Birch Meadow Newsflash

*I haven't been able to be out front during arrival as much as usual the past month to assist. A quick reminder to please not pass a bus while students are exiting even if the lights are not flashing. Even when lights are not working the expectation is that we do not pass a bus when students are exiting. This requires parents dropping off students from their vehicles to pay close attention when they see a bus in front of them. I appreciate your help with this.

*I will be pushing out information about our next parent / family circle with the principal soon. Our next circle will be for 4th grade families. Watch for an email from me soon!

*Please see the "symptoms check" chart from our school nurse, Peggy Costello, attached below.

*We recognize that families may provide their children with smart watches or cell phones for communication reasons. At times these devices can become distractions during the school day and students may be asked by teachers to place their smart watches or phones in their backpacks. Recording or taking pictures of other students at school, especially without their permission, is a violation of personal privacy. We ask for your partnership with us on this by not texting your child or calling your student(s) during the school day and reminding them of how to use smart watches and phones properly. If you need to contact your child, please phone the office and your message will be relayed promptly. Thank you for your help with this!

KINDERGARTEN BREAKFAST

FIRST GRADE BREAKFAST

Thank you to those who purchased Red Sox Tickets for May! A whopping 83 members of the Birch Meadow Community will be at Fenway on 5/25 - GO SOX!

Getting Ready for ReadaFun!

Read Across America kicks off the first week of March and so does our biggest Spring fundraiser - the Read-a-Thon! We use a platform called ReadaFun where students can track their reading, communicate with friends, create their own avatar ("Owlvatar") and raise money for Birch Meadow!

Students will receive Read-A-Fun portal login information and instructions during library time

How it works:

• Students read books and log them on their personalized online profiles.

• Students answer questions and earn Wisdom Coins to customize their Owlvatars.

• Sponsors make pledges based on how much students read.

• Our school keeps 80% of funds raised. Funding will go towards enrichment programs for all grades (including bus fees for all students), reimbursement of supplies for classroom teachers and support staff, staff appreciation events, special events and yearbooks for our 5th grade graduates.

Check out the VIDEO to get ready for this exciting time!!

Sweet Treat Day in the Staff Lounge 💟

On Friday, February 14th Teacher Appreciation Coordinator, Erin Brown, is putting her special touch on our Teachers/Staff Lounge! If you can donate supplies, time, decorations, etc - please use this sign up link! Thank you, Erin!

Feb 14th - Sweet Treat Day in the Teachers Lounge. Sign Up to Donate 💟

Feb. 17 - 21 - Presidents Day/February Vacation. NO SCHOOL

First Week in March - BOOK FAIR & Read-A-Thon Kick Off!

Date TBA - Shamrock Shuffle 🍀(to replace the Turkey Trot/Winter Walk)

April 2-3 - Grades 3&4 ELA MCAS

April 7-8 - Grade 5 ELA MCAS

May 5 - 6 - Grade 5 Math MCAS

May 7 - 8 - Grades 3&4 Math MCAS

May 14 - 15 - Grade 5 SCI MCAS

Feb 26 (Wed), 7pm (Online; Registration is required)

As a follow-up to the movie screening of “The Right to Read,” Dr. Sarah Hardy (Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching) and Renee Limauro (District Special Ed Literacy Coach) from RPS will continue the literacy discussion on February 26. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about reading disabilities, literacy screening in our schools, literacy programs, and updates on the new literacy program (ARC Core) that was adopted by the Reading Public Schools in 2022 that is in keeping with the science of reading as discussed in The Right to Read.

To Register:

• Register for the Building Literacy Success for Every Student Presentation using this link; you can also use this link to pre-submit general questions for presenters to address.

The Right to Read - Award Winning Documentary:

• The Right to Read Film: The Right to Read video is now available for free on Youtube

• The Right to Read Panel Discussion Moderated by Thomas Wise (Chairperson, Reading School Committee): Available on RCTV Youtube page

Past Relevant Presentations:

• So You Think Your Child Has Dyslexia

• Understanding Reading Strand By Strand

• Tiered Support for Students Presentation

• We have a Birch Meadow storefront and will post items and fundraisers throughout the year. We also welcome direct donations and company match: https://birch-meadow-elementary-school-pto.square.site/

• Drop off your donations of clothing and textiles to the two large bins to the far right of the main entrance on Arthur B. Lord Drive. Birch Meadow earns funds through Helpsy, a for-profit company that offers local non-profits like our PTO this easy, no-cost fundraising program!

Please "like" Birch Meadow Elementary PTO" Facebook page and follow our Instagram: @birch_meadow_pto