Academic Boosters

What is the "ACADEMIC BOOSTERS?"

Academic Boosters was established by the BHS PTO to provide additional funding for academic needs that are not addressed by the District due to financial constraints, but that enhance the learning experience of our children.

The additional funds are raised through a “No Stress Fundraiser.” We call it “No Stress” because there is no buying or selling on behalf of our children or families. All you have to do is make a one-time monetary contribution to the BHS PTO.

Many corporations will match the contributions that employees make to this fundraiser. A partial list of companies that have matched donations in the past includes Ameritech, Baxter, HSBC, Kraft, Motorola and Washington Mutual. Please check with your employer regarding its matching program.

A LETTER FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Throughout the Barrington High School campus, there are countless examples of our community’s generosity and commitment to providing students with the highest-quality education possible. Certainly, the most visible example of this support is the new Barrington Community Stadium. While we are extremely proud of this accomplishment, it is important we do not allow the grand scale of this project to overshadow the significance of all other fund-raising activities throughout the school year. While these efforts may not receive the fanfare of a new stadium, they are no less important.

One such annual fund-raising effort is the PTO Academic Booster “NO STRESS FUNDRAISER.” Historically, money donated to the Academic Boosters is matched with district technology fees to purchase LCD projectors for every classroom at BHS. These extremely important pieces of equipment enable teachers to show videos and display computer images from instructional programs, such as PowerPoint. Interactive white boards (commonly referred to as SMART Boards) used in con-junction with a classroom’s LCD projector and special software, turn what appears to be an ordinary white board into a large computer display with touch screen capabilities. While our staff is still developing effective ways to integrate this technology into daily lesson plans, this new technology is transforming teaching and learning at BHS.

As we look toward the future, we will continue utilizing district technology funds and portions of your generous Academic Booster donations to expand the scope of SMART Board technology throughout BHS. Similar to the multi-year focus of installing LCD projectors in many classrooms, we will coordinate this effort with other schools throughout Barrington 220. This allows the school district to purchase both the technology and installation at a reduced cost.

As illustrated by the popular television program CSI, significant advancements in science and technology are ongoing. In the spirit of maintaining and advancing the strong Science curriculum at BHS, our plan is to direct a share of this year’s donations toward this vital academic discipline.

On behalf of the BHS staff and students, I would like once again to thank you for your continued support and generosity.

Sincerely,

Stephen McWilliams

Principal Barrington High School

 WHERE THE MONEY GOES

Last year, BHS completed the placement of LCD Projectors in classrooms. We also placed SMART Boards in many key classrooms as well.

This year, the BHS PTO hopes to purchase additional SMART Boards and state-of-the-art Science equipment. This will allow us to get close to our goal of expanding access to the latest technology in our BHS classrooms, thus affording our students the highest quality education possible.

 

ACADEMIC BOOSTERS FUND UPDATES:

 Thank you to the families who have already given support to our fundraiser!

The funds raised by this once-a-year fundraiser go to help support the needs of ALL students at BHS.  Help support our school by donating online or mailing in your donation today.  If you have any questions, or need another donation form, please either email or call
Paula Frank — gfrankfam@aol.com.

The donation form may also be obtained by accessing this link.

Thanks to all of the families who have generously responded to the No-Stress Academic Boosters Fundraiser

Please, help make a difference!