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February 8: Staff Encouragement
February 11: SOUPer Bowl event POSTPONED due to scheduling conflicts
February 13 - 16: Kindness Week!
- Wednesday, 2/15 - Kindness T-shirt Day or Spirit Wear
- Thursday, 2/16 - Ox Spirit Day
February 14: Valentine's Day in-class celebrations
February 17: Professional Development Day. No school for students
February 20 - 24: Winter Break
March 11: Ox Ridge Fundraiser "Hootie Hoedown"
March 30: Ox Rocks Talent Show
Useful Links:
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK | |
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Hi All,
Thanks to our first grade teachers for organizing their annual “Parade of 100 year olds!” to commemorate the 100th day of school this year! We are also so thankful for all of the donations for the 100th day of school food drive to Bridgeport Rescue Mission this week. Your partnership in these moments of school spirit and community service truly make Ox Ridge a special place to learn and grow together!
Congratulations to Stella Sordoni for her placement in the annual DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) town-wide essay contest! This year’s topic asked students to imagine that they were a delegate to the Second Continental Congress from 1775-1776.
"What would be important for you to accomplish for your colony at this Congress which helped to shape the United States of America?" the essay question asked.
Finally, we are so proud of all of our student musicians for their wonderful winter concert! If you haven’t seen the video and program I sent to all earlier this week, please see the video of their performances and program below.
Video
Program
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Parents,
Happy New year to all those who celebrated Chinese New Year this past week!
As we begin February, we look to celebrate the exceptional achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. Children of our DEI committee members will be making weekly morning announcements with information regarding Black History throughout the month of February. We hope that your children have had the chance to look at our display case at Ox ridge that highlights many of these accomplishments as well as the book display in our library!
Thank you so much to all those that gave feedback regarding the budget as we look ahead into the 23-24 school year. We feel so fortunate to have such an active and engaged community of parents. If you are thinking that you want to get involved in PTO next year, please reach out to our Recruitment Chairs, Megan Katz and Jaklyn Limoges at [email protected].
Also, gentle reminder that our lost and found is filling up! Please be sure to claim lost items before the February recess.
Have a wonderful week!
XO OX
Christina and Meghan
Christina Kreuz & Meghan Thornton
PTO Co-Chairs
oxridgepto@gmail
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SHOP & SUPPORT OX RIDGE AT THE CABANA!
Join us on Tuesday, February 7th from 9:30-12:30pm at The Cabana (1084 Boston Post Road) to shop their latest resort collections, winter classics, Valentine’s Day, and new pieces from Dudley Stephens! Perfect for those warm and cold weather trips during February break! Receive 10% off your purchase and 10% of sales will be donated to the Ox Ridge PTO!
Please RSVP to Danielle Paccione and Heather deBie by February 5th. Please contact us also with any questions or for online shopping details.
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KINDNESS WEEK IS COMING!
National Kindness Week is from February 13th to 16th. The PTO will sponsor several fun activities and events for our students that week. On Wednesday, February 15th, we'd love for all students to wear our 2023 Kindness t-shirt or Ox Ridge spirit wear. The t-shirts are available for $10 each - click here to purchase by Friday, February 3rd. Orders will be delivered to your child's classroom.
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HOOTIE HOEDOWN FUNDRAISER TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
Saddle up Ox Ridge parents! You're invited to the Hootie Hoedown fundraiser benefiting the Ox Ridge PTO on Saturday, March 11, from 7-11pm at Wee Burn Country Club. Enjoy appetizers, BBQ bites, drinks, dancing, outdoor fire pits and exciting raffles! Ride sharing and western attire are encouraged (but please, no ripped jeans!). Tickets ($130pp) are now on sale here. Deadline to purchase is March 3rd!
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FIRST ANNUAL TALENT SHOW - OX ROCKS
Ox Ridge DEI Committee is hosting its first annual talent show Thursday, March 30th at Darien High School at 7pm. Signup Here!
Ox Rocks is a chance for the school and community to celebrate all talent
and creativity while coming together in an inclusive, empowering and fun
environment!
All 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are eligible to participate. We encourage creativity; singing, dancing, comedy, magic, gymnastics, and acting are just a few ideas. Think outside the box!
We are so excited to celebrate and showcase our student’s diverse talents
and interests! Check out the Ox Rocks website to learn more.
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Cathy Bailey (DEI Chair) for arranging the trophy case and library book display for Black History Month as well as providing students with morning announcements around Black History.
Liz Melaugh and Caitlin Griswold (Ox Fitters)- for arranging a new sale of Ox Fitters gear during our Parent Social this past week and for always making Ox Gear look so cool!
Nicole Sweeney and Meghan Shain (Social Chair and Committee) for organizing a wonderful Parents social event at Sono Beer Garden
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Ms. Nancy Dineen - Teacher - on February 9
Ms. Stephanie Frawley - Teacher - on February 11
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MUSEUM OF DARIEN VALENTINE EVENT
The Museum of Darien is hosting a Sip and Create Valentine Collage Workshop on February 9th from 6:30-8:30pm. Adults can create a Valentine-themed piece of art for framing or Valentines cards with vintage and contemporary papers, ribbons and lace, and seal using a wax seal stamp. The workshop will be led by artist members of The Concepts Group. Wine will be served and included in the fee ($30.) Register for the Valentine Collage Workshop at museumofdarien.org or call 203.655.9233. The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old King’s Highway in Darien, CT.
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YWCA PARENT AWARENESS
YWCA Parent Awareness and COFFI Present "They Said What!!?? Talking with Kids about Race and Other Hard Topics" with Liz Dempsey Lee, PhD, Wednesday, February 15th, 10 am at the Darien YWCA, 49 Old Kings Highway North. As parents, we want to encourage a diverse, inclusive community for our children, but we might not always know how to answer their questions about race, gender, equity and other hard topics. Join YWCA Parent Awareness and educator Liz Dempsey Lee for an open and honest discussion to learn how to naturally weave conversations into your parenting, model making and addressing mistakes, and what to do when things go awry. Event is free, but space is limited - register now.
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WAVE STRONG COMMUNITY NIGHT
DHS - Friday, February 10th - beginning at 5:30pm
Calling all Darien Blue Wave fans! Show your Blue Wave Pride and come out to support the girls and boys varsity basketball teams as they face the New Canaan Rams. Game times are 5:30pm & 7pm. Be sure to not to miss the Wave Strong table with limited edition merchandise and bake sale with delicious goodies! WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER! LET’S GO BLUE WAVE!
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DARIEN LIBRARY MINI GOLF
Saturday, February 11th from 9am - 5pm and Sunday, February 12th from 10am – 3:30pm
Darien Library is thrilled to announce its 8th annual Mini Golf fundraising event, where players of all ages will putt their way through the Library on an 18-hole miniature golf course. Face painting will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and attendees are welcome to enjoy one free tasty treat at the Café at Darien Library all weekend! The cost is $5 per player and all proceeds will go directly to the purchase of books, movies, and technology as well as the support of countless programming opportunities at the Library. All who register in advance will be entered into a raffle for a Big Game Tailgate package, complete with cozy swag, essential refreshments for the big game, and an unforgettable experience at Two Roads Brewing. For more information and to register in advance, visit darienlibrary.org/minigolf or contact the Darien Library Administrative Office at 203-669-5220.
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DARIEN PARKS & REC VACATION CAMP
The Darien Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that registration for 2023 spring & summer programs, as well as the sale of 2023 beach permits, will begin on Wednesday, March 1st online, in-person in Room 110 of the Darien Town Hall or through the mail. Program offerings are currently available to view online. The 2023 spring and summer brochure will be mailed out to all Darien residents the week of February 20th.
February Vacation Camp
The Parks and Recreation Department and Overtime Athletics have joined forces to bring this fun-filled camp to the youth of Darien on Friday, February 17th and Tuesday, February 21st – Friday, February 24th. Parents have the choice of registering for all five days from 9 AM – 4 PM for $290, 9 AM – Noon for $160 or daily from 9 AM – 4 PM for $65/day.
This exciting variety sports camp for children ages 5 – 12 includes instruction in the fundamentals of traditional sports such as basketball and soccer as well as utilizing Overtime Athletics signature curriculum incorporating non-traditional sports such as kickball, relay races, and cooperative games. The camp will be held at the Darien Town Hall. Full-day participants should bring lunch each day. For more information or to register, please visit February Vacation Camp. Please reach out to us with any questions at [email protected] or 203-656-7325.
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DARIEN YOUTH COMMISSION'S SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 13TH
The Darien Youth Commission's Summer Camp registration will start on Monday, February 13th . Registration forms will be posted on the DYC's Website. (Online Registration will be live starting on Monday, February 13th and Non-Resident Registration on Monday, April 24th). There will again be three grade-level programs, all operating out of Tokeneke School however the names have changed and are as follows.
Camp Stony Brook: (Students who have successfully completed Kindergarten, and are entering Grade 1)
Camp Settlers: (Students who have successfully completed Grades 1&2 and are entering Grade 2&3)
Camp Mather: (Students who have successfully completed Grades 3,4,5 and are entering Grade 4,5,6)
Sumer camp dates are Monday June 19th - Friday, July 28th (Three Two-Week Sessions). Frequently Asked Questions regarding pricing, program content and registration information is currently on the DYC website underneath the Summer Camp Section at DarienCT.gov/YC.
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DARIEN YOUNG COMPOSERS & SONGWRITERS CONCERT
Attention Young Composers and Songwriters: Submit an original song for the 2023 Young Composers and Songwriters Concert! Click here for the application. The deadline to submit your composition is Friday, March 3rd.
The Music Department of the Darien Public Schools will be sponsoring the 22nd annual concert on Wednesday, March 29th at 6:30pm in the Darien High School Auditorium. This program is open to all students currently enrolled in the Darien Public Schools. It is a great opportunity for students to compose their own original music and share it with an audience.
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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 [email protected] 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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