While the council will work with and support the school district, it will be run independently and modeled after the Barrington Council for the Gifted and Talented, according to a council news release.

BCIC President Alex Bernardi, of North Barrington, said the council’s immediate goal is to support the families that are in the Chinese Immersion program, “both in and outside of the classroom, with advice, materials and experiences not covered by tax dollars.”

“We also want to offer cultural opportunities to benefit the greater Barrington community,” Bernardi said.

According to the release, the BCIC is currently applying for its 501c3 designation and hopes to have the process finalized before the end of 2014. Every parent of a current Barrington 220 “Bridge to Chinese” student received an email application for membership into the BCIC earlier this year and donations have started to come in. Parents of future classes will receive an application upon entering the Chinese Immersion program. The BCIC will fully start fundraising after receiving obtaining 501c3 status.

BCIC Board Member Robert Windon, of Barrington, said the school district has been “incredible advocates” for Chinese Immersion children.

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