Hello OCRS families,
I wanted to share an update with all of you to ensure that you received the latest information from Dr. Paolucci, as well as some more specific information for OCRS. There is quite a bit of information overall, so please make sure to review everything listed below.
Virtual Learning Option
Dr. Paolucci sent out an email on Monday to all Smithfield families about a Virtual Learning option that the district is looking to offer to all families if the state chooses an in-person school reopening scenario. Dr. Paolucci also sent an email on Tuesday with some clarifying information, including that the deadline for families to fill out the form indicating their interest in the Virtual Learning option is August 12th. The reasoning behind a district-wide deadline of August 12th is so that teachers, specialists, and principals will have adequate time to plan for this additional learning option for our students.
You can find and view all of the details of the Virtual Learning option in the introduction of the online form at https://forms.gle/2dop9766LHKB6JQv8. Do not actually complete and submit the online form UNLESS you are interested in the Virtual Learning option, however all families are encouraged to view the form and review all of the information.
Parent/Family Forum Thursday, August 6th at 7:00 p.m.
An online Parent/Family Forum hosted by Dr. Paolucci is scheduled for this Thursday, August 6th, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the virtual option and answer any questions you may have. The information to log in or call in to the forum is below:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/673071381
You can also dial in using your phone.
1-866-899-4679 Access Code: 673-071-381
If you dial in using your phone, please remember to press *6 on your phone keypad after you are connected to mute your microphone.
Return to School Report #7
Last Friday Dr. Paolucci shared the seventh Smithfield "Return to School Planning Report" with all Smithfield families. If you have not yet read it or if you did not receive it, I strongly encourage you to read the weekly report in its entirety at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eG6j2gdeSwOuOKxe2P1NXe1hTrdX1Nr6_gYeQFReZcQ/edit.
Grade Level Supply Lists
Updated Grade Level Supply Lists have been posted on the Old County Road School website. You can always access them by going to the website at https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org, clicking on "Explore" and then "Parent Info". Here is a direct link to the posted list, https://5il.co/j5r0. These Grade Level Supply Lists are intended for an in-person return to school scenario. Some of the supplies listed would not be needed in the Distance Learning scenario or if a family chooses the Virtual Learning option.
Student Drop-off will Begin at 8:10 a.m. this year
In order to ensure that we are able to follow physical distancing guidelines for stable pods of students and provide proper supervision during student arrival, student drop-off will begin at 8:10 a.m. this year. This is a change of 15 minutes from the 7:55 a.m. drop-off beginning time from last year. I wanted to make sure to notify families of this change as soon as possible because I realize that this could necessitate some additional planning for families. All four elementary schools are making similar changes to our student drop-off and arrival procedures for this school year to accommodate physical distancing guidelines for stable pods of students.
Class Lists/Teacher Assignments shared on August 28th
Due to the need for flexibility this school year to accommodate the planning of multiple scenarios for the re-opening of school, class lists and teacher assignments for students in 1st grade through 5th grade will be shared with families on August 28th. All four elementary schools are going to need as much time as possible to balance and make adjustments to our class lists based upon the re-opening scenario selected by the state of RI later this month and which families select a Virtual Learning option for the beginning of the school year. Additional information for Kindergarten families will be forthcoming in the next week about Kindergarten screening and class placement.
I truly appreciate the support and positive outlook that OCRS families have demonstrated during this challenging time. No matter which school re-opening scenario is ultimately selected by the state of RI, OCRS teachers and staff are excited to begin to work with your children this school year!
Thanks,
Mr. Barrette
As we get closer to the re-opening of school, we will continue to communicate with families and staff about what changes may need to be made. Flexibility is going to be key for all of us. Please keep an eye on the "News" section of district and OCRS websites, as well as our Facebook pages for the most up to date information.
Smithfield Public Schools website "News", https://www.smithfield-ps.org/news
Smithfield Public Schools Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/smithfieldschools/
Old County Road School website "News", https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org/news
Old County Road School Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/OldCountyRoadSchool/