Barstow Beyond the Classroom

From lower school through graduation, our students participate in dozens of clubs for fun and service, and they love participating in “only at Barstow” traditions, some that date back more than a century.
 
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Traditions

  • Class Retreats

    Early in the school year, upper school classes explore a new environment to build relationships that last throughout their time at Barstow. Freshman discover the history of Barstow; upperclassmen travel to locations throughout Kansas City and the Midwest.

  • Commencement Weekend

    Activities include the Junior-Senior Breakfast, Baccalaureate and finally graduation, during which students in white gowns and tuxedos receive their diplomas cheered on by faculty, family, friends and distinguished alumni.

  • Convocation

    Held in the Senior Circle, each class delivers a charge to the class below encouraging academic excellence, strong character, perseverance and resilience during the new school year. Convocation ends with the senior class receiving its charge from a distinguished alum or faculty member.

  • Eighth Grade Celebration

    Marking the transition from middle to upper school, eight grade students and their families celebrate together with a special program, reception and a student dance.

  • Grandparent Day

    Lower school students perform in concert and show grandparents and special friends around their school and their classrooms. A Barstow favorite!

  • Harvest Festival

    The entire school community gathers for an old fashioned school carnival, followed by a Knights soccer game under the lights. A harvest king and queen chosen from the senior class are crowned at halftime.

  • Homecoming

    Barstow homecoming is a winter event, with a spirit week that involves all students in celebration of the Knights. The court is presented and the king and queen crowned during halftime of a home basketball game. The upper school Homecoming dance is held the next evening.

  • Junior-Senior Ring Ceremony

    “And when the senior class falls into line….” So begins the processional song that marks the beginning of Commencement weekend. Seniors promenade through the Senior Circle, before presenting juniors with their class rings. The ceremony ends with a serenade between classes wishing each other well.

  • Pink Out Volleyball Game

    This one combines two kinds of service: one on the court, and one in the stands as fans support breast cancer research. During the last ten years, Pink Out has raised thousands of dollars for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

  • Senior Walk

    Seniors meet at Barstow’s former Cherry Street campus and walk seven miles together to our State Line home. The walk marks the beginning of our students’ journey to become members of our global alumni family. The walk is followed by the viewing of the senior video.

  • Senior–Kindergarten Buddies

    Kindergarten students delight in getting to know their senior buddies throughout the year, starting with a campus scavenger hunt and ending with a celebration of community and lasting friendship.

  • Tree Day

    A celebration of spring and the continued beautification of our State Line  campus home, Tree Day pairs preschoolers with Barstow “lifers” who plant a tree together, accompanied by poetry and song.

  • Veterans Day Assembly

    Barstow honors the mothers, fathers, grandparents and members of our faculty and staff that have served in branches of the U.S. military. The tribute to their leadership includes a flag ceremony, music, and remarks from students and veterans.

  • Winter Concerts

    One of the year’s annual highlights. Our youngest performers wear white robes and red bows; older performers dress their best — and students from every grade sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” together.
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Leadership & Service Learning

Our mission is to promote sound scholarship and give symmetrical development to mind, body and character. Our vision is to graduate students who achieve their unique potential, live meaningful lives and significantly impact the world in which they live.

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Lower School

    • Classroom Helpers — assist teachers with daily tasks, including communication with online classmates.
    • Lower School Student Council — plan and perform at monthly Friday Forums, a gathering of K-5 students to share information, performance and community.
    • Grade 5 Greeters — when conditions allow, student leaders welcome classmates and parents as they arrive at Barstow each morning.
    • Service and leadership learning field trips — Students volunteer at charitable organizations including Harvesters and Giving the Basics, and take field trips to Wildwood Outdoor Center, Jefferson City and Washington, D.C. where they develop and practice leadership skills. 

  • Middle School

    • Middle School Student Council — student-elected representatives plan activities and events for students in grades 6-8.
    • Middle School Advisory Groups — faculty members lead small cohorts of students in team projects, service learning, study skills and facilitated discussions throughout the year.
    • Service Learning — Students are encouraged to complete at least 25 hours of service learning by the end of eighth grade. Active participation in which students contribute effort, in place of fundraising, are encouraged.Middle school students who earn at least 50 hours of approved service are eligible for the Presidential Service Award.

  • Upper School

    • Student Council — a group of elected students who work to build school community, encourage mutual respect and responsibility, and promote understanding of each other’s ideas.
    • Class Officers — elected officers represent each upper school grade.
    • Service Learning Requirement — Upper school students must complete 80 hours of volunteer service as a graduation requirement. Students must complete 18 non-Barstow service hours and two Barstow-related service hours per year. Students who complete 100 or more hours are eligible for the Presidential Service Award.
    • Congressional Award Gold Medal — More than 25 Barstow students have earned this prestigious service and leadership honor since 2015. It requires meeting goals for volunteer service, personal development, physical fitness and exploration.

Clubs & Activities

Student interest and leadership generates the creation of clubs and activities at Barstow. Some clubs are returning favorites; others are newly created, based on current student interests and passions. Here’s a sampling:

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Lower School

    • Grades 2-5 Math Clubs

  • Middle School

    • Grades 6-8 Math Clubs
    • Robotics
    • Chess Club
    • Middle School Debate Team

  • Upper School

    Student-created clubs change with each class. Recent clubs includ:
    • Amnesty International 
    • B-Side Student Band
    • Culture Clubs
    • Computer Programming & Security Club
    • Fiction Writer’s Club
    • Finance Club
    • French Club
    • Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
    • Glee Club
    • Global Education Club
    • Knowledge Bowl
    • Musical Theatre Club
    • Pep Club
    • Stock Club
    • Smash Bros. Club
    • The Pretenders, Barstow’s oldest club
    • World Quest (International Relations Competition)
The Barstow School

Fax: 816-942-3227

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