Hello OCRS families,
Well, the weather sure turned quickly and it looks like we have a warm week ahead of us! Because the day is often still starting in the low 50s, it's important for students to have layers like a hoodie or light jacket when they come to school to keep them warm in the morning when we are outside during arrival.
Back to School Report #34
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/741803.
RICAS Math Testing Begins This Week for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students
Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers have been working hard to help our students “show what they know” on this year’s RICAS testing. Old County Road’s RICAS Math testing will take place on Tuesday, May 17th and Wednesday, May 18th. This means that the daily schedule for all of the grade levels will be adjusted on these days in order to provide a quiet and uninterrupted testing environment for our older students. Typically the times for "specials" will need to be shifted, along with the schedules of some small groups. We know that schedule changes or "zig zags" can be challenging for some students, so we wanted to share this with all families ahead of time.
Please know that OCRS works to maintain a very positive, low-key environment for the entire RICAS process. While the children know that we want them to take the assessment seriously and do their best, we focus on the fact that they are simply continuing to work on what they have been doing during their regular class time. This is their opportunity to "shine" and “show what they know.”
Volunteer Training (virtual)
Some parents have reached out to volunteer on the playground during morning arrival and others to chaperone on an upcoming field trip. All school volunteers in Smithfield need to have an up to date background check (BCI) on file with the district and this needs to be done annually. More details can be found at https://www.smithfield-ps.org/page/school-volunteers.
Another requirement for all elementary school volunteers is that they need to attend Volunteer Training once during their child's school career and sign off on the student information confidentiality agreement. Mr. Barrette is offering two virtual volunteer training sessions this week for volunteers that have never completed the training. One session will be Wednesday, May 17th at 3:30 PM and the other will be Thursday, May 18th at 3:30 PM. Each session will last approximately 30 minutes. If you are interested in attending either session, please email Mr. Barrette at pbarrette@smithfield-ps.org.
Upcoming Spirit Days
As we move into the second half of May and then June, we would like to celebrate the end of each week with a special Spirit Day to give students and staff an opportunity to have some fun together. Here is the draft list and we will make sure to send out information ahead of each day.
Friday, May 27th - Special Color Day for each grade level
Friday, June 3rd - Sports Team/Theme Day
Friday, June 10th - Crazy Hair/Mismatch Day
Tuesday, June 14th - Red, White, & Blue Day (Flag Day)
Friday, June 17th - Dress for your Future Day
Friday, June 24th - Hawaiian/Beach Day
Smithfield Summer Impact Program
The Smithfield Summer Impact program is open to ALL students currently enrolled in grades K-5 in Smithfield Public Schools. This amazing virtual program will be staffed by Smithfield teachers. The purpose of the 4-week program is to continue student learning and growth throughout the summer.
When: July 18-August 11; Monday-Thursday from 8:30-10:00
Where: Virtual. Join us from anywhere!
Families can sign-up for this free program using the link below
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfs4vehYQMp3x8HndXUEeTljOWQtGGKW75luQqbrnQBrfXFSg/viewform?usp=sf_link
PTA Information
Book Fair
Students will have an opportunity to visit the PTA Scholastic Book Fair during the school day this week. Kindergarten through 4th grade students will visit during their weekly Library/Media time and 5th graders will visit on Friday. The Book Fair will also be open after school on Friday afternoon until 4:30 PM for any families that would like to visit together.
Congratulations to new PTA board members!
Congratulations to new PTA board members Megan Grande and Michelle Greco who were appointed at last week's meeting. Mrs. Grande will be joining as the new Vice-president and Mrs. Greco as the new Vice President of Hospitality. Mr. Poyourow will remain as the PTA President, Mrs. Reginere will shift to become the Treasurer, and Mr. Beauchamp will shift to become the Secretary. If anyone is interested in the possibility of becoming a PTA board member in the future, you can join the upcoming board and "shadow" them this year to get an idea of the responsibilities and time commitment of each role to help you decide if running to become a board member works for you. If you're interested, please let Jon Poyourow know at jpoyourow@gmail.com.
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 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
NO SCHOOL, Memorial Day, Monday May 30th
PTA General Membership meeting, Wednesday June 8th
Field Day, Wednesday June 15th
5th grade D.A.R.E. celebration and Step Up, Tuesday June 21st at 9:30 AM at Smithfield High School
Kindergarten celebration, Tuesday June 21st at 1:00 PM at Mendes Field
Last day of school for students, Friday, June 24th
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
3rd grade reading to Kindergarten
