Ox Ridge School
January 24, 2021
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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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Tuesday, February 2nd
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Parent Zoom with Superintendent Dr. Addley to discuss his proposed 2021-2022 budget 10:00 AM. Please click here to join the Zoom.
Friday, February 12th
- No school - Professional Development Day
Monday, February 15th - Friday, February 19th
- No school - Presidents' Day & February Break
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BOARD OF EDUCATION'S BUDGET CALENDAR
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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Dear Families,
We are looking forward to celebrating a heartwarming Valentine's Day at Ox Ridge on February 11th! To keep everyone in the spirit of care for one another and to comply with our health and safety requirements, students should bring in Valentines for everyone in the class and select a non-food based way of expressing their care (cards etc.). While not required to “quarantine” cards, teachers will accept cards earlier than the 11th and I’d advise you can always place your cards in a Ziploc bag for a few days if you’d like to have an additional personal precaution. As always if you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Also this week – many thanks to Mr. Colin Walters for these beautiful winter concert pieces! Congratulations to our student musicians and Mr. Walters for their growth! Please take a moment to enjoy with your child. I strongly encourage continuing to foster your child’s love of music and consideration of our wonderful instrumental music program!
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
We’re all excited for the Mad Science activities this week - Fire and Ice on Monday (K-2) and the Spin, Pop Boom show on Tuesday (3-5). A huge thank you to Jennifer Antoszewski (School Education Chair) for bringing these awesome virtual shows to Ox Ridge this year.
Also, please consider tuning in for the Board of Education meeting this Tuesday evening at 7:30pm where conversation on the 2021-2022 Board of Ed. Proposed Budget will continue. Agenda and details on how to watch/participate are provided below. We are also hosting an Ox Ridge Parent Zoom with Dr. Addley on February 2nd at 10am to discuss the budget and address any Ox Ridge specific questions. Mark your calendars and don’t hesitate to reach out - we would love to hear from you!
In other news. we’re happy to share that the PTO in collaboration with the Ox Ridge Building Committee voted last week to gift a cool piece of playground equipment to the new school. The embankment slide will run from the Cafeteria platform outside down to the playground area - check out the rendering below.
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 27th
Zorida Butler (Cafeteria Assistant)
January 30th
Sarah Sproch (4th Grade Teacher)
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SUPERINTENDENT'S PROPOSED 2021-2022 BUDGET - FEEDBACK REQUESTED!
Superintendent Dr. Addley rolled out his 2021-2022 proposed budget to the Board of Education on January 9th. The Board of Ed will vote on the budget on February 9th. In the meantime, speeches to be delivered to the Board of Ed are being written with the help of your PTO Co-Chairs so they need your feedback on what in the budget matters most to you. You can watch the Board of Ed’s January 12th budget meeting on YouTube here and the January 9th budget discussion on YouTube (in 2 parts) here and here. Below are some highlights in the proposed budget that would affect Ox Ridge, with the YouTube time stamp (for reference) noted:
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Elimination of SESS (Special Education Student Services) facilitator, to be replaced with Special Education Assistant Principal (which would result in Ox Ridge having two total Assistant Principals). At 1:46 of Jan. 12th YouTube.
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“Budget control” - fund created by the district to allow for the hiring of a full-time teacher in the event that enrollment for any grade should tip over the recommended cap (this was cut last year and resulted in Ox Ridge 4th grade classes being over optimal size). At 3:04:45 of Jan. 9th Part 2 YouTube.
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Reduction of one full-time paraprofessional, replaced with two part-time lunch monitors. At 44:50 of Jan. 12th YouTube.
- Addition of one grade 3 teacher and one grade 5 teacher.
- Addition of one IT support person.
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Chromebooks to be replaced with Chrome tablets for K-2 and new Chromebooks for grade 5. At 1:21 of Jan. 12th YouTube.
The full budget can be found here. There is an overview on page 5 and narrative throughout.
Please join our Ox Ridge parent Zoom with Dr. Addley on February 2nd at 10am (Zoom link here) and reach out to PTO Co-Chairs, Ashley Hinchman and Beth Morgan, with any feedback.
The next Board of Ed budget meeting will be this Tuesday, January 26th at 7:30pm. Here is a link to the agenda and details on how to watch and participate.
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LIVE VIRTUAL MAD SCIENCE SHOWS THIS WEEK
This week all students in grades K-5 will be treated to a live, virtual Mad Science show via their classroom Smartboards and then put what they learn into action with a hands-on experiment right at their desks!
During the Fire and Ice show on Monday, grades K-2 will discover the wonders of dry ice and see how it can be used to make bubbling potions, catch a rainbow in a tube and hear a spoon scream. Our younger scientists will see crazy fire reactions that crackle and explode and witness an indoor cloud. Each child will receive their very own Glow Slime kit to experiment with after the show.
On Tuesday the Spin, Pop Boom show for grades 3-5 will bring chemistry to life for our older scientists. Canisters will be popping, trays will be spinning, and colorful concoctions will be flowing as students witness a genie being unleashed into the world of booming potions! Each child will receive their very own Elephant Toothpaste experiment kit to use following the live show.
A special thank you to our classroom teachers for helping to facilitate this STEM enrichment activity!
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GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST WINNERS
It is never too late to honor our Gingerbread House contest winners! Congratulations to the students below whose houses wowed the judges. They will be receiving Gofer Ice Cream gift certificates from the PTO as a reward. Certificates will be delivered to homes this week. Thank you to all participants! It was an impressive showing of creativity by all.
Kindergarten - Andre Manitiu
Grade 1 - Ella Balevich
Grade 2 - Emma Tyler
Grade 3 - Grace Long
Grade 4 (tie) - Colton Stafford and Stellan & Greeley Morgan (conjoined houses)
Grade 5 - Briana Qin
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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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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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Nicole Zasowski, LMFT describes anxiety as “The overestimation of danger and the underestimation of our ability to cope.” When our children talk with us about feelings of stress or anxiety, Zasowksi reminds parents “you don’t have to agree with the threat to validate the feeling.” This week, take time to be curious about a concern or feeling your child shares with you. If they are expressing anxiety, try this grounding exercise: Ask your child to identify five things they see, four things they hear, three things they feel, two things they smell and one thing they taste.
Talk early, talk often. The Community Fund of Darien/Thriving Youth
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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
For the grownups:
Thursday 5:30-6:30pm, Feb. 4 | FREE
A fun virtual community cooking class from Food by Phoebe, featuring Darien native and DHS alum, Phoebe Maglathlin. A minimum donation of $10 to the DAC is suggested.
Wednesday 7-9pm, Feb. 10 | $50
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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 [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.
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