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Bulldog Update September 8, 2024

Bulldog Update September 8, 2024

School is in full swing at Barr!

September 9, 2024

I type this newsletter with fingers exhausted from the short holiday week and filled with joy as many

of our students are doing amazing things in the classroom, the community,

and on the field of competition!


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, September 9th will be a B Day.
    Click HERE for complete A/B calendar.

Academic:


  • AimsWeb Makeup Testing will happen Monday-Wednesday next week for both ELA and math


Activities

  • Tuesday, September 10th:
    8th VB at Walnut @ 4:15 PM
    7th VB vs Walnut at Barr @ 4:15 PM
    7-8th XC at Johnson Lake @ 6:30 PM
  • Thursday, September 12th:
    8th FB at Horizon (Kearney) @ 4:00 PM
    7th FB vs Walnut at Barr @ 4:15 PM
    8th VB at Hastings @ 4:15 PM
    7th VB vs Hastings at Barr @ 4:15 PM.
  • Friday, September 13th:
    7-8th XC at Meadowlark Hills Golf Course (Kearney) @ 4:00 PM

Exciting things happening at Barr

Shh! Learning is happening.

7th graders being themselves! 😊

7th Grade ELA Teachers, Mrs. Snoberger and Dr. Garcia, pose at the end of the day!

Safety on Campus

Reminder: the doors to the school open at 7:45 AM, so once your child is on campus they need to be in the building and in their assigned area. Parents/Guardians, please help communicate the importance of this to your student.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

The purpose of the Barr PTO is to develop a closer connection between school and home by encouraging parent involvement and to enrich the culture of Barr Middle School.


Consider yourself invited to the first PTO meeting of the 2024-25 school year on Monday, September 9th at 6:00 PM. Come and see how you can contribute to the overall experience for students and staff at Barr.


If you have any questions, please contact the school or email Mr. McHargue at jmchargue@gips.org.

High Impact Show Choir

Attention High Impact Show Choir students and parents! There will be a student/parent meeting Monday, September 9th at 6pm in Mrs. Cossey’s classroom (room 180). If there are conflicts, please be sure to communicate with Mrs. Cossey.

DC Delegates (for 8th graders)

A short informational meeting for families whose children are interested in going to Washington D.C. in March will be at Barr in the auditorium at 6:30 on Monday.


There will be a parent meeting for parents on Monday at 6:45 PM in the auditorium. We will discuss fundraising, scholarships and answer any questions.

Roots and Shoots Club

💐🌱🌲🍀🌻

Are you interested in pollinators and plants? Join Roots & Shoots Club which meets the third Thursday of each month from 3:45-4:45. You must have a ride home at 4:45 pm. The first meeting is September 19th in the media center.

School Pictures

Pictures will be posted after Friday, September 6th

Picture Day information was sent home earlier this month. Here is additional information.

For pictures, you can use the following link to order your child’s photo:

https://dsschools.com/Barr_Middle_School/

The ID code is “GIPS” and then the student ID number (e.g., GIPS12345).


Picture retakes are Monday, September 23, 2024 (during the school day).


Please contact the office if you have questions or need more information. Thanks!

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.

Computer

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!

The last day to add the protection plan [for this school year] is September 20, 2025.

From 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.

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

Back packs

Should 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!

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)

Phones Away

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...

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.

Jr. Islander Power Club

A place to better yourself.

Who:

7th and 8th grade Barr Students


When:

Starts Wed Sept. 4th

Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday

7:30-8:00 Am


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

Coach Rodriguez--drodriguez2@gips.org

Previous Updates

Barr Middle School