Jan. 10, 2012 - Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
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Still time to RSVP. Jan. 12 and Feb. 2 events feature strategic plan progress report and a best-selling author
The Board of Education will use the spring of 2012 to update residents on progress within the strategic plan while cultivating deeper community conversations. The first community event is Thursday evening, Jan. 12, at Barrington High School, featuring a free light dinner and a status report on the 2020 Vision strategic plan. On Feb. 2, best-selling author and popular speaker Dr. Yong Zhao will discuss whether Barrington 220 and U.S. schools are catching up or leading the way in the global education race. Please RSVP for events on both dates by visiting www.barrington220.org/rsvp.
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Independent study predicts decline in student enrollment
A report presented by Superintendent Tom Leonard and Assistant Superintendent Cindy Jaskowiak projects a likely decrease in future student enrollment based on census data, housing trends and population shifts. The study notes more students are graduating than are entering in kindergarten; therefore, Barrington 220 should anticipate depressed enrollment growth in the immediate future. The school district has used periodic enrollment forecasting since 1981 to plan for space utilization and to prepare for future enrollment growth or declines. This research by an independent firm, at a cost of $7,800, was the first demographic study commissioned by the district since November 2008. See an overview of the presentation and report here.
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Roslyn Road improvement plan gives glimpse into success
Roslyn Road Elementary School, which is ranked among the top public schools in the Chicago area by both the Sun-Times and Chicago Magazine, detailed its School Improvement Plan to the Board of Education on Jan. 10. Principal Paul Kirk discussed the demographics of the Roslyn Road community and the academic profile of the school, which includes reading, math and science scores well above the 90th percentile in all grade levels. The Roslyn Road Improvement Goals focus on fostering academic growth for all students and improving writing instruction, while emphasizing the role of technology and continuing to care for the social-emotional development of each child.
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Selection criteria, sites for language programs revisited
In an effort to ensure continued fairness, balance and access to the K-5 Spanish Dual Language and Chinese Immersion programs, the Board of Education has asked the administration to finalize the selection process and the proposed locations for both programs before next school year. Any changes will clarify guidelines regarding sibling preference, host schools, students already proficient in a language, and other aspects of the lottery selection approach. Incorporating parent and staff input, any updates to either program will be finalized and communicated very soon.
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Online dashboard continues transparency of district data
An online Quality Frameworks Dashboard allows residents to monitor progress in areas conducive to an effective school system. Much like an automobile dashboard, the interactive website provides a quick glance at key indicators to track performance and success in working with students and operating the school district, such as finances and achievement. The dashboard allows for greater transparency and communication within the Barrington 220 community.
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Four more educators achieve National Board accreditation
Another four Barrington 220 teachers have passed the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards process, making 34 educators in the school district to achieve this rigorous professional accreditation. The four newly accredited teachers are Ernest Lane, mathematics teacher at BHS, Karla Cherry, mathematics teacher at BHS, Sharon Krantz, 4th-grade teacher at Roslyn Road, and Georgia Nelson, 4th- and 5th-grade extended teacher at Hough Street.
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Kindergarten registration is Feb. 15 in each grade school
Children residing in the Barrington 220 School District who will be 5-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2012, are eligible to enroll for the 2012-2013 school year. A kindergarten registration session for parents only will be held at each Barrington 220 elementary school on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. All eight elementary schools will hold simultaneous registration sessions on the same evening.
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District saves by pre-purchasing electricity at lower rates
By pre-purchasing its electricity for the next 18 months, Barrington 220 will reduce its energy costs by 29 percent or $407,000.
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Phone maintenance planned on Martin Luther King holiday
While students and staff are out of school on Jan. 16, the Martin Luther King holiday, software upgrades and routine maintenance tasks are scheduled on the district telephone system. As a result, it may not be possible to leave voice messages most of that morning.
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Summer school dates and tentative locations announced
Barrington 220 summer school sessions will run June 11-28 and July 2-20 for Barrington High School, with registration for high school students to open March 19. Summer school for grades kindergarten thru 8 will be June 11 to July 6, with registration for elementary school students on April 2 and registration for middle school students on April 3. Summer school classes will be closed for the July 4 holiday. Summer sessions will be held at Barrington High School, the Station Middle School campus, and tentatively Roslyn Road Elementary. Dates and locations for other summer programs will be announced later. For more information, please visit the Barrington 220 summer school website.