

Bulldog Update February 16, 2025

#BulldogStrong
February 16, 2025
I type this newsletter with fingers still shivering from the cold and our snow day!😁
Below you will find new, important information to help you be successful in the upcoming week and key reminders that are foundational to the school year.
Week At A Glance
- Monday, February 17th will be a B Day.
- Click HERE for complete A/B calendar.
Academic:
- ELPA Testing: Students taking this test need to get good sleep each night this week, eat a hearty breakfast, and come ready to do their best! 💪🧠
- Wednesday, Feb. 19: NJHS Induction Ceremony @ Barr (7:00 PM)
Activities:
- Monday, Feb. 17:
🏀8th Grade Boys vs Hastings @ Barr (4:15 PM)
🏀7th Grade Boys at Hastings (4:15 PM) - Tuesday, Feb. 18:
🏀8th Grade Boys at Sunrise (Kearney) (4:15 PM)
🏀7th Grade Boys vs Sunrise @ Barr (4:15 PM) - Thursday, Feb. 20:
🏀8th Grade Boys vs Walnut @ Barr (4:15 PM)
Our Week in Photos
Our week in photos!
Learning is happening in science!
Collaboration leads to fun and learning!
Learning is happening in ELA!
IMPORTANT- Emergency Contact Update
Families are now able to update Emergency Contact information for their GIPS students in ParentVUE both online and through the mobile app. Previously, this process was facilitated directly through School Secretaries. Now, Families will be able to make more real-time updates.
HOW TO UPDATE THE EMERGENCY CONTACT FOR YOUR STUDENT:
- Login to ParentVUE (desktop or mobile app)
- Select your student from the list of your children
- Select 'Student Info'
- Click 'Edit Information'
- Scroll down to the 'Emergency Contacts' listed
- Make any changes needed to any fields
PLEASE NOTE:
We need at least one emergency contact that is not a guardian for each child. This person needs to be someone that could help us locate the guardian in case of an emergency. This person does not have to live in Grand Island.
If you have questions, reach out to your school Secretary.
You may also find ParentVUE resources on our district website by clicking the button below.
Don't Forget To Register!
We're excited to make next year another great year of exciting learning and extracurricular opportunities for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade students!
All incoming and returning Middle School students need to be registered by March 31st.
Register at: https://www.gips.org/registration.
Questions: Please call the main office!
Parent Teacher Conferences
THANK YOU!
First, as a staff we are so grateful to the families who ventured out into the cold and snow for PT Conferences. We value to the opportunity to collaborate with you about your student's success!
In addition, we want to thank the PTO and families who helped provide the meals for teachers during this crazy week! In case you didn't know, it is the best way to show support for a teacher--food that is! 😉
Scholastic Book Fair
6th Grade Phone Challenge
Attention 6th Grade Parents/Guardians
Starting tomorrow, all 6th graders will have the option to participate in the "No Phones After 6 PM" challenge.
The challenge: in conjunction with Reading Bingo in Feb. students have the option to join the “No Phones after 6 PM” which means their phone is put away at 6 PM and they are choosing to spend quality “face time” with family and/or friends, reading a book or to a sibling, or, weather permitting, getting some "green time!" The science and research is clear that their developing brains, mental health, and relationships with other humans will improve it their phones are put away!
Levels: There will be two levels of accountability students can choose IF they and you want them to participate in the challenge:
Level 1: parent/guardian can sign off each day (a sheet will be available Monday, Feb 3, 2025)
Level 2: can check in each Monday in the cafeteria by showing a screenshot of your weekly activity to be recorded with Mr. Mac
Note: prize levels will also be based on which level is chosen! Business partners are coming alongside to help us celebrate at the end of the challenge!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Mac at jmchargue@gips.org or call the school office.
Safety on Campus
Morning Expetations
IMPORTANT!
Reminder:
Students will only be allowed into the building after the doors to the school open at 7:45 AM. As the weather gets colder, please send your student in a coat! And remember, after the bell, your student needs to be in their assigned area.
Parents/Guardians, please help communicate the importance of this to your student.
Drop Off: Students need to get out of the vehicle on passenger side- nearest to the sidewalk instead of the driver side- in the driveway through lane.
Parents/Guardians, please help your student be safe at drop-off!
End of the Day Expectations
Students are dismissed at 3:45 PM, and they should be exiting on the same side of the building they are dropped off on. Also, students need to be off campus by 4:00 PM or have a plan fro transportation (another bell reminder!).
Quick Reminders
School Supplies
When it comes to school supplies, keep it simple! Students really only need pencils, pens, and notebook with lined paper! Leave the extras at home (i.e- markers, cologne, eyelash curlers, pencil sharpeners, glue, rulers, etc...).
Drama: Spring Comedy
PERFORMANCES: APRIL 11 & 12, 7:30 PM, AUDITORIUM
JOIN OUR GOOGLE CLASSROOM WITH THIS CODE: xkkjgrt
Barr Junior Thespians Website: https://sites.google.com/gips.org/barrjuniorthespians/home
Join our Remind here: remind.com/join/xkkjgrt
Contact the director at: ekgarcia@gips.org
Reading Bingo
Students and staff have the opportunity to earn bingos for individual and Bulldog time prizes! Reading Bingo will end on March 31st. Read to learn!
Join us by asking your student what they are reading! 😁
And, the office/admin team is taking part in the challenge! Mr. Mac might even be talking a little smack about his team winning the grand prize! So bring on the reading!💪
Phones Away
Please remind your student of this policy!
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...
Attention! Notes From the Nurse
Reminder: Please turn in all medications to the school nurse including over the counter medications such as pain relievers, cough drops, eye drops, etc... to ensure the safety of our students and to align to district policy
Update: Also, if there are any changes in medication or medical conditions, please contact the nurse right away!
If you have further questions, please call the front office.
NCPA- for 8th Graders
HERE is the link with information for students and parents.
Update: 8th Grade students who plan to apply for NCPA will have the opportunity to work with Kali Moreno from NCPA during Bulldog Time on February 18th and February 25th. She will be here to answer any questions pertaining to the application and/or essay writing process.
Students are encouraged to let Mrs. Harpham know if they are planning to attend.
Homework Club
Homework Club meets Monday-Thursday and is for all students! From 3:45-4:30 PM, students can come and get support on school work.
If your student is going to use this opportunity, be sure to make transportation plans.
For questions, please call the main office so we will come alongside you in supporting your student's learning!
Speech Team
Barr will be offering a new opportunity this year... Speech! This is a great opportunity to grow and challenge yourself. Below you will find all the important information!
Practices: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5pm in room 224
Competitions: April 26th at Westridge and May 10th at Westridge
Join Google Classroom with this code: fugv4us
Join our Remind here: remind.com/join/fugv4us
Contact the coach at: ekgarcia@gips.org
Activities Reminders
Activities at Barr
Parents: First, we appreciate your attendance at our home games, and thank you for supporting our student-athletes! Next, we would like to ask that when you attend games, at Barr, that you sit in the section labeled "Barr Fans." By doing this, it will leave space for our students in the "Barr Student" section and allow our supervisors to better monitor our students' behavior.
Students: If you attend events with your Bulldog Pass, you need to follow the expectations for the venue you are attending (i.e. the gym or track). And, as a reminder, all school rules apply to after school activities. This includes dress code and the district cell phone policy.
Thank you for your support and passion for Bulldog Activities! #Bulldogs
Grandparents Activity Pass
Grandparents, 60 and older, can get free admission to activities at GIPS! To get your activity pass, bring in your valid driver license to the Kneale Administration Building (123 S Webb Rd, Grand Island, NE 68803).
Activities at GISH
As the sports seasons start up, the admin team from Sr, High wanted to remind the middle schools:
Backpacks and other small bags are NOT allowed at Sporting Events/Activities. You will NOT be allowed in the event with a bag or backpack. You must have your school issued ID to enter.
Activities at Barr
Students: if you attend with your Bulldog pass (and not with your parents) you are only allowed to visit the concession stand in between sets, quarters, or games. Also, while attending games the expectations from the school day should be followed- including no cell phone use and staying off your computer.
Activity Opportunities in the Community
Here are a few opportunities for your student to stay involved with athletics!
Visit the YMCA Website to register today! Click HERE!
Calendars
Here is the District Calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year.
Activities Calendar
This calendar has all the activities at Barr, from volleyball to wrestling to orchestra concerts, and is one you can subscribe to so you never miss an event!
Click HERE to access the calendar! (The rSchool Calendar is on the left hand side!)
Reminders From Previous Post (That are still important!) 😉
Backpacks/Bags/Trapper Keepers
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!
Computer Reminder
Students, your computer case should contain your computer, charger, and a pencil in the outside pocket. You are responsible for computer screens that break due to extra items in your case.
If you have a fine, please plan on paying that this week when you attend parent teacher conferences.
Drop off and Pick Up
Drop Off
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
Door 23 into the cafeteria on the east side (students wait in the cafeteria)
7th Grade
Door 3 on the west side (near the auditorium and old gym) (students will wait in the old gym)
8th Grade
Door 8 on the west side (north of main entrance) (students wait in the new gym)
Jr. Islander Power Club
Get after your New Year Resolutions right away!
Who:
7th and 8th grade Barr Students
When:
Starts [again!] Jan. 8!💪
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday*
7:30-8:00 AM
*Moved to Thursday to accommodate students also in show choir
Focus of Training:
Strength--Speed--Flexibility--Agility
Conditioning--Quickness--Leadership
Where:
New (north) gym
Enter door 8
Equipment needed:
T-shirt, shorts, gym shoes
Questions Contact:
Water Bottles
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.
Previous Updates
Summer:
August:
September :
October:
November:
December:
January:
February: