Dear Barker Central School Community, 

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the many amazing things happening across our District. Our students have had an incredible year filled with growth, exploration, and accomplishment—and there is still so much more to come!

This spring has been especially exciting. We were thrilled to welcome guest speakers, NED’s Mindset Mission and Nels Ross, to Pratt Elementary, who delivered inspiring messages about kindness, perseverance, and leadership that truly resonated with our students and staff. These experiences have helped reinforce the values we hold dear in the Barker learning community.

We’re also thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of our school musicals this year. The Jr.-Sr. High School production of Shrek and the Elementary production of Music Man Kids were absolute standouts. A huge thank you goes out to all of the staff, volunteers, and community members who helped bring these shows to life—and most of all, to our students, who knocked it out of the park! Your talent, hard work, and energy lit up the stage, and we couldn’t be more proud. The HS Band also competed in the NYSSMA festival competition in April and received a GOLD standing – Bravo! 

Our students have also been busy preparing for ELA, math, and science state testing, and we’re so proud of the effort and focus they’ve shown. In addition, AP exams, FastBridge spring screening, and end-of-year Regents exams are coming up, helping us ensure that every student continues on a strong academic path.

Students are also enjoying a wide variety of events and enrichment activities over the next few months. The PTO Book Fair brought excitement and new stories into our students’ hands. Trips like the 8th Grade Trip to Washington, D.C., spring AFS trip to Spain, Chorus trip to Rochester, M&M field trip, Honors Passholder field trip, end-of-year grade level field trips, and the Senior Trip to New York City are offering students unforgettable, real-world learning experiences.

In May, students will have the opportunity to explore STEM in hands-on, creative ways through Challenge Island sessions and a visit from the mobile planetarium, bringing science and innovation to life right here on campus. We’re also looking forward to the Traffic Safety Event for Juniors and Seniors on Friday, May 16th, hosted in partnership with the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department. This important event will feature safety demonstrations, a guest speaker, and a Mercy Flight helicopter landing (weather permitting), offering students valuable information and a powerful experience that emphasizes sound decision-making and responsibility.

June will be packed with exciting and meaningful traditions to celebrate all of our students' hard work, including:

• Honors and Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 2nd at 6:00 PM in the Auditorium
• Jr.-Sr. High School Chorus Concert on Tuesday, June 3rd at 6:00 PM in the Auditorium
• Elementary Band and Chorus Concert on Wednesday, June 4th at 6:00 PM in the 1911 Parking Lot
• Jr.-Sr. High School Band Concert on Thursday, June 5th at 6:00 PM in the 1911 Parking Lot
• Pratt Field Day on Wednesday, June 18th
• Prom on Wednesday, June 18th
• Pratt Elementary Moving Up Ceremony during the final week of school (stay tuned for more information)
• Graduations from O/N BOCES Technical Programs (information to be provided to BOCES students and families)
• And of course, Graduation on Friday, June 27th at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium

PreK registration is now open for students who are 4 years old or will be turning 4 before December 1, 2025. The registration information can be found on the District website. Our UPK program is full-day, from 7:50 AM to 2:30 PM. Placement is not guaranteed, and spots will go to District residents before non-resident students. Busing is available for all students who are District residents. Please share this information with any families you know who have a child eligible for PreK this year. Please contact Rachel Anderson at 716-795-3237 for any assistance in the registration process for students of all grade levels.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support throughout the year. Your encouragement, presence, and participation mean the world to our Barker students and staff. We are proud to be finishing this year strong—together.

Sincerely,

Micaela M. Love, Ed.D.
PK-12 Principal
mlove@barkercsd.net
716-795-3832