The Starburst
Home of the Shining Stars
Barrows Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, March 4th: NO SCHOOL (Teacher In-Service Day)
March 10th-12th: Scholastic Book Fair š
Tuesday, March 10th: Pajama Day AND Reading Under the Stars & Speaker Liz Faria 5:30-7 PM (Details coming soon!)
Tuesday, March 17th: ššSt. Patrick's Day- Wear Green! šš
Wednesday, March 25th: New Date: Barrows PTO Meeting 7pm (in-person & virtual)
& āššAuthor Visit- April Jones Prince presents about "juicy" writing- Wear Barrows Gearāš»
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Friday, March 27th: Dress Like a Book Character Day! š
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
Greetings, Barrows Families,
I hope everyone enjoyed their extended February vacation. The extra two snow days definitely brought a different vibe to the school when we all returned on Wednesday. It was a reminder to me of how most of us ā especially children ā thrive on routine and consistency. After two days of reteaching expectations, we were able to get back into the groove of learning.
This newsletter is a special edition, showcasing the creativity and learning our students (and staff) demonstrated while preparing our annual Black History Month door decorating contest. Ms. Brown and Ms. Ring organized another wonderful competition and invited Superintendent Dr. Milaschewski, Readingās Director of Equity and Social Justice Mr. Albert Pless, METCO Directors & school based coordinators Cindy Marte and Jerika Santiago to vote on the winning doors. Please enjoy the photos included below.
Next week, I will be sharing important information about the Book Fair, the Barrows Read-a-thon Fundraiser, and our upcoming Reading Under the Stars event, which will be held on Tuesday, March 10th. Be sure to save the date! Itās always a favorite among Barrows students. We will also have a special speaker for parents and guardians to learn from.
Highlights Below:
- Please note that our staff has an in-service day next Wednesday, March 4th. I respectfully ask that families ensure students attend school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and not turn this into a vacation week. We are in the thick of instruction ā every day truly matters. April vacation is just 8 weeks away...
- Enjoy the photos from Black History Month at Barrows and the Fairy Tale Players performance for our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders (thank you to our PTO for sponsoring this program!).
Keep shining,
Alissa
We continue to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students!
The Food Service Department continues to offer breakfast 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. Our Department looks forward to a fantastic year filled with fresh new foods and the energy from a healthy start to the day! We are excited to serve this incredible community and ensure every student has access to nutritious meals throughout the upcoming school year.
PIN #s for Breakfast, Lunch, and purchasing snacks.
All Reading Public School students are assigned a PIN number that they must use to get breakfast, lunch, or snacks. Please help your child memorize their PIN number. Although we provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, we ask that families send in a healthy snack for their students each day. If they forget their snack, they may purchase one in the cafeteria.
It is also important for families that may need financial support including but not limted to our food services to complete the following forms on this page: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1701802399965&page=lunchapps
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.
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 donāt count as sneakersā¦even when theyāre worn in sport mode! Thanks so much for your support with this safety matter.
Sarah Atwood
Happy Birthday! In honor of your childās birthday, we invite you to donate books to our school library in their name. Each book donated will have a bookplate with a dedication. Students will be the first patron to check the books out of the library.
To streamline the process and have a birthday book program year round we have developed an Amazon wishlist. Follow this link for the wish list to choose your donations. Amazon Barrows Book Wish List.
Or scan this QR code to get the list.
Please be sure to include your childās name and grade on the order. Orders can be shipped directly to the school, or brought in person.
Families are welcome to select titles from the list that they would like to see in our library. Birthday donations can range from a single book to 100 books! If there is a specific title you would like to donate please reach out to Mrs. Becker with your request.
Birthday donations are welcome anytime. If you have any questions at all please contact Mrs. Becker.
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 childās 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 itās you! For safety, we are careful about who we accept.*
Check-Out Artsonia!
Dear Barrows Families,
Another way you can support your childās 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
