The Starburst

Greetings, Barrows Families,

Every school year, teachers and service providers around the state set and write professional and student goals that help guide their practice, allow for reflective conversations with their colleagues and administration and intentionally impact school culture and student learning. These goals are referred to as SMART goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Our staff discusses each of these areas and gives great attention to what is "measurable." We often look at data (MCAS scores, reading assessments, math inventories, rubrics, formative and summative assessments and more). These data points indicate what we are doing well and where we can target our instructional efforts, and we commit a great deal of time to evaluate this important information. But what isn't always documented is the social-emotional well-being of our students and staff. Last Thursday, the same day our staff collaborated and wrote their SMART goals, I was asked, along with the other new principals in the district, to present to the School Committee a brief update on my current point in my entry plan. My entry plan is grounded in listening to all the stakeholders in our school community. What I cannot help count, that isn't a part of any formal assessment, is the astounding number of smiles I see on children's faces on their way to school, interacting with peers and adults in classrooms, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and even after difficult conversations. My primary goal is to ensure that our students feel safe and excited to come to school each day. I am so proud of the efforts of our entire school community to create a place where students do feel safe and share their smiles so regularly. If your student is struggling or having a rough day, please know that we have many people here that are equipped to work with you to help make their school experience the best it can be!

This week, classes have invited me to read a story and get to know each other better. Your children are engaged, interesting and fun individuals to be with and I left each room with a huge smile on my face and look forward to reading to more classes next week. Thank you (families and staff) for being committed to the well-being of every child who comes through our doors daily. Children that feel safe and loved learn better! I know I am have months to go before completing my entry plan, but I have a strong hunch that this is the key to Barrows' success and what makes it such a special place!

Don't miss the following highlights below:

• Along with our kindergarteners and new families, I am looking forward to my first-ever Monster Mash next Friday! Thank you to the PTO and the families that have worked to make this special afternoon a big success!
• Be sure to read the PTO, METCO, SEPAC and Discover the Arts Day Festival updates below....there is a lot of helpful and exciting information for families.
• Photos of the final stages of our butterfly, Star!
• Barrows & Handbook Policy & LINK indicating you have reviewed the document.

Each year, we want to make sure that our families are aware of the school and district expectations. These are reviewed annually by principals and members of the leadership teams. Parents/guardians are asked to review this school guide which is a summary of our school’s common procedures, practices, and guidelines. These are found on the school website. We encourage parents to share this information with their child. In addition to the specific school guides, we have a Reading Public School District Handbook which outlines all the policies that our students and families are asked to abide by when participating in RPS events, including the school day. We ask all parents/guardians to review the handbook yearly and sign-off indicating that you are aware of the policies. The Reading Public School Handbook can be viewed here.

Please take some time to read through the policies and sign this Google form Acknowledgement of Students Rights & Responsibilities Handbook acknowledging that you are aware of and have reviewed the RPS Handbook, outlining the District policies. Thank you!

Last Friday, we noticed that the chrysalis of our monarch butterfly, Star, was becoming darker, so Mrs. Walsh took her home just in case.. Over the weekend it turned black and came out of its chrysalis. We were able to release Star with Mrs. Gargano's class Tuesday morning!

Massachusetts STEM Week is the week of Oct. 17th -21st. STEM Week is a statewide effort to increase the awareness and access for all learners to “see themselves in STEM” including educationally, in future employment, and in their daily lives. Visit RPS STEM Coordinator Leonard’s blog (https://readingstem.blogspot.com/) for posts each day throughout the week for ways you can be involved at home. Additionally, there are some engaging family resources compiled for you to explore.

2022-2023 School Year

Friday, October 21: PTO Monster Mash 3:30-5:30 PM (rain date: 10/28) & Calareso's Fundraiser Forms Due

Saturday, October 22nd: Reading METCO Apple Picking Event, 10:30 am (see flyer below)

Tuesday, October 25: School Council: 3:00-4:00

Friday, October 28th: Town Flu & Vaccine Clinic @ Coolidge Middle School 2-6 pm. Sign-up here: here

Friday, November 4th: 🍕Bertucci's Fundraiser 11 AM- 10 PM

Wednesday, November 9: PTO Meeting, all parents & caregivers welcome 7 PM

Wednesday-Friday, November 16-18: School Conferences (more info. TBA)

Wednesday, November 23rd: Turkey Trot 10:15-10:45 AM (all parents & caregivers welcome outside)

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

Remember, 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/

IMPORTANT UPDATES!

VOLUNTEER!

Thanks to everyone that has signed up to volunteer throughout the year! The committee chairs will reach out to you as the event that you have volunteered to assist with gets closer. Feel free to reach out to Lori and Meghan with any questions in the interim.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Monster Mash

This popular event is drawing near! The Monster Mash will be held on Friday, October 21st from 3:30 - 5:30 pm (Rain date Friday, October 28th). Similar to last year, it will take place out back on the black top, courts and grass areas. We have so many fun things planned again this year - DJ on the tennis court for dancing, games, trunk or treating, crafts, and face painting. Cost is $10/family. Tickets include a bag, games and allergy free candy! Kids are encouraged to wear costumes, but not required.

Pre-pay raffle tickets are on sale now. Flyer was sent home with the kids. Buy them now so you can skip the line.

We could still use some help with the raffle baskets. These are always a HUGE hit for the kids. If you or a group of people would like to donate a raffle basket, please email Julie (julie.draper@gmail.com) and Deanna (mike.deanna@verizon.net) to sign up. Or if you would like to donate funds to go towards the raffle baskets we put together, you may Venmo Deanna Dodge directly (@Deanna-Dodge-1) - any amount helps - $1, $2, $5 or more?!

Also, please use the sign up genius link to volunteer to bring snacks and candy for the event. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

ONGOING FUNDRAISING

• Calareso's fundraiser is underway and ends on Friday, October 21st - get your checks and forms in ASAP. Order forms were sent home with kids and a link to the form is included below.
• Cookie Fundraiser is underway through October 28th - share the link to order on social media and sell sell sell - amazing cookies and a great fundraiser for our children! https://barrows.rebeccasnutfree.com/
• Restaurant Night: Mark your calendars! Our first restaurant night of the year will be on Friday November 4th with Bertucci's!

PTO Board

Lori Barcikowski, Co-President

Meghan Dribin, Co-President

Amy Koehler, Treasurer

Alicia Curtin, Secretary

Alison Ethier, Social Media Coordinator

• Tuesday, October 18 at 7PM

• HYBRID: in person at the RMHS Schettini Library Media Center with remote access using this link

• Hear about last year’s special education program reviews

• Board Elections. Consider serving on the board! We could really use someone who is good at taking notes and posting agendas and meeting minutes. We can have up to six people on the board.

Preparing students with disabilities for life after high school officially starts at age 14 and requires planning, skill development, and network support. This VIRTUAL presentation will be particularly important for our families with secondary level students on IEPs, but it is never too early for parents/caregivers of younger children to have a sense of what’s to come. Don’t miss out on this important topic. Click here to pre-register!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

📌 Inclusive family kickball game. Sun., Oct. 16th, 11AM to 1PM at Washington Park

📌 Board nominations requested. by Sun., Oct. 16th. Email: SEPACelection2022@gmail.com

📌 Board elections and SEPAC Business Meeting with presentation of Program Review Results. Tues., Oct 18th, at 7PM, hybrid (RMHS library and on Zoom–link forthcoming)

📌 Andover SEPAC’s Basics Right Workshop - Understanding the IEP. Tues. Nov. 8th, 7 to 9PM via Zoom. Click here to register.

📌 Reading SEPAC’s Basics Right Workshop - Transition Planning. Tues., Nov 15th, 7 to 9PM via Zoom. Click here to register!

We HIGHLY ENCOURAGE all parents of children who receive, or may receive, special educational services to attend one or more of the Basic Rights Workshops, especially if you never have.

Check your email for more details from us about these topics and more. Not on our mailing list? Click here to join SEPAC's mailing list and while you’re at it, follow SEPAC on Facebook and on Instagram.

Elementary School Principals began looking at our individual school MCAS data together this week. We will be sharing out specific data in our October 28th newsletters. Parents/guardians of students who participated in spring 2022 MCAS will receive their individual student results the week of October 10th.

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.

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/

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