January 2-17

Preparing and inspiring students to apply learning in a changing, complex, and interdependent world.

Marisa who is an Egyptologist, an archeologist, and the founder of “Museums With Marisa” brought Ancient Egypt to the 6th grade. During this pop-up museum in the media center, students learned about Ancient Egypt through a detailed presentation, and got to observe real ancient artifacts. Each student wrote their name in hieroglyphics on a real piece of papyrus from Egypt, which they were able to take home!

Students working with Ms. Burnstein and Ms. McManus had fun doing a cell membrane lab! Students learned that the structure of the cell membranes is fluid and flexible. Students observed the colors move fluidly on the bubble. They twisted and bounced the bubble up and down. Membranes self-repair. When students put their fingers through the bubble and took them out, the bubble repaired itself. We also learned that there are other membrane bound organelles inside of the cell. We modeled this idea by blowing a bubble inside of larger bubble.

Mr. Pawlyk never backs away from a competitive game of pickle ball against his students! Pickle ball is not only a favorite in Physical Education class but is an ever growing sport across the globe. It is easy to learn and is a great way to not only get in a workout, but also have a ton of fun!

Students exploring the concept of deposition and the factors that affect deposition including density, size, and shape of particles.

Mr. Galbreath conducts the 7th/8th grade concert band as they work on reading a new piece of music. These students are multi-tasking by watching the conductor in order to keep the beat as well as looking at their music and playing their individual part.

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Eighth graders have the drive in 2025! The eighth grade reflected on the new year by discussing how they can become the best version of themselves. Setting higher work standards, staying organized, helping out their fellow classmates and trying new things were just a few of the goals our students are driving towards full speed!

Over the course of the past six weeks, students at Barr have been immersed in a variety of experiences to help them gain a better understanding of inclusion. Recently, volunteers from BRIDGES spent three days at Barr, presenting in every classroom. Not only did students learn about visible and invisible disabilities, they engaged in interactive "in my shoes" activities designed to encourage empathy, inclusion, and understanding relating to disabilities. Students were put in situations or asked to perform tasks to experience another person's perspective, essentially being made aware of the different challenges students face each day.

The Better Together Club is a club that seeks to have students learn and respect the many cultures found at Barr and throughout the world. Students attended a field trip to Cho Cho San to learn about the art of Hibachi in the Japanese culture.

Mrs. Taylor and the student council hosted a jeopardy trivia game in the media center. Over 50 students and 20 teachers attended this energetic and well planned event.

Teachers and administrators embarked on an explorative professional development journey designed to deepen understanding and refine the implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). During the session, the team took a deep dive and participated in detailed discussions about the systems and structures that anchor MTSS implementation across diverse educational landscapes.

Teachers and staff participate in random spirit days throughout the year. On this day, Mr. Tallevi and Mr. Arvanites happen to wear the same player jersey!

D.A.R.E. is a wonderful program that has been offered in the town for over 30 years. The Clarkstown Police Department was the first law enforcement agency to present the program in Rockland County. The D.A.R.E. Program is taught in elementary schools at the

fifth grade level and at A. MacArthur Barr MS, Officer Culianos and the fifth grade team of teachers planned and carried out a beautiful and memorable ceremony. The curriculum was taught by Officer Culianos over 12 weeks and students were provided

information and facts about the dangers of drugs,

alcohol, and tobacco. The course also covers other important topics such as

bullying and peer pressure.

Over 40 student-athletes participated in a Winter track meet at RCC last week. Nanuet secured many medals but most of all represented their school, team, and families with respect and pride. Go Knights!

Hard work pays off as Yaseen takes his opponent down and then pins him in his wrestling match last week.

The girls modified basketball team sets up a play during their game vs. South Orangetown Middle School. It was a close game, with Orangetown winning 35-31. Avalee Weir led Nanuet with 7 points, followed by Reagan Frisch and Alanna Castro, who each scored 6 points. Abby Hutmacher and Lizette Rodriguez each scored 5 points and Geneve Murph brought 2 points to the board. Great effort from the entire team!

On January 6, in all world languages classes, students learned about and celebrated 3 Kings Day/Epiphany. They colored and cut out crowns and ate Rosca de Reyes.

Recently, our 8th grade students visited four different assisted living homes around the county to spread some holiday cheer. Students played bingo and participated in singing carols to brighten spirits. This experience not only brought smiles to many local seniors, but it helped our students gain an appreciation for the wisdom and experience which can be gained by engaging in conversations with those seniors. In addition, our 8th grade collected the names and addresses of elderly members of Barr families and wrote them letters, which were mailed before the holiday. Our goal is to help students' learn that kindness begins with a small ripple, but has the potential to make a big difference.

The Family University will hosting a free event encouraging all families to attend.

Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age takes a deeply personal and relatable approach.

Are you watching young people immersed in their screens — scrolling through social media, playing video games, and losing focus with ever-decreasing attention spans?

Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston faced this challenge with her own kids and screens. She questioned how this was affecting family dynamics, education, and the mental well-being of young people.

Delaney opens the doors to her own family life and meets with others to explore the messy struggles over social media, video games, academics, and internet addiction.

The purpose of the Rockland Read In is to support literacy and state learning standards through recreational reading.

Rockland Read In results will be tabulated and distributed among participating schools. Schools are categorized by enrollment. School with the most minutes read will be awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Certificates will be sent to all participating schools. More information to come!