March 17, 2021
Board continues to review preliminary design plans for BHS
At their March 16 meeting, Board members continued learning more about the preliminary design plans for the referendum construction projects at Barrington High School. Of the $147 million which the community approved for the March 2020 referendum, about $62 million is dedicated to the high school. BHS is currently in the design phase until approximately October 2021, with construction anticipated to begin in March 2022 and last through February 2025. Click here to listen to the discussion from the Board meeting.
D220 saves more than $2 million in energy costs
In his superintendent report at the March 16 Board meeting, Dr. Harris shared that Barrington 220 has received the Chairman's Sustainability Award from energy conservation company Cenergistic. The award is given to Cenergistic clients who have reached noteworthy savings from a long-term energy partnership. Since Barrington 220 implemented its energy saving program in April 2015, the district has cut energy costs by 24%, saving $2,236,000.
18 BHS students named National Merit Finalists
In his superintendent report at the March 16 meeting, Dr. Harris congratulated 18 BHS students who have been named 2021 National Merit Finalists. They are among some 7,600 finalists who were selected for the prestigious recognition, among a pool of some 15,000 semifinalists. The students now have the opportunity to compete for National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million. Winners will be selected based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments. Congrats to the following students:

Martha Abrahamson, Jacob Devadas, Emma Glenn, Sarah Huang, Ashwin Kasargode, Om Kolhe, Matthew Lee, Andrew Moritz, Aryan Nambiar, Saharsh Narayanam, Joseph Nepomuceno, Austin Nye, Sofia Rodriguez, Liam Starnes, Roseanne Strategos, Keegan Teal, Bryce Vist, and Isabella White 
Board recognizes National Board Certified teachers
At its March 16 meeting, the Board recognized two Barrington 220 teachers who recently earned their National Board Certification. The credential is considered to be one of the most respected nationwide among educators. Teachers earn the certification through a rigorous process and must renew every 10 years. Congratulations to the following teachers on earning their certification:

  • Julia Beatty, a fine arts teacher at Barrington High School, has been with Barrington 220 for 13 years.

  • Jennifer Hintz, a special education teacher at Sunny Hill Elementary, has been with Barrington 220 for 10 years.
Dr. Harris shares 20-21 school year updates
This week BMS-Station and BMS-Prairie welcomed back all students who selected the Hybrid model for 5 day/week, full day instruction. All elementary students who selected the Hybrid model will be able to return to 5 day/week, full day instruction on Monday, March 29. All students who selected Distance Learning will remain in that instructional model. Families who wish to switch from the Distance Learning model to the Hybrid model may be able to do so if there is space in your child's school later this spring. Space is limited, as all mitigation efforts are still in effect.
Contact tracing and COVID-19 Symptom Screening
Dr. Harris also discussed contact tracing and how the district may begin to see an increase in the number of students who must quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19. This is because public health guidelines state social distance for in-person learning is now defined as 3 to 6 feet for students and fully vaccinated staff, however contact tracing guidelines have not changed. If a student is within six feet of someone who has COVID-19, for more than 15 minutes in a 24-hour period, that student will have to quarantine. Staff members who are fully vaccinated would not have to quarantine. To review all revised public health guidelines for schools from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health, please click here. 

Remember, it is critical that families continue completing the COVID-19 Symptom Screening each day before school.
Academic testing
High school juniors will take the SAT on April 13 in-person. Freshmen and sophomores will not be taking the PSAT, as the state is not offering it this year. AP testing will take place in May. More information will be provided by BHS.  
 
Students in grades 3-8 will take the IAR (Illinois Assessment Readiness) in April in-person. This exam must be taken in-person and schools will coordinate with families participating in the Distance Learning model to bring those students in.
Board approves 2022-23 academic calendar
In order to make planning easier for families, each year the Board makes an effort to approve school calendars in advance. At its March 16 meeting, the Board approved the academic calendar for the 2022-23 school year. Click here to view the 2022-23 calendar.

To view the academic calendar for next school year (2021-22), click here.
Educational Foundation hosting "Golf Fore 220"
In her president's report at the March 16 meeting, Board President Penny Kazmier shared that the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation will be hosting a golf outing called "Golf Fore 220" to benefit the students of Barrington 220. The event will be held on June 14, 2021 at Kemper Lakes and the Foundation is currently looking for sponsors. Click here to learn more.

Watch the video link below to learn more about the many ways the Foundation has worked to encourage curiosity, inspire students' passion for learning and career exploration, and provide enriching opportunities through private funding.