Ox Ridge School
January 17, 2021
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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)
Thursday, January 28th
- Special Education Zoom "How to Read an Individual Education Plan (IEP) 7:30-8:30 PM
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BOARD OF EDUCATION'S BUDGET CALENDAR
Tuesday, January 19th at 7pm - Special Board of Ed Meeting
- Further discussion on budget items and follow up on questions from Board of Ed and community
Tuesday, January 26th at 7:30pm - Regular Board of Ed Meeting
- Unfinished Business on 2021-2022 Proposed Budget
- Board of Ed Discussion of Budget Modifications under Consideration
Tuesday, February 2nd at 7pm - Special Board of Ed Meeting
- Public Hearing on 2021-2022 Proposed Budget
- Final Budget Review as needed
Tuesday, February 9th at 7:30pm - Regular Board of Ed Meeting
- Approval of 2021-2022 Board of Education Budget
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
Thanks for a great first week back together! It’s been wonderful having the kids back in person. Please continue to adhere to district protocols to keep our school healthy and safe in these coming winter weeks.
Thank you for your attention to important safety procedures as we start and end our day. I appreciate the uptick in student bus participation and continue to encourage you to take advantage of busing to help our daily flow!
A few reminders for those who are picking up and dropping off students:
- Carefully follow Ox Ridge staff direction when entering or exiting our parking lot. You will be guided to a spot when you arrive and prompted to exit in a specific order.
- When instructed to park, be sure to turn off your car completely.
- Keep your car off until you are directed by an Ox Ridge staff member that it is time to exit.
- Your child must stay in the car until an Ox Ridge staff member helps to get them out.
- Have your “visors” with your child’s last name visible to help our staff quickly match students to cars.
- Please be sure to provide your visor to any drop off / pick up help you might have (family member, nanny etc.).
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
The PTO surprised our teachers and staff with Chick-fil-A breakfast treats last Thursday, to show our thanks and to welcome them back to full in-person learning. Mary Lay reported that it was “delicious” and “enjoyed by all!"
Budget season is in full swing for Darien's Board of Education. Please see the Board of Ed’s budget calendar above. Superintendent Dr. Addley's proposed 2021-2022 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 Zoom with Dr. Addley who will explain pertinent changes proposed (and how they will affect our school) and answer any questions and/or concerns.
In other news, we want to share with you the glowing letter of gratitude published in the Darien Times for our 5th grade students, teachers, and coordinators Kadi Lublin and Jenn Sherman for their efforts in soliciting, collecting, donating, and delivering household supplies to Darien Human Services. We thanked these individuals in a previous co-chair note for their leadership and goodwill, but we would be remiss not to share this published letter written by Darien Human Services Director, Ali Ramsteck. View letter here.
Though the holiday season is behind us, it is never too late to thank our Gingerbread House chairs, Kim Burt and Jenny Malone for organizing our first remote gingerbread house event. They arranged 170 take-home kits for Ox Ridge families - an impressive feat in such a challenging environment. Contest winners will be announced this week!
Finally, we are excited to introduce a Diversity & Inclusion committee to the Ox Ridge PTO. Please see the blurb below regarding some events we have in the works that would fall under the umbrella of Diversity & Inclusion. We are actively seeking volunteers to be on this committee or to just be part of the early brainstorming stage. Our goal is to foster an atmosphere of inclusion, respect, and appreciation of differences. Please read below and let us know if you would like to be involved.
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 23rd
Briana Prochorenko (Kindergarten teacher)
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SUPERINTENDENT'S PROPOSED 2021-2022 BUDGET
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 2021-22 budget process is for you. The process was kicked off in depth on January 9th when Superintendent Dr. Addley rolled out his budget to the Board of Education. Initiatives of interest this year include potential investment in technology and support, increased STEM, changes in administration structure at the elementary level, and social emotional learning.
Recognizing that everyone learns in different ways--including parents--here are some resources. The budget can be found here. For the financial wiz, you will find 200+ pages of exciting detail. For those with high reading comprehension, there is an overview on page 5 and narrative throughout. For visual and auditory learners, you can watch the January 9th budget discussion on YouTube here and here.
No matter how you access the information, one thing remains the same, we need your feedback! Please reach out with concerns or questions to your PTO Chairs, Ashley Hinchman and Beth Morgan.
For the most up-to-date discussion, tune in to Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting from the comfort of your couch. Here is a link to the agenda which provides details for how parents can watch and participate.
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SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR NEW PTO COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Our PTO is excited to introduce a new committee dedicated to diversity and inclusion. This committee will brainstorm ways to create healthy discourse and education regarding diversity in our community and beyond, especially in light of current events that have caused division and deeply affected so many of us. The goal is to foster an atmosphere of inclusion, respect, and appreciation of differences. We are scheduling author visits to align with Black History Month (dates and details to come), are in the planning phases of an international passport event for the spring that will involve our students’ active participation, and are seeking speakers on diversity and inclusion for a PTO speaker series event, open to all Ox parents. However, we need volunteers! If you have any ideas and/or would like to be involved in this committee, please email Beth Morgan and Ashley Hinchman.
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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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SPECIAL EDUCATION ZOOM
Please join the Ox Ridge PTO for a Special Education Zoom presentation on Thursday, January 28, 2021 @7:30-8:30 pm. Christine Pochetti, Special Education and Student Services Facilitator, will be giving a presentation on How to Read an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Ms. Pochetti will break down different sections of the IEP and review where parents can find pertinent information regarding student programs. The meeting will be open to parents starting at 7:20pm. If you are unable to attend the live meeting, a recording will be posted to the Ox Ridge Special Education webpage. This presentation may be most helpful to parents who have a child receiving special education services. However, all parents are welcome!
If you have any questions please contact Christine Pochetti at (203) 655-2579 ext. 4691
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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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Children have absorbed a tremendous amount of stress and uncertainty this past year between covid-19 and our national political climate. Psychologist Lisa Damour reminds parents that they don’t need to have all the answers or be responsible for fixing everything. Instead, they can establish themselves as a safe places for children to process their sense that “everything seems broken.” Damour writes, “Being the grown-up in the room means making space for my girls’ confusion and their questions.” Damour encourages parents to ask their children about what they are hearing from teachers and classmates in school, what they are wondering about and what they are thinking about.
Talk early, talk often. The Community Fund of Darien/Thriving Youth
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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
- 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.
See what's happening on our social media sites:
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