Good afternoon,
Each week, typically on Wednesdays, I send out Backpack Express. Backpack Express is our weekly communication with parents about what’s happening at our school. It will provide information about events at Sowams, no school days, bits of information that you may need to know, and community notices. I try to keep it concise (bulleted items) with just the information you need along with links to more information if it’s warranted. It’s important that you read these each week to keep up to date on what’s happening at our school. So, happy reading this week’s Backpack Express.
New Faculty and Staff: I am pleased to announce and welcome several new members of our faculty and staff: Kerin Lowe (school administrative assistant), Karen Igoe (kindergarten teacher), Abigail Tutt (grade 1 teacher), Kristen Medeiros (grade 2 teacher), Emily Snyder (long term in grade 3 and our building intern), Ashley Brosnan (1:1 RN), Mary Cabral (instructional coach), and Casey Machado (intern). Although not new to Sowams, Maribeth Promades is our new math specialist and Jenna DeAngelis now has a permanent teacher assistant position.
PTO Information: There is a lot of information you need to know about PTO events that are coming up:
Picnic: Each year, the PTO has a Welcome Back Picnic. It’s bring your own food but it’s a great way to meet old friends and new friends. The picnic is happening on September 15, 2026, from 5:30-7:00 in the back of the school.
PTO Calendar: The PTO has created a calendar for the month of September. You may access it here.
First PTO Meeting: The first PTO meeting of the year will take place on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM. This is an in-person meeting taking place at Sowams.
Grade 1 PTO/Arts Alive Play: Each year, we offer an after school play experience for our first graders. Registration for this program is now open. Information about this program, including how to register, may be found here. There is a second and third grade play later in the school year.
Open House: Our annual Open House will take place on September 23, 2026. This adult only night is a way for you to hear about what happens each day in your child’s classroom. Kindergarten and first grade parents’ sessions will run 6:00-6:45; grades 2 and 3, 7:00-7:45.
Picture Day: Our picture day this year will be on September 23, 2026. All students will have their pictures taken so everyone appears in our yearbook. Information about purchasing pictures will be sent home next week but you can also order pictures online on the Coffee Pond website.
September No School Days: There are several days this month where students do not have school:
September 7: Labor Day
September 9: Primary Day
September 21: Yom Kippur
High Five for Heroes: With the 25th anniversary of 9/11 coming up next week, we will continue with our High Five for Heroes tradition. Our Barrington police and fire members will visit our school and walk through the building getting high fives from all of us at Sowams. Please don’t be alarmed when you see the various rescue vehicles at our school next Friday.
Barrington Education Foundation: The BEF is a local organization that supports our Barrington schools. They have a fundraiser coming up on September 26, 2026: Rubber Ducky Race. Information about this may be found here.
Clothing Drive: Barrington High School and the Barrington Police Department are sponsoring a coat/clothing drive. Information about this may be found here.
Community Notices: There are several notices for you: TopSoccer, Scouting America, Barrington Youth Basketball Association (BYBA), and The Great Mud Escape.
Hope you have a wonderful night.
Best,
Jim Callahan
Principal
Sowams School Mission: Everyone learns every day.
Sowams School Vision: Sowams School will engage students to be their best selves.