Barnard ES

Barnard Elementary (at 4th and Decatur) was one of three schools whose staff got hefty bonuses from the city for student improvement. Here's a WTOP piece about it. Barnard apparently had terrible problems with their new facility when it was opened just a few years ago. Good to see things are looking up there. With Clark ES slated to be closed under Fenty's plan, Barnard will be among the schools receiving extra students.

Comments

[Toby]

Thank you for posting about Barnard. Dr. Hopkinson is an inspired educator and an excellent leader. I'm glad to see that Barnard put strategies in place that dramatically increased their test scores. I have worked there for summer school on and off and have always enjoyed my time there.

[Joe Martin]

I commend Dr. Shirley Hopkinson, the dynamic principal, for her outstanding work. She's of humble origins, from Guyana, the daughter of sharecroppers, if my memory is correct. All of her siblings (I think there are nine) have advanced degrees. As quoted in today's Post article, she often tells her students: "Failure is not an option."

Congratulations, Barnard STUDENTS, Dr. Hopkinson, the teachers, administrative staff, the school psychologist/counselor, Dr. Reid, and the rest of the staff - including the facilities maintainence people, Mr. Jackson et al. Great job! I'm proud to have the school in my single-member district (4C09).