Armstrong receives BARR THRIVE scholarship

Building on a strong and well-established foundation, Armstrong High School (AHS) has been awarded a BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) THRIVE Scholarship for the 2025-26 school year. 

The scholarship funds will support continued Tier 3 services, focusing on individualized student support through personal plans, collaborative teams, and regular check-ins.

“(AHS) has consistently demonstrated excellence in applying the BARR model, and we are deeply grateful for your outstanding work as national leaders in this effort,” said Dick Ungar, Director of Engagement at The BARR Center. “(AHS’) commitment to fostering intentional relationships, data-driven decision-making, and student-centered strategies continues to make a meaningful impact—not only in your school community but also as a model for others across the country.”

At AHS, ninth grade students are grouped into block teams with a common English, social studies, and science teacher, often also including a math teacher. This teacher team meets throughout the week to monitor student progress, identify strengths, and consider ways to support and challenge all block students. Each week, the ninth grade counselor, BARR Assistant Principal, and BARR coordinator and social worker meet with teacher teams to offer additional support for students and help provide recognition for students' unique strengths and talents.

“This is the best intervention program I've been associated with,” said Erick D. Norby, Principal at AHS. “BARR is all about data and relationships, helping staff encourage and know their students. It helps make AHS a more friendly and community-based program." 

BARR is an evidence-based model that provides schools with a strength-based comprehensive approach to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. Through BARR, educators work to harness the power of relationships and data to remove both academic and non-academic barriers to learning and ensure that no student is invisible.