Barr Update Mar. 18, 2024
It's a great day to be a BULLDOG!
Week of Mar 18, 2024
Mon., Mar. 18, 2024 is an A day, and
here are a few other updates and reminders!
Add to your calendar!
Tues., April 30 & Fri., May 3 are 2:15 DISMISSALS
These early dismissals were added due to track and field meets. Please mark your calendar and plan accordingly!
7th graders: Info for DC Delegate Trip 2025
The annual 8th grade trip to Washington DC for 2025 will start registration soon. Students heard about it on Thurs., Mar. 14 during Bulldog Time and the parent informational meeting will be Tues., Mar. 19 at 6:00pm in the Auditorium.
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) - Thurs., Mar. 21, 5:30 PM
THANK YOU to those of you who showed interest in the Parent-Teacher Organization at Parent-Teacher Conferences! Everyone is welcome to participate in the PTO.
Our first meeting will be Thurs., Mar. 21 at 5:30 in the Media Center. Spanish translation will be available.
Spring Sports - Sports Clothes
Spring School Climate Survey
We wanted to share a helpful reminder that 3rd - 12th Grade students will be invited to participate in the optional GIPS Culture & Climate survey. The survey will be administered to students March 11 - 28.
This survey is hosted on a platform, Panorama, that GIPS uses to monitor school safety, education and engagement. We utilize the platform to ask your student high-level questions about school safety and their overall school experience.
A resource of information, FAQs, sample reports, and last year’s reporting may be found on the district website, HERE.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the district office at 308.385.5900 or share a message through communications@gips.org.
Register for next year by Mar. 31.
Find more info and register for next school year at gips.org/registration OR on ParentVUE.
FREE Sports Physicals - Incoming 8th-12th grade athletes
General Health Physicals
Please remember, every incoming 7th grader needs a physical from a primary care provider.
Heartland Health Center (a primary care provider) will be at Barr Tues., on April 9 to complete physicals and update immunizations.
If you are interested in having this service completed at Barr, please have your child stop into the Nurse office for an informational packet and paperwork. Slots are limited.
Coaching for Parents
Auditions for South Central NE Children's Chorale
For incoming 4th - 8th graders:
Buy a Yearbook!
A perfect way to look back on all the amazing memories you made this year! Order now before supplies run out!
You can also spread out the cost with an interest-free payment plan. Order HERE.
NO SCHOOL Fri., Mar. 29 & Mon., April 1
No school due to April Break.
6th graders: NO SCHOOL for 6th graders Thurs., May 2
5th graders will be visiting Barr on Thurs., May 2 for 5th grade Orientation. Our 6th graders will not have school that day due to orientation.
Upcoming Days Off for Students
NO SCHOOL & EARLY DISMISSALS FOR STUDENTS:
Fri. & Mon., Mar. 29 & April 1 (April Break) - NO SCHOOL
Fri., April 19 (teachers have PD) - NO SCHOOL
Tues., April 30 (Track and Field event) - EARLY DISMISSAL
Fri., May 3 (Track and Field event) - EARLY DISMISSAL
6th graders only - Thurs., May 2 (5th grade Orientation) - NO SCHOOL 6th grade
Wed., May 22 - 11:00 AM Dismissal (last day of school) - EARLY DISMISSAL
UPCOMING GAMES & EVENTS
Info also found on the district site calendar HERE.
Sort by Sport, see all events:
You can sort by sport and see all events on this site HERE.
SPORTS
No game this week
CLUBS and ACTIVITIES
WEIGHTS - 7th & 8th GRADE - meets Mon. through Thurs. 7:30 - 8:00 AM - Enter through door 8.
See Mr. Felber and Mr. Stenhouse for more information.
HOMEWORK CLUB - All grades - Mon. through Thurs. 3:45 - 4:45 PM in Media Center. Pick up at Door 1. Students and parents need to sign the commitment agreement after the first day of attending club.
See Mrs. Ripp, Mr. Haas, and Mrs. Myers for more information.
ROOTS AND SHOOTS - Meets third Thurs. of the month in the Media Center.
See Mrs. Pedersen for more details.
RUN CLUB - All grades - 3:45 - 4:30 Mondays, Tuesday, and Thursdays in Ms. Ortega's room (#103).
See Ms. Ortega for details.
REMINDERS FROM PREVIOUS POSTS
Mark Your Calendars
School Doors Open at 7:45 AM
In order to staff the building more efficiently, doors will open at 7:45 AM starting Thurs., Jan. 4.
If you have questions or concerns about this, please reach out your child's grade-level principal via email or phone call (308.385.5875):
6th grade - Jessica Myers
7th grade - Sheree Stockwell
8th grade - Joe Eckerman
Updated Bus Conduct Policy
The Board of Education updated the Bus Conduct Policies (5312 and 5312.1). Student conduct violations and consequences are as follows:
- First Violation: Warning by the driver and notification to the principal. This will be the only warning.
- Second Violation: Loss of privilege to ride the bus for the remainder of the school year.
Bus Routes
District bus routes can be found HERE.
Students being dropped off from the bus will enter the following doors:
7:20 arrivals drops off at door 23. Students will wait until 7:30 and then go to respective waiting locations (see above).
After 7:30 arrivals will drop off at door 3 and students will go to respective waiting locations (see above).
Use the Crosswalk
Many students are walking through the parking lot when getting dropped off or picked up--which is a safety concern! Please remember to use the crosswalks! If you are dropping off a child, please drop off near a crosswalk and remind them to use it! Thank you for your help with keeping Barr safe!
Parking Lot Traffic
Please follow these rules to make the traffic better in the parking lot:
- Park on the right, drive on the left (do not park on the left side)
- Do not park in the bus zone (where the yellow stripes are)
- Do not pick up or drop off from the left, driving-through side
- Go slow and stay alert
Use Clear 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.
Food from Home
Dress Code Update and Reminder
Please remember the school dress code (below), and please note that "spaghetti straps" are not allowed. We appreciate your help in having students "Dress for Success!"
- Keep covered from top of chest to mid-thigh
- Keep undergarments covered (spaghetti straps not allowed)
- Hats and hoods need to stay off or down
- Anything with profanity, alcohol, drugs/Illegal substances, gangs, etc. is not allowed
- IDs need to be worn everyday!
Winter Coats in Lockers
In order to provide more space in classrooms and to ensure safety at school, winter coats need to be in put in lockers (and not worn to class).
$$ ID Fines $$
IDs must be worn everyday. If a students does not have one, they will be charged $1 for a temporary ID after their third temporary ID. Some students are getting charged everyday. These fines can add up! Please encourage your child to wear his/her ID. A replacement ID can be purchased in the office for $5. A new lanyard is $2 and an ID cover is $1.
If your child has fines, these can be paid for in the office (check ParentVUE for fines or call the office at 308.385.5875).
Cell Phones
Cell Phones
Cell phones aren't needed at school. Students will keep them in their locker.
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).
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 8 on the west side (north of main entrance) (students wait in the new gym)
8th grade: Door 3 on the west side (near the auditorium and old gym) (students will wait in the old gym)
Pick up
6th grade: on east side (cafeteria side)
7th & 8th grade: on west side (near main entrance)
Students who walk or ride home are asked to leave right away.
Busing is available! See below!
School Day Hours
The school day is from 8:15 - 3:45 PM.
Doors will open at 7:45 AM. Do not have students arrive earlier as there will not be supervision. Free Grab n Go breakfast will be served from 7:45 - 8:05 AM.
School day ends at 3:45 PM. Students need to be picked up by 4:00 PM (unless staying for an activity, event or practice).