I.S.303 Presents:
One Working Unit
November, 2014 Edition
Fall-ing over to Winter Edition
Principal’s Message
November has a tendency
to remind me of the many things life
has offered me. Reminiscing on these
things allows me to capitalize on the
opportunity to be grateful and remind
myself that nothing in life should be
taken for granted. The sun above high in our sky that keep us warm
during our winter season and the
people who nurture and care for us
are just examples of some of the
things we might take for granted. The
ideas that flow through our brains and
the people who help us bring these to
fruition are also pieces that make up
our quilt of things to be thankful for. It
is my hope that this November edition
brings you to a place of reflection and
thankfulness. I want you all to know I
am thankful for you- the people who
make my job fun and exciting in spite
of the many challenges.
On Wednesday, November 26,
2014 I.S. 303 held its inaugural teachers vs. students volleyball game. The game was the creation of
our Physical Education teachers Ms. Palase, and Mr. MastroGiovanni as a way to promote school spirit. The theme of the game was a 1970’s throwback look. All players were asked to wear long socks
and 70’s themed outfits. The game began with the singing of the National Anthem by Cheyenne Velez,
Anisiya Frayt, and Kianna Marseille. Both teams put forth their best efforts despite the teachers pulling
out the victory in the end. In an interview with boys gym teacher and referee Mr. Mastrogiovanni, he
was quoted as saying “The students could of pulled it out in the second game if there was a little more
team work. During the course of the year, we are looking forward to having more student and teacher
themed events. We are hoping to see teachers vs. students in basketball. “
By: John Riccardi and Samil Levin
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O n e W o r k in g U n i t
By: Andy Wang
6-122
The Thanksgiving Food Drive started on November 10, 2014, and ended
on November 25, 2014. The Food Drive was sponsored by the eighth grade
B.I.G. Peer Group led by sixth grade Dean and teacher Mr. Mohassib. The
term B.I.G. stands for Boys into Gentlemen. The idea behind the project was
that underprivileged families would be given the opportunity to have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Items such as canned goods, pastas, meats, and turkeys
were all gathered in an effort to distribute them to families in need. In an interview with Mr. Mohassib, I had a chance to ask him his thoughts about how the
Thanksgiving food Drive turned out. “This year was a huge success. I’m very
proud of the boys for taking the initiative and stepping up to receive donations.
I would also like to say thanks to Ms. Wertheimer for all of her help with the
project. Also, a big thank you to all of the staff members who graciously donated $5 each that helped buy turkeys for the families. We are looking forward to
doing the Thanksgiving Drive again next year,
and continuing to
help those in need.”
By: Allen Talovikov
7-227
What happened? According to Dutch air accident investigators, The plane departed
from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport at 10:31 GMT (12:31 local time) on July 17, 2014 and
was due to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 22:10 GMT (06:10 local time).
In its preliminary report, the Dutch Safety Board said the plane lost contact with air traffic control at 13:20 GMT, when it was about 50km from the Russia-Ukraine border. Malaysia Airlines had initially said that the plane lost contact at 14:15 GMT. Footage later
emerged of the crash site in territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists, and witnesses spoke of dozens of bodies on the ground. What caused the crash? Western nations said there was growing evidence that the plane was hit by a Russian-supplied missile fired by rebels. Russia blamed Ukrainian government forces. US officials from the
Office of the Director of National Intelligence said there was a "solid case" that a SA-11
missile - also known as Buk - was fired from eastern Ukraine under "conditions the Russians helped create". This is what happened. A Russian cannon shot down mh17 assuming it was an incoming bomber. Government officials have been paying off people
for their silence. Millions of dollars have been spent to keep people quiet. It has been
nearly a year before people broke their silence all over BBC news. Here is what the cannon might have looked like. ———>
O n e W o r k in g U n i t
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By: Junaet Mahbub, 7217, and Dennis Kviecinskas
Q: What made you want to become a teacher?
A: As a child, I would play with my dolls and pretend they were my students. I would also pretend that my brother was a student. It was also my fourth grade teacher that inspired me. She
was very loving and treated the kids like her own family.
Q: How long have you been a teacher?
A: I have been a teacher for four years. I have been working with children since I was sixteen
when I started teaching in an after school program.
Q: What have been some of your positive experiences here at I.S. 303?
A: One of the most positive experiences was seeing my first class that I taught graduate and
go on to high school. I am also very proud of the accomplishments that the peer group
G.R.E.A.T. has accomplished. It’s an all girls program which stands for Girls Relaxing Eating
and Achieving Together. We have made great strides in breast cancer awareness, and our Pennies for patients fund drive last year raised over $1,200.00 for children with cancer.
Q: What are some of your interests outside of the classroom?
A:
I am a big basketball fan. I have coached the I.S. 303 basketball team for two years. I am
also an avid shopper and couponer.
Q: What profession other than teaching would you like to explore?
A: I would love to be the first female NBA Basketball coach.
Teacher: Mrs.Bruccoleri
7-226
Q: What sparked your interest to become a teacher?
A:
In one way or another, I have always been a teacher. Whether it has been as a student,
tutor or working with youth groups. It’s very rewarding for me to see people learn something new or feel empowered by their new knowledge.
Q: How long have you been a teacher?
A: I have been a teacher for twelve years now.
Q: What have been some of your positive experiences as a teacher?
A: It is very rewarding to have students come back and visit you after they have gone on to
high school and college. When they share with you their positive influences in their lives, it
makes it all worth while. I always told my students that they are bosses over their brains. They
set the stage for how powerful and how smart they are by the ways that they think.
Q: What are your interests outside of school?
A: I love to dance. That has always been a passion of mine. I am also an avid reader, and
have been know to do some sewing.
Q: What profession other than teaching would you like to be in?
A: I have been lucky enough to have worked in other professions. One was as a fundraiser for
charitable agencies. I was also a financial planner having worked with stocks and bonds.
IEP & SETSS Teacher:
Ms.Colon
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O n e W o r k in g U n i t
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O n e W o r k in g U n i t
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By: Eva Levitsky, 7215
December is here and so is the holiday spirit. Christmas themed
songs and music are here and this is my choice of the Holiday music.
Since I’m the kind of girl who’s into metal and rock music, the album
“Christmas Goes Punk” has the songs that are filled with classic Christmas songs made into Punk Rock for the people who are into the metal
and rock genre.
There are many other songs that I choose to listen to during the holiday season. The albums range from Classic Metal Music to the old Metal. What I mean by that is I like to listen to the old Metal bands like Rainbow, The Cure, Black Sabbath, and The Misfits. These bands are from
the 1970s and they still make music but some of the bands stopped. My
favorite band out of these bands has to be Black Sabbath. An amazing
song by them has to be “paranoid” and “Iron Man”. These songs do
make me inspired as well as getting me into the holiday spirit.
By: Gabriella Berezovskya
7-229
The movie Ouija was released in theaters on October 24, 2014. The movie is one of the latest in the ring
of terrifying horror films including The Conjuring sequel Annabelle. It is brought to the screen by director
Stiles White. The film’s plot revolves around a group of friends that must confront their most terrifying
fears upon awakening the dark powers of an ancient spirit board. The movie has a PG-13 rating with a
run time of one hour and thirty minutes. The suspense begins to stir when the group first began to play
with the Ouija board. Their ritual began when the group of friends began to play the Ouija Board. The
ritual began with them chanting “As friends, we have gathered, hearts are true, spirits near we call to
you”. This is where the audience gasps a breath of shock as to what is going to happen next. The
group members begin to move the oracle around the board. The first victim in the film was the character
of Debbie Galardi, who was played by veteran actress Shelley Hennig. The members of the group begin
to try to summon her from beyond the grave. As the plot thickens, the group finds out that there were
several mysterious deaths that occurred in the house where they are playing. There is definitely room
for a sequel to this shocking tale. Ouija has my nod for the scariest film of 2014. On a side note, if any
of you are thinking of playing the Ouija board, DO NOT play alone in your house. Keep enjoying the
movie going experience, and see you all next month!
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O n e W o r k in g U n i t
Spotlight on is 303 talent
By: Maham Bhatti, 6-165
O n e W o r k in g U n i t
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By: Ky Williams, 8-313 and
John Riccardi, 7-227. Photo
by Eben Missick
Q: Ms. Butler, can you please tell us how the NIA program has progressed over the past
few months.
A: Since the beginning of the program, we have been able to grow as well as gain a
strong student involvement. We have had our own events including ice cream parties and raffles. We are also contributing to the school’s production of The Nutcracker.
Q:How did the NIA Program begin?
A: NIA SONYC is a city wide funded program funded by the department of youth,
Community Development. We are contracted through community based organizations. SONYC stands for Schools Out New York City. Here at I.S. 303 our groups include drama, sports, and art.
Q: Please tell us about some upcoming NIA programs.
A: We are playing an important role in the holiday performance of The Nutcracker
being directed by Mr. young. We also currently have the Jazz band. We are hoping
to have a performance by the Spring. There will also be an awards ceremony for students enrolled in the various programs of NIA. Upcoming trips and basketball events
are also on the horizon.
By: Mr.Dobin
It seems that this school year is moving at a very rapid pace. We have seen so many great exhibitions of student talent and we
are not even half way through the year. There have been fund raisers and food drives. The Nutcracker and Annie performances will be
the first to kick off the season. Under the direction of Mr. Young, the students of I.S. 303 will be putting on The holiday Themed Nutcracker for students and families. The play is running in conjunction with the NIA after school program. Mr. Young and his talented cast have
been working feverishly to put on a command performance to last year’s stage version of The Wizard of Oz. The Nutcracker will feature a
special Saturday matinee performance on December 20, 2014. As an added bonus, there will be a mini performance from the students
featuring songs from the hit show Annie. We have been hearing rave reviews about Ms. Shepps as Ms. Hanningan.
Publisher and lead Advisor
Daytime and After school Advisor
Ms. Amador
Technical Advisor
Student Editor
Mr. Dobin
Mr. Wu
Samil Levin
Writer and Advisor
Junaet Mahbub
Ms. W
Allen Talovikov
Staff Writer
Assistant Editor
Sam Swiney
Dennis Kviecinskas
Lead Interviewer
Staff Writer
Maham Bhatti
Creative Drawings
John Riccardi
Staff Writer and
interviewer
Andy Wang
Staff Writer
Destiny Melendez
Art/staff writer
Aiman Shahzad
Gabriella Bezovskaya
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Eben Missick
Waseem Saleen
7th Grade Photographer
Lead Photographer
Newspaper Staff
Ky Wiliams
Staff Writer