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March 25-27 - Spring Book Fair
March 26 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
March 28 - Hats for Hope Fundraiser
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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Solar Eclipse
On April 8th, there will be a solar eclipse that will include a swath of the U.S, including the Darien area. In our area, the partial eclipse will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. While never reaching a complete blackout, it will get darker through about 3:30 p.m. and will then begin to return to normal. Here is a video that you can watch with your children that explains the eclipse. Additionally, several of our 5th graders will make a video that the teachers will be showing to explain the eclipse. The next eclipse in our area is expected in 2044.
We have purchased special solar eclipse glasses for the children to protect their eyes as they observe the eclipse. We will be taking them out (hopefully the weather will hold) to view the eclipse. Please click here to learn about the glasses that we have purchased. The eclipse will be ongoing as the children are dismissed. The children will be able to take the glasses home with them so that they have eye protection that they can use when going out to the cars and buses.
Shortly before the eclipse we will also send out an “opt out” form should you choose not to have your child participate in this activity. They will stay in the building while the class goes out.
A huge thank you to Mr. John Latona for bringing this to our attention and planning our response to this event.
Harry Laub, Ph.D.
Interim Principal
Ox Ridge Elementary School
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Dear Ox Ridge Community,
We have another busy week with PTO activities including our Spring Book Fair and the Ox Rocks Talent Show. Please see below for additional details on the 2024-2025 school budget.
Remember, no school this Friday, March 29 - enjoy the long weekend and Happy Easter to those who celebrate!
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
[email protected]
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BUDGET PROCESS: STILL HAPPENING
The Board of Education voted on a budget last month. The process is over, right?
- No. On 2/27 the Board of Education (BOE) approved a 2024-2025 budget of $121,864,479, up 6.48% over 2023-2024. However, this is only the FIRST step in the process. The budget must now be approved by Darien's Board of Finance (BOF) and then the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Dollar-amount (vs line-item) cuts could be made by either of these two town bodies.
Wait, the budget can still change?
- Yes. If the BOF or RTM make cuts, the budget goes back to the Superintendent and the BOE. That means some of the original proposals that were previously rejected could be back on the table (for example, cutting teachers at the middle school, Specials teachers and instructional aides at the elementary schools) OR they can suggest brand new cuts.
So what is happening right now?
- The BOF will hold budget work sessions on 3/26, 4/2 and 4/4. The final vote will take place on 4/9. That’s when the public will learn the outcome. If the budget is approved as-is, it will move to the RTM meeting on 5/13, at which time there could still be a cut.
How does this impact me?
- Cuts to the Darien Public School budget could have direct effects on students Additionally, the quality of Darien’s school system is a significant strength and draw for potential and existing residents, which keeps property values high.
How can I tell the BOF what I think?
You can speak in person at the start of the BOF meetings on 3/26, 4/2, 4/4 or 4/9 at 7:30pm in Room 206 of Town Hall or you can email the BOF directly: [email protected]
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SPRING BOOK FAIR
The Ox Ridge Spring Book Fair “Spring Into Books” is here! The fair runs this week from 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). In addition to volunteering, parents are welcome to come shop with their children. Please see the link to the full fair details for the class visit schedule. Set up your eWallet here & click here for full Fair details.
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OX ROCKS - SOLD OUT!
The 2024 Ox Rocks Talent Show is SOLD OUT. We are unable to sell additional tickets at the door the evening of Ox Rocks. We are recording the show and will be able to share this with the Ox Ridge Community in the coming weeks. Please EMAIL us if you have any questions.
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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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PASSPORT NIGHT
Passport Night is a chance to celebrate and learn about the diverse heritage and cultures of our Ox Ridge community. Students and families are invited to sign up to prepare a display about a country representing their heritage. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 8th from 5:30-7:30pm and will include musical and dance performances and samplings of international cuisine. We look forward to celebrating the diverse nationalities of our Ox Ridge students! Sign up here to reserve a table for your country display. Please contact DEI Chair, Danielle Kohlberger, with any questions.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Save the Date for a spring parent social at Ox Ridge Riding & Racquet Club. Thursday May 9 from 7-10PM. We will have beer, wine, themed cocktail, flatbreads, salad and dessert for $50pp. Mingle with your fellow Ox Ridge parents before the end of the school year! Pay4School link to register coming soon.
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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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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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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Kelly Andricopoulos and Lauren van de Kamp for co-chairing the Spring Book Fair and to the entire Book Fair committee - Meghan Curcuruto, Ceci Davies, Nicole DiOrio, Theresa Driggs, Melissa Kelley, Meghan Shain, Sally Merwin, Marianna Beck, and Caroline Verone
The Ox Rocks Committee for holding our second talent show: Sarah Thelen, Mary Elizabeth Garvey, Ashley Hinchman, Marisa Chada, Ceci Davies, Amanda Fraser, Lauren Fritts, Ann Gildea Gallagher, Katherine Grambling, Hollie Griego, Jasmine Hodgson, Sonia Johnson, Lyla Maduri, Sibel Mesta, and Lauren Stisser
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Annie Farson (School Psychologist) - March 27
Barbara Kisken (SPED Teacher) - March 27
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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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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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GIRL TALK & GUY TALK PRESENTATIONS - HOSTED BY YWCA
Girl Talk: What Every Girl Needs to Know About Puberty
Thursday April 25th, 6:30-8:00pm at Royle Elementary
Girls approaching puberty and their caregivers are invited to join Diane Frankel-Gramelis from Yale School of Public Health for a straightforward and entertaining discussion about the physical and emotional changes to expect during puberty. This is not a sex talk. It's a starting point for further discussions about a girl's changing body.
Guy Talk: What Every Boy Needs to Know About Puberty
Thursday May 2nd, 6:30-8:00pm at Tokeneke Elementary
This presentation is led by local expert Dr. Todd Palker of New England Pediatrics to help support parents and their children (recommended ages 10-12) in the sometimes awkward conversations around puberty. Dr. Palker will help teach your son about what to expect as they grow. Material is handled in a straightforward and entertaining manner. This is not a "sex" talk, but a candid discussion about the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty.
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DARIEN ARTS CENTER
Art & Yoga For K-Grade 3. March 26 and/or April 2, 3:30-5pm. Students work in our studio with different media, creating projects with paint, collage and more, followed by a session of yoga with techniques that increase flexibility, body awareness and mindfulness. A wonderful opportunity for kids to express themselves creatively and to introduce them to the benefits of yoga! Choose one, or both classes! $45 per class.
Spring Break Camp For K-Grade 3. April 16-18, Tues.-Thurs., 2:30-4pm. Looking for something to do during April Break? Come to the DAC to get creative! In this 3-day camp, students will work with different media, including projects with paint, collage, clay and more. DAC Instructor Sue Trager will guide the students through an afternoon of creativity and imagination. $160
New Summer Camps:
Creative Movement & Art Camp:
Ages 3-5: 11-1:30pm. June 10-13 | June 17-20 | June 24-27
Cartooning Camp:
Grades 1-3: 2:30-4pm. June 10-13 | June 17-20
Grades 4-7: 2:30-4pm. June 24-27 | July 8-11
Good Morning Art Camp:
Grades K-2: 10-11:30am. July 8-11 | July 15-18 | July 22-25
Grades 3-5: 10-12pm. July 29-August 1 | August 5-8 | August 12-15
'An Evening with Lydia Johnson Dance', critically acclaimed NYC Dance Company. Saturday, March 30 | 7:30pm. Experience a visually and emotionally evocative performance from Lydia Johnson Dance in the DAC Weatherstone Studio. Known for seamlessly weaving components of ballet into a contemporary dance vocabulary, Lydia Johnson Dance has garnered consistent praise from esteemed publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker and Backstage Magazine. Tickets $30, students $20.
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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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