Hello OCRS families,
Well, the weather has FINALLY started to turn more "Spring-like" so I hope that you were able to get outside to enjoy some of the sun and warmer temperatures this weekend. I know that, at least for myself, getting outside in the sun can really help to improve our overall mood and we all certainly could use some of that during this difficult time!
Schedule for this Week
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week will be typical online learning days following the schedule and routine that each classroom teacher has established. This Wednesday is a "Flexible Learning" Day for all Smithfield elementary students; please see below for more details. As a reminder, here are the days that have been added to the Smithfield and OCRS calendar through June 12th:
May 6th (Wednesday) - Flexible Learning Day
May 15th (Friday) - Vacation Day
May 20th (Wednesday) - Flexible Learning Day
May 25th (Monday) - Memorial Day Holiday
June 1st (Monday)- Flexible Learning Day
Wednesday, May 6th is a "Flexible Learning" Day
This Wednesday, May 6th, is a "Flexible Learning" Day for all Smithfield elementary students. There is online learning for students on Wednesday, May 6th, but there won't be any "live" teaching via video because the teachers and staff will be participating in professional development and collaboration on Wednesday.
- Teachers will post a few low-key activities in Google Classroom or SeeSaw (K-2) for students to engage in on Wednesday. Some examples will be to finish up owed work, spend time completing STEM and Itinerant projects, read to someone in your house (or read silently), play a math game, draw something that you learned about this week, etc.
- Students do NOT need to adhere to any specific schedule or time requirements this Wednesday. We know that students and families may appreciate a less structured and asynchronous learning day.
- Please don't forget to sign your child into the online attendance form on this Wednesday because Smithfield and RIDE are still counting this Wednesday as a school day.
Pick-up of students' personal items
All four elementary schools have been working with Dr. Paolucci to put together a plan for families to come and pick-up any personal items or medication that their children may still have at school. Students in some classrooms and grade levels had already taken home all of their personal belongings on our last day in school back in March. However, students in other classrooms and grade levels left some personal items in their desks and/or lockers that we need to get back to families.
Mr. Barrette, Mrs. Gaule, and Mrs. Fortin are going to be working on Monday and Tuesday to clear out all student desks and lockers of any remaining personal items, assemble those items in bags labeled with student's names, and get them organized to be picked up. Mrs. Forte will also be working to organize student medication and individualized health plans. All four elementary schools will be setting aside this Wednesday, May 6th for the pick-up of these items by families. Because not all students will have personal items that need to be picked up, Mr. Barrette will send out an email ONLY to the families of the students that have personal items left at school. Mrs. Forte will contact families that have medication or individualized health plans that need to be picked up.
Please look for an email from Mr. Barrette with additional details on Monday and Tuesday. If you do not receive an email, then your child does not have any personal items that need to be picked up.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
The week of May 4th is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week and this year, even more than other years, our teachers and staff have been doing an outstanding job supporting OCRS students and families. If you have a chance this week, take a moment to reach out to an OCRS teacher or staff member and let them know that they are appreciated!
Thank you to the OCRS PTA for the surprises that they have arranged for teachers and staff. We are thankful for all you do for our school and to support our teachers and staff!
Virtual Spirit Days this Week
The response from students and families to our Virtual Spirit Days has been terrific and the entire school community has enjoyed seeing examples of our students' creativity, kindness, and hard work during this period of online learning. This week, it seems fitting to focus on Teacher and Staff Appreciation for our two Virtual Spirit Days.
Tuesday, Draw a picture of an emoji to show your appreciation!
We encourage students to draw a picture of an emoji to show their appreciation for an OCRS teacher or staff member and share a picture of yourself holding the emoji (with your family's permission and help).
Thursday, Record a message to show your appreciation!
We encourage students, with the help and permission of their families, to record a short audio or video message of appreciation for an OCRS teacher or staff member and to share that message with Mr. Barrette.
Thank you,
Mr. Paul Barrette
#OCRSRocks
OCRS students showing off their super-power
