Ox Ridge School
January 10, 2021
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Monday, January 11th
- In-person learning model (elementary) resumes - E letter day
Friday, January 15th
- No School (Professional Development)
Monday, January 18th
- No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Monday, January 25th
- Mad Science "Fire & Ice Show" (K-2)
Tuesday, January 26th
- Mad Science "Pop Boom Show" (Grades 3-5)
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
Get ready for changes for parent pick up and drop off beginning Monday the 11th! Students will be escorted to and from parked cars in our front parking lot. Students will no longer exit or load into cars in our former “car loop”.
When you return to Ox Ridge on Monday, please be ready to get direction from our campus monitor on where to park your car and get in the habit of waiting for a staff member to guide you for both the morning drop off and afternoon pick up experience. Detailed procedures for each are available by clicking here.
All cars must be parked and turned off while waiting for students to exit or enter the vehicle. Please remain in your vehicle while you wait. No cars may be parked along the fire lane / former car line. This area is now designated for special education transportation only.
Your support, patience and attention to safety is appreciated!
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
We look forward to returning to in-person learning tomorrow, Monday, January 11th. As Luke shared in his note please be prepared for changes to the parent pick up and drop off procedures starting this week since construction has begun at the 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!
January 12
Christine Reid (Paraeducator - ELP)
January 16
Kerry Gilbertson (Paraeducator)
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OPEN REFERRAL PERIOD FOR DARIEN'S GIFTED PROGRAM GRADES 1-8
The Darien Public Schools recognizes the diverse needs of all students through the differentiation of a robust and rigorous curriculum that is engaging, meaningful, creative, and cognitively complex. Differentiation and choice exist within the general education program to serve all students within the social, emotional, and learning spectrums. The Darien Public Schools also recognize that gifted students require specialized instruction due to their high intellectual ability and exceptional demonstration of the following traits: original or divergent thinking, curiosity, abstract reasoning ability, passion for learning, and creativity.
The Idea Program offers distinct instruction for students in grades two through nine, based on their unique learning pathways, through rigorous, enriching, interdisciplinary programming through the domains of English Language Arts and Mathematics. The National Association for Gifted Children has identified common characteristics of gifted individuals which can be found by clicking here.
If you believe your child consistently demonstrates a preponderance of these traits, both in and out of the school setting, then you may want to discuss the possibility of a referral with your child’s teacher. Parents/guardians or teachers may submit a referral for evaluation for students in grades 1-8 from January 11th-January 29th. For additional information about the evaluation process and related referral forms visit the program's website, www.darienps.org/idea, or contact your building administrator.
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S.O.S FOR OX RIDGE FAMILIES IN NEED
In light of the ongoing pandemic, this is a reminder that the S.O.S. committee is here for Ox Ridge families in times of need. S.O.S. offers support and community services to families who are faced with an emergency or stressful time, such as illness, death, housing or employment crises. When a need arises, Ox Ridge families (including parents, teachers and staff) are encouraged to contact Luke Forshaw or Christina Ulreich, our PTO Co-Chairs Ashley Hinchman and Beth Morgan, or S.O.S. committee chair Kaili Dilts. A friend may make contact on behalf of the family in need with the family’s permission. Our hope is that people will feel comfortable calling upon S.O.S when these unanticipated situations arise. There are many volunteers from all grades who are ready to provide help to Ox Ridge families -- promptly, confidentially, and considerately.
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DARIEN EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM
The Darien's Early Learning Program is accepting applications. We are extending the deadline. We held a virtual open house. Please view at here your convenience. Applications and more information can be accessed at www.darienelp.org.
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DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL: WINTER SCHEDULE
Join friends from across Darien and participate in Darien Virtual After School programming! The winter schedule offers two sessions of unique activities allowing students to change things up mid-winter or continue with favorite activities. Session 1 will run from 1/11-2/26 and Session 2 will run from 3/1-4/9. Both late afternoon and half-day Friday classes have been added to the schedule this winter. To view the Online Class Schedule and Register go to: www.DarienAfterSchool.com. Please reach out to Hayley Marcous (888.212.3837 or info@darienafterschool.com) or Lia Stewart (Lia.c.stewart@gmail.com) with questions.
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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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JOIN OPUS FOR PERSON-TO-PERSON IN 2021
OPUS for Person-to-Person is an organization of women dedicated to supporting Person-to-Person in their mission to create educated, financially stable, and hunger-free homes for all.
Far too many people right here in Fairfield County are struggling to make ends meet. As the only fundraising arm of Person-to-Person, OPUS is proud to help those struggling in our community with food, clothing, emergency assistance and scholarship programs. We do this by hosting fundraisers each year, volunteering regularly, and generating awareness of Person-to-Person programs.
In the process, we have created lasting friendships and proven that women united in a shared goal is a pretty powerful thing. Learn more about becoming a member at opus4p2p.org.
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REGISTRATION FOR SPRING LACROSSE IS OPEN
Registration for Spring Lacrosse is currently open. Darien Youth Lacrosse promotes lacrosse among youth residing in Darien, CT through grade-level programs open to all interested participants, by teaching fundamentals of the game and promoting good sportsmanship, respect for all participants and teamwork, and by cooperating with the Darien High School lacrosse programs. Registration is open to boys and girls in grades 1-8 during the current school year. Regular registration closes on January 11th. Registration with late fees is open from January 12th to March 5th. All program information and registration can be found on our website – dylax.com. Please email dylaxregistrar@gmail.com with any questions.
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WINTER/SPRING CLASSES START IN JANUARY AT THE DARIEN ARTS CENTER
Sign up now for Winter/Spring classes that begin in January. The DAC is following all state Covid-19 protocols and is offering in-person as well as Zoom classes. To register, visit darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. See All Classes by Day and Register.
DANCE: Classes run from January 19, 2021 through June 3, 2021. Tuition is $400. Adult drop-in and class card options are available. Dance classes for all levels, ages 3 & up include Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Teen Contemporary, Modern, Broadway Dance and Pointe. See all Dance Classes. Register.
MARTIAL ARTS: Tuition is $400. Adult drop-in and class card options are available.
MUSIC: Private lessons for both adults and children include cello, composition, drum set, guitar, flute, viola, violin, voice, piano, and music theory. More about private lessons.
Group music Classes:
Grades 5-12 | Saturday 1:15-2:45pm | Jan. 23-Mar. 27 | $256, plus performance fee of $15
Grades 3-5 |Saturday 3-4pm | Jan. 23-Mar. 27 | $210, plus performance of $15
VISUAL ARTS:
Grades 5-8 | Tuesday 4:05-5:05pm, Mar. 2-April 27 | $176
Grades 1-4 | Wednesday 3:45-4:45pm, Mar. 3-April 28 | $176
Grades 5-9 | Wednesday 5-6:30pm, Mar. 3-April 28 | $265
Grades 5-8 | Friday 4:40-5:40pm, Mar. 5-April 30 | $176
Adults | Thursday 10-11am, Jan. 14-Mar. 25 | $198
Adults | Tuesday 9:30-10:30am, Feb. 2-Mar. 9 | $108
Adults | Tuesday 6:30-8pm, Feb. 2-Mar. 23 | $215
Adults | Thursday 2-3pm, Feb. 4-Mar. 11 | $108
Adults | Monday 7-9pm, Mar. 15-April 19 | $295
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DARIEN NATURE CENTER NEW PROGRAM: OUTDOOR EXPLORERS!
Are you ready to bundle up, grab your gear, and go on a nature adventure? The Darien Nature Center is launching a new monthly after-school program in 2021 called Outdoor Explorers! This 3-part program will have a different theme each month, but will always include hikes, games, science experiments, stories, and campfires. January's theme is "Animal Signs: tracks, scat, and other clues in nature." The cost is $153 for all three days. You can enroll online here! Or email leah@dariennaturecenter.org
- Children in grades 2 - 5 will meet Wednesdays (January 13, 20, and 27) from 3:30 to 5:00 PM
- Children in grades PreK and 1 (must be at least 5 years old) will meet Fridays (January 15, 22, and 29) from 2:00 to 3:30 PM.
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DARIEN ART CENTER: SMARTPHONE PHOTO CONTEST
The Darien Art Center’s 2021 Smartphone Photo Contest, Pic Darien:Images of Hope, Heroes and Home will benefit Health and Human Services of Darien this year and eight local judges will select winners. Ben Larrabee, Terrie Wood, Art Sears, Jeffrey Wyant, Tom and Anne Geary, Megan Dey, David Wagner and Alexandra Ramsteck will judge photo entries from both adults and children in ten categories: Heroes, Hope & Happiness, Home & Holidays, Humor, Covid-19: The New Normal, Land & Sea, Nature & Floral, Food & Drink, Abstract & Architecture and Pets. The contest is accepting entries at darienarts.org through February 10th. The contest is open to all; there are no age restrictions and contestants are not required to live in Darien. To find out more about the Pic Darien Smartphone Photo Contest, visit darienarts.org or call (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 oxridgehoot@gmail.com 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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