Hello OCRS families,
This is our first full 5-day week of school, so it's going to be the first time that your child is going to have their Monday schedule, including Music, Physical Education, and Health. Mrs. Preston and Mrs. Forte are all excited to finally get a chance to see their Monday classes (Mr. Gruczka is going to be out tomorrow). Please make a point to ask your child what they learned during Music, Physical Education, and Health!
Important Information
Fall School Pictures
On Monday, September 9th, all students will have their fall school picture taken during the morning. While families do not need to purchase pictures if they are not interested, all students will have their picture taken so that we have an up to date photo of each student for our records.
All families should have received a packet from Lifetouch with information on how to purchase pictures, if you are interested. If you prefer, you can also order photos from Lifetouch online at https://mylifetouch.com using the Picture Day ID of RI319158Q0.
Back to School Letter from the R.I. Commissioner of Education
Please find attached a "Back to School" letter to families from Angélica Infante-Green, the R.I. Commissioner of Education. There is some helpful information on how families can participate and stay informed on what's happening across the state in terms of public education.
Parent Letter from Commissioner
Parent Letter from Commissioner (SPANISH)
PTA Meeting, Thursday September 12th at 7:00 p.m.
The first OCRS PTA Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the OCRS Library. We invite and encourage all OCRS families to come and participate in the great work that the PTA is planning for this year!
Family Volunteer Training
Mr. Barrette will be offering Family Volunteer Training on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the OCRS cafeteria prior to the PTA meeting. If you are interested in volunteering at school and you have never attended a training session in the past, please plan on attending this training session at 6:30 p.m.
PTA OCRS Gear Drive
The PTA is running an OCRS Gear Drive for this fall. If you are interested in purchasing any OCRS gear (t-shirts, hats, hoodies, etc.) for your child, please be on the lookout for a flyer that is being sent home with your child. You could also go to http://www.spiritgeardirect.com/GearDrive/Store.aspx?guid=60EEDC0B-F8EC-4391-A13B-393034B25F53 to check out the offerings and place your order.
Silly Song "Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips"
We start each and every day together as a school community in the gymnasium at "School Meeting". During School Meeting, we go over important announcements for the day and say the Pledge of Allegiance together. On the first day of the week and the last day of the week, we also sing a "Silly Song" together. It's a terrific way to start and the end each week with a little bit of fun and to build a positive school culture. It also allows Mr. Barrette to share his passion for music with all of the students and staff (he was an elementary music teacher for the first 7 years of his career).
One of the "Silly Songs" that has proven to be a favorite with the students is "Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips". This song was written by Nancy Cassidy and performed by rock legend Bruce Springsteen. If you would like to learn this song to sing-along with your OCRS student (they will be happy to teach you the movements), you can find it on:
Spotify, https://open.spotify.com/album/3yZcmCJs44vWLhwtBpSvQD
YouTube Music, https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=haKF02SbZKE
Upcoming Dates and Events
Fall School Pictures, Monday September 9th
Fall School Pictures for students will be held on Monday, September 9th during the school day. All families should have received a packet from Lifetouch with information on how to purchase pictures, if you are interested. If you prefer, you can also order photos from Lifetouch online at https://mylifetouch.com using the Picture Day ID of RI319158Q0. Families are NOT required to purchase pictures, however all students will have their picture taken to ensure that the school has an up to date photo of each student for our records.
PTA Meeting, Thursday September 12th at 7:00 p.m.
The first PTA meeting of the new school year will be held on Thursday, September 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the OCRS library. All families are welcome and encouraged to attend! Mr. Barrette will be offering the first volunteer training session of the new school year prior to the PTA meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Open House, Thursday September 19th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Old County Road School is holding our Open House for families on Thursday, September 19th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We encourage families to stop by and meet their child's teacher! As we get closer to the date, additional information will be shared with families about the Open House.
R.I. Festival of Children's Books and Authors, Saturday October 19th 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
All OCRS families are invited to attend the R.I. Festival of Children's Books and Authors which will be held at the Lincoln School in Providence on Saturday, October 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can find more information about the event at https://www.lincolnschool.org/life-at-lincoln/rhode-island-festival-of-childrens-books-and-authors
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/