~Mission~

We empower our community of learners in a safe and supportive environment to nurture compassion, cultivate curiosity, and inspire innovation.

~Vision~

The Barrington School District strives to be a community learning and growing together; giving students roots and wings.

Growing Together: Monthly District Updates

Each morning as I lazily start my day to the amazing smell of coffee brewing I open 3 Apps on my phone without fail. The first is the weather App so I know how to dress for the day, the second is my calendar so I can start thinking about the day’s upcoming events and expectations and third is my exercise App. Today as I wandered into the exercise room I thought about how cold it is outside and then my eyes focused on the window, ugh, snow! Well, given that writing the November Newsletter is on the calendar for today it only seems right to share the snow day process. This is an area that I may not always get right (thank you New England!) and certainly not everyone will agree with my decision however, I will always make my decision based on student safety at the time in which I need to make the call. Please know that you as a parent/guardian can always make the decision to keep your child home. We all have different thoughts and feelings when it comes to driving in inclement weather.

 

Many of you may not be aware of the logistics surrounding how a delayed opening, early dismissal, or snow day is determined. I have been in contact with many individuals over the past couple of weeks to ensure that we are all on the same page. Here are the steps that occur:

 

1. If there is a clear cut storm arriving then I will work to make the call the evening prior. Nobody likes to anxiously wait and wonder about a snow day and certainly most of us would rather our sleep not get interrupted at 5:00am.

2. If the timing of the storm requires a morning decision, that process begins at 4:00am when the Bus Company calls the Road Agent in Barrington to discuss the conditions of the road. Please keep in mind that it takes approximately 4 hours to safely clear and treat the roads of Barrington (if they are fully staffed). We also have to rely on state workers for the clearing of Routes 4, 9, and 125. The timing of the storm will then dictate the time at which we can expect the roads to be travelable and as a result the potential start of school.

 

3. In the meantime, I am on the phone with area Superintendents to discuss the conditions in their towns and what they are thinking. This is primarily done given that we send our high school age students to 3 different towns and I want to do my best to ensure the safety of all

students. It is possible that Barrington is delayed or closed and our high school towns may not be making the same call. Please understand that busing availability will follow the decision that I make in Barrington.

 

4. The Bus Company then calls me to discuss the conditions and we make a decision based on all gathered information. I will strive to have this information out to you all between 5:00 - 5:30am. Please make sure that we have your accurate contact information in our system. The Administrative Assistants at each of the schools can assist if needed.

Budget Process Update:
As we prepare for the December School Board meetings, our major focus continues to be the proposed 2026–27 School Budget. At the December 2, 2025 meeting, the School Board and I will be ready to address questions from the School Board Advisory Budget Committee. The committee has been an active and engaged participant since we began our work in early October, and this meeting will allow members to ask clarifying questions and offer insights and suggestions to the Board.

At the December 16, 2025 meeting, the School Board will consider any final adjustments to the proposed 2026–27 budget. Following that meeting, we will begin drafting the Warrant Articles that will be presented to Barrington residents at the January 6, 2026 Budget Hearing.

Remaining key dates in this year’s budget process include:

• Budget Hearing: January 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., BMS Cafeteria
  
  

• Deliberative Session: February 7, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., BMS Cafeteria
  
  

• Voting Day: March 10, 2026 at BMS
  
  

This year’s budget development process has been especially challenging. As we all continue to experience higher prices across many aspects of daily life, these pressures similarly affect the development of a school district budget. Your Administrative Team has been, as always, extremely thoughtful and cautious in building the upcoming budget. We have chosen to postpone several initiatives in order to present the most fiscally responsible plan possible for the community.

Our goal is to maintain current student programming as we look ahead to the 2026 school year. However, this does not mean we can present a 0% increase. Several budget areas rise annually and are beyond our control, including increases in food service and transportation, contractual salary obligations, high school tuition rates, and the rapidly escalating cost of health care.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. I am always happy to discuss the budget in greater detail and work toward shared understanding.

As always, our School Board meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live or recorded through WebEx, accessible via our website. We encourage all community members to stay informed and engaged throughout the process.

Reminders and Repeated Information

• 8th Grade Families: Residency paperwork is due by January 23, 2026. Even if your child hasn’t chosen a high school yet, the residency affidavit and supporting documentation must be submitted by January 23, 2026. This annual verification ensures that Barrington taxpayers support only Barrington students, as we pay tuition for each enrolled high school student. Additionally, the Oyster River High School Lottery Process is underway. If your 8th grader is considering attending Oyster River High School next year be sure to complete the application packet.
  
  

• The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) has recently released a valuable new resource for families—the Diabetes Toolkit. This toolkit was developed to provide schools and families with important information about Type 1 Diabetes, in accordance with RSA 200:40-d. We encourage families to explore this resource under the wellness tab of our district website and through the NHED website, to learn more about supporting students with diabetes in our schools.

Thank you for your continued support. Wishing you all a heartfelt Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Deannah Rae

Superintendent

[email protected]

As we continue to strengthen teaching and learning across the district, we want to share an update on our mathematics curriculum and invite your feedback.

Math Curriculum

Barrington is now in the third year of implementing new our math programs:

• Reveal Math for grades K–5
  

• Ready Math for grades 6–8

For most students, everyone except those currently in grades 4 and 5, these programs have been the core of their math instruction for their entire academic experience. This consistency should support strong skill development over time.

I have been visiting classrooms across all grade levels to see math lessons in action, observe student learning, and identify areas where we can continue to support teachers and students.

At-Home Practice Resources

If your child would benefit from additional practice at home, here are some tools teachers are using:

• Grades K–5: Many classrooms use XtraMath to build fact fluency.
  Visit: https://home.xtramath.org/
  
  

• Grades 6–8: Students have free access to Khan Academy, where they can review skills or explore new topics.
  Visit: https://www.khanacademy.org/
  
  

I Want to Hear From You

Your perspective matters. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey and share your experience with Barrington’s curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices. Your feedback will help guide my focus this year as I get to know the district.

Curriculum Survey

Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s education!

Emily Sherman

Curriculum Coordinator

esherman@sau74.org

Katie Kukesh

Director of Student Services

[email protected]

Congrats for making it through the first Trimester! For those families that have students who bring home Chromebooks, I wanted to make you aware of an important insurance Window deadline that is approaching next month.

Effective November 1, 2025, the price for the repair or replacement of a device damaged due to accident, loss, or theft has increased.

 

Price Adjustments

• Screen and keyboard/case repair is $55.

• Device replacement is $180.

 

Loaner Device Policy

Students whose device damage is not the result of intentional mishandling or abuse will be issued a loaner device while their computer is being repaired.

 

Chromebook Device Insurance.

To ensure that your student's learning device remains fully functional throughout the year without incurring unexpected costs, we are offering an optional device insurance option. Accidental damage can happen quickly, and the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged Chromebook can be significant.

The benefits of this insurance include:

• Comprehensive coverage for accidental damage, such as cracked screens, liquid spills, and drops.

• Protection from high, unexpected repair or replacement fees.

 

The cost for the entire school year is just $23 per device.

 

To enroll please visit www.schooldevicecoverage.com/signup .

Jeff DeLangie Sr.

Director of Technology

[email protected]

It seems like I am always letting you know how things are in the facilities within the district. What we are doing and what is coming up for new projects or what is on the agenda. This time around I would like to thank your children for being respectful and courteous of the buildings and the grounds. It is a pleasure to have them take care of things like a piece of trash, someones clothing or just helping out. It is nice to see. Please let them all know how much they are appreciated in keeping our schools clean, healthy and safe, it is very much appreciated. Tell them THANK YOU!

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Best,

Joe Williams

Facilities Manager

[email protected]

Who can receive free or reduced price meals?

 

• All children in households receiving benefits from NH SNAP or NH TANF, are eligible for free meals.
• Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals.
• Children participating in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free meals.
• Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free meals.
• Children may receive free or reduced-price meals if your household’s income is within the limits set by the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price meals if your household income falls at or below the limits on this chart.

 

 

A household may apply for benefits at any time during the school year. Children of parents or guardians who become unemployed or experience a financial hardship mid-year may become eligible for free and reduced-price meals or free milk at any point during the school year. Only one application is required for all children in the household attending schools in the same LEA. Only the last four digits of the Social Security Number of the household’s primary wage earner or another adult household member (or an indication of “none”) is needed when submitting the application. Information submitted on the application may be subject to verification.

 

The simplest way to apply for Free and Reduced meals is to complete an application in LINQConnect. https://linqconnect.com/main

 

To access the LINQConnect application form:

 

Log into your LINQConnect account

Under "Quick Links", select "Meal Applications" (bottom right of the screen)

Type "Barrington" in the search engine to find the Barrington School District (Barrington, NH) online application form

 

Free and Reduced meals applications are also available at your child's main school office upon request. Please be sure the application you are given has the current school year listed on it. Applications from previous years will not be accepted.

The Barrington Food Pantry is Currently Open on Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Address: 105C Ramsdell Lane
Next to the Town Gym

Voice Mail Box: (603) 664-0233

E-Mail: Barrington Food Pantry

Registration for Assistance: Thursdays at the Pantry 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm or call (603) 664-0233

Donation Drop Off: Thursdays at the Pantry (6:00 pm to 7:30 pm only)
Barrington Fire Department - 774 Franklin Pierce Highway

Barrington Transfer Station - 224 Smoke Street

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County is a private nonprofit founded in 1965 with a mission to reduce barriers to help clients improve their economic stability and well-being through education, advocacy, and partnerships.

We work with community, state, and federal partners to assist children, families, low-income, and elderly residents in becoming or remaining financially and socially independent through a variety of coordinated programs. Without the services provided by our agency, many local residents would be without a means to provide for their basic needs, including food, education, child care, utilities assistance, transportation, housing, emergency shelter, and access to other services.

211 NH is the connection for New Hampshire residents to the most up to date resources they need from specially trained Information and Referral Specialists. 211 NH is available 24 hours, 365 days a year.

Brigid Connelly

Operations Manager

[email protected]