Ox Ridge School
September 20, 2020
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September 21st - September 25th (Mon-Fri):
- School in person or remote, alternating by last name (A-K in-school Mon/Wed, and L-Z in-school Tues/Thurs), and Friday remote for all students with early dismissal (1:30pm)
September 28th (Mon):
September 29th (Tues):
- All students return for in-person learning
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October 3rd (Sat):
- Family Photo Day at Farm Creek Preserve and Weed Beach
October 4th (Sun):
- Family Photo Day at Cherry Lawn and Weed Beach
October 8th (Thurs):
- PTO Speaker Series Zoom: Tips & Tricks to Recognizing Anxious Behavior vs. Anxiety (Cristina Young, LSCW)
October 27th (Tues):
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
As we prepare to scale up operations of the school to welcome back our entire student body in full on the 29th, I’d like to share some insights about our daily drop off and pick up times for students.
With many thanks to our entire drop off and pick up team, alongside thanks for your parental patience and attention to direction(s) in the parking lot, we have been able improve our safety and efficiency in the parking lot daily! Please know that our “window” for student drop off in the morning is effectively from 8:55 – 9:25. I will share that if you’d like to both avoid some morning congestion and assist in spacing out student arrival, you can pull into the school any time during that window for an “on-time” drop off.
Similarly, in the afternoon we begin pickups around 3:17 but will have staff on site through 3:45 if needed. If your schedule permits, joining the pickup line after the process has already begun will also lessen congestion and likely lead to a quicker experience in our parking lot.
Finally, our transportation office has recently sent out a notice to families about opting back onto the bus. If you’d like to get your child onto a bus, that will certainly help as we come back together as a full school on the 29th. Simply reach out to Mrs. Kate Barbieri to get your child back on a bus.
Please continue to check your email for additional updates from our district and me about next steps in safely welcoming back all students on the 29th!
On a separate note, please see this technology help guide created by Mrs. Calla Tabaka along with all the district's library media specialists.
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Families,
We know it has been difficult for everyone, as we are in unfamiliar territory. So we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Ox Ridge teachers and staff for weathering the storm and showing up every day with a smile on your faces. Our children go to school for an education, but in the classroom and playground, they also learn to collaborate with peers, show compassion for those who may be struggling, resolve conflicts, and share laughs with people they never expected. This is all fostered by our teachers and staff who energize and motivate our children every day.
We would also like to thank all of the parents for being patient, both with their children and their teachers, and for supporting Ox Ridge - whether it be on the PTO board, as a room parent, by donating class supplies, or by simply extending a "thank you" to your child’s teacher or other staff-member.
As we all anxiously await a full reopening on September 29th, we hope everyone has 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!
September 25th:
- Mrs. Tara Hughes (Lrn. Ctr. Tchr.)
September 26th:
- Mrs. Sharon Amato (Paraeducator)
September 27th:
- Mrs. Michelle Schaller (Speech Therapist - ELP)
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FAMILY PHOTO DAY FUNDRAISER
We are in need of volunteers to greet families attending the Ox Ridge Photo Day Fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 3rd and Sunday, Oct. 4th. The shifts are in 1 to 2-hour increments from 8:15am-5:45pm at Cherry Lawn, Weed Beach, or Farm Creek Preserve in Rowayton. This is a great way to meet Ox Ridge families, and your kids can simultaneously play at the parks/beaches! Feel free to split your slot with a friend so that you each take half of the time. Please signup here and email Beth Morgan with any questions. Your help is so appreciated!
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IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT BUS TRANSPORTATION
We wanted to remind parents that if you opted out of bus transportation you can always opt back in at any time with written notice to Kate Barbieri, Transportation Coordinator and we will be happy to add your child to the appropriate bus within 48-72 hours but will strive to get students assigned as soon as possible. As a reminder, all students and drivers will be required to wear a mask on the bus unless there is a medical reason that prevents students from safely wearing a mask. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Kate Barbieri.
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FAMILY PHOTO DAY FUNDRAISER
There are only 2 spots remaining for the annual Ox Ridge Family Photo Day Fundraiser on October 3rd and 4th, where the talented Karen Morneau will be taking pictures of your family at Cherry Lawn, Farm Creek Preserve, or Weed Beach! See details and sign up here to secure one of the remaining spots before they are gone. A payment request for the $75 sitting fee will be sent to you directly after you signup. Please email Beth Morgan with any questions.
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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PHOTOS NEEDED
The Ox Ridge yearbook committee is going to need your help this year. It will be a challenge to collect in-class photos, as parents are currently not allowed in the school. Therefore, first day of school pics would be a wonderful contribution. Please email your pics to [email protected]. We will continue to need parent submissions throughout the year and love shots of more than one child. However, if you are taking photos with friends or neighbors, please make sure to practice social distancing and wear masks. Thank you so much for your help documenting this very different year!
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SCHOOL DIRECTORY IS AVAILABLE
The Ox Ridge School Directory is LIVE! The web-based directory is available on the A to Z Connect platform. The Directory is accessible as a downloadable app on your smartphone device or anytime online. First time log-in at the beginning of the school year requires a quick verification and confirmation of household information. You may "opt in" (i.e., contact information publicly available) or "opt out" (i.e., contact information hidden) of the Directory. Follow these instructions to access the Directory. Please contact Mia Kim with any questions.
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BEGINNER BAND REGISTRATION FOR 4TH AND 5TH GRADE STUDENTS
In case you missed the Beginner Band Recruitment Presentation and would like to join the band this school year, please click here. We will be having in-school band lessons this year. Full band rehearsals are on hold for now, or may be held virtually. We are taking some special precautions due to COVID-19, including 12-foot spacing between students, special covers we will be distributing to students to place over the ends of their instruments, and the use of puppy pads as a receptacle to empty water valves. If you have questions about resuming instrumental music safely in school, you can contact Colleen Thompson, Director of Music in the Darien Public Schools. We are hoping to begin Band lessons in mid-September. Please feel free to reach out to Colin Walters, Elementary Band Director, if you have any questions or concerns.
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SPECIAL OFFER AT MABEL'S LABELS FOR OX RIDGE FAMILIES
Now that we're back to school, it's more important than ever to make sure every single one of your child's items is labeled! This year, Ox Ridge PTO has teamed up with Mabel's Labels, who has an incredible selection of labels across all price points (and free shipping!). Best of all, every purchase will support Ox Ridge and ensure that the PTO has the resources needed to continue to support our amazing community. Just click here and make sure to search for and select "Ox Ridge" before you begin shopping. Thank you for your support!
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SCHOOL LUNCH AVAILABLE VIA NUTRISLICE APP
As in past years, children may purchase a lunch or they can bring their own lunch to school. To order lunches, download the new Nutrislice app. When registering you will be asked for your child's ID. Use the "local ID" from ASPEN. Nutrislice can be used to order your child's lunch up to a week in advance, but day-of orders must be entered no later than 7.30am. Separately, you will also need to set up a payment account through k12paymentcenter.com if you don't already have one. If your child had a balance from last year it will carry over to this year. Questions should go to Director of Dining Services, Meghan Bendish.
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DAISY GIRL SCOUTS
Kindergarten Daisy Girl Scout Troop #50470 is starting (virtually!) this year at Ox Ridge! Daisy Girl Scouts is a great introduction to the GS mission of building up girls with courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place, all while having fun and getting to know some of their fellow Kindergarten schoolmates. To join us, please contact Jolene Langer and Chris Keay for all the details.
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OX RIDGE BUILDING COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Ox Ridge Building Committee (ORBC) is pleased to announce that the Darien Board of Education has unanimously approved the final design plans for the construction of a new Ox Ridge School. Next, the ORBC will submit the plans to the state for review and approval to bid. Phase I of construction is planned to begin on campus in November and last through January 2022. Phase II will see students moving into the academic wing of the new building in February 2022 while the assembly wing is constructed (estimated to finish February 2023). Additional information can be found on the ORBC page of the town website. Please contact ORBC member and Ox Ridge parent, Kadi Lublin, with any questions.
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THRIVING YOUTH TIP OF THE WEEK |
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In their book Option B, Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant explain that we can help our children build resilience by reinforcing four core beliefs: (1) they have some control over their lives; (2) they can learn from failure; (3) they matter as human beings; and (4) they have real strengths to rely on and share. Sandberg and Grant reference a study of at-risk children, who despite their hardships, matured into “competent, confident, caring adults.” These resilient children shared something: they felt they had power to shape their own lives. They viewed negative events not as threats, but as challenges and even opportunities. This week, reframe a challenge with your child. Ask the question, “While you can’t control X, what will you choose as your response?”
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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AFTER SCHOOL ANIMAL CARETAKING PROGRAMS AT THE NATURE CENTER
Know an animal lover? At the Darien Nature Center's after-school animal caretaking programs, students will get up close and personal with the many species of native and exotic animals we house here! We'll learn what is required to keep each unique creature happy and healthy. In an effort to provide COVID-conscious education, any programming that can be moved outdoors will be, and students will be masked while inside (staff will be masked at all times). Space is limited! Click here for more information or to register.
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JOIN OPUS FOR PERSON-TO-PERSON!
OPUS for Person-to-Person is an organization of women dedicated to supporting Person-to-Person in their mission to create educated, financially stable, and hunger-free homes for all. Far too many people right here in Fairfield County are struggling to make ends meet. As the only fundraising arm of Person-to-Person, OPUS is proud to help those struggling in our community with food, clothing, emergency assistance and scholarship programs. We do this by hosting fundraisers each year, volunteering regularly, and generating awareness of Person-to-Person programs.In the process, we have created lasting friendships and proven that women united in a shared goal is a pretty powerful thing. Learn more about becoming a member at opus4p2p.org.
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BABY BASICS EVENT SEPTEMBER 26TH
OPUS for Person-to-Person will be hosting a Baby Basics event on Saturday, September 26th from 11am-2pm at St. Luke's in Darien. Volunteers are needed to gather socially distanced underneath an outdoor tent to assemble newborn layettes for mothers in need while also getting to know OPUS members. Please email [email protected] to sign up for a time slot and/or visit opus4p2p.org to donate. We look forward to seeing you there!
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THE WAY THINGS USED TO BE
YWCA Parent Awareness and Family Centers have partnered to bring parents an important Webinar: THE WAY THINGS USED TO BE: moving forward through loss and grief with meaning and hope. Tuesday September 22nd, 5:30-6:30 PM. Chelsea McGee LSCW from Center of Hope and Julianne Green, LMSW, from the Den of Grieving Kids will lead an open discussion about how parents can begin to find meaning and hope as they navigate the grief and uncertainty the pandemic has created for their families and themselves. How do parents make sense of losing school as we knew it, sports as they used to be, the loss of children's milestones and traditions and still move on with hope and positivity? Registration is required.
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FREE "PARENTING IN THE PANDEMIC" WEBINAR
The Darien Arts Center, in collaboration with the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, is hosting the free Child Guidance Center Webinar Series, “Parenting During the Pandemic”. Middle School and High School parents are invited to tune in through Zoom on Tuesday, September 15 at 7:30pm, and Elementary School parents are invited on Tuesday, September 22 at 7:30pm. Featured speakers of the talks are Georgette Harrison, Clinical and Community Partnerships Director and Jessica Welt, CEO and Clinical Director, both of CGC. Sandi Kornblum, CGC’s Communication and Events Manager will moderate both talks. Register at darienarts.org to receive the Zoom link to the Tuesday night talks. To find out more, call (203) 655-8683.
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DARIEN SCOUTING OPEN HOUSE 10/3!
While many youth activities have gone virtual or been cancelled altogether due to the pandemic, Darien Scouting has continued to provide programs for local youth to enjoy fun outdoor activities, build leadership skills, make lifelong friends, and provide valuable community service, all while following Covid-19 safety procedures. Darien Scouting has programs for boys and girls grades K-12. Programs are up and running and new Scouts can join any time. Stop by the Scout Cabin at 140 West Avenue on Saturday, October 3 from 2-5pm to see the Scouts in action, participate in fun activities, and learn more about the Darien Scouting programs, or email [email protected] any time for program and registration information.
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SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and there has never been a more critical time to focus on depression and our mental health. Our lives have been disrupted by COVID-19, social distancing, and unprecedented economic challenges. Suicidal behaviors are a psychiatric emergency. If you or someone you know starts to take any of these steps, call 911, seek immediate help, or call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Darien Human Services is available to parents and families by telephone or email to provide supportive counseling and referrals to necessary services and resources. Please call 203-656-7328 Monday-Thursday 8:00am to 5:15pm or email at [email protected]. All information is strictly confidential.
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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 [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.
See what's happening on our social media sites:
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