Ox Ridge School
April 4, 2021
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Tuesday, April 6th
- Ox Appreciation Drop (coffee bar)
Monday, April 12th - Friday, April 16th
- Spring Recess (no school)
Thursday, April 15th
- Ox Ridge Building Committee Meeting 10am (Zoom)
Monday, April 19th - Friday, April 23rd
- Earth Week (see schedule of events below)
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
Thank you to Mr. Colin Walters, our band teacher, and Mx. Rowan Whitesell, our strings teacher, for their continued efforts to develop our upper-grade students’ musical skills! In celebration of the spring season, please check out the musical clips below. I encourage viewing by all of our students and families; PreK – 5, to both acknowledge the hard work of our students and teachers and to inspire the next generation of band/strings participants!
If you’d like to learn more about our incredible band and strings programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mr. Walters ([email protected]) or Mx. Whitesell ([email protected]) to learn more!
Finally, On behalf of our entire faculty and staff, I am thrilled to celebrate the creation of our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee on the PTO! I am eager to partner with the schools across Darien to continue to develop more inclusive and open school communities for all. It’s important, to emphatically denounce bigotry & hate in all of its forms and to ensure that our students continue to cultivate the strong ethical framework described in our Ox Ridge School code. As always, thank you for your partnership as families on this important effort, looking forward!
Thank you – wishing you all a wonderful Passover and Easter weekend.
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
Recent events in local and national news have demonstrated how prevalent hatred is - not just hatred, but the most abhorrent and divisive kind there is. That is hatred based on race, religion, nationality, gender, and other societal differences. We want our Ox families to know that our PTO is dedicated to promoting the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our community. These are core values of a Darien public education that have been stated clearly in the DPS strategic plan found HERE. As a community, we are responsible for finding ways to uphold and pursue these values. Thus, we have been in communication with Dr. Forshaw, who is collaborating with the District to mitigate the damage promulgated by this hate and to use the most recent incidents as teachable moments for our children. There is nothing uglier than hate, especially when based on differences, but it is important for our kids to know that in the end, empathy and kindness prevail. We are pleased to announce that our PTO has recently established a DEI Committee, which will be chaired by Ox Ridge mom, Jennifer Richardson. Jennifer brings valuable experience to our PTO, as she has been working with a racial justice task force group, mostly made of members in the southern US. Please see the DEI blurb under Ox Ridge News below for more info and for ways you can get involved. We currently have a team of approximately 8 volunteers, but can always use more. Thank you to those who have already stepped up!
In other news, a big thank you to our Kids’ Care Club chairs Lauren Stisser and Katherine Grambling for organizing a wonderful display of gratitude for our teachers and staff. Inspired by the display of love outside the school last fall, Lauren and Katherine asked the children in Kids’ Care Club to create posters expressing their love and appreciation for Ox teachers and staff. These posters now line the main hallway of the school and serve as a daily reminder to all Ox teachers and staff of how appreciated they are. Thank you to all of the parents who helped their children complete their posters!
Finally, a very happy Easter to all who celebrate!
Kindly,
Ashley & Beth
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 8th
Sandy Henry (K Teacher)
April 11th
Kimberly Pierre-Louis (Nurse)
April 12th
Mary Lay (Secretary)
April 16th
Christina Stauble (Speech & Language Pathologist)
April 18th
Linda Lee Lippmeier (Speech & Language Pathologist)
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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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EARTH WEEK 2021: RESTORE OUR EARTH
Earth Week runs from Monday, April 19th to Friday, April 23rd with Earth Day being celebrated on Thursday, April 22nd. The theme for Earth Day 2021 is “Restore Our Earth”. We have many exciting things planned including daily environment topics, environmental videos, classroom books, and a Restore Our Earth Challenge. Students are encouraged to wear green on April 22nd for Earth Day. There will be a Weed Beach Clean Up for 5th grade students on Saturday, April 24th from 8am-10am and 10am-12pm. A parent for each volunteer will be required to stay at Weed Beach during the clean up (not a drop off event). Please contact your room parent if your 5th grader would like to participate. For questions or more information please contact Christina Kreuz.
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JOIN THE OX RIDGE PTO
Ox Ridge PTO is looking for volunteers for the 2021-2022 slate and we need your support! There are many great opportunities for you to get involved and give back to your school. This is a wonderful way to meet new parents and better our school. Please see the following open positions:
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Back-to-School Supplies: Order and coordinate delivery of back-to-school kits for 1st-5th graders
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Book Fair Committee: Work with a team of volunteers to organize, oversee and operate a successful Book Fair twice a year
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Music for Youth: This is a district-wide enrichment program funded by DPS parents and coordinated by the Music Department. Responsible for collecting checks when contributions are requested and helping the artist(s) who come to school for programs.
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Photography Coordinator: Organize family photo shoot fundraiser in the fall: secure dates and location for photo sessions, advertise to school, organize volunteers and collect payments.
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Website: Update PTO website weekly and as needed. Knowledge of WordPress or ability to learn it is a plus.
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Yearbook Committee: All aspects of creating annual Hootie's Nest yearbook, including getting photographs, communicating with class parents, overseeing ordering and distribution. Work can be done at home or school. Looking for co-chair and committee members.
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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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Psychologist Albert Bandura describes self-efficacy, as one’s belief in one’s ability to succeed; to regulate one’s thoughts, emotions and life; and to cope with challenges in a positive way. Jessica Lahey explains that “Self-efficacy is the foundation for so many other positive traits, including resilience, grit, fortitude and perseverance.” How can we help them develop this? Lahey suggests, “Aim for behavior-specific praise that reinforces practices you want to encourage, such as, “I’m so proud of you for sticking with that project even when you got frustrated.” Behavior-specific praise describes the desired behavior, is specific to the child, and offers a positive, clear, statement.”
Talk early, talk often. Thriving Youth/The Community Fund of Darien
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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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WHAT IS READY FOR KINDGERGARTEN?
YWCA Parent Awareness is partnering with Darien Public Schools, The Darien Library and Dr. Carol Weitzman from the CT Center for Developmental Pediatrics to provide parents insight into what Kindergarten Readiness looks like in children. This offering will be available in video format to registered participants. The video will be available to view through a protected link from April 5th through April 27th. To register: www.ywcadn.org/kindergarten
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DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL: OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
New spring virtual classes: Minecraft game development, Singing, Chess, Art, Dinosaurs, Physics and more! Full schedule and registration here. Printable schedule here. Session starts 4/19. Sign up and save your spot today!
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DARIEN JUNIOR CHEERLEADING REGISTRATION OPENING!
We all could use some cheer!!! Become part of one of Darien’s great fall traditions! Football & Cheerleading! In its 7th year, the Darien Junior Cheerleading League offers those in grades 2-8 an opportunity to learn fun cheerleading skills including sideline cheering, stunting, halftime routines and teamwork. Our cheerleaders cheer at the exciting Darien Junior Football games (and sometimes as guests at DHS games). If you like being part of a team oriented program, dance or gymnastics while enjoying the fall weather and making new friends then consider joining Darien Junior Cheerleading. No experience necessary to join in the fun. Middle Schoolers - this your chance to prepare for the high school team tryouts! Note - This program works hard to coordinate schedules with soccer, field hockey, dance, etc., so you can join cheer and participate in other activities. For more information visit Cheer at www.DJfl.org. Registration opens April 1st! Questions? Contact [email protected]
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DARIEN JUNIOR FIELD HOCKEY: OPEN FOR REGISTRATION ON 3/23
After a highly successful inaugural year, Darien Junior Field Hockey (DJFH) is open for registration for our second season. DJFH is run by former Darien High School Freshman coach Wynne Lennon, along with the support of many enthusiastic and dedicated Darien volunteers. Drawing upon Coach Lennon's expertise and passion for the game, the DJFH curriculum is focused on age-appropriate skill development while fostering a culture of positivity, inclusivity, encouragement, and camaraderie to promote an overall love of the game. DJFH is supported by Darien High School Varsity Coach, Mo Minicus and Junior Varsity Coach, Kari Johns. Registration for the Fall season, which runs from September through early November, will open on 3/23 for athletes in grades 1 - 8. For more information, please visit www.djfh.org.
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DARIEN SCOUTS SEEKING DONATIONS FOR ONLINE MEGA-AUCTION!
The annual Darien Scouts tag sale is going online and we need your donations! Seeking new or gently-used, clean, "auction-ready" items including indoor and outdoor furniture, bicycles, sporting goods, artwork, jewelry, vintage and antique collectibles, toys, lawn and garden items, tools, lawnmowers, snowblowers, electronics, and musical instruments, cars, boats, and motorcycles too! Items can be dropped off at the Scout Cabin at 140 West Avenue on Wednesday 4/7 from 10am-1pm, Saturday-Sunday, 4/10-11 from 9am-3pm, and Tuesday-Wednesday, 4/13-14 from 10am-1pm. There is also limited pickup availability for larger items. To arrange for a pick up of larger items or vehicles, please call 203-309-3719. If you have any questions about the acceptability of your items, email a photo to [email protected]. The Darien Scouts Online Mega-Auction will run from April 22- May 6 at https://www.auctionninja.com/scouts-of-darien-ct/ Thank you for supporting Darien Scouts!
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GREAT GIFT FOR MOTHER'S DAY!
Personalized lawn signs for moms 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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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.
See what's happening on our social media sites:
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