FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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Dear Ox Ridge Families,
As we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued support and enthusiasm. It’s been wonderful to see students returning to school with excitement, ready to learn, connect, and grow together. Our teachers have been hard at work creating engaging lessons, fostering curiosity, and building a strong classroom community to ensure every child feels welcome and supported.
At Ox Ridge, we believe that education extends beyond academics. This year, we are placing a special focus on building a positive climate and culture throughout our school community. By nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment, we aim to help our students thrive not only academically but also socially and emotionally.
We recently had our annual Open House on September 12, and I want to thank everyone who attended. The turnout was incredible, and it was a great opportunity for us to connect as a school community. I’m thrilled by the positive feedback from families, and I hope you found the evening informative and a meaningful way to see what your children are working on in their classrooms. The success of this event reinforces how important our partnership is in ensuring every student thrives.
We’ve also conducted two fire drills this year, and I’m proud of how seriously our students and staff took this important exercise. Your children’s safety is our top priority, and we will continue to refine and practice our emergency procedures to keep our school as prepared as possible.
As we continue to streamline our operations, I encourage families to consider using our bus transportation system. Utilizing the buses helps us manage the dismissal of a large number of students efficiently and contributes to a safer, more organized environment. Your cooperation in this matter not only supports the smooth functioning of our dismissal process but also minimizes traffic congestion around the school, creating a safer atmosphere for everyone.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education. Together, we can make this year one of growth, success, and joy for every student at Ox Ridge. If you ever have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always here to listen and collaborate.
Sincerely,
Christopher Melillo
Principal
Ox Ridge Elementary School
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
What a great turnout we had earlier today at our Sunday Funday event. Thanks to all the parents who volunteered to make this event a success.
We have our final parent coffee for 4th and 5th grade families with Principal Melillo this Friday, September 27 - hope to see you there!
Thanks,
Vanessa Donatello & Kate Kaufman
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail.com
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PARENT COFFEES WITH MR. MELILLO
Our Parent Coffees with Principal Melillo continue this Friday in the Ox Ridge Cafeteria. We hope you will join us, Grades 4 and 5, on Friday, September 27th, 9:45am - 10:15am
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PTO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We still have a few more positions on our PTO volunteer slate to fill - links to positions and descriptions below. If you are interested in one of these positions or helping in any other way, email oxridgepto@gmail.com
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BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES WITH DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL
Darien After School provides before and after school activities at Ox Ridge. To sign up, visit the New Website and create a new account and new user name! *You MUST create it before you can register.
With morning classes underway, afternoon classes will start on October 7th. Rolling registration is open throughout the fall session, so there’s still time to join classmates after school.
Click the link to see the programs offered! Questions? info@yourafterschool.com / 888.212.3837
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DARIEN MUSIC PARENTS ASSOCIATION
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Darien Music Parents Association (formerly known as Music for Youth). Our mission is simple: Empowering Excellence in Music Education and Community Engagement. We aim to support and enrich music education for students in grades PreK-12 in our Darien public schools and within our community.
Here's how you can get involved:
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Follow Us on Social Media: Stay updated with our latest news, events and initiatives by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Become a Member: Join us in supporting music education by becoming a member. You can sign up on our website at www.darienmpa.org.
SAVE THE DATE: We will have a kick-off meeting on Wednesday, October 9th at 7pm in the DHS Orchestra room.
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SAVE THE DATE - FALL INTO READING BOOK FAIR
Fall into reading at The Ox Ridge Book Fair which runs October 14-16th. Family Nights are Monday (14th) & Tuesday (15th) from 5-7pm (those needing a quieter shopping experience may enter at 4:30).
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FUNDRAISE WITH THE UCONN HUSKIES!
Join the Ox Ridge community for a day of college football! Purchase tickets for the UCONN Huskies vs. the Rice Owls on Saturday, October 26th and the Huskies will donate a portion of sale proceeds to Ox Ridge. Tickets are $25 plus fees. Limited tickets available in the Ox Ridge section so buy today! Click here to purchase tickets
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FAMILY PHOTO DAYS FUNDRAISER
Reserve your spot now for our fall Family Photo Day Fundraiser with the talented Karen Morneau Photography! It’s a great opportunity to have professional family photos taken and support the Ox Ridge PTO at the same time.
5 spots are available for Saturday, October 26th - Cranbury Park, Norwalk 8:00am-5:30pm.
Click here to select an open time slot and pay the $75 sitting fee (which will be donated directly to the Ox Ridge PTO). There are several digital and print packages available to choose from following the session.
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
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Meghan Shain (Social Chair) and Kate Noble and Kelly Andricopoulos (Social Committee) for planning our Sunday Funday event.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
September
26 Sharon Amato – Paraprofessional
27 Michelle Schaller – ELP SLP
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SMART & SECURE: SAFETY TIPS FOR TWEENS & TEENS
YWCA Darien/Norwalk Parent Awareness Presents Smart & Secure: Safety Tips for Tweens & Teens
On Thursday, September 26th at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm virtually via this Event Link
Many of us have been having important conversations recently with our kids about how to protect themselves and be safe when out in our community. To continue these conversations, YWCA Darien/Norwalk’s Parent Awareness invites you and your tweens/teens to join us for our first Parent Awareness discussion of the year. One of the nation’s foremost self defense experts, Gloria Marcot of Soul Punch, will lead a virtual discussion on personal safety tips that your entire family can benefit from with a particular focus on how your kids can take steps to keep themselves safe from harm. Links to join the virtual discussion will be emailed to registered guests the morning of the event.
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DARIEN YOUTH SQUASH REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Join us on Sunday, September 29th from 4:00-6:00pm at the Ox Ridge Club (512 Middlesex Rd, Darien) to learn all about the 2024-2025 Junior Team Program, open to Darien residents in grades 3-8. Come ready to play! Kids will have the opportunity to meet and hit with Ox Ridge pro Sandeep Ramachandran and parents can learn about the Darien Squash program. All levels, including total beginners, welcome. Pizza will be served. Please bring clean, non-marking sneakers. We will have extra racquets and eye protection for those who need them. Sign up here.
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). 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. For more information go to: http://www.dariensquash.com
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THE SCIENCE OF MOTIVATING YOUNG PEOPLE
Join us for an evening with David Yeager, PhD, author of the newly released book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, in conversation with Lorena Seidel. Monday, October 7th from 7:00-9:00pm at the Darien Library Community Room.
Imagine a world in which Gen Xers, millennials, and boomers interact with young people in ways that leave them feeling inspired, enthusiastic, and ready to contribute—rather than disengaged, outraged, or overwhelmed. That world may be closer than you think. In this book based on cutting edge research, psychologist David Yeager explains how to stop fearing young people’s brains and hormones and start harnessing them. For more details and to register: Click Here
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MUSEUM OF DARIEN FUNDRAISING GALA
Darien, it’s time to get geared-up for fall activities and enjoy a night out with friends! So, pull out your best party clothes for the upcoming fundraising gala, Darien Dresses Up! on Saturday, October 19th at 7pm. The Museum of Darien is putting on the ritz and celebrating 100 years of style, with a festive evening that includes live music by Vernie Taylor, delicious bites by Palmers Market, themed cocktails and a much-anticipated exhibit of evening gowns and party dresses from 1890-1990, including designs by Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Pucci, Diane von Furstenberg and more. A fabulous raffle supported by local merchants and a silent auction will also be featured. To purchase tickets ($125) or to find out more, visit Darien Dresses Up!, call (203) 655-9233 or email ekoch@museumofdarien.org. The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old King’s Highway in Darien, CT
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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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RIDE THE WAVE TO DHS HOMECOMING WEEKEND!
Mark your calendars and show your Blue Wave Pride the week of October 14-18th! Follow us on Instagram for complete schedule and more information. For questions, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities email Sara Hesli.
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JOIN THE BLUE WAVE BOOSTER CLUB FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR AT DHS
With the start of the fall season comes the membership renewal of the Blue Wave Booster Club! The Blue Wave Booster Club is funded through donations from individuals and families, local business sponsorships and fundraising events such as the Harlem Wizards game, which have enabled the Blue Wave Booster Club to provide over $750,000 in support to Darien High School athletic and spirit programs since inception! Please visit our website to learn more about our membership levels. We hope you’ll join us by becoming a member and supporting our teams at DHS!
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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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