October 1, 2023

We hope you can join us this month for two ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the end of Build 220 construction at two of our schools!

The first ceremony will be held at 3pm on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at the Barrington Early Learning Center. Construction at the ELC began this past summer. Key projects included improving safety and security, improving temperature control in the building, replacing the phone system with a new digital system, and connecting the ELC parking lot to the BMS-Prairie Campus parking lot.

The second ceremony will be held at 3:30pm on Monday, Oct. 16 at Arnett C. Lines Elementary. Construction at Lines began this past summer. Key projects included improving safety and security, building a new STEM lab and art room on the third floor, and creating a sensory room that provides students with a therapeutic space where they can focus themselves so that they can be better prepared to learn. 

Front atrium addition at BHS

STEM lab at Barbara B. Rose

STEM lab at North Barrington

Construction continues at the last three schools in the district: Barrington High School, Barbara B. Rose Elementary, and North Barrington Elementary. Beyond increased safety and security measures, as well as general repairs and maintenance, the following key projects are underway at each school:

• The new front atrium addition will be a commons area that serves as a flexible learning space, as well as a place where students can eat lunch, meet in groups, or work on individual projects. Click here to view video!

• The finishing touches are currently being put on the new state-of-the-art culinary arts lab. Click here to view video! 

• DLA Architects will present three options for new fine, visual, and performing fine arts spaces to the Board of Education at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

A new STEM lab is being constructed using a portion of the current outdoor courtyard. It is anticipated to be completed this winter. Click here to view photos and video!

North Barrington Elementary

A new STEM lab is being constructed using a portion of the current outdoor courtyard. It is anticipated to be completed this winter. Click here to view photos and video!

In coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), FEMA will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 1:20pm. All major U.S. wireless providers participate in Wireless Emergency Alerts and will transmit the national test to their subscribers. The test will help to ensure that the Emergency Alert System continues to be an effective way to warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.

In June 2023 the Barrington 220 Board of Education approved the district's new strategic plan, Framework 220, which will guide the district's work over the next few years. The plan consists of six strategic priorities, and within each priority, there are several measurable objectives. 

In order to move the work forward on these objectives and ensure that our strategic plan continues to be a collaborative process, Barrington 220 is using a new survey platform called Qualtrics to gain feedback. Our first survey is about Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), which is an objective that falls under our Health & Well-Being strategic priority. If you're a D220 parent/guardian, please check your email or Infinite Campus inbox to complete the 3-minute survey!

Throughout the 2023-24 school year, Barrington 220 is celebrating its 50th anniversary! During the 1973-74 school year, the district officially became a pre-K thru 12+ unit school district.

50th Day of School on Nov. 1

Please join us in celebrating on Wednesday, November 1, which marks the 50th day of the 2023-24 school year. On this day we are asking students and staff to wear their district and school spirit wear. Please post your spirited photos to social media using the #Unifiedfor50 hashtag!

Celebrating 50 Years of Fine Arts

Please join us at the Barrington White House from 5pm-7:30pm on Nov. 1 to celebrate 50 Years of Fine Arts in Barrington 220. The Barrington Cultural Commission is partnering with Barrington 220 to celebrate through an interactive evening featuring elementary visual and performing artists, both past and present. Click here to register!

BACOG Passes 50th Resolution

At the Sept. 26 Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) Executive Board meeting, the Board passed a resolution to recognize the district's anniversary! Click here to read the resolution.

As part of our 50th anniversary celebration, we are sharing alumni stories! Read more about how Kim Scanlan's (BHS '11) journey in Barrington 220 led to her current position as a Senior Product Designer for one of the nation's most beloved doll brands. Click here to read her story.

IL State Superintendent praises Barrington 220

On Friday, Sept. 22 IL State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders visited Barrington 220 to tour some of the district's new learning spaces made possible by the Build 220 initiative. Dr. Sanders visited the new STEM lab, sensory room, and art room at Arnett C. Lines Elementary, and the new classroom addition at BMS-Station Campus. He also had a chance to tour the new athletic/P.E. wing at BHS, the new culinary arts lab, and the new student services area. “I would love to see every district in the state be able to match and mirror the things that are being put in place here in Barrington," Dr. Tony Sanders shared in this recent news article.

Homecoming in Barrington was held the weekend of Sept. 22. The 2023 Homecoming Ambassadors were Megan Bergquist, Matthew Vitale, and Brady Wright. The Broncos beat Fremd 13-7 at the varsity football game! Click here to view photos of the parade and football game, courtesy community member Bob Lee.

The BHS Orchesis Dance Company invites you to its fall concert, Revival, playing October 14 & 15 at BHS. Admission is free for senior citizens. Click here to purchase tickets to this event, as well as many other Barrington 220 fine arts events happening this month!

Join BStrong Together and Broncos Committed students from BHS as they host the Annual Joe Kelsch Memorial Community Wellness Walk & Family Health Fair. This FREE event will be held on Sunday, October 15 from 12-2pm in Citizens Park. The event supports mental and physical wellness and builds strong community connections in support of children and families throughout the Barrington area. Click here for more information!

The Barrington Council for the Gifted and Talented (BCGT) invites all middle and high school students to participate in the 2023 Microsoft STEAM Hack-to-Learn event! Students will be able to connect with Microsoft technology experts, explore Generative AI, CoPilot, and more. The event is being offered virtually or in person at the Microsoft Chicago Campus on Friday, Oct. 20 from 8:30am-3:30pm. Click here for more information.

Join Barrington 220, the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, and BACOG for the annual BACC Legislative Breakfast. Hear first-hand updates from local and state legislators about issues affecting our community. The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 8:30am at the Barrington Park District. Click here to register.