Ox Ridge School
November 22, 2020
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November 26 & 27 (Thursday & Friday):
- No School (Thanksgiving Recess)
December 1-4 (Tuesday - Friday):
- Conference Week Early Dismissal
Friday, December 4th
- Deadline to order Gingerbread Houses
Friday, December 11th
- Gingerbread House Kit Pick Up
Monday, December 14th
- School Photo Retakes with Lifetouch
Friday, December 18th
- Deadline to submit Gingerbread House pictures
Wednesday, December 23rd
December 24 - 31
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
Thank you to our construction and design team members for a very informative evening discussion around the new Ox Ridge school! I recorded the meeting for those who weren’t able to join live, below is the link to the entire presentation for your weekend viewing pleasure:
Next up, I’m pleased to share an important message about our annual upcoming “Hour of Code” event from Mrs. Tabaka – looking forward!
Thanks,
Luke
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Hello Families,
The Hour of Code is just weeks away, happening from Dec. 7-13th, and Ox Ridge is excited to take part! Kodable and Code.org log in instructions/class codes have been distributed to k-5 classes in advance of Hour of Code Week just in case our school changes learning models. One set of instructions will guide students in logging into code.org where they can complete assigned courses in coding. Another set of instructions is for Kodable, an engaging game where students learn about Computer Science through problem solving and computational thinking. Beginning at the end of November, Mrs. Tabaka will begin coding with k-5 classes and students are encouraged to continue coding beyond the classroom!
Please keep this information in a safe place where it can be easily accessed beginning in December. Feel free to let students start exploring at any time!
Thank you,
Mrs. Tabaka
Library Media Specialist
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
We had some wild weather this past week but we didn’t let that stop us from showing the love. The outpouring of support for the Ox Ridge Staff in the town-wide appreciation event was truly remarkable! Many thanks to all of you that participated!
Our ELP and K-2 students had a great conversation with author and Pura Belpré Honor winner Anika Aldamuy Denise about her new book A Girl Named Rosita. I hope everyone enjoys the copy of the book that each child received as part of the program. Thank you to Page Berger and Vanessa Donatello for coordinating!
We have a lot kicking off this week before the Thanksgiving holiday so please read through to the end for information on how we can continue to support our amazing Ox Ridge staff, gingerbread houses, holiday drives and much more. A special thank you to all of our volunteers who work so hard to make this all happen for our community!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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!
- November 27 - Kelly Miller (Instructional Aide)
- November 28 - Dana Falcioni (Paraeducator)
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GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING IS BACK!
We’re excited to be offering Gingerbread Houses again this year as TAKE HOME KITS instead of an after school activity. Each kit will include a freshly baked gingerbread house to decorate from start to finish with icing and candy! The cost is $30 per child.
KIT COST: $30/kit (includes house, icing, and candy)
ORDER DEADLINE: Friday, December 4th
DISTRIBUTION: Gingerbread kits will be available for pickup on Friday, December 11 from 49 Stanton Road anytime between 9:30am-12pm.
OPTIONAL CONTEST: Decorate your house by Friday, December 18th and submit pictures to OxRidgeGingerbread@gmail.com - a winner will be chosen by Monday, December 21st. We will choose winners based on creativity and each winner will receive a festive prize. Extra points for anyone who wants to celebrate Darien by re-creating a landmark in town (Ox Ridge, Library, Town Hall, Darien Sport Shop, etc)
**Please include Name and Grade Level for submission, or family name and grade levels, we will be choosing one winner per grade level.
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PLEASE SUPPORT THE HOPE CHEST: 19 SLOTS LEFT!
We are so close to reaching our mark and have only 19 more children in need of your support! PLEASE help us make the holidays extra special by being a part of Hope Chest and purchasing a gift card for a foster child.
We ask that the gift cards be $25 per child. Should you wish to give more than that amount please consider purchasing gift cards for more than one child.
With your support, we would like to complete the Hope Chest Wish List before Thanksgiving break so we have less than one week to do so. We appreciate your generosity! Should you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Kira Saunders (kirasaunders@gmail.com) or Brooke Blair (BrookeLBlair@gmail.com).
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OX APPRECATION - DONATION REQUEST
Following this week’s “Show the Love” event, we would like to continue to provide opportunities for families to show gratitude and appreciation to the Ox Ridge Staff. Under normal circumstances, our “Ox Appreciation” team organizes monthly signups of baked goods and healthy snacks delivered to the school directly by parents. This year our Appreciation team is coordinating contactless monthly drop-offs of lunches and treats. To date, these have included a boxed lunch from Four Forks, a "Coffee Bar" with K-cups & creamer, and a variety of snacks & sweet treats. As we can no longer accept food directly from parents, we are instead asking for monetary donations to help support our monthly Appreciation drop-offs. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated.
- $5 will provide coffee K-cups for 10 staff members
- $10 will provide snacks & treats for 10 staff members
- $50 will provide boxed lunches for 5 staff members
We hope you will help us support this valued and meaningful effort to bring a little sunshine to the staff. Please Venmo donations to @MaryElizabeth-Garvey. 100% of the donations received will be spent directly on Ox Staff Appreciation within this school year. Contact Libby Cook (646-483-5555) or Mary Elizabeth Garvey (404-538-2831) with any questions.
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PLEASE SUPPORT TOYS FOR TOTS
The Ox Ridge School community, along with the local U.S. Marine Corps, is sponsoring a Toys for Tots drive November 20th through December 17th. If you wish to contribute, please bring in a new, unwrapped toy for ages preschool to teen. Students may place their donations in a box at the entry of school.
Thank you for spreading joy to some children in need, and thank you for your generosity!
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HOLIDAY GIVE BACK OPPORTUNITIES
You can give back to Ox Ridge and the community in three ways from now through December 4th.
Meadow Farms Fundraiser- Ox Ridge is selling wrapping paper and gifts through Meadow Farms this year to raise money for the PTO. To start shopping, visit this link. All orders are placed online and shipped directly to your home with 40% of the proceeds going to Ox Ridge’s PTO. Since we do not have a fall fundraiser this year, we really appreciate your participation.
Ox Ridge Outfitters- For the holiday season, we have added new items on the Ox Ridge Outfitters website. Pom pom hats, blankets, and pajama pants, as well as existing spirit gear. Check it out here and support Ox Ridge.
Pajama Drive - We are partnering with the Community Fund of Darien to hold a pajama drive for Inspirica. Inspirica is one of the largest service providers for the homeless in Connecticut. We are collecting NEW pajamas of any size and will have a box for students to donate in the front vestibule.
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TEACHER APPRECIATION PHOTOS FOR THE YEARBOOK
Do you have pictures from our teacher appreciation event on Tuesday 11/17? Pictures of your kids holding the signs you made? Pictures of your car plastered with messages of love for our amazing teachers and staff? Please upload them to this folder so we can include them in the yearbook.
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KIDS CARE CLUB - SIGN UP
The Kids Care Club is the community service arm of the PTO. We work with kids in all grades to teach them about community outreach and volunteering. The meetings are normally held once a month in person; however, due to Covid-19, we will be getting creative and doing things virtually this year. Our first project will be to make holiday cards for each foster child from the Norwalk Family and Children’s Agency. Since they are unable to hold their annual holiday party in December, we’re hoping this will bring some joy and make them feel special during this difficult time. The holiday cards will be included with the gift cards for basic necessities collected through Hope Chest.
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HOLIDAY CARDS - HELP US EARN EXTRA DOLLARS FOR OX RIDGE!
Order your holiday cards through Minted and you save 20% and Minted will give 15% of sales to Ox Ridge PTO. Please use promo code FUNDRAISEOXRIDGE which is valid through December 31, 2020. For any questions, please email the fundraising chairs, Ellie Davidson and Megan Malone.
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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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THRIVING YOUTH TIP OF THE WEEK |
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THE COMMUNITY FUND INTRODUCES: MISSION: POSITIVE!
During this time when families are practicing social distancing and looking for fun, safe activities to keep busy and engaged, members of Darien’s Human Services Planning Council and the Thriving Youth Task Force recently brainstormed the idea of creating a shared community resource to gather residents’ favorite ideas for fun, relaxation and family time. Those efforts resulted in “Mission: Positive!” — a list of pandemic-safe and entertaining family activities, holiday celebration and craft inspiration, book and playlist recommendations and much more! The Community Fund of Darien will host the resource on its website under the “Community” tab.
Please submit your favorite activities via The Community Fund’s website, which will be reviewed by a panel of volunteers to ensure that they are COVID-19 safe, socially distant, appropriate for all ages and contribute to positive youth development. Categories include activities, adventures, family fun, game night, good reads, holiday traditions, must-see tv, new to town, party ideas, playlists and positive vibes. With the holidays around the corner and many plans being reimagined due to the pandemic, families have an opportunity to come together and make the best of an uncertain and ever-changing situation. Mission: Positive! hopes to help inspire our community to create new traditions and memories that will last a lifetime.
Talk early, talk often. The Community Fund of Darien/Thriving Youth
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WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
There are 2,200 veteran gravestones at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien, and it's our goal to place a wreath ($15 each) on each one at the ceremony on noon on December 19th. Only 611 wreaths have been sponsored so far.
Here is the link to donate and the deadline is November 30th:
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/15605/Overview/?relatedid=22114
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UPCOMING PROGRAM: ANXIETY & COPING WITH COVID
Please join us in welcoming back Child Mind Institute expert, Jerry Bubrick, PhD , for an important presentation on Anxiety & Coping with COVID on Thursday, December 3, 7:30 pm. The pandemic has forced everyone to grapple with constantly shifting circumstances. Dr. Bubrick will explain how identifying anxiety and learning how to tolerate fear can help families and students address worries and uncertainty. He will share proven strategies for managing symptoms and dealing with anxiety in a healthy way.
Jerry Bubrick, PhD, is a senior clinical psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center and director of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Service at the Child Mind Institute in New York City. Widely recognized for developing one of the world’s most intensive pediatric programs for OCD, he is a pioneer in using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat children and teens with OCD and related anxiety disorders. Featured in media such as The New York Times, Newsweek, The Washington Post and ABC Primetime, Dr. Bubrick is a sought-after expert and speaker. Dr. Bubrick has also appeared in the highly acclaimed films, Like and Angst.
For any questions regarding the program itself, please contact Darien SEPAC at dariensepac@gmail.com. The presentation is co-sponsored by Darien SEPAC and Darien Library.
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DARIEN HUMAN SERVICES HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING PROGRAM
2020 has been an extremely difficult year for all of us. Unfortunately, the Covid crisis has had a greater impact on low-income families and seniors. During the holidays, Darien Human Services holds a Holiday Gift Giving Program to help Darien families and seniors in need. We are looking for individuals or groups (book clubs, bible study groups, Girl or Boy Scout troops) to help make someone’s holiday a little brighter by adopting a local family or senior.
All information is strictly confidential. Thank you for helping us help others!
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UPCOMING DARIEN ARTS CENTER PROGRAMS
Sign up for new adult workshops at darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683.
The DAC Visual Arts Studio is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall.
Back by popular demand, join us for another Sip and Paint on Friday, November 20th! Bring your friends and some wine, and work with our DAC instructor Stephanie Lush Mastriano as she guides you through creating your own painting inspired by Picasso. This workshop is open to beginners and experienced artists. All materials will be provided. BYO wine and refreshments.
This new DAC holiday tradition returns with more dates scheduled. Come join us for a festive wreath making workshop and a ladies night out! Bring your friends! Wreaths and all materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring extra decorations to give their wreaths a more personalized look. Usher in the holiday season with this classic craft! BYO wine and refreshments.
Sign up now for Winter/Spring classes that begin in January. The DAC is following all state Covid-19 protocols and is offering in-person as well as Zoom classes. To register, visit darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. See All Classes by Day and Register.
DANCE: Classes run from January 25, 2021 through June 3, 2021. Tuition is $400. Adult drop-in and class card options are available. Dance classes for all levels, ages 3 & up include Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Teen Contemporary, Modern, Broadway Dance and Pointe. See all Dance Classes. Register.
MARTIAL ARTS: Tuition is $400. Adult drop-in and class card options are available.
MUSIC: Private lessons for both adults and children include cello, composition, drum set, guitar, flute, viola, violin, voice, piano, and music theory. More about private lessons.
Group music Classes:
Grades 5-12 | Saturday 1:15-2:45pm | Jan. 23-Mar. 27 | $256, plus performance fee of $15
Grades 3-5 |Saturday 3-4pm | Jan. 23-Mar. 27 | $210, plus performance of $15
VISUAL ARTS:
Grades 5-8 | Tuesday 4:10-5:10pm, Mar. 2-April 27 | $176
Grades 1-4 | Wednesday 3:45-4:45pm, Mar. 3-April 28 | $176
Grades 5-9 | Wednesday 5-6:30pm, Mar. 3-April 28 | $265
Grades 5-8 | Friday 4:40-5:40pm, Mar. 5-April 30 | $176
Adults | Thursday 10-11am, Jan. 14-Mar. 25 | $145
Adults | Tuesday 9:30-10:30am, Feb. 2-Mar. 9 | $108
Adults | Tuesday 6:30-8pm, Feb. 2-Mar. 23 | $215
Adults | Thursday 2-3pm, Feb. 4-Mar. 11 | $108
Adults | Monday 7-9pm, Mar. 15-April 19 | $295
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DARIEN HUMAN SERVICES THANKSGIVING GROCERY STORE GIFT CARD DRIVE
COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on all of us, but for many residents who already lived paycheck-to-paycheck, it has been devastating. To help at-risk Darien residents, Darien Human Services is holding a Thanksgiving Grocery Store Gift Card Drive from 11/2--11/24. They will be collecting gift cards to local grocery stores (Stop & Shop, Shop Rite, Palmers, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods) and distributing them to Darien families and seniors in need. Residents are asked to drop off the gift cards at Town Hall or mail them to: Darien Human Services 2 Renshaw Road. (Human Services is open 8:00am to 5:15pm Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and 8:00am to 7:00pm on Tuesday). Please contact Diane Barston, dbarston@darienct.gov, or 203-656-7328 with any questions. With your support, we can help make Thanksgiving a little happier for those who need it most.
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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.
See what's happening on our social media sites:
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