The Starburst
Home of the Shining Stars
Greetings, Barrows Families,
What a fun week at Barrows! With the excitement of fall activities, school events, and Halloween just around the corner, our teachers still managed to pack in plenty of learning and memorable experiences! I hope your students enjoyed today as much as our teachers did. Every teacher I spoke with after school raved about our students and how well they balanced all of the excitement with being respectful, engaged, and ready to learn.
Earlier in the week, we enjoyed another memorable United Nations Assembly, organized by Mrs. Raucci and led by many of our students. Our kindergarteners also had a wonderful time at KidzFun, made possible with the support of our PTO!
As many of you know, we are passionate about helping our students feel their best so they can be happy, healthy, and engaged learners. We often talk about the importance of adequate sleep, fresh air, daily reading and limiting technology use (particularly thoughtful and monitored use of social media and gaming). This week, we also wanted to share some helpful information about how food choices can affect children's behavior, feelings, and learning.
We are sharing one of many articles based on research and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The research suggests that artificial food dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, may contribute to hyperactivity, irritability, restlessness, and sleep difficulties in some children. These effects may make it harder for some students to focus, regulate their emotions, and navigate friendships.
As you sort through Halloween candy or think about snacks for the school day, you might consider reducing the number of treats and snacks that contain artificial dyes. We love our sweets and snacks, too! This isn't about eliminating every treat, but rather about making mindful choices that help our children feel their best and arrive at school ready to learn.
Be sure to check out our newest Staff Stopover and get to know our incredible Barrows Kindergarten Paraprofessionals! Having a para in each kindergarten classroom is such an asset for our youngest learners. Throughout my career, I have worked in districts that do not have this level of classroom support, and I can tell you how fortunate we are to have these additional caring adults helping our students navigate the exciting start of their school experience. If your child attended kindergarten at Barrows (or is a kindergartener now), you likely know just how special this support is!
A Few Important Reminders
There is still time to sign-up for the first in the series, Rooted in the Village, on November 2nd. This is an opportunity for parents/guardians to connect and learn strategies for supporting neurodivergent children and children with unique learning, behavioral, or emotional needs. See below for for details and to sign-up!
Honoring Our Veterans: Does your Shining Star have a veteran in the family whom you would like to honor this Veterans Day? Check out Mrs. Becker's announcement below for details.
Fall Conference Sign-Ups: Teachers will email families on Monday, October 26, with sign-up times for fall conferences. Families are asked to select from the available time slots. Please note that alternate conference times outside the district-scheduled options cannot be accommodated.
A Friendly Reminder: Students may bring only healthy snacks to school. Halloween candy should be enjoyed at home rather than brought in as a school snack.
Have a wonderful Halloween weekend! Please stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and have lots of fun!
Warmly,
Alissa & Annemarie
Meet our Barrows Tutors!
We are excited to introduce our Barrows Kindergarten paras to our families! Our Kindergarten paraprofessionals play such an important role in supporting our youngest students as they learn, build new skills, and grow more confident as elementary school students. From providing extra support during lessons and working with small groups to offering encouragement, helping with everyday routines, and celebrating each new accomplishment, they are there for our students in so many ways throughout the day.
Having an additional caring adult in each kindergarten classroom is a tremendous asset. These relationships help our youngest learners feel comfortable, supported, and ready to take on new challenges. Their work often happens in a hundred little moments throughout the day, and those moments make a big difference! We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful team supporting our kindergarteners. Take a few minutes to get to know them!
Meet Jill DiMare
Hi, Barrows Families! I'm Jill DiMare, and I've been part of the Barrows community for 13 years. Outside of school, I love to dance, spend time with family and friends, and go for walks. I also enjoy spending weekends with my family at White Horse Beach in Plymouth!
As a Kindergarten paraeducator, no two days are ever the same! My role includes everything from tying shoes and handing out Band-Aids to offering hugs, drying tears, supporting classroom learning, and celebrating student successes. I also get to listen to all the wonderful stories six-year-olds have to share (and make sure they know I'm interested!). When a teacher is out, I may even have the opportunity to help lead the class.
One of my favorite parts of this job is watching the children grow from September to June. It's amazing to see how much they learn and how much confidence they gain throughout the year!
Meet Donna Kavanaugh
Hi, Barrows Families! I'm Donna Kavanaugh, and this is my eighth year working as a Kindergarten para at Barrows. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking walks with my dog, and relaxing at the beach with a good book and an iced coffee!
At Barrows, I help support our kindergarten students academically, socially, and emotionally as they make their way through the school day. I love helping children learn while making sure they feel comfortable, supported, and happy at school.
The most rewarding part of my job is watching the children grow throughout the year and seeing how excited they get when they learn something new. I also still love coloring, something I enjoyed as a child! One of my favorite things is sitting and coloring with the kids while listening to all their little stories and ideas. You never know what they're going to say, and those moments always make me smile!
Kellie Roden
Hi, Barrows Families! I'm Kellie Roden. Before coming to Barrows, I spent nine years working in education at the New England Aquarium. Outside of school, I love working in my gardens and spending time with my family. One of my favorite ways to spend a day off is relaxing at home, playing board games, and enjoying time together.
There is never a dull moment in kindergarten! My role includes everything from helping with shoes and little nursing needs, like cold washcloths and Band-Aids, to preparing classroom centers, modifying curriculum, and supporting small-group and one-on-one lessons. I also get to be a cheerleader and coach for our students as they work through new challenges.
The most rewarding part of my job is watching students grow throughout the year. I especially love seeing them persevere, work through something difficult, and accomplish something they weren't sure they could do. Those moments are the best!
Is a member of your family a Veteran? Help Barrows honor those that served our country. Two options - We are inviting Veterans to be part of our assembly on Tuesday November 10th at 8:30 OR you can send us a photo and information and it will be included in the assembly. Either way please email carina.becker@reading.k12.ma.us to register your Veteran in order to be recognized at the assembly. Please do this no later than Friday November 6th.
You will need to share the following information:
Barrows student/students and their teacher
Veteran’s Name
Branch
Rank
Please include a photo of the Veteran
Will they be in person for the assembly or just recognized?
***If you shared this information last year, please just email and remind me! I have it saved. ***
Reach out to carina.becker@reading.k12.ma.us with any questions.
Barrows Upcoming Dates
Monday, November 2nd: Rooted in the Village 6-7:30 pm at the Reading Public Library
Wednesday, November 4th: ⭐💙 Barrows Spirit Wednesday--wear blue & yellow or Barrows Spirit Gear⭐💙
Tuesday, November 10th: Barrows Veterans Day Assembly, Wear Red, White & Blue 🔴🤍💙
Wednesday, November 11th: NO SCHOOL- Veterans Day
Tuesday, November 17th: PTO Meeting 7pm (library & zoom)
Wednesday, November 18th: ⭐💙 Barrows Spirit Wednesday--wear blue & yellow or Barrows Spirit Gear⭐💙
Thursday, November 19th: Early Release for Conferences 12:45 pm
Friday, November 20th: Conference Day (no school for students)
Wednesday, November 25th: Early Release (11 am)
Thursday & Friday, November 26th-27th: NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break
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
The Food Service Department continues to offer breakfast and lunch to all elementary schools! 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.
The cafeteria offers a special snack or treat for $1 every Friday at lunch for students in grades 2-5!
If you would like your student to purchase a weekly treat, please make sure funds are available in their lunch account. Cash will not be accepted for individual treat purchases on Fridays.
How to Add Money to Your Student’s Lunch Account:
Create a LinQ Connect account to add funds online: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1701802399965&page=prepaidacct
Send cash or a check to the Barrows Cafeteria with your student’s name. Please make checks payable to the Town of Reading.
*if you are having trouble adding funds, please email Julianna Moccaldi, julianna.moccaldi@reading.k12.ma.us
Reading Public Schools Food Service/Lunch Menus: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1701802399965&page=menus
Do you need financial support including but not limted to our food services, then please complete the following forms on this page: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1701802399965&page=lunchapps
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
COMMUNITY CORNER HIGHLIGHT
Hi Everyone,
For this week's Family & Community Corner, could you please share the information below in your school newsletters?
Massachusetts has announced a new Middle-Income Heating Oil Relief Program to support families who may not qualify for traditional fuel assistance.
With the colder months approaching, this could be a valuable resource for many of our Reading families.
I've also attached the announcement shared by the Town of Reading for you to include in your newsletters.
Information to Share with Families:
Attention Reading residents! Massachusetts has announced a new Middle-Income Heating Oil Relief program to help households that may not qualify for traditional fuel assistance. Please share this information with friends, family, and neighbors who may benefit from this program.
Who may qualify? Households earning between 60% and 100% of the State Median Income, with income limits based on household size.
Applications are expected to open in December 2026 and remain open through April 30, 2027, or until funding runs out.
Residents can find out more information by going to :
Residents can complete the interest form and learn more directly from the state
Thank you all for helping us keep our families informed and connected to community resources!
📚 Taiana Pereira | Family Engagement Liaison
🏫 Reading Public Schools
📍 Office Location: RMHS 219-2
📞 781-670-2889 ext. 19889
🌍 Passionate about helping others and making a difference
💬 Portuguese 🇧🇷 | English 🇺🇸
✨ Pronouns: she/her
📅 Office hours: Monday–Thursday | Off Fridays
🗣️ Beginner English Class for Adults — Still Going!
🗣️ Beginner English Class for Adults — Still Going!
📅 Tuesday evenings | 6:30–8:00 PM
The Library’s free Beginner English Class continues this fall! Adult learners can build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English.
Drop-ins are welcome.
⚠️ There is no class October 13 or October 27.
If you are looking for an opportunity to practice and improve your English, I encourage you to join us! This is a welcoming space to learn, practice, and build your confidence. Drop-ins are welcome
RMHS Boys Soccer is looking for Ball Boys & Girls
Does your student love soccer? This is an awesome volunteer opportunity for our shining stars to run along side the boys Middlesex League Champs Varsity Soccer Team. Sign-up here to volunteer to be a ball boy/girl (one slot left for Monday): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D49AEAC2CA0F58-65652889-2026#/
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.
