Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year! 

Dear Barton Families,

Welcome back, Barton Bees!

I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer filled with rest, laughter, and special memories. As we begin another school year, I am excited to welcome both our returning and new families to Clara Barton Elementary. The first day of school always brings a sense of hope, possibility, and excitement, and I can't wait to see our campus buzzing with the energy of our students once again.

This year marks the beginning of my sixth year as principal of Barton. Looking back over the past five years, I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together. We have celebrated successes, learned through challenges, and watched our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Most importantly, we have built a school community where students are known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to believe in themselves.

As we begin this new year, our theme is One Hive. One Purpose. Every Student Forward.

To me, this is more than a theme—it is our commitment. Every decision we make and every opportunity we provide is centered on one purpose: helping every student grow. We know that every child learns at their own pace, and every step forward matters. Whether those steps are big or small, our goal is to help each student discover their strengths, build confidence, and reach their fullest potential.

One of the things I believe most deeply is that children thrive when the adults in their lives believe in them. Sometimes our job is to believe in a child before they believe in themselves. When students feel supported, encouraged, and challenged, they begin to see possibilities they never imagined.

That is why the partnership between home and school is so important. Together, we create the foundation that allows children to succeed. Your support, involvement, and trust make an incredible difference, and we are grateful to partner with you in your child's educational journey.

Although I am proud of how far Barton has come, I truly believe our best days are still ahead.

At Barton, we don't simply measure success by where our students finish—we celebrate how far they've come and the growth they achieve along the way. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. Together, we'll continue building a school where every child is known, valued, challenged, and inspired to move forward.

I look forward to seeing our Barton Bees back on campus and sharing another incredible year of learning, growth, and celebration.

Warmly,

Mrs. Sandy Bartoldus
Principal
Clara Barton Elementary School