The Starburst
Home of the Shining Stars
Our School Administrative Assistant
Meet Karen Anderson
Hi, Barrows Families. I have been part of the Barrows community since 2019, and one of the things I enjoy most about my job is that no two days are ever the same! Along with managing the day-to-day tasks of the office, I get to help students, staff, and families with all kinds of needs. The kids make me laugh every day, and I especially enjoy taking a few minutes to chat with them and hopefully make their school day a little brighter.
Outside of Barrows, I am usually cheering on one of my teenage children at a hockey, lacrosse, or softball game. When I get the chance, I love heading to our home on the Connecticut shore to spend time at the beach, read, go boating, and grill with family and friends. I also love home design and have enjoyed renovating several homes with my husband. If I weren't working in a school, I think I'd love to do something in that field!
I look forward to seeing you around Barrows. Be sure to stop by and say hello!
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
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
Saturday, December 5 & 6: Festival of Trees, Parker Middle School
Saturday, December 12th: Barrows Winter Craft Fair 10-1 Barrows Cafeteria
Wednesday, December 23rd: Early Release (11 am)
December 24-January 1: Winter Break
Monday, January 4th: School Resumes
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
Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser – December 3rd
Shopping downtown for Reading’s "Shop the Block"? The Reading Memorial High School Leo Club is hosting a Parent’s Night Out fundraiser! Drop your kids off at the high school so you can enjoy child-free shopping while supporting a great community service group.
To view the event flyer and register, please click here to learn more and sign up.
2026 FESTIVAL OF TREES
Kick off your holiday season on Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th by visiting Reading Education Foundation’s (REF) 25th annual Festival of Trees, a winter wonderland of decorated holiday trees donated by local families, organizations, businesses and schools that festival visitors can win for themselves! This signature REF fundraising event, held at Reading’s Parker Middle School, is a magical and memorable community holiday tradition for adults and children of all ages. Fun can be had for all ages while raising money that REF provides to the Reading schools through teacher-initiated grants. There is local entertainment throughout both days including live performances by school choruses, bands and local groups. Food trucks will be outside selling items at the event. Lucky winners of tree raffles will be selected at closing on Sunday night.
Tree Donations
REF has a goal of 100 donated trees this year – please consider donating one! We welcome trees from PTO’s, grade levels, groups and staff. This is a great way to showcase the creativity and curriculum of the Reading Public Schools. You don’t need to spend a lot on a tree – just a fun theme and a few gift cards or small tokens (especially from our local businesses) are all you need. Remember, you don’t even need a tree as we’ve seen hockey sticks, bookcases and other items serve as a “tree”. If you are interested in donating a tree please email us at reftreedonor@gmail.com and include the following:
- Name of Tree Donor
- Contact information & phone number
- Tree Name
Advanced Ticket Sales Are Open
Raffle tickets purchased in advance will be preprinted with the purchaser's raffle number on the back, saving patrons the time and hassle of entering their personal information. Visit readingef.org to purchase tickets.
REF, non-profit foundation, is committed to supporting innovation and excellence in the Reading Public Schools. REF’s goal is to enhance and increase educational opportunities for all Reading students by providing funds for projects that go beyond the scope of traditional classroom learning. To learn more about REF, advance sales, opportunities to donate a tree, and see a schedule of events, visit the REF website at www.readingef.org
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
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.
