The Starburst
Home of the Shining Stars
Attention families: The last Friday for Dippin' dots to be purchased is this Friday, June 6th. Dippin' Dots will not be available for purchase on Friday, June 13th!
Greetings, Barrows Families,
This week beautifully bookended the spectrum of what makes Barrows, the Reading Public Schools, and our town such a special place to grow and learn—together as a community!
On Tuesday morning, we had the honor of welcoming back Barrows alums from the RMHS Class of 2027 for their senior clap-out—their final walk through the halls where their academic journey began. It was meaningful to see these young adults return, but what stood out even more was the response from our staff. Teachers and support staff came out with open arms and big smiles to reconnect with students they hadn't taught in years. Several of the graduates have siblings or even parents who are part of our school community today. We care for your children as we would our own—because, in many cases, they are. That mindset shapes how we support and nurture all of our students.
This was also a busy week of field trips. Our fifth graders went on a science-based field trip to the Maillet, Sommes, and Morgan Conservation Land, right off Willow Street. I need to extend a huge THANK YOU to retired RMHS Science teacher Martha Moore, Brian Bowe, Readings Conservation Commission Chair, Mary Anne Lynne, RPS's STEM Curriculum Coordinator, Michele Chiappini, Barrows Tutor and former RMHS science teacher and Fioana Schuette and her RMHS students from the AP Environmental Science Class and our fifth-grade team for collaborating and organizing a walking field trip highlighting many of the science standards taught in 5th grade. This was RPS's first field trip to this conservation land! Students loved being out in nature—finding a toad, hopping by, collecting samples in the waterways, identifying trees, and learning how our watershed works.
And it was more than just science learning—it was a reminder of what happens when we step away from our screens and into the natural world. In an era when much of our children's daily lives are shaped by technology, experiences like these offer something irreplaceable. Nature sparks wonder. It slows us down. It allows our students to connect with the world—and each other—in a way that no screen can. The sensory-rich, hands-on moments they experience are not only engaging but essential for developing observation skills, emotional regulation, creativity, and resilience.
These kinds of experiences remind us that learning happens everywhere—and that our community is richer for the spaces, people, and traditions that surround and support our children. If you haven't yet visited the Maillet, Sommes & Morgan Conservation Land, I highly recommend it. It's less than a mile from Barrows, and it's a gift to have this natural classroom so close.
First grade also had a great trip to the Stone Zoo, and the kindergarten made its annual walk to the Fire House on Woburn Street! Next week, we put a pause on field trips so that we can have time for middle school move-up day, FIELD DAY, Kindergarten's end-of-the-year show, PTO Sponsored: Whodunit? An Interactive All-School STEM Experience and RPS's Unified Sports Day!
Important Reminders:
- Please be mindful of maintaining strong routines of healthy meals and bedtimes so that students are at their best for end-of-year celebrations and fun!
- Please refrain from scheduling appointments or unnecessary absences for the last two weeks of school. We are still teaching and learning while layering much-deserved celebrations for our students and the Barrows community!
- Please return all School Library books this week!
- Please ensure students are dressed appropriately for field day (comfortable clothing, sneakers, sunscreen (and bring a water bottle--thanks to Mrs. Lee, our refill station will be back)!
- Please see the Barrows Lunch menu posted below. (Each elementary school will have a different menu--so if you have children at other schools, be sure to check their menu, too)!
- Fifth Grade Tug-of-War will be held between K-2 and 3-5 field day events at 10: 45 am. If you would like to come cheer the students (or teachers) on, feel free to join us on the field at this time.
From our past to our future, from blacktops to trails, from handshakes to hugs, this week was a celebration of what makes Barrows such a special part of our greater Reading community.
Congratulations to our graduating seniors and their families!
Be well,
Alissa
Barrows Breakfast & Lunch Program Information
All first meals, including breakfast and lunch, are free for all students! If your child would like a second breakfast or lunch, these are available for purchase at $1.50 for breakfast and $2.75 for lunch. Additionally, our cafeterias offer a variety of snacks and a la carte items that can be purchased separately.
Reading Public Schools Food Service/Lunch Menus: http://reading.k12.ma.us/departments/food-services/ It is also important for families that may need financial support including but not limted to our food services to complete the following forms on this page: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1701802399965&page=lunchapps
Bikes must be walked on the sidewalks near the school during arrival & dismissal!
*REGISTRATION WILL OPEN MAY 19th FOR THE 2025 FORR MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAM*
- Season will begin on Wednesday, September 3rd and will run for approximately 9 weeks
- Practices will take place every Mon/Wed/Fri from 3:15-4:20 pm at the Birch Meadow fields
- Participation in 3-4 inter-town cross country meets (schedule TBD)
- Participation in invitational meets, State Championship Meet and USATF meets (dependent on race organizer guidelines)
- Optional summer training runs at Memorial Park every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8:15-8:45 am
This program is open to Reading middle school boys and girls of all running abilities. The primary purpose of the Middle School Cross Country team is to engage young runners who are interested in developing their skills in this sport. Focus will be on proper training, form and technique, core and other strengthening drills. BUT most of all, we have fun! Prior experience is not required. However, student athletes should run enough over the summer to be able to sustain a minimum of 15-20 minutes of continuous running at the start of the season.
Please consider the following when determining whether or not to sign up your student athlete: Due to demand, this program has always had capacity constraints. Please ensure that your child will be able to balance this program with their other activities and be able to fully participate. We plan to accept as many student athletes as possible, but team registration is limited to ensure a quality experience for all runners.
The program is run under the direction of Head Coach Dan Princic, along with Coaches Meghan Doyle, JC Honer and Laura LaFrancesca. Coach Princic brings over 20 years of coaching experience from middle school to the collegiate level.
The registration includes a full team uniform (for those who need it) and entry fees to all regular season meets. Register online starting May 19th at 7:00 pm at:https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/482571
For questions regarding registration or program details, please email forrmsxc@gmail.com. Friends of Reading Recreation – 24 Smith Avenue – Reading, MA 01867
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.
An Important Reminder from Mrs. Atwood
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
Please follow Art and Physical Education on Instagram!
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.*
Check-Out Artsonia!
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