Hello OCRS families,
As we approach the Holiday Break, it is more important than ever that we all continue to be as diligent as possible in following the COVID guidelines to ensure that our students and staff are healthy and safe going into the Holiday Break. Your cooperation has been crucially important these past three months. Thank you in advance for your continued cooperation and support this week!
No In-person Learning on Monday, 12/14 (Parent-Teacher conferences)
Just a reminder that there will be no in-person learning on Monday, 12/14 as the teachers will be participating in staff meetings and parent-teacher conferences through the evening. However, this does not mean that no learning will be taking place on Monday!
- Virtual learning students will work with their virtual learning tutor as usual following the same schedule they normally have on any Monday.
- In-person learning students should have received ELA and Math assignments to work on from their classroom teachers.
Distribution of Report Cards by Monday, 12/14
Students' families will be receiving their Trimester 1 report cards by Monday, December 14th. Report cards will be shared with each family electronically. Report cards are based on year end goals, so the Trimester 1 Report Card indicates progress demonstrated during this period of learning towards the year end goals. Teachers have worked together with their colleagues across the district to make sure that the information that parents receive accurately reflects the learning that is taking place.
Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday, 12/14
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for Monday, 12/14. This year, all conferences will be held virtually either by video conference or by phone. All conferences will be scheduled by appointment between 1:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Parents should have received an email from their child's teacher(s) inviting them to schedule a conference time slot on 12/14. If you have not received this email, please reach out to your child's teacher.
December Spirit Days
We would like to give students and staff an opportunity to have some fun together and celebrate our OCRS spirit each Friday during December. While we always encourage students and staff to wear their OCRS Spirit Gear on Mondays and Fridays, we thought that some special theme days would make December extra fun! As usual, participation is encouraged, but not mandatory.
Friday, December 18th: Ugly (or Holiday Themed) Sweater Day
Wear your favorite ugly or holiday themed sweater to school (in-person or virtual) on Friday! Holiday themed sweaters can be for any December holiday.
Switch to Distance Learning on Monday, December 21st
After a review of the data in COVID cases in Smithfield Schools and discussions about staff shortages, the school committee voted to switch the four elementary schools to full distance learning beginning Monday, December 21st through Wednesday, December 23rd. The switch to full distance learning is for all students including those who are currently in the virtual option. Please see the Distance Learning Guide below for additional information.
Elementary Distance Learning Guide for Students and Families
For families requiring school meals, free breakfast and lunch are available to all students through the end of the school year. Meals are picked up at the high school at door #2 (gym doors) from 11 am - 12 pm. For more details, please see the linked Free School Meal Flyer.
Smithfield schools will remain in full distance learning through the holiday break. When school begins on January 4th, we will either remain in full distance learning, transition to the limited in-person scenario, or return to school in-person depending on the conditions and/or decisions made at the state level.
Emergency Heating and Living Expenses Assistance
The Tri-County Community Action Agency provides emergency heating assistance and living expenses assistance to families in need. Please see the two linked flyers below for additional information or call 401-351-2750 to speak with someone about assistance.
Heating Assistance Information (PDF)
Emergency Living Costs Assistance Information (PDF)
Upcoming Dates and Events
Parent-Teacher Conferences (No in-person learning for students), Monday 12/14
Ugly (or Holiday) Sweaters, Friday December 18th
Switch to Distance Learning for All Students, Monday December 21st
Holiday Break, NO SCHOOL, 12/24-1/1
Ongoing thanks to OCRS families for your Patience, Flexibility, and Empathy. Those three words are guiding us throughout this school year and we will all need to continue to make adjustments as the year progresses. As long as we approach those adjustments with the best interests of our students as our priority, I am confident that this will continue to be a safe and successful year.
Sincerely,
Mr. Barrette
Silly (or Holiday) Hats Spirit Day
