The Starburst

Greeting, Barrows Families!

So many good things have been happening at Barrows since my last newsletter! Thank you, families, for making the time in your busy schedules to meet with your student's teacher for a conference. We value this time and the opportunity to partner with you to help your child achieve academic success!

Thanks to all who donated and contributed to American Education week! We want to give special thanks to Meghan Carnahan and her volunteers for showering the teachers with appreciation this past week. They set up daily goodies in the staff lounge Monday through Thursday, with the PTO providing lunch on Friday from Fat Larry's. The PTO also provided some delicious donuts from Somebody's Place in the staff lounge last Friday for the teachers to enjoy during their conference breaks. THANK YOU!

Author Jessie Janowitz visited Grades 3-5 last week. Keep scrolling to see photos and learn more about her visit!

Our kindergartners put on a terrific Thanksgiving show for the entire school during our assembly and are looking forward to performing for their families this coming Tuesday!

This week, 136 students completed the Principal's Mystery Pop-Up Reading challenge! We celebrated all of our students at the assembly, and each student who read at least 315 minutes at home earned an Invisible Ink Pen donated by the PTO! Even though the challenge is over, please keep encouraging your students to read at home!

Under state law, every school in the district must create an annual school improvement plan to highlight our work, set and achieve goals and objectives, and ensure we continue to move toward improvement and success for all students. The SIP analyzes and highlights areas within our school that need improvement, including academics, attendance, school culture, and family and community engagement. SIPs also include strategic objectives and action plans to overcome the challenges and ensure our school, students, and faculty meet district and statewide expectations. On Wednesday night, I presented the Barrows School Improvement Plan. If you are interested in reviewing our SIP, please see the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xGYdb21Ph-PpPzOIvno4A3xo29n6bmIY6GTWhsbcc2U/edit?tab=t.0

Highlights:

• As the weather slowly changes, please remember that cars may not be parked or idling (running) on Edgemont. Please turn off your engines while you wait for your students at the end of the day, and do not park on the school side of Edgemont past the Kiss & Go line.
• The PTO, SEPAC, METCO, and Community Section have posted NEW information and dates! Please read through each section. The PTO has some important needs and deadlines this week!
• Check out Mrs. Korwan's special OT Shopping Guide.
• Attention to parents/guardians who purchased birthday books for the library. See below for books purchased that are not linked to students' names.
• Please check out the photos of our Lost & Found items. All items that are not collected next week will be donated after school on Wednesday, November 27th. Please be sure to write your students name on all water bottles, lunch boxes, sweatshirts, hats and jackets for a quick return!

Thanks for Reading,

Mrs. Gallegos

Wednesday, November 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: Reading Education Foundation's Festival of Trees @ Parker Middle School

Wednesday, December 18th: 8:30 AM PTO Meeting. ZOOM only: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/84058658038

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

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

Reading Public Schools Calendar

The Student Council led a very successful Food Pantry Drive thanks to the generosity of our Barrows Families. With the help of our Student Council Advisors, members, and their families, we delivered carloads of needed items to our very own town Food Pantry located in the back of the Old South Church. Students checked expiration dates before organizing items on the shelves. We learned that our own Ellie C. and Anna H. are regular volunteers at the Food Pantry and encourage more of our Shining Stars to learn how they can serve our community! To learn more about the Reading Food Pantry, check out their website: https://www.readingfoodpantry.org/

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

Did you purchase any of these birthday books for your child? Amazon forgot to include the packing slips!! If it was for your child please email Mrs. Becker @ carina.becker@reading.k12.ma.us to claim them!

Did you purchase any of these birthday books for your child? Amazon forgot to include the packing slips!! If it was for your child please email Mrs. Becker @ carina.becker@reading.k12.ma.us to claim them!

Third, fourth and fifth graders enjoyed their visit with author Jessie Janowitz. She spoke to the students about what to consider when selecting a book to enjoy--beyond genre, she encouraged students to think about finding books that they like to read based on how they interact with the story, the characters, consider if you like how books start---right in the action or not, the format of chapters and so much more!

Our fourth and fifth graders had another fantastic visit from Science from Scientists!

Please scroll through the photos of our current Lost & Found items below. All items are located on the Lost & Found cart in the hallway outside of the cafeteria. All items will be donated on Wednesday, November 27th--so claim your students missing items soon!

FESTIVAL OF TREES: We need your help to decorate our Barrow’s tree for the Reading Education Foundation’s Festival of Trees. The theme for the tree this year will be Harry Potter! Below you will find an Amazon wish list for decorations, trimmings, and presents for under the tree. The festival is quickly approaching so please check out the wish list today! You can also donate to the tree at Givebutter.com. The tree will be set up Monday after Thanksgiving and we'll move it to Parker on Friday, December 6th. We appreciate any support you can provide to make our tree sparkle this year!

Link to Amazon Wishlist - https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2A66JSK5435VQ )

Link to Givebutter for monetary donation - https://givebutter.com/gcHaQE

Reach out to Kristin Forestall (kmanna@hotmail.com) with any questions about the tree.

BARROWS APPAREL SALE ENDS in TWO DAYS!!

APPAREL SALE – Ends on November 24th

Get your orders in by Sunday!

Shop online to get your Barrows gear, including tees, sweatshirts, pajama pants, winter hats, and more!

https://tinyurl.com/BarrowsFall24

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.

OTIS SPUNKMEYER FUNDRAISER: Thanks for everyone's patience while we dealt with the late delivery. This fundraiser was a huge success! Through the sale, we raised over $6800 for Barrows. Thank you to all who participated. If you are participated in the fundraiser, please take 1 mintue to complete this survey to give us feedback so we know if we should use this company next year: https://forms.gle/AJq1j27rurL9K8yG9

WINTER CRAFT FAIR (Saturday, December 7th in the Barrows Cafeteria, 10am-2pm)

We are still looking for day of event volunteers to help staff the craft tables. All the crafts are prepped so it is very simple. Responsible middle school and high school students can volunteer as well. Use the signupgenius to sign up to volunteer – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49ACA628A0FC1-53386008-barrows#/

MINTED FUNDRAISER

When placing your Holiday cards and gifts this season, remember to use Minted. You receive 20% off your order, and Barrows receives 15% off your sale. Don't forget the promo code is FUNDRAISEBARROWS.

LUNCH VOLUNTEERS: We welcome our parents/guardians as lunch helpers by signing up. Volunteers are expected to help for all lunch periods (11:10 am-12:35 pm, not just their students' lunch. Volunteers will be asked to help wipe down tables between lunches, help students open food packaging, etc. Volunteers must have an up-to-date CORI check (please be sure this is done at least one week before volunteering). Thanks!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA8AD2EA2FC1-parentguardian

SAVE THE DATE – Link to PTO calendar

­ Winter Craft Fair: Saturday December 7th, 10am – 2pm

­ Teacher Caroling: Thursday December 19th, 5pm

For your information, our School Year 2024-2025 PTO Agendas/Minutes are 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!

Thank YOU Barrows Family & Friends for Supporting the PTO through the Otis Spunkmeyer Fundraiser. Together we raised over $6000!

From Donuts on Conference Days to amazing spread each day this week, we are so thankful for our generous and supportive families! Thank you!!

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.

Friends of Reading METCO invites you to join us for our third annual Holiday Brunch on Saturday 12/7/24 in Reading. Come meet other families over delicious food then continue to the Reading Education Foundations’ Festival of Trees nearby at Parker Middle School. This is a FREE event. See flier for more details and register here or via the QR code on the flier.

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

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