Our high school students are setting a powerful example for the rest of our district and state––for siblings, neighbors, and peers.”

Barrington Schools Interim Superintendent Bob Mitchell

Barrington Schools Interim Superintendent Bob Mitchell shared some good news with the community on Friday afternoon, May 15.

“Today, Governor Dan McKee, Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and Rhode Island FC announced that Barrington High School achieved the highest weekly attendance rate among all Rhode Island high schools, being recognized as the Week 2 winner in the statewide Attendance Matters Challenge,” Mitchell wrote in a message to the district. 

“Our high school students are setting a powerful example for the rest of our district and state––for siblings, neighbors, and peers.”

For the week of May 4–May 8, Barrington High School achieved a 96.4% attendance rate. Mitchell called it “a tremendous accomplishment that reflects the commitment of our students, families, educators, and entire school community to support school success.”

“When students are present in school, they are more connected to their learning, their teachers, their peers, and the many opportunities that help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally,” he wrote. 

According to Mitchell, Barrington High School staff have continued strengthening attendance success through closer monitoring of student absences from both the administration and counseling departments, regular outreach to identified families, individualized follow-up and support meetings, and a continued focus on removing barriers that may impact student attendance. 

“We also know there is more work ahead, particularly around improving student tardiness,” Mitchell wrote. “Thank you for your partnership in helping us ensure every student can arrive at school on time and ready to learn.

“I want to thank Principal Chris Ashley and the entire Barrington High School faculty and staff team for their leadership and dedication, as well as our families for partnering with us to support student success. Most importantly, thank you to our students for showing up, engaging in their learning, and contributing to the strong school community that makes Barrington so special.”