Office at 203-669-5220
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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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