July 11, 2024

Final Build 220 projects underway at BHS

Final projects from the district's Build 220 initiative are underway at Barrington High School this summer. These include renovating the Hart Road Lot and Stadium Parking Lot, cafeteria, athletic department office, athletic and student entrances, and mechanical upgrades. Due to construction, this summer the Main Street entrance is the only entrance and exit to the campus.

Pending any unforeseeable costs that may arise during construction this summer, the $147 million Build 220 initiative is projected to be completed on time and under budget. By law, surplus funds must be spent on projects consistent with the referendum question approved by voters in 2020. The Board of Education will discuss possible projects to be completed using the anticipated surplus funds.

BHS cafeteria improvements (pictured) include three new flexible classroom spaces, new flooring, lighting, and paint, new flexible furniture, video wall installation w/ large flatscreen TV, new sound system, and two new single occupancy restrooms.

The athletic entrance near the pool (pictured) and student entrances will be easily identifiable with large canopies that match the main entrance to the high school. In addition, each entrance will each have a secure vestibule.

The new athletics office is conveniently located next to the main gym.

Kindergarten Lab construction underway at BHS!

This summer construction crews are transforming two BHS classrooms into the district's innovative new K-Lab! The full-day Kindergarten Lab Program will provide unique learning opportunities to kindergarten and high school students, thanks to its location at BHS. Click here to view construction video.

The Barrington 220 Board of Education will continue to discuss a final plan for a potential referendum question on the November 2024 ballot at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 23.

The latest round of feedback collected this past spring revealed that Option 3 is the most preferred by the community, taking the top spot in the scientific phone survey by a wide margin. Click here to view the full breakdown of results. To watch the full presentation on the Board's YouTube channel, please click here.

Earlier this summer, the Referendum Advisory Committee also shared its recommendation for a potential referendum question. Seventy-seven percent of committee members recommended that the Board move forward with Option 3. Click here to view the committee's presentation.

Board of Education members joined Dr. Winkelman as the grand marshals of this year's Village of Barrington 4th of July parade. The district was selected to lead the annual parade in honor of its 50th anniversary, which the community celebrated throughout the 2023-24 school year.

2024-25 class assignments to be posted next month

Each school year year Barrington 220 selects a theme for the entire district. The theme is designed to inspire and guide our school community throughout the year. Please stay tuned for the 2024-25 theme, which will be revealed right before the start of the school year!

Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, there will be four early release days for students throughout the school year. These are in addition to the regular Wednesday early release days. This will provide staff with more opportunities to review student data, plan instruction, and engage in professional development. The four early release days for the 2024-25 school year will fall on Aug. 30, Sept. 27, March 20, and April 17. There is no school for the Early Learning Center on these days. Below are the hours for an early release. Click here to view all school hours for each level.

• Elementary Day: 8am - 10:45am
• Middle School Day: 8:52am - 11:37am
• High School Day: 8:30am - 11:15am

Join BStrong Together and BHS Broncos Committed students at the 3rd Annual Joe Kelsch Memorial Community Wellness Walk & Family Health Fair. This fun, FREE event will be held on Sunday, September 22 from 12pm - 2pm at Citizens Park. Click here to learn more about sponsorship and booth hosting opportunities.