Well, this was an interesting week to say the least! Super Bowl victory, Valentine's Day and our 5th grade Friendship Parties (see our pics below) followed by our "Red Snow Day", and then freezing rain that came at the absolute worst possible time yesterday as busses were just getting started on their routes. Now we've got an extra long weekend to add to it!

Below you will see that we’re making some important improvements to our middle school schedule and programming for next year. We’re super excited and looking forward to being able to provide a better overall learning experience for our kiddos - see below for more details!

February 20 -

• NO SCHOOL!!! (President's Day)
• Action Packed Basketball Practice, 6-7:30pm (Gym)
• KC Athletic Soccer Club Practice, 7:30-9pm (Gym)

Febraury 21 -

• Academic Lab, 3-4pm
• Step Team Practice, 2:50pm (Cafeteria/Gym)
• PACE, 3-4pm
• NCC - Knit Happens, 5:30-7:30pm (Library)
• Alliance Soccer Practice, 6:30-8pm (Gym)

February 22 -

• Archery Practice - Garland, 5-8pm (Gym)
• Financial Finess #1, 6:30-8:30pm (Room 212) NCC

February 23 -

• Step Team, 2:50pm (Cafeteria/Gym)
• PACE, 3-4pm
• Academic Lab, 3-4pm
• Barry Archery Practice, 5-7:30pm (Gym)
• NCC - Financial Fitness #1, 6:30-8:30pm (Room 212)
• Action Packed Basketball Practice, 7:30-9pm (Gym)

February 24 -

• Competitive Edge Training - Girls Basketball Practice, 6-7:30pm (Gym)

At the February Board of Education meeting, middle school principals from Barry School and Platte City Middle School shared a presentation outlining schedule improvements to begin next school year. Middle school principals and district leadership researched best practices, visited area middle schools, and worked with teachers and staff to develop an aligned master schedule for the 2023-24 school year and beyond.

There are three main reasons for the schedule improvements:

• Increased Instruction and Exposure for Students. With this revised schedule, students will gain from longer instructional periods for all classes as well as exposure to all electives at the 6th grade level.
• Alignment Across Middle Schools. With the opening of Platte Purchase Middle School as a 6-8th grade center, we are able to align schedules for collaboration and equitable learning experiences across middle schools.
• Improved Staff Collaboration. The revised schedule allows for greater collaboration of teacher improvement teams and grade-level teams. This collaboration is used to analyze data, guide instruction, and ultimately benefit our students’ success.

Counselors and staff will soon be meeting with current 5th-7th graders across the District to review the schedule changes and explain the exploratory/elective options at each grade level. Course selections for 2023-24 will be due to PCMS and Barry by mid-March.

Next week during lunch, our NJHS is collecting monetary donations for those impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. See the document below for more information.

For The past two months, our 8th graders have been working hard on their high school course selections for next year.

If your student wants to take a summer school class (Health or P.E.), enrollment for these courses is a separate process and will be towards the end of the school year. Information regarding summer school will be sent via our Parent Newsletter once we have more details.

Please make time between now and then to go through your student’s 9th-grade year with them to ensure it aligns with their wants and needs.

Interested in your student joining the AVID Elective Program for next year?

Not sure what the AVID Elective Course can offer your student?

See the 2023-2024 AVID Elective Overview Infographic below. Those interested in joining this course please complete the online application which opens on Monday January 30th and closes on March 1st. We are excited to offer an AVID elective course next year for ALL four grade levels. If you have questions speak with your school counselors or contact our AVID Site Coordinators:

Tori Tessmer- tessmerv@platteco.k12.mo.us

Joe King-kingj@platteco.k12.om.us

We hope you consider this incredible opportunity for your student.

In March, your child’s school counselor will lead all 5th grade classes through a module outlining student stress, coping strategies, and our district approach to depression awareness and suicide prevention: Acknowledge, Care, Tell.

If you do NOT wish for your child to participate in the session, please complete the form (given to your child 2/14) and return it to the office by Monday February 27th. Let me know if you have questions or would like to preview the slides that will be used in this module. Thank you.

Permission Slip

8th grade February 23rd

The 8th grade MOCSA program begins by simply defining sexual harassment as any unwanted
behavior of a sexual nature. The four types of sexual harassment (physical,
verbal, non-verbal, written) are named, and the children identify different
examples in each of these categories. The children then watch an age
appropriate video or participate in a group activity that covers the areas
previously discussed. The presentation continues by discussing the
consequences of sexual harassment as well as how it might make someone feel
if they are being sexual harassed. To conclude, different strategies are discussed
for how to deal with sexual harassment.

Please have Opt out forms completed by February 21st, if you would NOT like your child to participate in the presentation.

If you have any questions, please call Amanda Griffin, school counselor at 816-436-9623.

Opt Out Form

5th grade March 17th

Project Aware is an educational program that teaches children about different
ways to keep their body safe. Students learn the differences between good, bad
and confusing touches. Children are taught three safety rules to use if they feel
unsafe or uncomfortable: SAY NO, GET AWAY, and TELL SOMEONE. Children
are encouraged to identify trusted adults they can talk with. An age appropriate
video is shown in class and materials are provided for each child to take home.

Please have Opt out forms completed by March 15th if you would NOT like your child to participate in the presentation.

If you have any questions, please call Amanda Griffin, school counselor at 816-436-9623

Opt Out Form

Who: Any 7th or 8th Grade PCMS or Barry Middle School Students

What: This is a program for both the advanced competitive swimmer and those who wish to try out competitive swimming for the first time.

When: First Practice will be on Feb 27th. The season will finish on April 20th.

Time: After school from 3:15 – 4:45 p.m., Monday-Friday. * NO PLC day practices * We will NOT practice over Spring Break.

Where: Platte County YMCA

Transportation: Bus will be provided to Platte County YMCA from both Barry and Platte City Middle School.

Physicals: All athletes MUST have all forms (physical, insurance, concussion signature, activity participation form) on file by Monday, February 27th.

Pick up by 4:50 if they are picking you up from the YMCA or use the activity bus that can pick up the swimmers after practice @ 4:50 to return to Barry Middle School.

Other General Information:

• Athletes MUST have 14 practices before they are allowed to compete (Mandated by MSHSAA)

• Grades: The athlete must have no more than one failing grade for the quarter just prior to the sport or activity.

* Things swimmers will need:

1. For practice and Meets, swimmers will need to provide their own swimsuit (one piece for girls). We will wear an ALL-black suit for swim meets. No tie-back or large labeled suits are allowed for competition.
2. Competitive swim goggles (get recommended ones if possible)
3. Swim cap. You will purchase a Platte County Swim cap ($10) from me at the beginning of the season. Club team caps are not allowed at meets as they are a violation of MSHSAA Rules and the swimmer will be disqualified.
4. Towel
5. Bottle of water.

Swim Calendar Link

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15NEaNaE8v8Pwpbx0YgO6fd3056DCxmUcqbBY7plLPe8/edit?usp=sharing

Middle School Swim Google classroom account: Code: z7ro7rw

Information Meeting - Barry School - Friday, Feb 3rd at 8:00. See Mrs. Stephenson in the library for meeting questions.

Big news, Barry School families! Your student has the opportunity to travel to Italy with me in the Summer of 2024. I’ll be going over all the details in my info session. Use this link to RSVP to the meeting: https://bit.ly/3jmmjCV.

The PowerPoint is attached below.

Thank you so much for your help and support!

Pirates R.O.C.K. (Raising Outstanding Character Kids) is a program designed to surround our families with examples of strong character traits through school experiences, at home, and reinforced in their community. Each month our community focuses on a specific character trait and students are recognized for exhibiting these traits: Self Confidence, Pride, Responsibility, Citizenship, Compassion, Individuality, Self Control, Integrity, Perseverance, Respect, Honesty, and Cooperation.

February's #PiratesROCK trait is Self Control: displaying your emotions & behaviors in a positive way.

Character Strong connections to SELF CONTROL:

• Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Patience, Respect, Forgiveness

Every week students go through a Character Strong lesson that helps build on our 8 traits: Honesty, Forgiveness, Commitment, Kindness, Humility, Selflessness, Patience, and Respect. Starting shortly students will be asked to complete a Student Character Dare. These are to help build on practices that are taught in our weekly lesson. Some dares can be as simple as asking someone new to join their table to reaching out to someone students look up to and writing them a letter.

We are encouraging each family to complete the monthly Family Dare. Each Family Dare offers parents, guardians, and families the opportunity to engage in challenges designed to increase connection and conversation at home. These dares also provide students with more opportunities to practice habits discussed in class.

February's Family Dare is: Gratitude Grams

If you take a picture of your family completing the dare, please send pictures to Amy Gardner at gardnera@platteco.k12.mo.us. She will post pictures on Social Media and we can showcase them on our TV's at school.

CharacterStrong Connections to SELF CONTROL:

• Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Patience, Respect, Forgiveness

$10 OFF ADIDAS POLOS!

Now through Sunday, save $10 on all Platte County Adidas Polos. These stylish polos look great in the classroom or on the golf course! You'll also receive free shipping on all orders over $75. Shop Polos.

Email: hoffeckj@platteco.k12.mo.us
Location: Barry School, Northwest 87th Terrace, Kansas City, MO
Phone: 816-436-9623 x. 3101
Twitter: @barryschool

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryschool/

Instagram: @barry_school_pcr3

Email: adamsj@platteco.k12.mo.us
Location: Barry School, Northwest 87th Terrace, Kansas City, MO
Phone: 816-436-9623 x.3102
Twitter: @barryschool

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryschool/

Instagram: @barry_school_pcr3

The following business partner contribute goods, services, and financial support toward supporting students and staff at our school!

Website: mainstreetcu.org/
Location: 8500 North Green Hills Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 913-599-1010
Facebook: facebook.com/MainstreetCU
Twitter: @mainstreetCU

Email: phyllisfulk@imagingforwomen.com
Website: https://www.imaging4women.com/
Location: 630 NW Englewood Road
Phone: 816-453-2700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imaging4women