The Sarah Dyer Barnes Elementary School is one of six elementary schools in the Johnston School System. Johnston is a suburban town with a population of approximately 27,000. 200 students attend Barnes in grades one through five. The school was built in 1953 with additions added in 1987. Dr. Bernard Di Lullo, Jr. joined our school as Principal in August 2006. Barnes holds the distinction of being classified as a High Performing Elementary School based on 2005 state testing.

Educational services are provided by 9 classroom teachers supported by 5 Special Education Teachers, a Literacy Coach and a Speech and Language Specialist. Barnes is fortunate to have among our faculty, Ms. Carolyn Carnevale, Mrs. Debra Sgambato and Mrs. Debra Turchetti-Ramm, who have achieved National Board Teacher Certification. In addition, Barnes has a dedicated staff of Teacher Assistants who support learning in the classroom and manage students during non academic periods. Our clerk keeps the office running smoothly and our two custodians maintain the school as a clean and respectful learning environment.

There are many new faces at Barnes this year and we are off to a great start as an educational team. Our veteran staff welcomed Barnes’ new members warmly and there is a sense of cooperation and team work focusing on improvement of our learning community. Helping our students to learn, understand and achieve is our primary focus. Our goal is to help students develop into well rounded individuals with a love for learning. This is achieved through our Academic, Physical Education, Art Education, Library Resources and Music Education programs as well as after school programs.

We strongly encourage parental involvement in the students’ educational experience. Many of our teachers hold special presentations that parents may attend. We encourage parents to contact us with any questions or concerns. Our Parent Teacher Organization has a dedicated leadership that plan events that encourage school involvement and community support for education.

Our district strongly encourages ongoing professional development for our faculty and staff. The Johnston School Department offers these professional development opportunities through our own Professional Development Institute. Courses are offered to enhance the teachers practice and to learn new educational strategies. The staff at Sarah Dyer Barnes Elementary school is consistently learning and working together to share strategies and materials on a daily basis. 

 We welcome you to contact us with any questions or arrange a visit to our school.

Copyright © 2006 Johnston Public Schools