Hello OCRS families,
It's our first full week of school following the New Year and the weather looks to be all over the place, starting off with this weekend's winter storm and a forecast for rain and warmer temperatures later in the week. We will make day to day decisions about outdoor recess depending upon if the playground is covered in snow.
Keep an eye out for communications from the district about potential delayed opening of school tomorrow, Monday 1/8.
Reports of Strep Throat in the Community
There have been reports of strep throat in the community over the last week. Families may want to follow up with your child's primary care physician if your child shows symptoms of strep throat.
Candlelight Vigil Tuesday, January 9th to Remember and Celebrate Katherine Young
The Smithfield community is in mourning about the unexpected death of Katherine Young, a music teacher at Smithfield High School. Katherine is beloved by the SHS community and the start of the new year has been difficult for our SHS colleagues, students, and families, as well as the greater Smithfield community.
In coordination with Smithfield High School and the Town, a Candlelight Vigil is planned for Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 4:30 p.m. starting in Deerfield Park and concluding at Smithfield High School. This event is open to all and is rain or shine. There is parking at both Deerfield and SHS. Anyone attending the vigil on Tuesday may wish to carry a battery-operated light, flashlight, or phone with a light (please no open flames). A simple remembrance of Katherine is planned to be shown on the screen of the SHS Auditorium following the vigil.
My wife, the music teacher at Pleasant View Elementary, was a colleague and friend of Katherine's and Katherine was a mentor for my daughter when she attended SHS and started composing music as an SHS student. Excellent teachers and school staff have an enormous, long-lasting positive impact on students, families, and the entire community. As both a parent and a long-time educator, I can confidently say that Katherine was truly an excellent teacher and her impact and influence on her students and the community will last for a very, very long time.
Talking with Kids about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As we approach the long Martin Luther King Day weekend next week (remember no school Monday, 1/15), it's important for all of us to take some time to remember and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his role in the Civil Rights movement of our country. Below are some links to resources that families can use in talking with your kids about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
How to Talk About Martin Luther King Jr. With Your Children
tps://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/teaching-kids-about-martin-luther-king-jr.html
Honoring the Real Meaning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/honoring-the-real-meaning-of-martin-luther-king-jr-day
How to teach kids the meaning of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
https://www.today.com/parents/how-tell-kids-story-martin-luther-king-jr-day-t147051
Birding Nature Walk and Workshop
The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council is leading a Birding Nature Walk and Workshop at Stephen Olney Park in North Providence on Saturday, January 20th at 1:00 PM. This is part of a series of workshops by Thrive Outside and there will be a take-home birding craft as part of the walk. See the linked flyers for more details; English version (PDF) and Spanish version (PDF).
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.
NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday January 15th
Smithfield Special Education Local Advisory Committee meeting, Wednesday January 17th at 6:30 PM at Smithfield High School
PTA General Meeting, Tuesday January 23rd at 6:00 PM
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette