Mrs. Lingle's Page

Dear Families,

We are focused on building a positive school community at Barker Central School. It can be tempting for students to respond to hurt with hurt and to “get even” when they feel wronged. While this reaction may feel justified in the moment, it often makes situations worse rather than better.

At Barker Central School, our vision is to guide our students to be leaders and in bringing out the best in each individual in our community. When students choose retaliation, conflicts can escalate, relationships can be damaged, and it becomes harder for individuals to show their best selves. Small issues can quickly grow into larger disruptions that impact the entire school environment.

Our mission reminds us that we strive to foster respect, compassion, and tolerance while developing life-long learners. Instead of responding with retaliation, we encourage students to communicate, seek support, and work through challenges in a constructive way. At BCS, we also emphasize restorative conversations, which allow students to reflect, take responsibility, and repair relationships in a meaningful way.

Our foundational values including accomplishment, accountability, communication, community, compassion, family, and honesty guide how we respond in difficult moments. Choosing to pause, reflect, and resolve conflict respectfully reflects these values and strengthens our school community.

Thanks to our incredible School Counseling Department, the majority of our students have identified at least one trusted adult they can go to in times of need. This support system is essential in helping students navigate challenges in a healthy and productive way.

Choosing not to “get even” is not weakness, it is strength and leadership. By supporting students in making positive choices, we continue to build a school environment that brings out the best in everyone.

Warmly,
Deborah Lingle
Assistant Principal
716-795-3600
EMAIL DEB LINGLE