Sowams School

Good morning,

This week’s Backpack Express is here.  It is a long one this week.  Enjoy reading all of the important information about our school.

• Octoberfest Information:  All the latest information about our fun, family event is below. We Need Your Help! The big day is almost here, and we’re counting on our Sowams families to help make sure it's a success. 

• Many Octoberfest event volunteers still needed 

  • We ask that each family volunteer at least 1 hour on the day of the event

  • We still need many volunteers from 10-3 and a few for cleanup post-event 

  • Please click here to sign up to volunteer at the event on October 18th!

• Still Accepting Auction Items

  • The online auction opens for bidding on Friday 10/3 at 8:00AM but every contribution makes a difference. We’d love to add listings such as tickets to a show or sports game, gift cards, services (ex: cleaning, photography, or landscaping), or new/unopened items of any kind.

  • Email sowamsoctoberfest@gmail.com ASAP if you’d like to donate.

  • Sneak peek: Preview this year's auction here: tinyurl.com/2025octoberfestauction

• Class Raffle Baskets

  • This week your child will be coming home with a packet of raffle tickets to sell, including a flyer with basket descriptions and ticket prices. If you need additional tickets, they will be available in the front office. Sold tickets are due back by October 13th. Please make sure the name, phone number and basket number is clearly visible on each ticket sold. 

  • THE GOLDEN BAND: The student who sells the most tickets will win the coveted golden band which allows them to play games, ride the hayride, and more for FREE all day at Octoberfest!!

• Baked Goods, Snacks & Drink Donations Needed

  • Please consider donating cakes, baked goods, snacks, and drinks for the Octoberfest Café and Bake Walk

  • Click here to sign up to donate baked goods, snacks or drinks

• Mystery Bags:  Mystery bags will be distributed to kids’ in their take home folders on Oct 9. Decorated and filled bags need to be returned by Oct 16th 

• Follow Octoberfest on Social Media

  • @sowamsoctoberfest on Instagram

  • Sowams Octoberfest on Facebook

• Extended Day:  The first round of enrollment is complete. All placement emails went out on 9/30. Payments are due by 10/7. If you are interested in enrolling your child in a second class or if you did not participate in the first round, there are still spots available in the following classes: 

  • Tuesday

    • - Self Defense (K-3), Just Dance (K-3), Spanish Art Class (Grades K-1)

  • Thursday

    • - Chess (1-3), Fall Science & Activities with Ms. Wilson (2-3), American Karate (K-3)

  • Register by October 5th via this link.

• Absences and Tardies:  At the end of each month, we look at the number of times students are absent from school and/or late to school.  Students who are absent or late 10% or more of the school year receive a letter indicating the number of times they have been absent and/or late.  There are a number of students who fit this criteria and will be receiving letters (tomorrow) about this.  We do understand that students are sick or have medical appointments; these are considered excused absences/tardies.  (Vacations are not considered excused absences; neither are early dismissals to extend a weekend.)  However, these letters are meant to keep you informed about the number of days your child is absent or late.  If your child is receiving a letter due to the number of times they are late, it is important that your child arrives at school on time each day.  When a child is late and enters a classroom, it is disruptive to the learning process of all of the other students in the class.

• PTO Meeting:  There is a virtual PTO meeting Monday, October 6, 2025, at 7:00PM.  A link to the meeting will be sent to you on Monday.  At this month’s meeting, Mrs. Squatrito, our math specialist, will provide you with information on our math program and some of the strategies we teach the students.

• PTO Calendar:  Our PTO has created a calendar for the month of October.  You may access it here.  

• Flu Shot Clinic:  Sowams School is hosting a community flu shot clinic on October 22, 2025, from 3:30-6:30.  You can make an appointment and find out more information here.  This is open to everyone regardless of insurance.

• Hot Lunch:  The October hot lunch menu may be found here.

• Parking Lot:  Our parking lot is a busy place in the morning and the afternoon.  It is very important that you watch your child when in the lot.  Everyone should be walking on the side rather than in the middle of the lot.  Be aware of vehicles as they are driving in the lot or pulling out of  parking spots.  Safety is extremely important.

• Picture Day:  Our picture day is Monday, October 6, 2025.  All students will have their pictures taken.  However, if you wish to purchase a photo package, you can go to coffeepond.com for information on how to order your child’s picture.

• Community Notice:  There is one community notice:  Barrington After Prom Clothing Drive.

If you are celebrating Yom Kippur, may you have a meaningful fast.

Best,

Jim Callahan

Principal

Sowams School Mission: Everyone learns every day.

Sowams School Vision: Sowams School will engage students to be their best selves.