This past week certainly was emotional and bittersweet for our staff and students. While we are very excited to welcome students back into the building and eager to continue to provide a high quality remote learning experience, it was extremely difficult to close out our current classes and transition our students to new sections in preparation for next week. With that being said, our staff will continue to work collaboratively to support all of our students moving forward. We will be actively finding ways to stay connected to the entire Grove Community despite the fact that some students will be in different learning modes. 

Additional information regarding the return to in-person learning will be sent out to families in a separate email this weekend. Please be sure to review the details carefully if your child will be returning to Grove next week. 

We continue to anticipate the day when all students will be safely back in our building at the same time and view our transition next week as a positive step forward toward that objective!!! Until then, we will strive to maintain the goal and spirit behind our theme for this school year, Near or Far, Grove Grizzlies are Rockstars!!! 

District 220 Announces New Superintendent

The Barrington 220 Board of Education is pleased to announce it has selected Dr. Robert Hunt as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Hunt’s contract was unanimously approved at the Jan. 12, 2021 Board of Education meeting, and he will officially begin his duties on July 1, 2021. He will succeed Dr. Brian Harris, who is retiring on June 30 after 34 years in public education. 

Dr. Hunt’s selection is the culmination of a months-long national search process that included input from Barrington 220 stakeholders and produced highly qualified applicants from diverse geographic and professional backgrounds.

“This past fall, stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide input on the qualities desired in the district’s next superintendent,” said Board President Penny Kazmier. “Based on this criteria, the Board is confident Dr. Hunt is the right person to become our next superintendent. We were impressed by his commitment to the development of the whole child, placing equal importance on both the academic and social-emotional success of students. Dr. Hunt demonstrates the leadership style and desire to build personal relationships, which the Board believes will serve the Barrington 220 community well. We are grateful he has accepted our invitation to join our district and look forward to him becoming a part of our community.”

Dr. Hunt brings significant experience and leadership in education, most recently as the Superintendent of Schools for Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District in Chagrin Falls, OH, where he has served since 2012. In October 2020 Dr. Hunt was named “Ohio Superintendent of the Year” by the AASA (American Association of School Administrators).

Kindergarten Round-Up for 2020-2021 School Year

Parents of our incoming kindergarten students are invited to attend our Kindergarten Round-Up on Monday, February 1st at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom At this time, parents will hear an overview of the kindergarten programs, meet kindergarten staff, ask questions, and have the opportunity to pre-register for the 2021-2022 school year. 

 

More detailed informational sessions for parents interested in Spanish Dual Language or Chinese Immersion programs will be held in February. 

 

Please be sure to share the date for Kindergarten round-up with neighbors, friends, and community members who have kindergarten age children and may not have a child in the school system to hear about the event from our district.

Save the Date - Virtual Family STEM Night 

Our STEM teachers across the district are creating an amazing Virtual Family STEM Night for Thursday, February 11th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Families will be able to join virtually or do the activities on their own!! More information to come soon!! 

School Picture Distribution and Picture Retakes 

Our school pictures have arrived! We will be distributing the pictures to students who are attending in person the week of January 19th. Pictures will be available for pick-up for families whose children are remaining in remote learning starting the week of January 19th as well. 

We do have a schedule picture retake day for Friday, January 29th. More details regarding picture retakes will be sent out soon!! 

Resource for Adults to Help Support Kids Through Times of Change 

As our children begin the transition to Hybrid 2.0, we know the support we provide as parents, caregivers, and educators is more important than ever. I strongly encourage you to read and reflect on this blog, written by a parent and teacher, entitled, "Supporting Kids Through Times of Change". The author provides specific ideas to help children cope with transitions. While our teachers will provide support to their students as we make the shifts ahead, our children are also looking to us as parents and caregivers for our support as well. Thank you, and please reach out to us if you have specific concerns or questions regarding your child.

Social Emotional Support for Students 

As our students continue to navigate our consistently changing landscape due to COVID 19, we are continuously considering how our children are coping and their overall mental health. Please know that our school and district are here to support our students who are struggling and may benefit from additional resources. Please see the attached letter regarding this and view the short video explaining how families can access the online META app that is also available to connect students with counselors while at home. Please also keep in mind that parents can contact our school based support directly by emailing our Social Worker, Mr. Walcott, at cwalcott@barrington220.org or our School Psychologist, Tonya Tompkins-Wisz, at ttompkins@barrington220.org.

Upcoming Dates 

Monday, January 18th - MLK Day, No School 

Tuesday, January 19th - Hybrid 2.0 Learning Model Begins 

Tuesday, January 19th - PTO Meeting, 9:15 a.m. via Zoom 

Tuesday, January 19th - Fleece or flannel? Dress in your favorite warm winter wear!

Monday, January 25th - Grove Gear All Year!! Wear your favorite Grove shirt or school colors!! 

Thursday, January 28th - 2nd Trimester Report Cards available to parents in IC 

Friday, January 29th - Picture Retake Day

Monday, February 1st - Kindergarten Round-Up via Zoom for 2021-2022 School Year, 6:30 p.m. 

Thursday, February 11th - Virtual Family STEM Night, 6:00-7:30 p.m.