November 4, 2024

It’s time to vote, Barrington 220! This is your last chance to weigh in on the $64M community-driven referendum. A successful referendum will:

• Increase Safety & Security throughout Barrington 220
• Build a New Community Auditorium at Barrington High School
• Enhance STEAM and Instructional Spaces for Students

LAST DAY FOR EARLY VOTING

Today (Nov. 4) is the last day to participate in early voting. Click the links below to find early voting information for the county you reside in:

• Cook
• Kane
• Lake
• McHenry

ELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATIONS

If you prefer to vote in person on Election Day, polls will be open from 6am to 7pm on Tuesday, November 5. Click the links below to find your Election Day polling location:

• Cook
• Kane
• Lake
• McHenry

REFERENDUM INFORMATION

Before you head to the polls, be sure to check out the following informational links:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Calculate your Tax Impact
• Project Details

What is Chronic Absence?

Barrington 220 values student attendance. For a student to have a successful experience, the student must be present in class. Any absence from school is a missed learning opportunity for your child. Each month we're sharing attendance facts with you in our Attention to Attendance section. This month we're focusing on Chronic Absence, which is defined as absences that total 10% or more of school days of the most recent academic year, including absences with and without valid cause. This definition was signed into law on August 18, 2017. This translates into two missed school days each month.

In case you missed it, Barrington 220 has been named the Best Unit School District in Illinois in the 2025 Niche rankings! There are a total of 386 unit school districts across the state. A unit school district serves students in grades pre-K or kindergarten through 12th grade. This differs from a high school district that only serves students in grades 9-12, or districts that serve students in only grades K-8. In addition, to Barrington 220 ranking as the top unit district in the state, Barbara B. Rose Elementary has been named the Best Public Elementary School in IL! 

Thirty-one BHS students are recipients of the 2025 President's Volunteer Service Award. The award recognizes students who have volunteered for 100 or more hours over 12 months. It honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action. Each recipient receives a personalized certificate of achievement and a letter signed by the President. Click here to view the recipients!

The Barrington 220 Fine Arts Department proudly presents the 5th Annual Winter Wonderfest! Winter Wonderfest runs December 13-14, and it will be an open house with activities happening primarily inside the new front atrium addition at BHS. The event will include DJs, carnival games, holiday crafts, hot chocolate for purchase, and more! Tickets are now available through our online box office.

Barrington 220 is teaming up with the Barrington Area Library this year to highlight the district's new PK-12+ social-emotional learning program, Character Strong. The Children’s Department at the library will dedicate a bookshelf to highlight the Character Strong titles for each theme throughout the year. Families can also stop by the children's section to receive a free specially designed bookmark!

• Now – Dec 15: Gratitude & Empathy
• March 1 – April 13: Perseverance, Honesty & Cooperation
• April 14 – May 30: Courage & Creativity

Last month Barrington High School inducted three new members into its Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. The program was started in 1992 and currently has a total of 67 members. Inductees are selected every other year through a continuous nomination process. Congrats to the following new members!

• Jody Gitelis: BHS Girls Track & Field Coach (1988-2023)
• Dennis Sander: Softball Assistant Coach, Barrington American Legion Post 158 Program Manager, Grill Master at BHS Football Games (1995-2018)
• Mike Obsuszt: BHS Athletic Director (2003-2022)

Doctor’s Note Required for Medical Absences

Due to a change in school code by the Illinois State Board of Education, this school year a medical note is required for parents/guardians who select the: “MEDUE: Medical/Dental Appointment” excuse option for their student in Infinite Campus or call their student out of school for a medical/dental appointment.  

The revised school code defines "valid cause" for absence as the following: Illness, including the mental or behavioral health of the student; attendance at a verified medical or therapeutic appointment; appointment with a victim services provider.

Please note that the student’s absence will be marked unexcused in Infinite Campus until a medical note is provided. We understand this is a change in practice from previous years. Please know that the front office staff at your child's school is here to help answer any questions or concerns.

Join BStrong Together for a FREE screening of the documentary film Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition on Thursday, November 21 at 7pm in the Prairie Campus Library. This new version of the original Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age film explores the profound effects that increased screen time can have on children's mental health. Learn about the challenges that elementary school-aged children, parents, and educators face in today’s digital world and discover practical strategies to help support their mental health and well-being. Following the film there will be a a Q&A discussion with local area experts including Barrington 220's Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Innovation, Dr. Matt Fuller. Click here to reserve your free ticket.

Barrington 220 contracts with Quest Food Management Services Inc. for all meals served in grades K-12. If you're a D220 parent or student, Quest would like your feedback about breakfast and lunch in our schools.

• Click here to take the K-8 food services survey.
• Click here to take the BHS food services survey.

Last week the Kindergarten Lab students at Barrington High School visited Ms. Foley's AP Chemistry class, where they had a chance to learn about chemical reactions. At the end of the class, Ms. Foley demonstrated a chemical reaction on a pumpkin in honor of Halloween! Click here to learn more about the K-Lab at BHS.