March Family Newsletter

As we welcome March, we’re excited to share an update on the fantastic events and developments from our school community!

February was an eventful month here at Barley Sheaf. We kicked things off with the Harlem Wizards game at JPC, where so many families came together to enjoy the fun and support this district-wide PTO fundraising event. A huge thank you to our PTO for sponsoring the Samba to Salsa assembly program, where students had a blast listening to and dancing to percussion instruments from around the world! Our PTO also hosted our second annual Reading is a Dream Night. It was wonderful to see so many students and families come to school in their pajamas, ready to enjoy bedtime stories with our Barley Sheaf teachers. A big thanks to both our PTO and teachers for organizing such a heartwarming event.

We’re also thrilled to congratulate the Barley Sheaf students selected for the Young Artist Award! Mrs. Dribbon proudly showcased their artwork at the Hunterdon Art Museum—what an amazing achievement!

Looking ahead to March, we have some exciting things in store. The Barley Sheaf Physical Education Department will be leading our annual Safety Town unit, and we’re all looking forward to celebrating Read Across America Week, with a special focus on celebrating a nation of diverse readers. Lastly, don’t miss out on our annual PICTO Night on March 28, hosted by the PTO—a fun family game night and basket auction!

We remain committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all of our Barley Sheaf students. Thank you for your continued partnership and for being such valued members of our school community.

With gratitude,

Amy Switkes, Principal

Kimberly Bostory, Vice Principal

3/3/25 to 3/7/25- Read Across America Week

3/5/25- Deadline to Order Books for Author Visit

3/7/25- Spirit Day!

3/8/25- PTO Family Skate at Frenchtown Roller Rink, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

3/11/25- 2025-2026 Budget: Special Election

3/14/25- School Closed for Students, Staff Professional Development Day

3/28/25- PICTO Night

Voters will be asked to approve increasing the Flemington-Raritan School District budget an additional 4% above the statutory 2% cap; that’s a total increase of $2,388,749 beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. These additional funds will maintain 30 teachers and staff members; Class III Officers in our schools; and J.V. sports at J.P. Case Middle School. For specific budget info related to the March 11 Special Election, click here. Polls will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM.

We are thrilled to celebrate Read Across America Week! Throughout the week, students will enjoy a fun-filled spirit week, special read-aloud sessions with guest speakers, and a school-wide "Drop Everything and Read" event. It's sure to be a week full of reading excitement and inspiration!

Flyer- English

Flyer- Spanish

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month. During the month of March, we will celebrate by honoring the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. Our library will highlight and share texts about inspiring women. There will also be a special read aloud from Mrs. Switkes and Ms. Bostory!

Muslims around the world are preparing for Ramadan, a sacred month dedicated to fasting, reflection, and fostering a sense of community. This year, Ramadan will begin on February 28 and conclude on March 29. It is a time for fasting, prayer, self-discipline, personal reflection, and acts of charity, all while strengthening bonds with family and community. If your child will be observing the fast during Ramadan, please let us know so we can make the necessary accommodations to support them.

As the flowers begin to bloom and the days grow longer, our classrooms are also blooming with new learning opportunities. This March, students will explore the wonders of nature, from the life cycles of plants to the fascinating animals that emerge in spring. Try planting a flower at home and watch it grow alongside your child’s curiosity!

Book Recommendations:

• "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle
• "A Tree is Nice" by Janice May Udry
• "The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynne Cherry

Barley Sheaf School is thrilled to announce that on April 3, author and illustrator, Peter Catalanotto will be visiting all grade levels! Students will be enjoying his books in library class prior to his visit. In addition to his presentations, Peter will also autograph copies of his books for students. Please use the link here to explore available titles and make purchases, if you so choose. The deadline for orders is March 5.

Please enjoy the Related Arts Newsletter from our special area teachers!

I hope this message finds you well! Our school health office is in need of new underwear and socks for students who may have accidents, spills or other emergencies during the school day. To help ensure that every child stays comfortable and cared for, I kindly ask for donations of new, packaged socks and underwear for both boys and girls in various sizes (4-14).

If you are able to contribute, please send your donations to the school office at your convenience. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and will directly benefit our students in need. Thank you for your generosity and support!

For the safety of our staff and students, please follow these guidelines:

• Sign in and wear a visitor badge when in the building.
• Have your ID ready for the Raptor system check-in.
• Do not hold doors for visitors.
• Only staff and students are allowed on school grounds during school hours.
• Fire and security drills are held monthly.
• Officer John Carney is our full-time School Resource Officer.
• Use crosswalks in the parking lot.
• Observe the 15 mph speed limit in the parking lot.

Thank you for your cooperation!

As we enter the spring season, please be mindful of your child's attendance. It is crucial that your child attends school regularly to ensure their success. More than 9 absences for the school year may negatively impact your child's education. Please review these helpful tips for what you can do at home to promote regular attendance for your child. Thank you for your partnership!

The creation of class lists is a significant responsibility that involves classroom teachers, content specialists, counselors, and administrators working collaboratively. Considerable time and effort are dedicated to ensuring that classes are well-balanced both academically and socially. A variety of factors are taken into account during the placement process, including the social dynamics between students, the need for academic support or enrichment, and overall class size balance.

Placement decisions are made with great care and are not taken lightly. Given the complexity of balancing individual and group needs, the Flemington Raritan School District does not accommodate parental requests for specific teachers.

Parents are welcome to submit a letter to Mrs. Switkes outlining any specific needs or considerations for their child. However, these letters should focus on the child's requirements, rather than requesting a particular teacher.

Letters must be received by May 1, 2025.

Barley Sheaf Mission Statement

Barley Sheaf Positive Affirmations

Barley Sheaf School Song

Barley Sheaf School Rules

School Website

Virtual Backpack

School Hours and Lunch Schedule

Lunch Menu and Payment Instructions

Free/Reduced Lunch Application

Reporting an Absence

Change in Dismissal

Requesting a Family Car Tag

Barley Sheaf Family Handbook (English)

Barley Sheaf Family Handbook (Spanish)

2024-2025 Student Calendar- English

2024-2024 Student Calendar- Spanish

Great news! Our LED electronic sign is fixed, and we’re ready to accept birthday message requests again. Make your child’s birthday extra special with a “Happy Birthday” message displayed on the sign in front of the building.

To participate:

• Email Jodi Carmon at jodi.carmon@frsd.us at least one week before the date.
• Include your child’s first name, birthdate, grade, and teacher.
• Send a $10 donation (cash or check made payable to Barley Sheaf PTO) in your child’s backpack or via US mail.

If your child’s birthday occurred while the sign was broken, please email Jodi to schedule their missed birthday message—we’ll make sure they’re celebrated! Thank you for supporting our PTO!