Ox Ridge Elementary School
March 20, 2022
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March 21st : "Rock Your Socks" for World Down Syndrome Day
March 23rd : PTO Recruiting "Volunteer Fair" at OXR
March 27th : Ox Ridge Teachers vs The Harlem Wizards
March 28 – 30th : Spring Book Fair @ OXR
April 1st : Kids Care Club
April 7th : Final Day for Yearbook Orders
April 11th-15th : NO SCHOOL - April Break
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
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Hi All,
Thank you all for your engagement in our family conferences this week! We all truly appreciate the partnership in the education of our students.
Our district continues to host conversations about Mindfulness and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) led by our outstanding school psychologists. If you’d like to learn more about DBT practices to support social and emotional well-being, I encourage you to check this presentation.
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
Happy Spring!
We hope conference week went well for you. On Thursday, the PTO treated the entire staff to a catered lunch from Mama Carmela's as a way to show our gratitude for all their efforts, especially the time and preparation that goes into parent-teacher conferences. It is always a joy to see their smiling faces and hear their appreciation when lunch is delivered!
REMINDER – tomorrow is “Rock Your Socks” day! Please encourage your child to wear bright, mismatched socks to recognize and support World Down Syndrome Day. See additional details below.
Finally, remember to RSVP here for the PTO Volunteer Fair this Wednesday (3/23) at 7pm at Ox Ridge. Recruiting efforts are in full swing for the 2022-2023 PTO slate and this is a great way to learn more about the PTO, sign up to volunteer, and enjoy light refreshments with fellow Ox Ridge parents. We hope you will join us!
XO OX,
PTO Co-Chairs
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OX RIDGE PTO VOLUNTEER FAIR – MARCH 23rd
Please join us at the PTO Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, March 23rd at 7pm in the common room at Ox Ridge to find out how you can get involved. The Ox Ridge Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a nonprofit organization whose membership includes all parents and legal guardians of Ox Ridge students, teachers and school staff. Our focus is on the enrichment of our students, staff appreciation, parent volunteerism and community involvement. The PTO offers more than 150 volunteer roles each year! There are plenty of opportunities for working parents and those with limited availability during school hours. The PTO is a great opportunity to get involved with your children’s school, connect with other parents, and bring incredible school programs to Ox Ridge. If you have any questions, reach out to our recruitment chairs, Christina Kreuz and Jamie Rose at oxptorecruiting@gmail.com.
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"ROCK YOUR SOCKS" FOR WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY!
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st (3/21), a day selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which leads to Down syndrome. On Monday, March 21st, we invite all students to wear bold, brightly colored, mismatched socks! Doing so allows us to celebrate all of the wonderful things about people with Down syndrome while also advocating for their rights, inclusion and well-being. We can't wait to see how our students rock their socks!
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S.O.S COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR HELP!
The S.O.S committee is looking for more volunteers! S.O.S is here to provide confidential and compassionate help for members of our school community. Whether it’s providing meals or driving around kids we are here to help. When a need arises, Ox Ridge families (including parents, teachers and staff) are encouraged to contact Dr. Luke Forshaw, or our S.O.S. committee chair Kaili Dilts or our PTO Chairs, Mary Elizabeth Garvey and Libby Cook. A friend may make contact on behalf of the family in need with the family’s permission. Please email Kaili Dilts if you would be willing to help as a volunteer when needs arise. We would greatly appreciate more helping hands!
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DR. FORSHAW AND OX TEACHERS VS. THE WORLD FAMOUS HARLEM WIZARDS
The Darien Blue Wave Booster Club is excited to announce the return of this sell-out event on Sunday, March 27th at 2pm at Darien High School! Come out for an afternoon of great fun as The Harlem Wizards take on The Blue Wave Home Team, which includes our very own Dr. Luke Forshaw (Ox Principal), Barbara Kisken (Special Ed Teacher), Toni-Ann Rongoe (3rd Grade Teacher), Caitlin Hoffer (4th Grade Teacher), Lauren Battersby (2nd Grade Teacher), Mary Beth Giannattasio (Kindergarten Teacher), Brianne Schneider (Occupational Therapist) and possibly JoAnn Mittelstadt (1st Grade Teacher). Come support your Ox Ridge principal and teachers as they take on the Harlem Wizards! Click HERE to buy tickets now! The basketball extravaganza is loaded with laugh-out-loud audience participation. Never in the history of the sport will the losing team have so much fun! If you’ve never been to a Harlem Wizards game, check out their YouTube channel here! Alley Oooop! For more information, please contact Gina Gromelski.
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BOOK FAIR & OX RIDGE OUTFITTERS
The Ox Ridge Spring Book Fair “To The Book Fair and Beyond” runs March 28-30th. Family Nights are Monday (28th) & Tuesday (29th) from 5-7pm (those needing a quieter shopping experience may enter at 4:30). Payments accepted include cash, check and eWallet (an alternative to cash, the Book Fair eWallet can be used to fund your students' purchases at the Fair). Set up your eWallet & click here for full Fair details.
To coincide with the book fair dates, Ox Ridge Outfitters will be offering spirit wear items over $20 for purchase tax-free. Get your sweatshirts, pajama pants, hats, and blankets while you can! Orders will be delivered to local addresses.
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YEARBOOKS ARE ON SALE NOW!
All yearbook sales will be online this year. Just click this link to place an order. The cost is $20 per yearbook with options to personalize. Yearbooks provide long-lasting memories. Kids love to look back at the school year to remember friends, activities, and events. 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 child's name, grade, and homeroom teacher who should receive the yearbook at the end of the school year. Please get in touch with Lesley Ryan or Natalie Gould with any questions.
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OX RIDGE PTO FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE WINNERS
Thank you ALL for your support! We were able to raise over $25,000 with our direct appeal Fundraiser this year. We are so fortunate to be able to spend the money to provide enrichment opportunities to our students at OX! The 2nd grade WON with over 74% of students participating, with K just behind with 70% of students participating!!
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CHECK THE LOST & FOUND
Please encourage your children to check the lost and found items located between the gym and the common room. All unclaimed items will be donated on April 8th.
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Ashley Hinchman & Marisa Chadda (Ox Appreciation) for organizing a special lunch for all Ox Staff to show how much they are appreciated, especially during conference week!
Lia Stewart & Bethany Reade (Before & After School) for working with Darien After School to plan great offerings during early dismissal conference days!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Mrs. Madeleine Bavelsky (Psychologist) on March 21
Mrs. Barbara Kisken (Teacher) on March 27
Mrs. Annie Farson (Psychologist) on March 27
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We've learned that responsibility is being reliable for the things that are expected of us. But being responsible takes self-discipline. What are ways you and your family can practice self-discipline this week? Use this link for ideas and journal prompts. As a family, discuss measurable goals for the week (e.g. making your bed every morning without being asked, or reading for 15 minutes each night before screen time).
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YWCA PARENT AWARENESS GIRL TALK
"What Every Girl Needs to Know", Wednesday, March 23rd, 6:30 - 8:00pm. A virtual straightforward presentation by Diane Frankel-Gramelis, MS, CCE, Adjunct Professor at SCSU, Public Health Practice Coordinator at Yale and Health and Wellness Coach designed to help teach girls what to expect at the start of puberty. This is not a sex talk but a starting point for further discussion about a girl's changing body. This program is intended for caregivers to attend with girls who are beginning to show signs of approaching puberty (approximately ages 10-12).Register here. The program will also be recorded for those unable to attend.
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YOUTH COMMISSION AND P2P DRIVE-THROUGH FOOD DRIVE – SATURDAY, 4/2
Because of how generous the folks in Darien are, the drive-through food drives that we have sponsored over the past year and a half, in partnership with P2P have been remarkably successful! But as prices for all things continue to climb, we desperately need to do it again! The unprecedented hunger and food insecurity challenging our friends and neighbors continue to be a reality. And our food banks and pantries continue with the struggle to meet these needs. Taking place on Saturday, April 2 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon in the West Avenue train Station Parking Lot (Koons Lot, across from Tilley Pond Park), volunteers will remove donations from donors’ cars. Visit the DYC website for additional details and a list of most needed items: www.darienct.gov/yc.
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EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS AT DARIEN NATURE CENTER
Enrollment is now open for the Darien Nature Center's after-school program, Outdoor Explorers! This is a monthly series for students in grades K - 5 that meets three times per month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Each month has a new theme. The theme for April is "Life Underground: Roots, Fungi, Bugs, and more!" Children will spend 90 minutes outside in the fresh spring air, exploring the different areas of Cherry Lawn Park. For more information and to register, please visit dariennaturecenter.org/after-school.
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BUBBLEMANIA - APRIL 3 AT 4:00 PM
Bubblemania is bursting onto the stage in Darien with Casey Carle and his amazing one-man show on Sunday, April 3 at 4 pm! The comic bubble artist, known for his infectious energy and brilliant bubbling, combines spontaneous comedy, jazzy music and a flair for showmanship into a show that has been a hit with kids and adults alike for 3 decades. (A great idea for birthday celebrations!) This performance, mesmerizing for ages 5 to 85, takes place at the performing arts venue at 65 TOKENEKE RD in Darien. Tickets are $25 and may also be purchased to sponsor a local family. Purchase tickets here.
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DARIEN ARTS CENTER PIC DARIEN - SMARTPHONE PHOTO CONTEST
Join the fun and enter your fab photos from February break into this popular photo contest open to all! There are no age restrictions and contestants are not required to live in Darien. Categories include: Landscapes, Seascapes, Nature & Floral, Food & Drink, Abstract & Architecture, Pets, Travel, and Family & Friends. To submit a photo and for more information, click here.
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NAVIGATING A NEW DIRECTION WITH YOUR CAREER - TASTING AND TALK - TUESDAY, APRIL 5TH AT 6:00 PM
Peter Doering, Two Roads Brewing Company co-founder, is truly an inspiration. By being open to new challenges, recalibrating priorities, and having a bit of luck, Peter has had a fascinating and varied career. After seven years of working on oil rigs, Peter attended Harvard Business School, then worked in banking, cogeneration power plant development, electricity trading and ship building. Today, he and his partners run the country’s 25th largest independent craft brewery. Peter will share his career philosophy and how it led him to join his co-founders in the creation of the Two Roads Brewing Company.
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MOM'S MORNING IN ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE DCA - FRIDAY, APRIL 15 AT 10:00 AM
Gather your Easter baskets and come out for an Easter egg hunt on the front lawn of the DCA! This longstanding community tradition is a fun way for children to get into the spirit of the holiday. Please come early, as the egg hunt starts at 10:00 am sharp and takes only a few minutes. A special appearance by the Easter Bunny makes this a wonderful morning. Due to safety and parking constraints, advance registration and prepayment is required and limited to the first 100 registrants/vehicles. Families are encouraged to carpool. The Darien Police will direct traffic and parking. Register online at dariendca.org by Wednesday, April 13 for this event, or contact the DCA at 203-655-9050 ext. 10. Price: $30/car In the event of inclement weather, a cancellation of the egg hunt will be announced on our DCA website, e-blast, and voicemail greeting that morning.
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WEEKEND MEAL PROGRAM
Darien Human Services participates in a partnership with Filling in the Blanks weekend meal program. Filling in the Blanks is a local non-profit organization that provides food on the weekends to school aged children (www.fillingintheblanks.org). Each packet consists of a variety of nonperishable food items such as oatmeal, granola bars, fruit cups, mac and cheese, canned food, tuna and chips. Meal packets are distributed bi-weekly at Town Hall during designated times to families who struggle with food insecurity. If you have questions or would like to find out if your family meets eligibility requirements, please contact Darien Human Services 203-656-7328.
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DARIEN YOUTH SQUASH
Darien Youth Squash Spring Registration is open! All levels of players are encouraged to sign up now for our spring clinics. Kids in grades K-2 will play at Msquash SONO and those in grades 3-8 will play at Ox Ridge Club. Sessions start in mid-March and run through early June. Both public and private school players are welcome! To register or for more information, visit www.DarienSquash.com.
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LEARN TO SAIL with DJST!
DJST is offering 2 or 3-week sailing camps for ages 8-15 on LI Sound from June 20th to August 12th. Use of DJST Optimist or 420 included in the registration fee. Options for morning and afternoon programs. All levels of experience are welcome. Online registration will open Monday, February 28th at 9:00am. Registration will be on the left column of the DJST homepage. If you have questions or need further assistance contact dariensailing@gmail.com. DJST is a 501 (c ) (3) organization run by parent volunteers, new volunteers welcome!!
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THE BIGGEST DARIEN ARTS CENTER EVENT OF THE YEAR
THE SAMPLES are bringing their blend of reggae-influenced rock to the historic Wall Street Theater in Norwalk on March 25 to benefit the Darien Arts Center. A band formed in Colorado in 1987, The Samples has shared the stage with big names such as The Allman Brothers Band, Blues Traveler, and Phish. Local favorite, Waller, opens the show at 8pm. General admission and limited special event tickets are available ($35-$150).
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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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