The Starburst

Greetings, Barrows Families,

We were gifted with perfect weather for the Fun Run, and dare I say, after this spring, we were due for this running weather! I touch on it below, but a HUGE thanks to Mrs. Atwood for putting on another amazing Fun Run with the support of the RPD and our Barrows staff. Thank you for encouraging your children to participate and/or cheer on others who chose to run! We are so proud of each participant!

Earlier this week, Mrs. Raucci led a very special Teacher Appreciation Assembly with the help of Ms. Penna, Mrs. Smith, our Student Council & Safety Stars. She surprised us by having Dr. Milaschewski speak to our student body about how much our teachers care for our students and that they dedicate much of their time to ensuring they have the best school experience possible. We were also treated by a Student Council Skit and a carnation for each teacher (thank you, PTO).

We look forward to the many upcoming events scheduled by our PTO as we continue to celebrate our skilled and dedicated staff in the weeks to come.

Before you scroll through the pictures, videos, and important dates for the upcoming weeks, I want to remind our Third, Fourth, and Fifth-grade families that Math MCAS testing begins next week. Please help your child feel at their best by ensuring they sleep well this weekend and throughout the week, starting each day with a healthy breakfast and sending them to school with healthy snacks. This is just one of many data points we use to help direct our instruction and determine how to support our students. We do not want students to feel pressured or nervous about this test--but we do want them to know we believe in them and want them to do their best--and that is all we can ask!

Check out the Highlights:

• Thanks to our generous families, the PTO has everything and more it needs for Teacher Appreciation—but we can use a few more lunch/recess volunteers. See the sign-up link in the PTO section.
• Next Thursday, May 16th is our Open House. Barrows will be open from 5:30-6:30 pm to our students and their families to show off their classroom, school work and other special spaces around the school. We encourage families to walk to Barrows since parking is limited. We have regular-full day of school (8:15-2:45).
• Field day for all K-5 students will be May 30th (rain date June 6th). Please see the link below if you would like to volunteer.
• Grades 3-5 MATH MCAS start this week. Sleep and eat well, and please arrive at school on time!
• Next Saturday, Reading METCO will be at the Franklin Zoo for the Kite Festival. We encourage all of our families to attend. (See the METCO section below for more details).
• Check out the New flyers for Understanding Disabilities and Summer Programs in the DISTRICT UPDATES, EVENTS, & DONATION OPPORTUNITIES Section.

Warmly,

Mrs. Gallegos

Our entire Barrows community wants to thank Road Race Planner & Organizer Extraordinaire Mrs. Atwood! Mrs. Atwood encourages students to develop healthy bodies during PE through exercise, teamwork, and mindfulness. Under her guidance, she has helped students become stronger runners, and many stepped out of their comfort zones to participate in this year's Fun Run! She coordinates with the RPD, families, students, and staff to ensure this is a positive experience for each student who wants to participate! I am so proud of each student who ran or cheered on their classmates!

I also want to thank Margo Smith for organizing our Ice Cream Social and Cal's Creamery for donating the delicious ice cream!

Thursday, May 16th: Open House (5:30-6:30 pm Grades K-5)

Saturday, May 18th: METCO Event- Kite Festival @ Franklin Park Zoo

Monday, May 20th: Incoming Kindergarten Parent/Guardian Orientation 6pm

Thursday, May 23rd: Incoming Kindergarten Screening

Friday, May 24th: RMHS Barrows Senior Alum Clap-out (9am-ish)

Thursday, May 30th: Field Day (rain date 6/6)

Monday, June 3rd: Middle School Move-Up Day (1-2:30)

Tuesday, June 4th: Barrows Red Sox Night (wear Red Sox Gear to School⚾)

Thursday, June 6th: Final PTO Meeting of the Year

Friday, June 7th: Talent Show (Dress Rehearsal 5/31 after school)

Monday, June 10th: FIFTH Grade Fun Day! (rain date 6/12)

Tuesday, June 11th: Fifth Grade Celebration, 8:45 am- Barrows Cafeteria

Friday, June 14th: Last Day of School & Fifth Grade Clap-Out

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

School lunches are once again free for students in the Commonwealth. We do ask families that need financial assistance to complete this form: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US/food-services-4f8d79b4/frl-bac51fe9

We look forward to providing nutritious meals for our students!

Reading Public Schools Food Service/Lunch Menus: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1701802399965&page=menus

Mrs. Ring was "twinning" twice this week! We have such great school spirit!

THANK YOU'S

A Big thank you to all our generous families who have contributed to the upcoming two weeks of teacher appreciation events. Your donations of time, food, beverages and monetary contributions are all very much appreciated! We clearly love our Barrows teachers and staff because the support has been outstanding this year.

AND THANK YOU so much Margo Smith for your outstanding organization and leadership of the ice cream social. A huge shout out to all the volunteers yesterday for helping make it run smoothy and to all the families who donated yummy toppings and last but not least to Cal's Creamery for donating all the ice cream and slush!

Recess/Lunch Duty Volunteers: We still have a few volunteer spots to fill if you are interested to help supervise recess and lunch on May 22nd from 11:15am to 1:00pm, so staff members can have a longer lunch. Please consider donating some of your time. Your CORI must be up-to-date to volunteer for this. Sign up for 20-25 minute time slot here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0945AAAE2EA1F85-49348224-lunch

JOIN US: The final PTO meeting of the school year will take place Wednesday June 5th in the evening and will be a social gathering only. Further details will be shared as we get closer to June 5th.

REMINDER: If you have any expenses to be reimbursed by the PTO the deadline for submission is Monday June 10th. Reimbursement should be submitted using our reimbursement form as well as receipts emailed to barrowsptotreasurer@gmail.com. Reach out to Amy Koehler with any questions.

VOLUNTEER

Be a Cafeteria Volunteer

Sign up to help in the cafeteria during lunch periods (11am - 12:35pm). The cafeteria is fully staffed, but can always use a couple extra hands to help with opening up packages, milk cartons, moving through lunch line efficiently. Please note that all volunteers must have a completed CORI (complete 1 week prior to volunteering) on file prior to volunteering and unfortunately non school aged children will not be allowed to join with the volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering please use the Sign Up Genius to sign up for the day or days you would like to help out.

Parent/Guardian Help at Lunch

We are now on Facebook and Instagram! Like us on Facebook – Barrows Elementary PTO and Follow Us on Instagram @BarrowsElementaryPTO

FUNDRAISING

Minted Fundraiser

Do you need to order birthday, or anniversary inviations? 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!

Many thanks,

PTO Board

Lori Barcikowski, Co-President

(LoriBarcikowski@yahoo.com)

Meghan Dribin, Co-President

(MegDribin@gmail.com)

Amy Koehler, Treasurer

Alicia Curtin, Secretary

Alison Ethier, Social Media Coordinator

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook:

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

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

See our 2023-2024 Calendar of Events

The New IEP Presentations:

Reading Public Schools will implement the new IEP in the fall. Please join us for an opportunity to learn what changes to expect and to ask Student Services your questions. The presentation will be held both in person and virtually. More information about the new IEP can be found here.

If you have a child on an IEP, we recommend that you take a moment to familiarize yourself with what the new IEP form will look like.

Understanding the New IEP Form in Massachusetts: Article Published by Mass General Hospital for Children and Lurie Center

Tuesday, May 14th, 11-1PM (In-person at Northern Bank’s Community room or join virtually)

Come have lunch with other SEPAC families and some members of the Reading SEPAC Board. SEPAC will provide cheese pizza. Feel free to bring optional potluck sides or your own brown bag lunch, especially if you or your loved one has a special diet. Please bring your own non-alcoholic beverages if you will be joining us. A picnic blanket will be set up with toys for any kids who want to join and don’t need a chair. Feel free to bring other toys your child wouldn’t mind sharing with others.

This will be an informal monthly gathering on the 2nd Tue of the month just to hang out with other SEPAC families. Space is limited to 8 adult seats in person and unlimited virtually. Please Click Here to Register for the May SEPAC Lunch Meetup.

We reviewed the survey results at our last meeting. Thank you to everyone who was able to complete the survey. If you did not get a chance yet, it’s not too late to submit as we will use this as a reference point to plan for next year.

Past Events:

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

Transition Presentation

• For parents and caregivers whose child has an IEP and will be transitioning (between schools, grades, levels, or are new to the school district)

Extended School Year (ESY) Presentation Recording

MCAS & Students with Disabilities Presentation

Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Presentation Recording Available on the Reading SEPAC Website

• 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 We reviewed the survey results at our last meeting. Thank you to everyone who was able to complete the survey. If you did not get a chance yet, it’s not too late to submit as we will use this as a reference point to plan for next year.

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."

Greeting Families

Last year unfortunately rain cancelled the Boston Kite Festival. This year we are back. On Saturday May 18th from 12pm-3pm Reading METCO will be back at the Boston Kite Festival. This is a day where we host Reading in Boston at one of our many staple community events. Your child will invite their Reading resident friend, their parents, and teachers to come have fun with them at the Boston Kite Festival. We will have free kites for children, face painting, Ballon animals, pizza, Reading METCO T-shirts and more. We hope to see you all there and see attached flyer for more details.

Kurtis Martin

METCO Director

Reading Public Schools

62 Oakland Rd, Reading, Ma, 01867

(O) 781-944-8200 EXT. 19853

© 617-224-8032

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