Hello OCRS families,
We hope that everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall weather!
Applying for Free/Reduced Meals if Carryover from Last Year has Expired
Some families may have received a message this week about the expiration of their child's "Meal Carryover" from last school year. If you received this message and you haven't already, please apply for Free/Reduced Meals for the 23-24 school year by completing the linked application form (English or Spanish). Families can find additional information at https://www.smithfield-ps.org/page/school-meal-program.
If any family could use some assistance in completing the application, please contact Mr. Barrette and we will reach out to you.
Attendance Update
11 out of 12 classes had excellent attendance this week! As a school, our attendance has improved 30% from what it was last year at this same time and our school is 21st out of all RI schools. We appreciate all of the support of OCRS families on prioritizing student attendance (when students aren't ill). We are happy to work with any family that is concerned about your child's attendance, if your child resists coming to school in the morning, or if you have any questions.
Family Support Survey from Mrs. Costa
Two weeks ago Mrs. Costa sent out a Family Support Survey to assist families in connecting with community resources. If you haven't yet completed the survey, we invite you to take a minute to complete it.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-smOVW0yy3-l9r_MTZNSmMVupHNTuTFs4YgvW-CPKRxTrg/viewform
PTA Trunk or Treat
Come join us for a fun filled night on Friday, October 20th at St. Michael's from 6:00PM to 7:30PM! Use the link below to sign up to attend and to let us know if you’d like to decorate your trunk. The Rain Date, if needed, will be Saturday, October 28th at St. Michael's from 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM. The PTA board is watching the weather forecast closely and will make a decision by this Thursday.
https://forms.gle/B18GtUoRshGLqJDn8
Open House for New Hiking Trails at Camp Shepherd
As some families may know, Mr. Gruczka isn't just our P.E. teacher, he also works with the Town of Smithfield to manage hiking trails around town. Mr. Gruczka has been working hard to open some new hiking trails on the Camp Shepherd property on Colwell Road. There is an Open House this Saturday, October 21st from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to celebrate these new trails! See https://www.smithfieldri.gov/Home/Components/News/News/136/57 for additional details.
Smithfield Police Department Blood Drive
The Smithfield Police Department is hosting a Blood Drive on Monday, October 16th from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. See the linked flyer for details.
Two Groups for Students at East Smithfield Library
Our friends at East Smithfield Library are offering two different book groups for students in grades 2/3 and grade 4/5. Please see the linked flyers for all of the details:
Smithfield Elks Lodge Americanism Essay Contest
The Smithfield Elks Lodge #2359 announced its annual Elks Americanism essay contest for fifth through eighth grade students. This year’s theme is “What the Bill of Rights Means to Me”. All entrants are required to submit cover sheets which must be attached to the essay. Please see this link for the forms. More information and cover sheets can be obtained by contacting Kristin Sullivan at kristin_sullivan@me.com.
Just for Fun
One of our OCRS families has gone viral for their clever and fun Halloween display mourning the loss of iconic local retailers over the years. Be sure to check it out at https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/new-england-mans-halloween-lawn-display-pays-homage-iconic-stores-that-are-no-longer-with-us/A6GCID5ODNHELIJEZ3X56PCQFQ/
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.
SSELAC Parent/Guardian Meeting, Wednesday October 18th at 6:30 PM at Greenville Library
PTA Trunk or Treat, Friday October 20th from 6:00PM to 7:30PM at St. Michael's (Rain Date on Saturday October 28th 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM)
Black and Orange Spirit Day, Tuesday October 31st
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
3rd Graders Learning about Birds of the Woonasquatucket
5th Grade Physics Experiment
Pink Out!
