Hello OCRS families,
There are a number of activities and important dates coming up prior to the Holiday Break. I know that there is a LOT of information below, but please take a look to make sure that your family is aware of everything happening.
Also, a reminder that there is no school for students on Parent-Teacher Conferences day this Thursday, 12/16.
Back to School Report #16
Like last year, Dr. Paolucci will be sharing a weekly report with Smithfield families to provide the latest information on COVID-19 information and protocols. If you have not already read this week's "Back to School" report shared by Dr. Paolucci, please take a few moments to review it at https://www.smithfield-ps.org/article/605969.
Seeking Golden Apple Nominations
NBC 10 and RIDE have teamed up to recognize outstanding teachers across our state with the Golden Apple Award. This award honors those who believe in the true spirit of teaching by making classrooms a creative and safe place to learn. Winning educators also receive a $250 contribution from Ocean State Credit Union. Those who nominate teachers include their students, fellow educators, and students’ families.
If you know an outstanding OCRS teacher who deserves recognition, you can nominate them by using this form. You can also see previous winners on the Channel 10 website.
Online Distribution of Report Cards on Tuesday, 12/14
Families of students will be receiving Trimester 1 report cards on Tuesday, December 14th. Report cards will be shared with each family online using the district's Infinite Campus Portal. Report cards are based on year end goals, so the Trimester 1 Report Card indicates progress demonstrated during this period of learning towards the year end goals. Teachers have worked together with their colleagues across the district to make sure that the information that parents receive accurately reflects the learning that is taking place.
Here is a link to instructions for families on how to access your child's online report card using the Parent Portal on Tuesday, 12/14.
Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, 12/16
Parent-teacher conferences for elementary families are scheduled for Thursday, 12/16. There is NO SCHOOL for students on Thursday, 12/16. This year all elementary schools are offering families the choice between an in-person conference at school or a virtual conference held online. All conferences will be scheduled by appointment between 1:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Teachers have reached out to families to schedule appointments with their students' families.
Families can schedule conferences with our Media Specialist, Mrs. Swartz, using the link, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AA5A928ABFCC07-parent.
Families can schedule conferences with our Art teacher, Ms. Miller, using the link, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45ADA822A5F4CF8-artconferences.
Families can schedule conferences with our Music teacher, Ms. Schug, using the link, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AA5A92DA0F5C43-ocrs.
Family Guides to Support Learning
These guides for families provide an overview of the important literacy and math topics students learn in each grade. Each guide describes what students should know and be able to do by the end of the grade level. The guides also include suggestions for everyday family activities to reinforce what students are learning and tips for focusing conversations during parent-teacher conferences.
| Kindergarten | English version | Spanish version |
| 1st Grade | English version | Spanish version |
| 2nd Grade | English version | Spanish version |
| 3rd Grade | English version | Spanish version |
| 4th Grade | English version | Spanish version |
| 5th Grade | English version | Spanish version |
Pediatric COVID Vaccination Clinic at OCRS
A pediatric COVID vaccination clinic is being held at OCRS on Saturday, 12/18 from 10AM to 2PM. Vaccines offered: Pfizer Pediatric (5-11)
Direct Registration link: https://www.vaccinateri.org/appointment/en/reg/5215911066
December Spirit Days
We would like to give students and staff an opportunity to have some fun together and celebrate our OCRS spirit the last week of December. While we always encourage students and staff to wear their OCRS Spirit Gear on Fridays, we thought that some special theme days would make December extra fun! As always, participation is encouraged, but not mandatory. Here's what we have planned:
Friday, December 17th: Silly (or Holiday Themed) Sock Day
Wear your favorite silly or holiday themed socks to school on Friday, 12/17! Holiday themed socks can be for any December holiday.
Monday, December 20th: "Merry Monday" Holiday Colors
Wear your favorite holiday themed colors to school on Monday, 12/20! Holiday themed colors can be for any December holiday.
Tuesday, December 21st: Ugly (or Holiday Themed) Sweater Day
Wear your favorite ugly or holiday themed sweater to school on Tuesday! Holiday themed sweaters can be for any December holiday.
Wednesday, December 22nd: Silly (or Holiday Themed) Hat Day
Wear your favorite silly or holiday themed hat to school on Wednesday! Holiday themed hats can be for any December holiday. Please be sure that hats do not interfere with mask wearing.
PTA Information
Book Fair this Week!
Our school Scholastic Book Fair is this week and will be open after school on the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, December 15th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Thursday, December 16th from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Friday, December 17th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Also, as a special event, Santa will be visiting OCRS during our Book Fair on Thursday, 12/16 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM!
The PTA is looking for some parents to volunteer to assist at school with the Scholastic Book Fair. Volunteers will need to have a recent background check completed and will need to have proof of vaccination. Please contact Rose Poyourow at (706)577-1561 to discuss details.
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair. Hosted by the OCRS PTA, this event is an opportunity for students of all ages to build their home libraries and further their love of reading. As always, all purchases benefit our school.
After missing out on many beloved traditions, our fall Book Fair will be a familiar, welcome, and safe event for our students. Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place from December 13th through 17th.
- Our Book Fair offers a cash-free payment option called eWallet. It’s a convenient digital account that your child can use for shopping at our Fair. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute, too!
- If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop online at our school’s Virtual Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/oldcountyroadschool.
We’re excited to celebrate our love of books together at the Book Fair. We look forward to seeing your child there!
Thank you for the "Penguin Patch" Holiday Shop
Thank you to the PTA and the volunteers that provided the opportunity for our students to participate in the "Penguin Patch" Holiday Shop last week! Students were excited to be able shop for their family and friends.
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. Clicking on the "Add to Google Calendar" to subscribe to the calendar on your own calendar app.
Scholastic Book Fair, Wednesday December 15th through Friday December 17th (see details in the PTA Information section above)
NO SCHOOL, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Thursday December 16th
Silly (or Holiday Themed) Sock Day, Friday December 17th
Pediatric Vaccination Clinic, Saturday December 18th
"Merry Monday" Holiday Colors, Monday December 20th
Ugly (or Holiday Themed) Sweater Day, Tuesday December 21st
Silly (or Holiday Themed) Hat Day, Wednesday December 22nd
NO SCHOOL, Holiday Recess, Thursday December 23rd through Friday, December 31st
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
Kindergarten rope activity in P.E.
