Hello OCRS families,
WOW, what a difference in the weather! From a high of 80 degrees yesterday to a forecasted high of 45 degrees this coming Wednesday, we're experiencing the full range of fall weather in New England. Because of the forecast for much cooler weather this week, it's important that students dress in layers for school. If it's not raining, we will be outside for morning arrival and recess. We only stay inside if the temperature or wind chill is lower than 20 degrees.
Black and Orange Spirit Day on Tuesday, October 31st
Tuesday October 31st will be "Black & Orange" Spirit Day at OCRS. We encourage and welcome all students and staff to wear something black and orange to school to celebrate the end of October. We know that not all families celebrate Halloween, so Black and Orange Spirit Day allows all members of the OCRS community to participate together and show their school spirit! Please leave costumes at home and wear something that is black and orange to school on Tuesday to show your spirit!
November Lunch and Breakfast Menus
Please find attached the Lunch and Breakfast menus for November. Families can also view the current menus on the district's Nutrislice page at https://smithfieldps.nutrislice.com/menu/old-county-road-elementary.
If any families have issues adding funds to their child's MySchoolBucks account to purchase lunch or breakfast, the district has provided a direct Parent Help Line for MySchoolBucks issues that should help. The number is 1-855-832-5226.
Parents/Family Members Who Are Veterans
Saturday, November 11th is Veterans Day and we would like to celebrate together as a school community. We are planning to have a short ceremony on Friday morning on November 10th at 8:20 AM right after student arrival. If the weather is clear, we will gather outside the front of the school near our illuminated flag to say the pledge of allegiance together and engage in a moment of silence. If it is raining, we will gather together in the gym.
We would like to invite any OCRS parents that are veterans to join us on Friday morning on November 10th for this quick school celebration so that we can acknowledge and honor you as part of our ceremony. My own father was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War (Purple Heart and Bronze Star) and I understand how important it is for all of us to thank and honor our veterans all throughout the year, especially on Veterans Day.
If you as a parent or other family would be interested in joining us, please let me know by sending me a quick email at pbarrette@smithfield-ps.org.
November 2nd FREE Flu Clinic
There will be a FREE flu vaccine clinic at Old County Road School on Thursday, November 2nd from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. All community members are welcome.
Here’s some important information about the FREE flu vaccine clinic:
- Register online at https://www.thewellcomp.com/Registrations/ChooseSchool.aspx to schedule an appointment.
- Online registration is required to ensure the availability of the vaccine, walk-ins will be limited.
- Insurance information will be collected, but the vaccine is FREE whether you have insurance or not.
The flu is a serious, highly contagious, and sometimes deadly disease. Catching the flu means missing days of work and school. You might even have to spend time in the hospital. Don’t take the risk — the flu vaccine is your best protection against the flu.
For more information, visit health.ri.gov/flu/, or call the Department of Health’s information line at 401-222-5960.
Vision Screening on Thursday, November 2nd
Smithfield Eye and Optical will be completing student vision screenings this year in the Smithfield schools. Vision screening is required for all students upon entry to school, and in preschool programs operated by public school districts, as well as in first, second, third, fourth, fifth grade and 7th grade. The vision screening for OCRS students will be during school during the morning on Thursday, November 2nd.
This is only a screening and does not take the place of a full eye exam. If you receive a vision referral from school, please follow up with your pediatrician or eye doctor, and return the referral slip to the school nurse.
Family Alert about "Prime" and Other Energy/Hydration Drinks
Energy and “Hydration” drinks, including “Prime” drinks, appear to be gaining in popularity among students, across all of the elementary schools. The Smithfield Public Schools has an established wellness policy and, in following that policy, we strongly encourage all families to send their child to school with water instead of energy/hydration drinks. Often, these energy/hydration drinks contain a significant amount of sugar or caffeine which are not recommended for elementary aged students. Our school doctor, Dr. Lee, wanted us to share with families that drinks that contain caffeine can cause heart palpitations, jitteriness, trouble sleeping, and chest pain and are not recommended for children under 18 years of age. For example, Prime Energy drinks contain 200 milligrams of caffeine (equal to 6 cans of Coke)! Prime Hydration drinks, while not containing caffeine, display a tree nut allergen alert because the drinks contain coconut water. For the safety of our students, all classrooms in Smithfield are peanut/tree nut free and Prime Hydration drinks do not follow that policy.
In following our district Wellness Policy, we encourage all families to send in water and to refrain from sending in any drink that is not water or 100% fruit juice. All of the elementary schools have water bottle filling stations available to allow students to refill their water bottle during the school day. If you have any questions about the policy, please feel free to contact your school nurse. We appreciate your cooperation.
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. Click on the "Add to Google Calendar" button to subscribe to the calendar using your own calendar app.
Black and Orange Spirit Day, Tuesday October 31st
Volunteer Training (online), Wednesday November 1st at 4:30 PM
Flu Vaccination Clinic, Thursday November 2nd from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
NO SCHOOL, Election Day, Tuesday November 7th
Red, White & Blue Spirit Day, Friday November 10th
NO SCHOOL, Veterans Day, Monday November 13th
PTA Meeting, Tuesday November 14th at 6:00 PM
NO SCHOOL, Professional Development, Wednesday November 15th
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
Lots of Different Types of Learning this Week
