Ox Ridge Elementary School
October 17, 2021
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October 18th - 20th : Carnival Book Fair @ Ox Ridge
October 18th & 19th: Book Fair Family Nights (5:00-7:00pm)
October 18th – 27th : Boo Gram Collection
October 20th: Used Book Drive Ends
October 25th & 26th: Soro Bindi Performances @ Ox Ridge
November 3rd: Dr. Traci Baxley: Social Justice Parenting
November 11th: Virtual Veteran’s Day Program
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Missed last week's Hoot? Click here
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
Thanks to our Book Fair Committee and Mrs. Tabaka for her support of our upcoming book fair! I hope you all thoroughly enjoy the shopping experience. I encourage you to spend time with your child planning purchases based on both their personal and your family interests.
All home literacy activities - independent reading time, siblings reading to one another, and family read alouds - are powerful ways to value lifelong learning and literacy!
To help you in this process; here are two helpful tools for you to get inspired and guide your child with shopping. First up, Scholastic’s “Book Wizard” (also available on mobile devices through app stores) is a great resource for finding books based on reading level, grade level or topics of interest. Additionally, check out “Common Sense Media’s” annually updated list of “Best Books for Families”. There are loads of classic and modern books for your consideration!
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
It's going to be an exciting week ahead!! The Carnival Book Fair runs Monday through Wednesday, the Used Book Drive concludes Wednesday, Kids Care continues to collect coats for Person to Person, and BOO GRAMS are coming!! Lots to keep us all busy...
On a more serious note, we'd like to address recent events within the DPS community. Topics concerning curriculum (primarily at the secondary level), as well as recent incidents of discriminatory behavior at the high school, have both been subjects of much discussion and debate. For those that missed last Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, we encourage you to watch it here - in particular, the first 20 minutes, where BOE Chairman Duke Dineen delivers a powerful statement about coming together as a community. In addition, 4 very brave DHS students stood up during public comment to give personal testimony about their experiences with discrimination and hate. We applaud these young women for their courage and leadership. They demonstrated maturity and strength of character beyond their years.
We want all families to know that the Ox Ridge PTO is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Acts of hate and discrimination are unacceptable. We aspire to be leaders in our community's mission to make our schools a safe and inclusive place for all.
To that end, we believe that kindness is a building block for teaching our young children to be accepting and inclusive. With that principle in mind, our Ox Ridge Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee will be rolling out a series of initiatives to help teach and promote kindness among our students this year. Stay tuned for more details next week. In the interim, please reach out to us with any questions or concerns, or if you would like to get more involved with this important topic.
XO OX,
PTO Co-Chairs
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PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
All Ox Ridge Parents are invited to join us on Thursday, October 28th at 7pm at the Country Club of Darien! Ticket price of $45 includes wine, beer and light bites. Space is limited so please purchase your tickets soon! If you have any questions, please contact Samantha Bohlen.
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OX RIDGE YEARBOOK
Hootie artwork for the Yearbook!
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 Sunday, October 31st.
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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.
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THE OX RIDGE CARNIVAL-THEMED BOOK FAIR: OCT 18-20
The Ox Ridge Carnival-themed Book Fair begins tomorrow! We look forward to welcoming your children and their classes during the day, and hope to see you at the Family Shopping Nights Monday & Tuesday 5-7pm (4:30 early open for those needing a quieter shopping experience). And it’s not too late to donate to your teachers eWallet or to sign up for a shift in the evening to support the Fair.
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LET'S BOO THE SCHOOL
Ghosts will fill the halls spreading Halloween Spirit while raising money for our neighbors via Darien Human Services. Be on the lookout for Boo Gram info coming home with your child and click HERE for more details. Instead of sending Boo Grams to individuals this year, we are encouraging a collective effort to “Boo the School” – Students can place completed Boo Grams along with the requested donation in an envelope and drop it in the collection bin located in the vestibule between the front doors of Ox Ridge from October 18-27th. Click here for the Boo Gram "Ghosts". Please contact Jenn Moller and Jen Hite with questions.
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KIDS CARE CLUB COAT DRIVE
For October, the Kids Care Club is working on a Coat Drive to "Keep Norwalk Warm" with Person-to-Person. There is a collection box in the lobby of Ox Ridge School waiting to be filled. Person-to-Person is in need of new or gently used coats in any size, but there is a particular shortage of boys size 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. Last year, P2P provided over 450 coats to Norwalk city residents within a matter of hours. 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 drop!
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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PTO VOLUNTEERS
Adrienne Kelly (5th Grade Coordinator) for organizing a leadership opportunity for the 5th graders via the Used Book Drive to benefit the Darien Book Aid and local non-profits/schools!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING OX RIDGE STAFF
Miss Kelly Milicia (Teacher) on October 19th
Mrs. Kristen Turkosz (Teacher) on October 23rd
Mr. Austin Rooney (Building Sub) on October 24th
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Grounding techniques help children (and adults!) tolerate stress and bring us back to the present moment. Here’s one grounding technique to practice with your child this week. Take a deep breath and look for five things you can see (a tree, a picture frame, a mug), four things you can feel (socks, a pillow, my watch) 3 things you can hear (wind in the air, traffic outside), 2 things you smell (if you can’t smell anything at the moment, you can name your 2 favorite smells) and 1 thing you taste. Try practicing a grounding technique with your child to relax before bed or on a walk this week.
Talk early, talk often. Thriving Youth/The Community Fund of Darien
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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.
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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.
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TWEEN POP-UP GROUP SERIES
Thursday, October 21st, 3:30-5, Coromandel
Thursday, October 28th, 3:30-5, Bodega Taco Bar
Join us for culture, food, and fun! This month the Tween Pop-Up Group series will meet in three popular restaurants in town and experience some of the food, music, rituals and traditions from each culture. Tweens will learn about how different folks show up in the world and ask questions in a safe environment. The Tween Pop-Up Group series was created by Dr. Amanda Craig of MMFT to offer a place in the community for children ages 9-12 to discuss difficult issues, learn about themselves and grow in their understanding of the world around them. FREE! Open to 10 Tweens between 9 and 12 years old. Sign up at https://forms.gle/s2xzaQWLF4AqGcRB6 OR call (917) 510-6422.
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FAMILY FUN DAY
Sunday, October 24th, 11-2pm, Darien YMCA
Admission is $30 per family. Activities include a DJ, pumpkin decorating, bake sale, frame making station, keychain decorating, bag decorating, candy shop, magic show, pony rides, bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, nail painting, face painting, balloon animals, spin art, Heights Pizza, a Hot Dog Cart from Uncle’s Deli and Make - Modern’s Art Kart! Tickets can be purchased online through the Darien YMCA. We hope to see you there!
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MUSIC FOR YOUTH: DHS HALLOWEEN ORCHESTRA CONCERT
Thursday, October 28th, 7pm
Click here to view an invitation for current and future elementary musicians to a fabulous Darien High School Halloween Orchestra concert. You and your families are invited to the DHS Orchestra concert: "A Swashbuckler's Saga" on Thursday, October 28th at 7pm in the Darien High School auditorium, with a special guest performance by the Middlesex Middle School 8th grade orchestra. Come see what all the fun is about and hear the awesome music. Costumes welcome.
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MOM'S MORNING IN ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARADE
Friday, October 29th, 10am
It’s back! Our parade is a colorful tradition! Dress up your little ones and bring a bag for trick-or-treating at the doors of local Darien merchants along the Post Road. Meet at the parking lot next to the Darien Fire Station opposite Post Corner Pizza. As a safety precaution because of the number of participants and proximity on the sidewalk, we are encouraging masking. And we have decided not to host the gathering in Tilley Pond Park for the Amazing Andy magic show after the parade (hopefully next year!).
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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.
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ELECTION DAY BASKETBALL CLINIC
Tuesday, November 2nd, at MMS (small and large gyms)
Support the Girls and Boys DHS Basketball Programs! 3rd-5th grade 9:00-10:30 and 6th-8th grade 11:00-12:30. Space is limited, sign up now! Your sons and daughters will be coached by current Varsity DHS Basketball Coaches, Melba Chamberlin, Charoy Bentley (2017 FCIAC Coach of the Year) and Sam Wilson along with jv and varsity players. It’s a great way to work on dribbling, passing and shooting to get ready for the upcoming house and travel seasons. Please RSVP name, grade and emergency contact to Missy Fiorita for boys (mpfiorita@optonline.net), RSVP to Lori Darby for girls (darbyloriz@gmail.com) and bring $40.00 cash or check made out to DHS with Election Day Clinic in the memo. Please have your child bring their own labeled water bottle and mask. We will have mini BlueWave basketballs and baked goods for purchase along with some fun silent auction experiences to bid on to help our programs meet our fundraising goals.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE PARENTING VIRTUAL EVENT
Wednesday, November 3rd, 7-8pm via Zoom
Barrett Bookstore, the Council of Darien School Parents, Darien Library, Ragetime CT and the YWCA of Darien and Norwalk are thrilled to welcome Dr. Traci Baxley for a virtual conversation as she celebrates the release of her new book: Social Justice Parenting, How to Raise Compassionate, Anti-Racist, Justice-Minded Kids in an Unjust World. Register HERE. Participants will automatically be emailed the link to the Zoom webinar. Click HERE for more info.
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YWCA USA NATIONAL WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE
Check out the unique opportunities offered through the YWCA Darien/Norwalk to focus on domestic violence awareness and prevention: Krav Maga Self Defense Introductory Class and Community Yin Yoga & Meditation Event. Details at https://ywcadn.org.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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