Hello OCRS families,
It's our final full week of school (last day is next Wednesday, June 23rd) and it's FIELD WEEK! Fortunately, besides some showers forecasted for tomorrow, the weather looks like it will be comfortable and clear for our OCRS Field Week. I'm not exactly sure how Mr. Gruczka did it, but he arranged for perfect weather for daily fun and exciting outdoor activities for the OCRS students.
Because students will be outdoors for each 45-minute Field Day daily activity, please send your child to school wearing sunscreen to keep them safe from sunburn.
Kona Ice for all Students on Monday Afternoon; Ingredients List
As we shared a few weeks ago, the OCRS PTA is funding a cool and sweet treat for all OCRS students to kick-off Field Week on the afternoon of Monday, June 14th. Kona Ice will be visiting OCRS at 1:00 and providing a frozen treat for every student that would like one! Please see the linked document below for ingredient listings for every potential flavor that will be available on that day. Contact Mr. Barrette and Mrs. Forte with any questions or concerns about food allergies. This list of ingredients was also shared as part of the Update for the Week of June 6th.
Listing of Kona Ice flavors and ingredients for each flavor
Field Week this Week
The theme of Field Week this year is "How We Work Together". Students will participate in daily activities that will challenge them to communicate, problem solve and collaborate. Mr. Gruczka has challenged himself to create daily fun outdoor opportunities for the OCRS students. The activities have been designed to adjust for student ability and age and we are all excited to see how much fun our students have each day. We will be sure to share pictures with families!
Ms. Rochefort, one of our 5th grade teachers, also had some terrific ideas to make Field Week an opportunity for students and staff to demonstrate their school spirit. We encourage all students to get creative each day this week with the themes below and show their OCRS spirit!
Monday, Tie Dye Day: Wear anything tie dye or that has mixed colors!
Tuesday, Sports Team Day: Wear your favorite sport team themed gear! You can even wear gear from a team that you play on as a member!
Wednesday, Hawaiian/Beach Day: Wear your most fun Hawaiian, beach, or vacation themed clothes!
Thursday, Mix and Match Day: Wear different shoes, colors, socks, and different patterns! It's OK to be silly!
Friday, OCRS Spirit Day: Wear your OCRS Spirit Gear or anything that has the OCRS colors of green, white, and gold!
New Construction Staging at Student Drop-Off and Pick-up
Just a quick "heads up" that this weekend the construction company moved their staging and fencing to prepare for the next phase of work that is beginning this week. This new staging is located right at the end of the student drop-off and pick-up traffic pattern, but it will not change the actual drop-off and pick-up routine itself. I wanted to share this information with families to prevent any surprises on Monday morning.
Virtual Book Fair is Open AGAIN!
You’re invited to shop our Scholastic Book Fair online from June 1st to June 14th! All purchases benefit our school and connect kids with new books, favorite characters, complete series, and more.
You’ll love the NEW option to shop for Book Fair exclusives directly from the interactive booklist and enjoy these special online shopping features:
- Over 6,000 items, including new releases, best sellers, and value packs
- All orders ship direct to home
- FREE shipping on book-only orders over $25*
- All purchases support our school and earn 25% in rewards
Visit our Book Fair Homepage and click “Shop Now” to get started:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/oldcountyroadschool
Chromebook Distribution for the Summer
This information was sent out to families last Friday and this is simply a reminder.
We are excited to share that every student at OCRS will take their school Chromebook home this summer. The goal is for students to use this technology as an opportunity to continue learning throughout these months. Many students are also taking advantage of our summer impact programs and will need the Chromebook to connect with Smithfield educators.
In addition to the Chromebook, students will also receive a charger and case. Students are responsible for bringing all three items back to school in September. If your family moves during the summer and your child will not be returning to a Smithfield school, you are responsible for returning all three items; Chromebook, charger, and case. Thank you!
In order for your child to receive their Chromebook, charger, and case, you need to complete the following form by June 15th. Please fill this out for each child that is currently enrolled at OCRS.
https://forms.gle/VEyKiGfZm8SE4fuW9
Preparing for the Return of School Volunteers Next Year
While we don't yet know what guidelines and protocols will be in place for the beginning of the next school year, we want to give parents and family members a head start in getting ready to volunteer at school again. We have really missed having parent and family volunteers working at OCRS this year and we're looking forward to welcoming volunteers back to OCRS as soon as possible next year.
All Smithfield school volunteers are required to have a yearly background check to ensure the safety of all students. The Smithfield Police Department has updated their procedure for obtaining a BCI check for all volunteers who reside in the town of Smithfield. The link to their page to get started with the process is https://smithfieldpd.com/smithfield-school-volunteer-background-check-information/.
"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/478542. As usual, there is important information for all Smithfield families.
PTA Information
5th Grade Ice Cream Social/End of Year Party
The PTA 5th grade committee is hosting a 5th grade Ice Cream Social/End of Year Party on Friday, June 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Smithfield Portuguese American Social Club. 5th grade families please be on the lookout for additional details as we get closer to June 18th! All parent volunteers at the event must have a recent BCI on file, so see the Smithfield Police Department page for information on how to get your background check updated, https://smithfieldpd.com/smithfield-school-volunteer-background-check-information/
OCRS Spirit Wear Available for a very limited time!
OCRS Spirit Wear is available from the online shop for a very limited time (just a few days). Check out the gear available at https://jandrstores.com/oldcountyroad/. Anything purchased will be shipped directly to your home address. Support the OCRS PTA and get some cool OCRS Spirit Wear to show your school spirit!
Upcoming Dates and Events
Field Week, Week of June 14th
Student BinaxNOW COVID Testing at School, Monday June 14th
5th Grade Ice Cream Social, Friday June 18th at 6:00 p.m. at the Smithfield Portugese American Social Club
5th Grade D.A.R.E. Celebration and Step Up, Monday June 21st at 9:00 a.m.
Kindergarten End of Year Celebration, Monday, June 21st at 1:00 p.m.
(Rain Date is Tuesday, June 22nd at 1:00 p.m.)
Last Day of School, Wednesday June 23rd
Ongoing thanks to OCRS families for your Patience, Flexibility, and Empathy. Those three words are guiding us throughout this challenging school year and we will all need to continue to make adjustments up to the last day of school. 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