Ox Ridge School
January 31, 2021
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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.
- Staff Encouragement Drop (coffee/bagels/muffins) 8 AM
Wednesday, February 3rd
- Parent Zoom: Remote Learning Strategies for Success 11 AM
Wednesday, February 10th
- Ok2Delay Zoom re "The Social Dilemma" (time and details to be provided)
Friday, February 12th
- No school - Professional Development Day
Monday, February 15th - Friday, February 19th
- No school - Presidents' Day & February Break
Thursday, February 25th
- Author Visit with Jerry Craft (grades 4-5) 9:30 AM
Last week of Feb (exact date & time TBD)
- Author Visit with Alicia D. Williams (ELP & grades K-3)
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BOARD OF EDUCATION'S BUDGET CALENDAR
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,
I want to thank Mr. Bartol and Mr. Amato for their skill and diligence in continuing to provide excellent physical education opportunities for our kids this year! Recently, our students completed the CT Physical Fitness assessment with much success! The annual assessment requires our students to meet physical fitness standards in aerobic endurance, flexibility, upper body strength and abdominal muscle strength and endurance.
I encourage you all to thank Mr. Bartol and Mr. Amato with me for their continued focus on developing well rounded, physically fit and active students at Ox Ridge. Their creativity and collaboration on behalf of our students' physical well-being, particularly in a time of more limited extra-curricular opportunities and increased “screen time” is much appreciated! If you all can brave the cold this weekend, take a walk with your child, ask them about their PE experience and watch them light up!
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
There are several important meetings for our parent community coming up, so please check the Calendar above for dates and Ox Ridge News below for details. In particular, please remember that our parent Zoom with Dr. Addley to discuss his 2021-2022 proposed budget will take place this Tuesday at 10am (Zoom link here). Please see the budget blurb under Ox Ridge News below for more details and use this form to RSVP and submit questions you would like relayed to Dr. Addley in advance of the meeting. Secondly, there will be a Zoom presentation addressing Remote Learning Strategies for Success this Wednesday at 11am (details below).
Finally, 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. Stay tuned for details to come.
We hope everyone has a great week!
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 31st
Danielle Pimpinella (Instructional Aide)
JoAnn Mittelstadt (1st Grade Teacher)
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PARENT ZOOM WITH DR. ADDLEY RE THE 2021-2022 PROPOSED BUDGET TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AT 10 AM
Superintendent Dr. Addley to join a Zoom discussion with Ox Ridge parents next Tuesday, February 2nd at 10am, to discuss his 2021-2022 proposed budget (Zoom link here). Please use this form to RSVP and submit questions you would like relayed to Dr. Addley in advance of the meeting. Here are some highlights in the proposed budget that would affect Ox Ridge, with the Board of Ed meeting YouTube link and 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 BOE meeting.
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“Budget control” - budget tool 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 was a factor in Ox Ridge 4th grade classes being over optimal size). At 3:04:45 of Jan. 9th Part 2 BOE meeting.
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Reduction of one full-time paraprofessional, replaced with two part-time lunch monitors. At 44:50 of Jan. 12th BOE meeting.
- 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 BOE meeting.
The full budget can be found here, with an overview on page 5.
Following our Ox Ridge parent Zoom, there will be a special Board of Ed meeting (including a public hearing and further review of the proposed budget) on Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00pm. Click here to find the agenda and details on how to watch and participate. The Board of Ed is schedule to vote on Dr. Addley’s proposed budget on Tuesday, February 9th.
If you have any questions or comments (beyond those relayed to Dr. Addley in the form linked above), please email PTO Co-Chairs Ashley Hinchman and Beth Morgan.
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REMOTE LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS ZOOM - FEBRUARY 3 AT 11AM
Please join the Ox Ridge PTO for a Zoom presentation addressing Remote Learning Strategies for Success on February, 3, 2021 from 11:00am-12:00pm. Our Ox Ridge School Psychologists and District Behavior Analyst will share strategies for learning from home. The discussion will focus on both proactive and reactive strategies to help your child while working remotely. Lisa Bhagirathy, Physical Therapist, will also be presenting ways to incorporate gross motor skills development into everyday activities. General questions on remote learning can be submitted here. This information will help presenters tailor the presentation to meet specific parent needs. Parents can also submit questions directly to Meghan Thornton, PTO Special Education Representative, via email at [email protected]
Join Zoom Meeting
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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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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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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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Looking for something interesting to discuss at the dinner table? Cristina Young, LCSW suggests: “Ask your kids to name a person they admire, then ask them for the reasons why, and end by asking them if they notice a subtle change in themselves or their outlook after spending time with that person.” Cristina reminds us, “ We can learn so much about our kids when we have a curious stance with them.”
Talk early, talk often. The Community Fund of Darien/Thriving Youth
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JOIN US TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF OPUS
OPUS for Person-to-Person is excited to celebrate our 25th Anniversary "Silver Jubilee" campaign from February 1 to February 12, 2021. OPUS for Person-to-Person is an incredible organization that has stayed true to its original mission to raise funds and awareness for Person-to-Person (P2P). Over its 25 years and with all volunteers, OPUS has raised over $4 million to help local families meet basic needs. At the same time, it has fostered an amazing community of women committed to giving back, led to long-lasting friendships, and helped us show our children the importance of using your time and talents to make a difference in your community.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication of our founders, alumni, and current members and the generosity and contribution of our town. For your support we are incredibly grateful.
In the face of this historic pandemic, the needs of our community have never been greater, and the funds we raise have never been more important. Your donation today helps better the lives of the more than 28,000 clients P2P assists each year. From baby layettes to food assistance, clothing, emergency financial aid, camperships, and scholarships, P2P’s work is critical to ensuring that the basic needs of our local community are met.
Please join us in donating today to celebrate 25 years of impact, community, and friendship.
Visit www.opus4p2p.org and connect with us on Instagram (@opus4p2p) for more information.
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WEBINAR: NEURODIVERSITY IN SCHOOLS: CREATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING
Please join us for an informative webinar by inclusion expert, Lauren Hough Williams, on Tuesday, February 9th from Noon -1 pm. RSVP here.
In this presentation, we will explore neurodiversity and discuss the many ways we can support our neurodivergent students in our schools. If we can find ways to shift to focusing on strengths, commit to the principles of universal design, and celebrate neurodiversity, we can create inclusive environments where all learners can thrive. Co-sponsored by Darien SEPAC, Darien Library and YWCA Darien/Norwalk.
Lauren is an autism and inclusion specialist, but first, she is an educator. She began her career as a special educator for the NYC Department of Education before working for over a decade to define, refine, and expand the NYU ASD Nest Support Project. Her development process includes partnering with the autistic community to shift the paradigm in special education from focusing on deficit to a focus on strengths. From Lauren’s experience working with educators, she has seen that those who know better can do better. She is committed to helping school systems understand the needs of their neurodiverse students so that they can build inclusive classrooms where everyone can thrive.
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DARIEN PARKS AND RECREATION: 4TH ANNUAL DESSERT WAR
Darien Parks and Recreation Upcoming Event: 4th Annual Dessert War: Something Sweet On Tour! Save the Date: Saturday, February 13th 1:00pm-3:00pmThis 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
It’s time for your next parenting book and great read over February Break! 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
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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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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