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October 13 : PTO Speaker Series & Parents' Night Out
October 15 : Family Photo Day (Ox Fundraiser)
October 16 : Family Photo Day (Ox Fundraiser)
October 17-19 : Ox Ridge Book Fair
October 18 : SE Social
November 8: Professional Development (No School)
Useful Links:
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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Hi All,
Ox Ridge will continue the tradition of our Veterans Day program this year on Thursday, November 10th. As many of you know, this program is an extremely significant event at our school. Our goal is to continue to develop a greater appreciation among students for our country and the veterans who sacrificed so much for our safety and freedoms.
Although “virtual” this year, we look forward to paying tribute to all the veterans in our families and community – past, present, near and far. A video is being produced that will be shared with students and the entire Ox community as part of the morning program on the 10th. It will incorporate musical performances by our students and photos/videos of our veterans.
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, please complete the digital form below by Friday, October 21st. Please note: If you have submitted your veteran’s biographical information before, it is not necessary to do so again.
Additionally, if your veteran would like to participate in the VIDEO portion of this year’s event, please stay tuned for instructions from our PTO Veterans Day chairs Jyotsna Bean, Lindsey Kaiser and Rachel Rand. They will be assembling a list of questions for Veterans to answer by video (30-45 seconds each) and sharing them via SignUp Genius in the coming days.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to honoring our country’s heroes once again.
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
What a week it has been! We are so appreciative of the staff and teachers for keeping kids engaged last week during the power outage.
Coming up this week we hope you can attend the PTO speaker series followed by drinks at Bodega afterwards- which will be a great way to mix and mingle with other Ox parents! Book fair is next week - please remember to set up your child’s e- wallet if you haven’t already done so and print out a confirmation so your child can take with them to the fair.
Have a great week,
XO OX
Christina and Meghan
Christina Kreuz & Meghan Thornton
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail
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PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Join us at the PTO Speaker Series, on October 13th at 7pm at Ox Ridge, followed by Parents’ Cocktails at Bodega Taco Bar, 8pm.
At the Speaker Series, Dr. Forshaw will be providing an overview of how Ox Ridge is building on existing practices to better support student Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence’s framework for teaching emotional intelligence, RULER.
Please RSVP for the social event at Bodega by contacting Nicole Sweeney.
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NEW FAMILIES: OPEN REFERRAL PERIOD FOR DARIEN'S GIFTED PROGRAM
The Darien Public Schools recognizes the diverse needs of all students through the differentiation of a robust and rigorous curriculum that is engaging, meaningful, creative, and cognitively complex. Differentiation and choice exist within the general education program to serve all students within the social, emotional, and learning spectrums. DPS also recognize that gifted students require specialized instruction due to their high intellectual ability and exceptional demonstration of the following traits: original or divergent thinking, curiosity, abstract reasoning ability, passion for learning, and creativity. The Idea Program offers distinct instruction for students in grades two through nine, based on their unique learning pathways, through rigorous, enriching, interdisciplinary programming
through the domains of English Language Arts and Mathematics. The National Association for
Gifted Children has identified common characteristics of gifted individuals which can be found
by clicking here. If you believe your child consistently demonstrates a preponderance of these traits, both in and out of the school setting, then you may want to discuss the possibility of a referral with your
child’s teacher. Parents/guardians or teachers may make a referral for evaluation for students
who are new to the district in grades 2-8 from October 10th-October 28th. In addition,
there is another referral period for all students in grades 2-8 from January 9th-January
27th, 2023, so you may wish to give your child time to adjust to our curriculum and speak with
his/her teacher during your parent-teacher conference. To make a referral, please complete this Referral Form. For additional information about the evaluation process, please visit the program's website, contact Julie Droler, or school administration.
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FALL BOOK FAIR - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Ox Ridge Fall Book Fair “Fall Into Reading” runs October 17-19th. Family Nights are Monday (17th) & Tuesday (18th) from 5-7pm. Those needing a quieter shopping experience may enter at 4:30. Click here to set up your child's eWallet. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!Click here to help out! Slots are open for classroom visits (during the school day) plus set up and breakdown. The teacher visit schedule is included in the sign-up sheet if you’d like to coordinate with your child’s class. We need your help to make this event a success!
Full Book Fair details.
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KIDS CARE CLUB
The Kids Care Club is the community service arm of the PTO. We work with kids in all grades to teach them about community outreach and volunteering. The meetings will be held in person one Friday each month, from 8:15-9:00 AM. Please note, this will be a drop-off meeting, and kids will be separated by grade level. This year KCC will be focused on many hands-on community service projects with local organizations such as the Norwalk Family and Children's Agency, Person to Person, STAR, At Home in Darien, and the Darien Land Trust.
Please note that with a shift to the new building, there is a limited capacity of 75 students per meeting. To ensure that we fall within this threshold, there is a sign-up sheet. You can also find the full year schedule on the website.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT SOCIAL
Please join us on Tuesday, October 18th at 7:30 PM at Louie's Italian Restaurant (10 Center Street) for an evening of cocktails and conversation. This event, hosted by the Ox Ridge Special Education Committee, is an opportunity for parents of children with IEPs or 504s, or who are interested in our resources, to connect in a casual and fun setting. We will gather on the patio and appetizers will be provided (drinks purchased separately). No sign up is required, but if you plan to attend or have questions, please contact your Special Education Representatives: Anne Cotton, Dayna Checketts, and Kira Saunders.
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OxFITTERS AT THE BOOK FAIR - WITH DUDLEY STEPHENS
Back by popular demand, Ox Ridge Outfitters will be selling at Book Fair night on 10/17. We are excited to offer the Dudley Stephens collaboration for both children AND adults! Don't miss new adult T shirts and your chance to grab new OX gear as we head into fall. You can shop ONLINE starting at 8AM and in person at the book fair! Don't miss your chance to support our school and Dudley Stephens, co-founded by an OX parent - and do it in style!
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HOOTIE ARTWORK FOR THE YEARBOOK
We include students' drawings of Hootie in the yearbook every year, and feature one drawing from a 5th grade artist on the cover. Please fill out this form and upload your child's artwork to be included! The due date is Friday, November 4th.
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DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL
Students are enjoying our Fall Enrichment with Darien After School @ Ox Ridge - where students can be anything they want to be and make new friends! Fall classes are offered thru 12/22 with a rolling registration throughout the session (late fees may apply). Classes include Sports, Music, Art, Science, Theater and MORE...
Schedule and Program Details
Kindergarteners and new families are always welcome. Please Click HERE for information on how our
program works, or reach out anytime!
Contact: info@darienafterschool.com / 888.212.3837
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Erika Rodormer - Photography Coordinator - for overseeing the Family Photo Days fundraiser with Karen Morneau
Ox fitters- Liz Melaugh and Caitlin Griswold - for sorting the recent Dudley Stephens order.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Ms. Maura Morash (IDEA) on October 11
Ms. Marissa Funari on October 16
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TOKENEKE PUMPKIN CARNIVAL
The 2022 Tokeneke School Pumpkin Carnival returns on Saturday, October 15th from 10am to 4pm. Join us as Tokeneke Elementary School is transformed into an amusement park! There are mechanical rides and boardwalk games as well as a variety of lawn games, art activities, face painting, and bounce houses. There will be something for children of all ages. For those seeking a thrill, make sure to try the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity rides. Preschoolers are sure to love the Spinning Cars and the Happy Swing ride. Play the lawn games and win prizes! Test your stamina on the Nola Physical Therapy + Performance Obstacle Course! Enjoy performances by students of the School of Rock and Dance on the DL. Nosh on delicious food from local Darien restaurants and food trucks. The Tokeneke Parent and Teacher Organization is once again partnering with Darien Human Services to offer the event free of charge to families who would otherwise not be able to attend. Advance discounted tickets and punch cards for lawn games can be purchased online (no refunds!). Advanced purchase tickets can be picked up at the WILL CALL table on the day of the event.
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HOLLY POND FAMILY FUN DAY
Family Fun Day, hosted by Holly Pond School, will be held this year from 11am-2pm on Sunday, October 23rd at the Darien YMCA. Admission is $30 per family. Activities include a DJ, pumpkin decorating, bake sale, frame making station, keychain decorating, bag decorating, candy shop, magic show, bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, rock wall, nail painting, face painting, balloon animals, spin art, Hands On Pottery, Heights Pizza, a Hot Dog Cart from Uncle’s Deli and more. Tickets can be purchased online through the Darien YMCA or here.
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DARIEN MUSIC FOR YOUTH
Darien Music For Youth is a 501(c)(3) that has been supporting music education in Darien for over 50 years, relying on donations to make this happen. All donations go straight into programs in the schools. Building on the huge success of last year’s Band festival and Dallas Brass event, we are geared up for a Strings festival for 2022-2023 with a culminating concert by Electrify your Strings! Music for Youth will continue their poster and graphic design contests, scholarships and offer bonus events for Choral and Band students. Your continued support is needed! See flyer for more details. Donate here.
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DARIEN EMS - POST 53 HAUNTED HOUSE SUNDAY OCT 30 FROM 2-4 PM
The Post 53 Haunted House is back! Come join us as we return to providing three different levels of fright on Sunday October 30th from 2-4pm 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! CPR/AED training will be offered to any adults or children interested. 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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DARIEN ARTS CENTER
Sip & Paint: Still Life Workshop, For Adults, Friday, Oct. 14, 7-9pm. Bring a friend and refreshments of choice for a great night out! Our fabulous instructor Stephanie Lush-Mastriano will lead the group in creating beautiful still life paintings while everyone enjoys a relaxing evening. Fee: $55
Silhouettes, East Coast Contemporary Ballet Performance, Oct. 22, 7:30pm & Oct. 23, 2pm. An all-new mixed repertory program set to music that ranges from classical to contemporary. Join this fresh and innovative company in the DAC Weatherstone Studio. Tickets $35. DAC Dance students: $20.
Autumn Leaves Creative Workshop - For Kindergarten through Grade 3, Friday, Nov. 4, 4-5:30pm.
Students create a colorful decoupage autumn leaf lantern to bring home for the holidays and vibrant leaf print paintings to take home and feature in a November Student Art Exhibit in the downtown CVS window! Fee: $55.
REGISTRATION IS ONGOING at darienarts.org for classes for ages 3 through adult for various programs.
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REGISTRATION FOR DARIEN SQUASH IS OPEN!
Come join the Darien Squash Youth Program for another fun season on the squash courts this school year. Registration is open to players from Darien in grades 3-8 and all levels are welcome. To learn more about our program, including exciting changes for this season, visit the website.
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DARIEN HIGH STUDENT GOVERNMENT TRUNK OR TREAT
The Darien High School Student Government will be hosting a Trunk or Treat Event on Sunday October 23rd at the Darien High School Athletic Loop from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm (if rain indoors). Clubs, sports teams, and student groups will be decorating cars and providing attendees with a safe and fun trick or treating experience. Each group/car will have the option of hosting a game or activity to make the experience more engaging, with a showing from town emergency services. All children in grade 5 and under from the town of Darien are offered the opportunity to attend the event, register here . There will be no cost to the event; however, parents will be asked to give a suggested minimum donation of $5 per person to support Darien Social Services or to donate a new or gently used Halloween costume for Person to Person.
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OX RIDGE HOOT | HOOT EMAIL | PTO WEBSITE
EDITORS NOTE:
Meghan Egan - Nov, Jan, May, June 19
Danielle Kohlberger - Oct, Feb, Apr, June 12
Baye Larsen - Sept, Dec, Mar, June 5
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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