Good morning,
Here’s this week’s Backpack Express for you filled with a lot of information:
From the Office of the Superintendent: After consideration, we have determined that it will be in the best interest of families to maintain the practice shared in August in our handbook of sending home notification to families who elected to receive it for possible opt-out of lessons with LGBTQ+ inclusive materials, due to religious beliefs. This is in alignment with the Mahmoud v. Taylor 2025 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Families do not need to reach out separately to schedule an appointment to review curricular materials, as indicated in the last Backpack Express.
Supporting Families During the Anticipated SNAP Benefit Interruption: Our school social work team understands that the potential government shutdown and resulting loss or delay of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits may cause added stress and uncertainty for many families. Here is a list of local food banks who can assist with food insecurity. We want you to know that you are not alone. We are committed to connecting families with local community -based resources to help meet food, financial, and basic needs during this time. Please reach out to your school's social worker or counselor for confidential support or information about available food pantries, meal programs, emergency assistance, and local organizations that can help bridge the gap. Together, we can ensure that no student or family goes without the support they need.
Hot Lunch Menu: The November hot lunch menu may be found here.
PTO Information:
Meeting: Monday, November 3, 2025, at 7:00PM is the monthly PTO meeting. The meeting is virtual. The link will be sent to you on Monday. When signing into the meeting, please make sure the name showing on the screen indicates your child’s name. If I do not recognize the name, you may not be let into the meeting.
Book Fair: The PTO sponsored Book Fair is coming up the week of November 10, 2025. Classes will visit the Fair on either November 10 or November 12. Click here for the schedule. There will also be a family night on November 13 from 5:00-7:00. Also, volunteers are needed to help out during the week. SIgn up here to volunteer. More information can be found on the Book Fair Homepage.
Directory: The Directory of families who wished to have their information shared with other families is now complete. Please email Mrs. Kotsiris for access to the directory, kotsirisc@barringtonschools.org.
November No School Days:
November 11: Veterans Day
November 27 and 28: Thanksgiving break
Halloween: Halloween is coming up on Friday. So you are aware, children do not come dressed in costumes and we do not pass out candy to any of our students. If you send candy in to be passed out to your child’s class, it will be sent back home to you. Our policy is not to distribute food to our students (except those who purchase breakfast, snack, and/or lunch).
Candy Collection: Once again, Sowams will be collecting Halloween candy to be shared with local organizations who assist those in need, including Tapin, Meals on Wheels, and Amos House. If you would like to donate some of your child’s Halloween candy, our school will have a box in the foyer for all next week (November 3-7). Information may be found here.
Community Notice: There is one notice from the Barrington Public Library regarding their upcoming book sale.
Have a wonderful 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.