Hello OCRS families,
The month of November can be tricky for students, families, and staff due to the multiple days off and changes to the normal weekly schedule. We know some things that help students be successful are a predictable schedule and routine. There are a lot of calendar "zig zags" that occur in November which make things less predictable for everyone and can be challenging for students. At school, we try to make sure that students are aware of any schedule changes ahead of time (whenever possible) to ease any anxiety. Families can always find the school calendar on the school website, in the Smithfield Public Schools phone app, and subscribe to the school calendar at https://oldcounty.smithfield-ps.org/o/old-county-road-elementary/page/monthly-calendar (click on the "+ Google Calendar" button at the bottom of the page).
NO SCHOOL Monday, November 13th and Wednesday, November 15th
There is NO SCHOOL on Monday 11/13, to observe Veterans Day. There is also
NO SCHOOL for students on Wednesday 11/15, as teachers attend Professional Development (there are also parent/teacher conferences scheduled at the high school and middle school).
Free Afterschool Math Camp
This year we are excited to offer a free, grant-funded Math Camp to all students in grades K-5! The program will run 2 days per week for an hour and a half after school each day and will begin with a snack (to be provided) and free play before diving into fun math activities meant to build interest and confidence in mathematics. Campers will be separated into grade band groups (K-1, 2-3, or 4-5) and each group will be led by a certified Old County Road School teacher.
The program at Old County Road Elementary School will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:55 PM to 4:25 PM. The first session will run from the week of 11/27 - 1/26.
Please complete this online form for EACH child you would like to register for the first session of math camp. Note: If your child is unable to attend this first session, we will be running two other sessions later this year in January and April. Separate registrations will be sent for each of those sessions.
Learning More About the New Eureka2 Math Program
As the district implements our new elementary math curriculum, Eureka2 (Squared), we want to support families and caregivers in learning more about the materials, models, and strategies students will be using.
Please complete this online survey to provide information on the type of support that would be most helpful to you as a parent and family. We will use your feedback to plan how we reach out and work with families about the new math program.
Gift of Giving Smithfield Fundraiser
Please see the linked flyer for information about the "Gift of Giving" fundraiser in partnership with the Smithfield Paper Store.
PTA Information
Student "Turkey Trot" fundraiser!
The OCRS PTA is organizing a Turkey Trot for the students! The students will be "Trotting" around the school on Monday, November 20th to raise funds for field trips, family events, etc. Please use this code to sponsor a child! https://ocrs-turkey-trot.cheddarup.com
PTA General Meeting
The OCRS PTA has a general membership meeting scheduled for this week on Tuesday, 11/14 at 6:00 PM in the OCRS Media Center. We encourage parents/guardians to attend PTA meetings in-person. However, we also understand that family schedules can be very busy and challenging to manage, so here is a link to join the meeting remotely via Google Meet:
Tuesday, November 14 · 6:00 – 7:00pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/gks-johd-acj
Or dial: (US) +1 662-674-1304 PIN: 367 175 105#
PTA Snowflake Bazaar
The PTA is hosting their annual Snowflake Bazaar on Saturday, December 2nd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Old County Road School. We invite and encourage all OCRS students and families to stop by and enjoy the bazaar!
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, Veterans Day, Monday November 13th
PTA Meeting, Tuesday November 14th at 6:00 PM
NO SCHOOL, Professional Development, Wednesday November 15th
PTA Turkey Trot on Monday, November 20th
NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Break, Thursday November 23rd and Friday November 24th
PTA Snowflake Bazaar, Saturday December 2nd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Thank you,
Mr. Barrette
Thank you for your service OCRS Veterans!
5th grade engineers designing and building ping pong ball launchers
