STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK IS THIS WEEK

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 what we have planned, click HERE.

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!

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 10:30AM 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: Anne Cotton , Kira Saunders, and Dayna Checketts. 

ORDER YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR NEXT YEAR

Can you believe it?! Its that time again...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.

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 executivedirector@dariendepot.com. 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

HINDLEY HAPPENING

The Hindley PTO is thrilled to announce that the Hindley Happening carnival will take place on Saturday, May 13th from 10am to 6pm at Hindley Elementary School, 10 Nearwater Lane, with a full hour from 9am-10am for families with special needs!

On May 13th, the Hindley field is transformed into a magical carnival. There is something for everyone, at every age. Kids love the thrilling rides and carnival games. Food offerings include Fjord, Heights Pizza, Mama Carmella’s!

Hindley Happening tickets available NOW! RIDES! GAMES! RAFFLE! Buy raffle tickets for your chance to WIN 5 ROUND TRIP AIRLINE TICKETS to anywhere Avelo airlines fly!

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.)

MIXED MEDIA & COLLAGE - For Grades 5-8, now starting May 10th. Students create with a variety of materials and express their individuality with Martha Bloom! Students practice fine art techniques, creating unique collages and mixed media projects to develop a sense of their own visual language. Personal work will be encouraged with careful attention to reflect each student's interests. $275. Wednesdays, May 10 to June 14, 5-6:30pm.

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

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: bwboysvb@gmail.com 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.

YWCA PARENT AWARENESS PARENTING WORKSHOP

“Parenting is the hardest job in the world! What works and what doesn’t?” with Susan O'Brien, LCSW on Tuesday May 16th, 9:30-10:30am, Darien YWCA 2nd Floor. Parenting is one of the most important and most rewarding jobs in the world, but it can also be the most difficult! When our children push our buttons, our skills and intentions can go out the window and we may respond in ineffective ways. This workshop will teach techniques to manage everyday parenting challenges and react appropriately and consistently to your child, even when you are under stress. Workshop is appropriate for parents of preschool and elementary age children. To register, email rebecca.martorella@ywcadn.org

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.