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Dear Ox Ridge Families,
We’re excited to kick off one of our favorite school events, the Ox Ridge Fun Run! This event not only gets our students moving and grooving but also directly benefits our Ox Ridge PTO, which in turn enriches the school experience for every child.
The Fun Run combines physical activity with a bit of friendly competition, encouraging our students to embrace healthy habits and the joy of movement. From Pre K to fifth grade, every child will participate, dashing through our course with determination, cheering on friends, and having a blast along the way.
Here’s the schedule for the day on Wednesday, November 14th, during school hours:
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Kindergarten and 1st grade: 9:20 - 10:10
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2nd and 5th grade: 10:10 - 11:00
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3rd and 4th grade: 11:00 - 11:50
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ELP: 11:50 - 12:40
But our Fun Run wouldn’t be the same without the amazing support of you, our Ox Ridge families. We know how beneficial parent engagement is in making events like these a success. Your involvement, whether through cheering on the runners, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, creates a wonderful sense of community. The funds raised will help support essential PTO programs, from classroom supplies to family events, field trips, and enrichment activities that deepen our students’ learning experiences. It's truly a win-win for everyone involved.
So, mark your calendars, lace up those sneakers, and join us for an unforgettable day of fun, fitness, and community spirit! Together, let’s make this Fun Run a memorable and meaningful event for our students.
Thank you for being such an important part of our Ox Ridge community!
Sincerely,
Chris Melillo
Principal, Ox Ridge School
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
This week, we have our in-person Veteran’s Day program on Tuesday. Students are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to school.
Our Fun Run event will also be held this Thursday - additional details below about when each grade is participating. Our goal is to have at least 70% of the students registered (there is no financial obligation to register your child) and raise $35,000. Thank you parents for your support!
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
OxRidgePTO@gmail.com
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VETERANS DAY - THIS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12th
Ox Ridge will be honoring our veterans during our annual Veterans Day ceremony this Tuesday, November 12th. We will also help to rehabilitate disabled veterans by distributing “Buddy Poppies” to all students.
Please consider sending in $1 with your child by this Tuesday, November 12th to support veterans in need right here in Connecticut.
The Ox Ridge community will wear these poppies with pride on both Veterans Day itself (Nov. 11) and the day of the ceremony to show veterans that we care, and to teach our children to respect and honor the defenders of our nation.
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FUN RUN EVENT DAY IS THIS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
The Fun Run is taking place this Thursday during school hours:
Kindergarten and 1st grade: 9:20 - 10:10
2nd and 5th grade: 10:10 - 11:00
3rd and 4th grade: 11:00 - 11:50
ELP: 11:50 - 12:40
Parents are invited to watch if the event is held outside (on the grass area next to the playground. As we have ELP drop-off until ~9:35/9:40, parents of kindergarten and 1st graders cannot arrive at school until 9:45. If held inside in the gym, unfortunately we cannot invite parents to the school. The PTO will post parents before the event if it will be held in the gym given weather forecast.
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KIDS CARE CLUB - COAT DRIVE AND USED BOOK DRIVE
Over the next few weeks, the Ox Ridge Kids Care Club is collecting new or gently used winter coats, hats, gloves/mittens, new socks, and any other warm outerwear you may have. We will be donating them to Person2Person. They have the greatest need for coats, especially kids’ coats. There will be boxes in the Ox Ridge lobby for your convenience. Our Kids Care Club kiddos decorated posters that are hung throughout the school advertising our winter-wear drive. We'd love your kids to join our meeting next month... stay tuned for more details!
The PTO is also collecting gently used children's books, especially those books for Kindergarten through 2nd grade readers. We will be donating these books to Find Book Joy, an organization that will rehome the books with children in Fairfield County who cannot afford their own books at home.
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OX RIDGE UPCYCLES HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
Have your kids outgrown their Halloween costumes? Not sure what to do with Halloween costumes in perfectly good condition? Look no further! Drop any gently-used Halloween costume(s) in the Ox Ridge lobby box starting November 01-18. Then, in September of 2025 come and choose from one of these amazing, upcycled Halloween costumes: save time, money, and most importantly our wonderful planet!
Please note: violent, gory or excessively large costumes will not be accepted.
The Green Team thanks you as Ox Ridges gets greener!
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DPS ELEMENTARY LITERACY PROGRAM SESSION FOR FAMILIES: RECAP
Darien Public Schools held a session on Wednesday, October 16 in the Darien Library Community Room. In this session, they shared about the elementary literacy program in the Darien Public Schools so parents can gain a deeper understanding of how DPS is addressing the science of reading and the Right to Read legislation in our curriculum. You can view in the link bellow.
10/16/24 Literacy Overview for Families (recording)
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
- Courtney Burdette and Andrea Martorana for organizing our Veterans’ Day Celebration
- Courtney Concannon and Jennifer Stocker for organizing the Fun Run
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HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS OX RIDGE STAFF
10 Melonie Gregory - 1st Teacher
11 Ariel Delgado - Custodian
11 Laurie Wigglesworth - ELP Teacher
14 Wendy Flamand - Paraprofessional
14 Lucie Ventker - ELP Paraprofessional
14 Mary Ann Scaccia - Speech & Language Pathologist
15 Jenny Trifiatis - K Teacher
16 Molly Moseley - Paraprofessional
18 Ben Bartol - Gym Teacher
23 Colleen Gomola - Speech & Language Pathologist
25 Heather Youngquist - ELP Speech & Language Pathologist
25 Mariana Begonja - Assistant to the Principal
28 Dana Falcioni - Paraprofessional
30 Erin McIntosh - Paraprofessional
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DARIEN YOUTH SQUASH
Team registration is now open for all Darien players in grades 3-8. The program is open to all kids in grades 3-8 who live in Darien, regardless of what school your child attends (private school kids welcome, too). All skill levels are encouraged to join. Registration entitles your player to participate in team matches, round robins, intramurals, FairWest Squash Jamborees (grades 6-8 only), US Squash Nationals (MMS students only) and more!
Register here.
Every Sunday in November will be a Funday for Darien Squash! Registered Darien Squash team member can join teammates from 4:00-5:30pm for an afternoon of practice, skill development and fun on the courts at Ox Ridge Riding and Racket Club, hosted by Ox Ridge pro Sandeep Ramachandran along with special guests from the Darien High School team. This event is open to all Darien Squash players (Ox Ridge club membership not required). Court fees will apply. Parents are asked to please register their player's attendance ahead of time by using the link below.
Register here
For more information and update to date calendar pls visit: www.dariensquash.com
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DARIEN YOUTH LACROSSE
Darien Youth Lacrosse registration opens on November 14th for the 2025 Spring Season!!
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.
Registration is open for all interested players in grades 1-8 from November 14th until January 9th at a discounted rate (full rates apply January 10th). Our season starts in March! For questions or additional information, please email - dylaxregistrar@gmail.com
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PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE - THE WONDERS OF NATURE-BASED LEARNING
At the Darien Nature Center Preschool, we know children learn best when engaging with nature. Our unique curriculum combines outdoor exploration, animal encounters, and hands-on learning to foster creativity, curiosity, and a love for the environment.
- Explore our classrooms and outdoor learning spaces.
- Meet some of our experienced and passionate teaching staff.
- Learn about our programs, curriculum, and enrollment process.
- Ask questions and get answers about our philosophy and approach.
Join us Saturday, November 16 at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Darien Nature Center, 120 Brookside Rd, Darien, CT to learn more.
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SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR KIDS
OK To Delay Darien, The Darien Depot, YWCA, Thriving Youth Darien, Town of Darien, DHS Parent Association and the Middlesex Parent Association invite you to “Social Media & Your Kids” featuring the phenomenal Max Stossel.
Wednesday November 20, 2024
7:00PM
Darien High School Auditorium
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT.
Max Stossel from Social Awakening will illustrate some of the specific ways technology is designed to be addictive & distracting, highlight how that's impacting our kids’ minds, and give recommendations on how to address some of the challenges you and your family are facing. This presentation concludes with open space to discuss what’s working and not working in our households.
Max Stossel is an award-winning artist, and the founder of Social Awakening: an organization dedicated to helping young people survive and thrive in the modern world. Before working in this field, Max was a media strategist with an extensive background in social media. He ran social media for big brands, and later worked for a social media company where he designed some notifications to distract people. He has spent the past seven years speaking with 100,000+ students, parents, and educators around the world about social media's impact on our lives, and creating resources to help manage that impact.
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END OF "ERA'S" PARTY AT THE DEPOT
Calling all Swifties in grades 4th and 5th! Get ready to shake it off and step into the ultimate Taylor Swift-themed party on Friday, November 22 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm! Whether you are a fearless fan or you’re all about Midnights, all are welcome at The Depot for this amazing event. There will be a costume contest, Taylor Karaoke and Trivia, friendship bracelet-making, crafts, prizes, and more. We hope to see you all at The Depot for a great night! Register HERE.
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THE DEPOT'S TURKEY TROT
Join the Fun at The Depot's Overstuffed Turkey Trot 5K and 1M Run!
Mark your calendars for Friday, November 29, 2024, and get ready to run, walk, or trot on the scenic Darien High School running trail! This year's event will feature live music, food trucks, games for kids, and more and all proceeds benefit The Depot, Darien's Youth Center. We'll have a school team comprised of students and families, so you can click "Join Team" when you register and select your school! Learn more and register HERE.
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THANKSGIVING LAX CLINIC WITH BLUE WAVE LACROSSE
Calling all youth players looking to work on their skills in a fun-filled environment led by our Blue Wave Varsity Lacrosse Players and Captains. Join us on Saturday, November 30th from 8:30am am - 11am at the Darien High School Upper Oval Field for drills, scrimmages, Prizes and fun!. Cost is $75 per player, Same day walk in’s welcome! Register at https://darien-high-school-gobbler-games-2024.itemorder.com/
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MERRY MEADOWLANDS: A HOLIDAY HOME & MARKET ON DECEMBER 5th
Eat, drink, be merry and get your holiday shopping done at our fundraising event! The Darien Community Association will be beautifully decorated for the holidays by local retail partners and the market will feature over a dozen vendors and artisans. Sign up for the daytime event from 10am-2pm or the evening sip & shop from 6-9pm at dariendca.org/merry-meadowlands
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WEEKEND MEAL PROGRAM
Darien Human Services participates in a partnership with Filling in the Blanks weekend meal program. Filling in the Blanks is a local non-profit organization that provides food on the weekends to school aged children (www.fillingintheblanks.org). Each packet consists of a variety of nonperishable food items such as oatmeal, granola bars, fruit cups, mac and cheese, canned food, tuna and chips. Meal packets are distributed bi-weekly at Town Hall during designated times to families who struggle with food insecurity. If you have questions or would like to find out if your family meets eligibility requirements, please contact Darien Human Services 203-656-7328.
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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
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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