Hello OCRS families,
We hope that everyone enjoyed the April Break and that students were able to get outside to enjoy some of the amazing weather (especially in the last few days). The school week prior to April Break capped off with a very successful Teaching and Learning Night (including music performances and art show), as well as fun PTA events like BINGO Night and Saturday morning Egg Hunt. We thank all OCRS families, teachers, and staff for your support in making all three events happen!
We're entering the final nine weeks of this school year and it's important that we finish the year strong, continuing to provide our students with the same level of daily learning opportunities while at the same time planning for fun end of the year activities. We have plenty of learning time left and we plan on taking advantage of that time!
Students Need to be at School by 8:15 AM
We have noticed an increasing number of students are being dropped off at school after 8:15 AM. Please note that morning arrival is from 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM; any student that arrives after 8:15 AM is considered tardy. It's important that all students arrive at school by 8:15 AM so that they can start the day with their classmates. We want all students to be able to begin their day without missing any learning time or experiencing unnecessary anxiety because they arrived after 8:15 AM. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in making sure that all students arrive at school on time!
Students Wearing Layers to School
It wouldn't be spring in New England without WILD fluctuations in temperature and unpredictable weather! It's important that all students wear layers to school so that they can be comfortable throughout the school day. If it's not raining, we will always start the day outside during morning arrival. It can still be quite cold early in the day and then warm up as we get to midday recess. Mr. Gruczka has also been taking many of his P.E. classes outside, so it's really important for students to come to school dressed in layers to keep them comfortable during the various outdoor activities that take place throughout the day (older students have P.E. in the morning and younger students in the afternoon).
INFO for 5th graders: Smithfield Summer Arts Program for Students Entering 6th through 9th grades
Summer art and music fun for everyone!
Smithfield is running a FREE summer arts camp for students entering grades 6-9. Students will choose 3 courses from THIS LIST. Each course will be taught by a Smithfield art or music teacher and will run for approximately 1 hour per day with breaks in between. Check out the course offerings and REGISTER TODAY! BTW, Ms. Miller and Mrs. Barrette will be teaching some of the art and music courses!
Where: Gallagher Middle School
When: July 18-29 from 9:00-12:30
Parent Volunteers during Morning Arrival and Recess
As COVID protocols change, we have been able reintroduce some of the past practices at our school that were in place prior to the beginning of the pandemic. One of the things that we would like to welcome back to OCRS are parent volunteers. Because we still need to be mindful of COVID, the best current way for parents to volunteer is to assist when students are outside during morning arrival and recess. As additional opportunities become available (e.g. field trips), teachers will reach out to the families of their students.
As in the past, there are two requirements for any parents that would like to volunteer:
- You will need to attend one training session in order to volunteer in the school. Once you attend one training session to review the Volunteer Handbook, even during a previous year, you will not need to attend again. To make things as convenient as possible for busy working parents, the training session can be held virtually.
- You will need to have a BCI check completed at the Smithfield Police Department. The Smithfield Police Department will communicate the results of the BCI to the school department, so you do not need to bring a copy to the school. Your BCI check will need to be renewed each year.'
If you think that you may be interested in volunteering, please review the most up to date Volunteer Handbook and email Mr. Barrette at pbarrette@smithfield-ps.org.
J-DAPA Summer Camp
Please see the linked flyer regarding a theatre and dance summer camp opportunity for kids.
PTA Information
PTA Board Nominations
Your help is needed by the OCRS PTA! We're looking for parents that are interested in serving as PTA board members for the next school year. Are you interested in serving as one of the OCRS PTA officers?
Please take a minute to review the duties of the PTA officers in the linked form and consider nominating one candidate per office to serve in the positions listed below. If you are interested in serving in one of the positions, please submit your name and the position of interest.
Thank you for your interest in serving as an OCRS PTA officer!
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.
PTA General Membership meeting, Wednesday May 11th, 7:00 PM
Book Fair, Week of May 16th
Math RICAS for 3rd-5th grades, Tuesday May 17th and Wednesday May 17th
GMS Orientation for incoming 6th graders, Wednesday May 18th 6:30PM to 8:30PM @Gallagher Middle School
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
Students and families enjoying BINGO night
