Hurffville Elementary School Hosts Assembly to Unveil “B.A.R.K.” Program Promoting Positive Behavior

For Immediate Release
September 28, 2023

Hurffville Principal Dr. Naté Switzer and the Husky mascot get a warm reception from the students at the recent B.A.R.K. assembly.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – It was a party atmosphere in the Hurffville Elementary School gymnasium on Wednesday, September 27th, as the school kicked off its “B.A.R.K.” program promoting positive behavior. Students joined staff, principal Dr. Naté Switzer, and the Hurffville Husky mascot in getting fired up for the program before learning more about what it entails.

B.A.R.K. stands for: Be prepared; Act responsibly; Respect yourself and others; and Keep on learning. At the assembly, program leaders and Hurffville teachers Staci McCauley and Carly Matticks introduced “B.A.R.K. Bucks.” Students who display efforts and attitudes that follow the B.A.R.K. tenets will receive a B.A.R.K. Buck from a staff member. It could be a teacher, counselor, secretary, custodian, food service worker – all adults working in the building will have B.A.R.K. Bucks to hand out to worthy students. 

“You will use your B.A.R.K. Bucks to buy into special events that we are going to hold throughout the school year,” McCauley told the students. “Our first marking period event is going to be a fall festival.” 

That announcement was greeted with loud screams and cheers from the student body. McCauley further explained that students who receive 10 B.A.R.K. Bucks prior to the event will be able to attend the fall festival.

The students then sang the Hurffville School Song, followed by a presentation from school counselor Larissa Fanning outlining the things the students should be doing to earn their B.A.R.K. Bucks.

Students were excited to dance during the B.A.R.K. assembly.

Teachers Staci McCauley (left) and Carly Matticks introduce the “B.A.R.K. Bucks” program to the Hurffville students.

- WTPS -