Good morning,
This week’s Backpack Express is ready for your reading pleasure.
February Holidays: The district’s DEIB team has created a presentation on the various holidays and celebrations for the month of February. You may access this here.
Extended Day: If you forgot to register OR if you would like an additional class for your child, please fill out this google form https://forms.gle/BPG9fzeEnm6k... by Friday February 2nd to be entered into the second lottery. These after school classes will take place from 2:35 pm - 3:35 pm on either Tuesdays or Thursdays for six weeks (between February and April vacations). An informational sheet listing the classes, eligible grades and course descriptions can be found here. Please contact SowamsPTOExtendedDay@gmail.com with any questions.
Strategic Planning Virtual Focus Group: Barrington Public Schools is developing a new strategic plan that will guide our district's goals, programs, and budgets for the next 3-5 years. As a parent/guardian in our BPS community, your participation in this process is critical. Last week, a representative from G&D Associates, our strategic planning partner, visited Barrington to meet with our staff and families. If you were unable to attend the in-person focus group, there is one more opportunity for you to share your insights and feedback with G&D. G&D Associates will be hosting a virtual focus group for parents/guardians of BPS students next Monday, February 5, 2024, from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Please email kotsirisc@barringtonschools.org for the link to access the meeting.
Afternoon Pick Up: There is no parking in the circular driveway in the afternoon. When there are vehicles there, it makes it very hard for the buses to enter. You need to park in the school’s lot, on Sowams Rd., or on one of the surrounding streets.
PTO Information: There are a few things from our PTO for you to know:
Next Meeting: Our next PTO meeting will be Monday, February 5, 2024, at 7:00 in the evening. Since this is a virtual meeting, a link will be sent out Monday with the link.
Calendar: The February calendar is now available. You may access that here.
URI Basketball Game: Sowams PTO is sponsoring a family fun afternoon at a men’s URI basketball game on March 2. Tickets are now on sale with a special price. All of the information may be found here.
February Hot Lunch Schedule: You may access the hot lunch menu here.
Kindergarten Registration: Do you have a child or know a Barrington child who will be five years old by September 1, 2024? If so, the child may register for kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year. Registration will open for next year’s kindergarten on Monday, February 5, 2024. How to register and what information is needed to register a child may be found here.
PTO/Arts Alive for Grades 2 and 3: Save the date for a parent meeting about the second and third grade play. On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 6:00 PM, Arts Alive will be hosting a virtual informational meeting. It will be an opportunity to find out about the audition process (all students do get a part), rehearsal schedules, logistics, expectations, and have your questions answered. Please email kotsirisc@barringtonschools.org for the zoom link. Registration for the play will take place in early March.
Community Notices: There is a notice from the Girl Scouts regarding a cookie sale.
Have a wonderful day.
Best,
Jim Callahan
Principal
Sowams School Mission: Everyone learns every day.
Sowams School Vision: Sowams School will engage students to be their best selves.