Hello OCRS families,
This week begins the scheduling "zig zags" that accompany the month of November for all of us. We have no school this Thursday to celebrate Veterans Day and we all set our clocks back 1-hour this weekend to end Daylight Saving Time. We know that some students (and adults) have more trouble than others when their regular routine changes, so we will all need to be flexible and understanding with each other these next few weeks.
On a funny note, we had put out signs on Friday reminding families to "fall back this weekend" and many students were confused by why the school was encouraging families to "fall" over the weekend! Mr. Barrette and Mr. Gruczka had quite a few fun conversations with families during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup when families saw these signs.
Back to School Report #12
Like last year, Dr. Paolucci will be sharing a weekly report with Smithfield families to provide the latest information on COVID-19 information and protocols. If you have not already read this week's "Back to School" report shared by Dr. Paolucci, please take a few moments to review it at https://www.smithfield-ps.org/article/579252.
School Picture Retakes/Makeups Cancelled for Monday, November 8th
Due to an issue with the photo company not having enough staff and photographers available, the OCRS School Picture makeups will NOT take place tomorrow, November 8th. We are working with the photo company to reschedule and we will let families know about the new date as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience.
NO SCHOOL, Veterans Day November 11th
Just a reminder that there will be no school this Thursday to celebrate Veterans Day and honor people that have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday Morning
This upcoming Thursday is Veterans Day and we would like to celebrate together as a school community. We are planning to have a short ceremony on Wednesday morning at 8:20 AM right after student arrival. If the weather is clear, we will gather outside the front of the school near our newly installed and illuminated flag to say the pledge of allegiance together and engage in a moment of silence. If it is raining, we will gather in the gym.
We would like to invite any OCRS parents that are veterans to join us on Wednesday morning for this quick school celebration so that we can acknowledge and honor you as part of our ceremony. My own father who passed away last December was an Army veteran and I understand how important it is for all of us to thank and honor our veterans all throughout the year, especially on Veterans Day.
If you would be interested in joining us, please let Mr. Barrette know by sending a quick email.
Red, White, and Blue Spirit Day on Wednesday
To celebrate Veterans Day, we are encouraging students and staff to wear red, white, and blue to school this Wednesday.
PB & J Drive for the Smithfield Food Pantry
Some 8th grade students at GMS are organizing a PB & J drive to support the Smithfield Food Bank that is currently in need of peanut butter and jelly. We would love to both support the Smithfield Food Bank and help out the Gallagher Middle School 8th grade students with their food drive.
If you have the means, we are asking OCRS families to donate peanut butter and jelly this week. Mrs. Tsonos will have a box in her 1st floor classroom to collect the donations. Because we do need to be careful of peanut products in school due to severe allergies, please be sure that the peanut butter jars/containers are securely sealed and that students keep them sealed. We appreciate your support!
Reminder, Students Should Keep Toys at Home
Just a reminder, we ask that students please keep their personal toys and special personal items at home, including Pokemon cards. When students bring toys to school, it provides an additional distraction from learning and causes issues with special personal items getting lost or broken. We have also seen conflicts between students during recess about personal toys and items. If students repeatedly bring toys or personal items to school, they will be collected by their teacher to be given back to the students' parents. Thank you to all OCRS families for your cooperation.
Town of Smithfield COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for 5-11 Year Olds
The Town of Smithfield will be hosting a 5 to 11 year old COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, November 13th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Smithfield Smithfield High School. The clinic will only be offering Pfizer pediatric doses.
Pre-registration is required for this clinic. Please follow the link below to sign-up for the November 13th clinic: https://www.vaccinateri.org/appointment/en/reg/8569550321
Dose 2 will be on Sunday, December 5th at Smithfield High School from 10:00am to 2:00pm. You will be able to schedule your child's second dose appointment at the November 13th clinic.
PTA Information
Fall Fundraiser
The PTA is kicking off an Otis Spunkmeyer Fall Fundraiser to help raise funds for student activities at OCRS! We are inviting all OCRS families to join in and share the fundraiser with family and friends. Please see the attached flyer for details and, if you have any questions, contact our PTA president at Jpoyourow@gmail.com.
Congratulations to the 5th Grade Committee on last week's Bake Sale!
Congratulations to the 5th Grade Committee on raising over $300 for the 5th grade at last week's Bake Sale during the Flu Clinic! Thank you Mrs. Gare, Mrs. Ferranti, Mrs. Brady, Mrs. Huguenin and all other 5th grade families for your help and support.
Upcoming Dates and Events
View and subscribe to the OCRS Public Events Calendar at https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org/o/old-county-road-elementary/page/monthly-calendar. Clicking on the "Add to Google Calendar" to subscribe to the calendar on your own calendar app.
Red, White, and Blue Spirit Day, Wednesday November 10th
NO SCHOOL, Veterans Day, Thursday November 11th
NO SCHOOL, Professional Development, Thursday November 18th
NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Recess, Wednesday November 24th through Friday November 26th
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
Enjoying the nice fall weather
Former OCRS teachers and staff touring the renovated building
