November 11th: School Picture RETAKE Day
 
November 18th: Ox Ridge Spirit Day
 
November 19th: Kids Care Club Meeting

November 24th: Early Dismissal (1:25pm)
 
November 25th & 26th: No School – Thanksgiving 
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Hi All,
 
Thanks to Mrs. Tabaka and the library advisory club; enjoy the full “Pumpkin Museum” movie from our story book pumpkin experience last week!
 
Also, kudos to an extremely honest and responsible first grader for bringing in a $100 bill to our main office earlier this week! She found it outside towards front of the school. If you or any of your friends / family have lost this cash, please contact me to get it returned!
 
Finally with the NYC marathon upon us this week, here is a message from our own school nurse, Mrs. Yvonne Dempsey about her run for charity:
 
Hi everyone, I’m shamefully plugging my running the marathon! I was “bumped” to the 2022 race, but I’m still running to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Any donation is greatly appreciated. Thanks for any consideration ahead of time. My fundraising page can be found HERE!

Thanks,
Luke
FROM THE PTO
Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
  
The chill in the air and beautiful autumn leaves guide us into this special time of year - a season of giving and showing gratitude. We are truly thankful for all of you, the parents, who volunteer your time and resources to support the meaningful work of the PTO. We hope you will continue to lend your support by giving to our direct appeal, the primary fundraiser for the PTO this year. We are 100% parent funded and your contributions directly support all our work, including enrichment assemblies and activities, field trips, staff appreciation and much, much more. You can find additional information regarding the direct appeal and the importance of your contribution below. We sincerely thank you in advance for any and all support you give to the PTO. 
 
XO OX,
 
PTO Co-Chairs
OX RIDGE NEWS
OXR PTO DIRECT APPEAL
The OX Ridge PTO is excited to bring back in-school enrichment opportunities and new initiatives to support students, families, and staff to build a stronger community at Ox Ridge. To support this important work, please consider a donation to the 2021/2022 Direct Appeal. We would be grateful for a donation of $75 per student, but our goal is 100% participation from Ox Ridge families, no matter the amount. To donate, please send in checks made out to Ox Ridge PTO with your students, or donate online (select PTO Fundraising Donation). Thank you for supporting the Ox Ridge PTO! Questions? Contact Eleanor Davidson or Megan Malone.
SUPPORT OUR VETERANS
Ox Ridge will be honoring our veterans during our annual ceremony on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th. We will also help to rehabilitate disabled veterans by distributing “Buddy Poppies” to all students. Please consider sending in $1 with your child by Nov. 11th to support veterans in need right here in Connecticut. The Ox Ridge community will wear these poppies on Veterans Day with pride to show veterans that we care, and to teach our children to respect and honor the defenders of our nation. Thank you for participating!
JOIN OX RIDGE MATH OLYMPIAD TEAMS!
Test your math skills, support and learn with your peers, and stretch your math mind to the next level - Math Olympiad is here! Join the 4th Grade Team or the 5th Grade Team. The full session runs 11/3 through 3/30, from 7:45-8:45am. Register HERE. Questions? Contact Darien After School directly at [email protected] or 888.212.3837
CONFERENCE WEEK CAMP - COMING SOON!
On early dismissal days during Conference Week (November 30 - December 3), Darien After School (DAS) will offer programs such as Art, Sports, Karate, LEGOs, and Music from 1:30 to 3:30pm at Ox Ridge. The class schedule will be sent in DAS’s mailing list and the next Hoot. Register HERE starting November 15 at 8pm. Questions? Contact DAS by Email or 888.212.3837
hands_holding_hope.jpg
2021 HOPE CHEST
This is OXR's 20th year supporting the Family & Children’s Agency Hope Chest Program which sponsors foster children in Fairfield County during the holidays! To contribute to this great cause, please assign your name to a foster child listed HERE and select a $25 Amazon gift card under our Wish List. Gift cards will be sent directly to the PTO rep and need to be received before December 6th. Questions? Contact Jenn Moller or Annie Horn
CALLING ALL 4TH AND 5TH GRADE BOOKWORMS!
If you have a 4th or 5th grade child who loves to read, this is the club for them! Book selection TBD in December once we know our readers. Book Club will meet on Jan 12 and Jan 19 during lunch/recess from 12-1pm (4th grade) or 1-2pm (5th grade). Sign-up for 4th Grade or 5th Grade by Dec 3, first come first serve. Students will meet in the Idea Room and should bring their lunch and a drink.
Questions? Contact - 4th Grade: Suzanne Anderson or Annie Epperly. 5th Grade: Liz Ezbiansky or Kim Huang
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. Questions? Contact Ellie Davidson and Megan Malone.
SOS COMMITTEE - HERE TO HELP!
The SOS committee is here to provide confidential and compassionate help for members of our school community during times of need. Whether it’s providing meals or driving around kids we are here to help. If you are in need or know someone who is please contact Kaili Dilts (with permission!). Likewise please email Kaili if you would be willing to help as a volunteer when needs arise. Thank you. 
CAN I GET A HOOT, HOOT?
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Jennifer Hill (Grade Level Enrichment Rep) for collaborating with K teachers on the exciting field trip to Stamford Nature Center!
Bethany Reade (Library) for coordinating volunteers to assist with the Storybook Pumpkins, organized by our incredible librarian, Mrs. Tabaka!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Ms. Melonie Gregory (Teacher) on November 10th
Mr. Ariel Delgado (Custodian) on November 11th
Mrs. Laurie Wigglesworth (Teacher) on November 11th
Mrs. Wendy Flamand (Paraprofessional) on November 14th
KINDNESS IN YOUR NEST
Kindness is contagious! Even when we don't see eye to eye with someone (particularly in our family), it's important to show respect. Using this link to guide you, play a game of "respect charades", offer 3 genuine compliments, and reflect on circumstances where you find it difficult to show respect. Offer someone in your family kind words and encouragement this week and see how it feels!
COMMUNITY NEWS
DARIEN YOUTH SQUASH WINTER REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Kids in grades K-5 interested in learning and competing in squash are welcome to be part of our Darien Squash program this winter. All coaching and training during this 13 week program will take place at the brand new MSquash Sono. The program begins November 30th. To register or for more information, including a detailed description of what our players will be learning each week, please visit www.msquash.com/Darien. Come join the fun! 
DARIEN VARSITY BOYS LACROSSE POP UP STORE
The DHS Varsity Captains have designed some very cool lacrosse items for holiday presents (small portion goes to fundraising for the program). Vintage looking lacrosse sweatshirts, Carhartt vests, joggers, polos, tee-shirts, coats, hats and boat jackets? We have got them all in adult and youth sizes!! 
The store will close at midnight TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9! Let's GO BLUE WAVE and, as always, thank you so much for your support!
REGISTER FOR DARIEN YOUTH LACROSSE
DYLax promotes lacrosse among Darien youth by teaching fundamentals of the game and promoting good sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork, in cooperation with the DHS lacrosse programs. Registration is open HERE for grades 1-8 from November 8th until January 11th (late fees apply after January 11th). Our season starts in March! Any questions, please email [email protected]
SAVE THE DATE: "THE PRESSURED CHILD" - NAVIGATING THE ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL PRESSURES OUR CHILDREN ARE FACING
Please join the Thriving Youth Task Force for a discussion with Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of "The Pressured Child: Helping Your Child Find Success in School and Life.” Dr. Thompson will speak about the psychological journey that children experience during their school career. Event on Thursday, November 18th at 7pm in the MMS auditorium or Zoom. Register HERE.
NEW HOLIDAY PROGRAMS AT DARIEN ARTS CENTER
Registration is open for NEW "Night Out" Holiday Craft Workshops for adults: Sip and Succulent Workshop, Wreath Workshop (Friday, December 3) and another Wreath Workshop (Friday, December 10). For more info, visit darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Darien Town Hall.
MI VIDA AT DARIEN ARTS CENTER
The DAC is hosting the premier of Mi Vidathe first original full-length ballet from East Coast Contemporary Ballet. Performances are on Friday November 19 and Saturday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the DAC Weatherstone Studio. Tickets ($35) are available HERE. Questions? (203) 655-8683. 

EDITORS NOTE:
Sara Osberg - Sept, Dec, Mar, June
Tory Bolton - Oct, Jan, Apr
Baye Larsen - Nov, Feb, May

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.

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