Hello OCRS families,
I hope that all of you have made it through Saturday's "Snowmageddon" storm OK. It's definitely been a while since we've seen that much snow fall at once and I'm sure that quite a few OCRS students enjoyed heading out to play in it today!
Back to School Report #21
Like last year, Dr. Paolucci will share 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 and our district COVID team, please take a few moments to review it at https://www.smithfield-ps.org/article/640160.
Free COVID Rapid At-home Tests
We began sending home the free COVID rapid at-home tests on Friday with students whose families signed up to receive them. It will take us a few days to get them distributed, so we appreciate your patience.
"Two's Day" Spirit Day, Wednesday 2/2
Because this Wednesday is 2/2/2022, we are going to celebrate a "Two's Day" Spirit Day at OCRS!
We're inviting all students and staff to wear "two" of something fun. It could be two crazy socks, two awesome earrings, two bright hair accessories, two fun gloves, two different sneakers, etc. If students want to get REALLY creative, they can team up with a friend and dress as twins for the day!
Jump Rope for Heart
Please see below a message from Mr. Gruczka about Jump Rope for Heart and see the linked letter.
Dear Old County Road Families,
Our school has not participated in the Jump Rope for Heart program for the last two years and this has been a mutual decision between Mr. Barrette and myself based on an acknowledgement of the challenges that school families have faced as a result of the pandemic. As we continue to adjust to the pandemic, we are also working to reinstate activities and routines that we have enjoyed in the past in an effort to return to our own normal.
Jump Rope for Heart has always been our school's PE fundraiser. It's been a really positive experience because it typically adds $200-300 to the PE operating budget, the "Thank You Gifts" are always a source of excitement for the students, and the program comes with a large amount of educational resources for us to utilize throughout the year.
The Jump Rope for Heart program will run from January 31 through February 18. Collection envelopes will go home on Monday January 31 and may be turned in any day before February 18. Envelopes can be turned into classroom teachers and will be collected daily. As always, student and family participation is optional.
In closing, I appreciate the support that so many families give our school, we are truly in this together and want to express my truest gratitude if you choose to participate in the fundraiser this year. Look for pictures and updates in the school notes each weekend and to all of you, be well.
Mr. Gruczka
Affordable Connectivity Program
The FCC has launched a new long-term benefit program that will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households struggling to afford internet service. Families who may have already signed up to the temporary FCC program (Emergency Broadband Program: https://getemergencybroadband.org/ Expires March 30th, 2022) will need to apply to the new long term program in order to continue receiving benefits.
Here is how someone can apply: https://acpbenefit.org/how-to-apply/
The FCC also offers this information already translated in Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and others: https://www.fcc.gov/acp-consumer-outreach-toolkit.
Please see the linked flyer and fact sheet for additional information.
PTA Information
PTA General Meeting
There is a PTA General Membership Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 2/2, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will be held completely online/virtual; there will not be an in-person portion of the meeting held at school this month.
For families that would like to attend the meeting, the Google Meet link and joining information is below.
Google Meet joining info:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rne-hpmu-uca
Or dial: (US) +1 760-512-3075 PIN: 924 687 866#
We're hoping to see you there online!
"Do Good with Chipotle" fundraiser
On Saturday, February 5th from 5:00PM to 9:00PM the OCRS PTA has partnered with our local Chipotle on a fundraiser to benefit our students! If you order from Chipotle at 473 Putnam Pike (the former Benny's plaza), 33% of sales are donated to the OCRS PTA. Help the PTA while also enjoying some Chipotle!
If you order online for pickup, use the code TCDBPFW when you place your order to designate the sale to go to the OCRS PTA. If you order inside the restaurant, show the linked flier on your phone to designate the sale to go to the OCRS PTA.
Upcoming "Make your Own" Pizza Kits
Stay tuned for the opportunity for OCRS families to order home "Make your Own" Pizza Kits from Little Caesars. Pizza making fun as a family that also supports the OCRS PTA!
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.
"Two's Day" Spirit Day, Wednesday February 2nd
PTA General Meeting, Wednesday February 2nd at 7:00 PM
"Do Good with Chipotle" PTA Fundraiser, Saturday February 5th, 5PM to 9PM
NO SCHOOL, Winter Recess, February 21st through February 25th
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
1st Grade Art
