Hello OCRS families,
I hope that all of you are staying cool during this "early summer" weather this weekend! Fortunately it looks like the temperatures during the school week will be much cooler and more comfortable.
Back to School Report #35
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/748265.
5th Grade Science Testing this Wednesday
OCRS 5th grade students will be taking the Rhode Island Next Generation Science Assessment this Wednesday morning. Like for RICAS ELA and Math testing, we work hard to maintain a very positive, low-key environment for the students taking the science assessment.
5th grade students are invited to bring water and their regular snacks for their testing time. As OCRS has done in the past, students may also bring mints or gum (no bubble gum, please) to chew during testing as long as it is done so appropriately. Gum should not be chewed outside of testing or on the bus.
We ask your help with the following:
- Please have your child(ren) to school on time.
- All children will benefit from a good night's sleep.
- Every student should eat a good breakfast. Breakfast is also free to all students at school this year.
- Students may bring their own headphones/earbuds, as needed. We also have spare headphones for any student that needs them.
- Students may not have any electronic devices during the test, including smartwatches. Students will be asked to remove and put away any electronic devices prior to the beginning of the test.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. As always, thank you very much for your support!
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 list of all of the Spirit Days for the remainder of the year.
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
Calling in Student Absences and Attendance
We have five full weeks of school remaining and there will be teaching and learning taking place up through the very last week of school, as well as special activities. While students who are ill or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home, all other students should be attending school each and every day.
When a student will be absent for any reason, the parent is expected to notify the school. According to the Smithfield Public Schools Attendance Policy, families are required to call the school on the day of their child’s absence to provide a clearly-stated reason for the absence. If there is no call, safety calls are made to verify your child’s location.
Daily attendance for all students in the school district is monitored. The cooperation of families in not scheduling personal appointments during the day is requested whenever possible. Chronic truancy or tardiness/early dismissal will be referred to the School Administration and/or appropriate authorities.
For further information, please see the Smithfield Public Schools Attendance Policy at https://policies.smithfield-ps.org. We appreciate your cooperation.
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
Thank you for the Book Fair
Thank you to the PTA for organizing and hosting last week's Book Fair!
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.
5th grade RI Next Generation Science Assessment, Wednesday May 25th
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
Kindergarten field trip to the Biomes Marine Biology Center
