Ox Ridge Elementary School
January 9, 2022
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January 14th: NO SCHOOL - Professional Development
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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Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
We hope you enjoyed the beautiful snow day on Friday and didn’t go too crazy having the kiddos at home!?! If you have not already, please consider purchasing a t-shirt for your child to wear when the banner is unveiled during Kindness Week in February.
The District’s budget season is underway and we are seeking feedback from all parents. Kristen Smith is the Ox Ridge CDSP rep and is also happy to answer any questions or collect feedback. Budget documents can be found on DPS’s website: darienps.org. Please feel free to reach out!
XO OX,
PTO Co-Chairs
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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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KINDNESS WEEK IS COMING!
National Kindness Week is next month, from February 14th to 18th. The PTO will sponsor several fun activities and events for our students that week. If you would like to help us plan these activities and events, please sign up to be on our Kindness Committee.
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PURCHASE YOUR "KINDNESS BEGINS WITH ME" T-SHIRT
The "Kindness Begins with Me" banner will be unveiled on Tuesday 2/15. On that day, we'd love for all students to wear a "Kindness Begins with Me" t-shirt. These custom t-shirts will be printed by Floyd, our beloved OX16 Bus Driver, who owns a screen printing business. These short-sleeved white t-shirts are $10 each. To purchase, click here. Orders will be delivered to you by the Kindness Committee. Contact Erin Noonan with any questions.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Ms. Jen Gould (Paraprofessional) on January 15
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Let's explore the concept of equity. Sometimes different people require more of something to be successful. So in other words, equal does not necessarily mean fair. Use the journal prompts here to discuss the differences in your home. Does someone require more help, more food, or more time? How can we embrace those differences and be inclusive within our family?
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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 YOUTH LACROSSE REGISTRATION ENDS SOON!
Initial registration for the 2022 Spring Season ends soon! Late fees apply beginning January 12th! Darien Youth Lacrosse, Inc. (DYL) promotes lacrosse among youth residing in Darien 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 for all interested players in grades 1-8 until January 11th. Our season starts in March! Please visit our website to register and for additional information. Email with any questions.
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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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CDSP DID YOU KNOW SERIES - #5 - DARIEN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET PROCESS
The Council of Darien School Parents (CDSP) is the umbrella organization for all Darien Public School PTOs. The 2022-2023 Darien Public School District budget process just kicked off. Each school’s PTO Chairs and Budget Reps will want to hear ALL parents’ views about the proposed budget; they in turn will communicate these views back to this year's CDSP Budget Chairs, Stacey Tié and Deb Ritchie. CDSP will then formulate speeches based directly on collective feedback from parents so that the Board of Education can hear what is important to the community.
As always, PTO Chairs / School Budget Reps should be your first point of contact; if you’re not sure who this is for your school, please contact cdspbudget@gmail.com and we will gladly connect you.
Important near-term dates to note:
- Jan 7th - Jan 13th - PTO Chairs and School Budget Reps will seek input / feedback from all parents
- Jan 13th - Jan 30th - CDSP will formulate speeches based on feedback from all parents
- Feb 1st - Board of Education Public Hearing on budget / speeches given
- Feb 8th - Board of Education vote on budget
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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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