Ox Ridge School
February 21, 2021
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Wednesday, February 24th
- Author Visit with Alicia D. Williams (ELP & grades K-3) 9:30 AM
Thursday, February 25th
- Author Visit with Jerry Craft (grades 4-5) 9:30 AM
Tuesday, Mar. 2nd
- Staff Encouragement Drop (coffee bar)
Thursday, Mar. 11th
- Ox Ridge Building Committee Meeting 10am (Zoom)
Wednesday, March 17th - Friday, March 19th
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
As we return from February break, I want to share two exciting updates. First, please check out the first of what will be a series of educational videos about our construction project! We’ll continue to partner with our construction team to get updates and educational insights to our kids. Excited to have this educational opportunity right in our “backyard!”
Also thanks to Mrs. Tabaka and Dr. McGettigan (our district director of instructional technology) I’m thrilled to share Ox Ridge Reads! I’m hopeful this digital book inspires you and your children to pick up some new books:
Hope you had a wonderful, safe break!
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
We hope you all had a relaxing break! For those who joined the OK2DELAY Ox Ridge parent discussion of the film “The Social Dilemma” and how to manage technology in our children's lives on February 10th, we hope you found it as informative and enlightening as we did. Thank you so much to Jacqueline Telgheder, Marty Hendrickson, and Jenn Sherman for organizing and moderating the community Zoom. If you would like to be involved in any future OK2DELAY discussions or programming at Ox Ridge, please email us, and we will be sure to keep you in the loop.
This week, in honor of Black History Month, we are excited to welcome award-winning authors Alicia D. Williams (for ELP and grades K-3) and Jerry Craft (for grades 4-5) who will “visit” the classrooms remotely to present books they have written in celebration of African American culture. Each student will be gifted a copy of the book written and read by Ms. Williams or Mr. Craft, courtesy of the PTO. Please see details under Ox Ridge News below.
We hope everyone is enjoying the winter wonderland and has a great week back in school!
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!
Feb 15 - Luke Forshaw, Principal
Feb 19 - Pat Visi, Instructional Aide
Feb 20 - Nila Radhakrishna - Paraeducator
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MUSIC FOR YOUTH POSTER CONTEST - ENTRIES DUE FRIDAY!
Listen to some Beethoven (this year's district music theme) and make a poster! 9 prizes per school! 1st-3rd prizes for K-1, 2-3, and 4-5. Entries due Feb. 26th in the music room or emailed to your music teacher.
Entry forms are available on the district music website:
Questions? Please ask a music teacher or call the district office at 203 655-3981 x. 2250.
Darien Music for Youth is a 501(c)(3) which has been supporting music education in Darien for 50 years, but we need donations to make this happen. All donations go straight into programs in the schools. Please donate at darienmusicforyouthwordpress.com.
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ATTENTION FAMILIES OF RISING 6TH GRADERS
We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to the families of current 5th graders on behalf of the MMS staff and from all of us at the Middlesex Parents Association (MPA).
Please remember to join the Middlesex staff for a virtual Parent Orientation Meeting on Thursday, February 25th at 6:30pm about transitioning to the middle school. A Zoom link will be sent out by the administration.
And despite not being able to meet you all in person at this year's Parent Orientation, the Middlesex Parents Association is excited that we can share a quick overview during the Parent Meeting about our activities and how you can become involved. We are also thrilled to be able to offer MMS Spiritwear at our new store, which will go live with the orientation on Feb. 25. These great MMS T-shirts and sweatshirts will only be available for a limited time. For more information on the MPA and to purchase MMS Spiritwear, please go to https://middlesexpto.com/
Again, we welcome you to our Middlesex Family! Please contact us with any questions or concerns at [email protected]
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JOIN THE OX RIDGE PTO
The Ox Ridge PTO is looking for volunteers for the 2021-22 school year and there are many opportunities to get involved! Whether you are a working parent or a stay at home mom or dad, there are positions available to work with your schedule. Details can be found on the PTO website at: http://oxridgepto.com/pto-job-descriptions/
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY: UPCOMING AUTHOR VISITS
February is Black History Month and serves as a good time to reflect on historical events and celebrate the exceptional contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout our nation’s history. Thus, we are excited to welcome Newbery Honor-winning author Alicia D. Williams (for ELP and grades K-3) and New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author Jerry Craft (for grades 4-5) who will “visit” the classrooms remotely to present books they have written in celebration of African American culture. Details below.
On Wednesday, February 24th, K-3 + ELP will meet with Alicia D. Williams, author of Genesis Begins Again, which received the Newbery and Kirkus Prize honors, was a William C. Morris prize finalist, and won the Coretta Scott King--John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Alicia D will be talking about her debut picture book biography, Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston and each child will be gifted a copy of this extraordinary book thanks to the generosity of the PTO.
On Thursday, February 25th, students in grades 4 and 5 will hear from Jerry Craft, New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal winning author of the graphic novel, New Kid. His second graphic novel, Class Act, was published in October 2020 and will be distributed to each student prior to the event. Craft is also the creator of Mama’s Boyz, an award-winning comic strip which won the African American Literary Award five times. He is a cofounder of the Schomburg Center’s Annual Black Comic Book Festival. He received his BFA from the School of Visual Arts.
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KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Kindergarten Registration is happening online! To register your child, please go to www.darienps.org and select the "District Information" tab and then "Student Registration" to start the registration process.
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YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW!
All yearbook sales will be online this year. Just click this link to place an order. The cost is $22 per yearbook. If you are ordering multiple yearbooks for each of your children, please fill out their names, grade and homeroom teacher individually, adding each yearbook to the cart one at a time. If you are ordering one yearbook for your children to share, please enter the name, grade and homeroom teacher of the child who should receive the yearbook at the end of the school year.
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INFORMATION FROM ALICIA CASUCCI, DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES
IMPORTANT LINKS
If you receive positive COVID test results after school hours, please call 203.656.7440 to speak with a nurse.
Should I let my children go to a birthday party? What about holiday parties?
This is a difficult question, especially for the COVID weary! Any time we gather with those from outside our home, we are increasing our risk of being exposed to COVID-19 Unfortunately, many traditional birthday celebration and holiday parties can be high-risk for spreading viruses. As you make decisions about what activities you and your children can enjoy, remain vigilant about the mitigation strategies put in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as:
- Performing frequent hand hygiene
- Wear a mask whenever you are outside your home, especially when you are with people who you do not live with
- Maximize your distance from people who you do not live with, indoors or outdoors, 6 feet as feasible, especially when not wearing a mask
- Avoid high risk activities such as travel, large crowds, gatherings, parties, carpools
- Stay home if you are feeling ill, especially with a new onset cough, loss of taste or smell, fever, severe sore throat or headache
- Stay home if you have been exposed to anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Alicia V. Casucci, APRN, CPNP, NCSN
Director of Nursing Services
Darien Public Schools
203.655.3981 ext. 2304
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In a recent NYTimes article, titled: “Emptying the Dishwasher Can Enrich Kid’s Mental Health,” Sharon Holbrook explains that the more opportunities we can give kids to feel useful and successful in this difficult time, the better. Holbrook writes that “allowing kids to try to meet real-life challenges is the best way for them to build healthy self-efficacy,” defined as the belief “my efforts lead to outcomes.” Holbrook shares that she lets her kids practice phone skills by ordering takeout, asks for their help with the Wi-Fi booster and with dying her hair. What is one way your child can help around the house this week and build their sense of self-efficacy?
Talk early, talk often. Thriving Youth/Community Fund of Darien
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DONATE TODAY - HELP BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY
Hoping to break the cycle of poverty, and improve the lives of the underprivileged, two Darien moms have established Improvement Through Education. We are providing educational opportunities to highly motivated underserved individuals.
We are keen to help students, who would like to go to college but can’t afford it, as well as individuals who would like to learn a new skill and get a better job - to improve their salary.
Our goal is to provide an opportunity for individuals to break the cycle of poverty. Improvement Through Education is currently fundraising to offer college scholarships and vocational training.
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REGISTRATION OPEN: DARIEN JUNIOR SQUASH CLUB
Registration is open on a first come, first served basis for the Darien Spring Squash Team. The season beings on March 1 and ends on May 28. Players have the option to practice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30-4:30 at Ox Ridge Club. Register online at http://www.dariensquash.com
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PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED COMMUNITY NEWS |
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JOIN THE 14-DAY RACIAL EQUITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE CHALLENGE
On Monday, February 22nd the YWCA Darien/Norwalk is launching our 14-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge. The Challenge asks participants to make daily time and space to build more effective social justice habits— particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege and leadership.
Our goal is to have 300 participants and we hope you will help us by spreading the word.
Participants who sign up for the Challenge will receive daily emails from Monday, February 22nd through Sunday, March 7th. Each email will have a “challenge” designed to help foster understanding and awareness. Activities will range from reading an article, listening to a podcast, and reflecting on personal experiences.
This 14-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge was originally developed by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. and Debby Irving and has been adapted by many organizations across the country. Our local challenge was brought to you by YWCA Spokane’s Racial and Social Justice Committee and prepared by the YWCA of Darien/Norwalk. We believe that participation in the challenge will help all of us discover ways in which racial inequity and social injustice impact our community, as well as help us connect with one another and identify ways to make progress towards dismantling racism and other forms of discrimination.
Are you up for the Challenge? To register: www.ywcadn.org/challenge
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REGISTER NOW: DARIEN YOUTH COMMISSION'S SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM
The Darien Youth Commission’s Summer Camp registration beings Monday, February 22!
FAQ regarding program development and registration information will be on the Youth Commission website (in the Summer Camp Programs section) by end of business February 11, 2021. There will again be three grade-level programs located at two sites this year: Camp Royle-1 students entering grade 1; Camp Royle-2/3 for students entering grades 2 & 3; Camp Mather (@ Holmes School) for students entering graders 4, 5 & 6. Summer camp dates are: June 21 – July 30 (new this year: three, two week session options). www.darienct.gov/yc
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ZOOM YWCA PARENT AWARENESS AND DVCC: HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS LEARNED (2/25, 12:30 PM)
Healthy relationship skills are not innate. They are learned. Educated, informed parents can teach their kids the skills and knowledge needed to engage in healthy dating relationships. In honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, join Ann Rodwell-Lawton, MSW, from DVCC to learn about the foundational elements of healthy relationships, how to have discussions with your children about healthy relationships, and how to teach relationship skills, such as healthy communication and setting boundaries. Unhealthy relationship dynamics rooted in power and control will also be discussed. This workshop is appropriate for parents with children in middle school and high school. Registration is required: www.ywcadn.org/programs
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DARIEN PARKS AND RECREATION UPCOMING EVENT: 4TH ANNUAL DESSERT WAR: SOMETHING SWEET ON TOUR!
Save the Date: Saturday, February 27th 1:00pm-3:00pm
This year, the dessert war is hittin’ the sweet streets of Darien! Hungry for more information? Visit: www.darienct.gov/sweet
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PARENT AWARENESS AND THE DARIEN LIBRARY PARENTING BOOK GROUP: FOR PARENTS ABOUT PARENTING
Please join us on Zoom on February 24th, 2021 at 11:00 AM to explore "UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World,” by Michele Borda, Ed.D. As a natural extension to our Social Dilemma Workshop Discussions, Unselfie addresses what parents and educators must do to combat the growing empathy crisis facing our children due to the increasing use of social media. The book group will be facilitated by a Darien Librarian. To register: www.darienlibrary.org
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DARIEN MUSIC FOR YOUTH SPONSORING A BEETHOVEN POSTER CONTEST
Listen to some Beethoven (this year's district music theme) and make a poster! 9 prizes per school! 1st-3rd prizes for K-1, 2-3, and 4-5. Entries due Feb. 26th in the music room or emailed to your music teacher. Entry form found here: Darien Music for Youth Sponsoring a Beethoven Poster Contest! Listen to some Beethoven (this year's district music theme) and make a poster! 9 prizes per school! 1st-3rd prizes for K-1, 2-3, and 4-5. Entries due Feb. 26th in the music room or emailed to your music teacher. Entry form found here. Questions? Please ask a music teacher or call the district office at 203 655-3981 x. 2250.
Darien Music for Youth is a 501(c)(3) which has been supporting music education in Darien for 50 years, but we need donations to make this happen. All donations go straight into programs in the schools. Please donate at darienmusicforyouthwordpress.com.
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NEW PROGRAMS AT THE DARIEN ARTS CENTER
For kids:
Grades 1-4 | Monday 3:45-4:45pm, Feb. 22, Mar. 1 & Mar. 8 | $70
Grades 5-8 | Wednesday 5-7pm, Feb. 25 | $45
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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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