Ox Ridge Elementary School
January 16, 2022
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January 17th: NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 21st : Kids Care Club Meeting, Common Room (8:15 am)
January 25th: Jerry Pallotta Author Visit Grades K, 1, 3
January 26th: Jerry Pallotta Author Visit Grades 2, 4, 5
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BOARD OF EDUCATION'S BUDGET CALENDAR
Tuesday, January 18th at 7pm - Special Board of Ed Meeting
- Further discussion on budget
Tuesday, January 25th at 7:30pm - Regular Board of Ed Meeting
Tuesday, February 1st at 7pm - Special Board of Ed Meeting
- Public Hearing on 2022-2023 Proposed Budget
Tuesday, February 8th at 7:30pm - Regular Board of Ed Meeting
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Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
Congratulations to three Ox Ridge writers for their impressive showing in the town wide “Daughters of the American Revolution” American Essay contest! Upper grade students across all five elementary schools in Darien are invited to submit essays about a historical theme; this year’s topic was about the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”.
Congratulations to 1st place, Elizabeth Abelson, 2nd place Seren Samy and runner up Simona Sordoni for their efforts!
As we recognize and celebrate the important legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend, I invite you all to check out some wonderful books to enrich your experience. Thanks to PBS for curating a solid selection of books for all ages and interests designed to help young minds and families reflect on his gifts to our country: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/books-for-martin-luther-king-jr-day
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
We hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Budget season is in full swing for Darien's Board of Education. Please see the Board of Education’s budget calendar above. Superintendent Dr. Addley's proposed 2022-2023 budget and supporting documentation are accessible HERE. To join any of the Board of Ed meetings, please click HERE for the agendas and details for participating in person or remotely. Stay tuned for details regarding an Ox Ridge community-wide meeting with Dr. Addley who will explain pertinent changes proposed (and how they will affect our school) and answer any questions and/or concerns.
XO OX,
PTO Co-Chairs
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SUPERINTENDENT'S PROPOSED 2021-2022 BUDGET UPDATE
If you are a parent who is interested in the development of the district - how your student is being supported, engaged, and prepared for what the future holds - the 2022-23 budget process is for you. The process was kicked off in depth on January 6h when Superintendent Dr. Addley rolled out his budget to the Board of Education.
On Tuesday, January 11th, the Board of Education held a meeting; the full recording can be found here. Discussion regarding the proposed Darien Public School District budget for 2022-2023 begins at 1:45. Public comment takes place at the very beginning and the very end of the meeting.
In order to ensure that ALL voices are heard, we want to hear input from parents in the Ox Ridge community. Thanks to those who have given feedback so far, as well as our meetings with Dr. Forshaw, below are some key topics we have identified:
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1:1 Technology for DHS (while this discussion pertains to the high school it will eventually impact our elementary students) - discussion begins at 1:51*
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Additional PE teacher for elementary schools - discussion begins at 2:06
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Open Choice - discussion begins at 2:08*
All 2022-2023 Budget materials can be found here. The next Board of Education meeting will take place on January 18th at 7pm. Agenda and Zoom / YouTube links can be found here. This meeting is open to the public.
* There will be a special meeting for the Board of Education to discuss 1:1 Technology and Open Choice on January 24th at 7:00pm.
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CALLING ALL GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: NEW OX LOGO
Ox Ridge is in need of a new logo to go along with the new building! If you have graphic design experience (or dabble in it on the side), we would love your help. Please contact Libby Cook or Mary Elizabeth Garvey for additional details or if interested.
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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 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 10th-January 28th. 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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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Lia Stewart and Bethany Reade (Before and After School Programs) for liaising between Ox Ridge and Darien After School, which provides enrichment opportunities to Ox students on campus before and after the regular school day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Mrs. Briana Prochorenko (Teacher) on January 23
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We've discussed how to be inclusive within our family--now it's time to put it to work! You'll find guidelines here for creating a family Compliment Box to promote kindness and inclusiveness at home. Each family member should give/receive a genuine (anonymous) compliment each day, to be read as a family at the end of the day.
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NEW PROGRAMS AT THE DARIEN ARTS CENTER
PIC DARIEN, the Darien Arts Center's Smartphone Photography Contest, is accepting submissions at darienarts.org. The contest is open to all. There are no age restrictions and contestants are not required to live in Darien.
Darien Arts Center spring classes begin January 24. Sign up at darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Darien Town Hall.
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ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S MENTAL HEALTH?
Wendy Ward with futuresTHRIVE is creating a 21st Century method of monitoring youth mental health starting as early as the age of 4. With assistance from Amanda Craig PhD, LMFT our prototype is in development for ages 8-15. Having been approved for a National Science Foundation grant and completed an Institutional Review Board (IRB) overview we invite you to have your child complete the survey. If you are further interested we will provide a 30 minute follow up with a qualified mental health professional. Have your child include an email for follow-up as all data collected is not otherwise identifiable. Or reach directly out to Wendy Ward.
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DARIEN YMCA SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION BEGINS JANUARY 18th
The Darien YMCA Summer Camp is committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We help children grow and have fun through exploration, building self-confidence and independence, learning core values, developing life skills and most importantly being active. Campers can choose from our Preschool Camp, School Age Traditional Camp, Gymnastics Camp, Afternoon Navigators or our Swim and Sail Camp for children with special needs. Visit our website f or more information or contact Suzanne Richards, Director of Youth Development and Special Needs Programs.
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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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