It’s a busy week under the Barton Dome!
Week 3 is packed with Beginning of Year diagnostics, Explorer Electives, volleyball, cheer, robotics, Scholars’ Bowl, and more! We’re excited for another great week of learning, exploring, competing, and getting involved.
Check out this week’s Torchbearer for everything happening at Barton!
Bearing the Torch, Blazing the Way!
#UnderTheBartonDome #BartonExplorers
Week 3 is packed with Beginning of Year diagnostics, Explorer Electives, volleyball, cheer, robotics, Scholars’ Bowl, and more! We’re excited for another great week of learning, exploring, competing, and getting involved.
Check out this week’s Torchbearer for everything happening at Barton!
Bearing the Torch, Blazing the Way!
#UnderTheBartonDome #BartonExplorers
We had a great first week at Barton! It was wonderful to see our students settling in, building relationships, and getting the school year off to such a positive start.
A few reminders and updates for this week:
• Grade-Level Meetings: Our grade-level parent meetings will take place this week. Please see the attached information for dates and times. We look forward to seeing you!
• Carline: Thank you for your continued attention to our carline procedures. As you form the two lanes on St. Michael Street, please be especially mindful to keep the left side of St. Michael open so other traffic can safely pass.
• Volleyball Begins! We’re excited to see our Lady Explorers take the court for their first match this week at Palmer Pillans Middle School. Come out and show your support!
Thank you for helping us get the year off to such a strong start. We’re looking forward to another great week #UnderTheBartonDome as we continue Bearing the Torch and Blazing the Way!
A few reminders and updates for this week:
• Grade-Level Meetings: Our grade-level parent meetings will take place this week. Please see the attached information for dates and times. We look forward to seeing you!
• Carline: Thank you for your continued attention to our carline procedures. As you form the two lanes on St. Michael Street, please be especially mindful to keep the left side of St. Michael open so other traffic can safely pass.
• Volleyball Begins! We’re excited to see our Lady Explorers take the court for their first match this week at Palmer Pillans Middle School. Come out and show your support!
Thank you for helping us get the year off to such a strong start. We’re looking forward to another great week #UnderTheBartonDome as we continue Bearing the Torch and Blazing the Way!
IMPORTANT CARPOOL REMINDER
PLEASE KEEP ST. MICHAEL MOVING!
As we begin the new school year, we know it takes some time for everyone to become familiar with our carpool procedures. Your cooperation with the two-lane system on St. Michael is essential to keeping traffic safe and moving efficiently.
1. BOTH CARPOOL LANES MUST STAY TO THE RIGHT ON ST. MICHAEL STREET.
As cars line up on St. Michael:
The first line of traffic must pull as close to the right-side curb as possible.
The second line must pull as close as possible to the first line.
The two lines should remain tightly together on the right side of the street.
The far-left side of St. Michael MUST remain OPEN.
This open lane allows regular traffic and, most importantly, emergency vehicles to continue through without obstruction.
Please do not stop, park, or allow your car to spread into the far-left traffic lane.
2. ZIPPER MERGE AT CEDAR
When the two carpool lanes move from St. Michael onto Cedar, the two lanes will become one lane.
Please alternate cars in a zipper pattern:
Cars from each line should take turns merging into the single lane on Cedar.
Please be courteous and allow the other line to merge. Trying to get ahead of the other line slows everyone down and creates unnecessary congestion.
This traffic pattern was designed in conjunction with the Mobile Police Department (MPD), City officials, and Barton Academy to keep our carpool process safe and efficient. This procedure worked last year, and we feel confident it will this year with your help. It just takes a little time.
Thank you and see you in carline!
PLEASE KEEP ST. MICHAEL MOVING!
As we begin the new school year, we know it takes some time for everyone to become familiar with our carpool procedures. Your cooperation with the two-lane system on St. Michael is essential to keeping traffic safe and moving efficiently.
1. BOTH CARPOOL LANES MUST STAY TO THE RIGHT ON ST. MICHAEL STREET.
As cars line up on St. Michael:
The first line of traffic must pull as close to the right-side curb as possible.
The second line must pull as close as possible to the first line.
The two lines should remain tightly together on the right side of the street.
The far-left side of St. Michael MUST remain OPEN.
This open lane allows regular traffic and, most importantly, emergency vehicles to continue through without obstruction.
Please do not stop, park, or allow your car to spread into the far-left traffic lane.
2. ZIPPER MERGE AT CEDAR
When the two carpool lanes move from St. Michael onto Cedar, the two lanes will become one lane.
Please alternate cars in a zipper pattern:
Cars from each line should take turns merging into the single lane on Cedar.
Please be courteous and allow the other line to merge. Trying to get ahead of the other line slows everyone down and creates unnecessary congestion.
This traffic pattern was designed in conjunction with the Mobile Police Department (MPD), City officials, and Barton Academy to keep our carpool process safe and efficient. This procedure worked last year, and we feel confident it will this year with your help. It just takes a little time.
Thank you and see you in carline!
Barton Families,
We had a great first day of school! Carline went very smoothly, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation. As a reminder, carline begins at Conti and Cedar Streets. Please do not pull up to the block adjacent to Barton until directed to do so by a Barton staff member. We must keep that area clear for our buses.
Our students were engaged throughout the day getting to know one another and their teachers. I wish you could have seen the activity and energy in our classrooms, it was a wonderful way to begin the year!
A few important reminders for tomorrow:
Ben May Library Walkers: If your child will walk to the Ben May Main Library after school, they must have a completed and signed walker form on file by tomorrow. Without the form, they will not be permitted to walk. The walker form is attached.
Walking to School: Only students whose parents live or work within a 1.5-mile radius of Barton Academy may walk to school. Students may not be dropped off nearby in order to walk onto campus and avoid carline.
Thank you for helping us get the year off to such a strong start. We look forward to another great day tomorrow and a wonderful first week!
See you tomorrow!
We had a great first day of school! Carline went very smoothly, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation. As a reminder, carline begins at Conti and Cedar Streets. Please do not pull up to the block adjacent to Barton until directed to do so by a Barton staff member. We must keep that area clear for our buses.
Our students were engaged throughout the day getting to know one another and their teachers. I wish you could have seen the activity and energy in our classrooms, it was a wonderful way to begin the year!
A few important reminders for tomorrow:
Ben May Library Walkers: If your child will walk to the Ben May Main Library after school, they must have a completed and signed walker form on file by tomorrow. Without the form, they will not be permitted to walk. The walker form is attached.
Walking to School: Only students whose parents live or work within a 1.5-mile radius of Barton Academy may walk to school. Students may not be dropped off nearby in order to walk onto campus and avoid carline.
Thank you for helping us get the year off to such a strong start. We look forward to another great day tomorrow and a wonderful first week!
See you tomorrow!
WELCOME BACK, STUDENTS! We can't wait to see you tomorrow morning #underthebartondome
Dear Barton Students and Families,
The first day of school is almost here, and we are excited to welcome our Barton Explorers back to campus on Monday! Our faculty and staff have spent this week preparing classrooms, collaborating, and getting everything ready for a great start to the 2026–2027 school year.
As we prepare for Monday morning, please take a few minutes to carefully review the carline procedures below. Following these procedures will help us keep arrival and dismissal safe and efficient for everyone.
2026-2027 CARLINE PROCEDURE
Use the following route to “enter” the Barton carline: BROAD to SPRING HILL to ST. MICHAEL to CEDAR. Parents begin “lining up” at CEDAR and CONTI using the LEFT SIDE of the street along CEDAR, followed by using the FAR RIGHT lanes as lines form along MICHAEL. Be careful to avoid blocking through-streets and parking lot entrances to businesses or homes. If the first right lane of St. Michael fills to Spring Hill, cars will begin a “double lane” on the right side of St. Michael until traffic begins moving. Leave the left side of Michael available for through-traffic.
A Barton employee will notify the first person in line when it is time to enter the Cedar block adjacent to Barton. At that time, we will fill two lanes on CEDAR. Once both lanes are filled, Barton staff will yell “unload” and assist monitoring students as they move to the sidewalk and enter the small Cedar St. walkthrough gate.
A Barton employee and traffic guard will notify the first cars in line when it is safe to move onto Government. Upon their direction, BOTH LANES WILL MOVE SIMULTANEOUSLY TURNING RIGHT ONLY ONTO GOVERNMENT. Once on Government, you are welcome to use any route you choose depending on the direction you need to travel.
Dismissal routes will run the same way, with the addition of utilizing a car number for pick up. **Please review the attached carline map and carpool infographic to assist you in visualizing routines.
Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation as we settle into our routines during the first few days of school. We are looking forward to an incredible year of learning, growing, creating, and making an impact together.
Explorers, it’s time to bear the torch and blaze the way. See you Monday!
Hello Barton Families,
The time has almost come for BACK TO SCHOOL! I hope that everyone has had an amazing summer and that our students are refreshed and ready to begin another year #undertheBartonDome. In preparation for our return, I am passing along a few dates and reminders.
MEET THE TEACHER EVENT:
Thursday, August 6th, 2026
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Pick up your child’s schedule
Pay fees
Visit with teachers
Receive your clear backpack if you preordered through PTO
Olensky Supplies will be in homerooms for those who pre-ordered
Sign-up for Extended Day Care (if needed)
Purchase Parking Pass for drop-off and dismissal (Reserved for 8th/9th families during initial sale. While supplies last. Very limited quantity.)
Pick-up and/or complete transportation info (i.e., Walker forms, Bus forms & info, carline info, Receive carpool number)
Receive info about Symphony Strings Program
Speak to Nurse Wiggins (Drop off medicine and health cards if needed)
Visit and Support PTO
More time to EXPLORE at Meet the Teacher when you join PTO NOW!!!
https://my.cheddarup.com/me/bartonacademypto
PURCHASE GRILLED CHEESE in the Barton Commons and support Barton Volleyball
Our Barton Lady Explorers will be Serving Up grilled cheese at Meet the Teacher from 3:30-5:00pm to help raise funds to cover their gym rental expense this upcoming season.We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
From PTO:
Blaze the Way into the new school year!
⏰ Today is the LAST day to order Barton spirit gear for pickup at Meet the Teacher!
🎒 Don't forget you can also order a $20 Barton-branded clear book bag—the perfect way to start the year in style.
🎓 9th Grade Families: Remember to order your required blazer from Zoghby's, or reserve a rental through the PTO.
☕ Save the Date! Join us for our Coffee Meet & Greet on July 28, from 8:00–10:00 a.m. at Serda's Coffee. It's a great opportunity to meet other Barton families, connect with the PTO, and kick off an exciting school year together!
We can't wait to Blaze the Way with you this year! Message us on Facebook for questions. See you soon!
Barton PTO
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