Hello OCRS families,
I hope that you and your family had a terrific Thanksgiving. I know that for my family, it was a really nice opportunity to step away from the daily schedules of work and school to relax and spend some time together.
It's a busy time of year and there is a LOT of information listed below for the next few weeks. Please read through everything carefully and keep an eye on the school website and social media accounts for additional information and updates!
Important Information
School Closings
It's the time of year where inclement weather is more frequent. Please see below information about School Closings from the Elementary School Handbook;
In the event of extreme weather conditions or emergency circumstances, the Superintendent may close school before school begins or during the school day. An official announcement will be made through the automated alert system, and on the following radio and television stations:
Radio:
WPRO 630 AM
WWLI 105.1 FM
WLKW 790 AM
WSNE 93.3
TV:
WLNE Channel 6
WPRI Channel 12
WJAR Channel 10
When adverse conditions exist, buses may run late. Parents are advised to make provisions for the care of their children in the event of a school closing, late start, or early dismissal. Children should be informed of those provisions. Since our schools have limited phone lines, please do not call the school to inquire about early dismissals or to change your child’s dismissal plan on the day of the dismissal.
Trimester 1 Performance Reports
Student Performance Reports for Trimester 1 are scheduled to be sent home on Wednesday, 12/4. Please be on the lookout for an envelope in your child's backpack. If families have any questions or concerns about their child's performance report, please discuss them with your child's teacher during Parent Teacher conferences on Thursday, 12/5 or email your child's teacher. Please KEEP the STAR assessment reports that were already sent home with your child.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
We are looking forward to welcoming OCRS parents and guardians to spend some time with their child's teacher this Thursday, 12/5. You should have received a message from your child's classroom teacher inviting you to schedule a time to come in between 1:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. and have a conversation about what your child is learning at school this year, both academically and socially. If you have not yet been contacted by your child's teacher, please email them directly to setup a time.
Reminder, there is NO SCHOOL on Thursday 12/5 for students.
Mastery Martial Arts offering child activities during Parent-Teacher Conferences
Mastery Martial Arts is teaming up with Smithfield schools to help parents attend Parent-Teacher conferences on December 5th. We provide a safe, fun environment for your child while you have time to meet with teachers with no distractions. Drop your child off at Mastery for fun ninja games for a three-hour block of time between 8 am and 8 pm and have uninterrupted time for your scheduled conference. There is no charge, but you must call to reserve your spot and time. Space is limited! 401-231-5425 Please pack a snack and water for your child. Mastery is located at 9 Cedar Swamp Rd Smithfield RI 02917.
Smithfield High School Showcase, Wednesday 12/4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
SHS is hosting a School Showcase on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, from 6-8 pm. The event is open to the entire Smithfield community but the Class of 2024 (current 8th graders) and any out of district students are strongly encouraged to attend. Participants will have the opportunity to tour SHS, explore our Career & Technology Programs, and meet students and staff.
OCRS PTA Snowflake Bazaar, Saturday 12/7
The 24th Annual Snowflake Bazaar will be held at OCRS on Saturday, 12/7, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be food, activities, and MANY vendors offering a diverse range of items. This promises to be a fun event for the entire family and we hope to see you there!
Smithfield All Lit-up Parade, Saturday 12/7
The 4th Annual Smithfield All Lit-up Parade will take place on Saturday, 12/7, starting at 4:00 p.m. The parade route begins at Smithfield High School at ends at the Village Green (Greenville Center across from the Fire Station) for the Lighting of the Tree. Stop by after the Snowflake Bazaar!
SHS Holiday Concert
As in the past, students from OCRS will be heading over to Smithfield High School to attend their annual Holiday Concert. This year, we will be attending the concert on the morning of Monday, December 9th. This is a fun, community field trip, as well as an opportunity for our students to experience our high school and see what our high school students are able to accomplish. Please keep an eye out for a Permission Slip coming home with your student and please return ASAP (no later than Friday, 12/6).
School Attendance during the Holiday Season
This holiday season, the best gift you can give your child is a good education. And the best place to get an education is in school, every day, on time. It’s tempting to extend your vacation by a few days, but remember, those days count as absences. Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time. So make sure your child is in school every day, right up until vacation starts. Our teachers will be teaching, and our students will be learning.
Mrs. McGee Leaving the Smithfield Schools for Cranston
Mrs. Courtney McGee, our wonderful school psychologist, has accepted a position to serve as a school psychologist for the Cranston Public Schools. This position in Cranston is a better fit for Mrs. McGee and her family's schedule. While we are saddened to have Mrs. McGee leave Smithfiled, we are happy that she has found a position that works better for her family and we are very thankful for all of the support that she has provided to Smithfield students and their families during her time with us. We are working with Mrs. Crudele the district's Director of Special Education, to identify a terrific candidate fill the school psychologist position.
Upcoming Dates and Events
Trimester 1 Student Performance Reports, Wednesday 12/4
Please be on the lookout for an envelope in your child's backpack.
Smithfield High School Showcase, Wednesday 12/4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Please see the attached information.
NO SCHOOL, Parent Teacher Conferences, Thursday 12/5
There is NO SCHOOL for students on Thursday, 12/5 due to Parent Teacher conferences.
Parent Teacher Conferences, Thursday 12/5
Parent Teacher conferences are being held at OCRS on Thursday, 12/5 between 1:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
PTA Holiday Bazaar, Saturday 12/7
The PTA will be hosting their annual Holiday Bazaar at OCRS on Saturday, 12/7. More information will be sent out as we get closer to the event.
SHS Holiday Concert Field Trip, Monday 12/9
Please make sure to return the permission slip.
PTA Holiday Store, Tuesday 12/17 and Wednesday 12/18
The PTA will be offering a Holiday Store OCRS students to purchase small gifts for their family. Information will be sent home by the PTA with more information.
Follow OCRS Online and on Social Media
To stay up to date with the latest OCRS information, please check out the OCRS website at https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org. Also follow OCRS on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OldCountyRoadSchool/, our Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/OldCountyRoad, and our Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/oldcountyroad/
4th and 1st Grade students celebrating Thanksgiving together
