Bulldog Update February 2, 2025
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.
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.
Happy Sunday, Barr Parents!
The teachers are thrilled to announce the February Frosted Focus to our students! This event will offer a fun mix of activities inside the school or even outdoors (weather permitting) during Bulldog Time. Concession stand snacks will be available for purchase at a discounted price, and all students are invited to participate.
To qualify for the February Frosted Focus, students must meet the following criteria from Monday, January 13, 2025, through the end of the third quarter:
No more than 2 minor referrals
0 major referrals
No F’s in any class
No missing assignments
No more than 1 day of absence (doctor-confirmed illnesses and appointments will not count toward this limit. Please bring in doctor's notes.)
Students who meet these requirements will join us for a well-deserved celebration on February 6 & 7. We’re excited to recognize the hard work of our students, and we hope this motivates them to start 2025 off on the right foot!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your student's principal at:
6th Grade: jmchargue@gips.org
7th Grade: jmyers@gips.org
8th Grade: sstockwell@gips.org
INFORMATIONAL MEETING: MON, JAN. 13, 3:45-4:15, RM. 224
SCRIPT READ-THRU: TUES, JANUARY 14, 4-5 PM, AUDITORIUM
AUDITIONS: WED, JANUARY 15, 4-5 PM, AUDITORIUM
THUR, JANUARY 16, 4-5 PM, AUDITORIUM
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 begins on Monday at Barr Middle School! 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!💪
Who is eligible to apply??
- Current 8th Grade Student
- First Generation College Prospect (Student whose parents have not earned a four-year degree)
- Income Eligible (based on federal income tax information)
- Nebraska resident and U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be ready for honors and advanced level courses in high school.
- Parental commitment
- Plan to attend one of the participating high schools 9th-12th grade (Grand Island Senior High, Omaha Bryan, Omaha North, Omaha South or Winnebago Public Schools)
- B-average in Middle School core classes of math, science, social studies, English and world language.
- Prepared to take at least Algebra 1-2 as a freshman.
HERE is the link with information for students interested in applying.
Student interested in applying need to be working on their application and checking in with their counselor!
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!
Informational meeting: Thursday, February 6, 3:45-4:15, RM. 224
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
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
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:
