On Friday, September 27, Barnard received preliminary information from CPS that indicates Barnard has moved from their previous status as a Level 3 school, to a Level 2. Although this information is tentative, it is a clear indication that the exceptional hard work of Barnard's teachers and staff is helping to increase Barnard's level of achievement, and is bringing our school back up to the standards of excellence that have defined us for years.

In a communication to our school from Dr. Barbara Byrd-Bennett, she states that based on criteria established through the "Performance, Remediation and Probation Policy (13-0424-PO2), Barnard has achieved a rating of Level 2. As a result of this rating and other criteria established in the Performance Policy, Barnard's status for the School Year 2013-2014 (SY13-14) is Not on Probation. Your school's status will remain in effect until 2014-2015 notifications are released next year".

One important thing to note is that the achievement standards have been increased by new cut scores by the Illinois State Board of Education. Despite these new rigorous standards, Barnard showed the growth necessary to bring our school to a Level 2 designation.

This will be the last year that CPS schools will be evaluated by the existing Performance Policy. Next year, schools will be evaluated  by the new School Quality Rating Policy. We are confident with the exceptional work of our teachers in addressing the rigor of Common Core as well as focused instruction on the diverse needs of all our students, that our quality rating will continue to reflect increased growth.

We are extremely proud of the hard work of our teachers, staff, students and parents. In addition achievement criteria, a major factor in the school's standing is attendance. We truly appreciate the efforts of our students and families to ensure that our students are at school every day, on time and ready to learn.

To access our Performance Policy as well as the informational letter from Dr. Byrd-Bennett, click here.

Fliers went home on Friday for our After School All Stars programming. We are extremely excited this year to offer several exciting programs for students of all ages!

The beginning of After School All Stars is just around the corner, with an anticipated start date of October 7th.  Check out the club descriptions and eligibility information to participate in some great after school experiences!

If you’re interested in signing up for a before or after school club, fill out the registration slip on the back of the flier, have a parent sign the permission slip and return it to the Main office All Star Registration box. A schedule of registration and programming dates is published in the flier as well.

If you’re interested in signing up for a before or after school club, fill out the registration slip on the flier, have a parent sign the permission and return it to the Main office All Star Registration box. A schedule of registration dates is included on the flier. To access the information for our After School All Stars program, click here to be directed to the Barnard website.

Parents will have the opportunity to meet the approved providers and ask questions about the free tutoring services available for students in grades K-8.  The information will help parents select the best tutoring provider for their child.  Supplemental Educational Services (SES) are geared to students who need assistance in reading, and/or math and who qualify for free/reduced lunch.  The services provided will help raise students’ achievement and help the school meet “adequate yearly progress.” For a copy of the flier on our website, please click here.
Vendor Fair - Barnard Elementary School - Wednesday, October 9th, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Parents! Please check our uniform policy in your school handbook (in your child's agenda OR from the copy you received at the beginning of the year). This can also be accessed on our website by clicking here. 

As we stated in our last eNewsletter, we have given families ample opportunity to ensure that the guidelines are being followed and chose to go a month beyond the CPS uniform deadline. We will be sending notices home with students out of uniform beginning tomorrow. For the older grades, 3 notices will earn a detention.

Please make sure you are clear on the style, color and type of tops, bottoms, shoes and socks that are part of the expectation of our uniform policy. We truly appreciate your help and hope that the extended deadline has helped your familiy adhere to the school policy.

GYM UNIFORMS: Please note that grades will NOT be affected in gym for lack of gym uniforms for the next few weeks. The first wave of orders are scheduled to arrive on Monday, September 30th, with additional orders to follow in approximately one week. We anticipate enforcing gym uniform compliance near the end of October to accommodate our families and leave time for orders to arrive. 

If you anticipate using your own purchases for gym uniforms, please read the uniform policy, which clearly provides guidelines for acceptable gym wear.

Thank you!

Online ordering is available! Our new partnership with Silk Screen Express has allowed us to be able to offer affordable gym wear as well as standard uniform pants, skirts and plain polo tops. String backpacks with the Barnard logo imprinted on them are available as well!

Within a few weeks, the clothing will be delivered to Barnard and we will send it home with your child. Credit card ordering is available through the online portal. To access our online store: http://www.silkscreenx.com/barnard.php

We need you for Barnard's Wellness Team! Please consider offering your expertise and a little time to help us achieve a Healthy Schools rating! Parents will be needed to help us shape our school Wellness Policy within the CPS framework by serving on the Wellness Team. If you are interested, please email Ms. White at jawhite@cps.edu.

Monday, Sept. 30 - Red Day - St. Bernard Medical Van at Barnard

Tuesday, Oct. 1 - Blue Day

Wednesday, Oct. 2 - Green Day - Progress Reports released

Thursday, Oct. 3 - Red Day - Bullying Prevention Program - 1st - 8th

Friday, Oct. 4 - Blue Day