
The Starburst
The Barrows Weekly Newsletter: October 1, 2022
A Message from Principal Gallegos
Our first full month is in the books! September was a fantastic start to the school year, and students and staff should be proud of our transition back; we are on our way to knowing our routines so we can do our best in learning and teaching! Thank you to all the families that have shifted their morning and afternoon routines by leaving a few minutes earlier to enter the building on the correct side. If the person that brings or picks up your child does not read this newsletter this is a friendly request that you pass on the very important message: no cars or pedestrians are permitted in the staff parking lot during arrival or dismissal. Students know the expectations, making our staff and students uncomfortable when we have to remind caregivers to walk around. Thank you!
I am incredibly thankful for the beautiful weather we have had so far this fall. I hope everyone is enjoying the gorgeous weather outside with your families. I have spent almost every afternoon or evening for the last three weeks at either an RMHS field hockey, soccer game, or an open house. Our family has it covered from elementary and middle school to high school. This gives me a wonderful perspective of our district's schools and how each year prepares children for the next milestone in their school careers.
Be sure to check out the following information in The Starburst below:
- Lots of new information under our PTO section, including information about our upcoming school committee meeting, Monster Mash, and fundraising opportunities.
- 2022 MCAS Results Information
- Our All-School Assembly celebrating Hispanic Heritage month.
- WALK to SCHOOL day assembly on Wednesday to get ready for the end of the week.
October is lining up to be another fun-filled month! I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.
Warmly,
Alissa Gallegos
2022 MCAS Results Update
Barrows Upcoming Dates
2022-2023 School Year
Tuesday, October 4: Yom Kippur Begins at Sundown
Wednesday, October 5: PTO Meeting, all caregivers welcome 7 PM
Zoom link: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/82198714134
Thursday, October 6: Walk to School Day!Monday, October 10: No School/Columbus Day
Friday, October 21: PTO Monster Mash 3:00-6:00 PM (rain date: 10/28).
Tuesday, October 25: School Council: 3:00-4:00
Wednesday, November 9: PTO Meeting, all caregivers welcome 7 PM
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
PTO UPDATES
We are gearing up for another amazing year at Barrows. You can join the first PTO meeting of the year on October 5th at 7pm to learn more including how to get involved. You have the option to join us in person in the school library or join by zoom: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/87815134051
Important Updates!
Reminder to pay your Dues/Donation requests.
1. Send in a check in your child's backpack communications folder, or drop it directly in the Barrows main office. Please make checks payable to Barrows PTO
2. Or, pay through Paypal by scanning the QR code below. If you choose to use Paypal, please consider donating an extra few dollars to offset our Paypal charge
VOLUNTEER!
Your PTO works best and students benefit most when parents are involved! No experience is needed and a variety of volunteer opportunities are available. Please let us know what volunteer opportunities you would be interested in and we will follow up with additional details. The donation of your time to help with these great initiatives will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance!
If you forgot to fill out the Volunteer form you can still do so here: ‐ https://tinyurl.com/2p83cvrv
We thank you for all of your generous support and wish you a wonderful new school year
PTO Board
Lori Barcikowski, Co-President
Meghan Dribin, Co-President
Amy Koehler, Treasurer
Alicia Curtin, Secretary
Alison Ethier, Social Media Coordinator
Cookie Dough Fundraiser
The fundraiser is open until October 28. Pickup will be the Friday, November 18 before Thanksgiving at the school between 9 and 1pm. You can use the link below to start selling NOW! There are the cutest Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah Cookie sets, cutters included, and the cookies can freeze for up to a year! https://barrows.rebeccasnutfree.com/
Thanks so much for your support! Any questions feel free to contact Julie Silbovitz at Julie.draper@gmail.com.
School Lunches
School lunches are once again free for students in the Commonwealth. We look forward to providing nutritious meals for our students!
Reading Public Schools Food Service/Lunch Menus: http://reading.k12.ma.us/departments/food-services/
SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS!
Arrival
- Please drive slowly up Edgemont to keep everyone safe; remember, it is one way.
- 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 the doors by 8:25 AM. If your child gets to school after the doors have closed, they must come to the front door and be marked tardy.
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.
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.
artsonia On-line Student Art
Art & PE on Instagram!
Please follow Art and Physical Education on Instagram! You must request to follow these private accounts. We post images 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
Don't rock the crocs at PE please!
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. Thank you, Sarah Atwood
About these Services
Helpful Links
Barrows on Twitter: @BarrowsSchool https://twitter.com/BarrowsSchool
Barrows Homepage: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/barrows/
Reading Public Schools: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us