October 11th – 20th: Used Book Drive, Sponsored by the 5th Grade
 
October 15th: Kids Care Club Meeting 
 
October 18th - 20th : Carnival Book Fair @ Ox Ridge 
 
October 18th & 19th: Book Fair Family Nights (5:00-7:00pm) 
 
October 25th & 26th: Soro Bindi Performances @ Ox Ridge 
 
November 3rd: Social Justice Parenting Workshop
 
November 11th: Virtual Veteran’s Day Program 
Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Hi All,
 
Thanks to all of our guest speakers and families who joined Ox Ridge speakers series on the 7th!
 
Looking forward into October, know that we will have a spirit day on Friday October, 29th for all students. Halloween is one of the most exciting days of the year for children and we want to celebrate the joy on campus! I’m pleased to share the our annual kindergarten parade will return this season for families of students in Kindergarten and for students!
 
For students in grades K - 5, there is some choices in how to participate in this fun day. With parental permission, students may wear costumes as long as their outfit safely incorporates required, properly fitted masks (See Darien Reopening Plan for reminders about required face covering). 
 
“Weapons”, scary or gory costumes, excessively large or cumbersome outfits/accessories are not permitted.
 
Teachers can certainly ask students to remove a part of their costume if it becomes overly distracting or disruptive to the learning process. In addition or as an alternative to costumes, students can celebrate the day by wearing pajamas, orange and black or Darien School colors of Blue and White. Our ELP classes will have their own safe and fun way to celebrate, ELP teachers will reach out to their families with detail. Looking forward!
 
Finally, I know many students who plan to trick or treat in the community. In addition to the yearly safety reminders, I also encourage you to learn more about the inclusive - awareness building work lead by FARE's "Teal Pumpkin" campaign. As you see these teal pumpkins in the neighborhood, I hope you can appreciate the sensitivity and awareness our community has regarding food allergies on this exciting day!

Thanks,
Luke
FROM THE PTO
Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
 
Many thanks to all who were able to join us for the PTO Speaker Series. If you missed it, you can check out the recorded zoom/slide deck here: 
 
We are excited that Book Fair is quickly approaching – make sure to set-up your e-wallet so that your child can shop at the Book Fair! As a reminder, parents will not be allowed into the Book Fair during school hours as in years past. Instead, please join us for one of the family nights if you'd like to shop with your child. Need more shelf space? Consider supporting the 5th graders in the Used Book Drive they are sponsoring.
 
Finally, we are happy to highlight that the Kids Care Club will have their first meeting of the year this coming Friday, 10/15. This is a great opportunity for your child to learn more about community service and helping others!  We are so fortunate to have a club on campus that focuses on kindness, acceptance and compassion.  

XO OX,
 
PTO Co-Chairs
OX RIDGE NEWS
CLEAN OUT YOUR KIDS' BOOKSHELVES BEFORE THE BOOK FAIR!
The Ox Ridge 5th grade class is conducting a Gently Used Book Drive, to benefit the Darien Book Aid and local non-profits/schools who are in need of children’s books. Please consider donating books your children have outgrown! Books can be dropped off at Ox Ridge (kids can bring them to the bins located near the office), from Monday, October 11th - Wednesday, October 20th.  Please contact Adrienne Kelly with any questions. 
THE OX RIDGE CARNIVAL-THEMED BOOK FAIR: OCT 18-20
The Ox Ridge Carnival-themed Book Fair runs October 18-20th.  
Family Nights are Monday (18th) & Tuesday (19th) from 5-7pm (those needing a quieter shopping experience 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.
BOO GRAMS ARE COMING…
But they have been reimagined this year! Your child will be coming home with blank Boo Grams this week, along with a full explanation of how things will be different this year. Let’s BOO the SCHOOL!
KIDS CARE CLUB COAT DRIVE
For October, the Kids Care Club is working on a Coat Drive with Person-to-Person. There will be a collection box placed in the lobby of Ox Ridge School on Monday.  Person-to-Person is in need of new or gently used coats in any size, but there is a particular shortage of boys aged 5-10 winter coats. Please help your children collect coats from home, neighbors, family and friends. They can be dropped off anytime during school hours, and we will continue to fill the box through the end of the month. Let's build the excitement around this and teach our kids one way they can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in our local community. Especially before temperatures really drop!
Please reach out to Lauren Stisser or Katherine Grambling with any questions. 
VETERANS DAY 2021!
Ox Ridge will be celebrating Veterans Day again this year in a virtual format. That said, we will be installing the community bulletin board with a display of veteran biographies and photos as we have in years past.

WE NEED YOUR HELP. First, if you have a veteran in your life (and have never provided us with a bio before), please fill out this form and upload any pictures you have/are willing to share with the community on the bulletin board. Second, please let the veteran(s) in your life know we will be producing a video (click here to view last year's video), and ask if they would be willing to tape a few short answers for us this year (we'll be in touch with questions).  

Please contact us with any questions or if you are willing/able to help us with the bulletin board. Thank you so much! Taylor Carter & Nancy Liddell
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PHOTOS NEEDED
The Ox Ridge yearbook committee is requesting 1st day of school photos. Please send your pix to [email protected]. We would love photos with more than one child. Thank you so much for helping us out!
OPEN REFERRAL PERIOD FOR DARIEN'S GIFTED PROGRAM: OCT 11-29
The Idea Program offers distinct instruction for students in grades two through nine, based on their unique learning pathways. Parents/guardians or teachers may make a referral for evaluation for students who are new to the district in grades 2-8 from Oct. 11-29. Click HERE for more information!
CAN I GET A HOOT, HOOT?
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Katherine Grambling & Lauren Stisser (Kids Care Club) for developing the programming for the community service arm of the PTO, including the 1st initiative of the year: Coat Drive for Person-to-Person! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Mrs. Krystal Talarico (Speech & Language Pathologist) on October 17th
THRIVING YOUTH TIP
"Nothing—nothing—has more impact in the life of a child than positive relationships." 
- Peter Benson, PhD 
 
The Search Institute identifies "other adult relationships," defined as non-parent adults who provide support to your child, as a key factor in students growing up healthy. One of the largest mentoring studies ever conducted, sponsored by Big Brothers, Big Sisters Canada found that students with mentors were more confident, had fewer behavioral problems, felt less anxiety related to peer pressure and were significantly less likely to bully other students. Does your child have a caring adult that they connect with? It could be a teacher, coach, family friend, clergy person or extended family member.

Talk early, talk often. Thriving Youth/The Community Fund of Darien
COMMUNITY NEWS
EMOTIONAL CONNECTION IN THE FAMILY
Tuesday, October 12th, 7-8:30pm
This workshop, led by Dr. Craig, will focus on how to develop, maintain and repair the emotional connection between family members. Topics include ways to foster productive communication, to notice and share your loved one's wins, and to find time and energy to be present. We will also delve into a 'secret' ingredient of great connections: self-care. The workshop consists of a lecture followed by a question and answer period. RSVP to [email protected] or 917-510-6422.
CALLING ALL 5TH GRADERS!
Wednesday, October 13th, 4-5:30pm
Get ready for the town-wide 5th Grade Depot Party! Pizza, games, and fun! Admission is $20. Register HERE. Please email Amy Daniels or Ali Miceli with questions or to volunteer to chaperone. Rain date is October 14.
WALK FOR FREEDOM: OCT 16
Saturday, October 16th, 10am
Gather at the Darien train station to raise awareness of human trafficking. Over 70% of detected human trafficking victims are women and girls. Roughly 1 in 4 human trafficking victims are children. Register to walk with us and raise awareness. By educating the public, we can better protect our community and our children! For more information, email Marja Thompson at [email protected].
MOVING PAST COVID ISOLATION
Tuesday, October 19th at 7:30pm, Webinar
Moving Past COVID Isolation: Medical Management for Anxiety, Depression and MigraineDr. Peter McAllister, a board-certified neurologist, will address best practices for evaluating and treating anxiety, depression, and migraine in school-age children. He will discuss the psychoeducational impact of isolation and insecurity during COVID and available interventions, including medication. Hosted by Darien SEPAC & Darien Library. Please RSVP to Darien SEPAC.
STUDENT SURVEY RESULTS PRESENTATION
Wednesday, October 20th at 7pm, MMS auditorium
Last February, the Thriving Youth Task Force partnered with Darien Public Schools to anonymously survey Darien 7-12th grade students about their mental health and substance use patterns. The results of this survey will be shared with the community at a special presentation in the Middlesex Middle School auditorium and will also be live streamed on Zoom. A discussion with panelists Dr. Scott McCarthy, Program Director of Special Education and Student Services for Darien Public Schools, and licensed clinical social worker Tracey Masella will follow. Anyone interested in learning more about the most concerning issues facing our local youth and the actionable ways parents can intervene to make a difference is welcome to attend. Registration is requested for in-person attendance and required for Zoom at www.communityfunddarien.org/tytf-programs-and-events. 
DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL TRUNK OR TREAT
Sunday October 31st, 11:30-1pm
The Darien High School community council will be hosting a Trunk or Treat Event on Sunday October 31st at the Darien High School Athletic Loop from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Clubs, sports teams, and student groups will be decorating cars and providing attendees with a safe and fun trick or treating experience. Each group/car will have the option of hosting a game or activity to make the experience more engaging, with a showing from town emergency services. All children in grade 5 and under from the town of Darien are offered the opportunity to attend the event, register here. There will be no cost to the event; however, parents will be asked to give a suggested minimum donation of $5 per person to support Darien Social Services or to donate new or used Halloween costume for Person to Person. 
DARIEN LAND TRUST 10K SELF-GUIDED RUNNING CHALLENGE
Please join the Land Trust for the 65th Running Challenge from October 2nd – 31st. Log your miles past some of the most pristine land in Darien! I0k Challenge is self-guided and starts and finishes at Highland Farm. Traverse scenic backroads past beautiful Land Trust properties, including Mather Meadows and Waterbury Field. Scan the QR code on the welcome sign at the parking lot to register and pay the $10 entry fee.Registered Challengers are eligible for prizes to be announced on our website and social media on November 2nd. Grand prize is a new apple watch! Go to darienlandtrust.org for full details and updates.
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.
NEW PROGRAMS AT DARIEN ARTS CENTER
Registration is open for new visual arts offerings for adults & children that include a Mixed Media and Collage Class for grades 1-4, a Sip and Paint Workshop and a Calligraphy Workshop for adults. For more info, visit darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Darien Town Hall.
YWCA DARIEN/NORWALK LIGHT THE NIGHT LUMINARY EVENT: OCT. 1-24 
The YW will hold its annual luminary lighting on Sunday October 24th to raise awareness about Domestic Violence against women and girls. Luminary kits are $30 each and can be purchased beginning on October 1st at Barrett Bookstore, Palmers Market and www.ywcadn.org/luminarynight. The kits will include a registration link to receive 7 days of emails addressing the types of domestic violence, prevention information and resources. The YW is also looking for “Block Captains” to help sell kits in neighborhoods to help ensure our entire town is lit! For more information and to register go to www.ywcadn.org/luminarynight

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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