Hello OCRS families,
I hope that you and your families have been able to enjoy Labor Day weekend. I know that the weather today is kind of a washout, but Saturday and most of Sunday were pretty good in terms of getting outside and enjoying the unofficial end of summer.
This week marks the first "full" week of school for our Kindergarten students, so we appreciate everyone's patience as our youngest students get used to the morning arrival, afternoon dismissal, lunch, and bus routines. It may mean that these routines take a little longer as the Kindergarteners get familiar with them. Our older students were helpful on Friday on the Kindergarteners' first day and I'm sure that they will continue to help out and set great examples for our youngest students.
Morning Drop-off and Afternoon Pick-up Procedures
For families that are new to the school or are new to morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, please look at the school's drop-off and pick-up procedures on the school website at https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org/page/drop-off-and-pick-up-procedures. It makes the process easier and safer if everyone is aware of the procedures and the traffic patterns.
Morning drop-off is from 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM (school begins at 8:15 AM). Afternoon pick-up begins at 2:45 PM.
Open House, Thursday 9/15
The OCRS Open House is scheduled for Thursday, 9/15 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Drop-in any time between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM to meet your child's teachers, visit our classrooms, and see the great things happening at OCRS!
Students are welcome to come with their family to the Open House, but all students must stay with and be supervised by their family at all times. Also, please be aware that, while the Open House is a terrific opportunity for families to meet their child's teachers, it is not intended to be an in-depth parent/teacher conference or a discussion about specific issues and concerns. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled to take place on December 16th and are a more appropriate time for comprehensive discussions about individual students.
We are looking forward to seeing you the evening of Thursday, 9/15!
Please bring back Chromebooks ASAP
If your student took home their school Chromebook this summer to participate in any of the summer programs, please have them bring it back to school ASAP (including the case and the charger). Thank you to most students for bringing theirs back last week! Our technology staff needs to get all of the equipment inventoried, updated, and ready to go for teachers and students to use in the classroom.
School Lunch Applications
Starting this school year, schools can no longer offer free meals for every student. The USDA ended this federal program on June 30, 2022.
Meal benefit applications are ONCE AGAIN necessary and important. Families can apply for meal benefits online at https://www.myschoolapps.com. Families can also download, review, and complete printed meal benefit applications at the district website (English | Spanish).
Information on your school meal application
Applications are confidential and information is NOT SHARED with teachers, school staff, other students, or other agencies.
- You only need to complete one application for all children in your household.
- All applications received and processed before 8/26/22 that are determined to be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, will also qualify for 2022 summer P-EBT benefits.
- The online application can be found at https://www.myschoolapps.com.
- For a hard copies click these links (English | Spanish) or call Kerri Dailey at 401-231-6606 x8120.
School and district staff are here to help and support families. Please reach out to our school social worker, Mrs. Michaella Costa, at mcosta@smithfield-ps.org, or Mrs. Kerri Dailey at 401-231-6606 x8120 and kdailey@smithfield-ps.org with any questions on the school meal application or for assistance in completing the application.
School Meal costs
If your child is not approved for free school meals, you must add money to your school meal account at https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ to buy any food or beverage items. Any questions or issues with MySchoolBucks should be sent to the Director of Dining Service, Lori Richard at lori.Richard@compass-usa.com or 401-231-8662.
School Breakfast cost
Breakfast is offered daily at schools. If your student qualifies for free or reduced meal benefits, he or she is automatically eligible to receive free or reduced breakfast. Reduced breakfast is $.30 and paid breakfasts are offered to non-qualifying students at the price of $1.00 for elementary schools and $1.25 at the Middle and High Schools.
School Lunch cost
Lunch is available daily to all students. Paid meals are offered at the price of $2.70 at the elementary schools and $2.80 at the Middle and High Schools. Reduced price meals are $.40. If your child is carrying a negative balance of $10.00 or higher, he or she may receive an alternative meal in place of a hot meal in accordance with the school district policy.
PTA Information
Savers Fun Drive for 5th Grade Committee
OCRS PTA's 5th Grade Committee wants your stuff! The 5th Grade Committee is hosting a FunDrive to support special programming for our 5th graders as they begin their last year at OCRS. As you get ready for the new school year and realize you have drawers and closets full of stuff your kid (or you) outgrew, donate them to us. We have a goal of 200 kitchen garbage bags of soft goods. You can donate any soft goods such as: clothes, coats, sheets, towels, blankets, shoes, bags etc...
See linked flyer for more information! Donations accepted through 9/25.
PTA General Membership Meeting
The first PTA general membership meeting was tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 13th, however the schools will be closed on that day due to the local primary elections. The PTA board members are considering rescheduling the meeting to either Monday, September 12th or Wednesday, September 14th. As soon as the new date has been confirmed we will communicate it to all OCRS families.
Scholastic Book Fair
The first Scholastic Book Fair of the year will take place during the week of September 12th, including during the Open House on the evening of Thursday, September 15th. Look for additional details and information soon!
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.
NO SCHOOL (Labor Day), Monday September 5th
Scholastic Book Fair, Week of September 12th
NO SCHOOL (Primary Elections), Tuesday September 13th
Open House, Thursday September 15th, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
Kindergarten students learning their new school routines
