Left to Right: Assistant Principal Khris Arvanites, Principal Michelle O'Sullivan, Assistant Principal Latoya Oates
Dear Barr Families,
We are so excited to welcome all of our students and families—both returning and new to the district—to A. MacArthur Barr Middle School. We hope your summer was restful and full of joy.
Over the summer, we completed important upgrades to our technology infrastructure and school building to ensure a safe, comfortable, and high-quality environment for teaching and learning. These updates reflect our commitment to supporting all students and staff as they grow and succeed.
🔄 Building on Last Year’s Success
Last year, our focus was on strengthening communication and building connections between home and school. This year, we’re taking these goals deeper by emphasizing the importance of giving and receiving feedback—among students, staff, and families. We believe feedback is a key ingredient in strong communication, reflection, personal growth, and collaborative problem-solving. We look forward to learning and improving together!
⭐ Introducing Our New PBIS Program
We are proud to launch our school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program this year. PBIS helps create a positive, inclusive school culture where all students can thrive by reinforcing good choices and shared expectations.
“PBIS isn’t about changing students; it’s about changing the environment so that positive behaviors are more likely to occur.”
As part of this initiative, we’re introducing our new school-wide slogan:
We are BARR!
B – Building Relationships
A – Accepting Everyone
R – Responsible
R – Resilient
Each quarter, we will hold school-wide assemblies focused on the core themes and behaviors, with emphasis on teaching students specific ways to demonstrate the behaviors. Below are the quarterly themes and focus areas. When you are in the building, stop by our PBIS bulletin boards, located in the main hallway, outside the main office. Throughout the year, we will be sharing additional information on our PBIS framework and how we are recognizing students for their success.
PBIS Quarterly Themes & Behavior Focus
| Quarter |
Theme |
Focus behaviors |
| Q1 |
Building Relationships |
I am kind. I help others. I include others. |
| Q2 |
Accepting Everyone |
I treat others with respect. I accept others’ differences. |
| Q3 |
Responsibility |
I take ownership. I try my best. |
| Q4 |
Resilience |
I never give up. |
⏰ The Importance of Consistent, On-Time Attendance
A strong start to the school day sets the tone for learning. Our school day runs from 7:39 AM to 2:32 PM. New York State has attendance regulations that require regular school attendance, so we ask for your partnership in helping your child establish strong routines by arriving on time and being present each day. Consistent attendance ensures students don’t miss valuable instruction and classroom experiences that build day by day. All students have access to school bussing. Please note that lateness due to a long drop off line is not considered excused. All absences must be reported to our attendance clerk at 627-4420. More information about absences is found in our online parent handbook.
💬 Talk With Your Child Each Day
We encourage all families to make time each evening to talk with your child about their school day. Ask questions, celebrate successes, and listen to any challenges they may be facing. I strongly urge you to keep in touch with your child's guidance counselor, by calling 627-4050, so they can collaborate with you on ways to support your child. It's also important to review any school communication that comes home—whether in backpacks, the Parent Square email/text notification system, or our newsletter—so you stay informed and can support your child throughout the year.
📰 “Raising the Barr” Newsletter
Please read our biweekly “Raising the Barr” newsletter, which offers insight into the incredible things happening at school. It’s your go-to source for updates, highlights, and important reminders and a great tool to use for having conversations with your child.
📅 Upcoming Events to Remember
Wednesday, September 3rd, 7:39 am - 2:32 pm - FIRST DAY OF CLASSES FOR ALL STUDENTS
Wednesday, September 10 | 6:00–7:00 PM - BARR PTA WELCOME PICNIC *Rain date is Friday, September 12th
For 5th Grade students & families new to the district
Bring your snacks and a blanket, meet new families, and enjoy a scavenger hunt and music from local business Bach to Rock!
Thursday, September 25 | 6:30–8:30 PM - MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT
Parents and guardians are invited to follow the "A Day" schedule to visit classrooms and connect with teachers.
More details will follow soon.
We are excited for another incredible year at Barr and look forward to working in partnership with you. Thank you for being a vital part of our school community!
Mrs. O'Sullivan
