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March 12 - Board of Finance Meeting at 7pm
March 13 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
March 13-15 - 2-Hour Early Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences
March 15 - Kids Care Club at 8:15am
March 19 - Special Education Parent Coffee at 10:00am
March 21 - Ox Family Games Night
March 25-27 - Spring Book Fair
March 26 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
March 28 - Ox Rocks Talent Show
March 29 - No School for Good Friday
Useful Links:
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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A few updates:
- Just a reminder: Daylight Savings Time began today (Sunday, March 10, 2024).
- Children must be in school no later than 9:00 a.m. or they are marked late. Not only is it important for children to learn the value of being on time, it is difficult for them to come into class without having received the initial instructions from their teacher and begun the morning activities with their peers. Children who come in late have a sense of needing to play catch up instead of being part of the class moving forward.
- On Friday, December 22nd, we invited children and staff to wear their pajamas to school with a twist. We asked everyone to donate $1 or more to help support children with cancer. All donations went to the Connecticut Children’s Foundation. We raised $1,287.42. Thank you for your support! Thank you to Dr. T. for organizing this.
Reading Aloud to Children
On Friday, March 2nd, Ox Ridge celebrated Read Across America Day. Parents of our K-2 students were invited to come in to read to and along with their children, often inviting other children to join with their own family. Leading up to this event a series of trivia questions, related to popular children’s books were asked during the morning announcements. These activities were designed to celebrate the children’s learning and to highlight the joys of reading. Additionally, during the week prior, “celebrity” readers were invited to read to classes. Celebrities included local government dignitaries, the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents and other district administrators from outside of the school. A big thank you to our assistant principal, Siobhan McCormack for organizing this event and to our security staff for organizing the parking.
Reading to children is a valuable at-home activity. An article entitled “7 Benefits of Reading to Children” lists the benefits:
● Supported cognitive development
● Improved language skills
● Preparation for academic success
● Developing a special bond with your child
● Increased concentration and discipline
● Improved imagination and creativity
● Cultivating a lifelong love of reading
For the full article, click here.
For tips on reading to children, this article from the New York Public Library is helpful.
Harry Laub, Ph.D.
Interim Principal
Ox Ridge Elementary School
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Dear Ox Ridge Community,
This week is our spring conference week - be sure to check out Darien After School’s programming options. We also have our March Kids Care Club meeting this Friday at 8:15am.
The Board of Finance (BoF) is holding a public hearing this Tuesday, March 12 to discuss the 2024-2025 budget approved by the Board of Education. See below in “School News” for more details - it is still critical to have continued parent involvement in this step of the budget process, as the budget is not final until after the BoF vote in April.
We have begun the recruiting process for the 2024-2025 PTO slate. There are lots of volunteer opportunities - please email our recruiting team if you are interested. Take a look at our current PTO slate.
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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2024-2025 BUDGET UPDATE
On March 5th, the Board of Education (BOE) presented its 2024-2025 adopted budget to the Board of Finance (BOF). You can watch the meeting here (BOE presentation starts at 41:33, BOF questions start at 1:00:45) and follow along with Chairperson McCammon’s presentation here, which includes historical budget data and comparisons to neighboring district’s budgets. The BOE budget reflects a 6.48% increase for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes a contractually negotiated 4.65% increase in teacher compensation, a 13.85% rise in health care costs, a 2.23% increase in special education costs, increased transportation expenses, and overall inflation impacts.
The Board of Finance holds its Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 12th at 7:00pm at Town Hall. Tell the BOF whether or not you support this budget by speaking at the hearing, or emailing them directly.
Find the agenda and virtual meeting link here, and detailed budget materials here.
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COFFEE TALK WITH MAYA FELDMAN
Assistant Principal Maya Feldman, alongside the Ox Ridge PTO Special Education Representatives invite parents of children with IEPs, 504s and those generally interested in the Special Education community to join us on Tuesday March 19th, at 10am in the Ox Ridge Cafeteria, for a morning Coffee Talk.
We look forward to an open and interactive conversation around Ox Ridge's available resources for our differently abled and creative student learners.
We kindly request that questions be submitted ahead of time, by no later than March 15th, via this google form or by directly emailing any of the special education representatives who will sensitively ensure privacy.
We hope that you will connect with us on March 19 and that this Coffee Talk will continue to build our parent community and enhance communication amongst families of children with varying educational needs.
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ROCK YOUR SOCKS DAY - WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY ON 3/21
World Down Syndrome Day is Thursday, March 21st (3/21), a day selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which leads to Down syndrome. We invite all students to wear bold, brightly colored, mismatched socks! Doing so allows us to celebrate all of the wonderful things about people with Down syndrome while also advocating for their rights, inclusion and well-being. We can't wait to see how our Ox Ridge community rocks their socks!
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GAME NIGHT
Save the date and join us at Ox Ridge on March 21st for Bingo Night! There will be two sessions held in the Ox Ridge cafeteria. Tickets are $10 / person and include 2 Bingo cards / game, a slice of pizza, juice, and water. Additional Bingo cards and pizza may be purchased at the event in cash. Kids 5 and under are free. Link for purchasing tickets will be sent out soon.
Session One: 5:15pm - 6:00pm
Session Two: 6:15pm - 7:00pm
Help make Bingo Night a success and click here to volunteer!
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SPRING BOOK FAIR
Spring Into Books at The Ox Ridge Spring Book Fair which runs March 25-27th. Book Fair Volunteers Needed – Click here to help out! Slots are open for classroom visits (during the school day) plus set up and breakdown. The teacher visit schedule is included in the sign-up sheet if you’d like to coordinate with your child’s class. We need your help to make this event a success!
Click here for full fair details and here to set up your child's eWallet.
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TICKETS, TICKETS! GET YOUR OX ROCKS TICKETS!
Come out and support the 4th and 5th graders who are participating in the Ox Rocks Talent Show Thursday, March 28th at 7pm at Darien High School. The 5th graders will also be singing a finale song, a tradition we began last year at the 1st Ox Rocks Talent Show. This is an exciting opportunity to see the wide range of talented students we have at Ox Ridge—from dancers, to gymnasts, to instrumentalists and singers.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased HERE through March 24th or until they sell out - Seating is Limited! The Ox Rocks Committee wants to ensure all children are able to enjoy the talent show. We have arranged to stream the show in the chorus room at DHS for anyone who would prefer a calmer experience. We hope you can join us - it is going to be an awesome celebration of the Ox Ridge students! For more information, visit the Ox Rocks webpage or EMAIL us if you have any questions!
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OX ROCKS T-SHIRTS ON SALE NOW
The Ox Rocks Talent Show is only a month away! Please support the school community by purchasing a 2024 Ox Rocks T-shirt before March 20th. Shirts can be purchased HERE and they will be delivered to your child’s classroom in mid-March. All the students are encouraged to wear the t-shirt on Show Day and 5th graders are encouraged to wear them during the finale!
Note: If you are in between sizes, we recommend sizing up. The fabric is super soft and the students loved wearing them last year! Questions? Contact Sonia Johnson.
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4TH & 5TH GRADERS HAVE ANOTHER WAY TO BE INCLUDED IN OX ROCKS
The Ox Rocks Talent Show Committee recognizes that there are many talented students who might not be able to showcase their talent on stage (i.e. painter or builder) or might not want to perform "live" on stage. Examples may include photography, sculpture, painting, drawing...or maybe your child is an incredible Lego creator!? Or bakes beautiful cakes? A poet!? Pole vaulter?! In an effort to be true to the Ox Rocks goal of celebrating the diverse talents of all our students, we want to give another option for contributing to the show. Please upload a picture of your child alongside their "special talent" onto the Ox Rocks Google Drive by Friday, March 22nd. Please name the file to include your child's name, grade (4th or 5th) and description of talent. All submissions will be on display at the Talent Show. Questions? Contact Ann Gallagher.
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CRAZY HAT DAY - HATS FOR HOPE FUNDRAISER
On March 28th wear a crazy hat during school and/or at our Ox Rocks talent show and donate a dollar. The money generated will go toward The Tommy Fund which supports children and families being treated at the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Center at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital where our own Sandy Henry's son Tucker is being treated. The school in Darien that raises the most money will get a visit from the whole UCONN basketball team!!
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OX RIDGE FIELD DAY SHIRTS
Ox Outfitters is excited to announce Ox Ridge Field Day T-shirts! We are offering the team colors assigned by Mr. Bartol and t-shirts will be delivered to the child's classroom at least a week prior to field day. Your child should have their team color, but we will confirm the order is correct. Please shop the shirts in person at Game Night on March 21st or shop online here. Please choose your color/size for your child and when you check out, please specify your child's name and teacher in the notes. A colorful way to support OX and streamline Field Day colors! Let the games begin!
If your family qualifies for the free/reduced lunch program and would like financial assistance for the Field Day t-shirts please reach out to Dr. Laub at hlaub@darienps.org.
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Kerry Goldberg and Alexis Starzynski (Kids Care Club) for hosting the Kids Care Club meeting this Friday.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Mary Beth Giannattasio (K Teacher) - March 11
Jo-Ann Epstein (ELP Teacher) - March 13
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UNDERSTANDING THE AI REVOLUTION: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
MARCH 20, 7-8:30PM, DARIEN LIBRARY COMMON ROOM
Please join us for a conversation with international speaker and bestselling author, Holly Clark. Holly is a digital learning pioneer who has made significant contributions to the field of educational technology and is a dedicated advocate for digital learning.
This session explores AI's role in education, offering insights into its effects on learning and student preparation for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting how AI enhances classroom experiences for tomorrow's world. Students ability to thrive will hinge on their proficiency with AI tools, empowering them to initiate startups, foster impactful global communications, and achieve productivity from anywhere on the globe.
Seating is limited, so please register here. Once we reach seating capacity, the form will not accept additional responses, however, the presentation will be recorded and posted on our website.
We are especially grateful to the Darien Advocates for Education of the Gifted (DAEG), for their generosity and co-sponsorship of this event.
This event is held at, but not sponsored by, the Darien Library. Any views and opinions expressed are not those of the Library.
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HARLEM WIZARDS COMING TO DARIEN!
The World Famous Harlem Wizards are coming back to Darien on Sunday, March 24th!!
The Darien Blue Wave Booster Club is excited to announce the return of this sell-out event! Come out for an afternoon of great fun as The Harlem Wizards take on The Blue Wave Home Team (our own talented teachers and administration, including Dr. Addley!) in a basketball extravaganza loaded with laugh-out-loud audience participation. Never in the history of sport will the losing team have so much fun! If you’ve never been to a Harlem Wizards game, check out this video!
Ticket Details:
General Admission $30
3 and under are FREE and do not need a ticket.
Reserved Student $50
STUDENT TICKET- Receive special reserved seating close to the court and free team poster.
Reserved Adult $50
ADULT TICKET-Receive special reserved seating close to the court and $5 souvenir gift certificate.
Courtside Plus Student $75
STUDENT TICKET-Receive courtside reserved seating, pregame meet & greet with players, souvenir lanyard and color team photo for kids that is perfect for autographs and a $5 discount on Wizards replica jersey.
Courtside Plus Adult $75
ADULT Ticket-Receive courtside reserved seating, pregame meet & greet with players, souvenir lanyard and a $10 souvenir gift certificate for adults.
Courtside Player $250 (only 10 available!)
STUDENT TICKET(K-8 grade)-Receive courtside reserved seating, pregame meet & greet with players, jersey (picked up at game) souvenir lanyard and color team photo for kids that is perfect for autographs AND and the opportunity to play in a 3 minute game with the HARLEM WIZARDS during half-time.
We do expect this event to sell out quickly yet again. Click HERE to buy tickets now! Alley Oooop!
The Blue Wave Booster Club will host a concession stand outside of the gym (cash and venmo accepted!).
The proceeds from this exciting event directly support the athletic programs at Darien High School for the physical development and betterment of all of its students! Thank you for your support and we hope to see you there!
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DARIEN NATURE CENTER
The Darien Nature Center is offering a variety of fun events and programs this spring and summer.
Summer Camp 2024
Explore the outdoors, make new friends, build confidence, bond with counselors, develop problem-solving skills, foster curiosity, and discover the wonders of nature!
Twilight to Night Hike & S'mores
Walk in the woods - for families and children 7 and older
Blooms and Bubbles
A fun flower-arranging class at the Darien Nature Center
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DARIEN ARTS CENTER
Applications are now being accepted for the Darien Arts Center Ginny Wright Scholarship, a $2,000 scholarship given to a high school senior in Darien who will continue their study of the visual arts or design in college. It is not necessary that the student be declaring art as a major, as long as he or she plans to take art courses. Completion of application, including artwork, artist's letter and a letter of support must be received by Friday, April 26, 2024. For questions, call the DAC office at (203) 655-8683 or email vadirector@darienarts.org. Apply at darienarts.org.
Registration is open for SPRING VISUAL ARTS and SUMMER DANCE offerings for all ages. To register, visit links below or darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall.
SPRING VISUAL ARTS:
Classes For Youth/Students: Little Artist & You: Pre School, Art Explorations: Grades 1-3, Cartooning: Grades 1-3, Cartooning 2: Grades 4-7, Drawing & Painting: Ages 8-10, Drawing, Painting & More: Ages 9-12, Drawing, Painting & More: Ages 12-16, NEW Expressive Art: Grades 6-12
Workshops For Youth/Students: NEW 2D Animation with ‘The Comic Tree’: Grades 5-8, Kids Create Art & Eat Naya Workshops*: Pre School-Grade 3
Classes For Adults: NEW How to Paint in Watercolor, Creating the Still Life – Your Way!:
SUMMER DANCE
Summer Dance Camps & Classes for Ages 3-6: Petite Dancers Class: Ages 3-6, Dance Beginnings Class: Ages 3-4, Pre Ballet Class: Ages 4-5
Summer Dance Intensives for Ages 10-18: Intermediate Summer Intensive: Ages 10-13, Advanced Summer Intensive: Ages 14-18
Adult/Teen Open Classes
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DARIEN JUNIOR SAILING
DJST offers youth ages 8-15 the opportunity to enjoy the summer on LI Sound. We offer two 3-week sailing camps and one 2-week camp, June 24 - August 16. No boat needed, rental fee included in the cost of the session. Morning and afternoon programs available. All levels of experience welcome.
Click here for online registration. For more information visit: http://www.dariensailing.org. Questions? Email: dariensailing@gmail.com. DJST is run by parent volunteers. Let us know if you would like to get involved. New parent volunteers always welcome!! DJST is a 501 (c ) (3) non-profit organization.
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DCA ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT
This long standing community tradition is an egg-cellent way to celebrate the holiday! The Easter Egg Hunt will start at 10AM sharp on Friday, March 29. There will be a special visit from the Easter Bunny! Bring your own basket. For kids 8 and under. Tickets on sale now at dariendca.org.
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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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