The Starburst

Greetings, Barrows Families!

We are heading into what we affectionately call "No School November." While this month includes several days off, we are committed to making the most of every learning opportunity with your students. I know it is tempting to extend long weekends into longer weekends, but it's important for every shining star to be present for all 16 days of learning this month!

We will be weaving many of our favorite community events throughout these days with classroom instruction--so every day matters! Please also take note of early dismissals (at 11:00 AM or 12:45 PM) and school holidays listed on the calendar below.

At last week's PTO meeting, I presented our MCAS data and am thrilled to share some exciting news! Thanks to the hard work of our staff, students, and partnerships with families, Barrows now ranks in the 92nd percentile of elementary schools statewide—our highest ranking on record for any elementary school in Reading. Additionally, we set a school record for the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations in math!

However, we've noticed increased tardiness and absences, which can impact friendships and academic progress. This year's key goal is to significantly reduce both tardies and unexcused absences. We are here to support students and families in ensuring consistent attendance and on-time arrivals. Please use the district's scheduled vacation times for travel, and if you have questions about attendance related to illness, reach out to our school nurse. We truly miss your child when they aren't here!

This week's highlights:

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for your child's conference. Sign-up links were sent via email last week. These meetings are a valuable part of our partnership to support your student's success.
• November 5: No school for students—staff will have an in-service day.
• November 6 - Veterans Day Assembly: If you have a family member you'd like to honor during our assembly, please see the details below.
• Reading Challenge: Our first Reading Challenge is underway! This initiative motivates reluctant readers, rewards avid book lovers, and promotes building strong at home reading habits, vocabulary, creativity, and comprehension. Fun mystery prizes await all participants! Please encourage your child to join in—more details are included below.
• Too much candy from trick-or-treating? You can send it in to Barrows this week. We are working with an organization to send it to our troops! Thanks!

Thanks for Reading,

Mrs. Gallegos

Is a member of your family a Veteran? Help Barrows honor those that served our country.

Two options:

1. We are inviting Veterans to be part of our assembly on Wednesday November 6th at 8:30 am OR

2. You can send us a photo and information and it will be included in the assembly.

Either way please email carina.becker@reading.k12.ma.us to register your Veteran in order to be recognized at the assembly. Please do this no later than Monday November 4th.

You will need to share the following information:

• Barrows student/students and their teacher

• Veteran’s Name

• Branch

• Rank

• Please include a photo of the Veteran

• Will they be in person for the assembly or just recognized?

***If you shared this information last year, please just email and remind me! I have it saved. ***

Reach out to carina.becker@reading.k12.ma.us with any questions.

Tuesday, November 5th: No School- Teacher In-Service Day

Wednesday, November 6th: Veterans Day Assembly, Wear Red, White & Blue

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

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

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!

WINTER CRAFT FAIR VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED:

We are having our kickoff planning event for the Craft Fair on Thursday, November 7th at 7pm in the conference room downstairs in the Reading Public Library. We would love if you could join us! You do not need to be crafty at all. Sometimes, we just need help with cutting, gluing, stuffing, craft thoughts or even day of event help. It takes a massive, collective effort to pull off a successful craft fair. We welcome middle school and high school volunteers, great for kids that need service hours.

If you are interested in playing holiday tunes let us know! Please RSVP to Kim Smith (kimberlyjago@hotmail.com) and or Bridget Maley (bridgetkaterimaley@gmail.com) so they know to expect you. Can't make the meeting? No worries, you can still help us out. Just let Kim and Bridget know.

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). Congrats to Aidan in 5th grade for winning the electric scooter!

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.

Free Virtual Screening of The Right to Read Film and Discussion:

In honor of Dyslexia Awareness Month the free virtual screening will be open at 12:01 am on 10/19 and close at 11:59 pm on 10/25. The free virtual screening will be available to only the first 300 viewers. To ensure access to more families, we ask that each interested household claim only one free viewing of the film.

Below is the virtual screening room link and the invitation code for the screening of The Right To Read: Link: https://www.filmplatform.net/events/the-right-to-read-reading-public-school/

Invitation Code (case-sensitive and contains a single dash): TRT-RPSS

Using the link above, click “Register” and enter your email address and the event invitation code. You can return to the same or future events by clicking “Event Login” and entering the same email address and the event invitation code. Please note the film is only accessible during the screening dates and to only the first 300 viewers. Please note: the recommended browsers for the screening are Chrome and Safari. Additionally, RCTV recorded the discussion that followed the in-person screening on 10/15 and it will be available on the Reading SEPAC Website (under past presentations) soon.

Finally, Reading SEPAC plans to follow this event up (Nov. 20th) with a presentation from Dr. Sarah Hardy and Renee Limauro. More information is coming soon.

This viewing is cosponsored by the Reading SEPAC, Reading School Committee, and the Friends of Reading METCO and was made possible by a grant from the Reading Cultural Council.

“Illiteracy is one of the most solvable problems of our time. We made this film to show the importance of early literacy and how crucial it is for children's lifelong success.' The Right to Read.

Past Events:

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

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!

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!

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