District Newsletter March, 2025

Hello Barrington Families;

Well, despite what the groundhog indicated, we have been experiencing some early spring temperatures and sunshine. What a welcome relief! Speaking of sunny and warm, your responses at the polls on March 11th were just that! All of the School District Warrant Articles passed by large margins. We know that this is an extremely challenging economic time for many and we so appreciate your dedication and support of our school facilities and staff. You all supported a new educator 3 year agreement that truly places Barrington educator salaries and benefits in a competitive range with area school districts. We want to extend our deepest gratitude for your support in voting for our school budget. Your commitment to our schools, our children, and our community is truly inspiring.

By casting your vote, you have helped ensure that our students continue to receive the quality education, resources, and opportunities they deserve. Your support strengthens not only our schools but also the entire community, fostering a brighter future for all. Thank you for standing together for our children and for each other.

Our educators continue to foster an environment of trust and respect for your children and for each other while perfecting their craft and changing as research and methodologies arise particularly in the area of the Science of Reading. We just concluded a 6 week training series with the Kindergarten - 4th grade teams to ensure that they all have the same baseline skills and knowledge in order to move our students and District forward in the areas of reading and writing. We will continue to perfect our systems and approaches as we conclude this year and look toward the next.

Are you looking for some family fun or do you have a competitive edge yourself? Consider joining the Barrington Community at the 2025 Peeper 5K race on May 3rd at 9am. New this year will be a Tadpole race for the little ones and don’t forget the Family Fun Day activities that take place from 9am -3pm. Not only is this a great time, the proceeds fund scholarships for our post secondary students. Check out the flyer for more information. 2025 Peeper Flyer.pdf

Residency Paperwork:

On December 5, 2023 the School Board Updated Policy JFA - Residency. The District will be requiring proof of residency as well as an Affidavit and Bus Form at the following intervals:

1) Upon enrollment in the District

2) Prior to the completion of 4th grade

3) Prior to the completion of 8th grade

4) Annually during each year of high school

If your child falls into one of the above grades please complete the required paperwork promptly. We thank you for your cooperation.

Snow Days and the School Calendar:

Given our 2 snow days the tentative last day of school is Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Reminder, the Barrington School District recognizes Juneteenth so there will be no school on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Please do not schedule camps and vacations just yet! March can still produce some nasty weather so we are not quite yet ready to set the 8th Grade Celebration date or the definitive last day of school. I anticipate bringing a recommendation to the School Board at either the April 1 or April 15, 2025 School Board meeting.

For future planning, here is the approved 2025/2026 School District Calendar .

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Happy March! We are dedicated to keeping you informed and involved in your child’s educational experience. Whether you're new to special education or have been a part of it for years, we aim to provide valuable information to support you and your child.

1. Overview of Special Education Services

Special education services are designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. These services are provided through a variety of educational programs, interventions, and accommodations to help students access the general education curriculum and succeed in school. The goal is to provide individualized support that helps every child reach their full potential.

Special education services may include:

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): These plans outline the specific goals, accommodations, and services a student will receive to address their unique learning needs.

• Related Services: These can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and more.

• Specialized Instruction: Tailored teaching methods and strategies designed to help students with specific learning challenges.

2. How to Get Started with Special Education Support

If you think your child may need special education services, the first step is to reach out to your child’s school. The process typically involves:

1. Referral to Special Education: A parent or the school team can refer a student to special education.

2. Evaluation: This is done through the school, where your child will be assessed to determine if they have a disability that impacts their learning.

3. Eligibility Determination: Based on the evaluation, the school will decide whether your child qualifies for special education services.

4. Developing an IEP: If eligible, a meeting will be scheduled to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which will outline the specific services and accommodations your child will receive.

5. Regular Review: Your child’s progress will be regularly monitored, and their IEP will be reviewed annually to ensure it continues to meet their needs.

We encourage you to stay involved in this process and advocate for your child’s needs at each step.

3. Key Services Available for Your Child

Depending on your child’s needs, a variety of special education services may be available to support their learning (this list is not exhaustive):

• Speech and Language Therapy: Helps students with communication challenges, including difficulties with speech, language, and understanding.

• Occupational Therapy (OT): Focuses on helping students develop skills needed for daily living activities and schoolwork, such as fine motor skills or sensory processing issues.

• Physical Therapy (PT): Assists students who have physical disabilities or motor impairments, helping them improve mobility and coordination.

• Behavioral Support: Provides strategies and interventions for students with behavioral challenges, often involving a behavioral intervention plan (BIP).

These services are tailored to each child’s specific needs and are designed to help them succeed in their educational environment.

4. Supporting Your Child’s Learning at Home

There are many ways to support your child’s learning outside of school. Here are some practical tips:

• Establish a Routine: Structure and consistency are vital for children with special needs. Try to maintain a consistent daily routine that includes set times for homework, meals, and relaxation.

• Create a Quiet Learning Environment: Minimize distractions at home during study time. A quiet, organized space will help your child focus better.

• Use Visual Aids: Visual schedules, charts, and color-coded materials can help children with learning disabilities, ADHD, or autism stay on track.

• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can be overwhelming. Break them down into manageable chunks to help your child feel more confident.

• Celebrate Small Achievements: Take time to celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how big or small. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to keep going.

5. Extended School Year

• Monday, July 7, 2025 – Thursday, July 31, 2025

Schedule & Hours:

• PK & Kindergarten: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

• Grades 1-7: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

We hope you found this newsletter helpful and informative. If you have any questions about special education services or how to get started, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your involvement makes a huge difference in your child’s educational success!

Procedural Safeguards

Thank you for your continued support!

Warm Regards,