March 6, 2024

Community meetings and phone survey this week!

In his Superintendent's Report at the March 5 Barrington 220 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Winkelman shared that the district is kicking off community meetings this week, as part of its six month referendum community engagement process. The purpose is to gain feedback about projects that should be included in a potential school district referendum question on the November 2024 election ballot. The community meetings will feature a presentation, survey, and an opportunity to ask questions. They are open to the public. Please note that each meeting will have the same agenda.

• Wednesday, March 6: 6pm @ BMS-Prairie Campus 
• Saturday, March 9: 10am @ BHS Front Atrium (Lower Level) 
• Monday, March 11: 6pm @ Arnett C. Lines Elementary 
• Thursday, March 14: 6pm via Zoom (Click here to register for the Zoom)

In addition, this week a phone survey is being conducted to gather additional feedback. If you haven't already, you may receive a phone call from (224) 848-5297. To take the phone survey you simply need to answer the call and participate until the end. Your response will not count unless you complete the entire survey. 

You are also welcome to call (224) 848-5297 at any time to participate at your convenience by Saturday, March 9.

At the March 5 Board meeting, the Board recognized more than 70 Barrington 220 elementary teachers who have earned the Science of Reading micro-credential. A micro-credential is a short, competency-based recognition that allows teachers to demonstrate mastery in a particular area that supports students' success. In order to earn this micro-credential, teachers had to complete 60 hours of professional learning through the LETRS course (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). Watch the video link above to learn more! 

At the March 5 Board meeting, the Board approved Dr. Cindy Ruesch as the new Principal for Barbara B. Rose Elementary School. Dr. Ruesch joins Barrington 220 from St. Charles CUSD 303, where she has worked since 2011 as the Director of Language Acquisition. She holds three master's degrees: one in Women's Studies from Roosevelt University, one in School Administration from North Carolina State University, and one in Gifted, Talented & Creative from Arkansas State University. She also holds a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from Loyola University. Dr. Ruesch will begin in her new role on July 1. She will replace Heather Schumacher, who the Board approved as the next Principal of Hough Street Elementary beginning on July 1.

At the March 5 Board meeting, the Board approved Jennifer Prindle as the district's new Director of Fiscal Services & Asset Management. Prindle has worked as the district's comptroller since 2020. She holds a bachelor's degree in Accountancy and a master's degree in Accounting Science from the University of Illinois. She also has a Chief School Business Official (CSBO) endorsement from Concordia University. Prindle will begin in her new role on July 1. She will replace Sarah Lager, who will be the district's new Assistant Superintendent for Business Services/Chief School Business Official. 

Annual Technology Update: One to World, Digital Citizenship, Artificial Intelligence and more!

At the March 5 Board meeting, the Board heard its annual update from the district's Department of Technology & Innovation. Topics in the presentation included a brief overview of the district's One to World program, technology support and recent infrastructure projects, cybersecurity initiatives, the district's student information system (Infinite Campus), digital citizenship, blended and flexible learning, and artificial intelligence. Click here to read about each topic in greater detail. 

Barrington 220 supports the safe, responsible, ethical, and equitable use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by students and staff. AI is quickly becoming a ubiquitous part of the digital landscape, and the district is responsible for preparing students for their future, which will include AI in many respects. The Barrington 220 plan for addressing artificial intelligence allows the district to:

• Support responsible and equitable access to AI for students and staff.
• Develop overall district AI literacy through curriculum and instruction for students and professional development for staff.
• Update user agreements, student handbooks, Board Policy, and other related documents to reflect the use of AI in Barrington 220.
• Explore and develop opportunities for AI skills to be embedded into our existing PK–12+ curriculum.

At the March 5 Board meeting, the Board approved a resolution establishing intent to implement full-day kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year. The Board decided this past fall to implement full-day kindergarten in August 2024, however the Illinois State Board of Education requires school boards to approve a resolution prior to implementing. Click here to learn more about kindergarten in Barrington 220.

In his Superintendent's Report at the March 5 Board meeting, Dr. Winkelman shared that Barrington 220 schools are partnering with Metra to hold educational assemblies about railroad safety this month. In addition, all schools have posted copies of this railroad safety tip poster throughout their buildings. 

In his Superintendent's Report at the March 5 Board meeting, Dr. Winkelman shared that the district is launching a way for graduating seniors to recognize staff members across the district who have made a positive impact on them during their Barrington 220 journey. Each senior will be able to select one current staff member for the Barrington 220 Impact Award. All nominated staff members will be invited as a special guest to the BHS graduation ceremony on May 23, 2024. Seniors have received a link to the nomination form.

This school year one student from each Barrington 220 school will make a special appearance at a Board of Education meeting to share an update about all of the great things happening at their school. At the March 5 Board meeting, the Board welcomed Dakoden Mantatsky. Dakoden is a 5th-grade student at Sunny Hill Elementary. One of his favorite parts about 5th grade has been visiting Camp Timber-lee. One of his personal goals this school year has been to improve his handwriting and spelling. He is grateful to the staff at Sunny Hill who are helping him achieve this goal. Click here to view the recognition.