We love the family atmosphere that Barnard Academy has achieved, all the way from PreK through 6th grade.
The social studies education is our favorite thing at the school. The children learn through reading, pictures, ethnic foods prepared in class, ethnic clothing worn in class, dance…the list goes on. My children LOVE coming to school. Yeah!!
In Kindergarten the children were learning about bears. In the classroom, there was an actual live feed to the Smart Board of a mother bear and her baby cubs in hibernation. Incredible, the exposure our child is having at the school.
Our children are exposed to such wonderful educational trips such as the Boston Aquarium, Boston Museum of Science, and the Seacoast Science Center, just to name a few.
A lot of learning is hands-on. A bigger school probably can’t achieve that.
The teachers truly care. You feel this by how they show respect to our children.
The classes are small which allows our children to experience learning with a sense of one to one teaching.
“I love that it feels like a large family. You get to know everyone being at a small school.”
Principal’s Corner
Dear BA Families,
As we start our new year, we would like to again focus on our mission:
The mission of Barnard Academy is to create a safe and supportive environment where all children are expected to:
Achieve their fullest potential
Communicate effectively
Reason critically
Think creatively
Work cooperatively
Value differences in others
Become positive, contributing, and informed global citizens
To this end, our teachers and administration have collaborated and researched a new “hub” approach that we believe supports our mission and improves student learning, while remaining fiscally accountable.
In the Intermediate hub, all students will have Britney Koetsier for Math, Meg Schindler for Literacy, and Nancy Boymer for Science and Social Studies. They will rotate from classroom to classroom as a group, sometimes combined with another grade, other times their grade will be alone.
For the Primary Hub, this means a team approach for students aged three to seven year-old (or the standard grades PreK to two). Research supports multiage education as a child-centered approach, which meets children where they are at in their learning and maximizes their potential for growth.
We are pleased to announce this collaborative approach will be used by Ann Behremovic, currently PreK teacher, Ingrid Johnson, currently our Kindergarten teacher, and Jamie Gidney our First and Second grade teacher.
In terms of the PreK program, a co-teaching model will be used by Ann and Ingrid. The children will be grouped flexibly to meet needs, support social emotional strengths, and academic skills. The PreK-3s will have a home base with Ann, and PreK-4s will have a home base with either Ann or Ingrid. First and Second grade students will have a home room base with Mrs. Gidney. There will be more information on Open House night at 6pm on Wednesday, September 12.
We are excited to implement this innovative teaching and learning model that has been proven to help students thrive in today’s world. Other schools in the district are also implementing this model and teachers will be working together in Professional Learning Communities to refine and improve our practice.
As a whole school, we will be using the Responsive Classroom model this year. Mornings will start with Morning Meeting, please work to have your child to school on time. The school day begins at 7:45. This will allow for us to have the appropriate time to unpack and have Morning Meeting before our day gets in full swing. This year everyone will be eating lunch together and having recess together. Lunch will be in the multipurpose room. The school day ends at 2:35.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
