Good morning,
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing vacation week. This week’s Backpack Express is ready for you.
iWatches: We have recently seen an increase in the number of iWatches (or similar type of watch) that students have. As a reminder, parents should not be texting/calling students during the school day. If you need to contact your child or change the way your child is going home, you need to call the school (401.247.3180). Also, if we see your child using any of the features of the watch (or phone), they will be told to put it in their backpacks.
Attendance: Having children at school daily is very important. We understand that children get sick and need to stay home. However, if your child is not sick, your child should be in school. We are sending home notices this week with students who have missed more than 10% of the current school year. (Per the Rhode Island Department of Education, 10% or more absences are considered chronic.) For most, that means a student has been absent seven or more days since the start of the school year. As we start the new calendar year, please make it a goal that your child is in school each day unless sick.
Survey about District Strategic Plan: Your feedback is important as our district embarks on updating the strategic plan for the Barrington Public Schools. Please take a few minutes to respond to this survey.
January Holidays: The district’s DEIB team has created a presentation on the various holidays and celebrations for the month of January. You may access this here.
PTO Meeting: The January PTO will take place on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:00. This is a virtual meeting. The link to the meeting will be sent out Monday.
January No School Day: There is no school on Monday, January 15, 2024, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
PTO Calendar: The PTO has put together a calendar with some reminders for the month of January. You may access it here.
School Cancellations: With winter upon us, we never know when there will be a storm that necessitates the district to close school. An easy way to find out about school cancellations is by signing up to receive texts from the RI Broadcasters Association. You may do this here. I also try to send a text to parents/guardians when school is canceled.
Have a wonderful day.
Best,
Jim Callahan
Principal
Sowams Mission: Everyone Learns Every Day
Sowams Vision: Sowams School will engage students to be their best selves.