Dear Parents,

     Welcome back!  I am delighted to be working in such a caring school system where parents are partners in the education of their children.  Staff, parents and community members I have met and talked to embrace and enjoy the Barkhamsted School.    During my five years as superinentendent, I have been impressed with the Barkhamsted community and their support of our school.  We are fortunate to have a small and caring school community which truly believes all students can learn.  The new community build playground is a tribute to the families, friends and school PTO.

      Our main curriculum focus will continue to be on student achievement.  We will continue implementing the revised language arts curriculum with the other three elementary schools; Colebrook, Norfolk and New Hartford.  We have established a "regional" language arts curriculum using Connecticut State standards and grade level equivalents with consistent expectation throughout our schools as to what will be taught. 

      We are finishing work on projects to make our school safer as well as to fix areas of our school building.  Facilities work has been ongoing this summer:

• placing new computers in our lab and moving lab computers into classrooms
• providing new energy efficient shades for half of the school (grant)
• painting interior walls that face the outside with energy efficient paint for half of the school (grant)
• winterizing all exterior doors (grant)
• preserving interior wood windows and doors for half of the school
• starting capital work on our HVAC systems-heating, ventilation and A/C
• plumbing, electrical and well repairs
• landscaping the old playground area

     We were fortunate to be able to do all this work with a 1.52% increase to our school operating budget for 2011-12.  I look forward to working with the Board of Education on school policies, the preparation of the next school budget, and exploring grant opportunities for our school system.

     The Barkhamsted School has strong leadership and a devoted and able staff who are committed to continuous improvement for our school and students.  We will all be working together to help our students be more accomplished learners; positive school and community citizens; and more kind and caring individuals in their relationships with others.

     We will need your help to achieve these goals.  Time spent reading to your child, frequent conversations about the importance of school work, and cooperation with his/her classroom teacher are of great importance to the success of our efforts.  We look forward to a very successful school year and working with you as partners in your child's education.

      Sincerely,

      Jeffrey N. Linton,  Superintendent