The Starburst

I will send a regular newsletter next week, but I wanted to share some photographs of our fun school days this week as we geared up for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Our kindergarten families enjoyed an adorable Thanksgiving Show performed by our kindergarteners. Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $400 from our Thankful Feathers Donations that will be given to the Reading Food Pantry. There is also a music class update from Mrs. Raucci below.

I wish each of you a day full of rest, time with family, a delicious meal, and thankful hearts.

Here at Barrows, I am so thankful for a school with happy and hard-working children, supportive families, and dedicated colleagues. It's a great place to be! Happy Thanksgiving!

With gratitude,

Mrs. Gallegos

November has been very busy in the Music Room. We started off the month by learning a song for our Veteran’s Day Assembly. The entire school sang “Thank a Vet”. It was a very moving tribute to our heroes.

The third, fourth, and fifth graders have been practicing reading music notes, and they have begun playing their recorders. They are working on making gentle sounds, covering the holes completely, and tonguing every note. Third graders are working on the B note, while fourth and fifth graders have been reviewing B, A, and G in preparation for learning more notes next week.

The kindergarten, first, and second graders have been working on steady beat and playing unpitched percussion instruments (drums, triangles, guiros, etc.). They are focusing on playing each instrument in the correct way at exactly the right time. Our next step is reading rhythms!

In addition, second graders have been learning about the instruments of the orchestra. They are excited every week when we watch the next installment of a wonderful YouTube series called “Harmon in Space”. It was put out by the Kingston Symphony Orchestra from Canada. The second graders have already learned about woodwind and string instruments. The brass family comes next.

In December, we will continue to expand these activities, differentiated of course by grade level. Music class is always a great place to be!

Elena Raucci

Music Specialist

Thursday & Friday, November 28 & 29th: Thanksgiving Recess- No School

Saturday, December 7th: Barrows Winter Craft Fair

Saturday & Sunday, December 7th & 8th: Reading Education Foundation's Festival of Trees @ Parker Middle School

Wednesday, December 18th: 8:30 AM PTO Meeting. ZOOM only: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/84058658038

Friday, December 20th: Holiday Sing Along & PJ Day

Monday-Wednesday, December 23-January 1: No School, Winter Break

Thursday, January 2nd: 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

Reading Public Schools Calendar

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

FESTIVAL OF TREES: We need your help to decorate our Barrow’s tree for the Reading Education Foundation’s Festival of Trees. The theme for the tree this year will be Harry Potter! Below you will find an Amazon wish list for decorations, trimmings, and presents for under the tree. The festival is quickly approaching so please check out the wish list today! You can also donate to the tree at Givebutter.com. The tree will be set up Monday after Thanksgiving and we'll move it to Parker on Friday, December 6th. We appreciate any support you can provide to make our tree sparkle this year!

Link to Amazon Wishlist - https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2A66JSK5435VQ )

Link to Givebutter for monetary donation - https://givebutter.com/gcHaQE

Reach out to Kristin Forestall (kmanna@hotmail.com) wIth any questions about the tree.

ATTENTION OTIS SPUNKMEYER FUNDRAISER PARTICIPANTS: If you are participated in the fundraiser, please take 1 mintue to complete this survey to give us feedback so we know if we should use this company next year: https://forms.gle/AJq1j27rurL9K8yG9

WINTER CRAFT FAIR (Saturday, December 7th in the Barrows Cafeteria, 10am-2pm)

We are still looking for day of event volunteers to help staff the craft tables. All the crafts are prepped so it is very simple. Responsible middle school and high school students can volunteer as well. Use the signupgenius to sign up to volunteer – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49ACA628A0FC1-53386008-barrows#/

LUNCH VOLUNTEERS: We welcome our parents/guardians as lunch helpers by signing up. Volunteers are expected to help for all lunch periods (11:10 am-12:35 pm, not just their students' lunch. Volunteers will be asked to help wipe down tables between lunches, help students open food packaging, etc. Volunteers must have an up-to-date CORI check (please be sure this is done at least one week before volunteering). Thanks!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA8AD2EA2FC1-parentguardian

SAVE THE DATE – Link to PTO calendar

­ Winter Craft Fair: Saturday December 7th, 10am – 2pm

­ Teacher Caroling: Thursday December 19th, 5pm

For your information, our School Year 2024-2025 PTO Agendas/Minutes are on this public Google Drive. Reach out with any questions.

Many thanks,

The PTO Board

Lori Barcikowski, Co-President (LoriBarcikowski@yahoo.com)

Meghan Dribin, Co-President (MegDribin@gmail.com)

Jen Barsotti, Treasurer

Alicia Curtin, Secretary

Alison Ethier, Social Media Coordinator

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook:

@barrowselementarypto & https://www.facebook.com/BarrowsPTO/

YEARLONG FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

Minted Fundraiser

Do you need to order graduation announcements, birthday, or anniversary invitations? Order from Minted and use our promo code FUNDRAISEBARROWS to help support the Barrows Elementary PTO. You'll get 20% OFF your ORDER and 15% of every purchase made using our code will be donated back to Barrows. Make sure to spread the word to family who can also use the code and support Barrows from afar.

Box Tops

Did you know you no longer need to clip Box Tops and send them into school? Box Tops now offers an app where you scan your receipts! Doing online grocery delivery these days? No problem! Box Tops also offers a way to email your online orders for credit. Find it in the app store or google play store today!

Helpsy Bin

Finally, have you been in purge mode lately? Getting rid of old, stained or ripped clothing? Drop it off in the Helpsy box in the Barrows staff parking lot (after school hours of course) and Barrows will receive a small donation for your items. Clothing, shoes and accessories are all accepted!

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). Watch this brief introductory video to learn more!

Visit the SEPAC WEBPAGE

Sign up for our mailing list

Follow SEPAC on Facebook or Instagram

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

Please note that Reading SEPAC IS OPEN TO ALL parents/caregivers and not only families who have a child with special needs as we offer various opportunities to connect with other families and provide learning experiences.

Help Reading SEPAC make a wonderful tree for the Reading Educational Foundation’s annual Festival of Trees!

This year our theme is 🌊UNDER THE SEa-PAC🌊. We will have a beautiful ocean-y tree that highlights SEPAC work and the diagnoses of young people for whom SEPAC exists.

We encourage you to participate by doing any of the following:

• Anonymously add to the list of disabilities and diagnoses that will be highlighted on the tree

• Purchase items to make the tree

• Contribute sea-themed or sea-colored gifts for under the tree (here’s some inspiration)

• Help craft a “coral reef” for under the tree (all ages welcome)

Items are needed by THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th (earlier is preferable). The mailing address is:

SEPAC c/o Maria Morgan, 26 Lee St., Reading, MA 01867

There will be a covered bin by the garage at 26 Lee St., and purchases made via the Amazon wishlist will have the address as an option.

Our participation in the REF Festival of Trees not only helps a worthy cause that benefits all Reading Public School students, but it also raises awareness for SEPAC and celebrates our kids.

• Link to add a diagnosis

• Link to Amazon Wish List to make the tree

• Link to Pinterest Board of inspiration for ideas of gifts to go under the tree

• Join the tree-crafting team (all ages welcome)

Past Events:

Recorded events that’s available on the Reading SEPAC Website:

The Right to Read Panel Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw_oIuqkUt0

The New IEP Presentation

MCAS & Students with Disabilities Presentation

Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Presentation

• Review tiered system of supports and provide examples

• Outline effective communication channels with your team and school

Reading SEPAC Board members for the 2024/25 school year:

Amanda Fitzgerald

Dilly Wilson

Eunice Kenyon

Jacyln Lee

Patricia Kiely

Zea Lennard

Should you wish to reach out to Reading SEPAC anonymously, please use this form

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.

"Since its founding during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, the METCO program has enrolled tens of thousands of Boston students of color in predominately white school districts, creating the opportunity for those districts to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially and ethnically diverse setting."

Friends of Reading METCO invites you to join us for our third annual Holiday Brunch on Saturday 12/7/24 in Reading. Come meet other families over delicious food then continue to the Reading Education Foundations’ Festival of Trees nearby at Parker Middle School. This is a FREE event. See flier for more details and register here or via the QR code on the flier.

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

Here is a link to a digital copy of the flyer for your newsletter and a hard copy to display on site.

Advanced Ticket Sales Are Open

Raffle tickets purchased in advance will be preprinted with 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.

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.

Please drop off gently used or new weather gear for lacal families in need by December 8th

61 Terrace Park (front porch) or 1110 Main Street (by front door)

Sponsored by the Reading Children's Cabinet

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

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.*

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

The Town of Reading contracts with William James College to offer a special service for our residents. The William James INTERFACE Referral Service maintains a mental health and wellness referral help line Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free). This is a free, confidential referral service for individuals across the lifespan living in Reading. Callers are matched with licensed mental health providers from our extensive database. Each referral meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller. Click here to learn more!

PTO Facebook Link https://www.facebook.com/BarrowsPTO/

Follow us on Instagram: @barrowselementarypto

Barrows Homepage: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/barrows/

Reading Public Schools: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us