Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008

Schools Open Successfully with Atmosphere of Anticipation
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Dear Friends:
Welcome back to another exciting year in the Barrington 220 School District. We enjoyed a very successful first day. Beginning this morning, I personally visited all 12 schools, which requires a brisk pace and much traveling given the size of our district. In every building, I found smiling students, energetic teachers, enthusiastic parents and an obvious atmosphere of anticipation.
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There are many things we look forward to this year, including constant efforts to provide the best education for each of our 9,200 students and optimal value for taxpayers who support our schools. Along with enhancements to an already stellar curriculum, we are also implementing a few changes to provide an even safer environment for students. These include observation cameras on 78 of the Barrington Transportation Company’s largest passenger buses and a pilot Website where students and families can report bullying. Learn about these improvements and other news at the re-designed front page of our Barrington 220 Website.
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We also want to remind you of a critical meeting at Barrington High School tomorrow night, Aug. 27, from 4 to 9 p.m. – where you have the opportunity to register your opinions about Canadian National Railway’s proposed acquisition of the EJ&E rail line. Because The EJ&E line intersects seven major thoroughfares in our school district, increased freight traffic will dramatically affect the commute times of staff, students and parents, which could alter school schedules and jeopardize the safety of children as they travel to and from classes. The Aug. 27 hearing will be one of the final public opportunities to address this transaction before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) makes its decision later this year. Please join me at this important civic function. Visit the STB Website for details on the hearing and instructions for registering your opinion online.
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Finally, we hope you will participate in the opening festivities for the new Barrington Community Stadium. Made possible by generous donors and supportive residents, this impressive sports complex will benefit our students and villages through the region for many years. The colorful dedication and first varsity football game takes place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 29. Then, on Aug. 31 from 1 to 4 p.m., we will host a free community open house with food and entertainment, where you can experience and celebrate the new stadium from field level. Visit the online stadium photo gallery for construction images and event details.
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Thanks for taking time to learn about the great beginning of what promises to be another inspiring school year. I welcome your feedback and involvement.

Sincerely, Tom Leonard
tleonard@cusd220.org