Hello OCRS families,
The next two weeks are going to be VERY busy at OCRS with RICAS testing starting this week and Reading Week events being held during the week of April 3rd. Also, don't forget about Teaching and Learning Night on Wednesday, April 5th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM! OCRS students and teachers are excited to share their learning with families.
RICAS Testing Begins This Week for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students
Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers have been working hard to help our students “show what they know” on this year’s RICAS testing. Old County Road’s RICAS ELA testing will take place on Wednesday, March 29th and Thursday, March 30th. This means that the daily schedule for all of the grade levels will be adjusted on these days in order to provide a quiet and uninterrupted testing environment for our older students. Typically the times for "specials" will need to be shifted, along with the schedules of some small groups. We know that schedule changes or "zig zags" can be challenging for some students, so we wanted to share this with all families ahead of time.
Please know that OCRS maintains a very positive environment for the entire RICAS process. We want our students to take the assessment seriously, do their best, and show their best work. This is their opportunity to "shine" and “show what they know.” We can also use your help in reinforcing with your child that all of us, teachers and families, want them to take pride and put in their best work to show what they have learned.
Welcome to Ms. Saleem
Please help us welcome our new long-term music substitute, Ms. Maria Saleem, OCRS! Ms. Saleem is a recent graduate of the University of Rhode Island and is certified to teach music to students PreK through 12. She also did her student teaching at Pleasant View Elementary this fall, so she is familiar with the Smithfield music program.
We ask 3rd & 4th graders to make sure to bring their recorders and 5th graders to bring their band instruments on Monday and Wednesday (whichever day they normally are scheduled to have music).
SYBA Charity Game
The Smithfield Youth Basketball Association is hosting a Charity Game on Thursday, April 6th at 7:00 PM at Smithfield High School. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Bryant Youth Lacrosse Day
Youth Lacrosse Day is being held at Bryant University on Saturday, April 8th. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Free Providence Ballet Theater Event
The Providence Ballet Theater is hosting an informal FREE event where the attendees will hear about how Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was created. There will be a short section performed by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Attendees will get a chance to meet the choreographer and Tony Lustig the composer. There will also be time for Q&A. The actual event will run from 2:30-3:30pm on Friday April 14th (during school vacation) at the Providence Public Library at 150 Empire St, Providence, RI 02903.
PTA Information
Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8th at 9:00 AM
The PTA will be holding an Egg Hunt for all OCRS students on the morning of Saturday, April 8th starting at 9:00 AM. The Egg Hunt will take place on the OCRS playground and all families are invited!
Book Fair on Wednesday, April 5th during Teaching and Learning Night
The PTA will be hosting the Scholastic Book Fair during Teaching and Learning Night on Wednesday, April 5th. Please stop by the Book Fair in the Maker Space when you visit during Teaching and Learning Night on Wednesday, April 5th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
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" to subscribe to the calendar on your own calendar app.
RICAS ELA, Wednesday March 29th
RICAS ELA, Thursday March 30th
Reading Week, April 3rd through April 6th
Teaching and Learning Night, Wednesday April 5th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
PTA Book Fair, Wednesday April 5th during Teaching and Learning Night
NO SCHOOL, Good Friday, April 7th
PTA Egg Hunt, Saturday April 8th at 9:00 AM
NO SCHOOL, Spring Recess, April 10th to April 14th
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
2nd grade counting and trading coins
