The Starburst
Home of the Shining Stars
Dear Barrows Families,
This has been a difficult week for our Barrows community as we grieve the loss of our colleague and friend, Ms. Carol Sandberg. Thank you for continuing to keep our community—and most importantly, her family—in your thoughts and prayers.
We do like to have fun, as did Ms. Sandberg, so in her honor we continued our Barrows traditions of holiday activities, including staff drinking their coffee, tea, or water from anything but a cup, musical trivia, and an ugly sweater contest. Next week, our students are invited to join in the dress-up fun with our School Council–Sponsored Spirit Week. Please see the flyer/calendar below for the ways your student may participate. Please remember that Spirit Week is completely optional and never requires any purchases. I love seeing the creativity our students bring on a no-budget theme!
Student Council, with financial support from our PTO, will also be sponsoring a Hot Cocoa Day next Friday, December 19th. Students will have the option of hot cocoa or warm local apple cider along with their Friday snack. Ingredient links are posted below. These options have been approved by Food Services and our school nurse, and we’ve created them so students with allergies can still participate if they choose. Food Services will purchase all products to ensure safety.
If you do not want your student to have cocoa or cider, or if they may have only one of the two, please email their classroom teacher, me, and the school nurse by Thursday, December 18th. We already know which students may not have dairy, based on the list given to our school nurse and cafeteria.
I also want to highlight the fun many of our students had at the Friends of METCO Brunch at the Reading Public Library and at our Barrows Craft Fair this past Saturday. Thank you to the many volunteers that made these events such a huge success!
Thank you as well to the many families who supported the REF Festival of Trees by donating to our Barrows tree or by purchasing admission and/or raffle tickets. I am meeting with the REF this week to learn how Barrows can benefit from their grant program, which is supported by events like the Festival of Trees.
Highlights for the Week:
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Please check the PTO, SEPAC and Community News & Events sections for details on upcoming events and opportunities for our students.
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Please see the important message from Nurse Adams below.
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Our Reading Challenge continues into at least the third week—give the gift of reading this holiday season and keep reading with your student as much as you can!
Thanks for reading,
Alissa
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we enter the winter season, we want to support the health and well-being of all our students. Cooler temperatures and close indoor contact can increase the spread of seasonal illnesses, so this is a good time to reinforce healthy habits at home and at school.
To help keep our school community healthy, please encourage your child to:
- Wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and after coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom.
- Dress warmly, including coats, hats, and gloves, to stay comfortable during outdoor transitions and play.
- Stay hydrated, even in cold weather, as proper hydration supports the immune system.
- Get adequate sleep, which plays a key role in preventing illness.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow.
- Stay home when sick, especially with fever, vomiting, or any symptoms that may be contagious.
- Per district policy, it is recommended to remain home until fever free >24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. Your child’s symptoms should be improving prior to returning and they should feel well enough to engage in their schoolwork.
Outdoor Recess
As part of our daily routine, students go outside for playtime whenever weather conditions allow. To help keep everyone comfortable and safe, please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for the weather.
We kindly ask that children wear:
- Warm layers (sweaters, jackets, hats, gloves) during cooler weather
- Coats that fully fasten
- Weather-appropriate footwear suitable for running and outdoor play
- Extra layers if needed, especially as temperatures change throughout the day
Your support helps us ensure every child can enjoy outdoor play safely and comfortably. If you have any questions or need assistance with outdoor clothing, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
Thank you,
Jeanelle Adams RN
Jeanelle.adams@reading.k12.ma.us
Barrows Upcoming Dates
December 17: Red vs. Green Day
December 18: Dress Like a Winter Activity Day
December 19: Dress as a Winter Holiday Movie Character Day & Hot Cocoa (and Cider!) Day
December 22: Reading Rocket vs. Barrows Spirit Wear Day
Tuesday, December 23: Pajama Day (no slippers, please).
— Annual All-School Winter Sing-Along
— Staff Caroling at 10:45 a.m. on the blacktop (families invited, weather permitting)
— 11:00 a.m. dismissal
December 24–January 2: Winter Break
Monday, January 5: School Resumes
Monday, January 19: No School in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, J
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
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
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 📖
The PTO is excited to share a community-led group you may not know about yet—The Amazing
Generation Parent Book Club, inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation.
They’re working to build a grassroots movement around four key pillars:
• No smartphones before high school
• No social media before 16
• Phone-free schools, K–12
• More independence, free play & real-world responsibility
Their goal: to bring parents, educators, neighbors, and young people together to restore healthy childhood, strengthen real-world connections, and support resilience and well-being.
If this speaks to you, we invite you to check out their December newsletter here or in the PTO linktree. ✨
WINTER CRAFT FAIR GRATITUDE ❄️
Thank you so much to all our volunteers and everyone who attended this year’s Annual Winter Craft Fair! What an incredible day — we had a fantastic turnout, the perfect snowfall to set the wintery vibe, and an amazing performance by Parkapella that made the event feel truly magical.
A huge thank-you to all the volunteers and their families for their time, creativity, and hard work. Events like this only happen because of you.
A special shout-out to our wonderful co-chair, Kim Smith, whose dedication and leadership were instrumental in making her last craft fair at Barrows such a success. As Kim moves up to middle school next year, we'll be looking for a new co-chair or a pair of co-chairs (hint hint - ask a friend to do it with you!) to organize the Winter Craft Fair next year! Let us know if this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of! Email: ambarrowspto@gmail.com
We’re so grateful for this community and hope everyone enjoys their handmade crafts! ✨
SPIRITWEAR PICK UP ⭐👕
Spiritwear will be going home next week! If you'd like us to send home your Spiritwear in your child's backpack, please let us know HERE
Otherwise please plan to pick up at Barrows Front Lobby next week: Wednesday Dec 17: 8:30-9:00AM & 2:00-2:40PM, Thursday Dec 18 8-8:30AM & 2:00-2:40PM, Friday Dec 19 12:15-12:40PM
SMALL ACTIONS THAT LIFT OUR COMMUNITY
Holiday cards, handled. ✨
Still working through that holiday card list? Minted can help! Use code FUNDRAISEBARROWS for 20% off your order—and Barrows receives 10% back. We’ve already raised over $300 this season just by this simple action! One click, festive cards, and a boost for our school. Win-win!
Clear out and give back. 👖
Making space for winter coats or upcoming holiday gifts? Drop used clothing and shoes in the Helpsy bin in the staff parking lot. A quick declutter for you = meaningful support for others.
Help brighten the lunch hour. 🍎
Have an hour midday? Join us for lunch coverage anytime between 11:10 a.m.–12:35 p.m. Extra hands make a huge difference in keeping things smooth, safe, and cheerful.
With appreciation,
The PTO Board
Bridget Maley & Whitney McBride, Co-Presidents
bridgetkaterimaley@gmail.com | whitkmcb@gmail.com
Rachel Daly, Treasurer
Alicia Curtin, Secretary
Alison Ethier, Social Media Coordinator
Follow Us!
Facebook: Barrows Elementary PTO
Instagram: @barrowselementarypto
The Reading Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) improves the outcomes and wellbeing for ALL students. SEPAC fosters relationships, helps identify unmet needs, and provides valuable input on the development of programs, services, and policies. Our council is open to all parents and caregivers and is not limited to just families who have children with special needs. We offer various opportunities to connect with other families and provide learning experiences for all.
To learn more about Reading SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council), please visit our website: Reading SEPAC WebsiteShould you wish to receive our monthly newsletter, please send an email to SEPACReading@gmail.com
⭐ SEPAC Business Meeting - Holiday Potluck & Gingerbread House Workshop
Dec 13 (Sat) 2-4:30pm @ Reading Public Library Community Room
Just a friendly reminder that this Saturday is our in person SEPAC Business Meeting on Dec 13 (Sat) 2-4:30pm at the Reading Public Library. We will also be hosting a holiday potluck and gingerbread house making workshop at the event. Potluck contributions are just for fun and remain completely optional. All are welcome to attend our family friendly event.
Agenda:
SEPAC calendar review
Q&A
Holiday potluck
Gingerbread house workshop
Use this link to RSVP for the in person December SEPAC Business Meeting.
⭐ 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.
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.
Order a Cookie Kit before they run out to support the RMHS Drama Club
The Dickens Holiday Marketplace and Craft Fair is a fantastic community event which takes place at the high school on Saturday, Dec. 13. It offers over 50 vendors, entertainment, refreshments and fun for all ages! This year, through our annual bakesale, we will be offering delicious and fun holiday cookie decorating kits that can be pre-ordered and picked up at the fair!
Every cent raised will go directly to support the RMHS drama club and the great work that our students do!
We will have two different types of kits (traditional and "paint-your-own" cookie kits) with your choice of seasonal, Christmas and/or Hanukkah themes.
QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED SO PLEASE PRE-ORDER YOUR KITS TODAY! Scan the QR code on the flyer or go to bit.ly/rmhscookies
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Parents Supporting Student Theater, The Dickens Holiday Marketplace and Craft Fair team and the RMHS Drama Club!
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
Happy Birthday! In honor of your child’s 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 child’s 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 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
