The Starburst

Greetings, Barrows Families!

From K to 5, we had a memorable week at Barrows. Our Kindergarteners enjoyed a visit from KidzFun, which helps promote a healthy lifestyle through movement and games and our 5th graders had a fantastic day at Project Adventure, which helps build community, teach social-emotional skills, and re-energize our students and teachers. Thank you to the PTO for supporting these incredible enrichment experiences. I know that the fall is filled with many fundraising events, and these events help fund the costs of the enrichment opportunities for all of our Barrows students! We appreciate your support, and be sure to check out the PTO section below for more ways to be a part of and support our PTO!

We were also honored to welcome and celebrate many of our Barrows students' family members who have served in the Armed Forces. Students also learned the importance of Veterans Day and how they can show their respect and appreciation for all those who have served, especially as we honor all veterans on Monday, November 11th. To all of our Barrows families who have served or are currently serving, we are so thankful to this special 1% of our community for your bravery and willingness to serve our country.

Please remember that we have a very short and unusual week ahead. Students have a full day on Tuesday and Wednesday and an early dismissal on Thursday. No school days are on Monday (in honor of Veterans Day) and Friday (Conference Day).

This week's highlights:

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Be sure you have signed up for a conference time for your student(s). These meetings are a valuable part of our partnership to support your student's success. We provide interpreters for any families that would benefit from having a conference in the language you feel most confident with.
• There will be no newsletter next week since it is such a short week. On November 22nd, after a full week of school, I will send out our next Starburst!
• PTO, SEPAC, METCO & Community Section all have NEW information and dates posted! Please read through each section!
• Reading Challenge: We are halfway through our first Pop-Up Reading Challenge! Please continue to encourage your students to read at home. The goal is 315 minutes of reading at home by November 19th. Independent reading, reading to or by your student, or using audio books all count as reading time!
• Barrows Food Drive for the Reading Food Pantry starts Monday. See below for more information!
• Last chance to order signed books from author, Jessie Janowitz this weekend

We look forward to welcoming our student's parents/guardians during our conference days. We are proud of your students' work, care about each child, and are here to help partner with you to provide the best academic opportunities for your students. Please remember that each conference is only 15 minutes. If you require more time to meet, please schedule another meeting so that we stay on schedule out of respect for everyone's schedules.

Thanks for Reading,

Mrs. Gallegos

Monday, November 11th: No School in honor of Veteran's Day

Thursday, November 14th: Early Release @ 12:45 pm, Conference Day

Friday, November 15th: No School- Conference Day & Otis Spunkmeyer Pick-Up Day

Wednesday, November 20th: 7 PM PTO Meeting. Mrs. Gallegos will present the 2024-25 School Improvement Plan (in library or by zoom: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/84058658038)

Monday-Friday, November 18-22: American Education Week

Wednesday, Novermber 27th: Turkey Trot 10:20 am & 11 AM Dismissal**

Thursday & Friday, November 28 & 29th: Thanksgiving Recess- No School

Saturday, December 7th: Barrows Winter Craft Fair

Saturday & Sunday, December 7th & 8th: REF Festival of Trees

Friday, December 20th: Holiday Sing Along & PJ Day

Monday-Wednesday, December 23-January 1: No School, Winter Break

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

Reading Public Schools Calendar

Needed Items:

Laundry Detergent, Paper Towls, Toothpase, Prepacked Snacks, Granola Bars,

Hot Cocoa Mix, Cold Cereal, Instant Oatmeal, Pancake Mix & Syrup

LAST CALL!!!

Author Jessie Janowitz will be visiting Barrows Elementary School on November 14th and you have one last opportunity to order a signed copy of her newest book. The cost is $18.00 Please submit your orders by November 13th to the Barrows office. Checks only, made payable to Whitelam Books.

Student’s Name______________________________________________________

Teacher/Room Number________________________________________________

Personalized to?________________________________ Total $_______________

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

We are serving breakfast to at least 80 students each morning! Thank you kitchen staff for starting our mornings off with a smile and a healthy breakfast!

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK: Donations Needed

Please help us in celebrating our wonderful Barrows staff during American Education Week November 18th-22nd! American Education Week is celebrated annually to honor those who work in our nation’s public schools. Help us show the Barrows staff how thankful we are by showering them with daily treats. We'll have goodies set up daily in the staff lounge Monday-Thursday, with the PTO providing lunch on Friday. Please see the Signup Genius for more information and to donate items: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080F4AADAE2FA1FB6-52958857-american#/

Want to help but don't have the time to get a treat? Consider making a small monetary contribution towards this event via Givebutter: https://givebutter.com/7W96rW.

Please reach out to Meghan Carnahan (meghan.carnahan@gmail.com) with any questions.

Thank you for helping celebrate our wonderful Barrows staff!

BARROWS APPAREL SALE

The Fall Apparel Store is now open! Shop online to get your Barrows gear, including tees, sweatshirts, pajama pants, winter hats, and more! https://tinyurl.com/BarrowsFall24

Order deadline is Sunday, November 24th, and items will be delivered to Barrows before the winter holidays. *When ordering, be sure to note in the comments box if something is a gift!*

All items are made to order and final sale. Please check sizing chart measurements before ordering. Questions? Contact Jen Barsotti at jenb@hey.com.

WINTER CRAFT FAIR VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED:

Please reach out to KIm Smith or Bridget Maley if you still want to help volunteer for the craft fair, have older students that want to help or are interested in playing holiday tunes! Please RSVP to Kim Smith (kimberlyjago@hotmail.com) and or Bridget Maley (bridgetkaterimaley@gmail.com) so they know to expect you.

OTIS SPUNKMEYER FUNDRAISER:

Items that were shipped to Barrows will be available for pick up on Friday, November 15th, 9:30-12pm (conference day, no school).

SAVE THE DATE – Link to PTO calendar

- American Education Week (18-22 November)

- Next PTO Meeting: Wednesday November 20th at 7pm

- Winter Craft Fair: Saturday December 7th

FYI – You can find our School Year 2024-2025 PTO Agendas/Minutes on this public google drive. Reach out with any questions.

Many thanks,

The PTO Board

Lori Barcikowski, Co-President (LoriBarcikowski@yahoo.com)

Meghan Dribin, Co-President (MegDribin@gmail.com)

Jen Barsotti, Treasurer

Alicia Curtin, Secretary

Alison Ethier, Social Media Coordinator

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook:

@barrowselementarypto & https://www.facebook.com/BarrowsPTO/

YEARLONG FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

Minted Fundraiser

Do you need to order graduation announcements, birthday, or anniversary invitations? Order from Minted and use our promo code FUNDRAISEBARROWS to help support the Barrows Elementary PTO. You'll get 20% OFF your ORDER and 15% of every purchase made using our code will be donated back to Barrows. Make sure to spread the word to family who can also use the code and support Barrows from afar.

Box Tops

Did you know you no longer need to clip Box Tops and send them into school? Box Tops now offers an app where you scan your receipts! Doing online grocery delivery these days? No problem! Box Tops also offers a way to email your online orders for credit. Find it in the app store or google play store today!

Helpsy Bin

Finally, have you been in purge mode lately? Getting rid of old, stained or ripped clothing? Drop it off in the Helpsy box in the Barrows staff parking lot (after school hours of course) and Barrows will receive a small donation for your items. Clothing, shoes and accessories are all accepted!

SEPAC works for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community (including ALL children on IEPs or 504 plans and children who may require specialized support). Watch this brief introductory video to learn more!

Visit the SEPAC WEBPAGE

Sign up for our mailing list

Follow SEPAC on Facebook or Instagram

To learn more about Reading SEPAC, please visit our website: Reading SEPAC Website

Should you wish to receive our monthly newsletter, please send an email to SEPACReading@gmail.com

Please note that Reading SEPAC IS OPEN TO ALL parents/caregivers and not only families who have a child with special needs as we offer various opportunities to connect with other families and provide learning experiences.

Recording Link to the Sarah Ward Presentation - 360 Thinking Model:

If you missed the in demand presentation by Sarah Ward on October 23rd about executive function strategies, you still have time to view the recording of her presentation for Reading SEPAC. The recording will be available for 30 days after the presentation date (Oct 23).

Here is the link to access the recording: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/aqLxihsFdraQih-eg7sefEiQRmpfpEULyz8oGnVvX6QRFUA2wukKZcEPTPP3wg7V.B8eiUsm_v7fpEo7V

Passcode: S$00kHeYRsePac1023Sw

To access the course handout please use this link: https://www.dropbox.com/t/0Mns5cshwY3IlLPp

New SEPAC Board Members:

Last week Reading SEPAC held its annual board elections. We are excited to announce that the entire board decided to continue and added two new board members.

Reading SEPAC Board members for the 2024/25 school year:

Amanda Fitzgerald

Dilly Wilson

Eunice Kenyon

Jacyln Lee

Patricia Kiely

Zea Lennard

Past Events:

Recorded events that’s available on the Reading SEPAC Website:

The Right to Read Panel Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw_oIuqkUt0

The New IEP Presentation

MCAS & Students with Disabilities Presentation

Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Presentation

• Review tiered system of supports and provide examples

• Outline effective communication channels with your team and school

***Should you wish to reach out to Reading SEPAC anonymously, please use this form

METCO unites suburban towns with Boston to engage in a reciprocal learning partnership in support of all students. Because of this, every child who attends school in Reading Public Schools is a METCO student and every parent or guardian who has a student in RPS is a part of the METCO community.

"Since its founding during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, the METCO program has enrolled tens of thousands of Boston students of color in predominately white school districts, creating the opportunity for those districts to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially and ethnically diverse setting."

On Saturday November 23, 2024 from 4:00pm-6:00pm, we will be hosting a family fall event at V! Healthy in Boston. We will be providing activities such as pumpkin and apple decorating, arts and crafts, games, food, and drinks. Everyone in RPS is welcome. Here is the link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOnjdnHMm5oMUq3AGzDfb0vP4BCj18EPYaQnrrAjBHvw2nyQ/viewform

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration!

Friends of Reading METCO invites you to join us for a parent social in Boston on 11/16 (adults only, see flier for details) and to hold the date for our annual Holiday Brunch in Reading on 12/7/24, starting at 10.30am.

Friends of Reading METCO is a volunteer group of Boston and Reading parents, working together to make connections between families and support the METCO program in our District. Contact ilka@ilkawalkley.com if you’d like to know more.

Sign up for the Walk it like you ROCKET RMHS 5K! on 11/24 Two options to race: a 5K and a fun run!

*all proceeds raised will go directly to the RMHS senior class and all the fun senior activities, i.e. prom, senior week, and graduation.

We will have two different races scheduled: a true 5k and an age 10 and under ½ mile fun run! We encourage the whole family to participate!

Here are a few details about the fundraiser:

• Event Date: Sunday November, 24th
• Start Time: 8:30 AM 10&U and 9:00 5K
• Location: Birch Meadow Elementary School (27 Arthur B Lord Dr.)
• Registration Fee: $15 Fun Run & $30 5k

Link to Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Reading/WalkItLikeYouRocket

Phyllis Fagell, author of Middle School Superpowers, will be presenting an interactive virtual session on “Helping Kids Make Smart, Ethical Decisions” on November 14th at 6pm. All are welcome!

2024 FESTIVAL OF TREES

Kick off your holiday season on Saturday and Sunday, December 7th and 8th by visiting Reading Education Foundation’s (REF) 22nd annual Festival of Trees, a winter wonderland of decorated holiday trees donated by local families, organizations, businesses and schools that festival visitors can win for themselves! This signature REF fundraising event, held at Reading’s Parker Middle School, is a magical and memorable community holiday tradition for adults and children of all ages. Fun can be had for all ages while raising money that REF provides to the Reading schools through teacher-initiated grants. There is local entertainment throughout both days including live performances by school choruses, bands and local groups. Food trucks will be outside selling items at the event. Lucky winners of tree raffles will be selected at closing on Sunday night.

Tree Donations

REF has a goal of 100 donated trees this year – please consider donating one! We welcome trees from PTO’s, grade levels, groups and staff. This is a great way to showcase the creativity and curriculum of the Reading Public Schools. You don’t need to spend a lot on a tree – just a fun theme and a few gift cards or small tokens (especially from our local businesses) are all you need. Remember, you don’t even need a tree as we’ve seen hockey sticks, bookcases and other itemS serve as a “tree”. If you are interested in donating a tree please email us at reftreedonor@gmail.com and include the following:

- Name of Tree Donor

- Contact information & phone number

- Tree Name

Here is a link to a digital copy of the flyer for your newsletter and a hard copy to display on site.

Advanced Ticket Sales Are Open

Raffle tickets purchased in advance will be preprinted with purchaser’s raffle number on the back, saving patrons the time and hassle of entering their personal information. Visit readingef.org to purchase tickets.

REF, non-profit foundation, is committed to supporting innovation and excellence in the Reading Public Schools. REF’s goal is to enhance and increase educational opportunities for all Reading students by providing funds for projects that go beyond the scope of traditional classroom learning. To learn more about REF, advance sales, opportunities to donate a tree, and see a schedule of events, visit the REF website at www.readingef.org.

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.

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

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.*

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

The Town of Reading contracts with William James College to offer a special service for our residents. The William James INTERFACE Referral Service maintains a mental health and wellness referral help line Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free). This is a free, confidential referral service for individuals across the lifespan living in Reading. Callers are matched with licensed mental health providers from our extensive database. Each referral meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller. Click here to learn more!

PTO Facebook Link https://www.facebook.com/BarrowsPTO/

Follow us on Instagram: @barrowselementarypto

Barrows Homepage: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/barrows/

Reading Public Schools: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us