The Starburst
Home of the Shining Stars
Greetings, Barrows Families,
Thank you to Kim Smith, Bridget Maley, and our Winter Craft Fair Volunteers and musicians! Students and families enjoyed making crafts, connecting with friends, and making great memories!
By now, I am sure you have heard about our 10 days of Hidden Holiday Cheer if you have not seen some strange sights at drop-off or pick-up! This week, staff drank their coffee, tea & water out of anything but a mug, donned our best Elf or Grinch outfits, had weird Wednesday decorations on our desk, voted for our Ugly Sweater Contest winners, and finished the week in Friday Flannel! It was so fun hearing what students thought the theme was each day based on what they saw or heard! Next week, our students are joining in on the dress-up fun. Please see the flyer below for the theme for each day of Spirit Week. This is intended to be fun and not required. Students are encouraged to dress up if this is something they enjoy doing!
We had another incredible visit from Science from Scientists. Understanding Disabilities has been starting to teach its lessons in multiple grades, and the First grade went to the Regent Theater in Arlington to see "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!"
Upcoming Highlights:
- Barrows Staff Holiday Caroling and Hot Cocoa: Join us for a special community event on the blacktop on Thursday, December 18th, at 5 PM! In past years, families have bid for Barrows Staff Carolers to sing at their homes in silent action. This year, we're performing for ALL families that would like to attend as a thank-you for your support through donations and volunteerism. Come join us to hear the staff sing holiday songs. The PTO will provide hot cocoa.
- Tips for a Great "Week Before" Vacation: Help your child stay on track by keeping routines, ensuring plenty of sleep, enjoying healthy meals and snacks, reading daily, and getting outside (when it isn't raining) for fresh air and play.
- Coming Soon: Principal's Pop-Up Challenge: This fun activity will keep our students moving and creative over the break next week!
- Check out RPS's Winter Afterschool Enrichment Opportunities below. These are available for both Extended Day and non-Extended Day students. Sign-up now!
Thank you for being a wonderful part of the Barrows community & thanks for reading!
Warmly,
Alissa
Barrows Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, December 18th: 8:30 AM PTO Meeting. ZOOM only: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/84058658038
Thursday, December 19th: 5pm Carols on the Blacktop: A Harmonious Holiday with Barrows Staff
Monday-Friday, December 16-20: Barrows Spirit Week for Staff & STUDENTS!
Friday, December 20th: Holiday Sing Along & PJ Day, 12:45 pm dismissal
Monday-Wednesday, December 23-January 1: No School, Winter Break
Thursday, January 2nd: School Resumes
School Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 8:15 AM - 2:45 PM
Friday, 8:15 AM - 12:45 PM
*Students must be in class by 8:25 to be counted as on-time and present
Barrows Breakfast & Lunch Program Information
All first meals, including breakfast and lunch, are free for all students! If your child would like a second breakfast or lunch, these are available for purchase at $1.50 for breakfast and $2.75 for lunch. Additionally, our cafeterias offer a variety of snacks and a la carte items that can be purchased separately.
Reading Public Schools Food Service/Lunch Menus: http://reading.k12.ma.us/departments/food-services/
It is also important for families that may need financial support including but not limted to our food services to complete the following forms on this page: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1701802399965&page=lunchapps
Arrival
- Please drive slowly up Edgemont to keep everyone safe; remember, it is a ONE-WAY during the school day.
- Do not park in the indented section by the gym. This is the "kiss & go" area for a quick drop-off.
- Doors open at 8:15 and close at 8:25. Your child needs to be in their seat by 8:25 AM. If your child arrives to school after the doors have closed, they must come to the front door and be marked tardy.
- The Staff Parking Lot is for staff only and off limits to all pedestrians from arrival-dismissal for the safety of all. Please respect this important aspect of our campus.
Dismissal:
- At dismissal time, there is no live pick-up in the driveway except for students who take the bus. Kindergarteners exit the building at 2:40 PM. The rest of the students dismiss at 2:45 PM from the same doors they enter in the morning.
As a safety reminder, the staff parking lot is staff-only. We respectfully ask that caregivers park along the streets. With our students exiting from their external doors in the parking lot, having cars drive in and out is not safe. You need to walk around the school on the blacktop to the back. Thanks for helping us out.
Ready to Play the Best Way
Please do not have your children wear flip-flops. Sneakers are best, but flip-flops are dangerous when running at recess (and Crocs aren't great).
Dogs and Puppies on School Grounds
School Committee policy prohibits dogs on school grounds as much as we all love dogs and puppies and as much fun as it is walking them. If you'd like to walk your dog as part of your pick-up routine, the dog has to stay off school property. If you'd like your child to walk to you on the sidewalk or to the driveway entrances at dismissal so you can wait with your dog, please make that plan with them.
An Important Reminder from Mrs. Atwood
Dear Barrows Families,
This is a friendly reminder that kids should wear sneakers on the days that they have Physical Education. I love Crocs too, but they don’t count as sneakers…even when they’re worn in sport mode! Thanks so much for your support with this safety matter.
Sarah Atwood
Please follow Art and Physical Education on Instagram!
You must request to follow these private accounts. We post images, reels and stories that give you a quick glimpse into your child’s day during these Special class times. Mrs. Hurley for Art can be found here @mrs.hurley_art and Mrs. Atwood for Physical Education can be found here @barrowspe
*If your Instagram name does not easily identify you, please send us a separate email so we know it’s you! For safety, we are careful about who we accept.*
Check-Out Artsonia!
Dear Barrows Families,
Another way you can support your child’s art is to join Artsonia. Artsonia is the world's largest collection of student art, published by teachers and students from around the world. Through Artsonia families can view student art online and leave comments. If you would like to join Artsonia keep your eye on your inbox; email invitations will be going out shortly! Thank you! Beth Hurley
