Hello OCRS families,
These days prior to the Holiday Break always seem to fly by and there are a number of activities and important dates coming up in the next two and a half weeks. I know that there is a LOT of information below, but please take a look to make sure that your family is aware of everything happening.
Also, it's important to note that this week is our last full week of school before the Holiday Break. Next Thursday, 12/16, there is no school for students on the Parent-Teacher Conferences day.
OCRS Engaging with the Smithfield Community through the All Lit Up Parade
Thank you to all of the 5th grade students that walked with Mr. Barrette as part of the Smithfield All Lit Up Parade on Saturday evening! It was a beautiful night, not too cold, and wonderful to engage with so many other community organizations. We were all outside for the entire parade, so masks were not required.
Walking in the All Lit Up Parade is something that we would like to make a yearly tradition for our 5th grade students, so it was nice to return to the event last night. Special thanks to Mrs. Huguenin, Mrs. Brady, Mrs. Henning, Mrs. Gare, Mrs. Tsonos, Mr. Rajotte, Mrs. Guest, and Mrs. Regniere for walking with us! Also, congratulations to OCRS parent, Mrs. Erin Keefe, for being honored as one of the Grand Marshals of this year's parade!
Back to School Report #15
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/599987.
School Picture Retakes/Makeups on Monday, December 6th
Lifetouch photographers will be at OCRS on Monday, December 6th to offer school picture retakes and makeups for any students that need them.
"Penguin Patch" Holiday Shop Tuesday, 12/7 through Friday, 12/10
The PTA "Penguin Patch" Holiday Shop will be held at school from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Tuesday, 12/7 through Friday, 12/10. Below is the schedule so that families know when their children will be visiting the shop:
- Tuesday, 12/7: Ms. Mennella's and Mrs. Sisco's Kindergarten classes and Mrs. Mooney's and Ms. Votta's 4th grade classes
- Wednesday, 12/8: Mrs. Mariotti's and Mrs. Moretti's 1st grade classes and Mr. Austin's and Mr. Davenport's 5th grade classes
- Thursday, 12/9: Mrs. Chomka's and Mrs. Deslauriers' 2nd grade classes and Mrs. Corbeille's and Ms. Murphy's 3rd grade classes
- Friday, 12/10: Make-up day for any students that missed their scheduled times
Please ensure that the Gift List Budget Envelope is completed and returned (with cash or check) to the school on the date that your childʼs class is scheduled to shop.
All checks should be payable to: OCRS PTA
Sentinel Holiday Story Fest
The Smithfield High School National Honor Society invites elementary school families to their Sentinel Holiday Story Fest on Friday, December 10th from 6:30PM to 8:00PM at 2 Church Street in Greenville. The night will feature holiday stories read by our Town Manager, our Police Chief, our Fire Chief, and others, as well as wintertime refreshments, touch-a-truck with Town vehicles, live music and dance, festive games and activities, and holiday photo opportunities including the guy-in-the-red-suit! Additionally, we have partnered with the American Heart Association of Rhode Island to promote heart-healthy living at the event.
Distribution of Report Cards on Tuesday, 12/14
Families of students will be receiving Trimester 1 report cards on Tuesday, December 14th. Report cards will be shared with each family online using the district's Infinite Campus Portal. 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.
I will be sharing information from the district technology team about how families can set up their Infinite Campus Portal account if you have not done so already. We asked families to use their Infinite Campus Portal account earlier this year to update their child's contact information, so many families should already have their account set up and ready to go.
Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, 12/16
Parent-teacher conferences for elementary families are scheduled for Thursday, 12/16. There is NO SCHOOL for students on Thursday, 12/16. This year all elementary schools are offering families the choice between an in-person conference at school or a virtual conference held online. All conferences will be scheduled by appointment between 1:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Teachers have reached out to families to schedule appointments with their students' families.
Families can schedule conferences with our Media Specialist, Mrs. Swartz, using the link, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AA5A928ABFCC07-parent.
Families can schedule conferences with our Art teacher, Ms. Miller, using the link, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45ADA822A5F4CF8-artconferences.
December Spirit Days
We would like to give students and staff an opportunity to have some fun together and celebrate our OCRS spirit the last week of December. While we always encourage students and staff to wear their OCRS Spirit Gear on Fridays, we thought that some special theme days would make December extra fun! As always, participation is encouraged, but not mandatory. Here's what we are thinking:
Friday, December 17th: Silly (or Holiday Themed) Sock Day
Wear your favorite silly or holiday themed socks to school on Friday, 12/17! Holiday themed socks can be for any December holiday.
Monday, December 20th: "Merry Monday" Holiday Colors
Wear your favorite holiday themed colors to school on Monday, 12/20! Holiday themed colors can be for any December holiday.
Tuesday, December 21st: Ugly (or Holiday Themed) Sweater Day
Wear your favorite ugly or holiday themed sweater to school on Tuesday! Holiday themed sweaters can be for any December holiday.
Wednesday, December 22nd: Silly (or Holiday Themed) Hat Day
Wear your favorite silly or holiday themed hat to school on Wednesday! Holiday themed hats can be for any December holiday. Please be sure that hats do not interfere with mask wearing.
PTA Information
Congratulations to the 5th Grade Committee for the Successful Clothing Drive
The 5th grade committee collected 2,300 lbs. of clothing donations for Big Sisters during their recent Clothing Drive, resulting in $345 for the class! Congratulations and thank you!
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.
School Picture Makeups/Retakes, Monday December 6th
"Penguin Patch" Holiday Shop, Tuesday December 7th through Friday December 10th
Scholastic Book Fair, Monday December 13th through Friday December 17th
NO SCHOOL, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Thursday December 16th
Silly (or Holiday Themed) Sock Day, Friday December 17th
"Merry Monday" Holiday Colors, Monday December 20th
Ugly (or Holiday Themed) Sweater Day, Tuesday December 21st
Silly (or Holiday Themed) Hat Day, Wednesday December 22nd
NO SCHOOL, Holiday Recess, Thursday December 23rd through Friday, December 31st
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
5th Grade at the All Lit Up Parade
