Dear Barlow Families and Community Friends,

The DeWitt D. Barlow Elementary School will soon begin our 86th year of serving the Scholars of this wonderful community! We hope you are enjoying a great and safe summer! With that said, welcome to 2024-25 school year and we're back with the same LOVE on Thursday, September 5, 2024!

The Barlow Bears are ready to "ROAR" for yet another successful and fabulous year! We know that our Scholars are returning to school with a renewed sense of purpose, energy and ready to do our collective best for our Scholars. For that reason, attendance is very important...Scholars must attend and actively participate EVERYDAY!

Our focus will remain to provide each Scholar with new challenges that will result in a rewarding school experience. Academic emphasis on the core content areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies will remain a priority as well as providing a learning program that builds on each year to reach Plainfield Public Schools and the NJ Learning Standards. Instruction in the Fine Arts, World Language, Physical Education, and the infusion of technology complete our instructional program providing each Scholar with the opportunity to develop areas of interest and skill.

The goal is to challenge our Scholars intellectually, grow them socially, and guide them toward independent thinking and problem solving. As we strive to promote healthy development in all aspects of each scholar's life, we also strive to develop a student body of good character; Scholars who make good choices * and decisions resulting in successful and healthy outcomes.

Here is information to keep in mind, as we start the 2024-25 school year.

School Uniforms: The DeWitt D. Barlow Elementary will maintain and follow the district's mandatory uniform policy for the school year of 2024-25. Therefore, our scholars are expected to wear uniforms. The uniforms are khakis pants for boys with dark blue shirts, khakis skirts or slacks for girls with dark blue or yellow blouses.

School Supplies: To start the new school year, please ensure that your child has the following items, a bookbag, two (2) notebooks, pens/pencils and the option of sanitizing gel or wipes.

Study Stations at Home: Please provide a quiet area for your child to study in a noise-free space. As you know, our learning and teaching expectations will remain meaningful, engaging, and rigorous!

Kindergarten / New Scholar Orientation: Barlow Elementary will host an orientation and Q&A session on Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:00 PM to provide our new families an opportunity to ask questions and tour the school. Additional information regarding this meeting will be forthcoming via our contact systems.

Open House/ Back to School Night: Parents will have the opportunity to meet their child's teachers at our annual Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 24th. The Back to School Night is designed for Parents and Staff to meet, review, and share mutual expectations for the school year. *

Parent / Teacher Conferences: Research has shown that a strong line of communication between the school and home will aid Scholars to have a positive educational experience. As a result, our encouragement, support, and concern will ensure that our Scholars know that we value their education. Please save the dates of Tuesday, December 10th, Wednesday, December 11th and Thursday, December 12th

Again. if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school. Therefore, if a situation should arise that you would need to have a conference with your child 's teacher during the school year, please contact the school' main office and an appointment will be arranged.

We look forward to working with you and your child throughout the school year to provide a productive and safe learning environment that supports Scholar success. Let us make each interaction a positive and supportive encounter that creates a school-wide feeling of "respect and love" at the DeWitt D. Barlow Elementary School.

Sincerely,

Mr. Wilson Aponte, Ed. S

Principal