I.S.303 Presents
December, 2014 Edition
The Jolly Holidays Issue
Principal’s Message
From Ms. Amador
Welcome to a new
year! This new year without a
doubt comes to bring us a renewed sense of what can be accomplished. At the same time, it
also might invite us to reflect on
old practices that can refine and
make our practices work better
for us. A well balanced and
healthy lifestyle is critical to our
well beings. Using our time effectively and maximizing our
work time, as well as our free
time is something that can lead
us to have a tremendous sense of
accomplishment. A good place
to start it all is by writing out a
weekly schedule and seeing how
many things fall into different
categories, such as work or leisure to name just two. Make sure
to balance it out. A well rounded
person is a scholar who has an
appreciation for the arts and
leisure.
When I saw last year’s performance of The Wizard of Oz, I didn’t think
that it could be topped. The Nutcracker
exceeded my expectations. Mr. Young and
Mrs. Azarow put on a Broadway caliber
holiday performance. The work that the
dance and drama students put fourth was
second to none. The sets were all hand
built by Mr. Young, and hand drawn by the
students and Mrs. Kantor-Goldberg. The
rehearsal times were spread out over after
school and Saturday mornings. The next
show will be a stage version of the movie
musical Grease. Casting has begun and
rehearsals start in March. Look for the
show to debut at the I.S. 303 theater in
June. Grease will certainly be the word!
By: Mr. Dobin,
Guidance Counselor-
Photos by Waseem Saleem and Eben
Missick, 7-227
Page 2
DNA Cross Breeding and Genetic Splicing-
O n e W o r k in g U n i t
By Allen Tarkilov, 7 -227
How would you like to run faster than the fastest car on earth? Well you could. Splice yourself
with cheetah DNA and bam, an instant 250 mph. But. If the experiment fails, you’re dead. So not to put
anyone in danger, scientists are currently experimenting with bugs. Splicing a mantic with beetle DNA.
(DNA stands for deoxyribo nucleic acid.) You can also genetically modify a plant to fit any environment. Want pineapples in the winter? Bam! Fresh pineapples. Here is a paraphrased short article by
Charles S. Gasser and Robert T. Fraley. THE STABLE INTRODUCTION OF FOREIGN GENES INTO plants represents one of the most significant developments in a continuum of advances in agricultural
technology that includes modern plant breeding, hybrid seed production, farm mechanization, and the
use of agrichemicals to provide nutrients and control pests. The first-generation applications of genetic
engineering to crop agriculture are targeted at issues that are currently being addressed by traditional
breeding and agrichemical discovery efforts. Genetic engineering methods complement plant breeding
efforts by increasing the diversity of genes and germplasm available for incorporation into crops and by
shortening the time required for the production of new varieties and hybrids. Genetic engineering of
plants also offers exciting opportunities for the agrichemical, food processing, specialty chemical, and
pharmaceutical industries to develop new products and manufacturing processes. The first transgenic
plants expressing engineered foreign genes were tobacco plants produced by the use of Agrobacterium
tumefactions vectors. Transformation was confirmed by the presence of foreign DNA sequences in both
primary Transform ants and their progeny. There is an antibiotic resistance phenotype conferred by a
chimeric neomycin phosphotransferase gene. With every new day, scientists will continue to come up
with new developments and treatments for diseases.
By: Rodrigo Fernandez, 7
-227
Did you ever want to get an upgrade for your favorite game? Is one of them
Grand Theft Auto? Well look no further. Rock star and Rock star Games North has
finally released Grand Theft Auto V on The Next Gen Consoles. It came out on November 18, 2014. The highly anticipated PC version is set to be released on January
27, 2015. The difference between the previous Gen and the Next Gen is that in The
Next Gen, there are so many new features. You can now finally play in first person.
You also have the option to play in first or in third person. The graphics are so much
better than the versions that came before this. Let us not forget the GTA online mode.
You can play with friends or with other players online. Another new feature is that
there is a wider selection of cars, condos, apartments, houses and so much more. All of
this fun and action is waiting for the players in GTA online. Until the next video game
review, keep on gaming!
O n e W o r k in g U n i t
Page 3
By: Junaet Mahbub, 7217
Q: Ms. Garcia, what made you want to become a teacher?
A: Ever since I was a child, I wanted to become a teacher. I always enjoyed helping others. I have been teaching for ten years, and before
that I was a social worker.
Q: What are some of your career highlights?
A: One of my greatest accomplishments is co-founding an elementary
school in Sierra Leone, Africa. It is a school for impoverished and under
privileged children. I started it with my former co-partner when I was a
social worker.
Q: What are your interests outside of school?
A:
I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring the outdoors. I
also enjoy trips to New York City and seeing Broadway shows.
Q: Ms. Jaworski, what are some of your more positive and rewarding moments as a teacher?
A: I have had many positive experiences as a teacher. I enjoy seeing
my students expand and build on what I teach them. I actually wind up
learning from them at that point.
Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
A: My interests include dancing and interior decorating. That’s been a
passion of mine for many years. I also engage in home renovation in
my spare time.
Q: Do you enjoy being a media teacher?
A: I love my job and enjoy teaching all of my students. This is my last
year as a part time teacher. Next year, I will be a full time classroom
teacher.
O n e W o r k in g U n i t
Page 4
Monthly Horoscopes
With Ms. W
December:
Welcome back to another edition of “Monthly Horoscopes with Ms. W. We have reached one of my favorite parts of the year, the
holiday season. I hope your future brings you happiness and joy during the upcoming holidays. As we come to an end to the 2014
year, I wish everyone a better year in 2015. I hope everyone has a wonderful happy holiday and I will see you in the next year!
Aries: March 21st – April 19th
Monday and Tuesday are good days to start planning for your short-term future. If there's a goal you want to reach, write it down.
Your schedule is hectic on Wednesday and Thursday, and it might take your body a while to get used to the pace of a new activity.
Letting go of some negative feelings on Friday and Saturday will make you feel freer than you have in a longtime. Sunday is a time
of renewal.
Symbol: The Ram
Element: Fire
Taurus: April 20th – May 20th
Your friends aren't used to you being the voice of reason, but that's the position you find yourself in on Monday and Tuesday. You
feel the need to let everyone know how you feel about them on Wednesday and Thursday, but everyone might not be prepared for
your outpouring of feelings. Someone might be plotting something on Friday or Saturday, but you're onto them in time to stop what
they have planned. Sunday is a great time to have some uninhibited fun.
Symbol: The Bull
Element: Earth Gemini: May 21st – June 20th
Things you were confused about start to click into place on Monday and Tuesday. Use your newfound knowledge on Wednesday and
Thursday to improve your situation. You can start small and build from the ground up. The Moon makes you want to know everything about someone you just met, but all will be revealed in time. Having patience is the key to a long-term relationship with this
person.
Symbol: The Twins
Element: Air
Leo: July 23rd – August 22nd
If you ask for other people's advice on Monday and Tuesday, you're going to get it. Can you handle the truth? Brainstorming is a
helpful activity on Wednesday and Thursday, especially if you involve people who have opinions that differ from yours. Someone
gives you a really nice compliment on Friday and Saturday, but you might read too much into it. Don't take any dares on Sunday.
Symbol: The Lion
Element: Fire
Cancer: June 21st – July 22nd
You can get overwhelmed really easily on Monday and Tuesday, so try to stick with the basics as much as possible. You're a super
flirt on Wednesday and Thursday, but make sure you don't give someone the wrong idea. If you're in a committed relationship, your
partner might not be very happy about your behavior. Keeping secrets is a good way to make someone feel left out on Friday and
Saturday. Don't be mean on purpose. Symbol: The Crab Element: Water
Virgo: August 23rd – September 22nd
Don't try to rush ahead on Monday and Tuesday. It's important that you go in the order you're supposed to go
in. You have all the answers on Wednesday and Thursday, so it's no surprise your friends come to you for advice. You can handle the
O n e W o r k in g U n i t
Page 5
responsibility. Your dreams have significance on Friday and Saturday, so if you can remember them when you wake up, write them
down and figure out what they mean.
Symbol: The Virgin
Element: Earth Libra:
September 23rd – October 22nd
If you've been missing someone you don't see a lot, give them a call on Monday or Tuesday. They'll be so glad to hear your voice.
Wednesday and Thursday can be challenging, especially if you have to work with someone you don't really get along with. Agreeing
to a compromise will show you're serious. Looking at things from a detached point of view will help you come to a quick conclusion
on Friday and Saturday.
Symbol: The Scales
Element: Air
Sagittarius: November 22nd – December 21st
Move forward on Monday and Tuesday even if you don't have all the facts. Things will click into place once you get the ball rolling.
The Moon helps you obtain the balance you've been looking for in your life on Wednesday and Thursday, but keep in mind that anything worth having is going to take a little bit of work to hold on to. If you're unsure of someone on Friday or Saturday, don't get too
close to them. Big trouble comes in small packages on Sunday.
Symbol: The Archer
Element: Fire
Scorpio: October 23rd – November 21st
Are you sure a friend is being honest with you on Monday and Tuesday? Watch their facial expressions to be sure they match what's
coming out of their mouth. Deep connections can be made with other people on Wednesday and Thursday if you're willing to open
up a little more. Putting your heart out there is scary over the weekend, but so is not doing something you wish you had done.
Symbol: The Scorpion
Element: Water
Capricorn: December 22nd – January 19th
You're so bored with the details on Monday and Tuesday, but that doesn't mean you should make fun of people who are detail oriented. You're looking out for other people on Wednesday and Thursday, and it will probably feel good for the focus to be off of you for
a change. Try not to be too aggressive on Friday and Saturday. Getting exactly what you want is overrated.
Symbol: The Goat
O n e W o r k in g U n i t
Page 6
“Chasing Life” is the story of twenty something April (Italia Ricci). April is a smart and quick witted
aspiring journalist. She is trying to work her way up the ladder at a Boston newspaper by trying to impress her
hard nosed editor. When not pursuing the latest scoop, April tries to balance her ambitious career with her
family. Her family consists of her widowed mom Sara, a rebellious little sister Brenna, and her grandmother.
Things begin to look up for her at work, home, and on the romance front. She begins a romance with a coworker named Dominic. All of the good that is happening begins to be shadowed by the news from an estranged uncle that has cancer. The first episode aired on June 10, 2014. ABC Family network has not yet released a premiere date for the new season. One of the most touching episodes, and a personal favorite of mine
is “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” April had a very inspiring quote “It’s my dying wish”. To me, that means that
every second counts. I think that what April was trying to say was that we all must try to live our dreams
while we can. Even though we are all kids and the future is ahead of us, we should not waste it. April has
made some mistakes in her life, but they have made her a very interesting woman. Even though the show’s
underlying premise is about a woman battling cancer, there’s also a tale of friendship, loyalty, and romance.
By: Gabriella Berezovskaya, 7-229
On December 8, 2014, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton visited the United States. One of their first stops was New York City. On this visit, they also managed to
stop by Brooklyn. The purpose of coming to Brooklyn was to catch a Brooklyn Nets game.
They sat courtside next Brooklyn’s own Royal couple Jay Z and Beyonce. They were even
presented with personalized jerseys by NBA and Cleveland Cavaliers Star LeBron James.
Unfortunately, the Nets did not get the victory. The final score was 110-87, with the Cavs on
top. Brooklyn has been getting praise for its many distinguished new beginnings. The
Brooklyn Nets are certainly one of the new Brooklyn upstarts. If Royalty can come here,
then people from all walks of life can make it here and sample what Brooklyn offers.
By: Ky Williams
8-313
Page 7
O n e W o r k in g U n i t
Spotlight on i.s.303 talent
The Shutterbugs is a photography club facilitated by Ms. Houston, Ms. Messina and Ms. Velic. We
teach students about the different rules of composition
when taking pictures and work with students on utilizing
these various composition techniques when taking pictures. As a club, we have participated in many
"Photography Walk-Abouts", both in and out of the
school, with specific focuses in mind. The collage represents a small sampling of pictures from some of our
"walk-abouts". Now that we have learned the basics of
photography and composition, we hope to work more
with the school newspaper as freelance photographers. The Shutterbugs plan to take pictures of students during upcoming school functions and special
events while practicing what we have learned about
photography. Mrs. Houston, Assistant Principal
The Shutterbugs photography program was started by I.S. 303 Assistant Principal
Mrs. Houston. Photography has always been a hobby of hers, and she had classes on it
By: Philip Struzberg &
Richard Vaughn 6-122
when she was in school. Ms. Messina and Ms. Velic are also involved in leading the students
to learn more about photography. The club is for sixth grade students, and they meet on
Wednesdays during their lunch period. The students are given assignments and then go
around the building and take photos. One of their projects was to shoot anything Halloween
related during the month of October. On occasion, the students also go outside and take
photos. Next time you see one of your classmates walking with a camera, smile and say
cheese!
O n e W o r k in g U n i t
Page 8
On December 19, 2014, the girls group known as
G.R.E.A.T. delivered beauty baskets to senior citizens at the
JASSA site center. Mrs. O’Byrne, and Mrs. Sullivan facilitated
the event. The purpose of the project was to show compassion
and holiday spirit to the elderly during the holiday season. The
materials in the baskets consisted of body lotions, soaps, shampoos, and other beauty related products. The baskets began to
be put together a week before they were delivered. It was a great
feeling to know that we brought smiles to their faces and brightened their holiday. We are planning a visit to an animal shelter
some time in the near future.
-
By Liana Stern, 7-229
By: Andy Wang 6122 and John Riccadi
On December 2, 2014, Ms, Amador received her much deserved tenure. This honor is recognition of all of the
hard work and efforts that Ms. Amador has brought fourth to the I.S. 303 school community since she has become principal
of I.S. 303.
Q:
A:
Ms. Amador, can you please tell us what tenure means to you?
Tenure is very important to me yet I always continue learning from my job. It allows me to
continue here as an instructional leader and serves as recognition of my efforts. It’s a wonderful
feeling to know that I am continuing here at I.S. 303, and am appreciated as an instructional leader.
I look forward to working with my warm and nurturing staff for many years to come.
Q: How long does the tenure process take?
A:
The process takes between three and five years. Your job is reviewed as a whole and the ten-
ure is not always guaranteed to be granted. It felt great to be appreciated and receive the honor.
Publisher and lead Advisor
Senior Editor
Ms. Amador
Technical Advisor
Graphic Design Editor
Mr. Dobin
Mr. Wu
Samil Levin
Writer and Advisor
Junaet Mahbub
Ms. W
Assistant Editor
Allen Talovikov
Dennis Kviecinskas
Andy Wang
Ky Wiliams
Staff Writer
Lead Interviewer
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Maham Bhatti
Creative Drawings
John Riccardi
Staff Writer and
interviewer
Destiny Melendez
Art/staff writer
Gabriella Bezovskaya
Staff Writer
Eben Missick
Waseem Saleen
7th Grade Photographer
Lead Photographer
Newspaper Staff