Bulldog Update December 16, 2024
#BulldogStrong
December 16, 2024
I type this newsletter with fingers covered in candy cane and hot chocolate. Bring on Winter Break! ⛄🎄🎉🛷🎿🥅🍭🪩🛫📱🎮🎨🎀🍿🐧💤
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, December 16th will be a B Day.
- Click HERE for complete A/B calendar.
Academic:
- AIMSWeb math and ELA makeup tests!
- Thursday, Dec. 19- "Dash to Success Day!"
- Friday, Dec 20- Normal day and the start of Winter Break!
Activities
- Monday, Dec. 9:
- Choir Concert @ 6:00 PM in Barr Auditorium
- Tuesday, Dec 10:
- 8th Grade Girls 🏀 vs Walnut @ Walnut (4:15 PM)
- 7th Grade Girls 🏀 vs Columbus @ Barr (4:15 PM)
- Thursday, Dec. 12:)
- MS Boys Championship 🤼 at Walnut (TBD??!)
- 6th Grade Orchestra Concert @ 6:30 PM in Barr Auditorium
Our Week in Photos
Just doing Bulldog things!
6th graders using inherited genotypes to build
"snow" families in science ⛄
6th graders building a tower of spaghetti noodles
& marshmallows over 17" tall!
Keegan Woode gave the 8th grade general music class
a demonstration on West African Drumming
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
No Gum or Candy
Students are not allowed to have gum or candy during the school day. Please help us in this endeavor by reminding your student not to bring packs of gum or bags of candy.
Thanks for helping us keep our floors, desks, and bathrooms clean!
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...).
Winter Choral Concert- Tomorrow!!
Who: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choral students
When: Monday, December 16th, 204 @ 6:00 PM
Where: Barr Middle School Auditorium
Sponsored by: Director-Rachel Cossey and Collaborative Accompanist- Joseph Swanson
(Flyer created by Evolleth Juarez Marcos designed this - how cool!)
Emailing Teachers form ParentVue
We have been made aware of some complications in trying to email teachers. First, we apologize for the inconvenience as we value open communication with stakeholders. Next, below you will find instructions detailing how you can email teachers from either the website or the app. Finally, thank you for your patience in this process, and if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the main office.
Here are directions on how parents can email teachers:
On the ParentVUE website:
Login to ParentVUE
Select your child from the list
Click on Grade Book
Click on the name of the course
Click on the teacher name in the upper left corner
On the ParentVUE App:
Login to the ParentVUE app
Select your child from the list
Click on Grade Book
Click on the name of the Course
Click on the teacher name at the top left
PARENTVUE UPDATE - Emergency Contacts
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.
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...
Attendance
What is the difference between PR, AB, ILL and MED on Synergy?
Have you received a phone call or email about your student's attendance? If so, please know that our team has the best interest of your student in mind while trying to keep the focus on their learning.
An important part of understanding what you are looking at in Synergy is the following:
PR- "Parent Request" this means that the parent called to inform the school of the absence.
ILL- "Illness" means the parent called (which we appreciate!) but is not medically excused.
AB- "Absent" means no call, no show.
MED- "Medical" a doctor's note was received by the school and excuses the student for the dates that are also identified on the note. This is the only absence that does not count against a student's total.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office for clarification.
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!
December Dash to Success- This week!!
Subject: Exciting December Dash for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade!
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The teachers at Barr are thrilled to announce the December Dash to Success for all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade 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 Barr students are invited to participate.
To qualify for the December Dash to Success, students must meet the following criteria from Tuesday, November 12, 2024, through the end of the first semester:
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 December 19th. We’re excited to recognize the hard work of all of our students, and we hope this motivates them to finish the semester strong!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to:
6th grade principal Mr. Mac (jmchargue@gips.org),
7th grade principal Mrs. Myers (jmyers@gips.org),
or 8th grade principal Ms. Stockwell (sstockwell@gips.org).
6th Grade Team Day
Dear 6th Grade Parent/Guardian,
I am excited to invite your student into a day of learning through a movie, a live TED-style talk from me (Mr. “Mac” McHargue), self-reflection journaling, and a “pass it on” community project. Below you will find details for Wednesday, December 18th.
Wednesday, December 18th Schedule:
1-2nd period in the auditorium to watch movie
3-4th period regular explore classes
5th period start activity with Mac and lunch
6th period regular Extension/Lab
BDT (7th period) self reflection/journal from Mac
8th period “pass it on” community activity from Mac
Movie: “Out of My Mind”
Purpose:
The goal of this activity will be to challenge students to find the value in others, learn to speak to each other with respect, evaluate their influences and actions, and create habit-forming opportunities.
Overall, I am very excited for this opportunity to learn with the 6th grade teachers and students in this way, so please do not hesitate to ask me any questions about this day by calling the school office at 308.385.5875 or emailing me at jmchargue@gips.org.
Thank you in advance for allowing your child to participate in our day of intentional learning!
Sincerely,
Mr. Jess “Mac” McHargue
Assistant Principal
Activities Reminders
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.
Winter Activities in our community
Barr Families,
Below are activities happening in our community during the break! Check them out and add them to your to do list!😁
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!) 😉
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
If you have further questions, please call the front office.
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
A place to better yourself.
Who:
7th and 8th grade Barr Students
When:
Starts Wed Sept. 4th
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:
Coach Felber--cfelber@gips.org
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: