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We hope you are enjoying a restful and joyful summer with your loved ones. As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, it is with great excitement that we welcome you and your child back to Barstow for another enriching year of academic and personal growth.

At Barstow, we are committed to fostering a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. Whether your child is returning or joining us for the first time, we are honored to partner with you in their educational journey.

As summer begins to wind down, we encourage families to start preparing for the upcoming school year. From gathering supplies to setting routines, your support plays a vital role in helping students transition smoothly and confidently into the new year.

We look forward to working together to ensure a successful and rewarding school experience for your child. Thank you for being an essential part of our school community—we can’t wait to welcome you back soon.

Warmest regards,

Mrs. Beckwith, Principal

Our Vision:

• As a school community is to foster the development of life-long learners.

Our Mission:

• As a school community, we will commit ourselves to supporting and respecting each other through collaboration and open communication. Students will take pride in meeting or exceeding academic and social expectations. Our learning environment will be safe, challenging, and engaging. We will support and respect the needs of the whole child and their individual learning styles.

Alex Holland, Dean of Students

Aiden Brown, Special Education teacher

Nadia Cianfrani- Primary Regionalized Special Education Teacher

Dana Shepherd- Behavioral Technician

Amanda Reynolds- Prekindergarten Instructional Assistant

Amanda Ciany-Library

Shakita Randall- Special Education Instructional Assistant

April Sullivan- Instructional Assistant

Amanda Rider- Social Worker

8/24- "Bulldogs are Back"- See information below for Grades 1-5. Greet your Seat/Open House combined

8/25- 1st day of school for grades 1-5 students

8/25- "Bulldogs are Back" PreK/Kindergarten Conferences

8/26- "Bulldogs are Back" PreK/Kindergarten Conferences

8/27- Staggered start for PreK/Kindergarten students

8/28- Staggered start for PreK/Kindergarten students

9/7- Schools and Offices Closed

9/10-PTO Meeting

9/14-17- Book fair

9/16- 2 hr. Early Dismissal: Professional learning for staff

9/22- School Picture Day

10/1- 2 hr. Early Dismissal: Teacher work time

10/2- Schools closed for students and 10/11-month staff

10/8- PTO Meeting

10/12- 2hr. Early Dismissal: Parent Conferences

10/15- PTO Harvest Fest

10/16- Schools closed for students: Professional learning for staff

10/29- End of the 1st marking period

10/30- 2 hr. early dismissal- teacher work time

Register your child's lunch account on Linq connect (by clicking the above button) to place money on the account for breakfast, lunch and or snacks.

This application allows you to view student grades, assignments, and attendance in a real-time environment. Grades will typically be visible in HAC within two weeks of the assignment due date. Additional time should be provided in the case of assignments that may take longer to grade (e.g., projects, research papers, etc). Parents/Guardians who have never logged into HAC must self-register to create a HAC account. If you have an existing HAC account and can’t remember your HAC credentials, please use the “Forgot my Username or Password” link. If this does not work for you for some reason, please contact the main office.

We have spent all summer preparing for your return, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back! We have an exciting year of events, programs, and opportunities planned, but we need your help to make it all happen.

There are so many ways to support the Barstow PTO this year:

• Become a PTO member
• Volunteer at events
• Donate items when needed

Every bit of support makes a difference. Membership dues alone help fund thousands of dollars in programs, activities, teacher support, student incentives, and school improvements each year. If you missed everything we accomplished last year, be sure to check out the flyer below!

Joining is easier than ever! Simply scan the QR code on the "Barstow Needs You" flyer below to become a member and get involved.

Last but not least we would like to introduce the PTO board and committee members! We still have room on all of our committees and would love to have you!

We're also working to go as digital as possible this year! Stay connected by joining our email updates, following us on Facebook, and connecting with us on Instagram so you never miss an event or important announcement. Check out the "Stay Connected" flyer below for all the ways to keep up with everything happening at Barstow.

All students arriving after the school start MUST BE SIGNED IN by an adult in the school office. Students arriving after the start of the school day will be considered tardy. Students leaving before the end of the school day will be identified as having an early release.

FOR LATE DROP OFF - On the kiosk screen in the lobby, click STUDENT on the bottom lefthand side of the screen. Enter either your student's 5-digit ID (lunch number) or their first/last name.

FOR EARLY PICK UP - BRING YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE! Any person picking up must have their driver's license in order to complete pickup.
To complete sign out, scan your driver's license using the scanner to the right of the lobby kiosks. You should get a button that says "Picking Up a Student". If you do not have that button, let the front office know and we can help you sign out.

The CUTOFF FOR EARLY PICKUP IS 3:45. After that time pickups will be directed to the cafeteria for car rider dismissal.

EARLY PICK_UP CAR RIDERS

If you are picking up your child at the end of the school day, and your child is NOT an everyday car rider, please follow the procedures below. There are no longer surprise car riders.

The parent/guardian should write a note to their child’s teacher or send an email to BAESAttendance@calvertnet.k12.md.us.in the morning indicating that the child will be picked up that afternoon. Include on the note who will be picking up the child. If the teacher/office does not receive a note and the parent has not signed the child out by the time the child’s bus is called, the child must ride the bus.

Student Sign Out

The Board of Education only allows students to be released to the parent or legal guardian, as listed on the child’s Emergency Information Card. Only the parent or legal guardian may sign a child out early from school. If a parent or guardian is sending someone else to pick their child up from school for any reason he/she must send a written note to school notifying them of who will be picking up the child and giving their consent for that day only. Upon receiving the note from a parent/guardian the school will verify its authenticity and be sure to check the ID of the adult who signs the child out of the building. The contacts listed on the Emergency Information Card are only authorized to assume temporary care of your child if you, as the parent or legal guardian, cannot be reached during an emergency situation.

Calvert County Public Schools’ transportation services are available to every student enrolled in the school system. The Department of Transportation strives to provide economical and efficient transportation for all students which is safe, both physically and emotionally.

SCHOOL BUS RULES

Transportation is a privilege which can be suspended when student behavior disrupts the provision of safe and orderly transport. Students must conduct themselves as they would in the classroom. The driver has the responsibility and authority to correct behavior, including bullying and harassment. As per CCPS policy and procedures, all buses are equipped with CCPS-maintained audio-visual surveillance equipment.

The bus driver has the right to suspend a student from the bus for one (1) day due to a serious safety disruption ONLY AFTER FIRST reporting the one (1) day suspension to both school officials and the parents of the disruptive student.

Consequences for violations of school bus rules on the last day of school can be assessed the following year.

• Getting Started with Here Comes the Bus
• Download the free Here Comes the Bus app by Synovia Solutions from your device's app store or visit www.herecomesthebus.com.
• Create an account using your student's Student ID number.
• Enter District Code 87557 during registration.

Everyday Car Riders will need to complete an Everyday Car Rider form. Please note that EVERYDAY CAR RIDERS must be signed out like all other students being picked up at the end of the day.

We have many ways to stay informed and find out what is happening at Barstow. Please take the time to read the following sources of information: Facebook, Principal Newsletters, Classroom newsletters, Tuesday's folder.

Please take time to review with your students the information located in the Barstow Handbook below.

Calvert County Public Schools uses Raptor for visitors and volunteers to sign in and sign out. All volunteers will need to review the volunteer handbook and watch the volunteer training video before completing an Online Volunteer Application. Volunteers must be approved before they may begin service as a volunteer in any school buildings. Please note, the procedures for policy 8123 states that all volunteers must be at least twenty-one years of age unless he/she is the parent of a child in school.

Only complete this application if you intend to volunteer with Calvert County Public Schools. The volunteer application is not used for visitors.

1. Read the volunteer handbook.
2. Complete the Online Volunteer Application. CCPS Volunteer Application

• The application may be completed on a computer or a mobile device.
• You are required to watch the CCPS Volunteer Training Video (approximately 14 minutes) before you can proceed with your application.
• You must reapply each year to become a volunteer.

• Attendance Matters: Send a note or email within 3 days of an absence.
• No Surprise Car Riders: Notify the teacher or attendance office if dismissal plans change.
• Early Pick-Up Ends at 3:45 p.m.: Bring your driver's license for all early pick-ups.
• Keep Emergency Information Updated: Review and update contact information annually.
• Cell Phones and Smart Watches Should Stay Home: Electronic devices are prohibited unless medically required or registered with the school.
• Check School Communication Regularly: Read the Bulldog Bulletin, School Messenger messages, Tuesday Folders, and HAC updates.
• Visitors and Volunteers Must Sign In: All visitors must use the Raptor system, and volunteers must be approved.
• Birthday Celebrations Are Non-Food Only: Send non-food items only.
• Student Safety Is a Priority: Students participate in safety drills throughout the year.
• Be a Partner in Your Child's Success: Stay connected with teachers and monitor academic progress.

As we work together to navigate this school year, communication and partnership will be essential to a successful school year. Below, please find some things that you can begin now to make sure that your child is ready for the first day of school:

• Gradually get back into school year structure and routines. Bring up the topic of summer is coming to an end and that school will be restarting.
• Set a bedtime (and/or wake up time) and move it closer to what it should be for the school year.
• Consider posting a family calendar with the school start date marked down, to help your family see how many days are left until school starts.
• Purchase school supplies.
• Review your contact information to ensure the school has the most up to date information.
• Talk with your children in a positive light about what the school year will look like for them. Children depend on the trusted adults in their world for reassurance that the school year will be a great one.

Parents, we value the home-school connection. Collaboration with your student’s teacher and administration are important to a healthy and successful year. Open communication is vital to ensure a productive home-school partnership throughout the year. With this partnership, we will achieve our success goal of providing outstanding academic experiences for our students that are rigorous, relevant, and foster great relationships. We look forward to celebrating achievements and accomplishments of our students with you throughout the school year. Please do not hesitate to share any concerns or great ideas. Barstow is a great place, but you can make it better! You can call at 443-550-9501 or email at beckwithm@calvertnet.k12.md.us with questions, concerns or comments. Thank you in advance for a wonderful, meaningful school year!