Birch Meadow Update
March 23rd, 2026
*RMLD Elementary Art Contest – Birch Meadow Winners!
We are thrilled to share the winners of the 2025–26 Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) Elementary Art Contest! Each year, RMLD hosts this electricity-themed art contest to complement the elementary curriculum, highlighting how electricity is delivered to homes, electrical safety, and the connection between electricity and the environment. This year’s submissions were incredibly creative and showcase the hard work of both students and teachers.
Birch Meadow Winners:
- Benjamin Aharon
- Mattheus DeOliveira
- Nora Lantz
- Eva Harlan
We look forward to celebrating these talented students and their families at the award ceremony on Wednesday at the RMLD! Congratulations to all!
*NuBingo – Thank You to the PTO! A big thank you to the Birch Meadow PTO for organizing the first-ever Parents-Night-Out social event! I was happy to be able to swing by and see the setup and the excitement as families arrived. A special shout-out to Taylor Pittsinger (2nd & 3rd grade parent) for leading the effort, coordinating sponsors, securing prizes, and organizing every detail, and to the team of volunteers who helped make it all possible. Events like this are such a wonderful way to support Birch Meadow Enrichment and build community. Head over to the PTO Facebook page to see a great video montage of the event.
* School Council Update - Our last School Council meeting was canceled due to the snow day. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 24. A big thank you to our parent volunteers (Daniel Chatest, Maureen Daley, Michael DiClemente, and Amanda Haley) and our faculty volunteers (Alaina Denney, Vanessa Saad, Cindy Marte, and Lisa Azzarito) for their dedication and support. The Birch Meadow School Council brings together parents, teachers, and school leaders to provide guidance on school improvement initiatives, review policies, and ensure that our school community has a voice in shaping a positive and effective learning environment.
Important Dates and Reminders
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.
*Please do not park in the staff parking lot at drop off or pick up.
From the Nurse:
There has been an increase in students experiencing illnesses including strep throat, colds, respiratory viruses, and the flu (learn more about influenza here). Please remember to give the REASON for your child’s absence when you call them out (flu, strep throat…). This allows our school nurse to keep track of health issues and alert classroom families of communicable illnesses where medical follow-up is needed. Your child’s absence is considered UNEXCUSED unless a reason is given.
MCAS DATES: GRADES 3 - 5
April 6th and 7th: Grade 5 ELA
April 8th and 9th: Grades 3 & 4 ELA
May 11th and 12th: Grade 5 Math
May 13th and 14th: Grades 3 & 4 Math
May 18th and 19th: Grade 5 Science
Standard Based Report Cards
All families should have received their child's report card through Plus Portal.
Our standards-based report cards share student progress toward grade-level learning standards and provide insight into how students are developing their skills throughout the year. Report cards are one data point that help communicate student learning and growth.
As a reminder, elementary students are assessed based on end-of-year grade-level standards, and the winter report card reflects how students are progressing toward those expectations at this point in the school year.
If you have questions after reviewing your child’s report card, please feel free to reach out directly to your child’s teacher. They are always happy to provide additional context and support.
Attention - Fifth Grade Parents and Caregivers
Middle School Transition Information
Our middle school transition events are around the corner! You will be hearing from the middle school principals soon about all of the different events and activities that are in place to support a smooth transition to middle school. In the meantime, we wanted you to have a heads up to "save the date" for the first informational meetings at each school, which will be:
- Coolidge: March 25 for students & families (6:00 informational meeting in the Coolidge Cafeteria; 6:30 - 7:45 optional "Family Fun Night")
- Parker: April 1 for parents & caregivers (6:00 in the Parker Auditorium)
Breakfast and Lunch
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.
Reading METCO is excited to announce that we will be hosting a roller-skating event for all RPS students, staff and families at Roller World in Saugus on Thursday, March 26th, from 5:00pm–7:00pm. Because last year’s event was such a huge success and filled up quickly, we were excited to bring it back again this year!
This event is open to Reading Public Schools students, staff and their families. While we all come from different communities, we are one METCO family, and this will be a fun opportunity for students to hang out and mingle after school hours while parents from Reading and Boston connect and engage with one another. Skate rentals, pizza, and drinks will be provided.
You must register for this event, as it first comes, first served. Last year, spots filled up fast! Please use this link to register by Friday, March 20th. Registration Link For Roller World
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 26th, 2025
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Location: Roller World, Saugus, MA
425R Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906
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). Reading SEPAC IS OPEN TO ALL parents/caregivers, not only families who have a child with special needs as we offer various opportunities to connect with other families and provide learning experiences. To learn more about Reading SEPAC, please visit our website: Reading SEPAC Website
Should you wish to receive our monthly newsletter, please send an email to SEPACReading@gmail.com