It's hard to believe, but we're already at the end of January and moving into February. We have a busy week coming up with lots of fun events and things to look forward to for students and families. Please read all of the information below carefully to make sure that you don't miss anything!
Bring Someone Special to Lunch Days
We are partnering with Chartwells, the district food service provider, to offer "Bring Someone Special to Lunch" days for the next three weeks to allow parents/guardians to come to school and join their child for lunch. We think that this will be a fun way to invite parents and students to spend some time together at school and also for parents to have an opportunity to try the school lunches!
We will be spreading these days out over three weeks to ensure that we have enough space to accommodate parents/guardians and also allow for the Chartwells staff to be able to plan to provide meals for interested parents/guardians. Here are the dates and times that we have planned for each grade level:
- Wednesday, 2/1 for grade 2 (11:30 AM) and grade 5 (12:10 PM)
- Wednesday, 2/8 for grade 1 (11:30 AM) and grade 4 (12:10 PM)
- Wednesday, 2/15 for Kindergarten (11:30 AM) and grade 3 (12:10 PM)
In order to make sure that this is a fun, organized and safe event, each parent or guardian MUST sign-up to attend ahead of time. Also, parents and guardians should attend on the specific date and time that their child's grade level is scheduled. If for some reason your family requires more flexibility due to unique circumstances, you can indicate that on the linked form and Mr. Barrette will reach out to discuss options.
Upcoming Spirit Days
We want to provide families with lots of lead time for the Spirit Days planned for February. Please see the dates and themes below, as well as on the linked flyer. Also, EVERY MONDAY students and staff are encouraged to wear their OCRS gear to school!
Friday, February 3rd: National Wear Red Day
We're inviting all students and staff to wear "red" in support of American Heart Month!
Friday, February 10th: Sports Team Spirit Day
To celebrate the Super Bowl wear your favorite sports team attire!
Tuesday, February 14th: Valentine’s Day
Wear Red or Pink to Celebrate Valentine's Day!
Monthly Math Enrichment
Beginning this week, Wendy Phillips, our district math coordinator will be visiting our school once a month to provide enrichment opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of mathematics. During intervention periods, Mrs. Phillips will be meeting with groups of students who have been recommended by their classroom teacher. Students will be introduced to games, projects and other activities that will allow them to critically think about and apply grade-level concepts. We are excited for the opportunity for our students to work with Mrs. Phillips on math enrichment!
Ms. Schug is out through February
Our music teacher, Ms. Schug, is going to be out on leave through the end of February. Our students are definitely going to miss Ms. Schug while she is out and we look forward to her return. We are looking for a long-term music substitute that would be splitting time at OCRS and LaPerche. If you know of anyone that could be interested and has a music background, the long-term substitute position is posted on Schoolspring.com as Job ID 4133269. You can also have them reach out to Mr. Barrette for help on submitting their application.
Ski and Snowboard Trip
The Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department is offering a Ski & Snowboard Trip to Smithfield families on February 21st. Details can be found on the flyer below. Interested families can sign-up for the trip at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/520062620297
Ocean View art competition and exhibition
The deadline for Rhode Island K-12 students to sign up to participate in the URI Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) Ocean View art competition and exhibition is fast approaching. To participate in the competition and exhibition, a completed commitment form must be submitted by March 1, 2023. Ocean View is a competition that encourages youth to interpret the ocean through visual art. Check out https://web.uri.edu/gso/outreach/art/ for more information. There are also information flyers in English and Spanish.
PTA Information
General Membership Meeting
There is a PTA general membership meeting Tuesday, January 31st at 6:00 PM in the OCRS Media Center. All parents/guardians of OCRS students are welcome to attend and bring your great ideas for PTA events!
We encourage parents/guardians to attend PTA meetings in-person. However, we also understand that family schedules can be very busy and challenging to manage, so here is a link to join the meeting remotely via Google Meet:
Tuesday, January 31 · 6:00 – 7:00pm
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/kye-swdw-twe
Or dial: (US) +1 727-304-4961 PIN: 979 690 145#
We're looking forward to seeing parents/guardians on Tuesday!
Paint Party
The OCRS PTA will be hosting a Paint Party Night on Friday February 3rd from 6-8pm. Ms. Sylvia Delaney will be walking you through a guided painting project of two possible painting options...See attached pictures.... $20 for the first child and $15 for any additional children. $25 for an adult to paint. Money will be collected at the door.
Seating is limited, so sign up for this fun event at:
https://forms.gle/QUER5djBPjWXMjmw6
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 meeting, Tuesday January 31st at 6:00 PM
School Spelling Bee, Wednesday February 1st at 10:00 AM
Bring Someone Special to Lunch for 2nd and 5th grades, Wednesday February 1st
National Wear Red Spirit Day, Friday February 3rd
PTA Family Painting Night, Friday February 3rd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Bring Someone Special to Lunch for 1st and 4th grades, Wednesday February 8th
Sports Team Spirit Day, Friday February 10th
Valentine’s Day Spirit Day, Tuesday February 14th
Bring Someone Special to Lunch for Kindergarten and 3rd grades, Wednesday February 15th
NO SCHOOL, Winter Break, February 20th through February 24th
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette