November, 3 2024

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

November

1-18th: Coat, Book, and Halloween Costume Collection

4: Fun Run Kickoff (in classrooms)

5: No School (Election Day)

6: Picture Retake Day

6: Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm

7: Kids Care Club Meeting at 8:15am

12: Veteran’s Day Celebration

12: Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm

14: Fun Run Event Day

22: Kids Care Club Meeting at 8:15am

26: Board of Education Meeting at 7:30

27-29: No School (Thanksgiving Recess)

Useful Links:

DPS Calendar 2024-25

Six Day Schedule for Elementary Schools 2024-25

PTO website

Missed last week's Hoot? Click here

Ox Ridge School Continuum of Supports: A Guide for Families

Adapted from our October 18th Coffee Talk

Dear Ox Ridge Families,

At Ox Ridge School, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment that meets each student’s unique needs. Our range of supports is designed to ensure that every child receives the appropriate level of assistance, enrichment, or intervention. Below, you’ll find an overview of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), as well as additional educational services that we offer.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

MTSS is an integrated approach that helps provide differentiated learning experiences based on each student’s needs. In MTSS, teachers use data to identify areas where students need extra support or extension activities and adjust instruction accordingly.



Differentiated Instruction and W.I.N. (What I Need) Block

Our dedicated 30-minute W.I.N. block is held daily, allowing students across each grade level to focus on activities suited to their personal goals and learning styles. During this time, students might work on a variety of tasks—from writing and math fluency to science challenges. Teachers use this time to pull small groups for targeted support, offering interventions, reinforcement, or enrichment as needed.

Special Education Supports and Referral Process

Our Special Education team works closely with classroom teachers and families to support students who may require additional assistance. Here’s an overview of the referral process:

• Initiating a Referral: Either a parent or the school may make a referral for special education evaluation.
• Planning and Placement Team (PPT) Meeting: This meeting is convened to discuss the child’s needs and includes the child’s parents, classroom teacher, special education teacher, speech and language pathologist, school psychologist, and an administrator.
• Evaluation: If the PPT suspects a disability, a multidisciplinary evaluation is conducted. This may include assessments of cognitive, academic, social-emotional, language, and motor skills to gather a comprehensive view of the child’s abilities.
• Eligibility: The PPT reviews all gathered data, classroom performance, and parental input to determine eligibility based on Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) criteria.
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP): For eligible students, the team develops an IEP with annual goals, objectives, and necessary supplementary aids to support the child’s learning.

Section 504 Plans

For students who have a disability that does not require specialized instruction but may need accommodations, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provides access to support. Section 504 plans outline specific accommodations to help these students succeed alongside their peers.

IDEA Program for Talented and Gifted Students

Recognizing that each gifted child has unique strengths, our IDEA Program follows a structured process to identify students who may benefit from additional challenges:

• Referral and Evaluation: Teachers and parents may refer students for evaluation using a combination of objective (e.g., tests) and subjective (e.g., observations) tools to ensure a fair assessment.
• Identification Phases: This involves a systematic referral, evaluation, and placement phase. No single score alone determines placement.

IDEA Program Referral Dates:

• Fall: For new students in grades 2-8 (Oct 7 - 25); Evaluation (Oct 28 - Dec 6); Notifications (Dec 16 - 20)
• Winter: For grades 1-8 (Jan 6 - 24); Evaluation (Jan 27 - May 16); Notifications (mid-June)

Early Learning Program: Integrated Preschool

Our preschool program is designed for Darien residents aged 3 to 5 years and consists of a 50/50 mix of peer models and students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). We offer:

• Eight Integrated Classrooms: Each with special education and related services.
• Readiness Classroom: For students preparing for kindergarten.
• Related Services: Additional supports may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or vision/hearing support as needed.

The Ox Ridge team is here to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, whether they need additional support, enrichment, or early intervention. We value our strong partnership with families in supporting each child’s educational journey.

Thank you for your continued support in making Ox Ridge a positive and inclusive environment for all! Below, please find a link to the presentation.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1CSAUA0WU8jZ6nLmtC51K07OUVioOOS9e999EOV4GvFs/edit?usp=sharing

Sincerely,

Chris Melillo

Principal, Ox Ridge School

Dear Ox Ridge Parents,

We hope you and your children have adjusted to the time change. This week we kick off our Fun Run fundraiser - the site is open to start signups and get donations. We also have our second Kids Care Club meeting this Thursday.

Hope it’s a great week! Don’t forget - no school on Tuesday!

Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman

PTO Co-Chairs

OxRidgePTO@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE - FUN RUN IS NOVEMBER 14

The Fun Run fundraiser is coming back to Ox Ridge. 

Key Dates:

Site is open! You can start signups and donations

November 4 - Kickoff in the school

November 14 - Event day at Ox Ridge (parents can watch if held outside)

PHOTOS NEEDED FOR THE YEARBOOK

The Ox Ridge yearbook committee is requesting photos from the following events to be included in our yearbook: 

• 1st day of school 
• Sunday Funday 
• Walk, Bike or RollFall
• Book Fair

Please send your pictures to OxRYearbook@gmail.com and be sure to label them with the relevant event info. We would love photos with more than one child if possible. Thank you so much for helping us out!

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!

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.

JOIN KIDS CARE CLUB

Join us at the Kids Care Club on Thursday, November 7th from 8:15-9:00am!

What is the Kids Care Club?

KCC is the community service arm of Ox Ridge. We make it easy and fun for Ox Ridge students to engage in service projects to help those in need in our local community. KCC meets monthly on Thursday or Friday at Ox Ridge before school from 8:15-9am (drop off). At each meeting, a different charity or organization will speak about the work they do, and the students will work on a craft or other creative project for that organization. In years past, we made valentines for residents of senior living facilities, created decorations for a holiday party for kids in foster care, designed posters to advertise a food drive, and much more! 

What is the time commitment?

You can drop your child off for KCC meetings from 8:15-9am at Ox Ridge monthly on Thursday or Friday during the school year. Each meeting will have its own sign-up form. You can join us for all meetings throughout the year or just the ones that work for your child’s schedule and interests. 

Our meeting dates for this year are as follows: November 7, November 22, January 9, January 31, March 14, April 10, May 8, and May 30.

When is the next meeting and how do I sign up?

Our next meeting is at the Ox Ridge cafeteria on Thursday, November 7th, from 8:15-9am (drop off at the main entrance and no need to walk your child in). A representative from The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County will join us to talk to the students about our upcoming Turkey Drive, who it benefits, and how it can impact lives. The students will get involved by helping us spread awareness about the turkey drive to maximize donations. Sign up here.

Who can join the Kids Care Club?

KCC is open to all Ox Ridge Students from Kindergarten to 5^th grade.

Will there be food?

Food is not provided, but each child can bring a nut-free snack and/or drink.

Can parents/caregivers join the meetings?

Yes! The more helping hands, the better!

Who do I contact with questions?

KCC is led by PTO volunteers Susie Ortigao, Erin Wuelfing, and Marie Johnson.

You can contact us at oxridgekidscareclub@gmail.com with any questions.

VETERANS DAY

Ox Ridge will be honoring our veterans during our annual Veterans Day ceremony on 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 Nov. 8th 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.

BREAKFAST FOR OUR VETERANS

To honor our veterans during our breakfast celebration at our annual Veterans Day ceremony, please consider donating baked goods for the morning of November 12th! Sign up here

Thank you for participating!

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS

• Kate Haavik for organizing our Halloween Costume collection
• Susie Ortiago, Erin Wuelfing, and Marie Johnson for holding Thursday’s Kids Care Club Meeting

HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS OX RIDGE STAFF

4 Karen Albro - ELP PT

6 Claudia Torti - Paraprofessional

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

MUSEUM OF DARIEN - ELECTION DAY OPEN HOUSE

Stop by the Museum of Darien on Election Day 9:30 to 11am for an open house. We'll have tours of the 1736 Bates-Scofield house, a glimpse at our new fashion exhibit, crafts and coloring for the kids, and information about volunteer opportunities with our education group. All ages welcome. 45 Old Kings Highway North. For more information or questions contact Michele Mengwall 203-559-8679 michelemengwall@icloud.com or Sarah Das 917-880-7528 sarahsanborndas@gmail.com.

MUSIC FOR HOPE BENEFIT CONCERT FEATURING GUNSMOKE & WINGMEN

Saturday, November 9th at 6pm, Piedmont Club, 152 Hecker Ave., Darien

Local country western band Gunsmoke, in partnership with the Piedmont Club of Darien, are presenting the annual Music for Hope charity concert and dinner on Saturday, November 9th at 6pm. Gunsmoke, along with local band Wingmen, will be performing and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Admission is $25 and reservations or donations may be made in advance at (203) 554-1507. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the show, which begins at 7 p.m. For more information about the Piedmont Club, go to piedmontclub.org.  To find out more about Gunsmoke, visit gunsmokeband.com.

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

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.

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! 

Team Up for a Great Time!  Join your elementary school team with your friends and family.  On the registration page, opt to join a team and select your school from the dropdown list under an Existing Group/Team. The school with the largest team will win a pizza and candy party at the Darien Depot, while all other teams will earn well-deserved bragging rights! Register HERE. 

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.

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)

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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