Barry Bulletin

Make a difference in our Pirate family! Barry Elementary is looking for a caring Paraprofessional to support students and classroom teachers during school hours. Enjoy a schedule that aligns perfectly with the district calendar (summers and school breaks off!).

• Apply Today: Visit the employment page at plattecountyschooldistrict.com to submit your application.

September 21: NO SCHOOL Staff Professional Learning Day

October 2: 3hr Early Dismissal Homecoming

October 28: Parent teacher Conferences 4pm-8pm

October 29: No School Parent Conferences all Day 8:30-4:00pm

October 30: NO SCHOOL End of Quarter

November 2: NO SCHOOL Staff Professional Learning Day

Choir rehearsals take place at 8:00 AM on the following dates:

• September: 18th (First Rehearsal), 25th

• October: 9th, 16th, 23rd

• November: 6th, 13th, 20th

• December: 4th, 11th (Celebration – Optional)

Performances:

• December 10th: Choir Concert at 6:30 PM

• Additional performances TBD

If your student cannot make a rehearsal, please email Ms. Ball at ball.ashley@pcr3schools.org.

2nd Year Student Lighthouse Leaders welcomed students new to Barry. Shout out to Barry PTA for supporting this endeavor.

Looking for a simple, fun way to make a big impact at our school? Join our WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) team for High Five Fridays!

Whether you are a dad, grandfather, stepdad, uncle, or father figure, your presence brings valuable energy and positive role modeling to our students. High Five Fridays are a low-commitment, high-reward way to get involved: just bring your enthusiasm, cheer on our students as they arrive for the day, and set a positive tone for the weekend ahead!

A quick reminder: per state law, smartwatches are not permitted during school hours. While we understand many students wear them to stay connected, incoming notifications and wrist-messaging have become a major classroom distraction.

To keep our dismissal line running smoothly and safely, please remember that drivers and staff cannot buckle students into their car seats in the active drop-off/pick-up zone.

If your child needs assistance getting buckled in, simply pull forward into the designated parking area or pull past the main line before stopping to help them. This keeps the line moving for everyone and ensures all our students get loaded safely. Thank you for your cooperation and patience!

All parents are asked to review the 2026-27 Barry Elementary School Parent/Student Handbook with their student and complete the acknowledgement form in the PowerSchool Parent Portal by Oct. 1st. The handbook can be found on Parent Portal or on our website here.

If using the PowerSchool mobile app:

• Select the More icon at the bottom of your Dashboard.
• Tap Forms.
• Choose Platte County School District Parent/Student Handbook.

If using a desktop browser:

• Sign in to PowerSchool Parent Portal.
• From the left menu, select Forms.
• Choose Platte County School District Parent/Student Handbook.

All tickets for PCR-3 athletic events are digital. Fans can purchase tickets online through GoFan or by presenting a card or mobile payment option at the ticket gate. All major credit cards are accepted, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay. A regular season game is $7 for adults and $5 for students. PCHS students and fans aged 55 and older are admitted free with a valid ID. Click here for a link to purchase all sports passes and individual tickets.

Parents can use Parent Portal (www.plattecountyschooldistrict.com/parents/parent_portal) to keep up to date on grades and assignments (for students in grades 6-12), attendance, and make meal and fee payments (Go to "Balances" once logged into Parent Portal).

• Click here for Guide to Parent Portal.
  

New parents who have not received their PowerSchool Access ID and Password should contact our school for assistance.

Device insurance for student devices has moved to a new system for the 2026-27 school year. Families who wish to participate must enroll by October 1 through your PowerSchool Parent Portal account.

• Enrollment Cost: $30 per student device
• Free/Reduced Meal Students: $0 enrollment cost
• How to Enroll: Log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal account and complete the Insurance Form under "Forms." Via the PowerSchool app, go to "More," then "Forms." The $30 enrollment fee will be collected within the form.

Insurance can significantly reduce the cost of repairs or replacement. With insurance, the cost for a standard repair is $40, while lost or stolen devices have a $100 replacement fee. Without insurance, families are responsible for the increased repair or full replacement costs. Visit the One-to-One Learning page of our website for additional Student Device FAQs and responsibilities.

Superintendent Dr. Drew White invites parents and community members to join him for Collaborative Community Conversations. These informal gatherings are an opportunity to learn about our District’s goals, share your perspectives, and help us improve the educational experience for every student. We want to listen, learn, and connect.

• Oct. 21, 4pm: Barry

Since 2005, Pirates ROCK (Raising Outstanding Character Kids) has helped shape a strong culture of character across Platte County School District. More than 20 years later and beginning with the 2026-27 school year, we're building on that tradition by aligning Pirates ROCK with our Portrait of a Graduate essential skills.

This evolution creates a more consistent, student-centered approach to character development by focusing on the six essential skills that prepare learners to thrive in school, careers, and life. Students will continue to be recognized for demonstrating outstanding character while developing the competencies that support our mission of ensuring every learner thrives in an ever-changing world with confidence and resilience, all through a consistent framework and shared language as they grow from kindergarten through graduation.

Throughout the year, we'll focus on these essential skills:

• August/September: Effective Communication
• October/November: Self-Awareness
• December/January: Personal Connections
• February: Personal Growth
• March: Problem-Solving
• April: Global Connections

On Monday, September 21, school will not be in session for our first Professional Learning Community (PLC) day of the 2026-27 school year.

PLC days are designed to establish sustained and uninterrupted time for teachers to work together and collaborate to improve student learning and achievement. This time allows educators to examine and respond to the four basic fundamental questions of a Professional Learning Community:

• What is it we want students to learn?
• How will we know when each student has achieved the learning?
• How will we respond when a student is not learning?
• How will we respond when we know a child has mastered the learning?

For more information on PCR-3's Professional Learning Community, visit the PLC page on the District's website.

Get ready to build confidence, take on challenges, make new friends, and feel like you belong. Girls on the Run (GOTR) is recruiting participants for the upcoming season!

What GOTR is All About:

• Team Practices: Practice twice a week for eight weeks.

• Fun Activities: Kind coaches lead movement-based activities and team discussions.

• Community Impact: Work together on a team community service project.

• The Big Event: Experience the joy of crossing the finish line at a 5K!

Important Dates:

• Season Starts: September 15

• 5K Celebration: Saturday, October 31

Learn More & Register:

• Website: Visit www.gotrkc.org

• Email: victoria.wymer@gotrkc.org

• Phone: 913-424-4516

• Organization: Girls on the Run Serving Greater Kansas City

PCHS Cheer is sponsoring their 40th annual “Super Saturday" cheer clinic on Saturday, September 12 for grades PreK-8th at PCHS. Participants are invited to perform at the September 30 Victory Supper during Homecoming week. Click here for additional event details and registration.

Calling all Pirate Dancers K-5th grade! The PCHS Treasures Dance Team is hosting a Mini Treasures Clinic on October 6. Participants are then invited to perform on October 9 at Pirate Stadium!

See details below and use the sign up form to register.

Mini Treasures Camp Rock Dance Clinic: Come dance with PCHS TREASURES Dance Team!

• Clinic: October 6th, 5:30-7:30pm at PCHS North Gym
• Performance: October 9th, 6pm at Pirate Stadium
• Cost: $35, includes t-shirt & bow
• Questions: Treasurespchs@gmail.com

We’re getting ready to kick off our Fall PTA Membership Drive, and if you haven’t joined yet, now is the perfect time!

PTA membership is an annual registration, so families need to join each school year. Your membership helps support our PTA budget, which allows us to provide free or low-cost events for our students and families, support our teachers and staff throughout the year, and give back to our school in so many ways.

Being a PTA member also helps you stay connected with a monthly newsletter, receive early information about volunteer opportunities and upcoming activities, and most importantly, helps create a strong sense of community through family involvement.

Ready to join? Visit www.barryelementarypta.com to register for the 2026–2027 school year!

Want to get even MORE involved? We have several committees and coordinator positions available for families who would like to help support our amazing events and activities. There’s a place for everyone, and we’d love to have you involved! Please email us if you are interested or use the google form on our website!

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ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD FUNDRAISING NIGHT

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 9, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Andy’s Frozen Custard on Ambassador Drive!

A flyer has been sent home with students and is needed for the Barry PTA to receive $1 from every purchase. The flyer is also available on our Facebook page under the Events tab.

Please note, we have decided all proceeds from this event will go directly to a Barry family who recently experienced a devastating house fire. Thankfully, everyone made it out safely and no one was injured, but the family lost all of their personal belongings. Funds raised through this event will go directly to the family to help with their immediate needs. Please share with friends and family and help us make this our biggest fundraiser yet! For additional ways to support the family, please visit our social media pages or Linktree. Thank you for helping us support one of our Barry families!

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PLATTE COUNTY / BARRY ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR

Don’t forget to order your Platte County and Barry Elementary spirit wear through Glory Day Threads! The pop-up shop closes September 9.

A portion of every sale benefits the Barry PTA, so be sure to check out the fun selection of clothing, accessories, and the stadium blanket exclusive to our elementary school pop-up shop!

https://glorydaysthreads.com/collections/pc-elementaries-school-shop

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STAY CONNECTED

Bookmark our Linktree for a one-stop shop for all things Barry PTA, including links, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, spirit wear, meeting information, and more. Save it to your favorites so you always have quick access to the latest PTA information and resources!

https://linktr.ee/barryelementarypta

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POPSICLES ON THE PLAYGROUND UPDATE

We unfortunately needed to postpone our Popsicles on the Playground event due to the extreme heat. With fall extracurricular activities getting underway, no break in the forecasted heat over the next week, and our upcoming Donuts Event, we haven’t been able to find a date and time in the next few weeks that works well for our PTA Board to host the event. We would still LOVE the opportunity to showcase our newly renovated playground and bring our Barry families together outside of school hours. We may push the event to October or possibly to the spring when we can enjoy some cooler weather and a little more flexibility in everyone’s schedules.

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DONUTS WITH DEAR ONES

Save the date for Friday, September 25th and join us for a sweet morning with your student! Donuts will be available starting at 8:00 a.m., and families are invited to enjoy some time together outside on the Y-fields before school begins.

For everyone’s safety, an adult must remain with their student until the school doors open at 8:30 a.m. At that time, adults will need to walk their students to the front doors. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe! We can’t wait to enjoy a yummy morning of donuts, family time, and community building with our Barry families!

As we gear up for another exciting school year at Barry Elementary, we're thrilled to invite you to sign up for our committees and coordinator positions. Committee participation and coordination for these events is crucial to their success. Without your support, we may not be able to organize them.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Barry Elementary! Let's make this upcoming school year unforgettable!!!

Warm regards, Barry Elementary PTA

Nurse Angela needs action plans/orders to keep medications here and they must be brought in by a parent or guardian. THANK YOU!

https://www.plattecountyschooldistrict.com/departments/health_services/common_health_issue_information

Make sure your student is prepared for the school year! When kids are covered through MO HealthNet, they receive coverage for vital services, including:

• Doctor visits and emergency care

• Dental care

• Mental health services

• And more!

Enrollment & Assistance:

• Enroll Online Now: Visit the official website at mydss.mo.gov—their health is worth it!

• For Application Help: Call 1-800-466-3213.

This is Lori Mann (School Counselor) and Micah O’Donnell (Social Worker) looking forward to partnering with you to support our students. Each month we will provide information on the school counseling program and community support to keep you informed.

• K-5 Counseling Curriculum - lessons twice per month for grades K-2, once per month for grades 3-5. Based on Missouri Counseling standards in the areas of academic, career and intra/interpersonal development.

• September lesson standards:

• K: Identify classroom behaviors necessary for school success. (Also, get to know each other and role of counselor)

• 1st: Demonstrate classroom behaviors necessary for school success. (Also, get to know each other)

• 2nd: Demonstrate classroom behaviors necessary for school success. (Also, get to know each other)

• 3rd: Identify new grade level expectations each year. (Also safe schools reporting, district slogan “see something, hear something, say something”)

• 4th: Demonstrate strategies to work collaboratively. (Also safe schools reporting, district slogan “see something, hear something, say something”)

• 5th: Demonstrate strategies to work collaboratively. (Also safe schools reporting, district slogan “see something, hear something, say something”)

• Optional lunch with students, grades 2-5th. Each month students can sign up for a fun lunch with the counselor to build relationships, have fun, and feel special.

• Counselor/Social Worker Referral Form - CLICK HERE FOR 26-27 REFERRAL FORM if we can assist. This link can also be found at the bottom of the school home page.

• K-5, data review for small groups. The counselor or social worker will contact you if your child has been identified for a small group and we will share goals of the group. We are here for ALL students.

• Barry School Counseling Advisory - this group will review, provide input and recommendations for the school counseling program. The group will meet October 22, 2026 and May 17, 2027; 9-10am at Barry Elementary.. Please email Dr. Mann if interested in participating.

• If your student received free or reduced lunch prices last year, please make sure to reapply for this school year. If you have questions or would like an application sent home with your student please contact Ms. O’Donnell.

• Resource Information & Assistance Request

• This form can be used to request information or assistance in finding resources you may need, including, but not limited to food, clothing, therapy/counseling, etc. While we cannot guarantee availability of resources we will do our best to provide the most up to date information and connect you to the correct agencies! This form may also be used if you are interested in donating (ex. gift cards, negative lunch balances, snacks, etc.) Your school social worker will do their best to reach out to you regarding this form within the week. If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. O'Donnell.

If we can assist you and/or your child(ren) please reach out to us.

Dr. Mann Mrs. O’Donnell

mann.lori@pcr3schools.org odonnell.micah@pcr3schools.org

816-436-9623 ext. 4005 816-436-9623 ext. 4004

The Platte County Health Department, in partnership with Harvesters - Community Food Network, is providing a Mobile Food Distribution event to offer fresh food for those in need. This drive-thru event is held on the Second Thursday of each month, running from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Everyone is welcome, and no proofs are required, though supplies last. The distribution takes place at the Platte County Health Department, located at 7925 NW 110th St., Kansas City, MO. For the latest updates, be sure to follow the Platte County Health Department on Facebook and Instagram.

The Platte County R-3 Treasure Chest is a stocked resource center providing essential items, including food, milk, and toiletries, for PCR-3 students and families in need.

How to Access the Treasure Chest:

• Enrollment: Qualifying families will receive a weekly sign-up form via email, or they can call 816-858-7001 for assistance.

• Pick-up: Approved families will receive an email confirmation and can pick up resources on Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

• Location: The new Treasure Chest site is located on the south side of the Paxton building.

Please log in to your Parent Portal (via a browser, not the app) to review balances and add funds by selecting Balance in the left menu and clicking the green Make a Payment button.

It is our goal to help support all of our Platte County families who may need assistance paying negative lunch balances. Now you can help by contributing to our negative meal balance fund. Thank you for considering a donation to help families pay down meal debt. Every contribution makes a real difference for families in our community. Feel free to pass this information along to any community organization that may be interested in assisting with this fund.

Use this link to make a donation:

Negative Meal Balance Fund

Thank you for being a part of our school community! When visiting for lunch, please observe the following expectations:

• Only invite your specific children to eat with you.

• Help your children follow the lunchroom expectations that the rest of the cafeteria is asked to follow, such as remaining at the table until their class is dismissed.

• When you have finished your lunchtime, please return directly to the front office.

  • Do not make rounds through the cafeteria to greet other students. A wave goodbye is encouraged!

You can make online payments for meals and student fees using the Parent Portal via a web browser (this feature is not available on the mobile app).

Follow these steps to make a payment:

1. From the Parent Portal start page, click "Balance" from the left-hand navigation menu.

2. Your student's Meals balances and any applied fees will be displayed.

3. Click the green "Make a Payment" button. This will take you to our online payment system.

4. You can then make a one-time payment to add funds to your student's meals account and/or pay any applied fees.

For comprehensive information regarding school cancellations or modifications due to inclement weather, including how the District notifies parents, details about recess, Y Club, and Virtual Learning Days, please visit the Platte County Schools website.

Visitors entering the building are always required to bring an ID. Your identification will be scanned into the safety system used by Platte County to ensure the security and well-being of our students.

We ask that students be checked out NO LATER than 3:15 PM.

This early deadline is important because:

• Dismissal is our busiest time in the building.

• It ensures our dismissal team has enough time to be informed of changes.

Please Note: Any check-out before the 3:50 PM final bell will be recorded as an early dismissal on your student's attendance record.

Students are not allowed to order or have deliveries (including food) sent to them at school.

Outside food is only permitted if the visitor is staying to eat lunch with the student.

For the safety of all students, parents and guardians must accompany their child to the front office when the student is arriving late.

• Dropping students off at the front door is a safety concern.

• If a student arrives without a parent/guardian, we will be reaching out and requesting you return to complete the check-in process.

Parents can use the PowerSchool Parent Portal to keep up to date on grades and assignments (for students in grades 6–12), attendance, and to make meal and fee payments. To access the portal, click here: Platte County PowerSchool Parent Portal. Once logged in, go to the "Balances" section to process payments. For full directions and a guide to using the portal, please click here: PowerSchool Parent Portal Guide (Updated 2025).

New parents who have not yet received their PowerSchool Access ID and Password should contact the school for assistance.

PCR-3 uses School Messenger, an automated phone calling and text notification system, to quickly inform parents of important changes, such as:

• Sudden schedule changes due to emergencies

• School cancellations

• Important school announcements

How to Receive Text Reminders:

If you are not currently receiving the District’s text notifications and would like to opt in, follow this simple step:

• Text the word "YES" to the number 67587.

Safety is our District's top priority. PCR-3 maintains a system of security measures, including:

• Trained Security Staff: Now present at every building following the passage of the Prop C Waiver/Levy Transfer.

• Secure Entryways

• Ongoing Monitoring

• Partnership with Local Law Enforcement

School safety is the responsibility of the entire community (parents, staff, and students). If you see or hear anything of concern, please contact us so that the concern can be investigated:

• District Office Phone: Call (816) 858-5420.

You and your child can also easily report tips on bullying, harassment, or any safety issue through our online system.

• Online Reporting: Use the confidential [Safe Schools Alert System] to report tips. Every tip is immediately logged and administration is notified to investigate and take appropriate action. Tips may also be submitted anonymously.

• Access: You can find the Safe Schools icon within the “quick links” bar on the homepage of each building's website.

Regular school day office hours run from 8:15am - 4:15pm.

• Students can enter the building- 8:30 a.m.
• Official start of school- 8:45 a.m.
• Dismissal- Car Riders and Y-Club-3:35 p.m.
• Dismissal-Bus Riders- 3:50 p.m.

Principal: Kacie Ambrose

Email: ambrose.kacie@pcr3schools.org

Assistant Principal: Dr. Mindy Wheeler

Email: wheeler.mindy@pcr3schools.org

Website: https://barry.plattecountyschooldistrict.com/

Location: 2001 Northwest 87th Terrace, Kansas City, MO, USA