Good morning,
This week’s Backpack Express is ready for your reading pleasure:
Octoberfest Update: The fun event is coming up soon–Saturday, October 17 from 10:00-3:00. The committee is busy working to make sure everyone has a great day and we raise funds for our school. Here’s some information for you:
Save the Date! Octoberfest will take place October 17th 10AM-3PM at Sowams School. A signup for event volunteers on the day will be shared in early October.
Sponsors & Auction Donors still needed - Help support the Sowams PTO by donating to the silent auction or sponsoring the event... click here to learn more about sponsorship and auction donation opportunities.
T-shirt Design Contest: We are excited to announce that the winning Octoberfest t-shirt was designed by Everdeen Seber, a kindergartner! Thank you to everyone who entered the contest to design this year's Octoberfest Tshirt. We had some amazing designs! All students and Sowams staff members will receive a t-shirt to wear for Octoberfest.
Background Check Drop In: In order to volunteer in any of our schools, a background check needs to be on file with our district. A background check is only valid for two years. To help make the process easier, we will have a drop in for parents to complete the paperwork. The one at Sowams will take place on September 15 from 9:00-10:00 AM under the canopy. Information about volunteering and dates of other drop in times and locations may be found here.
PTO Welcome Back 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 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.
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.
Community Notices: There are a couple notices for you this week: Girls on the Run and Girl Scouts.
Enjoy the rest of the 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.