The Starburst
Home of the Shining Stars
Greetings, Barrows Families,
Thank you to all of our families that have made efforts this week to leave your home earlier so that your students arrive at school on time. I had to make a trip over to the high school early one morning this week and pulled on to Arcadia Avenue at 8:21 am. It took me 7 minutes to drive up the hill and park--and if I were a student, I would have been officially tardy. The forecast continues to predict cold weather, which means more cars and fewer walkers. So, if you are driving your child to school, please aim to enter our Barrows neighborhood no later than 8:10 am, or your student will most likely be marked tardy--this is Barrows Rush Hour, so plan accordingly!
I have one more incredibly important request. I have noticed that many adults are looking at their phones when they are driving by the school after they drop off their students. It is state law that we are hands-free while operating a vehicle, but even if it wasn't, the visibility on our street, especially when the sun is shining, makes it challenging to see students crossing, and phones are a distraction while driving. We want to do what we can to be safe and prevent tragedies. And as a mom in the final stages of teaching my third child to drive, I know all three have been watching what I do behind the wheel. Thank you for being a great role model and a safe driver!
Highlights:
- January PTO events--PTO Meeting 7pm on 1/22 (zoom only) & Math Night at Barrows on 1/29
- Principal's Pop-Up Reading Challenge READbowl Quarter 1 ends Sunday and Quarter 2 begins Monday ! Even if your student didn't record reading minutes one week, it doesn't mean they cannot start this week! Let's encourage our students to read at home! Students should turn in their first reading log on Tuesday. Thank you!
Be well,
Alissa
Barrows Upcoming Dates
Monday, January 20th: No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 22nd: PTO Meeting @ 7PM (Zoom only) Link: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/84058658038
Wednesday, January 29th:💙💛School Assembly, wear school colors💙💛and Math Night 6:30pm @ Barrows
Sunday, February 2nd: Please RSVP for Parents Night Out by this date
Friday, February 7th: Parents Night Out 7:30-10 pm @ Cafe Capri
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
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
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