STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK IS COMING SOON!

The PTO has been hard at work planning lots of special things to show our teachers, staff, and administrators that they are the VIP's of Ox Ridge. To see a sneak peek of what we have planned click HERE and read below for the two things we’re asking the kids to do to show their love!

DECORATE OX RIDGE AFTER TRUNK & EAT

Ox Ridge teachers, staff, and administrators will experience a VIP red carpet entrance to kick off Staff Appreciation Week on Monday, May 8. All students are invited to Ox Ridge on Sunday, May 7 after Trunk & Eat to decorate parking spaces and sidewalks with drawings or notes for our VIP staff. Chalk will be provided or you can bring your own.

DELIVER FAN MAIL TO EXPRESS YOUR APPRECIATION 

Write a note on the template you can find HERE. On this Thursday 5/11, students are invited to deliver their notes to their classroom teachers, specials teachers, staff, and administration. We would love to have 100% participation! If you do not have a printer, please email kate.m.kaufman@gmail.com to get a paper copy. Let’s show all our teachers, staff, and administrators that we think they are our VIP's!

TRUNK & EAT

Please join us on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at noon for the Ox Ridge Elementary Trunk and Eat at Ox Ridge School. We will be celebrating the cultures and heritages of the Ox Ridge community with food as well as dance - all in the Ox parking lot. Please note the country you would like represent on Signup Genius and type it into the Comments box. Additionlly, please offer snacks / food typical of the region on the event day. Also please remember that there should be no more than three (3) slots taken of the same country. (For example, no more than three slots for Italy.) Sign up here.

UNRAVELING CT SEDS & UNDERSTANDING CT'S NEW IEP DOCUMENT - MAY 18

Are you confused by the CT's new IEP and data system? Do you need a refresher on how to interpret your child's IEP document? If so, please join Principal Luke Forshaw and Assistant Principal Lindsay Sulzycki on May 18th at 10:30 AM in the main office conference room to learn about CT SEDS (Special Education Data System) and Connecticut's new IEP document. This presentation will review important components of an Individualized Education Plan and take a look at where you find that information in the newly formatted IEP document.

Coffee and light bites will be served. No RSVP required, but if you plan to attend please email your Special Education Representatives to assist with planning: Anne Cotton , Kira Saunders, and Dayna Checketts. 

CONTINUUM OF SERVICES PRESENTATION

Thank you to Principal Luke Forshaw and Assistant Principal Lindsay Sulzycki for offering a thorough and helpful presentation on the Continuum of Services available to all students. If you were not able to attend the event but would like to review the materials, please find the presentation linked here.  

DARIEN ARTS CENTER

CAN YOU SEE THE MUSIC? East Coast Contemporary Ballet Performance - May 12 & 13, 7:30pm. This not-to-be-missed evening of diverse dance features the music of Joel A. Martin, Beethoven, Trentmøller and Wevel in a medley of brand-new works by Claire Mazza, David Fernandez and Alejandro Ulloa. Tickets are $35.  (DAC students may attend for a discounted rate of $20. Please visit or call the DAC office to purchase these tickets.)

SUMMER OFFERINGS

DAC Summer Camps | Tiny Dancers Camp

Summer Dance Intensives | Dance Beginnings | Pre-Ballet | Ballet 1 | Open Ballet

Summer Private Music Lessons: Email juanita@darienarts.org for info.

Open Martial Arts for Grades K-7 | Open Martial Arts for Grades 7-Adults

OPUS RUNS FOR THE ROSES: MAY 6, TOKENEKE CLUB, 5:30 - 10:30 PM

Grab your derby hats and join us for an unforgettable evening of food, music, and philanthropy at the Tokeneke Club. Pick your favorite horse and watch the fastest two minutes in sports across three screens while sipping Mint Juleps and Kentucky Mules. Once a winner is crowned, enjoy dinner as live music from The Short Bus gets you moving! All proceeds support P2P’s vital services providing assistance for those in need in our neighboring communities. Tickets available here.

THE EMOTIONAL LIVES OF TEENAGERS

Please do not miss the opportunity to join us for a widely anticipated, live, interactive discussion with New York Times bestselling author and CBS News Contributor Dr. Lisa Damour, who will be joined by Reena Ninan, Ask Lisa Podcast Co-host, television journalist, and Darien resident, on Wednesday, May 10th at 7pm at Darien High School Auditorium. Please register to attend. Dr. Lisa's recently released book, "The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable and Compassionate Adolescents" is available for purchase at Barrett Bookstore. Middlesex Parent Association is thrilled to partner with Darien High School Association, Thriving Youth Task Force and YWCA Parent Awareness in bringing this event to our community. Contact Patty Deery or Lorraine Collins with any questions.

ART & HISTORY EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP

History will come alive for ages 7-13, who can sign up now at Museum of Darien for this fun summer camp taking place from Monday, June 26 through Friday, June 30, 9:30am-12:30pm. Campers will craft handmade paper, write with quills & ink, weave baskets, make candles and sculpt pots and vases out of clay. Even learn how to make butter! The museum’s colonial herb and flower garden and collection of colorful quilts will inspire crafting natural dyes and botanical prints on fabric to complete a sewing project. Campers will also have time outdoors to play old-fashioned games before returning home with their many “masterpieces”! The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old Kings Highway in Darien. For more info call (203) 655-9233 or visit museumofdarien.org.

CALLING ALL 5TH GRADE PARENTS

The Depot 5th Grade End of Year Party is on Thursday, June 1st from 4:30-5:30 at the Depot Youth Center. DJ, Mr. Softee Ice Cream Truck, dancing, games and more! $20 admission, registration required. Rain date is June 2. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER