Barringer High School

Barringer S.T.E.A.M. and Project U.S.E. Build a Boat!

Designed by Graphic Design Teacher Mr. Darren Phillips, the S.T.E.A.M. CTE Program’s Tech Squad (Mouse Squad) facilitator Ms. Jamie Welkis, and a shared student from both CTE Programs T’Ko Dorsey

Barringer S.T.E.A.M. and Project U.S.E. recently partnered to construct a fully functional boat and successfully traveled across the Passaic River without a hitch. Building the boat was a year-long project for Mr. Gualano’s construction class. The culmination of all their hard work took place on Saturday May 16, 2015, when they joined with boat-building teams from six other Newark schools to launch their boats at Riverfront Park in Newark.

This entire project encompassed many different learning opportunities for the students, and provided an invaluable opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.

As students planned this project, they made use of their financial literacy studies as they budgeted for materials and planned ahead to make the best use of the available funds and materials. During the construction phase of the project, students incorporated their knowledge of physics, geometry, and woodworking to assemble a fully functional rowboat. On launch day students put to use their study of boating technique and the physical training gained in physical education classes to sail their boat across the Passaic River. This endeavor also served as a team-building exercise for the students, as they worked together to accomplish their goal.

Project U.S.E. is a nonprofit organization that provides learning opportunities to young people and adults yearly. Their tools and tactics help learning and promote self-respect, strong characters and social/environmental consciousness.

You can learn more here.

Arts High Jazz Musicians Perform in Washington, D.C. and NJPAC for Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Events

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Hitting the high notes at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington D.C. earlier this year, the Newark Public Schools Arts High School Jazz Combo represented their school and the district in a Jazz Informance hosted by Dr. J.B. Dyas, Director of Education at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Joined by Terell Stafford, one of today’s top jazz trumpeters, the students performed six pieces for an audience comprised of Thelonious Monk Institute staff members, U.S. Department of Education personnel, and faculty and students from local schools. Following the performance, the students shared their personal experiences as musicians and how they developed an appreciation for Jazz. One of the Arts High School students, drummer Derek Fykes, has just been awarded a full scholarship to attend the internationally renowned Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop, at the University of Louisville (KY) on July 6-11.

Derek’s message from Dr. J. B. Dyas read: “On behalf of our chairman Herbie Hancock and everyone at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, it is my pleasure to inform you that out of all the students attending the 11 performing arts high schools around the nation that we support, YOU have been awarded our full scholarship to attend the internationally renowned Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop. Congratulations!”

Additionally, the Arts High School Jazz Sextet will perform a FREE public concert on Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. (Chase Room) – along with internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist and recording artist Bobby Watson, as well as students from NPS’ Barringer, Arts, East Side and Science Park High Schools – at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (1 Center St., Newark). The concert is presented by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, in conjunction with Newark Public Schools and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Under the direction of teacher/flutist Lawrence Liggins and saxophonist Anthony Ware, the sextet is comprised of trumpeter Carlos Juncal; trombonist Craig Jacobs; guitarist Rahsaan Pickett; pianist Galo Inga; bassist Joseph Quiles; and drummer Derek Fykes.

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The concert is made possible by The Prudential Foundation, which provides year-round music programs at Arts High and other Newark public schools through the Monk Institute. Watson will serve as artist-in-residence during the three days leading up to the concert. The event marks the culmination of the Institute’s 2013-2014 National Performing Arts High School Jazz Program, which helps prepares students in Newark and eight other cities across the nation to become jazz’s next generation.

Barringer Academy of S.T.E.A.M. Senior, Louise Kajinake, Wins Jobs for America’s Graduates Scholarship

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Louise Kajinake, Senior Barringer Academy of S.T.E.A.M.

Barringer Academy of S.T.E.A.M. is proud to announce its first Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) scholarship recipient. Senior Louise Kajinake is one of the twenty-one students to be awarded the Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship. There were 101 students who applied for this fund which honors extra-ordinary leadership and service to JAG participants. Ms. Kajinake will receive $2,000, which she may reapply annually while completing her degree.

A senior at Barringer Academy of S.T.E.A.M., Louise has a style all her own. This South African native is not only known for her fashion sense in school, but also for being a well-rounded scholar. Nearly five years ago, Louise and her younger brother came to the United States on a journey most adults wouldn’t brave. Traveling without supervision, the two embarked on an expedition which their family believed would lead them to a better education and, essentially, a better life.

She recalls leaving East London, South Africa and having quite an experience during a layover in Qatar, while en route to the U.S. “It was really scary. We were supposed to call our parents but everything was in Arabic so we didn’t understand. We were young and timid,” she said.

Upon arrival in the U.S., Louise found that many things were similar to where she lived in East London and she adjusted very well. She had taken her education very seriously in South Africa and she carried that attitude over to her educational experience at Barringer. Louise, now 18, plans to attend Montclair State University in the fall where she will major in Fashion Studies and Business.

In addition to being named a Smith Scholar in the Job’s for America’s Graduates (JAG) Program, Louise also participates in Development School for Youth, a job readiness program, and has a summer internship through them. She is a member of Peer Group Connection (PGC), a yearbook editor, and a tutor for School Base for Math and English where she recently helped seniors prepare for the Alternative High School Assessment (AHSA) so they could graduate.

In 5 to 10 years, she hopes to be working as a fashion merchandiser. Fashion is right up her alley and anyone at Barringer can attest that she knows how to jazz up the uniform with her ability to accessorize. Kajinake hopes to travel back to South Africa to see her friends and family whom she keeps in contact with through frequent phone calls and Facebook. Her teachers at Barringer are very proud of the young woman she has become.

Barringer Students Animodule Displayed at Newark Airport

On May 16, Barringer Arts and Humanities (BAAH) students got to see the fully-assembled sculpture that they have worked on in pieces for months, newly installed at the Newark Liberty International Airport. While curious travelers, representatives from the organizations that funded the project, and other invitees all looked on, the students painted the finishing touches on their piece. One of a series of sculptures called Animodules, the commissioned airport piece was facilitated by Chandri and Athena Barat of the Barat Foundation, who have worked with the Newark Public Schools for many years to create student-produced murals and sculptures for a range of public settings.

The finished airplane-shaped Animodule reflects extensive research by the students, who incorporated into the design geological, historical, and cultural symbols related to global destinations they’d like to visit. Maps of regions of the earth were transferred onto the four sides of the two wings, and student participants born outside the United States had the opportunity to share a symbol from their homeland.

Animodules are the official “Peace Ambassadors of Newark” and this particular piece will have a permanent place in the newly-renovated International Arrivals area in Terminal B.

Barringer Academy of S.T.E.A.M. Bulletin Wins 1st Place in Scholastic Newspaper Awards

BarSteamGroupThe American Scholastic Press Association has awarded The Barringer S.T.E.A.M. Bulletin 1st place in the Scholastic Newspaper Awards among Senior High Schools with an enrollment of 500-1,000 students. The S.T.E.A.M. Bulletin also won the Scholastic Newspaper Special Category Award for Outstanding Service to the Community for their coverage of their 1st Annual H.O.P.E. Thanksgiving Dinner and for their food donations to community families during the holidays.