Hello OCRS families,
I can't believe that I'm typing this, but we're going into the final week of school before April Break! All OCRS students, teachers, and staff have been working hard since February and we know that everyone is looking forward to a break. It's going to be important for all of us to take some time to recharge so that we are ready for the final few months of school. This has been an extremely unusual school year for everyone, so we want to make sure that we finish strong right up until the last day of school on June 23rd.
"Back to School" Report from Dr. Paolucci
If you have not already read the latest "Back to School" report shared by Dr. Paolucci, please take a few moments to review it at https://www.smithfield-ps.org/article/435857. As usual, there is quite a bit of important information for all Smithfield families.
RICAS Assessments Beginning for 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grades this Week
RICAS Assessments begin this week for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. In-person students will be taking the RICAS English Language Arts test this Tuesday and Wednesday. Virtual learning students will be taking the RICAS English Language Arts test on Wednesday, April 28th at the Smithfield Schools Administration Building. Mr. Barrette will send additional information about RICAS testing to the families of all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.
Switching from Virtual Learning to In-Person Learning
As we get closer to the end of the school year, many of the students that began the year in virtual learning have switched to in-person learning here at school. At OCRS, and across all of the Smithfield Schools, we have worked extremely hard this year to keep students and staff healthy and safe while providing the best educational experience. We understand that it is a difficult decision for families whose student has been participating in virtual learning to decide when it's the right time to switch to in-person learning. All of the OCRS teachers and staff are committed to help any interested families make the transition go as smoothly as possible.
If your student is still participating in virtual learning and you would like them to switch to in-person learning at school, this is an excellent time to make the switch. The process for switching is simple; just email Mr. Barrette letting him know that you are interested in having your student switch to in-person learning and whether or not you would like bus transportation for your student. Mr. Barrette will work with you on your request and help arrange all of the details. No matter what decision families make for the remainder of this school year, all OCRS teachers and staff will continue to support all of our students whether they are at school in-person or participating in virtual learning.
Free Meals Available for Students During April Break
On Friday, April 16th, the Smithfield School Lunch Program will provide meals for the April Break. These meals are free and available to all children under the age of 18.
Please fill out the form at https://5il.co/r7f7 and return to OCRS if you would like to participate. Meal pick up will be at Smithfield High, Door #2 on Friday, April 16th from 11 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 10 Breakfasts per child and 10 Lunches per child will be provided.
Families Financially Impacted by COVID
We know that this has been a challenging year for many families. If your family has been financially affected by COVID and it has impacted your housing situation, there may be assistance available. Please reach out to our School Social Worker, Mrs. Michaella Costa at mcosta@smithfield-ps.org and she can let you know what resources may be available.
Mr. Barrette Will Be Out Until Thursday, May 6th
After the April Break, I am scheduled to be out for about a week and a half until Thursday, May 6th. I need to have surgery during April Break and my recovery is anticipated to take about two weeks. As much as I hate to be out of school during the school year, this surgery is unfortunately not something that can wait until the summer. I have been working with Dr. Paolucci to plan for my absence and we have been able to arrange to have a wonderful retired Smithfield principal, Mrs. Donna Olson, cover OCRS while I am out. Mrs. Olson will be visiting the school this Thursday so that she and I can go over the important routines and protocols that we currently have in place. Mrs. Olson taught at OCRS before becoming a principal, so she knows some of the teachers and staff and she is familiar with the school. I know that the OCRS students, teachers, and staff are in good hands with Mrs. Olson until I am able to return.
PTA Information
SilverGraphics Fundraiser Online Shop Closes on April 18th
Old County Road School's Online Art Shop closes on April 18th, so get those orders in! Families can use the link below and unique access code to find their student's artwork AND upload additional artwork if you so choose. All proceeds will benefit the 5th grade committee to make our 5th grade students' final year at OCRS memorable.
Go to www.silvergraphics.com/shop and enter ACCESS CODE: OCRSart21
For questions, contact our School SilverGraphics Coordinator: Stefanie Howell at stefaniedhowell@yahoo.com
Chipotle Fundraiser
Support the OCRS PTA and get a great meal! Just visit Chipotle on 371 Putnam Pike on Saturday, April 24th between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and let them know that you want your purchase to support Old County Road School. If you order online or use the Chipotle app, use code KC84VA6 and your order will also support the OCRS PTA!
Upcoming Dates and Events
Student BinaxNOW COVID Testing at School, Monday April 12th
RICAS ELA testing for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students begins Tuesday April 13th
Spring Recess/April Break, April 19th through April 23rd
OCRS PTA Chipotle Fundraiser, Saturday April 24th from 4:00 to 8:00
One-time COVID PCR Testing at School, Tuesday April 27th
RICAS ELA testing for virtual learning students on Wednesday April 28th
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
4th and 5th graders enjoying outdoor recess
