February Family Newsletter

As we step into 2025, the new year brings fresh opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. Whether you're reflecting on your New Year’s resolutions or simply embracing the rhythm of everyday life, we hope your year has started on a positive note!

January was a busy and exciting month at Barley Sheaf. We kicked off the year with a special visit from the Harlem Wizards, where both staff and students enjoyed an entertaining mix of talent and humor from our guest basketball star. We also had the pleasure of hosting students from Hunterdon Central Regional High School, who brought their drama club production of Royal Rescue to our students, highlighting the importance of kindness and teamwork. Additionally, our students were treated to a fun and educational performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, with a twist on the classic fairytale, thanks to our PTO’s support. This play taught valuable lessons about compromise and collaboration!

Our partners at goHunterdon also kept us moving with their Safe Routes to School program. We were excited to welcome Nina Lewis, who visited gym classes with lessons on pedestrian and bicycle safety. We also hosted our Winter Waddle Walk, with over 100 students walking safely to school as a community.

In January, we also celebrated The Great Kindness Challenge, where students engaged in activities promoting kindness, enjoyed special guest readers, and participated in a Spirit Week to show their support. A heartfelt thank you goes to our school counselors, Mrs. Collins and Ms. Coates, for organizing this impactful initiative—and to all our families for encouraging kindness at home.

To close out the month, we hosted a wonderful Winter Concert. Congratulations to Ms. Kaetzel and our fourth-grade Chorus, Chimes Ensemble, and Beats Club performers, for delivering such a joyful and engaging performance that left our school community smiling.

As we look ahead to February, we’re reminded of the importance of kindness and community. We are grateful for the continued support of our school families and look forward to another month filled with love, learning, and laughter.

With great appreciation,

Amy Switkes, Principal

Kimberly Bostory, Vice Principal

2/7/25- Spirit Day!

2/7/25- Harlem Wizards at JPC 6:30 p.m.

2/7/25- PTO Comedy Night

2/12/25- PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m.

2/18/25 through 2/21/25- Kindergarten Registration

2/21/25- Preschool Lottery Closes

2/26/25- Budget Town Hall #3

2/27/25- Reading is a Dream Night

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

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 below:

• Budget Update - January 23 Board Meeting (1/23/25)
• Budget FAQ-Revised 1/23/25 (1/23/25)
• Budget Brochure (1/14/25)
• Sample Ballots: Flemington Borough, Raritan Township
• Poll Locations
• Dr. McGann's Letter re: Budget, en espanol (1/21/25)

Polls will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM. Please mark your calendar. Click here to learn more.

The next Budget Town Hall Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 26, from 6-7:30 PM at J.P. Case Middle School. Use this Zoom link with Webinar ID: 843 1493 5981 and Passcode: 022634. For budget updates and details, click here.

Kindergarten Registration is coming! Registration forms will be available online. Completed forms can be dropped off from February 18-21, 2025 at Barley Sheaf School.

In-person registration will be available at Barley Sheaf School on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Translators will be available for Spanish speaking families.

Interested in Preschool for the 2025-2026 school year? Enter the lottery on January 3, with this link. The lottery will remain open through February 21. For all Preschool news and updates, click here.

Our PTO is hosting our second Reading is a Dream Night on February 27. Please join our Barley Sheaf teachers for a night of cozy pajamas and reading! The event is free but sign-up is required. We hope to see you there!

Barley Sheaf students and staff will recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans throughout the month of February. Our library will highlight and share texts by Black authors and illustrators. There will also be a special read aloud from Mrs. Switkes and Ms. Bostory!

Looking for digital and print books to read at home with your child? Look no further! By signing up for a free account at ReadWorks.org, you’ll gain access to thousands of texts across a wide variety of genres, all organized by grade level. Whether you're looking to reinforce learning or just enjoy some great stories together, it’s quick and easy to get started!

Please enjoy Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion with Our Kids by Mrs. Collins and Ms. Coates, our School Counselors. Their newsletter includes helpful tips, conversation starters, and children's book recommendations. Enjoy!

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.

https://my.cheddarup.com/c/peter-catalanotto-book-order-copy-43895/items?cart

Please enjoy the February Related Arts Newsletter from Mrs. DeDea, Mr. Decker, Ms. Kaetzel, Sra. Tavares, Mrs. Dribbon, and Mr. Slomczewski!

We kindly ask for your help in reminding your child to pack a healthy snack each day. Each class has a designated snack time, which is separate from breakfast, lunch, or any treats available for purchase through our cafeteria. Please note that Barley Sheaf does not provide classroom or afterschool enrichment club snacks, so it's important for students to bring their own from home.

For families who may need assistance, the free and reduced breakfast and lunch program is available. Please note that snacks are not included in this program. Forms are available in the main office or on our district website and we are happy to assist with applications.

Thank you for your support in ensuring your child has everything they need for a successful school day!

The safety of our staff and students is our top priority. Please be sure to follow these procedures:

• Visitors must be signed in and wear a visitor badge in the building.
• Our school district uses the Raptor system for school visitors. Please have your license available when visiting school.
  
• Do not hold any doors for visitors.
• Only staff and students are permitted on school grounds during school hours.
• Monthly fire and security drills are conducted.
• We have a full time School Resource Officer, Officer John Carney.
• Use the crosswalks in the parking lot.
• Obey the 15 mph speed limit in our parking lot.

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.

Check out PTO happenings in the February PTO Newsletter!

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!