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March 19 - Special Education Parent Coffee at 10:00am
March 21 - Ox Bingo 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
April 9 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
April 11 - Enrichment - Dan Santat Author Visit
April 12 - Kids Care Club at 8:15am
April 13-21 - No School for April Break
Useful Links:
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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Academic Support
One of our most important goals for children is for them to perform academically at the highest level that they are able to achieve. Darien implements The State of Connecticut’s support system for children called Scientific Researched Based Interventions (SRBI). This is a three tiered model:
Tier III - The school or program provides more individualized instruction for children who need the most support.
Tier II - The school or program provides help for children who need more support than they are receiving from the general curriculum.
Tier I - All children receive high quality curriculum and instruction in the general education classroom or program.
Tier I is classroom based, under the leadership of the classroom teacher. Tiers II and III are push-in or pull-out programs, taught by specially trained teachers, called interventionists.
For students who have more difficulty in school, the child may be recommended for a special
education evaluation.
Please click here for the Family Guide to SRBI.
Harry Laub, Ph.D.
Interim Principal
Ox Ridge Elementary School
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Dear Ox Ridge Community and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
We hope to see a good turnout at our Special Education Parent Coffee with Maya Feldman (Assistant Principal) on Tuesday at 10am in the Ox Ridge Cafeteria.
We are excited to bring BINGO night back to Ox Ridge this Thursday - it’s great to see the student interest. Please consider volunteering at the event to help make it a success.
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
[email protected]
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MARCH - NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
March is National Women's History Month! It is an annual observance of women's many accomplishments throughout history. We celebrate Women's History Month to recognize the achievements of women throughout the years in our culture and society. Check out the DEI Committee's display in the main level trophy case.
We invite you to learn more about the incredible women shaping history online by visiting women's history resources or by visiting sites along the Connecticut Women's Heritage Trail which includes the Harriet Beacher Stowe Center, The New Canaan Historical Society and many more historical sites in our state.
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EXCITING NEWS FROM THE KIDS CARE CLUB!
Join us as we partner with Kids Helping Kids to support the Handled With Care Boutique! We're collecting NEW and GENTLY WORN special occasion dresses, suits, khaki pants, dress shirts, jewelry, and NEW makeup to donate to this amazing cause. The Handled With Care Boutique's annual event provides a beautiful opportunity for those in need to find the perfect attire for special occasions. Let's come together and make a difference!
Please drop off your donations in the designated box in the main lobby from March 18-April 19.
For more information about this wonderful event and how you can get involved, please visit their website. Together, we can spread joy and support our community!
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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
The Ox Ridge Spring Book Fair “Spring Into Books” runs March 25-27th. Family Nights are Monday (25th) & Tuesday (26th) from 5-7pm (those needing a quieter shopping experience may enter at 4:30).
Payments accepted include cash, check and eWallet (an alternative to cash, the Book Fair eWallet can be used to fund your students' purchases at the Fair).
Set up your eWallet here & click here for full Fair details. Parents may shop with their child during their classroom visit (see schedule here) - and please consider helping set up by volunteering. We look forward to seeing you!
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ALERT - OX ROCKS TICKETS! ALMOST SOLD OUT!
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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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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OX ROCKS T-SHIRTS - FINAL DAYS TO PURCHASE!
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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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 [email protected].
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Laura Costello, Kristin Saltzman, and Kira Saunders for coordinating the Special Education Parents coffee.
Courtney Henry, Paola Sordoni, and Meghan Shain for hosting BINGO night.
Meghan Thornton and Mary Elizabeth Garvey for providing the Ox Ridge staff conference week lunch last week.
Sara Santana (Treasurer) for all her work paying field trip invoices and setting up Pay4School Stuff for Ox Rocks and BINGO night.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Sonia Almonte (Art Teacher) - March 18
Madeleine Bavelsky (School Psychologist) - March 21
Deborah Latham (ELP Para) - March 22
Whitney Mullins (ELP Teacher) - March 24
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PARENTS OF RISING 5TH GRADERS - JOIN THE MPA!
The Middlesex Parent Association nominating team is eagerly seeking volunteers to join next year’s slate! If you have a 5th grader who will be entering Middlesex in the fall (and/or you have a returning student at MMS), volunteering for a role on the MPA is a great way to get to know the school and be more involved. We have various positions available with a wide range of skill-sets and time commitments. Open positions include Vice-Chair, Staff Appreciation (Back to School Luncheon), Spirit Wear, 6th Grade Parent Social, Community Service Liaison, and All-School Social. Please reach out to Stefanie Desai, Beth Morgan, or Sarah Muecke if you are interested, would like more info, or would like to volunteer in a different capacity. Thank you!
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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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FREE GOSPEL CONCERT AT DHS
Darien Music for Youth is sponsoring a free concert on Thursday, March 21st at 4:30pm featuring the Gertrude Banks Intergenerational Gospel Choir. The choir was founded in 2019 as a way to bridge gaps between students at Simsbury High School. It has since developed into an intergenerational ensemble with performers from age 11 through 70. The ensemble celebrates the American art of Gospel music and provides a place for singers of all levels to perform, learn, and sing together.
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DEPOT DIP POLAR PLUNGE
Calling all Darien families! The Depot's Student Governing Board is holding its annual fundraiser, the Depot Dip, at Weed Beach on Sunday, March 24th at 11:00 am. Register to take a quick plunge into the refreshing waters of the Long Island Sound, or just come support your friends and family members! Open to all ages. Spectators need not register. There will be music, hot chocolate, bagels and more! Co-sponsored by the Town of Darien's Youth Service Commission. For more information, contact James Lucchesi.
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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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2024 DARIEN JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE (DJFL) REGISTRATION OPENS 4/1
Registration for the Fall ’24 Tackle, Modified Tackle, and Flag programs opens on APRIL 1st!
Please note that ALL returning and new players MUST enroll on our NEW Website.
June 4th: Equipment Pickup will be on June 4th from 5:30-8:30pm @ DHS Stadium. This is the ONLY pickup date. All medical forms must be completed, stamped and brought to equipment pickup.
July 31st: Registration closes
August 12th: Preseason Starts
Please visit our new and improved website for more information on programs, dates and other football camps happening this summer.
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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 [email protected]. 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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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 [email protected] 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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