District Newsletter February, 2025

Hello Barrington Families;

We are currently experiencing an active winter weather pattern, along with a wave of illnesses affecting our school community. February break is a welcome opportunity for educators and students alike to rest, recharge, and give our schools a chance to clear out lingering germs. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in March, refreshed, healthy, and ready to continue our learning journey. Wishing you all a safe and wonderful break next week!

2025/2026 Proposed Budget and March Voting:

When we return from the break we will only be nine days away from the March 11th vote. Please take a few minutes on March 11 to not only cast your important votes but to also bring in your children so they can learn about and participate in the voting process as well. We had an amazing voter turnout last year and we are hopeful that even more of our community turns out this year.

On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 9:00am we held our Deliberative Session regarding the proposed 2025/2026 school budget and resulting Warrant Articles. The Administrative Team in conjunction with the School Board and School Board Advisory Budget Committee have been working collaboratively since October to develop and refine the proposed budget for the 2025/2026 school year. In preparation for the March vote, you can access the video from the February 8, 2025 meeting as well as my presentation and the proposed and default budgets on our District website about half way down the homepage. I encourage you to take an hour or two to review and digest this information as it is quite different from years past. In the last couple newsletters I discussed the unusually high default budget along with some of the reasons for that increased number. As a reminder, the 2025/2026 default budget is an increase of 6.41% over the current 2024/2025 operating budget. Some of the factors contributing to that increase are a 12.4% increase in health insurance, rising transportation costs, contractual salary increases, an increased number of high school aged students as well as an up to 8% increase in our high school tuition rates.

Given this higher default budget, our team worked diligently to keep the proposed budget as close to the default budget as possible while still being able to maintain our quality educational services and facilities. As you review the budget documents on our website you will note that the 2025/2026 proposed budget is 7.53% over the current operating budget or a 1.1% increase over the default budget. This 1.1% equates to just under $329,000. That $329,000 supports many needed items such as grounds work (needed tree trimming and removal), food service and transportation increases, utility cost increases, cleaning services, non union salary increases, and ADA compliance website upgrades.

We have just published the first ever Community Voter Guide in conjunction with the Town Offices which explains each of the eight Warrant Articles that will be put forth to you as voters on March 11, 2025. Those eight Articles are:

1. Elected positions

2. Operating Budget

3. Extending the Moderator, Treasurer, and Clerk positions from 1 year positions to 2 year positions.

4. Oyster River High School Tuition Contract

5. Dover High School Tuition Contract - Please note that Coe Brown continues to be a School of Choice for Barrington residents. The School Board recently signed and agreed upon a two year Memorandum of Understanding with Coe Brown.

6. The Educator 3 Year Collective Bargaining Agreement

7. Adding to the Facilities Capital Reserve account with no additional taxation

8. Permission to hold a Special Meeting if the Educator Agreement were to fail

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions. I am here to help!

A Thought or Two:

As a parent and educator I have grown to refer to this time of the year as the “3rd Quarter Slump.” This tends to be the time when school is feeling very routine, we have been cooped up inside for what feels like forever, our vitamin D is running on empty given the lack of sunshine and our focus and motivation dips. “The dreaded 3rd Quarter Slump!” I can see my boys rolling their eyes at me now. This is the time of year that I really become a cheerleader for my boys. I check in with them more frequently, I ask more questions about school, friends, and activities, and I try to provide a little extra energy and excitement in the day. It has turned into a joke over the years however, I will tell you, it works! Even now in their 20’s and in college, I still jab at them about the 3rd Quarter Slump. The simple fact that they are aware and tease me about this time of year makes them more attentive and engaged. So, help your kiddos maintain their stride in the upcoming weeks by being an extra loud cheerleader.

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

We have already requested this information from our current 8th graders. Thank you to everyone who has sent in the completed documentation. For those of you who have not yet completed this process please do so immediately as your child’s enrollment in high school is not secured until this paperwork is received and the high school assignment form is signed by me and then sent to the appropriate high school.

Fourth grade families, we will be reaching out to you next. Please take a moment now to put your hands on a copy of a mortgage bill or lease agreement and another form of documentation that ties your name to your address such as a utility bill. We thank you in advance for your timely cooperation. We will need all completed packets by April 11, 2025.

Snow Days and the School Calendar:

Given our 2 snow days the tentative last day of school is now on 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 tends to be a rowdy winter month 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 the 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 .

• 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.

• 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!