Good morning,
This week’s Backpack Express is ready for your reading pleasure. There is a lot of information in it so please read the whole email. One thing to note is we are watching the air quality for today. As of now, it is not as bad as yesterday. However, this will be monitored and a decision about recess will be made when we get closer to that recess time.
Sowams Swag: Our PTO has a pop up store! If you are looking for Sowams t-shirts or sweatshirts, now is the time to purchase them. The store is open through June 7, 2023, with distribution starting on June 21, 2023. Browse, place your order, and pay all at: https://shop.epicpromos.com/so.... LAST DAY TO ORDER IS TODAY AT 11:59PM.
Outdoor Day/Cookout: Save the date…Tuesday, June 20, 2023. There are a couple events that happen this day:
Outdoor Day: Our students get to have a fun morning playing games with their classmates. More information will be sent out about this; however, we do need volunteers to help make this day fun for our students. If you are able to volunteer, please sign up here.
Cookout: Families are invited to attend a cookout. This outdoor event is an opportunity to have lunch and recess with your child. You may access the order form here. The cookout is 11:50-12:45. Payment for the cookout may be made by check (payable to Barrington Public Schools), cash, or MySchoolBucks. ORDERS NEED TO BE SENT BACK BY FRIDAY.
Octoberfest: As we get ready for summer, Octoberfest 2023 Planning has begun! For the first time since 2019, Octoberfest will be back at Sowams School on October 14, 2023. None of the current Sowams students have experienced an Octoberfest as students of the school and we are excited to bring back Sowams biggest fundraiser this fall. Octoberfest requires the commitment of our community to be a success and we look forward to working with all of you to raise money for this special school while having fun!
Committee Cochairs - there are committee co-chairs open, including Sponsorships & Silent Auction, Publicity, Food and more! Co-chairs range from smaller to larger commitments and most can be done from home! Please consider co-chairing a committee with the support of the chairs. One co-chair meeting will be held on Zoom before the summer on June 14 at 6PM. Please click to view the sign up genius and to sign up to co-chair current open positions.
Sponsorships - The majority of our proceeds are raised through sponsorships and the Silent Auction. Please consider becoming a sponsor, donating an item or being a part of the team soliciting for the event. You can contact sowamsoctoberfest@gmail.com with any questions.
Third Grade Reception Assistance: Thank you to those who have volunteered to assist with the third grade reception - we greatly appreciate your support! We are still in need of a few volunteers to help set up and clean up, and to photograph the event (professional or hobby photographer). Please sign up here if you are able to help (K-2 parents are welcome to volunteer!). Thank you in advance!
PTO/Arts Alive Play: Our second and third graders have been busy rehearsing for our PTO/Arts Alive Play, I Won’t Grow Up–Foundlings. Tickets are now on sale for the play. The play will take place on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 12:00 at the Barrington High School. Tickets may be purchased here. Hope you are able to join our thespians.
PTO: The Sowams PTO has a couple things for you this week:
Calendar: The June calendar may be found here.
Committee Openings: There are various open positions on the PTO for next year, including positions on the Executive Board and different committees. One of the positions available on the Executive Board is the Treasurer. Here’s a brief job description of what this position entails. Also, the PTO has created a sign up for those interested in helping to run a Committee. To see the list and to volunteer for these, please see this sign up. Questions about the various openings on the Executive Board and the committees may be sent to sowamspto@gmail.com.
From our School Committee: Construction Workshop Week: June 12-15, 2023. The Barrington School Building Committee is hosting elementary building tours and community discussions in preparation for Stage II of its Necessity of School Construction application. Each evening event will include a building tour, short presentation, and community discussion. Construction Workshop Week is an opportunity for the community to provide input on potential school construction projects that address the District's facilities needs.
June 12 (6:00-7:30 PM): Sowams School building tour
June 13 (6:00-7:30 PM): Primrose Hill School building tour
June 14 (6:00-7:30 PM): Nayatt School building tour
June 15 (6:00-7:30 PM): Community Discussion at Barrington Middle School
These events are open to all Barrington community members. You are encouraged to attend the building tour that best fits your schedule. If you are unable to attend any of these events, you can add your questions to the Construction Jamboard.
Have a wonderful day!
Best,
Jim Callahan
Principal