Good afternoon,
Short weeks make me forget what day of the week it is. This week’s Backpack Express is on Thursday. Enjoy reading it.
Octoberfest: I sent an Octoberfest update yesterday. You may access it here. Volunteers continue to be needed. SIGN UP HERE.
Construction Update 1: If you have driven by the school or been at the school, you saw the new parking lot in front of the building. It is basically complete (for now) and will start to be used by faculty and staff on Monday, October 19, 2026. This lot has limited spots so it is only for our faculty and staff. However, there are two handicapped spots in this lot that may be used by those visiting the school. You cannot drop off your child in this lot. Our normal drop off procedure continues.
Construction Update 2: Now that this new front lot is complete, the normal parking lot is going to start to have work done on it and will start to be torn up next week. Parents will still need to park on the streets around our school. Also, due to the construction in the parking lot, please make sure you are using the pedestrian walkway when walking through the lot. This is for your safety and our students’ safety.
Construction Update 3: Concrete slabs are being poured on Tuesday and Thursday of next week starting at about 7:00 in the morning. This means there may be increased traffic and less parking on Sowams Rd. Why, you ask? The concrete trucks will be lining up on the school-side of Sowams Rd. and entering the construction site from Sowams Rd.
Thanksgiving Assistance: With the holiday season in the near future, we understand some families may need some assistance with their Thanksgiving meal. If you would like assistance with this, please reach out to Michele Marcello, our school social worker. She will assist you with resources to make sure everyone’s holiday is special. You may contact her through email (marcellom@barringtonschools.org) or at school (401.247.3180).
PTO Directory: Our PTO is putting together a family directory. If you are interested in having your information in the Directory, you may complete this form. Once the Directory is available, we will share the link.
Flu Shot Clinics: Our district is hosting two upcoming flu shot clinics. The first one is October 20, 2026, at Barrington Middle School. The second clinic will take place November 17, 2026, at Hampden Meadows School. Information about the clinics, including how to register, may be found here.
Parent Engagement Series: This great program continues on October 27, 2026, at 6:00 in the evening at Barrington Middle School. The topic for this session is Parent Child Communication–Building Boundaries. Information about the series may be found here.
National Bullying Prevention Day: On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, our district is recognizing National Bullying Prevention Day. We are asking everyone to wear orange in support of this day. We will also have high school students greeting our students as they enter school on this day.
Enjoy the rest of your day. I hope to see you Saturday at Octoberfest.
Best,
Jim Callahan
Principal
Sowams School Mission: Everyone learns every day.
Sowams School Vision: Sowams School will engage students to be their best selves.