Paw Prints
Barlow Mountain Elementary School Newsletter
Dear BMES Community,
It's hard to believe we are already in the heart of November! Though the early sunset leaves our days shorter, our Bobcat spirit continues to shine brightly through all the ways we support one another. We've seen so many wonderful examples from our students and families coming together recently. It was heartwarming to see our older students cheering on the kindergarteners and first graders as they paraded in their Halloween costumes. This cooperative spirit continued with our recent Friday afternoon buddy walk, where our big buddy classes spent quality time connecting and learning from each other.
Our community's generosity has been truly remarkable. We are proud to be participating in the RPS food drive, and all of your donations meant we were able to send a LOT of candy to Friends of Karen. Looking ahead this week, we're especially grateful for the volunteers who will be helping out at our Fall STEAM Night to help make it a successful and engaging event for all our students.These examples of advocacy, empathy, and cooperation are a perfect reflection of the Bobby CARES values.
To continue our focus on creating a supportive and welcoming school environment, we will be kicking off "No Place For Hate" (NPFH) activities later this month, which will include a school meeting. NPFH is an Anti-Defamation League program designed to empower students to create an inclusive space where everyone feels valued, respected, and has a sense of belonging. Ridgefield Public Schools is proud to be one of the only districts in Connecticut to have students K-12 engaged in this promise. As part of this commitment, students participate in various activities, including reviewing and signing the NPFH Promise. The promise components guide our students to treat everyone fairly, act as an ally against bullying, and help make our school a No Place for Hate. You can find an attached letter with more information on the activities planned and how to reinforce these themes at home.
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership. It is through these shared moments and values that we truly strengthen our sense of belonging here at BMES.
Warmly,
Becky & Caitlin
Honoring Veterans at BMES
This week at BMES, we will be recognizing Veterans Day by reading America's White Table by Margot Theis Raven and writing letters of gratitude to vets through Operation Gratitude. Families are also invited to honor their loved ones who have served in the military by submitting a photo to be displayed on our Wall of Honor as a tribute of gratitude and respect. Upload by end of the day on Mon 11/10. Click here to upload a photo of your Veteran
Recycling & Composting in the Cafeteria
BMES is embarking on a journey to reduce the amount of waste produced in our school, starting with a cafeteria waste audit during lunch on Monday, November 10th. Tiffany Carlson from the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA) and parent volunteers will be assisting with the audit, which aims to see what type and how much material—such as food waste, unopened food, recycling, and trash—we are putting into the bin each day. Typically, students throw all items into one trash bin, but on Monday, volunteers will be on hand during each lunch wave to help students sort their trays into separate bins so we can weigh and measure those materials. The goal is to use this data to guide our waste reduction efforts, helping us determine how we can increase recycling, donate unopened food, and potentially compost food scraps instead of sending them to the landfill.
The Scholastic Book Fair is Almost Here!
RPS Food Drive
In partnership with local teen Ruby Weiner, BMES will be participating in the RPS Food Drive during the month of November. We will collect non-perishables and have designated collection box in the front lobby. You can find a list of requested donations here. Please check sell-by dates and look for cans with tabs whenever possible.
Calling All Harry Potter Fans!
The RHS Visual & Performing Arts Department kicks off the 2025–2026 season with Puffs, a hilarious parody told from the Hufflepuff perspective. Dates are Nov 13, 14, 15 at 7 PM, and a sensory-friendly family matinee on Nov 15 at 1 PM. Click here to get tickets!
Reminder: Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Friday November 21st, Monday November 24th, and Tuesday November 25th. These three days will be early dismissal days for students. Afternoon conferences will be held from from 1:15-4:00 pm. On Monday, November 24th, there are also evening conferences from 5:00-7:00pm.
PTA Meeting - Nov. 10th at 6:30PM in the BMES Library
All paid PTA members are invited to attend, participate in the conversation, and help shape the year ahead. Babysitting will be available in the cafeteria, so feel free to bring the kids if you need to.
Corner Cafe Restaurant Day - Nov. 12th
Join us at the Corner Cafe, 622 Main St, on November 12 to support Barlow Mountain Elementary School. Mention BARLOW when placing your order, and 10% of the profits will be donated to the school.
Barlow Garden Volunteer Day - Nov. 12th at 3PM
Help plant, weed, and harvest this fall while connecting with Barlow families. No experience needed. Come enjoy our zen space (with snacks and tunes!). Click here to learn about Barlow Green Team
Barlow Mountain Elementary School
Email: rlaus@ridgefieldps.net
Website: https://bmes.ridgefield.org/
Location: 115 Barlow Mountain Road, Ridgefield, CT, USA
Phone: 203-894-5800