Barrington school officials notified families recently about an incident at the middle school where a student reported finding a note in school containing antisemitic language.

“We immediately began an investigation and, in partnership with the student’s family, determined that the student who reported the note was also responsible for writing it,” stated an email from Barrington Interim Superintendent Bob Mitchell. “At no point was there a threat to our school community. However, the presence of any antisemitic language, regardless of the circumstances, is harmful and is taken seriously.”

Mitchell wrote that the district has been in touch with the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center to engage in additional education efforts for BPS, and is also working in partnership with members of the Jewish community in town, including the local Rabbi.

“A district-wide planning meeting is scheduled immediately following April break to coordinate both district-wide and school-based education and engagement efforts,” Mitchell wrote.

“At Barrington Middle School, our PEARL leadership team is already developing a thoughtful school-wide response. Our approach is intentionally including student accountability and focused education, ensuring students understand the impact of their actions as we reinforce our BPS values of respect, belonging, kindness, and responsibility.”