Ox Ridge School
March 7, 2021
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Thursday, Mar. 11th
- Ox Ridge Building Committee Meeting 10am (Zoom)
Tuesday, March 16th
- Author Visit with Alicia D. Williams (ELP-3) 9:30am (rescheduled from Feb 24)
Wednesday, March 17th
- Ox Appreciation Staff Luncheon
Wednesday, March 17th - Friday, March 19th
- Parent/Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal)
Friday, March 26th
- Moms’ Night Out at Dance on the DL 7:30pm (see details below!)
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
Thanks to Ms. Christine Pochetti, our special education and student support facilitator, for leading a terrific parent meeting designed to help families who have a child with an IEP (Individualized Education Program) navigate the IEP document. You can now see the full meeting video live on our Ox Ridge website, under the “Special Education” page.
Thanks also to our school psychologists Mrs. Annie Farson and Ms. Madeleine Vivian along with our partner behavior analyst, Mrs. Amy Beazley for their very helpful talk about “Remote Learning Strategies for Success”. This video is also now live on our website, under the “Special Education” page.
Finally, thanks to our literacy specialist, Mrs. Katie Risk for leading our exciting school-wide “March Madness” event for reading! Please see the note from Mrs. Risk to help your child have fun with this school-wide reading experience:
We are excited to announce our own Ox Ridge March Madness, centered around new and diverse books! Students will begin by "reading" 8 carefully selected new books with their class. We hope that by utilizing author-read videos of each text, that everyone can listen along and join the fun! Each class will vote for their 4 favorites, and narrow down their choices each week until we crown our final OxR March Madness Book Winner! Please see the attached visual with our 8 contenders, and feel free to read or watch these with your child at home!
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
Last week, in honor of Black History Month, Ox Ridge welcomed New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author Jerry Craft into the 4th and 5th grade classrooms (via Zoom) to present his most recent graphic novel, “Class Act,” which was written in celebration of modern African American culture. A copy of this book was distributed to each student to take home and read. Mr. Craft amazed the students by spontaneously drawing an illustration, similar to the ones in his graphic novels, which took life right before their eyes. He also explained his achievements, most importantly noting that he faced many failures along the way, yet never gave up. He also told the students that his successes would mean nothing if he didn’t inspire others.
Stay tuned for our other author visit (Alicia D. Williams for grades ELP-3), in honor of Black History Month, which was originally scheduled for February 24th, but has been rescheduled for March 16th. These author visits would not be possible without Page Berger, who handles our School Wide Enrichment. Thank you, Page!
With the advent of March brings the introduction of Ox Ridge’s own March Madness! Please see Dr. Forshaw's note above for details. We are so grateful to our Literary Specialist Katie Risk for bringing this exciting new competition to Ox Ridge and for stimulating our children’s interest in books!
Finally, we would like to congratulate the winners (below) of the Music for Youth’s Beethoven Contest. They each won a certificate and prize for their superb contributions!
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!
March 11 - Mary Beth Giannattasio - K Teacher
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BUDGET UPDATE
On Tuesday, March 9, at 7:30pm, the Board of Finance will be holding a public hearing on both the Board of Education and the Board of Selectmen's budgets for 21/22. Any member of the public is free to come and share their thoughts on the budget. If you would like to speak please email bof@darienct.gov to sign up or join the meeting and raise your hand. The Hearing will be held via zoom. The link will be posted in their agenda here. Additionally, you can email your thoughts to the whole board at bof@darienct.gov.
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DANCE ON THE DL WITH OX MOMS!
Join us for a Moms' Night Out at Dance on the DL on Friday, March 26, at 7:30pm! $25 per person. Space is limited. Let's shake our tail feathers together for some socially distanced, mask-wearing, pop locking fun! Register here. You will see a "SIGN UP" button on the page. Click that and then follow the necessary prompts. If you would like any information about the air-purifying/filtration systems at the studio or capacity details, please do not hesitate to reach out to Samantha Bohlen with any questions or concerns. We want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy a night out together!
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GET INVOLVED IN THE MIDDLESEX PARENTS ASSOCIATION (MPA)
The MPA is seeking parent volunteers for next year’s slate to help support the many great initiatives offered to our students, teachers and MMS community. There are many ways to give back to your child’s school that do not require a significant time commitment and it’s a wonderful way to meet new parents and enhance your child’s MMS experience. If you are new to MMS or just haven’t had the chance to get involved yet, we welcome your help! If you are interested in learning more, please contact the Nominating Co-Chairs and they will be happy to discuss various open positions that might best suit your interests!
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At a recent presentation to Darien parents, Cristina Young, LCSW shared a valuable parenting reminder. She explained that the reason a plane crashes most often isn’t because the engines failed, but because of an impulsive reaction to the problem. She reminded parents, “You don’t have to have a perfect response in the moment” to a child’s misbehavior. Sometimes the wisest thing to say is , “I’m upset and I need to think about how to respond to this.” This week, try to recognize when you may be tempted to overreact and see if you can give yourself (and your child) the gift of a pause before responding.
Talk early, talk often. Thriving Youth/Community Fund of Darien
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PARENT WORKSHOP: IT STARTS WITH YOU
You’ve probably spent a lot more time with your kids over the past year than usual, but how often have you felt truly present? Everwell is hosting an engaging and inspiring workshop led by Darien mom + Certified Parent Coach, Jacqueline Telgheder, and Life + Career Coach, Jennifer Groves, to share practical and meaningful strategies to support healthy, optimal childhood development by creating true presence with your child. Register here using the discount code DARIENPARENT for a complimentary ticket.
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DARIEN YMCA SUMMER CAMP: A PLACE FOR KIDS TO UNPLUG THIS SUMMER!
Choose from a variety of day camp for children ages 3 – 15. Kids will have a chance to be adventurous, active and healthy all summer long. Parents can choose from one of the Y’s four camp programs which include a pre-school, school-age, gymnastics, or special needs program. Each of these YMCA camp programs offers children fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests, and create memories that last a lifetime. Camp runs from Monday, June 21 – Friday, August 14. Families can choose any of our one-week sessions. Registration is now open. To learn more about the Darien YMCA’s camp programs, please visit our website or contact Suzanne Richards, Director of Youth Development and Special Needs Programs at (203) 655-8228 ext. 1331, srichards@darien-ymca.org. For Gymnastics Camp information, please contact Nicole Kapitan at nkapitan@darien-ymca.org.
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RARE DISEASE DAY
Rare disease is real—in fact, it impacts our own community. Today, for Rare Disease Day, you can help our students and families raise awareness of differences and promote cures for the more than 6,000 rare diseases around the world. Visit rarediseaseday.org for ideas, and visit curecharlie.org to see how a rare disease impacts one Darien family.
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REGISTER TODAY: DARIEN AFTER SCHOOL
Continue learning, make social connections and have FUN before and after your school day. Local expert instructors encourage students to expand their imagination with: Kitchen Science, Vet in Training, LEGO STEM, Roblox Video Game Design, HOP - Pottery Painting at Home, TinkerCAD, Karate as well as Math, Grammar and Writing enrichment. Additional details and registration can be found on our website. NOTE: Classes will be marked CONFIRMED on our website once we reach minimum enrollment (6 students).
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OPENINGS AVAILABLE: DARIEN YMCA KIDS CLUB AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Darien YMCA has openings in it's After School Kids Club Program. Kids Club is an ideal after-school program for children of active and working parents. Kids Club is a state-licensed program designed for children age 3 through 5th grade. Participating children can ride the “Y Bus” directly from their Darien school to the Kids Club program held at the Darien YMCA. There they are met by the Kids Club staff who create a supportive environment for after-school fun. Children may stay as late as 6:30 PM. Depending on the age of the children in the group, typical activities include homework time, indoor/outdoor games, snacks, arts and crafts, cooking, and special events. Whether in the gym or the classroom, Kids Club incorporates the national YMCA’s values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility in its curriculum. Kids Club follows the Darien public school calendar. The program operates during all early dismissal days, including this year's Early Dismissal Fridays and conference days. We welcome children of all abilities. For further info, contact Suzanne Richards, Director of Youth Development & Special Needs Programs at (203) 655-8228 ext 1331 or srichards@darien-ymca.org.
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CALLING ALL SAILORS!
DJST offers youth ages 8-15 the opportunity to enjoy the summer on LI Sound. We offer two 3 week sailing camps and one 2 week camp, June 21nd to August 13th. No boat needed, rental fee included in the cost of the session. Morning and afternoon programs available. All levels of experience welcome. For online registration and more information visit: http://www.dariensailing.org If you have questions contact dariensailing@gmail.com. DJST is run by parent volunteers. Let us know if you would like to get involved. New parent volunteers always welcome!!
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DARIEN PARKS & RECREATION SPRING & SUMMER REGISTRATION
The Darien Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that registration for 2021 spring & summer programs, as well as the sale of 2021 beach permits, will begin on Wednesday, March 3rd online at www.darienct.gov/parkrec. Program offerings are currently available to view at our website. The 2021 spring and summer brochure, which includes the beach permit application, will be mailed out to all Darien residents towards the end of February.
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REGISTER NOW: DARIEN YOUTH COMMISSION'S SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM
The Darien Youth Commission’s Summer Camp registration begins Monday, February 22! FAQ regarding program development and registration information will be on the Youth Commission website (in the Summer Camp Programs section) by end of business February 11, 2021. There will again be three grade-level programs located at two sites this year: Camp Royle-1 students entering grade 1; Camp Royle-2/3 for students entering grades 2 & 3; Camp Mather (@ Holmes School) for students entering graders 4, 5 & 6. Summer camp dates are: June 21 – July 30 (new this year: three, two week session options). www.darienct.gov/yc
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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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