Backpack Express

Good afternoon,

This week’s Backpack Express is ready for you.  Happy Reading!

  • Parent Survey and Focus Group:  Either yesterday or today, you should have received a letter asking you to take a survey about our school from Blue Ribbon Schools for Excellence.  The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete.  I am asking that you take the time to complete this survey as the results of this survey will be used to assist us in continuing to be a better school for our students and the community.  Also, on March 22, 2023, at 8:15 in the morning, there will be a parent focus group run by Blue Ribbon Schools for Excellence.  This will provide parents with an opportunity to discuss the school’s programs and policies.  We are looking for between 15-20 parents.  If you are interested, please complete this form by this Friday.  If more than 20 parents volunteer, I will do a random drawing to create the group and will notify everyone by Monday morning.  

  • Author Visit:  We are fortunate to have author/illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal visiting with our students on March 31, 2023.  With visits from authors, there’s usually an opportunity for the author to sign a copy of their book for you and your child.  Information on how this can happen may be found here.

  • PTO Play:  Second and third graders recently signed up to participate in the PTO/Arts Alive play.  Auditions are happening next week on either Monday or Wednesday, depending on the day you signed up your child.  Teachers will have the names of the students participating in the auditions and play so parents will not need to send a note indicating your child is staying for the play; they will automatically be sent to the cafeteria at dismissal.

  • PTO Play Volunteers:  For those families who have students participating in the PTO/Arts Alive play, volunteers are needed at auditions and rehearsals.  If you would like to volunteer, you may sign up to do so here.  

  • Save the Date:  The PTO’s Sweetheart Dance is coming up.  Spend a fun filled evening with your sweetheart on Friday, April 28 from 6-8 pm. Music, pizza, refreshments, and a special photo will all be included in your evening.  $10 per child and one adult.  The dance takes place at the Barrington Middle School.  More details to follow soon!

  • Corrected link:  Last week, I sent out a link bringing parents to a Sowams website that shows ways you can work with your child at home.  Unfortunately, the link brought you to a different document.  The correct link to grade level suggestions to assist your child at home may be found here.  

  • Community Notice:  There is one community notice from Bradley Hospital announcing their Parenting Matter program.

Have a wonderful evening.

Best,

Jim Callahan

Principal