Hello OCRS families,
We have just about one month until the new school year begins! Here is an update with the latest information for families. I have also created a "Start of School Questions & Information For Families, 2021-22" document that I will keep updated throughout the summer and will post on the school website, https://bit.ly/3iDJXYq
What are the school hours for the 2021-22 school year?
OCRS will remain one of the “early” elementary schools for the 2021-22 school year. The tentative school hours for OCRS students are 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Students may be dropped off beginning at 7:45 a.m. Students that arrive at school after 8:15 a.m. will be considered tardy.
What is the first day of school for students?
The first day of school for students in grades 1 through 5 is Thursday, September 9th. The first day of school for Kindergarten students is Tuesday, September 14th.
When will families find out who their child’s teacher is?
Class lists for students in grades 1 through 5 will be shared with families at the end of August. All elementary principals will decide on a date that is consistent across the three elementary schools and share class lists with families on that date. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.
What is the Kindergarten Screening process and what are the dates?
As in past years, the Kindergarten teachers and team will be setting up appointments for small groups of students to come into school for about an hour and a half so that we can learn more about our new students! This helps the Kindergarten team to create the most balanced class lists and fit each class with the right teacher. Kindergarten Screening appointments will be scheduled for Thursday 9/9, Friday 9/10, and Monday 9/13. The Kindergarten team will contact families after September 2nd to set up the appointments.
The first full day of school for Kindergarten students is Tuesday, September 14th.
What school supplies will students need?
The Grade Level Supply lists can be found on the Old County Road School website under “Parent Info” at https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org.
What will the drop-off and pick-up process look like after the construction is finished?
Once school staff are able to move back into the newly renovated school building during the week of August 30th, we will review the new traffic patterns with district staff and share information about the new student drop-off and pick-up process with families.
What will the COVID-19 health and safety protocols be for the beginning of school?
The district's Return to School team has been meeting regularly throughout the summer and will continue to meet throughout August to finalize the plan for the new school year. When the plan is finalized, we will make sure to share it with all OCRS families. Like last year, the school and district will communicate all guidelines regularly to ensure that all families are aware of the protocols and any changes as they occur.
I will be returning to work full-time on August 16th and Mrs. Deus will be returning on August 26th. Mrs. Deus and I will not be able to move back into the school building until the week of August 30th, so the best way to get in touch with us is via email. We do not have access to the school phone lines until we are able to move back into the building.
Thanks,
Mr. Barrette