Ox Ridge School
April 18, 2021
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Monday, April 19th - Friday, April 23rd
Thursday, April 22nd
- Wear green in recognition of Earth Day
Monday, April 26th - Friday, April 30th
- Rescheduled Earth Week (see the schedule of events below)
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
Hope everyone had a great break! Friendly reminder that all students will participate in remote learning this week following spring recess, April 19 - 23.
This week we also celebrate Earth Week and with the move to remote learning, we’ll be rescheduling some of the planned activities. Please read the update below for full details.
A big and timely (Earth Day is Thursday) THANK YOU to Kristinia Schuster and Smile Coffee Werks for their continued support with gourmet coffee pod donations for the staff lounge. The coffee is delicious AND the pods are plant-based, commercially compostable, and sustainably packaged.
Have a great week.
Kindly,
Ashley & Beth
PTO Co-Chairs
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Ashley Hinchman
(804) 405-4750
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Beth Morgan
(917) 679-9018
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Happy Birthday to the following Ox Ridge Staff!
April 24th
Barbara Meno (Instructional Aide)
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BOARD OF EDUCATION 2021-2022 UPDATE
On Tuesday, April 6, the Board of Finance approved the 2021-22 Board of Education budget without making any alterations to what was proposed. The next step in the process is that the full town budget will be voted on by the RTM on May 10th. As a reminder, the RTM can reduce the operating budget by a specific dollar amount and/or cut specific capital items. We will continue to monitor the process and provide any relevant updates to the parent community.
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POSTPONED: EARTH WEEK 2021: RESTORE OUR EARTH
Due to remote learning, our Earth Week activities will be postponed until next week, April 26-30. However, we are still asking all students and staff to wear green this Thursday, April 22nd in recognition of Earth Day! The Weed Beach Clean Up for participating 5th-grade students will continue as planned, on Saturday, April 24th. The Restore Our Earth Challenge will be extended for an additional week.
The global theme for Earth Day 2021 is "Restore Our Earth." We have many exciting things planned, including daily environmental topics, environmental videos, classroom books, and a Restore Our Earth Challenge. More information to come! Any questions, please contact Christina Kreuz.
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RESTORE OUR EARTH CHALLENGE: APRIL 19TH-30TH
In recognition of this year's global Earth Day theme, "Restore Our Earth," we are challenging all Ox Ridge students to take action and do their part to make a difference. From April 19-30, students are encouraged to do at least one thing that helps Restore Our Earth. Ideas include, but are not limited to: recycling, up-cycling, planting seeds or an organic garden, composting, promoting pollinators with a bee bath, and collecting litter. Please take a photo of your child doing their part to Restore Our Earth and send to [email protected]. Any questions, please contact Christina Kreuz.
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) COMMITTEE
The Ox Ridge PTO, along with the other elementary school PTOs, introduced a new team to support the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion interests of our school community. We have met as a group to discuss protocols, strategies and plans for our individual schools and as a district. Jennifer Richardson will lead as DEI Chair for the Ox Ridge PTO and work along with Jenn Sherman (Ox Ridge parent) who serves as Special Projects Chair for the Council of Darien School Parents to coordinate across our district. If you would like to be a part of this group and this very important discussion, please email Jennifer Richardson. We currently have a team of approximately 8 volunteers, but can always use more. Thank you to those who have already stepped up!
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You can find a copy of the Spring Newsletter HERE as well as a link to the published web page with updated health information.
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In a recent NYTimes article, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the director of contemplative practices and well-being at the Fish Interfaith Center in California, explains that happiness is more of a daily practice than anything else. He suggests specific strategies to help boost families’ sense of wellbeing in difficult times. One suggestion? Be grateful and kind. Brainstorm with your children who they know who might appreciate an act of kindness right now. Whether it’s surprising a neighbor with cookies or flowers or even paying for the car behind you at Starbucks- practice a family act of kindness this week and talk about what you learned or experienced along the way.
Talk early, talk often. Thriving Youth/The Community Fund of Darien
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DARIEN NATURE CENTER - SPRING INTO NATURE FESTIVAL
The Darien Nature Center is hosting the "Spring into Nature Festival," an Earth Day celebration, on Saturday, April 24th. It will be held in Cherry Lawn Park (120 Brookside Road), rain or shine, at two different time slots: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, or 1:00 to 3:00 PM. The cost is $50 per vehicle. Local environmental organizations will be stationed throughout the park with activities for both adults and children that are intended to inspire sustainable living habits. For more information, please click here.
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DARIEN ARTS CENTER: TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR SPRING BALLET
Join the Darien Arts Center in the DAC Weatherstone Studio for SOPHIA ENTERS THE FAIRY REALM, a spring ballet suitable for all ages, on April 24 & 25, at 2 or 5pm. RSVP soon as seating is limited. Covid protocols, including mask-wearing, will be followed. Visit darienarts.org for tickets ($20). #Darien #ballet
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DARIEN JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE (DJFL) REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Welcome to the Darien Junior Football League’s (DJFL) 2021 season. We are looking forward to another fun, exciting and safe year. The DJFL program runs in the Fall and consists of tackle football (grades 4-8), modified travel flag football (grades 3-4) and flag football (grades 1-3). DJFL registration period opened on April 1 and will remain open through July 31st. Register before May 15th and save $100. Go to DJFL.org to register now and learn more about our youth football programs!
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DARIEN SUMMER SCHOOL SUMMER TUTORIAL OFFERED
Summer Tutorial Camp is an OPTIONAL opportunity for your child to access extra skill-building and practice in both literacy and math over the summer. With a curriculum designed to shore up core skills, students will strengthen what they have already learned and gain confidence striding into the 21–22 school year! Student-centered coaching will be provided by skilled professionals who work in our five elementary schools. Please click THIS LINK for more information and to register. Scholarships are available. Please contact your school Principal if you would like your child to be considered for a scholarship.
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IT'S TIME FOR THE IMPROVEMENT THROUGH EDUCATION DARIEN READ-A-THON
The Improvement Through Education Darien Read-a-thon begins April 2, 2021 as a way for preschool, elementary, middle and high school students to help hopeful as well as in-need college-bound students raise money for higher education. We hope EVERYONE participates and remembers that the top donors will receive PRIZES. We've chosen a Read-a-thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills, all while helping others.
We know you have limited time but we hope everyone will activate their reader's account today.
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DEADLINE APPROACHING TO ORDER FOR MOTHER'S DAY
Personalized lawn signs for moms, or a special someone, may be ordered through the Darien Arts Center at darienarts.org UNTIL April 25TH, and will be hand-delivered on Saturday, May 8th - just in time for Mother’s Day. The Darien Arts Center is pleased to announce its spring fundraiser, “Sign of My Love,” which celebrates loved ones by gifting them with a customized lawn sign & message. The lawn signs (Delivery to Darien addresses only) are a perfect & unique way to show your love for Mother’s Day, or recognize a special person, while supporting the Darien Arts Center. Signs are $30 each & there are 3 designs from which to choose. Signs may also be picked up at the Darien Arts Center office (2 Renshaw Road, Darien) on Thursday, May 6th & Friday, May 7th, between 10AM-3PM. For questions, call the DAC at (203) 655-8683.
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DARIEN SCOUTS SEEKING DONATIONS FOR ONLINE MEGA-AUCTION!
The Darien Scouts tag sale is now online at www.auctionninja.com/darien-scouts/ ! The Darien Scouts Online Mega-Auction consists of multiple auctions featuring furniture, art, decor, antiques, toys, rugs, lamps, lawn & garden items, electronics, and more! Visit often, new items are added regularly and bidding starts at $1! The Darien Scouts Mega-Auction will run through May 6 and all proceeds go to support the Darien Scouting program, building young leaders and serving the local community. Thank you for your support!
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EDITORS NOTE:
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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