May 28-June 26
A. MacArthur Barr Mission Statement
Preparing and inspiring students to apply learning in a changing, complex, and interdependent world.
Curriculum & Instruction
Interdisciplinary Station Work
Mr. Goggin’s, Ms. Wilson-Gardiner’s and Mrs. Doherty’s 6th grade Social Studies classes worked in stations in both ELA and Social Studies as part of their Ancient China unit. Students worked collaboratively in a variety of engaging activities that highlighted the connection among the subjects they are studying. Our 6th graders deepened their understanding of Ancient China while developing reading, writing, and listening skills. Some of the stations included comparing and contrasting Ancient China with other civilizations, debating what inventions Ancient China contributed to the world that were the most significant (was it paper making? the compass?, silk?, the umbrella?, the first earthquake detector? etc…), program a robot to ride along the Great Wall of China, and using context clues to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words in a reading about Shi Huangdi. Many of the stations relied on the resources and space in the Media Center and would not have been possible without the support of Mrs. DeVita and Ms. Colon.
Trout Release & Field Day Golden Spotlight
Mr. Jonathan Clark and his team created this informative and amazing video spotlighting the fifth grade trout release and field day. Thank you to Jonathan Clark and his team for making this!
Mr. Arvanites is always looking to get involved in science activities and lend a hand.
Designing and Engineering a Roller Coaster
Mrs. Wagner's students explore the concepts of potential and kinetic energy. Student design and construct a roller coaster that would allow a marble to travel from start to finish through hills, loops and curves.
Caden posing with his art project before its time to catch the bus.
Mrs. McAree beams with happiness when a former student returns to show their appreciation and gratitude for her support throughout the years.
Wax Museum
Students in Mrs. Taylor's class read biographies and transform themselves into those individuals. Students circulate the media center and asks questions to learn more about each of these admirable individuals.
Clean It Up
Students work together to remove oil from the "ecosystem" as a result of an oil spill. Students are required to collaborate and use hands on - minds on strategies during this lab.
Don't Try This At Home!
Students discuss and write out their understanding of poetry in a lesson that allows them to draw on the walls with dry erase markers.
Percussion Instruments
Students design and make their own percussion instruments in Mr. Strain's music class. Once completed, student find spaces to practice their instruments in groups to create songs.
Food Web
Students use string to represent feeding relationships within a community.
Improv Lesson
The 5th Grade was treated to an exhilarating performance by the talented improv group Eight is Never Enough, who captivated everyone with their spontaneous acting and lively music. The interactive show had students and teachers alike laughing and joining in the fun, creating unforgettable moments of joy and creativity. The event was a huge success, leaving everyone with smiles and wonderful memories. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the PTA for their generous support in making this fantastic assembly possible!
School Community
Officer Culianos does not hesitate to get involved in the curriculum.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics and Foreign Language In One
Mr. Silverman explains all of the necessary knowledge and subjects required to create a surfboard from start to finish. He then discusses the need to communicate in a foreign language if someone wants to surf all over the world. This is an interdisciplinary and cross curricular lesson at its finest!
Cricket in Physical Education
Mr. Tallevi leads a game of cricket, where he explains the popularity of the sport in many parts of the world.
7th Grade Outdoor Education Day
Seen in the pictures below, students in 7th grades participate in zumba, martial arts, volleyball, nutrition lessons, leadership development practices and much more during their outdoor education day.
Oral Traditions
6th grade students completed a unit on Oral Traditions in which they read stories from many different cultures throughout the world. Charlie Pelt and Max Schroeder were guest teachers and shared with their classes folktales from their culture.
- Charlie read aloud to the class “Anansi Proves He is the Oldest”, a folktale from West Africa. Anansi, the spider, is one of the most popular animal tricksters from West African mythology. In class, we had analyzed “How Anansi Stole the Sky God’s Stories”.
- Max shared two stories from Russian folklore with our class. He first told the story of “Axe Porridge”, which is the Russian version of “Stone Soup”, a well-known European folktale whose central theme emphasizes the value of sharing and caring for one another. His second was the Russian version of Cinderella in which Vasilisa, the heroine, shows that kindness, never selfishness, is rewarded and that good always triumphs over evil.
“Axe Porridge”
“How Anansi Stole the Sky God’s Stories”
Chair Decorating
A right of passage is Ms. Murphy's chair decorating activity. Students create and paint chairs that will be used by next year's 8th grade students.
Culture Kit Projects
In Ms. Langer's 5th grade social studies classes, students have been creating "Culture Kits" to explore and share their unique heritages. Each student decorated a box with symbols, words, pictures, maps, and flags that represent their culture and filled it with six meaningful artifacts. They also prepared notecards to describe each item and practiced speeches to present their kits to the class. This engaging project allowed students to celebrate their diverse backgrounds and learn more about their classmates' cultures.
Nanuet News: Friday - June 7, 2024
Mr. Garrison's 28th Episode of the Nanuet News!
The Last Nanuet News Episode!!!
Episode #29 Friday, June 14 - Congratulations to the students and Mr. Garrison for putting on so many great productions!
Extra Curriculars & Adventures at Barr
7th Grade Boulders Baseball Field Trip
The 7th grade had a beautiful day for their field trip to Boulders stadium.
"Wonder Girls"
The "Wonder Girls" took a field trip to the American Dream Mall to celebrate a successful first year.
First Responder Demonstration
Officer Culianos, our A. MacArthur Barr Middle School School Resource Officer, and Nanuet Emergency Medical Services demonstrated how first responders respond to a medical emergency. Students are introduced to the process and the tools used to help saved lives of those in need. Students are also made aware of the importance of having a first aid kit that is fully accessible and stocked at home.
Social Emotional Learning Day
Ms. McCarren and Ms. Heim guide activities and discussions during the last SEL day of the year.
Mikey the Magician
Mikey the Magician never disappoints as he pulls students up to the stage during his lunchtime magic act.
Courtyard Garden
Mrs. Oates, Mr. Arvanites and Officer Culianos prepare the courtyard for the upcoming Fall harvest.
Awards & Recognition
Moving Up Ceremony
The moving up ceremony at Clover Field was a success. Congratulations to all 8th grade students on their accomplishments and good luck in the high school!
Academic Awards Night Speeches
Student leaders practice speeches with the principals in preparation for Academic Awards Night. Academic Awards Night was held on June 3 in the high school auditorium. Students who earned an overall average of 94% and above were celebrated by their parents and peers.
Enjoy the Next Chapter Mrs. Travaglino
After decades of dedication and countless lives touched, Mrs. Travaglino is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and knowledge that will endure for years to come. Enjoy every second of retirement, you will be missed!!
Cafeteria Services Retirement
Mrs. Cardillo and Mrs. Po will be retiring after thousands of delectable meals prepared and countless students served. Congratulations and enjoy!
25 Years of Dedicated Service
Congratulations to Mrs. Connolly, Mr. Erichsen, Mrs. King, Mrs. Naclerio and Mrs. Linehan on achieving their 25 year mark in the Nanuet UFSD. For a quarter of a century, their dedicated teaching service has been marked by unwavering commitment, transformative impact, and countless cherished moments of student growth.
Music Awards
Dr. Skaba and the music department hand out music awards during lunch. Throughout the year, students in chorus, band, and/or orchestra participate in classes and lessons. Their hard work leads to culminating community concerts/events where students have the opportunity to show off their skills!
Golden Knight Awards Ceremony
Eighth grade students were celebrated in the media center at A. MacArthur Barr middle school for their excellence in specific subject areas.
Year Book Cover Designs
Drew & Mehrin hold up a picture of their respective yearbook cover designs that are printed on the front and back cover of the 8th grade yearbook.
Robotics Club
The Robotics Club came over to the middle school for a well received presentation.
Congratulations to the following 6th grade spelling bee winners!
3rd Place - Ravin Tripathi
2nd Place - Charlie Pelt
1st Place - Saanvi Pundukare
Community Events & Outreach
Creative heARTS
Students in Mr. Bruno and Mrs. Spadavechia's class made bracelets and origami to share with patients undergoing treatment at White Plains Hospital. Please see the gratitude letter below:
Narcan Training
Thank you to Ms. Travaglino, who organized the training for our faculty meeting yesterday. Ms. Travaglino and her team, who prioritize physical and mental health, continually work to bring valuable experiences to both students and staff.
Back to Basics
The nice weather provides an opportunity for everyone to dust off that bike and get out there. We are happy to see students riding to school safely!