Clara Barton Open School

L is for Leaders

Click here to view all of the Barton ABC's.

Hopes and Dreams

At the beginning of the school year, every student and staff member folded a crane inscribed with their hopes and dreams for the school year. 

Here are photo's from last week's raising of the cranes in the commons.

Come see our peace crane display!

MPS Budget Information

The district budget information reproduced below was presented to Principals and the District Parent Advisory Council in early December.  It includes preliminary budget talking points in the form of questions and answers along with separate presentations on historical budget information (how the shortfalls have impacted the district) and how the district's dollars are spent.

What is a shortfall?

• Each year, as part of the budget planning process, the district prepares estimates of the revenues and expenditures anticipated for the next school year. 
• The shortfall represents the district delivering the same programs and next year's costs based upon the assumed revenues.
• When the projected expenditures are greater than the projected revenues, a shortfall is identified, and budget adjustments need to be made to balance the budget.
• The adjustments must support the board's and the community's commitment to a high quality academic program for all students.

Why do we anticipate another shortfall?

• For the last six years, we have reduced the operating budget by more than $141 million.
• Reasons for the shortfall include declining enrollment without adjustments to facilities, previous utility increases, double-digit percent increases in the cost of providing health benefits to our employees, and continued multiple years funding that has not kept pace with inflation, coupled with the failure of state and federal government to fully fund mandated special education services.

What are we going to do about the shortfall, and how is the community going to be involved?

• We know why we are here.  We know we need to make fundamental changes in the way we do business based on results of the strategic planning process.
• We will make incremental changes this year with the anticipation of fundamental changes to occur the following year, with 2007-08 being a transition year.  The focus of the process must be on providing a high quality program for all students, assuring equitable access to educational programs, and efficient use of resources.
• During January and February the board and community will be engaged in discussions to implement their priorities and balance the 2007-08 budget.  The balancing process includes increasing revenues and reducing expenditures.  This is a funding year at the legislature, and the state has reported a surplus.  Therefore, it is possible that education will receive increases in funding.

Link to Preliminary Overview of the 2007-08 Budget Timeline Download PreliminaryBudgetTimeline.pdf

Link to Power Point presentation on Budget Background Data Download BackgroundBudgetData.ppt

Link to Power Point presentation on Historical Budget Information Download HistoricalbudgetinfoDec2006.ppt

SILENT AUCTION, MARKETPLACE AND FAMILY MATH OLYMPICS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 (6-8 PM)

Everyone Invited!  A variety of events throughout the school!

Look for a booklet listing the items up for bidding in your child's backpack.  More information is located in the AUCTION UPDATES! menu at the upper right of your screen, and in this week's Bugle .

K is for K-8

Click here to view all of the Barton ABC's.

Marketplace Preview

Here are a few of the hand-made items that will be available at Thursday's Marketplace.

The program for Thursday evening and an updated list of Silent Auction items can be found in the upper right hand corner of this site under AUCTION UPDATES!

J is for Joining

Click here to view more of the Barton ABC's.

Gearing Up for the Silent Auction, Marketplace, and Family Math Night

Our biennial Silent Auction and Marketplace will be held next week, Thursday, December 14th from 6 - 8:00 PM.  The evening will feature unique items for sale and free family-oriented activities that focus on this year's school-wide theme of measurement.  The purpose is to bring the school community together in a fun event and raise money to support our school needs.

Continuing the long-standing Barton tradition of community building, this collaborative effort includes generous donations from community businesses, families, teachers, administration and students.  The Marketplace features items crafted by our very own students and families who have given their talents and time to make something special.  The Family Measurement Activities are fun for all ages - you do not need to spend any money to participate.

These four fun activities will go on simultaneously throughout the evening:

• Silent Auction.  Approximately two hundred items starting at $10 will be up for bidding.  Handmade jewelry, art, carpet, furniture, accessories, gift certificates and food along with services such as music lessons, architectural consulting, carpentry and landscaping are on the auction bill.  Also included are tickets to musical performances, sporting events, tours (the Capitol, the WCCO newsroom, Canterbury Downs), dining, and even a certificate for skydiving!  There's more!  Click here to preview the preliminary list of items available. 
• Marketplace.  Hand-made items will be sold with kid and family-friendly prices ranging from $.25 to $15.00.  A Spanish Marketplace will also feature items made by Chris's 7th and 8th grade Spanish students.  Young artists have been hard at work crafting items after school, in Options classes and with their families.  Half of the proceeds from Marketplace will go to a charity chosen by the student body.
• Family Math Activities.  Similar to last year's Family "Patterns" Night, fun measurement related activies will be going on throughout the school.
• Entertainment.  Performances by Allison's 7th and 8th grade dance class and a Celsius Fashion Show by Sara's Math classes.

Volunteers are still needed for the silent auction.  If you can help, please contact Karla Hill-Donish at hillco@natn.net or 612-823-7841.  For the Marketplace:  craft donations, donations of money for supplies, and volunteers for the set-up and sale are still needed.  Please contact Laurie Foster at 612-929-3214 or email fosterfamily@mn.rr.com if you are able to help.