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January
9: Kids Care Club at 8:15am
10: Winter Concert at 1:30pm (Chorus, 5th Grade Band, 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra, Orff Group)
14: Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
17: No School - Staff Professional Learning Day
20: No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
28: Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
31: Kids Care Club at 8:15am
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,
Happy New Year and Welcome Back to School!
We hope your holiday season was filled with joy and quality time with family and friends. As we step into this fresh start together, we’re excited to welcome everyone back to Ox Ridge School and continue building on the positive climate and culture that makes our school community so special.
As we return to our routines, it’s important to be mindful of the winter weather ahead. Next week, we anticipate cold to frigid temperatures. To keep our students safe and comfortable during arrival, recess, and dismissal, we ask that you ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Please send your child to school with a warm coat, gloves, and a hat, as needed. Layers are always a great idea to keep little ones cozy throughout the day.
To support our commitment to student safety, we will be utilizing the Child Care Weather Watch System (child_care_weather_watch (1).pdf). This system helps guide decisions about outdoor activities based on temperature, wind chill, and other factors, ensuring that all children remain safe during cold weather conditions.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students safe and ready to learn.
Let’s make 2025 a wonderful year filled with growth, learning, and joy!
Sincerely,
Chris Melillo
Principal, Ox Ridge School
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
Happy New Year! Dr. Addley issued his proposed 2025-2026 school year budget which is being reviewed by the Board of Education. We will keep you informed about impacts there could be to our students.
We are beginning to plan our PTO slate for the 2025-2026 school year. There are lots of roles available for different time commitments and availability - if you are interested, reach out to our Recruiting team at oxptorecruiting@gmail.com
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
OxRidgePTO@gmail.com
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS
On December 18th, all of your donated toys were singing with joy about their future new homes: every bump in the road caused the electronic toys to come alive, as if they were singing jingle bells, as we made our way to the Bowery Mission- Bronx.
In the Bronx, the Bowery Mission opens up a toy store for all of those in need to come "shop" (for free) and all of our toys are now going to children in those situations. Thanks for your generous support because in total we have donated over 200 bags and boxes FULL of toys.
Looking ahead, in January the Green Team will be running an upcycle program for Ox Ridge spirit gear. Any shirts, sweatshirts, etc. that you've outgrown can be dropped in the lobby from January 13-27. We are going to give back to those at Ox Ridge so children at our school who can't afford to purchase spirit gear can partake in the fun! And, we will give some to the school to have on-hand for whenever there are muddy messes from recess, etc., and an extra set of spirit gear is needed.
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DARIEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2025-2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
On Thursday, January 2nd and Saturday, January 4th, Board of Education (BOE) meetings were held to discuss the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The full budget and Superintendent’s presentation from January 2nd can be accessed here and recordings of both BOE meetings can be found here.
The following upcoming BOE meetings will include additional discussions on the proposed budget:
- January 14th - Regular BOE Meeting
- January 28th - Regular BOE Meeting (BOE members will propose modifications to the proposed budget)
- February 4th - BOE Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget
- February 11th - BOE Vote on the Proposed Budget
You may reach out to your PTO chairs with any feedback on the proposed budget at OxRidgePTO@gmail.com. You may also email the BOE at darienboardofeducation@darienps.org. Public comment will be available at all BOE meetings noted above if you wish to voice your opinion directly. Public comment may be given in person or via zoom.
Additional details, including proposed budget initiatives/cuts directly impacting our school community, will be communicated via The Hoot and direct emails in the coming days and weeks so stay tuned for more detailed budget information!
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KIDS CARE CLUB
KCC is the community service arm of Ox Ridge. We make it easy and fun for Ox Ridge students to engage in service projects to help those in need in our local community. KCC meets monthly at Ox Ridge before school from 8:15-9am (drop off). At each meeting, a different charity or organization will speak about the work they do, and the students will work on a craft or other creative project for that organization.
Our next meeting is at the cafeteria on Thursday, January 9th (drop off at the main entrance and no need to walk your child in). A representative from Kids Helping Kids will join us to talk to the students, play games and maybe do a craft. Sign up here.
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KCC is open to all Ox Ridge Students from Kindergarten to 5th grade.
- Food is not provided, but each child can bring a nut-free snack and/or drink.
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Parents/caregiver can join the meetings - the more helping hands, the better!
KCC is led by PTO volunteers Susie Ortigao, Erin Wuelfing, and Marie Johnson.
You can contact us at oxridgekidscareclub@gmail.com with any questions.
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OX RIDGE SCHOOL NIGHT WITH THE ISLANDERS
Come out and join Ox Ridge Elementary School at Darien night with the Bridgeport Islanders on February 8th! Support the Ox Ridge Elementary School chorus along with the choruses from all 4 Darien elementary schools as they perform God Bless America! The Bridgeport Islanders will take on the Charlotte Checkers! Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm game! Purchase tickets here!
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SAVE THE DATE - OX ROCKS 2025
Mark your calendars for our 3rd annual Ox Rocks Talent Show! Ox Rocks 2025 will bring the school and community together for an inclusive, empowering, and fun evening on Thursday, March 27 to celebrate the impressive talent and creativity of our fabulous 4th and 5th grade Ox Ridge students. Registration will open for interested students in early February. Here are a few details that we would like to go ahead and share for planning purposes. We know many of the students are already excitedly discussing their acts!
All 4th and 5th graders are invited to participate. Acts are limited to 60 seconds. And we strongly encourage no more than 10 people per act. Only one act per student. Please encourage your children to be as creative as possible when considering performance options. For reference, singing, dancing, comedy, martial arts, magic, gymnastics, and acting are just a few of the performances from the first two years. We will hold mandatory auditions in early March at Ox Ridge but please note that everyone that wants to be included in the talent show will be. The main purpose of the audition is to give the students an opportunity to share their acts and costumes with the committee prior to the show. Exact dates will be determined and shared in the coming weeks. We will also hold a mandatory dress rehearsal at DHS the afternoon of March 27th, a few hours before the show.
More details coming soon. In the interim, please email oxrockstalentshow@gmail.com with any additional questions.
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YOUR AFTER SCHOOL WINTER ENRICHMENT
Classes Begin on January 6th - Register Now!
Don't miss your chance to sign up for Your After School's exciting winter programs!
Late registrations are still accepted, though late fees will apply.
From hands-on science experiments to creative arts and high-energy sports, our winter enrichment activities are designed to inspire, engage, and challenge kids of all interests. Whether your child is trying something new or building on a passion, there’s a class that’s just right for them.
Our programs provide a positive, fun environment where kids can learn, grow, and make new friends. It’s the perfect way to enrich their after-school time this winter!
Check out the full class schedule and sign up today: www.yourafterschool.com
For questions, reach us at 888.212.3837 or info@yourafterschool.com
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
- Nicole Sweeney and Natalie Hackett (Recruiting) for kicking off our 2025-2026 PTO slate.
- Christina Kreuz (Ox Appreciation) for planning the PTO January staff treats.
- Susie Ortiago, Erin Wuelfing, and Marie Johnson for holding this Friday’s Kids Care Club meeting.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY OX RIDGE STAFF!
January
11 Michelle Fitzgerald – ELP Para
14 Heather Grant – Special Ed Teacher
15 Jen Gould – ELP Para
23 Briana Prochorenko – Kindergarten Teacher
30 Sara Sproch – 3rd Grade Teacher
31 Marta Sari – Custodian
31 JoAnn Mittelstadt – 1st Grade Teacher
31 Danielle Pimpinella – Paraprofessional
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DARIEN WINTER CHALLENGER BASEBALL - REGISTRATION OPEN
Darien Little League's Challenger baseball Winter division is open for registration. The program enables differently abled athletes to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an environment structured to every child's unique ability; developmentally and physically.
League is split into two teams, the Lions Club (5 to 12 yrs. old) and The Recollectics (13 to 18 yrs. old). Each Challenger athlete is paired for the season with a wonderful High School student "Buddy" who volunteers at every practice to support each athlete’s participation, enjoyment, fun, and success.
Season will run from Jan 4 - March 8, 2025 with Lions Club players enjoying weekly 1 hour Saturday morning sessions at Darien Town Hall.
A fantastic team sport opportunity that promotes skill development, friendship, community, and inclusivity for the entire family. If interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Jessica Bennet. For more information please visit the Darien Little League Site
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DARIEN YOUTH LACROSSE
Early Registration is open until January 9th for all interested players in Grades 1-8. Full rates will go into effect on January 10th, register HERE today! Our season starts in March - For questions or additional information, please email - dylaxregistrar@gmail.com
Darien Youth Lacrosse, Inc. (DYL) promotes lacrosse among youth residing in Darien, CT, through grade-level programs open to all interested participants. The developmental program focuses on teaching fundamentals of the game and promoting good sportsmanship, respect for all participants and teamwork, and by cooperating with the Darien High School lacrosse programs.
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DARIEN GIRLS BLUE WAVE BASKETBALL CLINIC
The Darien Blue Wave Girls Basketball MLK day clinic is back again this year!!!!
Come join the Darien High School Girls basketball team and coaches for a fun basketball clinic on Monday, January 20th (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) from 9:00am-11:00am at the Darien High School gym. This clinic promises to be a fun two hour session for girls in 3rd - 8th grade to tune up their basketball skills and develop some new moves! We will have contests with prizes and every participant will be entered to a basketball themed raffle drawn at the end of the clinic!
The cost is $60 per player and checks are to be made out to Darien High School with “Girls Basketball” in the memo. All proceeds will go to support the Darien Girls’ High School program.
To register for the clinic, please email washekme@gmail.com with your child’s name, grade, parent contact/phone number and parent email address. REGISTER BY JANUARY 10TH AND RECEIVE A FREE T-SHIRT. Please include size in registration email.
On the morning of the clinic, please send in a check with your child. We will collect the checks at the entrance of the gym beginning at 8:50am.
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THE POWER PAUSE ON JANUARY 31 AT DCA
Join us for an inspiring and interactive morning with Neha Ruch of Mother/Untitled and local Darien mom Tiere Hessert of MamaCollective as they discuss Neha’s first book,
THE POWER PAUSE: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids--and Come Back Stronger Than Ever, a paradigm shifting, first-of-its-kind guide to approaching stay-at-home motherhood as an enriching chapter. Come meet and mingle with other like-minded women in our community while hearing about Neha’s mission to update and elevate the perception of stay-at-home motherhood in America. Your ticket includes coffee and refreshments as well as a signed hard copy of The Power Pause.
Sign up at www.dariendca.org.
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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
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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.
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