Ox Ridge Elementary School
September 5, 2021
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September 6th : NO SCHOOL; Labor Day
September 7th : NO SCHOOL; Rosh Hashanah
September 9th : Virtual OXR Open House
September 16th : NO SCHOOL; Yom Kippur
September 19th : Back to School Sunday Funday @ Highland Farm
September 28th : School Picture Day
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK |
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Hi All,
Welcome back to school! It was an absolutely awesome start to our 2021 – 22 school year. Thank you all for reviewing our procedures, protocols and tuning into your classroom teacher’s updates to assist in launching so smoothly.
A special thank you to this year’s PTO co-chairs, Libby Cook and Mary Elizabeth Garvey along with the entire organization for their efforts to welcome back students, staff and families with beautification and appreciation efforts.
As a reminder, here is a handy “Back to School” checklist to use as we continue to grow into this new year.
Thanks,
Luke
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Dear Ox Ridge Parents,
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year at Ox Ridge!
We hope the first week of school was a success for everyone and your children enjoyed seeing friendly faces (both new and old). We look forward to getting the OXR community together at the Back to School Sunday Funday, September 19th at Highland Farm – see more info below.
Important update - we will not be sending out weekly emails via your room parents this year. Therefore, the Hoot will be the primary source of communication. Please make sure to take a look every Sunday evening, so you will be informed of all the upcoming events at Ox Ridge.
Please join us in extending our appreciation to Dr. Forshaw and Mrs. Ulreich, along with our new secretary, Mrs. Begonja, our new head custodian, Mr. Kopec, and our additional assistant principal, Mrs. Sulzycki for all their hard work preparing the school for the students’ return. We also want to give a big congratulations to Mrs. Ulreich for getting married over the summer; and Dr. Forshaw welcomed a new baby boy, Reed, into his lovely family!
We hope you will reach out to us anytime if you are interested in getting involved or need help with anything Ox Ridge related.
XO OX,
Mary Elizabeth & Libby
PTO Co-Chairs
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Mary Elizabeth Garvey
(404) 538-2831
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Libby Cook
(646) 483-5555
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SUNDAY FUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 19TH
Join us on September 19th from 3-5 pm at Highland Farm (560 Middlesex Rd) for a Sunday Funday. Bring the whole family to celebrate Back to School! Grit Ninja will provide some amazing obstacles and games, dance with the DJ, and bring cash to enjoy a Mr. Softee or Kona Ice Truck treat with friends.
Ticket price is $10 per person
*Under 4yrs old are free
RSVP by Wednesday, September 15th. Please fill out the waiver for Grit Ninja if any of your children plan on participating in the various climbing courses, balance or field games. Liability Waiver | TheGritNinja
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OX RIDGE VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH
- ELP 6:00 - 6:30
- Special education teachers, SLPs and School Psychologists, Special Education and Student Support Facilitator and SRBI specialists - 6:30 p.m. – 7:00
- Specialist teachers (art, music, p.e., world language and library) - available 6:30 to 7:00
- Grades K and 1 classrooms - 7:00 p.m. – 7:30
- Grades 4 and 5 classrooms - 7:30 p.m. – 8:00
- Grades 2 and 3 classrooms - 8:00 p.m. – 8:30
- Luke, Christina and Lindsay – 6:30 – 8:30
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SCHOOL SUPPLIES
If you are still in need of school supplies, please click here for a list of supplies by grade. The Kindergarten supply list will be communicated directly by your child's teacher.
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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!
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MABELS LABELS
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! Ox Ridge PTO has teamed up with Mabel's Labels, which 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.
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NEW OX RIDGE SPIRITWEAR IS NOW ON SALE
Get in the back-to-school spirit with Ox Ridge gear! We are thrilled to launch our new line of Ox Ridge spiritwear! The full product assortment can be purchased at our online store (oxridgeoutfitters.com) until September 19th and will be delivered to local addresses. We will also have products on display and for sale at Sunday Funday. Go ahead and grab your size today! Happy Shopping!
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow the Ox Ridge PTO on Facebook and Instagram (@oxridgepto) to see updates and photos of Ox Ridge activities and events.
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THANK YOU to the following PTO volunteers:
-Julia Swan & Sandra Sadowski (Welcoming) Organized buddy families for new families; planned playdates and welcome signs for new and Kindergarten families!
-Kermit Cook & Julia Swan (Hospitality) Hosted a wonderful Staff Luncheon for all OXR staff!
-Baye Larsen & Jeanne Zimmer (BTS Supplies) Coordinated school supplies for the students!
-Cindy Pages & Diane Sedlock (Beautification) Gave TLC to the entrance of OXR with a friendly banner, flowers, balloons, welcome signs and landscaping!
-Lauren McAnany & Jenn Moller (Bulletin Boards) Brightened the hallways to give students a warm & friendly welcome!
-Kerry Coppola (Website) Updated the PTO website (HUGE task)!
-Sara Osberg, Tory Bolton & Baye Larsen (The Hoot) Produce this extremely important mode of communication for our community!
-Many PTO “owls” flew around town putting Welcome Signs into yards!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following Ox Ridge Staff:
-Lauri-Ann Pirraglia (Paraprofessional) September 11th
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Psychologist Lisa Damour reminds parents seeking to connect with their children that, “They may receive the greeting “How was school?” as we would a cheerful: “Describe all the tedious things you did today!” Posing more specific questions usually helps. Asking, “What was the best, worst and funniest thing that happened today?” can move things in the right direction, especially when our tone conveys that we have no agenda or angle to pursue.
Talk early, talk often. Thriving Youth/The Community Fund of Darien
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GET YOUR CHILD BACK ON TRACK IN MATH!
IvyMath offers private online math tutoring and enrichment for students in grades 3-8. Our current back-to-school promotion includes a FREE personalized math assessment for your child and 6 FREE private math sessions. At IvyMath, your child will work one-on-one in focused, 30 minute sessions with a fun and engaging math instructor. IvyMath is the best way to make sure your child has a mastery of basic math fundamentals and gets a head start on more advanced concepts. Get started by scheduling a FREE assessment for your child at ivymath.com. After the assessment, we'll talk through your child's math strengths and weaknesses with you and set up a plan just for them, starting with six free sessions. Contact info@ivymath.com to schedule your free assessment or sign up now at ivymath.com.
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DARIEN SQUASH REGISTRATION
Calling all Darien kids interested in playing squash! Registration for the Fall 2021 Darien Squash program is now open! Kids in grades 3-8 will play at the Ox Ridge Club in Darien, and we are thrilled to announce our new program for kids in grades K-2 at the brand new MSQUASH location in SONO. This new program is specifically designed to introduce young players to squash in a fun and unique way. Visit www.msquash.com/Darien for K-2 information or dariensquash.com to register for grades 3-8! All levels welcome! For questions, please contact info@dariensquash.com
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DARIEN YMCA AFTER SCHOOL KIDS CLUB PROGRAMS
The Darien YMCA has openings in it's After School Kids Club Program. Kids Club is an ideal after-school program for children of active and working parents. Kids Club is a state-licensed program designed for children age 3 through 5th grade. Participating children can ride the “Y Bus” directly from their Darien school to the Kids Club program held at the Darien YMCA. There they are met by the Kids Club staff who create a supportive environment for after-school fun. Children may stay as late as 6:30 PM. Depending on the age of the children in the group, typical activities include homework time, indoor/outdoor games, snacks, arts and crafts, cooking, and special events. Whether in the gym or the classroom, Kids Club incorporates the national YMCA’s values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility in its curriculum. Kids Club follows the Darien public school calendar. The program operates during all early dismissal days and conference days. We welcome children of all abilities.
Registration for the 2021-2022 School Year is open. You can register online or at the YMCA front desk. For further info, contact Suzanne Richards, Director of Youth Development & Special Needs Programs at (203) 655-8228 ext 1331 or srichards@darien-ymca.org.
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LOBSTERS FOR LADDERS
The Town of Darien Firefighters' Foundation invites you to Lobsters for Ladders 2021, Saturday, September 11th, 6:00-10:00 PM at Weed Beach. Enjoy delicious food and cocktails and dance to the sounds of 80's cover band The Ronald Reagans. Paddle raise and silent auction to support Darien's three, all-volunteer fire departments. Tickets on sale now! We hope to see you there!
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DARIEN ROAD RACE REGISTRATION IS OPEN
The 41st annual Darien Road Race is scheduled for Sunday, September 19th @ Pear Tree Point Beach. There is a 1.5-mile fun run/walk and a 5-mile timed race as well as activities and silent auction under the Finish Line tent. This year, because of the pandemic’s impact on this population, all proceeds will go to vital programs, services and initiatives for Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford children and adolescents. Register here.
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REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLASSES AT THE DARIEN ARTS CENTER
DANCE students, ages 3 & up, train in one of the finest dance spaces in Fairfield County & have the unique opportunity to participate in multiple performances throughout the year. New this year: more Hip Hop & Boys Ballet!
ART CLASSES for Grades 1-8 include Cartooning, Drawing, Painting, Digital Illustration, Iphone Photography and NEW: Mixed Media & Collage. We have Calligraphy and fun Sip and Paint and Wreath Workshops for adults too!
Private MUSIC LESSONS include piano, guitar, voice, cello, viola & more. NEW this year: Group Guitar, Singing/Songwriting & Ukelele.
The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Rd, behind the Town Hall. Visit darienarts.org to register or for questions, call (203) 655-8683.
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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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