Principal's Update

*Thank You, Turkey Trot Team! 🦃

A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers who helped make this year’s Turkey Trot such a successful and joyful community event. We are especially grateful to event coordinators Sarah Narcus and Paige Cocci for their leadership and organization, and to Tricia Kiely, our SEPAC volunteer, for ensuring the event was accessible and welcoming for all students. Thank you as well to Tanya Croteau for leading warm-ups, Michael Connelly for providing audio equipment, and to our PE instructor Patrick McCracken for the many logistical details that helped everything run smoothly.

Thanks to the generosity of our families and community, we are thrilled to share that we exceeded our fundraising goal of $24,000 — raising an amazing $26,625.00 in support of our school! And yes… in celebration of reaching our goal, Assistant Principal Lisa Azzarito and I will be taking a pie to the face at our all-school assembly on December 23. We’re happy to make that sacrifice for a great cause. Thank you again to everyone who volunteered, donated, and cheered our students on. Events like this truly reflect the strength of our school community.

*Special Education Updates and FAQ

Attached to this newsflash, you will find a Birch Meadow Special Education FAQ that outlines recent updates to our special education model. These adjustments are designed to ensure supports are responsive to individual student needs, promote independence, and maintain strong access to the general education curriculum. We know that any change can prompt questions, and our goal is to be transparent and clear about how these updates support students. We value our partnership with families and encourage you to review the FAQ. As always, families are welcome to request an individual conversation, and we will also be hosting a second Parent Coffee Hour to continue the discussion and address any additional questions.

-Dr. B

Tuesday December 23rd: Early Release at 11 am

Wednesday December 24th - January 4th: Winter Break - No School

January 5th: 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

Birch Meadow students have achieved an incredible 97% attendance rate so far this year! A heartfelt thank you to all of our families for supporting your children in being present, engaged, and ready to learn every day.

Regular attendance helps students:

• Grow and succeed in their learning

• Connect with classmates and teachers

• Develop strong habits that support lifelong success

  
  

Your partnership makes a real difference — let’s continue working together to make every school day count!

Drama Club with Mrs. Milner for Grades 4 and 5 - Session II

Are you ready to step into the spotlight and explore the magical world of theater? Join Drama Club and experience the thrill of rehearsals, the camaraderie of teamwork, and the exhilaration of performing in front of a live audience. No prior experience is necessary—just join us and let your imagination take center stage!

Click here to register.

If your family could use a little help making holiday magic this season (gifts, clothes, etc.), our PTO is here for you! Please feel welcome to reach out to PTO volunteer Julie Wall (wall.julie516@gmail.com). If you prefer anonymity, please contact Dr. Burnham and/or Cindy Marte (METCO coordinator/School Adjustment Counselor), and they will coordinate your requests with us. Thank you ~ Happy Holidays!

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.

⭐ RPS Budget Review

Dec 17 (Wed) 6:30-8pm, Virtual (registration required)

Come listen to Philip Littlehale, Interim Director of Finance and Operations, present on the RPS and Special Education Budget before it is finalized for the district:

• Proposed changes between the 2025/26 and 2026/27 Special Education Budget

• Special Education Budget funding priorities for the next school year

• Opportunity for parents to ask questions

Additionally, Student Services will be available to answer your questions regarding the changes in Special Education or other special education related questions you may have.

Use this link to RSVP for the RPS Budget Review.

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