Ox Ridge School
October 11, 2020
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October 14th (Wed):
- Special Education Zoom Presentation at 10 am
October 19th - November 1st:
October 20th (Tues):
- Community Feedback Zooms with Superintendent, Dr. Addley
- 10 AM - Elementary Schools
- 11:30 AM - Elementary Special Education & Support Services
October 27th (Tues):
- School Photos with Lifetouch (photo retakes are scheduled for December 14th)
October 29th (Thurs):
- Meet our School Psychologists (Zoom link to follow)
November 3rd (Tues):
- No school (Professional Development)
November 11th (Wed):
- Veterans Day Celebration (virtual) - Details to come
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
This week you should have received an important update from our superintendent of schools, Dr. Addley. He highlights some refinements to the attendance expectations for the district that I’d like to reiterate below:
- Remote learning is not a daily choice. When students are kept home without consultation with the school nurse or if they are absent due to travel, these are not days when remote learning will be possible.
- If your family makes the decision to move from fully remote learning to in person instruction (or vice versa), please provide written notification to the school principals 72 hours prior to the change.
- We understand that some students will be required to quarantine as a COVID-19 related requirement of the District. In those cases, students will become remote learners for the duration of their absence. Additionally, families who are keeping a child home for suspected illness without a District imposed quarantine should consult with their school nurse to determine the suspected length of absence and whether remote learning will be provided for the duration of that illness. Under these circumstances, if approved, remote learning will commence within 24-48 hours.
Additionally, please know that we are teaching right up until the end of our day at 3:15. Please work to limit interruptions to your child’s educational experience by reducing “early pickups” from school. This end of day time is valuable!
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
The Book Fair is right around the corner - its just going to look a little different this fall. We will be virtual this year and starting October 19th you and your children can browse the online store for some great additions to your home library while also benefitting the school. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details this week.
Hearing your voice in the reopening process continues to be important in making improvements to the learning experience. Dr. Addley sent a message last week announcing a few Zoom meetings that have been scheduled for parents to provide feedback on the In person and Remote Learning Models. Please note the dates and times for the Elementary meetings below.
- Tuesday, October 20 @ 10:00 Elementary
- Tuesday, October 20 @ 11:30 Elementary Special Education & Support Services
Login details and additional information will be provided later this week.
We hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weekend and look forward to 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!
October 17th:
- Mrs. Krystal Talarico - Speech Therapist
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SPECIAL EDUCATION ZOOM MEETING
For all interested parents, please join the Ox Ridge PTO for a Special Education Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 @10:00-11:00 AM. Christine Pochetti, Special Education and Student Services Facilitator, will be giving a presentation on The Communication Chain for Special Education & Student Support Services. This presentation will review roles/responsibilities of various special education team members and how parents can go about accessing important information on their child’s educational program.
Below is the Zoom link. The waiting room will open at 9:50 AM. We will record and share the presentation with parents who are unable to join.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 936 2949 3017
If you have any questions or are interested in joining but unsure (or concerned about privacy), please contact Christine Pochetti at (203) 655-2579 ext. 4691.
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DARIEN'S GIFTED PROGRAM GRADES 2-8
The Darien Public Schools recognizes the diverse needs of all students through the differentiation of a robust and rigorous curriculum that is engaging, meaningful, creative, and cognitively complex. Differentiation and choice exist within the general education program to serve all students within the social, emotional, and learning spectrums. The Darien Public Schools also recognize that gifted students require specialized instruction due to their high intellectual ability and exceptional demonstration of the following traits: original or divergent thinking, curiosity, abstract reasoning ability, passion for learning, and creativity.
The Idea Program offers distinct instruction for students in grades two through nine, based on their unique learning pathways, through rigorous, enriching, interdisciplinary programming through the domains of English Language Arts and Mathematics. The National Association for Gifted Children has identified common characteristics of gifted individuals which can be found by clicking here.
If you believe your child consistently demonstrates a preponderance of these traits, both in and out of the school setting, then you may want to discuss the possibility of a referral with your child’s teacher. Parents/guardians or teachers may make a referral for evaluation for students who are new to the district in grades 2-8 from October 12th-October 30th.
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OX RIDGE YEARBOOK LAST CALL FOR HOOTIE ARTWORK!
We include students' drawings of Hootie in the yearbook every year, and feature one drawing from a 5th grade artist on the cover. Please fill out this form and upload your artwork to be included! The due date is THIS Friday, October 16th.
YEARBOOKS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Purchase your yearbook by clicking this link! The cost is $22 per yearbook. 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 name, grade and homeroom teacher of the child who should receive the yearbook at the end of the school year.
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OX RIDGE OUTFITTERS - RESTOCKED SIZES
Oxridge outfitters has restocked sizes for their bestselling items $20 and under. Get in the spirit and get them before they’re gone! Orders are currently being hand delivered to local addresses
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VIRTUAL BOOK FAIR
Book fair is just around the corner, so get ready for a new way to enjoy our favorite school event this fall, right from the comfort of your own home! So get your fireplaces lit, grab a warm blanket and snuggle up on the couch with some hot cocoa and popcorn. Bookfair will start the week of October 19th and run for two weeks until November 1st. We will be virtual, and it will be just like shopping right there in our school library, where children can browse over books they are interested in. So schedule a time that works for you and your family over the week, and make it a fun event to shop with your kids for books while also benefitting the school!
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BOO GRAMS ARE BACK!
Support UNICEF in the coming weeks by sending a Boo Gram to your child, their classmates & friends (in-person and remote), a teacher or a faculty member.
- IN PERSON: look in your child’s backpack for information this week!
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REMOTE: click here for the forms if you wish to participate. When complete please place the Boo Gram envelope (it’s essential that it is marked with your OxRidge student/s name and ‘BooGram’) in the mailbox at 287 Mansfield Avenue.
The deadline for all BooGram submissions is October 21st. Please follow the delivery instructions and deadlines so we can ensure all students enjoy this fundraiser. E-mail Lara Doggett with any queries. There will be no coin boxes from Unicef this year however you can go to www.unicefusa.org/trick-or-treat for information about UNICEF’s virtual Coin Box fundraiser.
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SCHOOL PICTURE DAY
Mark your calendar! School Picture Day is coming Tuesday, October 27th . Remote Learners will have an opportunity to have their portraits taken on October 27th as well; 4 – 6pm has been set aside for our remote learners. A signup sheet will be shared with our remote learner families. Please visit www.Lifetouch.com for clothing suggestions, online payment details and more. Ox Ridge School Picture day ID#EVTCM8KPT
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BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION IS OPEN
This year, before and after school programming will be offered through Darien After School (DAS). All classes will be offered online by local teachers and vendors including Ox Ridge teachers, Ms. Hoffer and Ms. Hayes! Please note some classes start the week of October 5th while others will begin the week of October 26. Registration is rolling and new classes/sections have been added. To view the new schedule and register for programs, click here. Please reach out to Hayley (phone: 888.212.3837 / text: 203.524.2824) or Lia Stewart (617.515.0074) with any questions, suggestions, or ideas.
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HELP US EARN EXTRA DOLLARS FOR OX RIDGE!
Amazon Smile
Simply go to smile.amazon.com and select Ox Ridge Parent Teacher Organization. Bookmark your page and then, every time you shop, Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to the Ox Ridge PTO!
Shop and Stop
From now through March 14th, you can help Ox Ridge earn money every time you use your Stop & Shop Card! If you registered your card last year, you do not need to register again. If you have not registered your card, visit www.stopandshop.com and select SIGN IN at the top right to log into your online account. Once logged in, select MY ACCOUNT, REWARDS & PROGRAMS, then A+ SCHOOL REWARDS to select your school. You'll need your 13-digit Stop & Shop Card number and the School ID #06669. If you have any questions, you can email Ellie Davidson or Megan Malone or call Stop & Shop at 1-877-366-2668 and select OPTION #1.
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THRIVING YOUTH TIP OF THE WEEK |
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"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. The Community Fund of Darien/Thriving Youth
If you would like to learn more about the campaign, please visit:
Let's Get Talking - Thriving Youth
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STAND AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
On Sunday October 18th participate with the YWCA Darien/Norwalk as we LIGHT THE NIGHT against domestic violence. Join us in showing victims and survivors that they are not alone: they have a community, friends and neighbors standing with them. The luminaries will create a ribbon of light in front of your home, through your neighborhoods and throughout our town to visually recognize the increased prevalence of Domestic Violence since COVID-19. For more information and to purchase your kits visit: www.ywcadn.org/luminarykits
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FUN FOR MOMS AND DADS AT THE DARIEN ARTS CENTER
It's time for some fun for adults at the Darien Arts Center! All starting soon! Sign up now at darienarts.org for:
For questions, call (203) 655-8683. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall.
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OPUS FOR PERSON-TO-PERSON FUN ON THE FARM
Join us on Saturday, October 24th from 8:30 to 11AM for a fun-filled, family day at Silverman’s Farm!
- OPUS Fun on the Farm attendees will enjoy:
- VIP Parking
- Admission with a private entrance to Silverman’s Animal Farm
- A farm-themed goodie bag for each family
- A professional family photo taken by Sarah Starling of Elyett Photography (image downloads will be available for purchase after the event)
Beginning at 8:30, take advantage of our private check-in area where you will be able to purchase coffee, tea and yummy baked goods from the Bubble & Brew truck and have your professional family photo taken in front of a fall-themed backdrop. From 9-11 you will also be able to enjoy Silverman’s various attractions including the animal farm, pumpkin patch, and Country Market where you can stock up on all of your seasonal favorites including Silverman’s famous apple cider donuts. See you there!
Ticket price: $35 per family for OPUS members / $45 per family for non-members
Registration closes Oct. 21st but space is limited so be sure to register early before this family fun event sells out!
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OPUS FOR PERSON-TO-PERSON FALL & WINTER COAT DRIVE
OPUS for Person-to-Person is pleased to announce our annual coat drive benefiting Person-to Person's 'Keep Norwalk Warm' program. Beginning Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 25th, we will be collecting new and gently used coats in all sizes for adults and children. The Person-to-Person HQ will also host a drive-through donation day on Saturday, October 10th from 9am-12pm, where volunteers Stationed under an outdoor tent will provide a quick and contactless way to drop off coats. Last year, Person-to-Person provided over 900 coats to Norwalk city residents within a matter of hours. There is a great need for these new and gently used coats in typical times, and we are anticipating an even larger turnout this year due to the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. For a complete list of drop-off locations/addresses and an Amazon wishlist link for preferred coats and sizes, please visit opus4p2p.org.
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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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