Barnard

Overview

Barnard is a high-performing school because of the commitment and dedication of the entire Barnard learning community, which includes teachers, students, parents, support staff and community members. Barnard's philosophy is that all children can learn with the appropriate instruction and motivation. Barnard provides a rigorous instructional program to all students and works with parents so that they can help their children to succeed.

Grades
Barnard offers a Pre-School For All program, as well as kindergarten through eighth grade classes.

Location
Barnard is located in the lovely historic area of East Beverly.

Initiatives for parents
Barnard has DIBELS and ISAT parent meetings several times a year to ensure that parents are aware of our progress and goals, and the assistance they must provide in order for our school to continue to be an exemplary school that is striving for excellence.

Programs

Curricular programs
Barnard offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, which includes Language B – Spanish, Fine Arts and Drama.

Partner programs
As part of the IB Middle Years Program, Barnard partners with Morgan Park High School in a program of study that includes:  Spanish language instruction, biology laboratory science, and algebra to upper grade students before entry into high school.

Other programs
Barnard also participates in the Hispanic Folkloric Dance Program and the Renaissance Learning/Accelerated Reader.

Awards and recognition

Awards
2006 – 2008 – Adequate Yearly Progress Award
2008 – Spotlight School Award for academic achievement in closing the achievement gap and meeting high standards
2007 – CPS 1st Place, 7th-8th Grade Boys Tennis
2009 – CPS 2nd Place, 7th-8th Grade Boys Tennis
2008 – Runner-up – Chicago Bulls/Harris Bank “Adopt a School” contest
2007 – Chicago Metra Poster Contest – 1st and 3rd place winners
2008 and 2009 – Chicago Teachers Union Young Artist Award
2008 – Domestic Violence Awareness Award
2008 – 4th Place, Area 16 Academic Olympics, Math
2007 – 2008 – Choir performed for Operation Push which has an international audience

Test scores:
Reading – 65.2% Meet/Exceed Standards
Math – 71.2% Meet/Exceed Standards
Science – 73.8% Meet/Exceed Standards

Attendance
Promotion Rate – 3rd grade: 86.20%; 6th grade: 97.10%; 8th grade: 100%

Our current attendance rate for this school year is 94.8%.

Teaching recognition
One teacher received her doctorate. 

Two teachers were D.R.I.V.E. Nominee Award winners.

Dr. Stepancic received a doctorate.  Ms. Valerie Schiller is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Michaelene Kelly received the $5,000.00 Met Life Community Award in 2008

Testimonials

from  a parent:
"There is so much to be said about this wonderful place we call Barnard, but I think that the success and mission fulfillment of the school starts at the top with the principal. Mrs. Jordan has been simply a breath of fresh air! She makes herself available to the students and parents. No problem is too small or too large to speak with her about. Her open-door policy has been important to the level of communication that takes place here between staff, parents and students. It makes for a better school environment when everyone feels that someone wants to hear their side of the story. She works with the staff to find contests, programs, and events for the children to participate in, and always encourages them to do their best. Mrs. Jordan supports the students in their work outside of school as well. She works well with the parent organization which, again, makes for a great environment. Due to her strong family values and sense of fairness, she understands the problems facing modern students daily and works with them to press on. It’s that sense of family that she brings with her every day in her good attitude. Mrs. Jordan has also brought with her to Barnard her peaceful personality which, in turn, makes Barnard a place where my family and I feel validated as people, respected, loved, and safe.

We love this school because not only do we have a great principal, but the teaching staff is simply wonderful as well. From the office staff to the food service staff, there is order and purpose. I believe Mrs. Jordan is involved in most aspects of the school not because she has to be, but because enjoys her work."

from a parent:
"I am a parent of two students at Barnard. I think that the parent input has had a major impact at Barnard School. I am ver proud of all our efforts toward making Barnard School such a great place."

from a student:
"I think the faculty and staff make Barnard School great! The teachers are always there for you, and go the extra mile to help you out. They provide extracurricular activities for all of the students.

Our wonderful principal, Mrs. Jordan, has provided such great rewards for good students, and perfect attendance. I will never forget the cookies and cream ice cream with hot fudge we had for the honor roll party! I love the sports program at Barnard and I love the cool field trips we go on. Last year, we went to City Hall and met our Alderman!

Barnard is a cool school with nice teachers and great students, and it’s a comfortable, safe place to learn."

from a teacher:
"When I came to Barnard in 2001, I was greeted warmly and professionally, in the Barnard tradition. Since becoming the Barnard IBMYP Coordinator three years ago, I have found that the parents and students appreciate the rigor of the IBMYP Programme. The students are thinking internationally. They are aware of their responsibility to society, as evidenced by their many hours of community service."

Safety

What makes Barnard a safe school?

Programs and policies

• 2 off-duty police officers on patrol during school hours
• 14-member parent patrol, armed with walkie-talkies, monitoring before- and after-school student activities around the building and the neighborhood
• Strict safety rules and policies for students, emphasized at the beginning of the year and throughout the school year.
• Strict hallway monitoring procedures
• School crossing guard

In their words

• “The teachers and parents are very active in the safety of the children.  Along with teachers, parents and the community members are our second eyes.”
-Mildred Nolan-Muhammad, assistant principal
• “When you have the community and the teachers and the parent patrol, things are real safe around here.”
-Clint Towers, parent patrol coordinator
• “Barnard is in a good neighborhood.  There are not that many problems here.  Also, a lot of people know I’m here.”
-Bill Wieczorek, Chicago Police Officer and off-duty patrolman at Barnard