Hello OCRS families,
As we get closer to the beginning of the new school year, I am going to resume sending out our school's Weekly Update to families. As you can imagine there is a LOT of important information to help everyone get ready for the new school year, so keep an eye on your email, the OCRS website, and OCRS social media pages ( Facebook | Instagram | Twitter ) for all of the latest information. We are very excited to welcome back our students on August 30th!
School Tours for New Families
Some families of new students have reached out and asked about the possibility of getting a tour of the school before the first day of school. We are scheduling two tours on Wednesday, August 24th, one at 9:00 AM and the next at 10:00 AM. If you are a family interested in joining one of these tours on the 24th, please email Mr. Barrette and let him know, pbarrette@smithfield-ps.org.
We think that the absolute best people to lead these tours are some of our 5th grade students and we're excited to share that we've lined up some terrific 5th grade tour guides to help out!
School Bus Transportation Information and Bus Routes
In the 2022-23 school year there will be no walk zones for any of the elementary schools. This means that ALL elementary students that were previously unable to take the school bus in past years because they lived within a walk zone will be able to take the school bus this year! Families can still choose to drive or walk their child to and from school if they would prefer not to use the school bus.
Our district transportation partner, Durham School Services, is finalizing the bus routes, bus stop locations, and pick-up/drop-off times. As soon as all of that information is finalized we will share it with OCRS families. You can also keep an eye on the Transportation page of the district's website at https://www.smithfield-ps.org/page/transportation.
School Bus Introduction for Kindergarten Students
Durham School Services has agreed to provide a short bus informational session during the week of August 22 for Smithfield Kindergarteners on bus safety. The event will last one hour and begin with a short talk in each of the school's cafeterias. The Kindergarten students will then be able to board the buses and ride around the block. The event for Old County Road School will be held on Thursday, August 25th at 10:00 AM and will begin in the school cafeteria. If your Kindergartener has never ridden the school bus, this is a great opportunity for them to get an introduction before school starts the following week.
Free Student Backpacks and Supplies
A number of Rhode Island businesses and organizations are hosting an event to distribute free student backpacks and school supplies for families in need. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 27th from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon and there are several locations available throughout the state. Please see the linked flyer (English | Spanish) for details and specific locations in order to take advantage of this terrific opportunity!
PTA "Back to School" Event Thursday, August 25th
The OCRS PTA is hosting a "Back to School" event to provide an opportunity for students and families to reconnect before the new school year begins. The PTA has arranged for the event to be held at Deerfield Park on Thursday, August 25th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The rain date will be Friday, August 26th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Last year's event was a lot of fun and the kids really enjoyed being able to play together at Deerfield Park. Please join the OCRS PTA for a fun event to kick-off the school year!
Frequently Asked "Start of School" Questions
We know that many families have similar questions about the start of the new school year, so here are the most frequently asked questions and corresponding information for families:
What are the school hours for the 2022-23 school year?
OCRS will remain one of the “early” elementary schools for the 2022-23 school year. The school hours for OCRS students are 8:15 AM to 2:45 PM. Students may be dropped off beginning at 7:45 AM through 8:15 AM. Students that arrive at school after 8:15 AM will be considered tardy.
If your child is not going to take the school bus and you plan on dropping them off in the morning and/or picking them up at dismissal, see the Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures at https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org/page/drop-off-and-pick-up-procedures.
What is the first day of school for students?
The first day of school for students in grades 1 through 5 is Tuesday, August 30th. The first day of school for Kindergarten students is Friday, September 2nd at 9:00 AM.
When will families find out who their child’s teacher is?
Classroom teacher assignments for students in grades 1 through 5 will be shared with families via email on Tuesday, August 23rd. All three elementary schools will send this information out on the same day to be consistent.
What is the Kindergarten Screening process and what are the dates?
The screening appointments for Kindergarten students will be one hour and forty-five minutes and will take place on Tuesday 8/30, Wednesday 8/31, and Thursday 9/1. Appointments will be held in the morning from 8:45 AM - 10:30 AM and in the afternoon from 12:30 PM - 2:15 PM If you haven't done so already, we ask that each Kindergarten family complete the online form at https://bit.ly/ocrskindergarten22 to book an appointment for their child’s Kindergarten Screening
Kindergarten families can read Mr. Barrette’s letter about the Kindergarten Screening process (emailed to Kindergarten families on 7/28), OCRS K Screening Family Letter, 22-23
The first full day of school for Kindergarten students is Friday, September 2nd starting at 9:00 AM.
Will school lunch and breakfast be free again this year for all students?
No, unfortunately school lunch and breakfast will not be free for all students this school year. This was a decision made at the state level. We will share the school lunch and breakfast cost with families once we receive it from our food service provider, Chartwells. We will also share the form and process for families to apply for free and reduced meals under the federal National School Lunch Program. As always, families can always choose to have their student bring lunch from home.
What school supplies will students need?
The Grade Level Supply lists can be found on the Old County Road School website under “Parent Info” at https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org.
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 Tours for New Families, Wednesday August 24th at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM
School Bus Introduction for K students, Thursday, August 25th at 10:00 AM
PTA Back to School Event at Deerfield Park, Thursday, August 25th at 5:30 PM
First Day of School for 1st through 5th grade students, Tuesday August 30th
Kindergarten Screening appointments Tuesday, August 30th through Thursday, September 1st
First Day of School for Kindergarten students, Friday September 2nd at 9:00 AM
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette