February 17, 2021
Dr. Harris shares 2020-21 school year update
At the Feb. 16 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Harris shared several updates regarding the 2020-21 school year.
All Barrington 220 staff are now Phase 1B eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments for the first dose started a couple weeks ago and will continue during February and March. All school nurses were vaccinated during Phase 1A.
Late last week the CDC released its updated guidelines for K-12 schools. All of the protocols Barrington 220 has been following are in accordance with these guidelines, including our health metrics on the district's coronavirus webpage. For the second week in a row all metrics, except for Health Metric #1, have reached Step 4 (Reopen). This metric will need to improve in order to implement any further changes to our Hybrid model. 
As of this week all Barrington High School freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who wish to attend school in-person are now able to do so five days a week for a full day. This is possible due to low in-person student attendance at BHS. The district is currently developing plans for five day/week attendance at Prairie and Station, as well as full five day/week for the entire school day at the elementary level, however due to current higher in-person attendance at these grade levels, key mitigation issues still restrict this change. The district will implement these plans as soon as the opportunity exists.
Distance Learning interest survey
Barrington 220 is planning for a return to full in-person learning for all students at the start of the 2021-22 school year. However, the district understands that given the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, and the desire of some students to participate in a fully virtual program even after the pandemic, there are families who may wish to choose to continue with Distance Learning in the fall and beyond. In order for Barrington 220 to understand the interest of families who may wish to choose a virtual option next school year, the district will be sending out a survey to families later this week. Please note, this is only a survey to gauge interest and not a commitment to a learning plan for next school year. The district will share the results of the survey at the April 6 Board meeting. Based on the information received, the district may begin planning the details for a “virtual academy” for next school year. 
Board recognizes 12 BHS students named All-State Musicians
PHOTO: Sophia Cai, Audrey Chang, Annie Conners, Greta Franke, Matthew Hur, Grant Lendvay, Annalisa Nardiello, Ethan Park, Gage Quinn, Olivia Son, Jeeven Srivastava and Jason Wu
At its Feb. 16 meeting, the Board recognized 12 Barrington High School students who have been named All-State Musicians by the The Illinois Music Education Association. These students have achieved at the highest musical level for high school students across the state. Congratulations to the following students:

  • Sophia Cai: All-State Band (Flute)

  • Audrey Chang: All-State Orchestra (Violin)

  • Annie Conners: All-State Chorus (Soprano II)

  • Greta Franke: All-State Chorus (Soprano II)

  • Matthew Hur: All-State Orchestra (Cello)

  • Grant Lendvay: All-State Chorus (Bass II)

  • Annalisa Nardiello: All-State Chorus (Alto I)

  • Ethan Park: All-State Composition

  • Gage Quinn: All-State Jazz Band (Jazz Saxophone)

  • Olivia Son: All-State Orchestra (Violin)

  • Jeeven Srivastava: All-State Chorus (Tenor I)

  • Jason Wu: All-State Band (Clarinet)
Dr. Harris named Lake County Superintendent of the Year
In her report at the Feb. 16 meeting, Board President Penny Kazmier congratulated Dr. Harris, who was recently named the 2021 Lake County Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Harris was selected for the recognition by his peers, which includes the 55 Superintendents from all Lake County school districts. Dr. Harris has served as Barrington 220 Superintendent of Schools since May 2014. During his time in the district he has helped launch several key initiatives including: extended day kindergarten, the One to World program, blended learning, new start times at all 12 Barrington 220 schools and the Blueprint 220 master facilities plan. In addition, Dr. Harris led the school district’s information campaign for a $147 million bond measure, which was approved by more than 60% of Barrington area voters in March 2020. Click here to read more.
PTO to host School Board Candidate Forum
In her report at the Feb. 16 meeting, Board President Penny Kazmier shared that the PTO Presidents' Council will be hosting a virtual candidate forum in order for community members to learn more about the candidates running for a seat on the Barrington 220 Board of Education. There will be four Board seats up for election on the April 6, 2021 consolidated election ballot. Board members serve a four year term.The forum will take place on Wednesday, March 3 from 9am-11am. Click here for more information.