

May 5th-May 23rd

A. MacArthur Barr Mission Statement
Preparing and inspiring students to apply learning in a changing, complex, and interdependent world.
Curriculum & Instruction
8th Grade Adventure to Ellis Island
Students enjoy a scenic ferry ride as they journey through history, exploring the stories of immigrants who helped shape America.
Kakiat Park Trout Release 🐟🐡🌲🌱🌷🌼
The fifth grade class took a trip to Kakiat Park to set the trout (they have been raising for months in the classrooms) free so the fish can begin the next stage of their life. After the release, our young Ichthyologists (fish scientists) had the opportunity to explore the park during a nature walk and write about it through poetry and song. The class also learned about macroinvertebrates - small insects that play an important role in freshwater environments by recycling nutrients.
Barr Spring Concerts 📯🎷🎸🎹🎺🎻🥁🎤
Middle school students and even a Barr Teaching Assistant lit up the stage at this year’s Spring Concert, showcasing their musical talents with a joyful mix of songs and performances. Families and staff filled the auditorium to cheer on these young musicians, making it a night to remember!
Puerto Rican Culture
7th grade Spanish students enjoyed varied station learning activities about Puerto Rico, including learning how to dance salsa!
Extra Curriculars & Adventures at Barr
Celebration!
Wonder Girls wrapped up an amazing year with a well-deserved day of fun and laughter at the amusement park! From thrilling rides to sweet treats, it was the perfect way to celebrate friendship, growth, and a fantastic year together.
Field Day at Barr MS 🏁🏆🏅🥇⚽🥎🏀🏈🏐🏉⚾
The PE teachers planned one of the most memorable field days at Barr yet! All students competed in defender, handball, matball, 4 way volleyball and tug of war. Field day promotes physical activity and teamwork among students, helping them develop social skills and stay healthy. It also creates a fun, engaging environment that boosts student motivation and builds a sense of community.
Boys Tennis
Boys modified tennis represents Barr with pride every time they step onto the court.
Trivia Team Building Event
🧠Mr. Henderson organized a teacher trivia team-building event. This was a fantastic way to strengthen collaboration and spark friendly competition among teachers. The event encouraged teamwork, sharpened minds, and created a joyful atmosphere that deepened connections, making the Barr staff community even stronger 🧠
Spirit Day
🌴 Shh... it’s a secret! 🕶️
Our incredible teachers made waves today during a surprise Secret Spirit Day—showing up in their best beach wear to bring the sunshine indoors! From tropical shirts to sunhats and flip-flops, they reminded us all that school spirit is always in season. 🏖️✨ #SecretSpiritDay #BeachVibes #TeacherStyle
Awards & Recognition
Barr MS Chamber Orchestra Brings Home the Gold!
The Barr MS Chamber Orchestra has returned home with a GOLD Rating from this year's NYSSMA Major Organizations Festival at Monroe-Woodbury High School! To quote the NYSSMA manual, a gold rating "will be awarded to organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill." To quote Ms. Lucksom, "No doubt these students met this requirement tenfold. This was a year filled with trials balancing lives and passions outside of school. Despite all the many clubs, sports teams, rigorous homework assignments, these students pushed through purely with their love of music and tenacity. It is an understatement that they worked hard all year long, and I am so proud of them!"
Sergeant Culianos
Students and staff gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to Officer Culianos on his last day as our School Resource Officer. After many years of dedicated service, Officer Culianos is being promoted to Sergeant—a well-earned step forward. Thank you for your commitment to our school community. Congratulations and best of luck in your new role!
Welcome to Middle School!
Priscilla, our 5th grade student, give a current 4th grader a tour of the building, as part of the incoming grade 5 orientation experience. During this experience, our grade 4 students visit grade 5 classrooms where our current 5th grade students give an orientation presentation, followed by student led tours. Afterwards, all grade 4 students meet with the Principal, Mrs. O’Sullivan and Assistant Principals, Mr. Arvanites and Mrs. Oates, along with our SRO Culianos for a question and answer session. We are excited to welcome our incoming grade 5 class in the Fall!
🎉 Big congratulations to Kailie Mariscal!
She’s one of just 6 fifth grade students selected by the Environmental Management Council (EMC) to be recognized for her Creative Arts Contest submission! She’ll be honored at a ceremony on Monday, June 2 at 4:30 PM in New City. We’re so proud of her amazing work!
Art Show 🎨
Students and families celebrated the art show as they viewed homegrown pieces made in art classes while being serenaded by the student-musicians.
Community Events & Outreach
In Rememberance!
This Monday we honor our veterans for Memorial Day, remembering the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.