March 5, 2025

New Schedule for March 20 & April 17

School Improvement/Early Release Days

At our March 4 Board meeting, we approved a memorandum outlining new dismissal times for the two remaining Parent/Teacher Conference and School Improvement (SI)/early release days for the 2024-2025 school year: March 20 and April 17. These changes were necessitated by updated guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education.

To allow for additional instructional time, students will now be in attendance for 30 minutes longer on Parent/Teacher Conferences and SI/early release days. The new schedules for March 20 and April 17 are:

Elementary: 8 am - 11:15 am
Middle School: 8:52 am - 12:07 pm
High School & BTP: 8:30 am - 11:45 am

Please note that there is no school for Early Learning Center students on these days. SI/early release days provide staff with valuable opportunities to review student data, plan instruction, and engage in professional development. These essential activities enable staff to continue refining and delivering rigorous, student-centered curriculum across the district. Click here to view the School Improvement/Early Release Day discussion.

Technology & Innovation Update: Classroom Displays, Digital Citizenship, AI and More!

At our March 4 Board meeting, Dr. Matt Fuller, Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Innovation, and Department of Technology and Innovation staff members provided an update on the department’s priority areas:

Technology Support and Infrastructure, led by Director of Technology Services Russ Vander Mey, manages over 12,500 devices (iPads and MacBooks) as part of the district’s 1:1 technology program, One to World. All devices are equipped with industry-leading cybersecurity programs. Russ is currently overseeing the installation of new, 85” classroom displays and 200 upgraded WiFi access points.

Student Information Systems, led by Director of Student Information Tracy Harper, oversees the Infinite Campus system and holds frequent training sessions with employees throughout the district. The department rolled out new point-of-sale systems in fall 2024, upgraded the district’s attendance system, and updated the online registration process to be more streamlined and intuitive.

Instructional Technology and Innovation, led by Director of Innovation Joe Robinson, assesses the latest technology applications to identify those of greatest potential benefit to students and staff. His current focus is evaluating student-centered Artificial Intelligence applications, which will be tested extensively before they are approved for student use. Joe also guides the district's Digital Citizenship initiative, including the work of the Social Media Awareness & Digital Citizenship Advisory Committee.

To view the Technology and Innovation presentation, click here. To view the Technology and Innovation update and discussion, click here.

Board Discusses Proposed 2026-27 District Calendar

At our March 4 meeting, the Board discussed the proposed 2026-27 district calendar. The district communicates the proposed calendar well in advance to help families and community organizations plan ahead, which are goals identified in the Framework 220 priority area Community Partnerships & Communication.

The proposed 2026-27 district calendar complies with Board policy 6:20 and all requirements mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education. It includes an earlier start date to accommodate a longer Thanksgiving break. Important dates on the proposed calendar include:

Aug. 18: First day of school
Nov. 23–27: Thanksgiving break
Dec. 23–Jan. 6: Winter break
May 28: Last scheduled day of school

We will continue to discuss the proposed calendar at the March 18 Board meeting. Click here to view the calendar discussion.

Complete the 5Essentials Survey Through March 28

In his March 4 Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Winkelman shared that the Illinois State Board of Education’s 5Essentials Survey is open now through March 28, and encouraged all parents and guardians to participate. This annual survey gathers data on five indicators that lead to improved outcomes for all students: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environments, and Ambitious Instruction. Parents can complete a survey for each enrolled student here. Please note: Barrington 220 is under the Lake County Regional Office of Education, so survey respondents must select Lake County at the start of the survey. This applies even if a student’s school is located in another county.

NBS Principal Dr. Lisa West Recognized by the

Illinois State Board of Education

In his March 4 Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Winkelman congratulated North Barrington Principal Dr. Lisa West on her recent recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education’s “Those Who Excel” program. The annual program honors educators and administrators who have made significant contributions to their schools. Thank you, Dr. West, for all you do for North Barrington students, staff and our district!

Upcoming Special Education Parent Survey

In his March 4 Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Winkelman shared that the district will send out a survey in April to all parents and guardians who have a child receiving special education services in the district. The survey feedback will inform the redesign of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council, which will be reintroduced for the 2025-26 school year. The Council will host monthly meetings that will include collaboration with the school district and parent university sessions on high-interest topics identified by our parents.

Impact Award Nominations Are Open!

In his March 4 Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Winkelman shared that nominations are now open for 2025 Impact Awards! Each graduating Barrington High School senior can recognize a current Barrington 220 staff member who has had an impact on them during their educational career. Students will have the opportunity to hand deliver a certificate to their selected staff member along with an invitation to attend BHS graduation as their honored guest. Nominations are open through Friday, March 14, and can be submitted via a Google form shared in seniors’ science and English classes.

BHS Safety and Security Enhancements

In his March 4 Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Winkelman provided an update on safety and security at Barrington High School. The Safety and Security team and High School administrators have made several adjustments and added a number of new security features to further strengthen security features at the high school. As a reminder, students and community members are encouraged to utilize Safe 2 Help to report any safety and security concerns.

Ramadan Is February 28 Through March 30

In his March 4 Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Winkelman noted that Ramadan began on February 28 and will end the evening of March 30. Many Barrington 220 students observe this month-long period of fasting, prayer, charity and evening meals at sundown. In alignment with our strategic objective to provide inclusive educational environments, our schools will incorporate ways to respectfully accommodate students celebrating Ramadan.

Maintenance & Grounds Appreciation Week

In his March 4 Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Winkelman noted that the first week of March is Maintenance & Grounds Appreciation Week. He thanked the district’s Buildings & Grounds staff for the work they do each day to ensure our schools are safe, well maintained and aesthetically pleasing!

Rotarians Read at ELC and Elementary Schools

In his March 4 Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Winkelman thanked Barrington Rotary Club members for visiting the Early Learning Center and elementary schools as part of the Rotary Reads program. Rotarians volunteered to read “Mell Fell” by Corey Tabor to ELC students, and “The Book That Almost Rhymed” by Omar Abed to elementary students. Dr. Winkelman expressed his gratitude for community partnerships like this one, and for the fun reading experience for our students!

Station Campus Student Shares Why Station is #ThePlaceToB

Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, students from each Barrington 220 school are making special appearances at our Board of Education meetings to share updates on their school experiences. At our March 4 meeting, we welcomed Tyler Boulos, an 8th grader at Station Campus. During his time at Station, Tyler has participated in the school’s Student Ambassador program, which he says has made him more responsible and accountable, and inspired a sense of pride and belonging. He appreciates that Station teachers find ways to make learning engaging, like having a team of students collaborate to design a working model of a personal flotation device (PFD). He says Station Campus is #ThePlaceToB because it has a strong sense of community and a supportive school culture. Click here to view Tyler’s update!