Education
Unified Sports Ox Ridge 2018

On ‘Skills Day,’ Ox Ridge Continues Unique Role in Unified Sports

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Ox Ridge participated in its second Unified Sports “Skills Day” event recently as the only elementary school in the region sending a team. Unified Sports, which is a program associated with the Special Olympics, seeks to join students with and without a disability on sports teams for training and competition. All Unified Sports players are of similar age and matched by sport skill ability, according to the Special Olympics Connecticut website. The Special Olympics Unified Sports School Program, administered by CIAC, currently boasts a participation of more than 3,500 athletes and partners, in 200 schools throughout the state. Principal Luke Forshaw said the philosophy of Unified Sports is based on a simple idea: training and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

Education
Ox Ridge Students NC Nature Center

Ox Ridge Students Collaborate with Urban Peers While Learning About the Environment

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A group of Ox Ridge 4th graders took an expedition recently that went beyond just studying forest habitats at the New Canaan Nature Center. Joining 4th graders from Murphy Academy, which is part of the KT Murphy Elementary School in Stamford, Darien students participated in a first-of-its-kind cooperative learning program. Led by Domus, a non-profit human service organization, and the Stamford Public Schools, the program is designed to increase academic engagement related to environmental science and reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation. Principal Luke Forshaw said the Ox Ridge Parent Teacher Organization was a driving force behind connecting the cohort of urban and suburban students at the New Canaan Nature Center. He said the experience for the small group of students was worthwhile.

Education
Holmes School Veterans Day Palen Althoff

Darien Schools Hold Veterans Day Observances, Invite Veterans

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In honor of Veterans Day, the Darien Public Schools hosted a variety of assemblies and gatherings for students last week. The following is a snapshot of efforts to honor those who answered the call of duty. Hindley School

Over 30 veterans attended the 12th Hindley Veterans Day Share. Fourth and fifth grade students kept the school in a patriotic mood with songs like, “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.”  The question and answer portion of the assembly was informative. “Veterans answered the students’ questions with facts and stories that complimented their learning about this special day,” said Principal DJ Colella.

Education
Ox Ridge Hurricane Relief 10-24-17

Ox Ridge Students Help With Hurricane Relief in Puerto Rico, Texas

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In the wake of a devastating hurricane season, Ox Ridge students decided they wanted to help their peers who face the daunting task of putting their lives back together. For one Ox Ridge teacher, Elsa Agosto, the impact of Hurricane Maria and the students’ efforts has been more personal. Principal Luke Forshaw noted that Agosto, who teaches Spanish, has family in Puerto Rico. Maria knocked out much of the island’s infrastructure in mid-September. Returning power and getting food and water has been an on-going challenge since the storm, according to news reports. Agosto’s family survived the storm but has intermittent communication.