D220 students outperform pre-pandemic norms at all grade levels |
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At the May 18 Board of Education meeting, Barrington 220's Teaching and Learning Department provided an update on students' learning progress for the 2020-21 school year. Data for grades K-8, which is collected from Fastbridge and MAP testing for literacy and math shows that Barrington 220 students were able to maintain higher performance than national norms computed prior to the pandemic. At the high school level, results from Advanced Placement indicate that students did at least as well as expected in previous years, and perhaps better.
It is important to keep in mind that while learning is still occurring at the expected high levels, there has been schooling loss experienced, in the sense that students have missed the direct personal connections with one another and their teachers. The transition back to in-person instruction has been an excellent opportunity to mitigate the social-emotional and psychological loss of schooling due to the pandemic. The district will also continue that process in the fall as more students return to school from the virtual mode. View the entire assessment discussion beginning at 2:08:31 in the meeting video.
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Dr. Harris announces winners of Superintendent and Principal Art Awards |
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In his Superintendent Report Dr. Harris recognized BHS AP art students Chloe Kazaglis (pictured left) and Morgan Crowther (pictured right). Chloe received this year's Superintendent Art Award for her painting titled "Expectations". It will be on display at the District Administrative Center for the next year. Morgan received this year's Principal Art Award from BHS Principal Steve McWilliams for her ceramic pieces, which will be on display in the BHS front office for the next year.
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"Expectations" by Chloe Kazaglis (acrylic paint) |
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Ceramics created by Morgan Crowther |
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BHS student wins Infinitec Award |
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At its May 18 meeting, the Board recognized Barrington High School student Jack Glaser, who received the Infinitec North Technology Achievement Award. This honor is awarded to students that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in overcoming challenges and accomplishing personal goals using assistive technology. Jack uses a specialized app on his iPad to support his communication. Click here to learn more about Jack.
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Spring 2021 curriculum and instruction update |
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Virtual/Blended Program Update:
D220 to offer option for students at increased medical risk for COVID-19
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At the May 18 Board meeting, Board members were provided an update about the proposed Virtual/Blended Program for the 2021-22 school year. As of May 18 there were about 300 students districtwide who indicated they wish to participate in the proposed program, which is significantly less than when the program was first proposed in February. The Board made the decision to pursue Option 3, which will provide a virtual option for students with increased medical risk for COVID-19 as identified by a physician. District representatives will contact students who have expressed interest in participating in this program in the coming weeks, to provide further information about how classes will be taught and to fully explain the medical requirements to participate. View the entire Board discussion beginning at 2:26:45 in the meeting video.
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Board approves new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning |
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At its May 18 meeting, the Board approved Dr. Melissa Byrne as Barrington 220's next Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. Dr. Byrne comes to Barrington 220 from St. Charles CUSD 303, where she has served as the Director of College and Career Readiness for the past three years. She previously served as the district's Associate Director of Curriculum and as a middle school Language Arts Teacher. Dr. Byrne attended Aurora University where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and Secondary Education, a master's degree in Educational Leadership and a doctorate in Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction. She has served as an adjunct professor at Aurora University since 2015. Dr. Byrne will replace John Bruesch, who has accepted a position in another school district. She begins her new role in Barrington 220 on July 1. |
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Board to review proposed spending using pandemic relief funds |
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During Dr. Harris’ Superintendent Report, Dr. David Bein, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services/Chief School Business Official, provided an update on pandemic relief revenue. To date, the district has spent about $1.3 million on a variety of pandemic related expenses such as curriculum materials, facility cleaning, supplies, outdoor tents, signage, masks, shields, nursing services and food services. At this time the district has identified nearly $10 million in local and federal funding that the district will be able to allocate over the next two years in order to address a wide range of needs related to the pandemic. The Board will be reviewing more details of a proposed spending plan at future Board meetings.
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Board holds public hearing on amended 2020-21 budget |
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At the May 18 Board meeting, the Board held a public hearing on the amended budget for the 2020-21 school year. The budget was adopted by the Board last September, however the evolving pandemic created unforeseen financial needs that require changes. While local revenue is less than expected, overall expenditures (such as transportation, salaries) are also less than expected. Therefore, the district is looking at a larger than budgeted surplus. The Board is anticipated to adopt the amended budget at its first meeting in June. Click here to view the entire amended budget presentation from the April 20 Board meeting.
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Board meets new BHS student council liaison |
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At its May 18 meeting, the Board said goodbye to BHS Junior Izzy Garcia, who served as the BHS Student Council Board Liaison for the 2020-21 school year. Sarah Bauernfreund, who is currently a BHS sophomore, will fill the position for the 2021-22 school year. Pictured: Izzy (left) and Sarah (right).
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Important end of year dates |
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In his Superintendent Report Dr. Harris mentioned several key dates for the end of the school year:
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Monday, May 24: Prairie 8th Grade Recognition at Barrington Community Stadium
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Tuesday, May 25: Station 8th Grade Recognition at Barrington Community Stadium
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Friday, May 28: Last Day of School
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Saturday, May 29: BHS graduation at Barrington Community Stadium
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