Rose Update

Thank you to the parents and family members that attended Back to School Night yesterday! It was so nice to be able to meet some of you that I have not met before and of course to see some of the faces that have become familiar to me.

At Rose, we have been working on reinforcing the different ways we can "Be Kind-Be Strong-Be Well." This week 2nd grade showed kindness, respect and responsibility. We had a new 2nd grade student start school this week. As the second grade classes entered the building on Tuesday, they were so eager to share that a new student was coming. When I asked them who was going to be a good friend to this student, dozens of hands shot up into the air. Later that morning, when I walked the student into the classroom, two 2nd grade classmates immediately popped out of their seats and came to the welcome the student and introduce themselves. Special shout-out to the second grade student who at the end of the day respectfully told the students waiting for the bus to stand in line behind the yellow line because that would keep them safe (Thanks for listening to me!).

Speaking of safety, next week is Safety Week and each day we will have a different focus. Students will be watching safety videos or participating in several safety drills over the course of week. Here is a brief overview of what will be happening:

• Monday- Introduction to Safety Week

• Tuesday-Lockdown drill with police department

• Wednesday- Shelter in place (Extreme weather safety)

• Thursday- Fire Drill with fire department

• Friday- Bus Evacuation Drills

  
  

The safety of our students and staff are a priority and we appreciate your cooperation and support of these activities.

Lastly, the book fair is next week. I have been reading The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. The movie comes out at the end of the month and I can't see it without reading the book first! Come to the book fair find a great book to read at home!

Dr. Cindy Ruesch

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 our front office is here to help answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Students can arrive on campus starting at 7:40 AM Monday-Friday. Please do not drop off your child before then as we will not have adult supervision in place.

In an effort to maintain safety, please use the crosswalk when parking and walking to the building during morning arrival. This allows for flow of the car traffic to move efficiently and safely.

To be able to safely monitor the car pick-up line, we are only allowing students to enter the car if it is in the yellow striped zone in front of the building.

If your child has left materials our items in the buildings and would like to return to their locker or classroom, after 2:50, students will need to check-in with the office.

Friday, September 13, 2024

9:00am -10:00am

Please join us for the first General PTO Meeting of the school year! In addition to updates from Principal Ruesch, we will have Barrington 220 Superintendent, Dr. Craig Winkelman, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carpenter, join us to share important information about the referendum projects. Breakfast bites and coffee will be provided. Kindly RSVP using the link in the weekly PTO newsletter.

September 9th-13th

• Family Book Fair Night is on September 11th between 5pm - 8pm. An ice cream truck will be available outside the building the entire time so come to the book fair to find some new gems for your home library and enjoy ice cream with the entire family on your way out!

During the first half of 2024, more than 2,500 community members collaborated on a plan to continue to improve Barrington 220's aging school buildings. The final $64M community-driven plan will go to you, the voter, for approval as a referendum question on this November 5 election ballot. If successful, the referendum will:

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

Even though these events are being hosted at specific schools, they are open for all members of the D220 community to attend at the location that works best for them. Join us at one of our upcoming community meetings to learn more about the referendum, tour current spaces, and see why these improvements are needed:

• 6pm Monday, Sept. 9 at Barrington High School
• 6pm Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Station Campus
• 6pm Thursday, Sept. 19 at Barbara B. Rose Elementary
• Noon Saturday, Sept. 28 at Barrington High School (immediately following the homecoming parade)

Here is the updated breakfast and lunch menu for the month of September.

• As part of Framework 220—Health and Wellness, District 220 will implement Character Strong into our daily learning schedule.
• This month the character trait is Respect. Click here for the family letter for the month of September.
• You can also use this link to access the Family Character Strong website.
  

#ThePlaceToB - a mini-musical is a 15-minute original musical in three scenes that tells the story of how a fictional Barrington 220 student, Gemma, finds her place. Along with her two friends, Sunny and Billy, we follow Gemma from elementary school—to middle school—and through high school—as they change through the years. The friends have different interests at different times, but they eventually reconnect to find that Barrington 220 is #ThePlaceToB.

This musical was written, composed, and performed in partnership with over 50 Barrington 220 students and staff between February and August, 2024. The project featured the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a creative tool. AI was used by the group while brainstorming the plot, writing the dialogue, and creating the initial song lyrics. Although using AI was contemplated for songwriting and choreography, these elements were found to be better created using traditional methods.

The Barrington 220 Educational Foundation has the goal to encourage curiosity, inspire students' passion for learning and career exploration, and provide enriching opportunities through private funding. Their work has raised $4.4 million in funds to support our schools. Click here to read more about the work of the Foundation and how you can get involved.

Here is the link to the weekly PTO newsletter.