Dear
Friends,
Our Middle
School students had many opportunities to shine this week. Their academic,
athletic, and service accomplishments were recognized and their many talents
showcased at our Move-Up Day assembly.
Middle
School parents, grandparents, and friends joined us for award presentations,
student speeches and performances. Awards were presented for outstanding
accomplishments in a broad array of academic subjects, including: math,
science, world languages, fine arts, music and drama; for participation on
athletic teams; for volunteer efforts in our school library and in Chesed programs
benefitting the community; and for improvement in study skills. For a
complete list of award recipients, click here.
Students
were also recognized for their participation in our Middle School musical, vocal
and string ensembles, and for being nominated for our Kudos Board, recognizing
those who demonstrate the attributes of being a mensch. Current Middle School
Council officers were introduced: President
Dan Cahana '15,
Treasurer Danny Nelson '15,
and Secretary Eva Wyner '15.
Elliot
Bernstein '16 recapped the 6th graders "greening of our school" projects; Jessica
Rothman '14 shared information about 8th grade efforts to raise funds for the
victims of the earthquake in Haiti, and Ben Bernstein '14 and Avi Romanoff '14 talked about the 8th
grade Bar/Bat Mitzvah projects that benefited FORCE and Jewish Women
International. Avi Romanoff also presented a speech that addressed his 8th
grade classmates and recapped highlights of their Middle School career.
Middle
School talents shone, with performances by the Israeli Dance Troupe, the vocal and
string ensembles, and a solo piano performance by Jacob Smolover '14. After the program,
guests joined us on the patio for refreshments.
This week,
Middle School students also enjoyed friendly competition during our annual
Field Day and had fun socializing during our 6th-8th grade
dance and our trip to Dorney Park--wonderful ways to cap off the school year.
We are
proud of all our Middle School students. Their teachers join me in wishing them
a happy summer, with continued best wishes to our 8th graders as
they embark on their Upper School careers this fall.
Sincerely,
Christine
Farrell
Middle
School Director
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For Learning.
Learning with a Bang!
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"Pyrotechnics
was a real blast this trimester," reports Kathleen Saltz, Barrack science
teacher. The course was an elective designed to introduce students to engineering,
while having fun designing, building and testing devices that launch
projectiles. While learning some of the the chemical and physical properties of
using fire power in different types of cannons and mortars, students
were encouraged to explore their ideas in a safe environment. After
various experiments with pop bottles and flour tube
explosions, students experimented with different length muzzles and
designed potato cannons. From the ideas they gathered in testing their
cannons, they next focused on building mortars that could launch tennis
balls high into the air. Another valuable aspect of the
class was enabling students to try their hand at using various tools to bring
their ideas to reality and the technical problem solving that went with
it.
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A Capital Idea!
7th Graders Tour Washington, D.C.
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On May 10, the seventh grade journeyed to Washington,
D.C. as part of their study of government. Traveling with a docent, they
learned about the buildings that house each branch of government: the White
House, the Capitol and the Supreme Court. To enhance their understanding of the
novel To Kill a Mockingbird, they visited the
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. While walking through each of four outdoor
"rooms," students read famous sayings etched on walls, stood among statues
waiting in Depression bread lines and learned about other important events in
each of F.D.R.'s (nearly) four terms. After visiting the World War Two
Memorial, the class spent the afternoon at the newly refurbished Newseum.
Through interactive activities, Pulitzer Prize photographs, exhibits and
movies, the most exciting in "4 D," students expanded their understanding of
the Constitution, journalism and the importance of the First Amendment. "Our
excursion to Washington served as a valuable culmination for this year's study of
American history and the Constitution," shares Lee Scarborough-Kirk,
7th grade Core teacher.
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Factory Farms:
Do You Know Where Our Food Comes From?
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The Animal Rights Club, under the leadership of
president Rachel Sacks '12 and advisor Steven
Stroiman, has been focusing on the issue of factory farms for
several months. The club showed the documentary, "Food, Inc," a
couple of months ago to students and faculty interested in the subject. The
film was followed up recently by a program in all the advisories on egg-laying factory
farms, in which film clips were shown and discussions were led by student
facilitators. Immediately after the advisory program, a representative from
Whole Foods in Wynnewood brought generous samples of sumptuous, organic food
treats for students and faculty and staff to enjoy and continued the discussion
on factory farming and the food industry.
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Middle School Dance
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The Middle School Council sponsored a dance on June
15th from 6-8 pm. Pizza and refreshments were served, music was provided by
student DJ Ilana Stolyar '10.
Middle School Council officers decorated the dining commons with a luau theme.
A good time was had by all!
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For Leading.
Zoe Steier '11: Summer Science Intern at Drexel University's College of Medicine
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Z oe Steier '11 was chosen to
participate in the High School Summer Internship Program of Drexel University's College of Medicine where she will continue to pursue her interest in scientific research
by working with professors of immunology and micro-biology in their labs. In
order to be considered for this paid, competitive program, Zoe had to write an
essay, submit her transcripts and teacher recommendations, and participate in
an interview process."I am very excited about this opportunity," shares Zoe. "I
am interested in pursuing a career in the sciences, and this summer I will have
hands-on experiences by working alongside experts in their fields." Ever since
9th grade, when Zoe was a member of the Annenberg Science Symposium
team, she knew that science, along with math, would be two of her favorite
subjects. "I especially enjoy applying the calculus we learn to solving
problems in physics and know that these skills will help me succeed in college
and in life."
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Leonie Cohen '12 Combines Love of Oceanography and Medicine
This Summer
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 Combining
her love of oceanography and medicine, Leonie Cohen, a rising junior, will participate in two exciting programs this year. First, she is off
to a week-long "Ocean Camp" in Groton Connecticut on the University of Connecticut's
Avery Point Campus where she will explore marine environments and habitats that
can only be found in estuaries and perform laboratory activities on a boat and
in the university's main building. This is Leonie's 6th year at
Ocean Camp. "I have applied much of what I have learned here to my bio classes
at Barrack," shares Leonie, "and although I do not want to be a marine
biologist, I do love the ocean and environmental studies."
Returning to Philadelphia, Leonie will participate in the Mini-Med Summer Camp run by Drexel University's College of Medicine. A highly competitive
program, the Mini-Med School experiences introduce outstanding high school
students to all phases of medicine. Leonie's interest in pursuing a medical
career was sparked by her studies at Barrack, especially 9th grade
biology. "I am really excited to have the opportunity to experience the
different fields of medicine," adds Leonie. "My long range plans include
helping impoverished people get quality medical care here and around the
world."
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Debate News from Colorado
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Zach Taylor '11 has been
competing in the National Lincoln- Douglas Debate Finals, as part of the
National Forensics League Debate Tournament, held in Denver, Colorado this
week. His mother Suzanne Taylor emailed us the following information: "Zach finished
today after round 12 in a very close 2-1 decision. That means that he has
placed in the top 15 (somewhere between 9th -15th place)
out of the original pool of 230 debaters. Rumor has it he was the last
Northeasterner standing ... Tomorrow, he will enter an impromptu speaking
competition for fun. Mrs. Taylor adds, "Thank you again and to all of Zach's
teachers for being so supportive of his debate season this year."
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Faculty Summer Enrichment Programs
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A number of Barrack faculty members
will participate in unique opportunities and professional development programs
this summer. A few examples follow:
John Borgmann-Winter, a member of
our science department, has been selected to participate in the Teachers'
Institute for Conservation Ecology, sponsored by the Lemur Conservation
Foundation (LCF), in Myakka City, FL. LCF is located in a lemur reserve, which
is dedicated to the preservation of this rare primate and its habitat. John
will have the opportunity to work with other educators and scientists to study
tropical ecology, learn fieldwork techniques working within the lemur colony,
and develop hands-on activities to excite and motivate high school science
students about the scientific process, conservation ecology, and careers in
science. Michael Stern,
Akiba/Barrack Class of 1996, is the Executive Director of The Lemur
Conservation Foundation. For more information about the Lemur Conservation
Foundation, visit www.lemurreserve.org
Latin
teacher Magistra Carol McMichael will attend the 63rd annual American Classical League Institute, being held at
Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She will attend
workshops on many different topics, including a two-day workshop on the new,
revised curriculum for the Latin AP course.
Judith
Pransky,
Middle School Core teacher, will be taking a "Technology Integration in the
P-12 Curriculum" this summer.
Leslie Pugach, Upper School
Director, will continue her participation in the prestigious Project SuLaM
program presented by RAVASK, the Jewish Community Day School Network. A select
number of Jewish Day School administrators have the opportunity to pursue their
own rigorous Jewish studies, initiate new programs, and help define the vision
for their schools.
Rabbi
Michael Yondorf,
a member of our Jewish Studies Department, will attend the Second Annual
International Conference on Jewish Medical Ethics, held in Lake Placid, NY from
July 1 - 4. Topics that will be addressed include: Medical Halacha (Jewish Law)
for the 21st century, Controversies in Jewish Bioethics, Advances in
Genetics, Social Issues in Bioethics, and Issues in Organ Transplantation.
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Tzedakah in Action
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Andrea Rock's Tanakh classes
chose to donate the $90.00 they collected for Tzedakah this spring to the
Friendship Circle.
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For Life.
Honorary Czech Consul Visits Barrack;
Views Tiles
for Tolerance Wall
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Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic Peter A. Rafaeli
and Mrs. Paula Rothman joined Dr. Steven M. Brown,
Head of School, at Barrack's Tiles for Tolerance Holocaust Memorial Wall. Mr. Rafaeli donated the prints created by child
survivor Helga Weissova- Hoskova that are interspersed among the 350 ceramic
tiles hand painted by Barrack students, faculty and staff. Mrs. Rothman was
instrumental in arranging the print donation. The 4 foot by 24 foot Tiles
for Tolerance Wall not only memorializes those who perished in the
Shoah, but also communicates timeless messages of hope, peace, tolerance and
justice for all peoples. The project was spearheaded by Arielle Belfer
'10, former president of Barrack's Holocaust Education,
Action and Reflection Club (HEAR) that is advised by Spanish
teacher Susan Schwartz. The tiles and wall were
created under the direction of Barrack's art teacher Laura Lyn Stern.
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What Our Young Alumni Tell Us...
|  "My major at Johns Hopkins University is East
Asian Studies. I am studying Chinese language, history and political science. I
started studying Chinese because I have always been interested in languages,
and after I took a class in Chinese history I decided to pursue this area of
study more. My time at Akiba-Barrack enabled me to study Hebrew language and
literature, one of my favorite subjects. I also was fortunate to study Latin
for four years under the guidance of an excellent teacher, Magistra Carol
McMichael. My interest in languages, nurtured by years of Hebrew and Latin
study at Akiba-Barrack, led me to study Mandarin. I hope to go to China next
summer to study the language in depth and plan to use Chinese in a career in
business."
Ross
Elkin '09
Johns Hopkins University
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Milestone
Reunion Classes '0's and 5's
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Akiba-Barrack alumni traveled from across the United
States and from Israel to participate in the our Milestone Reunion held on the
Barrack campus last Sunday and to pay tribute to Rabbi Steven Stroiman, Jewish
Studies faculty member who will retire after 34 year of service to our
school. Michael Bihovsky '05 roasted/toasted
Steve by describing his perceptions and experiences with one of his most
inspiring teachers. Steve responded with a message about his Akiba-Barrack
experiences and what they have meant to him. Joy Pincus Cooper '90, chair of
the Alumni Association, presented Steve with a gift on behalf of the alumni and
wished him continued success in all his future endeavors. Ariele Klausner
'76, Board Chair, greeted alumni and conducted one of three campus tours.
The class of 1970, with the largest representation, enjoyed noting that the
work of two classmates was showcased in the alumni bookcase. All the
participants enjoyed catching up on news and views, greeting classmates, former
faculty and current faculty members, and touring the campus and new facilities.
Plans are under way for next year's reunion. Stay tuned!
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Class of 1960 at Graduation
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Members of the class of 1960 participated in the commencement ceremonies and in the Milestone Reunion.
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Akiba-Barrack Alumni Spearhead
Harmonies
for Hunger Relief Concert
Set for June 27
| | The dynamic sister team of Deena Goldstein '06 and Sara
Goldstein '08, Akiba-Barrack alumni, will once again spearhead
the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Harmonies For Hunger
Relief Concert, the second Mitzvah Food Project benefit concert that
will be hosted at Barrack Hebrew Academy on Sunday, June 27, from
7 to 9pm. Michael Bihovsky '05, along with additional Barrack
students and alumni, will participate in the concert. The
Mitzvah Project provides supplemental food packages to 2,000 food- insecure,
low- income households per year and greatly helps mitigate hunger in the
Greater Philadelphia area. Advance tickets are available online: $10 for adults and $8 for
Akiba/Barrack students, staff, and alumni. Tickets will also be available
at the door: $12 for adults and $10 for students/staff/alumni. Help support a
vital effort and enjoy a great concert! Order your tickets today.
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Parents' Corner
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Summer
Assignments, Sports Forms and
More Posted on Web Site!
Summer
Assignments, sports participation forms, physical and dental forms, and
automotive registration forms are now available on our Website! These can be found under
both the Students
and Parents
tabs on our Home Page. Then click on Forms and Information located on the left
hand side of the page.
Home
Hospitality in Oct. for
Visiting Argentinean Students
Ninth graders from Colegio Tarbut, our sister school in Buenos Aires,
will be visiting for nine days, beginning Monday, October 4.
We are seeking host families for these special guests. Host families in the
past tell us that hosting the students not only expands their families ties to
the global Jewish community, but also gives students who study Spanish at
Barrack a unique opportunity to practice their language skills. However,
speaking Spanish is not a prerequisite for hosting our visitors. A warm welcome
is! Families interested in hosting students should email Ray Leven, rleven@jbha.org Thank you!
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Have a Great Summer!
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This issue of Benainu is the final weekly issue for this academic year. We wish everyone a happy,
healthy, relaxing, and enriching summer. See you on Monday, September 13, the
first day of the fall trimester.
New student orientation is set for Tuesday, September 7th.
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In the Spotlight:
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Middle School Field Day
Barrack Middle School students enjoyed a lively Field
Day this week. Divided into two teams, the Blue and the White, students
competed in sports activities, an obstacle course designed by Coach Kline, a three-legged race, a parachute and shoe race and the bucket brigade contest. The
events ended with a Middle School wide tug of war. The Blue team won, and
everyone celebrated with water ice and popsicles to cap off an afternoon of
friendly competition. Congratulations to all the participants and faculty who
contributed to the success of another Middle School Field Day!
Photo by Jade Nadav '14
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Calendar
| Summer
Vacation
Enjoy!
Harmonies
for Hunger Concert
Sunday,
June 27
Barrack
Hebrew Academy
7pm to 9pm
Sports
Practices Begin
Monday,
August 23
11th
Graders Leave for Muss
Tuesday,
August 24
New Student Orientation
Tuesday, September 7
First
Day of the 2010-2011 Academic Year
Monday,
September 13
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For everything,
there is a season...
| Heartfelt
Condolences to:
With sadness we inform you of the recent passing
of Jules Bacine z'l,
father of Dan (Marcy) Bacine, and grandfather of Matthew
'93. The funeral was held on Thursday, June 10th.
Alumni Life Cycles
Mazel
tov to:
Adam Pomerantz '05 upon his
marriage to Eliana Altshul. The wedding took place in Israel.
Adam is pursuing a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy at Touro University.
Elon Shore '01 on his marriage to Jamie Beran.
The wedding took place at Camp Galil where they met when they were 10 years
old. The wedding was officiated by a former camp counselor. Elon is a 4th
grade general studies teacher at the Chanah Senesh School in Brooklyn, New York
and received his Masters in Education degree from Brooklyn College.
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Photo Gallery
Middle School Move-Up Day
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Middle School Field Day
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| Photos by Jade Nadav '14
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Submit to Benainu
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