Hello OCRS families,
We hope that our students enjoyed the February Break and we're looking forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday! March and April are busy months with things like special events to celebrate reading across the school and the district, Teaching and Learning Night, and the beginning of RICAS testing for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. Keep an eye out for regular email messages from the school to keep all families up to date about everything happening at OCRS!
School Communication with Families
As we enter the new year, we want to continue to work hard to communicate with families in a variety of ways. In addition to regular email, phone calls, and meetings, here are all of the other ways available for our school and families to communicate with each other and share important information.
- Old County Road School website, https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org/ and https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org/news
- Smithfield Public Schools app
- iOS app, https://apple.co/3nlS8HG
- Android/Google Play, http://bit.ly/2WT82AY
- OCRS Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/OldCountyRoadSchool
- OCRS X/Twitter page, https://twitter.com/OldCountyRoad
- OCRS Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/oldcountyroad/
Also, please follow the OCRS PTA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OCRSPTA !
Integrated Preschool Open House
Families with preschool aged children are invited to attend the Smithfield Integrated Preschool Open House on Tuesday, March 5th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Integrated Preschool Program for the entire district is located at LaPerche Elementary School at 11 Limerock Road and so the Open House will also be taking place at LaPerche School.
The Open House is an opportunity to meet the Preschool teachers, tour the classrooms, and ask questions about the program. Please see the linked flyer for more information. If you cannot attend the Open House, but still have questions about the Integrated Preschool program, please email childoutreach@smithfield-ps.org.
PTA General Meeting, Monday February 26th at 6:00 PM
The OCRS PTA has a general membership meeting scheduled this upcoming Monday, February 26th at 6:00 PM in the OCRS Media Center. Dr. Laurie Beauvais, Gallagher Middle School principal, is scheduled to join us to talk with OCRS parents about the program at the middle school and how we can work together to make our 5th grade students' transition to middle go as smoothly as possible.
We encourage parents/guardians to attend PTA meetings in-person. Like last meeting, Smithfield High School students will attend this meeting to supervise and play games with younger OCRS students that parents need to bring with them to the meeting. The SHS students were a BIG hit with both younger students and families, so we encourage families to come out to the meeting in person, even if it means bringing a younger OCRS student with you.
OCRS PTA Pasta Dinner, Thursday March 21st at 5:30 PM
The OCRS PTA is organizing a Family Pasta Dinner to be held on Thursday, March 21st from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM in the Smithfield High School cafeteria. The dinner includes Pasta and meatballs, Bread and Salad, and Dessert and Refreshments. There will also be 50/50 raffles, music, and other fun activities!
The cost will be $10 per adult and $8 per child. Children ages 3 and under will be free of charge. All proceeds are to benefit the OCRS PTA. Advanced ticket purchase is required using the link below or by scanning the QR code on the linked flyer.
https://my.cheddarup.com/c/ocrs-pta-pasta-dinner
Congratulations and Thank You for Your Support for the Kids Heart Challenge!
Thank you for all students and families that supported this year's Kids Heart Challenge from the American Heart Association. Mr. Gruczka has been working with all students to teach them about heart health through a variety of fun activities, including inviting some certified OCRS parents to teach our older students CPR!
Because of all of your support, the OCRS community raised $1,768.72 for the American Heart Association. One of our 3rd grade students raised over $400 all by himself! Thank you to Mr. Gruczka, students, and families.
FREE screening of the film, “Screenagers: Growing Up In The Digital Age”
The district is hosting a free screening of the movie "Screenagers" on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Smithfield High School auditorium. This event is recommended for families and students in 5th grade or older. Families can watch the trailer for the film at https://player.vimeo.com/video/344854704 and registration for this FREE event is required at https://forms.gle/MVJhVPDxRnA1BbwX6.
Information about "Revive the Roots"
All of the Smithfield elementary schools have been working with Revive the Roots, a local organization dedicating to educating the community about gardening, agriculture, outdoor activities, and sustainable practices. They host a wide variety of hands on activities for families that are worth checking out. Through a state grant, Revive the Roots is currently assisting OCRS to design and build a school garden that will (hopefully) be completed by the end of this school year. If any OCRS parent is interested in learning more about Revive the Roots as an organization and possibly joining their board, please see https://www.revivetheroots.org/join-our-board.html for more information.
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.
PTA General Meeting, Monday 2/26 at 6:00 PM
Special Education Local Advisory Committee meeting, Wednesday 2/8 at 6:00 PM at the Greenville Public Library
Spirit Day, Wear Green, Friday March 15th
PTA General Meeting, Tuesday 3/19 at 6:00 PM
Special Education Local Advisory Committee meeting, Wednesday 3/20 at 6:30 PM at Smithfield High School
PTA Pasta Dinner, Thursday 3/21 at 5:30 PM at Smithfield High School
NO SCHOOL, Good Friday, Friday 3/29
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
Kindergarten "Bring Someone Special to Lunch"
3rd Grade "Bring Someone Special to Lunch"
