Weed to Read - ready for the Shining Stars!

The team is ready for our Barrows Shining Stars to pick out their "new" summer books on Monday!

Modular Construction Update:

The modular construction will not begin until after our last day of school - (Likely the following Monday)
Drop-off, Pick-up, and recess will remain unchanged.
Thank you all!

A note from the Cafe'

As another school year comes to a close, I would like to say thank you to the many Barrows' students who chose the cafeteria for their
lunch and snack needs! We've had a very successful year, expanding our daily options and trying a number of new items! And of course, all of
the colorful, fresh, fruit and veggie options!

With only 4 serving days left I ask that you please take the time to review your child's lunch account balance and clear any negative balance
that may be new, or lingering. It's important to the success of the cafeteria to have all balances due paid and up to date.

Thank you for your attention to this, I know it can be a busy time of year for all of us!

Congratulations to our graduating 5th grade class & we look forward to seeing our returning Shining Stars in September!

Happy Summer!

Dianne Ferguson
Barrows Cafeteria Manager

Reading recognizes milestones

Reading Public Schools took some time on Monday to recognize staff that have achieved key milestones.
Barrows staff that was recognized included;
Jaclyn Gerrin, Professional Status
John Laracy, Gina Gath, Sarah Atwood, and Michael Donahue, 10 years
Sue Viegas, retirement

Congratulations to all!

Road Construction Update

The construction is not progressing as planned. The contractor indicated, that “they would not pass Edgemont Avenue for another seven business days”. The work will remain on West Street in between Arcadia and Edgemont. That being said, the current traffic plan will remain in effect. FYI – there was a traffic concern within the last week with regards to vehicles traveling down the restrictive (do not enter) on Edgemont Avenue. This was caused by a misplaced detour sign and the matter has been expeditiously addressed.

 

Respectfully,  Safety Officer David V. Savio

Safety update re: Crossing Guards

Hi School Community,

 

I wanted to expeditiously alert everyone to a present staffing problem within the Crossing Guard Unit. We currently have eight guards facing medical challenges, rendering their shifts open. We do have spares, however one is away and the other is also facing a health issue. The Police Department makes every effort to cover all open posts with police officers. That being said, staffing has been reduced by almost 50%, and I do not anticipate the problem seeing any relief until the start of the next school year. Once again, the Police Department will make every effort to cover any and all shifts. Most importantly, I want everyone to be aware, that SOME SHIFTS MAY GO UNFILLED OR INTERUPTED BY EMERGENCY CALLS. All school principals, please readily post this information for parents, as they may need to alter their morning routines or chaperone their own children. The most challenging posts will be considered first for coverage. Coverage decisions will be based on several factors. These factors include, traffic controls, sight lines, traffic speed, traffic volume, pedestrian traffic, etc. Our priority is always pedestrian safety and we must address this present issue with limited staffing.

Respectfully,

Safety Officer David V. Savio

2nd grade produces Eric Carle artwork

Barrows Happenings

So many great happenings at Barrows!

Weed to Read

 A break from school should not mean a break from learning. Much has been written about the "summer slide," a slip in reading and math skills that happens over the summer. Some research shows that a child who does not read over the summer can lose gains made between the end of one school year to the beginning of the next.

 

To prevent this from happening, we are kicking off a school-wide summer reading initiative. Can you help us in an effort to send each Shining ...Start home with a book or two to read over the summer by weeding your own personal library? Please bring in two (or more) gently used books to school by Wednesday, June 17th.

On Monday, June 22, all the children will have the opportunity to pick from the "pool" of books that we have collected. Help our Shining Stars start their vacation with books in their hands!

 

 

French Lessons

French lessons in Mrs. Boston's room! Thanks to Barrows Parent Mrs. Kovacs (Sam & Maya Szecsenyi's mom), students can ask names, introduce themselves, ask how things are going and respond, name colors and count.

 

Tree Donation

Our appreciation goes out to the Reading Garden Club and Mahoney's Garden Center for their donation of a tree, newly planted on our Barrows grounds - thank you! This gift will be enjoyed by many generations of Barrows Shining Stars! Have you planted something today?  http://readinggardenclub.org/

 

Reading Public Library

Visits from the Reading Public Library get our students excited about summer reading!

 

Community Helpers

Visits from many community helpers have been a fun spot in Kindergarten!  This week a veterinarian speaks with our K classes!

 

PTO Meeting

Our final Barrows PTO meeting of the year is this Tuesday, 6/9 at Portlan Pie Company - come enjoy great company and celebrate in the hard work that our PTO has put forth all year! :)  (first timers welcome!!!)

 

Road Construction Update

Newport construction has fallen behind due to the heavy rains. They are currently located on West, in between Arcadia and Edgemont. They do not expect reaching Edgemont until next Friday, June 12^th. The day they arrive at the intersection, they will adjust their work hours from 9:00am to 2:00pm, as not to adversely affect school traffic. Once they make it pass Edgemont Avenue, school traffic exiting Edgemont onto West will only be able to turn left. All school traffic trying to access Arcadia Avenue will have to do so from the West, Willow, and Summer side. I will continue to keep you updated. Please advise me of any issues that arise.