Community Invited to Annual Celebration on May 22
The annual Palooza celebration of student learning and creativity returns to the Joel Barlow High School campus on Thursday, May 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. to give the community a peek into many of the school’s activities, along with contributions from Helen Keller Middle School and Samuel Staples Elementary School.
“Barlow Palooza is an annual celebration hosted by Joel Barlow High School highlighting the many accomplishments of students in the ER9 community from the elementary and middle schools and throughout the high school,” said Tim Huminski, English teacher, director of the Writing Center, and Senior Passages coordinator. “From music to the arts, to personal interest projects, to challenging STEM pursuits, Palooza is our chance to recognize and laud all those involved.”
This is the 19th annual Barlow Palooza, and there will be even more to see and hear than in previous years. The Barlow A Cappella group and jazz bands will perform. The Barlow and Future Falcons art shows will showcase work from each Easton school and art projects from the Barlow arts community. Students will provide guests with the opportunity to experience live art demonstrations.
In addition to music and the arts, Palooza will highlight Barlow’s STEM focus. There will be a science symposium with guest speakers and students presenting their science experiments. Middle school students will showcase their Personal Interest Projects and the Barlow RobAutics (robotics) team will demonstrate their award-winning robot.
In addition, Barlow Palooza will highlight students’ Capstone Senior Passages projects. A school counselor endorsed the students as being on track to graduate. The endorsement also requires the appropriate graduation credits, including the results of state tests and the Junior Writing Portfolio. The project allows students to guide their learning through direct or hands-on experience. The finished projects will be displayed to demonstrate the different learning opportunities for Capstone students.
Because of the district’s focus on students’ mental health, there will be a Youth Mental Health First Aid Fair for students and parents. Numerous clubs will demonstrate the many options available for high school students and eighth graders.
Alumni pursuing careers in various industries will return to share information about what happens after high school. Students can see some of the many careers that meet their interests.
While Barlow Palooza is a must for students, it also allows community members to have a fun night out. The art exhibit features many museum-quality pieces. The robotics team may let guests try out its robot. The different science presentations are absorbing and educational for those interested in learning something new. Other performers will provide a place to sit and listen to music.
Last year, roughly 400 people attended the event during the three hours. While the event ends at 8 p.m., the spring concert is expected to run until about 8:30 p.m. “There will be a food truck and lots of snacks for the kids too,” according to Huminski. Attendance is free, although the food truck will charge for purchases. Barlow Palooza will take place at Joel Barlow High School, 100 Black Rock Turnpike in Redding.
