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 (X) ) for all of the latest information. We are very excited to welcome back our students on August 29th!
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 2023-24 school year?
OCRS will remain one of the “early” elementary schools for the 2023-24 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. Consistent daily, on-time attendance is crucial to the success of students!
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 29th. The first day of school for Kindergarten students is Friday, September 1st 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 22nd. 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 8/29, Wednesday 8/30, and Thursday 8/31. 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/ocrskindergarten23 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 registered Kindergarten families at the end of July) here, OCRS K Screening Family Letter, 23-24.
The first full day of school for Kindergarten students is Friday, September 1st starting at 9:00 AM.
Will school lunch and breakfast be free this year for all students?
No, unfortunately school lunch and breakfast will not be free for all students this school year. This is a decision that is 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 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.
School Bus Introduction for Kindergarten Students
The DATTCO transportation Company has agreed to provide a short bus informational session during the week of August 21st for our 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 school bus introduction for Old County Road School will be held on Wednesday, August 23rd 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.
School Tours for Kindergarten and New OCRS Families
We invite any families that are new to OCRS to come and join us for a tour of the school on Wednesday, August 23rd at 9:15 a.m. The tour will be led by some of our 5th grade students (with Mr. Barrette helping out) and will provide an opportunity for new families to view the school prior to the start of school. We anticipate that the tour will last about 30 minutes. Kindergarten families are invited to stay for the School Bus Introduction at 10:00 a.m.
PTA "Back to School" Event Friday, 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 event is scheduled for Friday, August 25th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and will be held on the Old County School playground. The PTA will be providing popsicles as a cool treat!
This is not a "drop off" event, a parent/guardian must accompany each student. Also, while teachers and staff are invited to attend the event, this is not a "Meet the Teacher" event and teachers and staff may already have personal or family commitments. Students and families should not expect to meet their teacher at this event.
Last year's event was a lot of fun and the kids really enjoyed being able to play together before the start of the new school year. Please join the OCRS PTA for a fun event to kick-off the school year!
Smithfield Special Education Local Advisory Committee (SSELAC) Information
As we start a new school year, please consider participating as part of the Smithfield Special Education Local Advisory Committee (SSELAC)! See the linked SSELAC brochure for lots of information about the committee, meetings, and events.
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.
Teacher assignments emailed to families, Tuesday August 22nd
School Tour for Kindergarten and new students, Wednesday, August 23rd at 9:15 AM
School Bus Introduction for K students, Wednesday August 23rd at 10:00 AM
PTA Back to School Event at the OCRS Playground, Friday August 25th at 6:00 PM
First Day of School for 1st through 5th grade students, Tuesday August 29th
Kindergarten Screening appointments Tuesday, August 29th through Thursday, August 31st
First Day of School for Kindergarten students, Friday September 2nd
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette