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April 2 - Board of Finance Meeting at 7:30
April 4 - Board of Finance Meeting at 7:30
April 9 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
April 9 - Board of Finance Meeting at 7:30, including School Budget Vote
April 11 - Enrichment - Dan Santat Author Visit
April 12 - Kids Care Club at 8:15am
April 13-21 - No School for April Break
April 22 - Fun Run fundraiser kickoff
April 23 - Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
April 30 - Fun Run fundraiser event day
Useful Links:
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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Ox Rocks Rocks the Halls
On Thursday night our fourth and fifth graders demonstrated their exceptional talents at the Second Annual Ox Rocks Show. We saw cellists, pianists, gymnasts, singers, dancers, drummers and many more as the children performed. These performances were conceived, planned and carried out by the children. The High School Auditorium was packed and often erupted into applause and cheers. The caliber of the performances was wonderfully high.
We also need to highlight the performances of some of our teachers. Cathy Watson and Regine Thadal turned in several wonderful songs and the staff Drum Circle, under the direction of James Allen, highlighted the exceptional talents of staff.
A huge thank you to the Ox Rocks Parent Committee of the PTO who organized, planned and supported the children through the preparation process.
Book Fair Success
The PTO also sponsored the book fair this past week. If you had an opportunity to see it, you saw how inviting it was for the children. I spoke with many of them–from all grades. They showed me their books, told me about other series they are reading, and discussed plans for future purchases. At the bus line-up in the afternoon, so many of the children pulled out their new books and were reading! Here is a brief article highlighting the advantages of having the book fair.
Harry Laub, Ph.D.
Interim Principal
Ox Ridge Elementary School
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Dear Ox Ridge Community,
Happy Easter to those who celebrate! Spring is here, and we are excited to introduce our first Ox Ridge Fun Run fundraiser - you’ll start to hear more about this later this week and throughout April. Historically, Ox Ridge held a direct appeal every 2 years as a primary fundraiser, but this year we would like to involve the students and take advantage of the space at the new school. Click here or read below for more details.
As we have previously communicated, the 2024-2025 school year budget is not finalized. There are 2 opportunities this week to make public comment at the Board of Finance meetings - see below for additional details.
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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OX RIDGE FUN RUN
We're excited to introduce this year's main fundraiser, the Ox Ridge Fun Run. Our goal this year is to raise $30,000 for PTO activities (enrichment in school, field trips, staff appreciation, and classroom supplies) to benefit ALL students at Ox Ridge.
We’re excited for this fundraising experience because it offers 3 important things to our school community: a user-friendly fundraising platform, a character enrichment program and a fitness focused event that includes ALL of our students, regardless of your family’s financial participation.
As a family, you will work together asking friends and family to donate to your student for every minute that they exercise at our Fun Run on April 20th. ALL students will complete 35 minutes of exercise. The best part is, you can still support our school just by SHARING your family pledge link on social media, via text and email!
Along the way, students will also experience an amazing character enrichment program called World Changer Workshop, teaching students the 5 steps to making a difference in the world around them! Students will learn about finding a need, rallying a team, writing a plan, launching their plan and gritting it out.
Key dates to remember:
Registration - April 5th
Kickoff Day- April 22nd
Event Day - April 30th
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LAST CALL TO ORDER YOUR 2O23-2024 YEARBOOK!
Click this link to place an order. Each yearbook is $25 with options to personalize. The last day to order is this Friday, 4/5!
If you are ordering multiple yearbooks for each of your children, please fill out their names, grade and homeroom teacher individually, adding each yearbook to the cart one at a time. If you are ordering one yearbook for your children to share, please enter the name, grade and homeroom teacher of the child who should receive the yearbook. Yearbooks will be distributed to students during the last week of school. Please contact Natalie Gould with any questions.
Finally, financial assistance is available to eligible families for yearbook purchases. Please contact Dr. Laub for more information.
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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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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?
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You can speak in person at the start of the BOF meetings on 4/2, 4/4 or 4/9 at 7:30pm in Room 206 of Town Hall or you can email the BOF directly: bof@darienct.gov
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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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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Jordan Perry (Communications Chair) for keeping us informed through Ox Ridge social media.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Meghan Coyne (SRBI Specialist) - April 2
Catherine Watson (5th Grade Teacher) - April 2
Mario Ehrich-Siefel (ELP Para) - April 5
Jacalyn Kennelly (SRBI Specialist) - April 6
Jacalyn Papstein (BCBA) - April 6
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DRIVE THRU FOOD DRIVE
The Darien Youth Commission and P2P are proud to partner on another Drive-through Food Drive (our eighth in just over three years!). During those drives, we have collected and donated over 13,000 lbs. (well over SIX TONS) of food to our local pantry. The current economic situation continues to create real difficulties for our friends and neighbors and Darien has proven in the past to be extraordinarily generous in supporting these drives. Taking place on Saturday, April 6 from 9am – 12pm in the Darien Train Station Parking Lot (Koons Lot, across West Ave. from Tilley Pond Park), volunteers will remove donations directly from donors’ cars. Visit the DYC website for additional details and find a list of most needed items here. We look forward to seeing you on the 6th!
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SOFTBALL SEASON KICK-OFF JAMBOREE AND BRING-A-FRIEND EVENT
Darien Little League Softball is hosting a Jamboree event for girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade on Sunday, April 7 from 3:00 - 4:15pm at McGuane Park’s Challenger Field.
The open house style event will offer fun games and activities with prizes and a sweet treat! Come as you are, and bring a friend if you want! Parents are welcome to attend to watch the fun, hear about the program offerings and ask questions! Until then, if you have any questions, please email Caroline Comfort. There is still time to register to participate in the upcoming spring softball season. For league information, click here and to register for a team, click here!
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APRIL VACATION SOCCER CAMP
The Parks and Recreation Department and Darien High School Boys Soccer Coach Jon Bradley have joined forces to bring this fun-filled soccer camp to the youth of Darien the week of April 15th. Parents have the choice of registering for all five days from 9 AM – Noon for $240 or individual days for $70.
Jon Bradley and his Blue Wave Kickers coaches will offer a great week of soccer drills and games for children in grades K-6. The camp will be held on the Darien Town Hall front fields and the Town Hall gymnasiums will serve as the rain location. Campers should bring a water bottle and nut-free snack each day. Cleats and shin guards are not required but can be worn if you have them. For more information or to register, please visit April Vacation Camp. Please reach out to us with any questions at parkrec@darienct.gov or 203-656-7325.
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DHS BASEBALL CLINIC: APRIL 16
The DHS Varsity Baseball team and Coaches will be hosting a Spring Break Youth Clinic for players in grades 1-6 on Tuesday, April 16 from 12:00-2:00pm (rain date will be Thursday, April 18). The clinic will take place at the Varsity Baseball field at DHS. Don't miss this great opportunity to kick off the baseball season and get to play with the high school players. The cost is $50 and is a fundraiser for the DHS Baseball program. Come out for some great baseball and support the program! Registration is required by noon on April 11. Please Venmo $50 per player to Annie Zawacki @Annie-Zawacki, please include your child's name. In addition, please complete the form using this link.
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DARIEN CHALLENGER BASEBALL - REGISTRATION OPEN
Darien Little League's Challenger baseball Spring 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 10 yrs. old) and The Recollectics (10 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 April 28th to early June, with Lions Club players enjoying weekly 1 hour Saturday morning practices on Challenger Field at McGuane Park in addition to one Friday "under the lights" game versus our Stamford Challenger friends.
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 Jenn Keating or Jessica Bennet. For more information please visit the Darien Little League Site .
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DARIEN JUNIOR CHEERLEADING REGISTRATION
Get ready to pump up our players and the crowd! Announcing Darien Junior Cheerleading League’s Fall 2024 registration! Mark your calendars for returning Cheerleaders (April 22nd) and new Cheerleaders (April 29th). Spots are limited and grades 2-5 are eligible. We have a tremendous staff of incredible volunteer parents that will guide your child through the basics of cheer, simple stunts, dance, and team spirit. If you are interested in joining our incredible team, we have positions open for 2nd grade assistant coaches. Please visit our Instagram for more information, and let us know if you have any questions!
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SMARTPHONES, SOCIAL MEDIA & YOUR KIDS
OK To Delay Darien, The Depot Youth Center, Darien Library and Thriving Youth Darien invite you to a Childhood 2.0 documentary screening and Q&A on Tuesday, April 23rd at 6pm. Childhood 2.0 is required viewing for anyone who wants to better understand the world their children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age. Featuring actual parents and kids as well as industry-leading experts in child safety and development, this documentary dives into the real-life issues facing kids today — including cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more. A Q&A session will follow the screening. Learn more and register here.
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DLL BASEBALL OPENING DAY CLINIC: APRIL 28
Darien Little League invites you to our Opening Day Baseball Clinics for ages 8-12 with Mets World Series Champion, Howard Johnson (HoJo) featuring 90 minutes of clinic work (hitting and fielding) and 30 minutes for autographs (limit 2 pp – bring your own items to have autographed). HoJo was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame Summer 2023. Taking place at McGuane Park on Sunday, April 28th directly following the Opening Day Ceremony, 100% of the $40 fee will benefit The Depot Youth Center. Clinic 1, for ages 8-10, will run from 12:30-2:30 pm. Clinic 2, for ages 11-12, takes place from 3-5 pm. Limited to 50 players per session. Click to Register.
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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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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
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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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