The Starburst

Barrows Families,

The week after April vacation has brought a wonderful week of learning. Students were rested and ready to work hard and together. There is A LOT of information in each section of the Starburst, so I will keep my message limited to the highlights so that you have the time to read through the entire newsletter.

According to the forecast, we should have a lovely weekend. I hope many families can get outside and enjoy the weather!

Spring Reminders:

• The Fun Run is on May 9th. Interested 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade participants should sign up here: Barrows Fun Run Sign Up. All students and families in grades K-5 are welcome to come cheer runners on! More information is below.
• Lost & Found: Extended Day has gathered a lot of coats, sweatshirts, and other cold weather gear that has been left behind on the playground or in the cafeteria! While we do our best to reunite students with their misplaced belongings, it is not always easy. They have collected many sweatshirts, coats, boots, hats, umbrellas, etc. Next time you are at Barrows, please take a moment to look through the collection of belongings for anything that may belong to your student. If we are out on the playground, feel free to ask about being allowed into the cafeteria to check for missing items. We will take the items to the donation bin in two weeks. If your student has misplaced something and cannot find it in the cafeteria, you can also check the table outside the main entrance for lost and found items.
• We have been talking about Earth Day this week. Each fifth-grade student brought a tree home to plant to help the environment. We can also help by remembering to turn our cars off when waiting for our students (we learned this week that idling for more than 5 minutes is illegal in Massachusetts).
• Tuesday Night is Bingo Night at Barrows (see the PTO section for more information and other PTO Updates).
• New news in the SEPAC & METCO sections

Warmly,

Mrs. Gallegos

In honor of Earth Day and to encourage students to continue to make a difference in their community, Barrows is working together with students in Massachusetts and across the country by Walking, Biking, or Rolling to School.

The first National Walk & Roll to School Day was called, Walk Our Children to School Day in 1997. It is now celebrated across the country with thousands of communities participating. It’s come a long way but with the same purpose, get some exercise and help the planet.

On Wednesday May 1st think about how you will get to Barrows; Walk, Bike, or Roll to school.

School doors will open at the same time, 8:15 and students are expected to be in class at 8:25 ready for a great day at Barrows!

See you all on Wednesday May 1st!

ReadingCares and the Reading Climate Advisory Committee are again hosting the annual Bike Recycling and Give-Away. The public is invited to donate their used bikes (in good condition) at RMLD, 230 Ash Street, on Friday, May 3rd, from 11 am to 12:30 pm and on Saturday, May 4th, from 9 am to 11 am. All donors will receive a voucher for early admission at noon on Saturday to choose a free bike. Free Bikes will be available to everyone starting by 12:30 pm on Saturday, May 4. For more information, click on this link: https://thereadingpost.com/2024/04/03/reading-cares-bicycle-recycling-give-away/

All children aged 16 and under are required by Massachusetts state law to wear a properly secured helmet while bicycling. If your child is in need of a helmet, please reach out to Mrs. Gallegos. We want to keep everyone safe!

Attention 3rd-5th Grade Famliies: Last Chance to Sign-Up for the Fun Run!

The students in grades 3, 4 and 5 are invited to participate in the annual

Barrows Fun Run. The purpose of this one mile road race is to promote the enjoyment of physical activity, encourage students to set and achieve personal goals and

of course, to have fun!

What: Annual Barrows Fun Run - one mile road race

When: Thursday May 9, 2024 (Rain Date - May 23, 2024)

Where: Barrows Elementary School

Time: 3:15 - 4:15

***The Fun Run is NOT a drop off event. Parents/guardians must be present to supervise their children. If you are unable to attend the event please reach out to Mrs. Atwood so we can make other arrangements.***

• Bring your own water.

• Bring your inhaler if you typically use one during physical activity.

• Please DO NOT park vehicles on Stewart Road; this is where the race begins.

• The starting line is at the middle of Stewart Road and the race continues down making a right onto Shelby Road, left onto Arcadia Avenue and up and around the loop, left onto Arnold Avenue, a quick right onto Munroe Avenue, left onto Garrett Road, left onto Shelby Road, right onto Arcadia Avenue, right onto Edgemont Avenue, right into the school driveway and finally to the finish line on the black top behind the school.

• The first, second and third place runners for both boys and girls in each grade will earn a medal; every participant will earn a ribbon.

• Use the link to sign up: Barrows Fun Run Sign Up

Tuesday, April 30th: Family Bingo Night, 6pm

Wednesday, May 1st: Walk, Bike or Roll to School Day

Wednesday, May 8th: All School Assembly⭐💙 (wear school colors or spirit wear)💙⭐

Thursday, May 9th: Fun Run & Ice Cream Social, 3:15 pm (rain date 5/23)

Thursday, May 16th: Open House (5:30-6:30 pm Grades K-5)

Monday, April 22nd: 5th Grade Instrument Night @ Coolidge 6-8 PM

Saturday, May 18th: METCO Event- Kite Festival @ Franklin Park Zoo

Monday, May 20th: Incoming Kindergarten Parent/Guardian Orientation 6pm

Thursday, May 23rd: Incoming Kindergarten Screening

Friday, May 24th: RMHS Barrows Senior Alum Clap-out (9am-ish)

Thursday, May 30th: Field Day (rain date 6/6)

Monday, June 3rd: Middle School Move-Up Day (1-2:30)

Tuesday, June 4th: Barrows Red Sox Night (wear Red Sox Gear to School⚾)

Friday, June 7th: Talent Show (Dress Rehearsal 5/31 after school)

Monday, June 10th: FIFTH Grade Fun Day! (rain date 6/12)

Tuesday, June 11th: Fifth Grade Celebration, 8:45 am- Barrows Cafeteria

Friday, June 14th: Last Day of School & Fifth Grade Clap-Out

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

School lunches are once again free for students in the Commonwealth. We do ask families that need financial assistance to complete this form: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US/food-services-4f8d79b4/frl-bac51fe9

We look forward to providing nutritious meals for our students!

Reading Public Schools Food Service/Lunch Menus: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1701802399965&page=menus

Thank you Barrows PTO for donating these new books from the book fair. Students may check these new books out from the library this spring!

The Barrow’s annual Ice Cream Social and Fun Run will be held May 9th at 3-4pm on the black top. Cal's Creamery is generously providing ice cream and slush, and we are looking to our Barrows community for help making this event even sweeter. Sign up to donate items needed like toppings, spoons, or bowls, and/or volunteer during the Social here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E49A4A722A0F94-49232459-2024#/

BARROWS BINGO FAMILY NIGHT!

Tuesday, April 30th, 6-7 pm (in the cafeteria) This is a family event. Students should come with an adult. Thank you!

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK The PTO is soliciting thank you letters from students for Staff Appreciation next month. Please print the attached 'thank you' template shared in this week's email from Mrs. Gallegos and have your child fill it out for any staff member. The completed letters should be dropped in the front office by May 3rd.

"THE ANXIOUS GENERATION" BOOK CLUB

Some of our parents are organizing book clubs for parents to read and discuss “The Anxious Generation” together as a community. This originally started as a 5th grade initiative but we recognize it would be valuable for parents of younger grades as well. If you are interested in participating please reach out to zannygrace@gmail.com and she will connect you with a book club. More opportunites for book clubs and facilitated conversations about helping our students to become more confident, independent and away from screens will be coming out soon!

CALARESO’S SPRING FUNDRAISER

Thank you to Kerry Fahey and Jennifer Tieri for organizing this fundraiser and for counting out all of the certificates for each order! Certificates were sent home this week! If you have any questions about the fundraiser, reach out to Kerry Fahey (kchmura3@msn.com) or Jennifer Tieri (jmeaney1228@gmail.com).

SCHOOL APPAREL SALE

Thank you to Jen Barsotti for spearheading this fundraiser with the guidance of Kate Grant (who has filled this role for years)! Apparel was sent home this week as well!

JOIN US: The next PTO meeting will be on Tuesday, May 7th, at 8:30 am (in person at Barrows and on Zoom). We would love to see some new faces along with the old! 😊

VOLUNTEER

Be a Cafeteria Volunteer

Sign up to help in the cafeteria during lunch periods (11am - 12:35pm). The cafeteria is fully staffed, but can always use a couple extra hands to help with opening up packages, milk cartons, moving through lunch line efficiently. Please note that all volunteers must have a completed CORI (complete 1 week prior to volunteering) on file prior to volunteering and unfortunately non school aged children will not be allowed to join with the volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering please use the Sign Up Genius to sign up for the day or days you would like to help out.

Parent/Guardian Help at Lunch

We are now on Facebook and Instagram! Like us on Facebook – Barrows Elementary PTO and Follow Us on Instagram @BarrowsElementaryPTO

FUNDRAISING

Minted Fundraiser

Do you need to order birthday, or anniversary inviations? Order from Minted and use our promo code FUNDRAISEBARROWS to help support the Barrows Elementary PTO. You'll get 20% OFF your ORDER and 15% of every purchase made using our code will be donated back to Barrows. Make sure to spread the word to family who can also use the code and support Barrows from afar.

Box Tops

Did you know you no longer need to clip Box Tops and send them into school? Box Tops now offers an app where you scan your receipts! Doing online grocery delivery these days? No problem! Box Tops also offers a way to email your online orders for credit. Find it in the app store or google play store today!

Helpsy Bin

Finally, have you been in purge mode lately? Getting rid of old, stained or ripped clothing? Drop it off in the Helpsy box in the Barrows staff parking lot (after school hours of course) and Barrows will receive a small donation for your items. Clothing, shoes and accessories are all accepted!

Many thanks,

PTO Board

Lori Barcikowski, Co-President

(LoriBarcikowski@yahoo.com)

Meghan Dribin, Co-President

(MegDribin@gmail.com)

Amy Koehler, Treasurer

Alicia Curtin, Secretary

Alison Ethier, Social Media Coordinator

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook:

@barrowselementarypto & https://www.facebook.com/BarrowsPTO/

SEPAC works for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community (including ALL children on IEPs or 504 plans and children who may require specialized support). Watch this brief introductory video to learn more!

Visit the SEPAC WEBPAGE

Sign up for our mailing list

Follow SEPAC on Facebook or Instagram

See our 2023-2024 Calendar of Events

The New IEP Presentations:

Reading Public Schools will implement the new IEP in the fall. Please join us for an opportunity to learn what changes to expect and to ask Student Services your questions. The presentation will be held both in person and virtually. More information about the new IEP can be found here.

If you have a child on an IEP, we recommend that you take a moment to familiarize yourself with what the new IEP form will look like.

Understanding the New IEP Form in Massachusetts: Article Published by Mass General Hospital for Children and Lurie Center

Wednesday, May 8th, 6PM (In Person - location TBD)

This will be a presentation for families to review DESE's NEW IEP Improvement Project to include the school’s timeline for rollout, what the new forms look like and what to expect for any adjustments to the team meeting process. (Please register for this presentation so we can be prepared with how many families will be attending as we need to be sure to accommodate a large crowd if needed). Please Click Here to Register for the May 8th In-Person Presentation.

Thursday, May 9th, 12PM (Virtual)

This will be a presentation for families to review DESE's NEW IEP Improvement Project to include the school’s timeline for rollout, what the new forms look like and what to expect for any adjustments to the team meeting process. (Registration required to receive the zoom link). Please Click Here to Register for the May 9th Virtual Presentation.

Tuesday, May 14th, 11-1PM (In-person at Northern Bank’s Community room or join virtually)

Come have lunch with other SEPAC families and some members of the Reading SEPAC Board. SEPAC will provide cheese pizza. Feel free to bring optional potluck sides or your own brown bag lunch, especially if you or your loved one has a special diet. Please bring your own non-alcoholic beverages if you will be joining us. A picnic blanket will be set up with toys for any kids who want to join and don’t need a chair. Feel free to bring other toys your child wouldn’t mind sharing with others.

This will be an informal monthly gathering on the 2nd Tue of the month just to hang out with other SEPAC families. Space is limited to 8 adult seats in person and unlimited virtually. Please Click Here to Register for the May SEPAC Lunch Meetup.

We reviewed the survey results at our last meeting. Thank you to everyone who was able to complete the survey. If you did not get a chance yet, it’s not too late to submit as we will use this as a reference point to plan for next year.

Past Events:

Recorded events that’s available on the Reading SEPAC Website:

Transition Presentation

• For parents and caregivers whose child has an IEP and will be transitioning (between schools, grades, levels, or are new to the school district)

Extended School Year (ESY) Presentation Recording

MCAS & Students with Disabilities Presentation

Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Presentation Recording Available on the Reading SEPAC Website

• Review tiered system of supports and provide examples

• Outline effective communication channels with your team and school

***Should you wish to reach out to Reading SEPAC anonymously, please use this form We reviewed the survey results at our last meeting. Thank you to everyone who was able to complete the survey. If you did not get a chance yet, it’s not too late to submit as we will use this as a reference point to plan for next year.

METCO unites suburban towns with Boston to engage in a reciprocal learning partnership in support of all students. Because of this, every child who attends school in Reading Public Schools is a METCO student and every parent or guardian who has a student in RPS is a part of the METCO community.

"Since its founding during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, the METCO program has enrolled tens of thousands of Boston students of color in predominately white school districts, creating the opportunity for those districts to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially and ethnically diverse setting."

Greeting Families

Last year unfortunately rain cancelled the Boston Kite Festival. This year we are back. On Saturday May 18th from 12pm-3pm Reading METCO will be back at the Boston Kite Festival. This is a day where we host Reading in Boston at one of our many staple community events. Your child will invite their Reading resident friend, their parents, and teachers to come have fun with them at the Boston Kite Festival. We will have free kites for children, face painting, Ballon animals, pizza, Reading METCO T-shirts and more. We hope to see you all there and see attached flyer for more details.

Kurtis Martin

METCO Director

Reading Public Schools

62 Oakland Rd, Reading, Ma, 01867

(O) 781-944-8200 EXT. 19853

© 617-224-8032

Arrival

• Please drive slowly up Edgemont to keep everyone safe; remember, it is a ONE-WAY during the school day.
• 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 their seat by 8:25 AM. If your child arrives to school after the doors have closed, they must come to the front door and be marked tardy.
• The Staff Parking Lot is for staff only and off limits to all pedestrians from arrival-dismissal for the safety of all. Please respect this important aspect of our campus.

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 (and Crocs aren't great).

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 Reading Children's Cabinet is hosting parent listening sessions to discuss best practices to support our middle schoolers so they are empowered to thrive socially and emotionally! Community Listening Sessions will be held on Tuesday, April 30th from 9:30am - 10:30am and 6pm - 7pm at Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading, MA 01867. Please complete this form to RSVP for one of the listening sessions.

RSVP form for Reading Parent Listening Sessions

For additional information, please contact Barbara Best at bbest@gse.harvard.edu.

Dear Barrows Families,

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.

Sarah Atwood

You must request to follow these private accounts. We post images, reels and stories 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

*If your Instagram name does not easily identify you, please send us a separate email so we know it’s you! For safety, we are careful about who we accept.*

Dear Barrows Families,

Another way you can support your child’s art is to join Artsonia. Artsonia is the world's largest collection of student art, published by teachers and students from around the world. Through Artsonia families can view student art online and leave comments. If you would like to join Artsonia keep your eye on your inbox; email invitations will be going out shortly! Thank you! Beth Hurley

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/

Follow us on Instagram: @barrowselementarypto

Barrows Homepage: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/barrows/

Reading Public Schools: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us