Hello Barton Families-
It is shaping up to be a busy last few weeks here at Barton!  Please take careful note of the events and dates below so you don't miss out on any of the fun!

For Your Calendars

5/19	Final Band & Chorus Concert (All 3 groups 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)

Congrats to Drone Club and Mr. Cheney!
Drone Club teams from Clara Barton and OMS recently traveled to West Virginia to compete in the Northeast Regional Championship.  At this event, our own Mr. Cheney came away with the award for Coach of the Year!  This program has come quite a distance in its two years of existence thanks to his vision and dedication.  Thank you also to families who jump at the opportunity to help their kids compete in events like this despite the travel involved.  ❤️

Color Run
Friday's weather held out to allow for our second annual Color Run as the culmination for our running club.  Thank you to our advisors, staff, and PTO who helped with all of the set up and take down, and apologies to all the families with messy cars and showers as a result! Memories were certainly made!

SEL End of Year Survey
Periodically, the district surveys students regarding the climate and culture of our schools.  This survey asks their thoughts about supports available to them and about overall safety so that our schools and district can focus our efforts where they are needed and continue growing and improving.  This survey typically is completed in Mindfulness with Mrs. Bennett.   If you do not want your child taking this survey, please email me at ahill@oxps.org on by Thursday, May 21st when those surveys will begin.

District Policy Reminder
The student handbook states the following with regard to the use of tech in school:
"Students shall not use electronic devices such as MP3 players, iPods, cellular phones, smart watches, smart glasses, cameras, dvd players, laptop computers, iPads, games, earbuds, or any other misc. electronic devices to be determined by administration. Students must have any devices shut off and in backpacks during the school day. Bringing any of these types of items to school is discouraged because if they get lost, stolen, or broken it is entirely the responsibility of the student. Electronic devices are not to be used during a safety drill. "
Students have been increasingly wearing smart watches to school and using then to send messages during the day.  Students will be asked to place the watches in backpacks during school hours.  

T-Shirt Designs
Just a word of caution to check student t-shirts before sending them in to school.  If a student comes in with gear advertising tobacco or alcoholic beverages, etc., they may need to visit the nurse or call home for a change of attire. Thank you for your help with this!

Clara Barton Vision Center 
If your child is missing their glasses, they should come check out the selection! 


MCAS
With the exception of one make up, we have completed MCAS testing for the year!  Thank you all for your support in getting through the effort.  ❤️

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.  

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!

Shout Out a Teacher...
Any time you'd like to share a great experience you or your child has with a staff member, consider clicking on or scanning 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 the Superintendent's office any time we receive one!)  It really goes a long way in filling their cup and making the days bright!  


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.  

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!