Hello OCRS families,
We hope that students enjoyed the February break and were able to spend time with family and friends. OCRS teachers and staff also enjoyed some time to recharge and we're looking forward to welcoming students back to school tomorrow!
Renovations in the OCRS Gym
You may have seen Dr. Paolucci's Facebook post this week about renovations that have begun in the OCRS gym. The plan is to install new bleachers (the old ones were removed this past week), install a new ceiling, remove the old wall mats, and install new mats. It's also possible that the floor will be refinished and new basketball goals will be installed if there are enough funds remaining. We're excited to be able to take advantage of these improvements once the work is completed!
This renovation work will mean that the OCRS gym will be unavailable to staff and students for approximately 4-6 weeks. It's possible that the work will be completed sooner or could even go longer, depending on how smoothly things go. I will continue to update families on the progress of the work. This does mean that we need to make some adjustments to P.E. classes, morning arrival, and afternoon dismissal because the gym is completely unavailable. Please see the details below:
P.E. classes will be outside whenever possible
As long as the weather cooperates and the ground is mostly clear of snow/ice, P.E. classes will be held outside. This means that it's VERY important that all students come to school with warm clothes that they can wear outside for their 45 minute P.E. class. When the weather does not cooperate, P.E. classes will either be held in the cafeteria or the Maker Space, depending upon the time of day.
Morning Arrival Changes
Because the gym and gym entrances are unavailable, students will enter the school building using the main front entrance instead of the two gym doors. This isn't a big change, but we wanted to make sure to let everyone know. Also, if the playground is covered in snow/ice (like now) or the weather isn't cooperating, students will gather in the cafeteria and the Media Center in the morning. Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade students will gather in the cafeteria and 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will gather in the Media Center. Staff will be ready tomorrow morning to assist students with this change.
Afternoon Dismissal Changes
Because the gym and gym entrances are unavailable, students that are being picked up by parents/family members or are "walkers" will exit the building using the main front entrance instead of the two gym doors. This isn't a big change, but we wanted to make sure to let everyone know. Also, students waiting to be called for their parent pickup will gather in the cafeteria instead of the gym. Staff will be ready tomorrow afternoon to assist students with this change.
Spirit Days, March 2nd and March 17th
Join us on Wednesday, March 2nd to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s 118th Birthday. It will be a "Wacky Wednesday" at OCRS for students and staff, so dress your wackiest (Mixed-Up Clothes, Silly Socks, Crazy Hair)!
Join us on Thursday, March 17th to celebrate St. Patrick's Day for a "Bein' Green" Day. Wear your favorite green clothing to show your OCRS spirit!
Updated 2021-22 School Calendar
Please find a link to the updated 2021-22 school calendar. The last day of school is now Monday, June 27th.
Change in Statewide Mask Mandate for Schools
As Dr. Paolucci has shared the past two weeks, the governor’s mask mandate for schools was extended through March 4, 2022. After March 4th, pursuant to Smithfield School Committee policy, unless the governor's mandate is extended, parents may choose to have or not to have their child continue to wear a mask while at school. Teachers and school staff will not be responsible for monitoring or enforcing such parents’ decisions.
It is important to note that the federal transportation (TSA) mask requirement remains in place at least through March 18th. Therefore masks will continue to be required on school buses at least through March 18th. Masking is also still recommended for immunocompromised individuals and for those who have either not completed their primary series of vaccinations or received their booster.
We will be working as a school community to help everyone understand that some students and staff will choose to continue to wear a mask while at school after this week. It's important that we all show understanding because we don't know everyone's personal medical needs or the medical needs of their family at home. We appreciate your support in helping all of our students to be kind and respectful of others while at school.
PTA Information
"Make your Own" Pizza Kits
Get your at home Little Caesars pizza kits from now to March 3rd!!
Click on the special link below to share with our OCRS friends and family so they can buy delicious pizza kits and support our fundraiser. Pizza Kits will be delivered directly to your home by FedEx, so you can send the link to your out of state family and friends, too. Our supporters will have their products within 3-7 business days of placing their orders, coming right to their front door!
The OCRS PTA uses the money raised towards enrichment opportunities for our children like field trips for this year!
https://fundraising.littlecaesars.com/login/join-fundraiser/9dd5e6f8-d436-4237-a25d-e237089ba58d
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.
"Wacky Wednesday" Spirit Day, Wednesday March 2nd
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME STARTS, Sunday March 13th
"Bein' Green" Spirit Day, Thursday March 17th
Teaching & Learning Night, Wednesday April 13th, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
NO SCHOOL, Good Friday, Friday April 15th
NO SCHOOL, Spring Recess, April 18th through April 22nd
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette