The Starburst
Home of the Shining Stars
Greetings, Barrows Families!
We started our week with a wave of green throughout the school and some shenanigans, celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Many classes incorporated the St.Patrick's Day fun into learning activities!
Yesterday, we welcomed Albert Pless, Reading's Director of Equity and Social Justice, Ms. Burchill, Director of Humanities, and Mrs. Lynne, STEM Curriculum Coordinator, along with myself, Mrs. Ring, and Ms. Brown, to judge our Women's History Month Door Decorating Contest. Our students (and staff) created many creative and well-researched doors highlighting women who have significantly impacted our world, including inventers, educators, doctors, artists, writers, musicians, athletes, mothers, politicians, and other women who's lives represent courage! Included below are photos of each door decorated!
Today, we were inspired by Corey The Dribbler. He is an 8-time Guinness record holder traveling the country, inspiring students with the character message, his 4R's 4 Success! Respect – Responsibility – Ready to Learn – Reading is Power. This was a great reminder of the importance of reading and an exciting kick-off to our final week of the Readathon!
We have read 235, 573 minutes so far, and our goal is 300K minutes. We need to boost our reading this week slightly to meet or suprass our goal of 300,000 minutes! I know we can do it! This week, students solved the following question of our mystery, "How were the books taken?" using Decipher Codes together in their classrooms. Don't forget that next Friday, March 28th, is our Dress Like a Book Character Day! Thank you for encouraging your students to read and supporting this fundraiser!
Highlights:
- Reminder: Whether it is snow, rain, or the blinding sun on Edgemont, plan your morning communte accordingly so our students continue to arrive on time and have a successful start to the day!
- Thank you for pulling all the way up in the Kiss and Go Line to help move traffic along. Please be patient with vehicles that follow the Massachusetts state law of STOPPING (not passing) the school buses when the lights are flashing and/or the stop arm is out. It is illegal to pass any school bus (large or small) when the lights are flashing and/or the stop sign is extended.
- Lastly, I want to HIGHLIGHT the Presentation When Worry Comes Home at the Performing Arts Center (high school) next Thursday, March 27th (at 7 PM). We are seeing a significant increase in students coming to school feeling worried, nervous, and anxious, which can significantly impact student learning, problem-solving, and independence. These are all skills we want and need for our students to grow to be happy, healthy, and successful people. If you have thought or mentioned that your student feels anxious--this presentation is for you! Please come!! (The Zoom option is available and posted below in the Upcoming Dates section.)
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