Bulldog Update August 18, 2024

I type this newsletter with fingers both exhausted and satisfied after the first two days of the new school year. What were your highlights? Go to the Barr FaceBook page and share them with us!

Below you will find important information to help you ease back into the routine of school.

Breakfast and lunch meals will be available to all students at no cost at all of our schools for the 2024-25 school year!

What does “Meals at No Cost” mean for Middle Schools and GISH?

• Breakfast & Lunch will be available to all students at no cost at all three middle schools and Grand Island Senior High.
• CEP only covers “fully reimbursable meals” as defined by the state.
• A la carte items will still be available for purchase.
• To cover a la carte items, families will still be able to use LINQConnect to track and update balances just like last year.

Explore the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for more information.

Students still have the option to purchase a la carte items (i.e chips, cookies, vitamin water) by adding money to their accounts. Click HERE to learn how!

At Barr, in the cooler (pictured to the left) students can choose items off the bottom two shelves as substitutes for their hot lunch while the top shelf is items for sale.

Phones need to be off (at 7:45 A.M.) and stored in student's locker (at 8:10 A.M.). Phones are also not allowed at school activities or on the bus.

District policy will be followed regarding personal electronic communication devices (ECDs)*.

Please note the consequences for violation of district rules, state/federal law or school board policy:

• 1st Office Referral: The ECD will be confiscated, turned into the school office, and picked up by the student from the principal by the end of the day, unless the device is needed longer for examination by school or district IT personnel. Document MAJOR incident in Synergy
• 2nd Office Referral: The ECD will be confiscated, turned into the school office, and picked up by the student at the end of the day along with parent contact. Document MAJOR incident in Synergy
• 3rd Office Referral: The ECD will be confiscated, turned into the school office, and picked up by a parent at the end of the day along with parent contact. Document MAJOR incident in Synergy
• 4th Office Referral: Insubordination - 1 Day OSS
• 5th Office Referral: Insubordination – Individual student/parent plan
  

(See full policy HERE.)

*ECDs include: cell phones, smart watches, tablets etc...

Here is reminder/update on bags at Barr:

• Backpacks need to be put in students' lockers at the beginning of the day
• No smaller bags are to be carried during the day except for medical purposes that have been approved by the nurse

Thank you for helping communicate this to your student(s) and keeping our school a safe place!

Please remember the school dress code (below), and please note that "spaghetti straps" are not allowed. We appreciate your help in having students "Dress for Success!"

• Keep covered from top of chest to mid-thigh
• Keep undergarments covered (spaghetti straps not allowed)
• Hats and hoods need to stay off or down
• Anything with profanity, alcohol, drugs/Illegal substances, gangs, etc. is not allowed
• IDs need to be worn everyday!

Water bottles are allowed at school so that students can stay hydrated throughout the day. Please make sure to use clear water bottles and that only water is in the bottles.

Also, cups will no longer be provided during lunch, so students are encouraged to bring water bottles.

Picture day at Barr will be Thursday, August 29, 2024.

Be sure to bring your best smile!😁

Note: picture packets will be sent home with students next week and they are optional for purchase.

First Practice- Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Parents' Meeting- Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM

If there are any questions, contact Coach Ortega at hortega@gips.org.

In order to provide end-user protection and peace of mind, GIPS is offering a voluntary electronic device protection plan. If you choose to enroll, the financial burden of accidental damage or theft will be lessened.

The protection plan works on a yearly fee with a per-incident deductible:

1st Incident Deductible = $20

2nd Incident Deductible = $40

3rd Incident Deductible = $60

See the GIPS Student Handbook for additional information: GIPS Student Handbook

HERE is the link to set up your student's plan!

Doors open at 7:45 (do not arrive any earlier as there is not supervision before 7:45).

**Students will not be allowed in the vestibule before 7:45 AM**

Each grade will wait in respective areas (and they can eat school breakfast while they wait!). Please drop off in the following locations (and students will wait in the following areas):

6th grade: on east side (cafeteria side)

7th & 8th grade: on west side (near main entrance)

Students who walk or ride home are asked to leave right away.

We need your help! Read the following carefully.

• East Side of Building- The right lane is for drop off and pick up. The left lane is the drive thru lane where traffic needs to be moving continually!
• West Side of Building- The right lane is for drop off and pick up. The left lane is the drive thru lane where traffic needs to be moving continually!

Thanks in advance for your help in making our parking lots safer!

Here is the District Calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year.

Please check your texts or emails for the latest Bulldog Update!

As the school year gets started, the weekly updates will be sent Sunday afternoons to help you plan for the upcoming week.

July 2024

August 4, 2024

August 11, 2024