THE HOOT

Ox Ridge Elementary School

May 21, 2023


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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

May 24: Staff Encouragement

May 24: 5th grade field trip to Museum of Darien

May 24 & 25: 3rd grade field trip to Stamford Museum and Nature Center

May 25 - 29: No school for ELP

May 29: Memorial Day - No School

June 1 & 2: 5th grade field trip to Fairfield Museum

June 2: Kids Care Club @ 8:15


Field Day

June 5: 1st Grade 9:30-10:50am

        K 1:00-2pm

June 6: 2nd Grade 10-11:20am

June 7: 3rd Grade 10-11:20am

       4th Grade 12-1:20pm

June 9: 5th Grade 11-12:20pm


June 13: 5th Grade Graduation

June 14: Last Day of School (updated)


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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Hi All,

 

Ox Ridge has a long standing tradition to empower students with leadership opportunities through our school “Leadership League”. With the expert advising by Mrs. Watson and Mr. O’Connor, the students have successfully launched and supported a positive school-wide initiative this spring; CARE cards!

 

Teachers and staff across the school are equipped with a CARE card that they use to recognize positive, caring choices that they observe our students making. Things like;

·       Helping someone in need

·       Being polite to adults and kids

·       Helping clean up

·       Holding the door for someone

·       Being a good friend to all       

·       Giving someone a compliment

·       Helping solve problems

·       Sharing with someone        

·       Noticing how others are feeling

·       Showing SAFE behaviors

 

are all being celebrated through this simple yet powerful structure. CARE card recipients have a picture taken which are then proudly displayed on our main lobby digital display. We are working diligently through these remaining days of school to “catch” all students in the act of CARING for others at Ox Ridge! Please ask your child about this fun way to enhance our positive school culture!

 

Thanks,

Luke

FROM THE PTO

Dear Ox Ridge Parents,


Thank you to all who attended our SE Speaker Series about the new CT SEDS and the new CT IEP document. It was very informative and we hope you found it helpful. If you have any questions or were not able to attend and are seeking information please reach out to us at [email protected].


We are finalizing our PTO budget and slate for the 2023-2024 school year. Both will be posted on the Ox Ridge PTO website for voting soon. There are still a few PTO roles open which need to be filled for next year. Our school relies on the PTO in many ways and your time and efforts are greatly appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering for next year please reach out to our recruitment chairs, Megan Bussey and Jaklyn Limoges at [email protected]


Thanks and have a wonderful week!


XO OX

Christina & Meghan


Christina Kreuz & Meghan Thornton

PTO Co-Chairs

[email protected]

OX RIDGE NEWS

KIDS CARE CLUB: BABY SUPPLIES DRIVE

Join the Kids Care Club in our latest drive for baby supplies, benefiting the Baby Basics program of OPUS beginning this Tuesday, May 23rd - Friday, June 2nd! This wonderful organization provides essential supplies to new moms in need, ensuring they have everything required to bring their precious bundles of joy home from the hospital.


We kindly request your help in donating baby supplies to support these deserving families. Currently, our greatest needs are size one diapers and wipes, as these essentials are in high demand. Additionally, receiving blankets, pacifiers, and bottles would greatly contribute to the well-being of these newborns and their mothers. Here is a link for their Amazon wishlist if you’d like to send directly to OPUS.


There will be a box for donations in the front lobby of Ox Ridge in time for drop off on Tuesday, May 23rd. Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Let's shower these new families with love and support as they begin this wonderful chapter in their lives!

ORDER YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR NEXT YEAR

The Ox Ridge 1st-5th grade teachers have compiled their list of necessary supplies for the next school year. Order now and school supply kits will be delivered directly to your child's classroom and will be available on the first day of school. 


To order, log on Supplies to Please and click on the blue "Log In" button in the top right corner. Username: OxRidge Password: ox2023 (case sensitive)


We are encouraging families to place their orders by the end of the school year. You will receive a confirmation email once your order is placed. If you do not receive an email, please contact Supplies to Please that day. Click Here to view the flyer. 


Please contact Dr. Forshaw for information about school supply scholarships.

When purchasing your kit(s), please consider making a donation to the Darien Human Services' Back-to-School program to help provide much-needed school supplies and other services to local families in need. This is a high need year! Please contact Jeanne Zimmer with questions.

CAN I GET A HOOT, HOOT?

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS


Dayna Checketts, Anne Cotton and Kira Saunders (Special Education Reps) for organizing the SE Speaker Series on the new CT SEDS and CT IEP document.


OX RIDGE STAFF BIRTHDAYS FOR MAY


Ms. Brianne Schneider - OT - May 1

Ms. Kim Egan - 1st Grade - May 14

Ms. Amy Beazley - BCBA - May 15

Ms. Jessica Sprague - Teacher SPED - May 18

Ms. Lindsay Uzwiak - Paraprofessional - May 19

Ms. Elizabeth Hayes - 5th Grade - May 19

Mr. Derek Amato - Gym Teacher - May 26

Ms. Toni- Ann Rongoe - 3rd Grade - May 26

COMMUNITY NEWS

DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK EXHIBIT AT MUSEUM OF DARIEN

Museum of Darien invites all members of the community to drop in to see their collection of 50+ years of Darien High School Yearbooks. The collection is on display Sunday, May 21 from noon to 3pm and on Monday, May 22, from 3-6pm and is presented by the Museum’s 2023 DHS interns. Admission to the Museum and the exhibit is $5. Visit museumofdarien.org or call (203) 655-9233 for more information. The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old King’s Highway in Darien, CT. 

DARIEN LIBRARY 1894 DAY ANNIVERSARY

Darien Library is celebrating its 129th anniversary and Fifth Annual Day of Giving on 1894 Day, Wednesday, May 24th. Festivities will take place in the Library courtyard throughout the day, including crafts, balloon art from 2:30 to 4:30pm, face painting from 3:00 – 5:00pm, and an ice cream truck from 3:30 to 4:30pm. The goal is to raise $129,000 in 24 hours and each donor will receive a special gift at various suggested contribution levels. Please join the celebration and plan to make a gift to the Library online at https://www.darienlibrary.org/1894-day or in-person on May 24th! Contact the Darien Library Administrative Office at 203-669-5220 with questions.

DARIEN EMS POST 53's ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY FOOD FAIR

Post 53, Darien’s emergency medical service, is excited to announce its annual Memorial Day Food Fair at Tilly Pond. With the help of our sponsors, Compass Real Estate and The Wood Group at Morgan Stanley, this year’s event, filled with food trucks, live entertainment, games, ambulance tours, and a silent auction, will take place on Monday, May 29th, immediately following the parade from 11 am-2 pm. Tickets will be available for purchase at select locations across town throughout May leading up to the event. Please visit our website Post53.org for exact times and locations. The annual celebration is Post 53’s signature fundraising event. This Town tradition raises money for patient care and equipment, continuous training of our members, and community training events such as Hands Only CPR and Stop the Bleed classes. Post 53’s annual operating budget is 100% funded by donations. It depends on the generous contributions of friends and neighbors to maintain the highest quality of pre-hospital care for the people of Darien. 

CONGRATULATE YOUR 5th GRADER

The Darien Depot is selling Lawn Signs to recognize your 5th grader's achievement. Order deadline is May 22nd and will be delivered to your lawn by June 2nd.  CLICK HERE TO BUY. Confidential scholarships are available by emailing [email protected]. Sample of the sign can be seen here on our Instagram.

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

CALLING ALL 4th GRADE PARENTS

The Depot 4th Grade End of Year Party is on Thursday, June 1st from 6:00pm-7:00pm 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

DOORS OF DARIEN

Museum of Darien invites all to participate in their spring fundraiser, Doors of Darien by creating a painting of their favorite Darien door with one of their art kits, available for purchase now at museumofdarien.org. Art kits consist of 2 canvases, paint & brushes & may be picked up Tuesday through Thursday, 11am-4pm. Each kit is $20 or 6 kits for $100. Finished artwork must be returned by May 24 to be put on display and sold to benefit the Museum at the fundraiser.


A Kids ‘Award Night takes place on June 2, from 5-7pm. This Friday night event is free and open to participating youth and their families. Prizes will be awarded at 6pm. The Doors of Darien Party Fundraiser taking place on June 3, from 7-10pm, features food, drinks, music and the artwork of Darien doors available for sale and created by all ages. Tickets are $75. Call (203) 655-9233 for more information. The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old King’s Highway in Darien, CT. 

BLUE WAVE BOYS VOLLEYBALL FIELD DAY

Sign-up for some old fashioned field day activities and pair up with players of the Blue Wave Boys Volleyball team! For Grades 3 - 8,


Where: Field by the DHS Tennis Courts

When: Saturday, June 3rd

Time: 1 - 3pm Check-in: 12:45pm

Who: Grades 3 - 8

Cost: $40.00

Activities include: BeachBall Volleyball, 3 Point Relay Race, Water Balloon Toss, Vertical Jump Reach, 3 Legged Race, Wheelbarrow Relay, Serve Challenge Dunk Tank, a VB Player Water/Snack.


To register, please send email to: [email protected] and include the following:

1- Name of child

2- Age/Grade/School

3- Parent Contact info email and cell

**Checks payable to “DHS Boys Volleyball” due at check-in.

DARIEN YOUTH COMMISSION AND P2P DRIVE-THROUGH FOOD DRIVE

Our third attempt and we are oh-so-hopeful that THIS one will actually take place! Our current economic situation continues to create real difficulties for our friends and neighbors who are really struggling. Hunger and food insecurity continue to be a reality for many local families. On Saturday, June 3 from 9am-12pm in the Darien Train Station Parking Lot (Koons Lot, across from Tilley Pond Park), volunteers will remove donations directly from donors’ cars. Visit the DYC website for additional details and a list of most needed items.

NEW YWCA PLAYGROUP

The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is starting a new playgroup for families raising children with different support needs and abilities to provide children with an opportunity to socialize and connect through play while also creating a space for parents to engage in peer support and community building. There is an option of parents-only meet-ups as well. Everyone is welcome! If you are interested in joining or learning more, please click link to complete survey https://forms.gle/NvUehgbhnnBtbdMc7 or visit www.ywcadn.org

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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