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February
10-14: Kindness Week
10: Wear Ox Ridge spirit wear
11: Dress as their favorite superhero
11: Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
12: Beginner Band Showcase at 8:00am
13: Dress in bright, happy colors
13: Author Visit Book Orders Due
14: Wear crazy socks
15-24: February Break, no school
25: Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
Useful Links
DPS Calendar 2024-25
Six Day Schedule for Elementary Schools 2024-25
PTO website
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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Dear Ox Ridge Families,
We are excited to announce that Kindness Week is just around the corner! This special week, from February 10- February 14 , is dedicated to spreading positivity, building community, and fostering a culture of kindness throughout our school. We invite all students, staff, and families to join us in celebrating kindness in big and small ways. Here’s a preview of our themed days and activities for the week:
Monday: Ox Spirit Wear Day - "Kindness Starts Here!"
Wear Ox Ridge spirit wear or school colors to show unity and pride. Students will also write or draw one way they can show kindness on a paper owl, which will be displayed in the hallways to create a "Kindness Tree."
Tuesday: Superhero Day - "Be a Hero, Show Kindness!"
Students are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero! Whether it's a cape, a mask, or a homemade costume, we’re all heroes when we show kindness. Each class will participate in "Kindness Missions," such as giving compliments, helping a classmate, and creating thank-you cards for staff.
Wednesday: "100 Ways to Be Kind!"
To celebrate our commitment to kindness, students will work together to complete 100 acts of kindness across the school. Acts will be tracked on a kindness chart, and we’ll celebrate reaching 100 by sharing our experiences with one another.
Thursday: Thankful Thursday - "Gratitude Goes a Long Way!"
Students are encouraged to wear bright, happy colors to spread positivity. The day’s activity will include writing "Kindness Cards" to staff members, classmates, and others in our school community to express gratitude and appreciation.
Friday: Pay It Forward Friday - "Kindness is Contagious!"
In the spirit of fun, we’ll wear crazy socks to symbolize that kindness comes in all forms! Students will also participate as "Secret Kindness Agents," completing mystery kindness tasks throughout the day and reflecting on their positive acts.
We hope that this week will not only bring a smile to our students but also create lasting memories of kindness that extend beyond the classroom. We encourage families to join in the fun by supporting your children’s participation in themed days and reinforcing the message of kindness at home.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to create a positive and caring school environment.
Sincerely,
Chris Melillo
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
This week is Kindness Week at Ox Ridge - see below for more details. The Board of Education will be voting this Tuesday, February 11 on the proposed school budget - you can find out the latest information and how to watch/participate in the “school news” section.
The Hoot will be back on Sunday, February 24 at the end of the February break. Enjoy the Super Bowl game everyone!
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
OxRidgePTO@gmail.com
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OX ROCKS 2025 - LAST DAY TO SIGN UP IS TOMORROW, MONDAY THE 10th
Do you sign, act, dance, play an instrument or have some other special talent? Don't miss your chance to be a star on March 27th! Tomorrow is the last day to sign up to participate in the 2025 Ox Rocks Talent Show!
When: Thursday, March 27th 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 27th!
How do I sign up: Please complete this Google Sign-Up no later than Monday, February 10th.
Questions: Please email Ox Rocks Talent Show. Or, visit the PTO website.
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DARIEN PUBLIC SCHOOL 2025-26 PROPOSED BUDGET UPDATE
On Tuesday February 4th, the Board of Education (BOE) held a public hearing regarding the Superintendent’s proposed 2025-2026 budget. The agenda and materials for this meeting are available and a recording of the meeting can be accessed here.
At the outset of the meeting, BOE Chairperson Jill McCammon made introductory remarks, then indicated to Administration that for the majority of BOE members a) there is not support for larger class sizes and b) there is interest in maintaining some variation of an instructional paraprofessional model (and requested information on a model with two paras and one student intern at each of the five elementary schools). Public comment followed this board discussion (beginning at the 5.44 mark in recording).
The next step in the process is for the BOE to vote on the Superintendent’s proposed budget. Historically the BOE has voted line-by-line on proposed additions and proposed eliminations (see pages 2-4 of this document). The vote will occur on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30 pm, following public comment. Agenda and materials can be accessed here, once available. Following the vote and adoption of the budget, the budget will become the BOE budget and will be presented to the Board of Finance (BOF) on March 4th.
By way of background, on November 19th, 2024 the BOF provided guidance that town boards’ 2025-2026 budgets should represent approximately a 3-4% increase over 2024-2025 budgets. Relevant BOF discussion can be viewed here beginning at the 20 minute mark. This guidance has informed discussions throughout the BOE budget process. BOF meeting agendas and materials will be shared here when available.
Note the next BOE meeting (at 35 Leroy) and the next BOF meeting (at Town Hall) are both scheduled for 7.30pm on February 11th. Public comment will be available at both meetings if you wish to voice your opinion. You may also share your thoughts by emailing both the BOE and BOF.
The CDSP and PTOs have compiled a list of FAQs which includes items such as an overview of the budget process timeline and how to voice your opinion. This document also contains links to all relevant budget documents and information.
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KINDNESS WEEK AT OX RIDGE
Ox Ridge Kindness Week is here! This special week is dedicated to spreading kindness, building our school community, and celebrating positivity in all its forms. Each day will focus on a different theme that reinforces these values.
Monday: Ox Spirit Wear Day - "Kindness Starts Here!"
Wear Ox Ridge spirit wear or school colors to show unity and pride. Students will also write or draw one way they can show kindness on a paper owl, which will be displayed in the hallways to create a "Kindness Tree."
Tuesday: Superhero Day - "Be a Hero, Show Kindness!"
Students are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero! Whether it's a cape, a mask, or a homemade costume, we’re all heroes when we show kindness. Each class will participate in "Kindness Missions," such as giving compliments, helping a classmate, and creating thank-you cards for staff.
Wednesday: "100 Ways to Be Kind!"
To celebrate our commitment to kindness, students will work together to complete 100 acts of kindness across the school. Acts will be tracked on a kindness chart, and we’ll celebrate reaching 100 by sharing our experiences with one another.
Thursday: Thankful Thursday - "Gratitude Goes a Long Way!"
Students are encouraged to wear bright, happy colors to spread positivity. The day’s activity will include writing "Kindness Cards" to staff members, classmates, and others in our school community to express gratitude and appreciation.
Friday: Pay It Forward Friday - "Kindness is Contagious!"
In the spirit of fun, we’ll wear crazy socks to symbolize that kindness comes in all forms! Students will also participate as "Secret Kindness Agents," completing mystery kindness tasks throughout the day and reflecting on their positive acts.
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BEGINNER BAND SHOWCASE FOR 4th AND 5th GRADERS
Beginner Band Showcase for 4th and 5th Graders
Our 4th and 5th Grade Beginner Band Showcase will be on Wednesday, February 12th at 8:00 am. Students should arrive to the Gym / Stage that day no later than 7:50am for tuning and set up. 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 to Dr. Walters at cwalters@darienps.org. Thank you for your continued support of the Ox Ridge Band Program!
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AUTHOR VISIT - BOOK ORDERS DUE FEBRUARY 13th
The Ox Ridge PTO is excited to announce that New York Times bestselling author, Christina Soontornvat, will be visiting our students on March 3rd! Christina has received three Newbery Honor awards and she is the only author to be awarded Newbery Honors for both fiction and nonfiction in the same year. We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase the following books that Christina will sign when she visits. Please place your order Pay4SchoolStuff by February 13th!
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
- Amanda Elgert (Schoolwide Enrichment Team) for coordinating our author visit book sales.
- Aynsley Joyce for being our February Hoot editor
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY OX RIDGE STAFF
February:
9 Nancy Dineen - Teacher-Grade 1
10 Nakia Carrier - ELP Paraprofessional
14 Michelle Fine - Paraprofessional
14 Jahan Fanek - Paraprofessional
20 Nilanjana Radhakrishna - Paraprofessional
23 Latasha Parris - Paraprofessional
24 Christina Bras-Taylor - DLC, SPED Teacher
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DARIEN DEPOT - DISCONNECT TO CONNECT IS 50% OFF!
The Depot's 5th grade program "Disconnect To Connect" is now 50% off. Disconnect To Connect is all about ditching technology for a bit and engaging in fun activities with peers! From playing board games, playing outside, doing crafts this program offers so many opportunities to connect with classmates in a technology-free way! If you are interested in registering you can find more information on our website at Dariendepot.com.
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LEARN TO SAIL! DARIEN JUNIOR SAILING
Darien Junior Sailing summer registration is OPEN NOW! For nearly 50 years, Darien Junior Sailing Team (DJST) has instilled in Darien youth a love for sailing. We teach sailing to kids as young as 8 years old; and with boat rental included in the registration fee, DJST has the distinction of being the most accessible sailing program on the Sound. NEW THIS SEASON – ALL SESSIONS ARE 2 WEEKS to provide families with greater summer flexibility. Sign your child up to learn to sail today: https://www.dariensailing.org/program/summer-2025/8467 or email dariensailing@gmail.com with any questions.
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DARIEN PARENTS MUSIC ASSOCIATION
TENOR/BASS SHOWCASE - Attention young singers! Mark your calendars for our 2nd Annual Tenor/Bass Showcase! On Thursday, February 13th at 7:00pm in the DHS auditorium, singers from our Darien Schools will join together to celebrate the music of Tenor and Bass ensembles, featuring special guest Barbershop Quartet Kismet. Students in grades 4-12 of any gender who sing tenor or bass are invited to perform a final song with the featured performers, if they attend the rehearsal and free pizza dinner on Wednesday, 2/12. CLICK HERE for full details, and SIGN UP to participate by Monday 2/10. TICKETS for the concert can be purchased HERE
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THE MUSEUM OF DARIEN - COLLAGE WORKSHOP
The Museum of Darien invites students in grades 5 through 8 to learn, create, and explore the rich tradition of weaving in a fun and educational environment. This engaging and creative Woven Collage Workshop is offered on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17, 2025 from 11am to 1pm. The hands-on event will introduce participants to the timeless art of weaving under the guidance of acclaimed instructor Chelsea Danburg, a multi-disciplinary artist from Norwalk, CT. Danburg, who majored in textile design at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design with a focus on weaving, brings her passion and expertise to this unique workshop. Students will explore weaving techniques using an array of materials, including ribbons, wrapping paper, yarn, recyclables, and found objects. The session promises a fun, tactile experience where creativity knows no bounds. In addition to the workshop, attendees will enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the Museum of Darien, led by knowledgeable Museum educators. The tour will delve into the fascinating history of yarn spinning and weaving, providing a historical context to complement the hands-on activity. Spaces for this exciting workshop are limited, so early registration is highly recommended. Fee for the workshop is $38 and all materials are included. To reserve a spot or learn more, visit the Museum’s website at museumofdarien.org. For questions, call (203) 655-9233 or email ekoch@museumofdarien.org. The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old King’s Highway in Darien, CT.
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DARIEN PARKS AND RECREATION
The Darien Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that registration for 2025 spring & summer programs will begin on Wednesday, February 26th 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 2025 spring and summer brochure will be mailed out to all Darien residents the week of February 17th. Please note that the sale of 2025 beach permits will begin on Wednesday, March 5th.
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 Tuesday, February 18th – Friday, February 21st and on Monday, February 24th. Parents have the choice of registering for all five days from 9 AM – 4 PM for $310, 9 AM – Noon for $180 or daily from 9 AM – 4 PM for $70/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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THE DARIEN NATURE CENTER
The Darien Nature Center would like to share a selection of our after school programs:
Nature Art Class (Tuesdays 3:45-5) Bring your creativity and join our art class, which will merge natural materials, care for the planet and your artistry to benefit nature! Taking inspiration from nature and all things whimsical, we will be focusing on building fairy houses for all five weeks, a perfect accent to any garden or woodland area.
Animal Caretakers Club (now-March 21, grade 2-6) Chopping salads, cleaning habitats and exercising animals are all among the duties of the members of the Animal Caretakers Club.
Animal Encounters (now-March 21, grade K-1) Similar to our Animal Caretakers Club program, but tailored to a younger audience! Children will spend the hour mostly outdoors, with each class focusing on one animal.
Outdoor Explorers (now-February 24, grade pre-K-1) Each week gives your child an opportunity to unwind from the school day by spending time in the fascinating natural world.
The Garden Club (Wednesdays this Spring, grade 4-6) Join us as we prepare our new sensory garden to grow food for our animals! Come get your hands dirty as we learn about gardening, food cultivation, seed saving, and gain an appreciation for how nature provides the food that sustains all.
Sign up now at https://www.dariennaturecenter.org
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DARIEN ARTS CENTER
Try a Class for Free! Spring Dance Registration Still Open
Looking for a fun and creative activity this spring? Spots are still available in our Hip Hop, Broadway, and Jazz dance classes at the Darien Arts Center! Whether your child loves to move, perform, or try something new, our expert instructors provide a welcoming space to build confidence, skills, and a love for dance. We offer free trials for all our dance classes. See our offerings HERE
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DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL
Spring is near, and registration is open! From hands-on science experiments, creative arts, high-energy sports, and more, there’s something for every child. Our programs provide a fun, positive environment where kids can learn, grow, and make new friends. Whether they’re exploring something new or building on a current passion, they’ll have a blast! To register, visit www.yourafterschool.com. Reach out to us at 888.212.3837 or info@yourafterschool.com with any questions.
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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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