Dear Barton Families, I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next Principal of Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. As a member of Barton's original faculty when we opened our doors five years ago, I have had the privilege of watching our school grow into something truly special. I have seen firsthand the incredible accomplishments of our students and faculty and the culture of excellence that has made Barton one of the premier schools in our state. I understand how important it is to continue that tradition while always looking for new ways to help our students grow and succeed. As we begin this new chapter, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Amanda Jones for her extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication to Barton Academy. Through her vision and commitment, Barton has become the exceptional school it is today. We are grateful for the foundation she has built, and we look forward to building upon that legacy together. One of the greatest strengths of Barton has always been the partnership between our school and our families. Your support, encouragement, and involvement have played an important role in our students' success, and I look forward to continuing that partnership in the years ahead. While my title may be changing, what matters most will not. Our commitment to putting students first will continue to guide every decision we make. We will continue to challenge our students academically, encourage them to explore their passions, and provide them with a learning environment where they are known, supported, and inspired to grow. Thank you for your continued trust and support in Barton Academy. I look forward to partnering with you as we continue “Bearing the Torch” of excellence that defines Barton. Let’s Blaze the Way! Will Edmonds, NBCT Principal Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies

We are thrilled to announce that today, after recommendation from Superintendent Threadgill and a vote of the Board of School Commissioners of Mobile County Public Schools, Mr. Will Edmonds has been named the next Principal of Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. An award-winning educator, Mr. Edmonds has most recently served as Assistant Principal of Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. He has been a national board-certified educator since 2009. He facilitates an NBCT cohort at Barton Academy for candidates in Mobile County Public Schools seeking NBCT certification and serves as an Ambassador for the Alabama NBCT Network. Mr. Edmonds holds a Global Seal of Biliteracy in French – English and is currently serving as a member of the Alabama State Department of Education World Languages Course of Study Committee and Task Force. In 2023, Mr. Edmonds was named the Alabama Secondary Teacher of the Year and Alabama Alternate Teacher of the Year. He is a frequent presenter and facilitator on Project Based Learning (PBL), National Board Certification, and proficiency-based world language assessment. With a strong focus on leadership development, he has completed the Mobile County Public Schools Leadership Academy and the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) Aspiring School Leaders Academy. Outgoing Principal, Dr. Amanda Jones states, “Recently, we announced our PBL schoolwide theme for the new year, “Bearing the torch. Blazing the way!” I am honored to pass the torch to Mr. Edmonds and am confident under his leadership, our Barton Explorers will continue blazing the way!” Please join our Explorer family in congratulating Mr. Edmonds and supporting him in his new role! #BlazingtheWay #undertheBartondome #bartonexplorers

Happy Summer, Barton Explorers! Just touching base to share the 2026-27 PBL Theme, and to send this update from Barton PTO! As a reminder, our front office staff is on summer break until late July. If you have questions, please email me (through June 30) or Mr. Edmonds at wmedmonds@mcpss.com. Hope you're having an awesome summer! ~Dr. Jones From PTO: Dear Barton Families, We are gearing up for another exciting school year at Barton Academy and wanted to share a few updates! 🎉 New PBL-Themed Spirit Wear is Here! Our new PBL-themed spirit shirts, crewnecks, 9th grade exclusive shirts AND bookbags are now available for preorder! Spirit shirts may be worn on Fridays throughout the school year. Orders are available by preorder only and will be ready for pickup at Meet the Teacher in August. Order yours today: Barton Academy PTO Cheddar Up ☕ PTO Coffee Meet & Greet – July 28 The Barton Academy PTO invites all parents and guardians to join us for a casual morning of coffee, conversation, and connection while your student attends Explorer Camp! When: July 28 from 8:00-10:00 am Location: Serda's Coffee Company Whether you're new to Barton or a returning family, this is a great opportunity to meet other families, learn more about the PTO, and start the school year with new connections. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another amazing year of exploration, learning, and adventure!

Happy Mother's Day to our Barton moms! Check out this week's "Charting the Course" and mark your calendars for the many end of year events!

We have several memorable weeks ahead as we close out another incredible year #undertheBartonDome! Let's finish strong!

JOIN US for the Barton PBL Explorer Exhibition THURSDAY, APRIL 30th, 5:00-6:30 p.m.! This is an excellent opportunity to review how project-based learning supports authentic and meaningful learning opportunities for students. We hope to see you for this "open house" style event Thursday evening #undertheBartonDOME! Barton 21st century alumni are welcome to tour the exhibition and drop by The Commons for an alumni mingle 6:30-7:00 p.m.!

As we approach the final month of the school year, please review the attached documents to stay "in the know" as we strive to make 2026 the strongest finish yet! #undertheBartonDome

As our #BartonExplorers enjoy their last weekend of Spring Break, here's a glimpse of our return into a BUSY final five weeks of another incredible school year #undertheBartonDome!

Happy Easter, Barton family! It's our final week before we "hop" into Spring Break. Take a look at this week's "Charting the Course" to stay informed of what's happening #undertheBartonDOME!

Reminder that ACAP testing resumes tomorrow with MATH DAY! 🥳 Please encourage students to get plenty of rest tonight, eat breakfast, and get to school on-time! Students will test until approximately 10:30 prior to moving to their regular schedule for 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th period (homeroom). *9th grade will take a mock AP World History exam Tuesday morning while 6th-8th complete ACAP. We conclude ACAP on Wednesday morning with Science for 6th and 8th grades. Let's go, Barton Explorers!

April is approaching! Check out what’s happening #undertheBartonDome! 💙

The Build up Barton Student Experiences online auction closes in TWO HOURS (3/22 @8pm)! Snag a parker pass for a quarter, lunch with favorite faculty, admin or teacher(s) "for a day" ... and much more! Check it out and place your bids before it's too late! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/25-26-build-up-barton-online-auction

ACAP Testing begins this week! It's time for our #BartonExplorers to show what they know! Let's keep a little "Spring" in our step and give these next few weeks leading up to break our VERY BEST! Reminder- Q3 report cards, registration info, and parent notices (if applicable) will be coming home with students MONDAY!

Barton Families- We hope to see you Saturday at our PTO Build up Barton Fundraiser! Barton's PTO is critical to supporting the many opportunities afforded to our explorers. If you haven't purchased your tickets, get them ASAP!! Read a message from PTO below: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/4th-annual-build-up-barton 🚨✨ ATTENTION BARTON PARENTS✨🚨 Build Up Barton is already going to be AMAZING… but we’ve added something extra just for YOU 👀 🍀 ATTENDEES ONLY EXCLUSIVE 🍀 We’re hosting a “must be present to win” drawing for current Barton parents… and trust us, you do NOT want to miss this! 🎉 Here’s what could be YOURS: ⭐ A VIP Parking Spot for the entire 2026–2027 school year — say goodbye to stressful drop-offs and pick-ups! ⭐ A VIP Spring Fling Package for your student, including: • 4 Spring Fling passes • A reserved VIP table • Snacks • Waitress service This is just a glimpse of the excitement we have planned… 👏 Make sure you’re at Build Up Barton — because the only way to win is to BE THERE!

Quarter FOUR begins TUESDAY! This week's "Charting the Course" is attached. Monday: Teacher Work Day (No School for Students) Boys blue & Girls soccer Games vs. Grand Bay @Sage Tuesday: Extended Block (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th) Fourth Quarter Begins! Cheer “Go Green” Fundraiser - Green shirt and accessories with UNIFORM BOTTOMS - $5 MCPSS Career Fair Track Meet @MGM MS Scholars Bowl & Hi-Q Practice Soccer Training Wednesday: Extended Block (4th, 5th, 6th, 8t) 8th Grade CS Cybersecurity Walking Field Trip Barton Foundation Meeting Track, Robotics, Hi-Q Practice after school Boys Blue @Chickasaw Dotson Park; Girls Soccer @Davidson Thursday: District 7 Honor Band Middle School Scholars Bowl vs Phillips @Barton Barton Blue Soccer Game @Mobile Christian Friday: District 7 Honor Band 6th Grade Maritime Museum Field Trip 7th Grade Naturalization Ceremony District 7 Honor Band Concert @Daphne High 6:30

PTO Message: Our Build up Barton circle is Pi Day–approved, and we’re counting on YOU to help us build big things. Tickets are live — don’t be "irrational"… get yours today! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/4th-annual-build-up-barton?fbclid=IwY2xjawQiiG9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEetvIJ5yj63lQfOggz-JzFLAsXpnE2wk1L75noaiZBnblSSa9IgV1eprrJKEk_aem_RJhy7wCgXE3NNUhb0nrk0w

End of Q3 Reminders: Friday is a virtual day! Be sure your child logs on to verify ALL Q3 assignments are complete! Monday is a Teacher Workday, and Q4 begins Tuesday! PTO Shipwrecked Ball Information: 3/14 ⚓️ Explorer Ball Drop-Off: All Hands on Deck! ☠️ Saturday night our Explorers will arrive at the Shipwrecked Explorer Ball at the Temple! For drop-off & pick-up, please follow the route and the crew’s directions. Our volunteers will be there to guide you so explorers can safely disembark and begin their adventure. For quick entry, please be sure your explorer has their QR ticket available. We will also have an attendee. Thank you for helping us keep the waters smooth and the arrival/dismissal quick! ⚓️ ‼️Note to Parents: ONLY registered volunteers will be allowed entry. Last call to get your tickets before sales close at 6pm tomorrow! https://my.cheddarup.com/c/shipwrecked2026

The final week of Q3 is upon us, and March is FILLED with activities and events. Our PTO has been BUSY working on various special March events.

Hi Explorer Families, We are MARCHing into the final two weeks of Q3! Check out this week's "Charting the Course" for the latest info #undertheBartonDome.