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October:
14-16: Fall Book Fair
16: DPS Elementary Literacy Program at 9:30am - Darien Library
18: Kids Care Club at 8:15am
18: Coffee with Principals - Continuum of Support at 9:45 - Ox Ridge Cafeteria
19: Family Photo Day Fundraiser
21-23: Ox Ridge Library Storybook Pumpkins Due
22: Board of Education Meeting at 7:30pm
22-25: Conference Week - 2 Hour Early Dismissal
22-25: PTO Halloween Boo Bag Event
24: Parent Social at Molto Restaurant
26: ELP Trunk or Treat
26: Family Photo Day Fundraiser
26: UConn Football Game Fundraiser
31: Halloween / ELP and Kindergarten Parade
Useful Links:
DPS Calendar 2024-25
Six Day Schedule for Elementary Schools 2024-25
PTO website
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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Dear Ox Ridge Families,
October Activities at Ox Ridge School
As we dive into October, Ox Ridge School has an exciting lineup of activities and events for our students and families. Here's a quick rundown of what to look forward to this month!
Ox Ridge Storybook Pumpkin Museum, October 22-31
We’re thrilled to bring back the Ox Ridge Storybook Pumpkin Museum! Students and families in all grades are invited to transform pumpkins into their favorite book characters. This creative event is a fun way to celebrate both the Halloween season and a love of reading.
Please be sure to review the guidelines (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b9RsWtL6pDXch-70NaaPG2r8VeRwZ1VoMZOjvjSPG1s/edit) carefully and check out a helpful video for ideas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YrbvjE70z4. Pumpkins can be brought to the library from October 21-23. We look forward to seeing the spooktacular creations!
ELP and Kindergarten Halloween Parade, October 31
Our Halloween Parade is a beloved tradition, and this year it will take place on October 31st (9:45 for ELP students, 10:30 for Kindergarten students). Parents are invited to watch the parade, with the viewing area located outside (weather permitting). Please refrain from entering the school, as students from the upper grades will be watching from the hallways. We ask that parents depart once the parade moves indoors—please consider carpooling to reduce traffic congestion.
Children may wear their costumes all day, but please ensure costumes are comfortable and appropriate for school activities like recess and specials. No makeup, scary props, “weapons,” or candy will be allowed. If your child wishes to change out of their costume during the day, please send a set of regular clothes.
For families who prefer not to participate in Halloween-related activities, we will offer alternative options to ensure that all students have an enjoyable and productive day. Thank you for helping us make this a fun and safe event for everyone!
Parent/Teacher Conferences, October 22-25 & 29
Parent/Teacher Conferences are coming up! This is an important time to build relationships and focus on your child’s academic and social progress. During the October conferences, we’ll discuss:
- How your child has transitioned into the school year
- Their strengths and areas for growth
- How they’re engaging socially with peers and adults
- Where they stand in reading, writing, and math, along with high-level goals
- How families can support their child’s continued growth
We look forward to these meaningful conversations and appreciate your partnership in your child’s education.
Coffee Chat with Administration, October 18
We’d love for you to join us for a Coffee Chat with the Ox Ridge Administration on Wednesday, October 18th, from 9:45 to 10:45 AM. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about our school’s continuum of support for students and the resources we offer to ensure their academic and emotional success.
We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts and questions. Your involvement is so important to our school community!
We’re excited for a fantastic October filled with learning, creativity, and fun at Ox Ridge School!
Warm regards,
Chris Melillo
Principal, Ox Ridge School
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
This week is our fall book fair week. We hope your children can take advantage to find some books they love. It’s a great opportunity to pop in at school and shop with your child’s class or volunteer.
We also invite you to join the principals and PTO for a coffee chat this Friday to learn more about the continuum of learning, which you may be hearing about during parent teacher conferences next week
Have a great week ahead!
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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WALK, BIKE AND ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY UPDATE
Dear Ox Ridge, You are amazing. Thank you for your incredible, inspired participation during our first annual Walk, Bike, Roll to school day this October 09. We had incredible turnout and First Selectman Zagrodzky and Police Commissioner Cunningham walked with us on our route, experienced our challenges, and have committed to change for safer streets and safer Ox Ridge access for all of us.
Our streets aren't safe enough for our kids, they have now seen it and now we will change this.
Thanks for your participation and all of your support! What an amazing community we have!
Ride on! The Green Team.
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DPS ELEMENTARY LITERACY PROGRAM: A SESSION FOR FAMILIES
Darien Public Schools is holding a session on Wednesday, October 16 from 9:30-10:30am in the Darien Library Community Room. In this session, they will be sharing more 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 will learn about the resources that are part of our current program, as well as materials we are piloting, to provide a high-quality, scientific, and evidenced-based program to all students. This session is open to all DPS families.
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OX RIDGE COFFEE CHAT - CONTINUUM OF LEARNING
We would like to invite you to a Coffee Chat with the Ox Ridge Administration on Wednesday, October 18th, from 9:45 to 10:45 AM. This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect and learn more about our school's continuum of support for students. We will discuss the various resources and strategies we have in place to ensure every child’s success, both academically and emotionally.
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WHAT IS DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION?
This month, the DEI committee is educating students on what it means to celebrate diversity, practice equity, and be inclusive. If you are in the school building, we invite you to check out the display in the trophy case near the gym. The display explains DEI in an age-appropriate way, and we have provided action steps that students can take in each area. If your family is looking for resources to use at home, please reach out to the DEI Committee.
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FALL INTO READING BOOK FAIR
The Ox Ridge Fall Book Fair “Fall Into Reading” is here! The fair runs this week from October 14-16th. Family Nights are Monday (14th) & Tuesday (15th) from 5-7pm (those needing a quieter shopping experience may enter at 4:30).
Payments accepted include cash, credit card 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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KIDS HALLOWEEN BOO BAG EVENT DURING CONFERENCE WEEK
Join us for some Halloween fun! Kids will decorate and stuff three Boo Bags with crafts and Halloween swag. We'll also ice and decorate three Halloween cookies from DiMare to add an extra special treat to each Boo Bag. We're looking forward to a fun Halloween event!
- Cost is $35 per child
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Dates are October 22-25th from 1:30-3:30pm
Click HERE to register students.
VOLUNTEERS: We need ~10 parent volunteers per session to make this a successful event. Please click HERE to be a volunteer.
ELP students are welcome with a caregiver present.
For any questions please email scornicello@gmail.com and megan.davolos@gmail.com
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KIDS CARE CLUB
Looking for a way to inspire your child to help those in need and give back to their community? Join us at the Kids Care Club!
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. From October to June, KCC meets one Friday each month 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 at 8:15am at Ox Ridge one Friday per month from October to June. 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.
When does it start?
Our first meeting is at the Ox Ridge cafeteria on Friday, October 18, from 8:15-9am (drop off at the main entrance and no need to walk your child in). Person to Person will join us to talk to the students about the upcoming fall coat drive, who it benefits, and how it can impact lives. The students will get involved by decorating donation bins and designing posters to spread awareness about the coat drive to maximize donations. Sign up here.
As we confirm future meeting dates, we will include them with a sign-up link in The Hoot.
Who can join the Kids Care Club?
KCC is open to all Ox Ridge Students from Kindergarten to 5th 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.
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VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
Ox Ridge will continue the tradition of our Veterans Day program this year on Tuesday November 12th. We look forward to paying tribute to all the veterans in our families and broader community – past, present, near and far – with an in-person program. Our goal is to continue to develop a deep appreciation amongst students for our country and the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our safety and freedoms.
How to participate:
If any of the veterans in your life are able to join us in-person that day, please contact us by Monday October 21st by emailing oxridgepto@gmail.com with the Subject Line “Veterans Day 2024”.
We will have our veterans participate in a brief Q&A panel with our students as we have done in the past.
If you have a veteran or active duty service member in your family, or if you know a veteran who you would like to honor by having their biography and picture displayed in school, please complete this form by October 21st as well. The photos and biographies will be posted in the pod area for each grade.
*Please note: If you have submitted your veteran’s biographical information before, it is not necessary to do so again*
If you are able to volunteer your time, either with set up before, during, or after the celebration or in preparation for the event, please contact us at oxridgepto@gmail.com. Please also keep an eye out for some volunteer sign up opportunities in future editions of the Hoot over the next few weeks. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to honoring our country’s heroes once again!
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SAVE THE DATE - FUN RUN IS NOVEMBER 14
The Fun Run fundraiser is coming back to Ox Ridge. Key Dates:
October 21 - Site opens to start signups and getting donations
November 4 - Kickoff in the school
November 14 - Event day at Ox Ridge (parents can watch if held outside)
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DISCOVER GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL AND FUNDRAISE FOR OX RIDGE
For families that register in the month of October at Goldfish Swim School and mention Ox Ridge, the $25 annual membership fee will be donated to the Ox Ridge PTO. Goldfish Swim School offers lessons for kids 4 months to 12 years with trained certified instructors in their shiver free, 90 degree pool. For more information on Goldfish Swim School click here.
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DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL
Planning for Winter Session in progress - what classes would you like to take? Send us your suggestions!
There’s still time to Join Classmates after school - Fall Session through 12/19
www.YourAfterSchool.com
Rolling Registration Open Throughout the Session – Prorated Class Fees
Questions? info@yourafterschool.com / 888.212.3837
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
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Nicole DiOrio and Cecilia Casado-Davies (Book Fair Co-Chairs) and the Book Fair Committee (Kira Saunders, Julia Swan, Nicole Brigham, Melissa Kelley, Kelly Andricopuolos, Erin Scoles, Brooke Gaiss, Jennifer Falk, Charlotte Symons, and Marianna Beck) for planning a fantastic fall book fair.
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Susie Ortigao, Erin Wuelfing, and Marie Johnson for planning our first Kids Care Club meeting
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAF
October:
18 Livia Flood – DLC, Teacher (Special Ed)
23 Kristen Turkosz – Teacher (Music)
24 Christina Acocella – ELP Para
26 Seth Von Schmidt – Paraprofessional
30 Laura DiScala – SLP ELP
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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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FALL EVENTS AT MATHER HOMESTEAD
Join us on October 18th for “Night at the Museum…the National Parks!". Learn about the National Parks and then explore the spooky Mather Homestead property with headlamps and compasses for a scavenger hunt. End the night with ghosts in the graveyard and s’mores. Tickets for the 7:30-9pm group (9-12 year olds) available at: https://www.matherhomestead.org/event-details/night-at-the-museum-1-2
October 26th is the Mather Homestead annual Fall Festival! Our largest event of the year promises to be better-than-ever with pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides, fire truck visit and George Washington on his horse! Children’s author Stephanie Pearson will read her new book, “50 True Tales from our Great National Parks”. Live bluegrass music, face painting, pumpkins and crafts too! Tickets: https://www.matherhomestead.org/event-details/fall-harvest-festival-sponsored-by-bmw-of-darien-1
The Mather Homestead is located at 19 Stephen Mather Road. Questions? Please reach out to info@matherhomestead.org.
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TOKENEKE'S PUMPKIN CARNIVAL
The beloved Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival is scheduled to take place rain or shine on Saturday, October 19th from 10am to 4pm at Tokeneke Elementary School. On one special day each October for over fifty years, the School is transformed into a Halloween themed festival and amusement park!
You can buy your tickets here:
https://tokenekepto.com/product-category/pumpkin-carnival/
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EVENTS AT THE DEPOT
Does your 5tj grader love games, crave connection, or thrive on trying new things? Disconnect 2 Connect every Thursday from 4:00-5:00pm promotes putting those devices down and connecting IRL! Try it out for FREE before registering for the year! Learn more at dariendepot.com. No need to register if your child is coming to try it out-- they can just show up!
Equip Your 4th or 5th Grader with Essential Life Skills at The Depot
Empower your child and gain peace of mind. Safe@Home, a program for students in grades 4-6 is aimed at making them better prepared to stay home alone. They'll learn essential safety and first aid skills, gaining confidence and responsibility. Learn more and register HERE. Our next class is October 14th from 4:00 to 5:30pm! Scholarships are available.
4th & 5th Grade Halloween Party at The Depot:
Join us for a spooktacular night of fun at The Depot! We'll have pizza, games, costume contests, and more, complete with candy and prizes! Friday, October 25th from 5:15pm to 7:30pm. Register here.
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DARIEN EMS - POST 53 HAUNTED HOUSE
The Post 53 Haunted House is back! Come join us as we return to providing three different levels of fright on Sunday, October 20th from 1:30-3:30 pm at our headquarters, 0 Ledge Road, Darien. Get your Halloween costumes ready and join us for a fun filled afternoon with exciting events and fun games for kids of all ages. There will be ambulance tours, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and many more games and treats! Suggested donation is $10 per child and all donations will support Darien EMS-Post 53, Darien’s Volunteer Emergency Medical Service staffed with state certified Emergency Medical Technicians, who are Darien High School Students and their Adult Advisors.
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MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING
The Town of Darien is offering another chance to attend the Mental Health First Aid 8-hour interactive certification course. This course is designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Like CPR training helps a non-medical professional assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps an individual who doesn’t have clinical training assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Dates are October 23 and 24th, both days from 8:30am-1:00pm, at EMS Post 53. Please register by emailing Ali Ramsteck at aramsteck@darienct.gov. This program is being funded by ARPA funds.
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THRIVING YOUTH
The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana and Teen Mental Health:
Please join us for an interactive Zoom webinar with Laura Stack, founder and CEO of Johnny's Ambassadors, on October 24th at 7pm. When her son, Johnny, died by suicide after becoming psychotic from dabbing high-THC marijuana concentrates, Laura Stack made it her mission to help parents, educators, and our community understand the risks of high potency THC, specifically around youth mental health and suicide. Join us to learn about how marijuana affects the teenage brain and can lead to mental health consequences.
This webinar is geared towards parents, but anyone invested in supporting young people is welcome to attend. Registration is free and required at www.communityfunddarien.org/tydevents. Program brought to you by Thriving Youth Darien, The Darien Depot and YWCA Parent Awareness.
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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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