We were thrilled for our STEAM and Chemistry students that visited Drexel University's Material Science and Engineering Department last week to learn about the field of materials engineering. After a brief welcome from Drexel faculty, our STEAM students were introduced to materials with some hands-on activities that included creating polyurethane foam, explored sophisticated equipment such as a scanning electron microscope and a tunneling electron microscope, visited labs where new compounds are created, and talked with current Drexel Materials Science and Engineering students about their experiences. Thank you to Drexel for generously hosting our inquisitive students! #STEAM #DrexelEngineering #Barrackscience #lovewhereyoulearn (fb)

On Monday, our 6th grade students experienced "Chagigat Shemot", a morning of Passover learning and milestones. Our students first displayed their knowledge of Sefer Shemot by sharing both divrei Torah (words of Torah) and artistic renditions of their understanding and interpretation of the Exodus narrative. We were thrilled to welcome back Dr. Jake Kriger, former Akiba/Barrack parent and board member, and current Barrack grandparent, to present each 6th grade student with their own beautiful Moss Haggadah. This unique gift is made possible through the generosity of the Hannah and William Kriger Sefarim Fund. Dr. Kriger also engaged the students in a dynamic learning session to study some of the creative content within the Haggadah that will surely enrich our students’ seder experience. This year, families visited campus to experience Dr. Kriger's study session alongside their 6th grade students and participate in a paper-cutting workshop led by Mindy Shapiro, artist and former Akiba/Barrack parent, who helped our parents and students design their own paper-cut art to reflect this traditional art medium associated with the Moss Haggadah. It was a meaningful morning of holiday-focused learning and creation in preparation for the Passover holiday. You can see more photos from our Chagigat Shemot ceremony here: jbhacademy.smugmug.com/6th-Grade-Chagigat-Shemot-Ceremony #ChagigatShemot #KrigerSefarimFund #MossHaggadah #papercut #ChagSameach #Pesach5785 #Passover2025 #Barrackmiddleschool #classof2031 #lovewhereyoulearn (fb)