The Starburst
Home of the Shining Stars
Greetings, Barrows Families!
We are so proud of our fourth and fifth-grade students for working diligently and showing what they know during their ELA MCAS testing this week. Students respected each other's learning needs by staying quiet in the classrooms and hallways. Third grade will complete their two days of ELA MCAS on Monday and Tuesday. Third-grade families, please encourage healthy routines of good sleep, exercise, and healthy meals starting this weekend through the testing days! We appreciate your support and sending in students who feel at their best for testing.
I want to thank Mrs. Hurley and Mrs. Raucci for their encouragement, instruction, and organization of another amazing Reading Public Schools Artfest. We showcased well over 75 pieces of Barrows artwork and enjoyed a wonderful performance by many fifth graders.
Please see the following for this week's newsletter highlighting the Artfest this week and strategies supported by Liz Faria to grow our children's independence and combat anxiety:
- Enjoy photos from our Artfst at RMHS this week!
- Due to MCAS testing make-ups and busy spring schedules for families, our April PTO Meeting will be on Thursday, April 17th, via ZOOM only. See the link in the calendar or PTO section below. Please join us!
- Please check out my final post from Liz Faria's talk on helping children manage their anxiety below. This post is my favorite because it highlights proactive and rebuilding ways to build your children's independence skills. These practices will also create more independent and confident children in the classroom!
- Mrs. Korwan, our occupational therapist, shares sensory processng ideas to help children feel regulated. See link below!
- Please see updates to the Reading Public Schools & Community Updates Section for new information (Killiam/Center for Active Living Projects, Volunteer Opportunity in the Reading Town Forest on 4/26, and RMHS Band Fundraiser)
- This week is SPIRIT WEEK! See the flyer above for students that want to participate!
Keep Shining,
Alissa
Barrows Breakfast & Lunch Program Information
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.
Reading Public Schools Food Service/Lunch Menus: http://reading.k12.ma.us/departments/food-services/
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 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