February 3, 2021
Dr. Harris shares what's ahead for the 20-21 school year
At the Feb. 2 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Harris thanked the Barrington 220 staff, students and parents for navigating all of the changes they have endured this school year as a result of the pandemic. He also shared that he is optimistic about the remainder of the 2020-21 school year and shared several key updates.
All D220 staff now eligible to receive vaccine
All Barrington 220 staff are now Phase 1B eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments for the first dose started this week and will continue during the month of February. All school nurses were vaccinated during Phase 1A.
Hybrid 2.0 student attendance
During the week of Jan. 25, student Hybrid 2.0 in-person attendance levels reached 92% at the Early Learning Center, 96% at the elementary level, 84% at the middle school level and 68% at Barrington High School. The data used for these percentages was taken from Monday, Jan. 25 (A Day) and Friday, Jan. 29 (B Day). The lower level of in-person student attendance at BHS has allowed full grade levels to attend five days a week due to available space.
Athletics & Activities
Sports, clubs and activities have resumed under revised IESA/IHSA schedules, following all public health protocols. High school leaders are planning to hold an in-person prom and graduation, however both events will look different than previous years in order to follow all health guidelines. Middle school and elementary leaders are also currently exploring the possibilities for in-person special events at their schools. More details will be shared in the coming months.
Next Steps
Currently all BHS juniors and seniors can attend school in-person five days a week for a full day. The high school plans to expand that opportunity to freshmen and sophomores in the coming weeks.
 
The district is planning 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 higher in-person attendance at these grade levels, key mitigation issues must be resolved before this happens including: staff vaccinations and the Illinois State Board of Education/Illinois Department of Public Health requirement of six feet social distancing.
Student fees to remain flat next school year
At its Feb. 2 meeting, the Board approved student fees for the 2021-2022 school year. The fees will remain flat compared to the 2020-21 school year, with the exception of a replacement hall lock fee from $10 to $15. Registration fees across all grade levels have remained flat since 2015. Student fees fall into three categories: General (district based fees), Course/Program (related to specific course or program) and Obligations (variable fees not adopted by the Board that cover liability obligations for lost or damaged materials). Click here to view the district's guide to understanding student fees.
 
Student fees for this school year (2020-21) will remain the same. Two exceptions include: no charge for BHS parking and any families who paid the kindergarten enrichment fee will be refunded since that program is not running this school year.
At its Feb. 2 meeting, the Board approved bids for referendum projects at BMS-Prairie and BMS-Station. The construction bids came in lower than expected at $15,275,444 for both schools, compared to the estimated cost of $19,431,658. An estimated total of $30 million will be spent on both middle schools, as items like safety and security and furniture are not included in the construction bids. Construction is expected to begin in the spring and tentatively wrap up in November 2022. Project work across all D220 schools is expected to last through 2024.
Two upcoming Parent University sessions
In his superintendent report at the Feb. 2 meeting, Dr. Harris shared Barrington 220 will be partnering with BStrong Together and Barrington Youth & Family Services for two upcoming virtual Parent University sessions focused on our students' social and emotional well-being.

  • "Youth Mental Health and Suicide: Know the Warning Signs and How to Help" will take place on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7pm. 

  • "Cultivating Resilience During COVID-19" will take place on Thursday, March 4 at 7pm.