Hello Barton Families-
We are entering busy season!  Keep an eye on Parent Square and student backpacks for messages from teachers regarding upcoming field trips or other classroom events.  

5/5-5/13	Math MCAS- See Specifics below!
5/8	Spirit Day - Tie Dye Day
5/13	PTO Meeting 6pm Library
5/15	Barton Running Club Culmination- Color Run!  1:30   Students will gather on the front field with coaches after the race if you plan to dismiss them.
5/19	Final Band & Chorus Concert (Combined) 3pm in Gym
5/20	Grade 4 Memorial Day Concert 9:30 am (At Flag Pole if Weather Permits) School Committee Meeting 6pm- Including a Barton Learner's Showcase!
5/25	No School - Memorial Day
5/26	Ms. Murphy and Mrs. Pierce's Classes to Samuel Slater Museum
5/27	Ms. Freudenthal's Class to Samuel Slater Museum
5/29	Grade 3 Spring Concert 9:30am in the Barton Gym and Dedicated to Healthcare Workers like Clara Barton was herself! Grade 5 Field Trip to OSV
6/2	Grade 4 field trip to Worcester Bravehearts
6/3	Field Day (Rain date 6/4) Click the picture below for volunteering information!
6/5	Grade 3 Field Trip to Ecotarium Grade 5 Tour OMS
6/8	Mrs. Hornbaker and Mrs. Scholl's Classes visit Samuel Slater Museum
6/16	Grade 5 "Moving On Ceremony" 12:45 in Gym
6/17	Last Day of School (Half Day)

MCAS Dates
We continue to march through our annual state testing with just math remaining!   I know you will join us in encouraging them to go slowly, try their hardest, and then enjoy the feeling of pride after a solid effort.   For your planning purposes, we will be following the schedule below.  If possible, please try to plan any appointments or trips around these dates, and ensure students get good rest and have a plan for a solid breakfast (at home or at school!) on testing days.  We have also attached a visual of prohibited materials to help set everyone up for success and prevent any misunderstandings.  As a reminder, smart phones and watches are not allowed in school on any given day, not just during MCAS.  If brought in, it is at the students' risk and all must remain off and stored in their bags at all times.  Teacher Appreciation Week- Shout Out a Teacher...
Next week is teacher appreciation week! Our PTO is putting on several days of fun in honor of our staff this coming week. Consider sending in a hand written note from your student or use the QR code below to send an anonymous message of thanks to your child's teacher from you.  (We share with the staff member and central office any time we receive one!)  It really goes a long way in filling their cup and making the days bright!  Even when it's not Teacher Appreciation Week, If you ever want to recognize a staff member for something, feel free to use link/QR code below to share the great things you and your students experience.  




Last call to participate in the Memorial Day Parade!  Register your team or club using the information below.

Breakfast and Lunch
We have a great, free breakfast program for students to utilize should they not have time to eat at home.  We have arranged for this food to be eaten in the classroom before the day begins at 8:25.  Students should not, however, be bringing outside breakfast food/drink into classrooms.  Thank you for your help with this!
Our lunch program continues to be free of charge to all families.  Should students still choose to bring a lunch from home, please note that we are unable to microwave student food from home.  Please plan lunchbox meals accordingly. 

Please remind your students...
Toys should remain at home.  Anyone bringing cell phones to school does so at their own risk.  The devices should be powered off and in school bags at all times during school. If students need to communicate with home, they should do so through the nurse or the main office only.  

Donations Now Being Accepted!
Shelf-Stable Item Donations
We are accepting ongoing donations of kid-friendly, shelf-stable foods at the front offices of all four Oxford Public Schools. Examples include oatmeal packets, cereal cups, breakfast bars, mac and cheese cups, pasta bowls, pop-top canned soups, tuna or chicken pouches, peanut or nut-free butter cups, applesauce cups, fruit cups, granola bars, pretzels, crackers, and shelf-stable milk when available. Homemade foods cannot be accepted.
Amazon Wish List
If you prefer to save time and shop online, we also have an Amazon Wish List where you can purchase supplies and have them shipped directly to the Pirate Pantry. CLICK HERE to view the list. 
For full program details, a list of accepted donations, please visit our website: https://www.oxps.org/pirate-pantry
Thank you for helping us keep this important program sailing for our students. 

Let us Know!
As we get into these winter months, just a gentle reminder that you can always send a Handle With Care message to your child's teacher- no explanation needed- if they are grappling with something big on a particular day.  This little piece of information can make a big difference in our ability to support students through challenging times.  

Dismissal
It is best to keep a consistent dismissal routine, but we understand that changes need to be made from time to time.  Please reach out to Mrs. Mayo in the main office (by phone or through Parent Square or email) should you need to change your student's dismissal plan.  Teachers do not always get to check email or Parent Square during the day when they are engaging with students.

Club Dismissal
Many of our teachers donate their time to hold after school enrichment opportunities for students.  Please be respectful of their time by arriving on time to pick up your student at the end of these clubs/activities.  Thanks in advance!



Contact Information
Reaching out to your child’s teacher directly is the best place to start when you have questions or concerns! Parent Square is a great way to connect, but please remember that staff are focused on the students in front of them throughout the day, and cannot always respond right away. If there is an immediate need, please reach out to Mrs. Mayo in the main office who will be able to help you- (508) 987-6066. Here are some other key staff members you may want to reach out to:Oxford Public Schools has revamped their website and there are many more resources there!Thank you for partnering with us to help the students of Oxford learn and grow!  Have a great week!