The District News The Newspaper of the Center Moriches School District Volume 14 Number 3 Volume 14 Number 3 http://www.cmschools.org February 2008 LI Schools Not Receiving Fair Share Over the last couple of weeks I have been working diligently to secure a larger increase in our state aid allocation for the 2008-2009 school year. As the next several months unfold, I will continue to advocate for our fair share of State aid with advocacy trips to Albany, meetings with our local political leaders and continued participation in panel discussions and other statewide conversations. At this time, we are slated to receive a State aid increase of less than ½% or approximately $95,000. Our projected increase in fuel costs alone exceeds $150,000. Further, this increase does not come close to matching the rate of infl ation. Our local political leaders, Senator LaValle and Assemblyman Thiele, both understand our plight and are supportive of our quest to secure a larger increase. However, the Governor’s Offi ce sees things differently, choosing to allocate much more of the aid package to the upstate and urban regions. They would also have us believe that the increase is higher than I describe. However, in viewing the chart attached, one can easily see that the increases in one area are offset by decreases in other areas. This community has done its part to provide a solid education to its students, fi rst through a signifi cant increase several years ago and more recently by holding the line on tax increases over the last three years. However, it is impossible to maintain our program, which is now leading to increases in student achievement, without Rachel’s Legacy Page 2 Center Moriches UFSD 529 Main Street Center Moriches, New York 11934 suffi cient funds. Two statistics stand out here: 1. Long Island educates 17% of the students in the State, yet only receives about 13% of the aid;; 2. Long Island educates 17% of the students in the State yet, is only slated to receive about 8% of the “record” increase in State aid for 2008-2009. Center Moriches is one of the strongest examples of the “new” State aid formula proving ineffective. We are low wealth (property values are low due to a lack of retail or industrial properties) and high tax (the community refuses to allow its schools to suffer due to a lack of property wealth). Therefore, under the description of needs provided as explanation for the “new” State aid formula, Center Moriches should qualify for a greater share of State aid to support our schools. Clearly the current Governor’s budget ignores districts such as ours and he needs to hear from us that this is unacceptable! Therefore, I need your help. Please read the sample letter to the Governor on the Superintendent’s eBoard at www.cmschools.org, and if you are in agreement with its contents, feel free to print, sign and mail it to the Governor’s offi ce. The more letters, e-mails, and telephone calls the Governor’s Offi ce receives, the more they will understand Center Moriches’ sentiment regarding the 2008-2009 proposed budget. Governor Eliot Spitzer The State Capital Executive Chamber Albany, NY 12224 (518) 474-8390 www.ny.gov/governor/contact (e- mail contact) As I mentioned above, our local politicians are well aware of the school district’s concerns and are very supportive of increasing our State aid allocation. However, should you wish to send letters to them regarding the current State aid plan, their addresses are listed below: Assemblyman Fred Thiele P.O. Box 3062 Bridgehampton, NY 11932 Senator Kenneth LaValle, First District 325 Middle Country Road, Suite 4 Selden, NY 11784. Thank you for your anticipated support in this matter of critical importance. Sincerely, Donald A. James Donald A. James, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools State Aid Comparison 2007-2008 Compared to 2008-2009 Aid Category Foundation Aid BOCES Private High Cost Hardware and Technology Software Transportation High Tax Aid Building Aid Supplemental Public Excess TOTALS Universal Pre-K 2007-2008 (Actual) 6,678,947 474,735 213,989 20,020 131,911 566,532 219,904 1,297,210 85,150 2008-2009 (Proposed) 6,812,525 357,500 236,992 18,107 120,045 571,674 281,338 1,326,182 0 $9,688,398 $9,724,093 $35,965 $70,200 $129,600 $59,400 Black History Month Pages 6,7 Postal Customer Center Moriches, New York 11934 Difference 133,578 - 117,235 23,003 - 1,913 - 11,866 5,142 61,434 28,972 - 85,150 NEHS Induction Page 8 Non-Profi t Organization BULK RATE US Postage Paid Center Moriches, NY 11934 Permit No. 7 2 The District News What’s Inside Page 3 - CH News Page 4 - MS News Page 6,7 - Black history Page 8, 9 - HS News Page 10 - Guidance Dept. Page 12 - Sports The District News The Newspaper of the Center Moriches School District Contact: Center Moriches Union Free School District 529 Main St. Center Moriches, NY 11934 Tel: (631) 878-0052 Fax: (631) 878-1796 Superintendent: Dr. Donald James Board of Education: Mr. Joseph McHeffey - President Mrs.Wendy Turkington - Vice Pres. Mr. Daniel Finnegan - Trustee Mr.Wayne Vitale - Trustee Mr. Thomas Hogan -Trustee Mrs. Patricia Galietta - Clerk Mrs. Carol Snyder - Treasurer Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Donald James x117 Advisor/ Executive Editor: Mr. Michael Gerhauser x511 Student Reporters: Alex Colpas - senior Corey Fitzgerald - senior Gina Gerdik - senior Chris Natalie - junior Kenny Riker - junior Tom Schrage - junior Alex Snead - senior Ashley Stabile - junior John Stuart - junior Justin Barone - junior Student Photographers: Amanda DeAngelis Kallie Crawford Jane Fedak February, 2008 Rachel Challenges Students, Staff Senior Corey Fitzgerald Center Moriches students and faculty were brought to tears after the second installment of the Rachel’s Challenge assembly came to Center Moriches on Friday, February 1. Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School shootings, is the focal point of the assembly. The assembly was held in the high school auditorium from 8:30 to 9:30 in the morning for all students, and a separate workshop was held only a short while afterwards. Later that same night at 7:00, a separate assembly was held for any Center Moriches residents. Rachel’s challenge has in the last eight years proven to be a life- altering program for students and faculty alike. The program discusses the tragedy of Rachel Scott and how her life affected, and still is affecting many different people. Rachel’s thoughts and morals were found in her many journals. Rachel’s writing has been summarized into five challenges. These challenges were, in Rachel’s opinion, life-altering steps that one can take to not only better themselves, but to ultimately better the world. The five challenges that Rachel deemed to be life changing start with the act of eliminating The legacy of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine shootings, continues to impact the lives of students across the country prejudice. The next is to set goals. everyday lives by use of example.” After that, choose your influences Cheryl described the workshop as and use kind words. These will having a “positive effect” on all who then lead to the final challenge: to attended, and as essentially creating start a chain reaction. Taking this a positive atmosphere around the challenge is what any person can school. do to essentially change the world, Rachel’s legacy is the second person by person. of the three installments available. Junior Cheryl Rosenhagen The latest installment, Rachel’s attended the separate workshop Hands, is beginning its first tour directly after the main assembly. across the nation. High School Cheryl described the purpose of the Principal Mr. Bracco plans to have workshop as “a means to make sure the Rachel’s Hands assembly come that students will continue to keep to the high school within the next Rachel’s challenge a part of their two years. The Real Story Behind Valentine’s Day Senior Gina Marie Gerdik box and drawn out by boys and girls. The boys and girls were then expected to imitate and base their upcoming year Shockingly, Valentine’s Day of life on the name of the Saint they had hasn’t always been a heart-shaped box drawn. of chocolates and a kiss on the cheek. Over time, Valentine’s Day It’s origins lie in pagan practices beginning in the third century. In third century Rome, a feast was held during February in honor of Lord Lupercus in hope that he would protect the flocks of the Roman shepherds from hungry roving wolves. As part of this celebration, noble youths and magistrates would run naked through the streets. During this feast, the names of young boys and girls were placed in a box and drawn out and matched together. The boys and girls who were matched were considered lovers for the year. As Christianity became more prevalent, Church officials changed the name of the celebration to St. Valentine’s Day in an attempt to Christianize the once pagan practices. Instead of matching names of young boys and girls, Saints’ names were placed in a evolved into an annual holiday celebrated on February 14th, for lovers to express their love for one another by giving gifts, most commonly chocolates, cards, teddy bears and flowers. M.Y.O. and the families it serves would like to thank TOYOTA OF RIVERHEAD for their generous donation of an AED, automat- ed external defibrillator. It is a tremendous comfort having this device available should an emergency occur. For more information or to contact us, visit www.morichesyouth.org February, 2008 Students Get Cozy with a Good Book Clayton Huey Corner The District News 3 Stefanie Schaefer On Friday, January 25th, 2008, Ms. Schaefer’s class hosted “Get Cozy with a Good Book Day!” During the month of January, our class has been learning about the beliefs of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Postal system, caring for those less fortunate, recycling, reusing, and as always, sharing the gift, discovery and wonder that literature offers. With these themes in mind, the children and their families were asked to go through their book collections at home and find a gently used book or books that they would like to donate to our Social Studies Literacy activity. To add to the fun, the children, families and teachers enjoyed student made refreshments while reading and relaxing in pajamas with pillows and stuffed animals to Get Cozy with a Good Book! As part of our follow up lessons, the class wrote a friendly letter and learned how to use the United States Postal System as we donated the collection of books to the children who live at Cassidy’s Place, a non-profit organization established by Kathie Lee Gifford found in the home of The Association to Benefit Children (ABC) in New York City. The class also wrote a book dedicated to the children at Cassidy’s Place and forwarded all in our parcel that was picked up in our classroom by a postal worker and delivered to the Post Office! For additional information about this wonderful charity, please visit the following website: http://www.kathieleegifford.com/ lamb04/charity.abccharity.php. English Makeover The Elementary Student Council is conducting a fundraiser to benefit: The Make-A-Wish Foundation Shine Star Shine Our Shining Star Receives a Wish Please purchase a star to be placed on a Make-‐‑A-‐‑Wish banner located in each school. All money raised will be put toward a wish that will be granted this spring for Center Moriches student. During the first two weeks in February we will be selling star discs for $1.00 each in all the schools or you can purchase them by mail. Your family name or child’s name will be wri en on the star and it will be displayed next to the Make-‐‑A-‐‑Wish banner. Let’s try to get everyone’s name up there. If you have any question please contact Rosemarie Seitelman at 878-‐‑0052 You can purchase a star by either cash or check. Please make checks payable to: The Make-‐‑A-‐‑Wish Foundation. Thank you in advance for your generous support and help. from page 9 many different courses, covering as far back as ancient mythology all the way up to Modern American Literature. Mr. Gerhauser explains that while students don’t have absolute freedom in selecting their classes, “there’s still more choice than is currently available, and the kids seem excited about the courses being offered.” Courses available for next year can be found in the course catalog, available at www.cmschools.org. Please return to your child’s teacher or by mail to: Clayton Huey Elementary; 511 Main Street; Center Moriches, NY 11934 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I wish to purchase _________________ star disc(s) at $1.00 each. Name: _____________________________________ Grade: ____________________________________ Please make checks payable to: The Make-‐‑A-‐‑Wish Foundation Please return to your child’s teacher or by mail to: Clayton Huey Elementary; 511 Main Street; Center Moriches, NY 11934 4 The District News Middle School Makings February, 2008 Wood Cookies in the Winter Nothing compares to actually getting outside into the woods and exploring. However, Mrs. Youngman’s 6th grade science classes have been keeping interest in their outdoor project alive during the cold, indoor days of January. Students have been working with ‘wood cookies’, which are slices of tree trunk from several species of native trees. They learned to read growth rings, interpret marks on trees and the basics of dendrobotany – the science of tree life. To see more on what these students are doing go to www.greenossp.org and click on School Sites. M.S. Principal’s Message Patricia Cunningham The year is moving very quickly. We have completed our ELA Assessments and are preparing for the Math Assessments in March. The Math Saturday Academy has started and will continue until March 8, the Saturday before the Assessments. We have 83 students registered for the Saturday Academy. The Cotillion for the 7th and 8th graders will be on Friday, February 29, from 7:00-9:00 pm. The PTA assists with the cost of this dance and we do not have to charge admission. We thank the PTA for their generosity. We have our Book Fair scheduled for February 6-8 at the Middle School. Students will attend the book fair during the day. The students enjoyed the Book Fair we had in the fall and are excited about another Student Takes Action Ellen Kingston English teacher Sixth grade student Kelsey Rogers understands the power of the written word. After the December parade in our community, Kelsey was upset to see the mess of beads, candy wrappers, and papers left from holiday revelers. She decided to do something about it. Kelsey wrote down her feelings, expressing her dismay at the amount of litter left on Main Street. She brought her letter to school and said she wanted to make community members aware. After asking whether there was a mayor she could write to, we discussed writing a letter to the editor. Kelsey decided to write to the editor of the Press of Manorville and the Moriches. In the first edition of the New Year, Kelsey’s letter appeared in the Press. She suggested that a parade clean-up committee be established. As sixth grade teachers, we were pleased to see this young citizen taking an active role in her community. Our sense of pride grew even further when there was a response to her letter in a subsequent issue. In the January 18th edition of the Press, Trish Kaloski, writer of the “Moriches Bay Moorings” column, quoted Kelsey’s letter. Kaloski reiterated Kelsey’s concerns. Hopefully a clean-up committee will be created before our next community parade in March. Kelsey Rogers saw writing as a way to effect change. She transferred what she learned in school to deal with a real world problem. As her English teacher, I can say that it doesn’t get any better than that. opportunity to attend this one. We have started our last full building fundraiser – the annual magazine drive. The nice thing about this fundraiser is that magazines already being received can be renewed through us. It doesn’t require the purchase of additional magazines. Other magazines, of course, are available. Please support this endeavor as the money raised is used for all students. The Advisors for the Frost Valley and Washington, DC trips will hold an informational meeting on Thursday, February 28 from 6:30-8:30 pm. A letter will be sent to all grade 6 and 8 parents. Students in good behavioral standing may attend the trips. On Friday, February 1, we had our first hat and pajama day of the year. The students were well-behaved and had a good time in some original hats and a variety of pajamas! It was quite a sight! We are still participating in the Wish for Wish Kids program. Students or families may purchase stars for $1 each. They are being hung in the Middle School lobby. We collected over $400 during the first half of the school year and presented the check to the Wish Foundation in December. We look forward to helping the Foundation again this spring. Thank you for your continued support for all of our activities. Working as partners makes the Middle School a great place for all students. Read Across America Read Aloud Bonnie Bredes Library Media Specialist Students in the Center Moriches Middle School are preparing for our 2nd annual Read Across America Read Aloud. On February 29th students, administrators, and faculty will spend the day reading their original work or passages from their favorite books. To generate excitement for the Read Across America the students are involved in projects in both English and Art classes. In English class, students have the opportunity to create PowerPoint slides about their favorite author or book and write original works to present at the Read Aloud. In Art class, students are designing posters based on the covers of their favorite books that will be displayed in the hallways. Launched eleven years ago as a way to get kids excited about reading, NEA’s Read Across America has grown into a year-long program that culminates every year on March 2nd , Dr. Seuss’s birthday. For more information on NEA’s Read Across America program visit their website at http://www.nea.org/ readacross/index.html. February, 2008 High School Happenings The District News 5 Students Attend HMEA Junior Thomas Schrage This year Center Moriches music department sent twenty- three handpicked students to the Hampton’s Music Educator’s Association, better known as HMEA. Eleven of the twenty-three students were part of the choral section, seven were part of the band section, and three were part of the jazz band section. This year, our very own Mr. Preston and Mr. Conefry were the Co-Chairmen of the jazz band. HMEA was first started in the early 70’s and Center Moriches became part of this music festival in the late 80’s. The HMEA music festival was held at Eastport South Manor this year where five schools came to put the program together. These schools included Eastport South Manor, Southampton, Easthampton, Westhampton Beach, and Center Moriches. The students had very little time to prepare themselves for the concert, which was held on January 26, 2008. The students had their first rehearsal on Friday, January 25, and their second and final rehearsal Students in the Classes of 2008, 2011 and 2012 conducted a “Tree of Life” fundraiser. They raised over $800 which was donated to the Make a Wish Foundation and the Alec Mardjani Fund. the following day. During these rehearsals the students underwent a total of 10 hours of practice. Both Mr. Preston and Mr. Conefrey sat in for a majority of the rehearsals and said that they were very proud of the students. “The students were very cooperative during the rehearsals and worked very hard,” said both music directors. All of the students who participated in HMEA were required to attend both rehearsals in order to perform in the concert. The concert, which was held later on the night of the second rehearsal, was very well-done. The band played first, followed by the choir, and the night ended with the jazz band. Both Mr. Preston and Mr. Conefry were impressed with the student participation and said they are looking forward to a promising performance next year. Advanced Placement Offerings Expand Lino Bracco High School Principal Jay Matthews is education reporter for The Washington Post and author of Class Struggle: What is wrong (and Right) About America’s Best Public High Schools. He knows a lot about Advanced Placement (AP) and change in the American High School. In the early 1990s he was the first reporter to write about teacher Jaime Escalante and the amazing change that took place at Garfield High School in Los Angeles as high numbers of low- income and minority students took and passed Advanced Placement Calculus. The public learned of that story in one of my favorite movies, Stand and Deliver. Matthews continued to study and report on the tremendous growth in AP nationally as high schools worked on reform issues to better prepare students for competitive colleges and universities. Several years ago he invented a simple way of measuring AP participation in every high school called the Matthews Challenge Index. The Index is the number of AP exams taken divided by the number of graduating seniors. The Index is the basis for Newsweek magazine’s 100 Top High Schools list, published each year and posted on The Post’s website. Advanced Placement classes hold high prestige with colleges. Some colleges are demanding an AP class prior to admission. What is Advanced Placement? Advanced placement courses are college-level courses offered in high school across the nation. Passing the accompanying examinations may result in advanced placement or college credit. AP and advanced placement courses offered by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization are considered the most rigorous classes in U.S. high schools today. Advanced Placement classes must follow a strict syllabus on limited topics. Not every class can be an official AP class. College Board requires students to demonstrate proficiency on approved tests. Scoring is on a scale of 1-5. Most colleges consider a 1 or a 2 as failure – unacceptable. Ivy League Colleges expect a student to score a 5 and perhaps a 4. Other colleges will accept a 3 for college credit. Advanced Placement Prompts Curriculum Reform and Alignment The education reform movement in America centered on the development of standards and performance-based assessments. Virtually all states took on the task of “ratcheting up” and systematizing what students need to know and do at various grade levels and by subject. In addition some states added provisions to their reform legislation to move toward a “seamless” system of education from Kindergarten through college. The result is coursework in which teachers are engaged in curriculum alignment through the formation of inter- disciplinary and/or vertical teams in grades 6–12. In a small high school like Center Moriches the addition of AP courses places a new level of enthusiasm and academic rigor to an already strong and comprehensive small school schedule. AP Course Audit (Quality Control) The AP course audit was created at the request of secondary school and college members of the College Board who sought a means for the College Board to: Provide teachers and administrators with clear guidelines on curricular and resource requirements that must be in place for AP courses;; and Help colleges and universities better interpret secondary school courses marked “AP” on students’ transcripts. All schools wishing to label a course “AP” in the 2007-08 school year must complete and return the subject-specific AP Course Audit form, along with the course syllabus, for each teacher of that AP course. Within two months of submitting AP Course Audit materials, schools will receive authorization for qualifying See Advanced Placement page 11 6 The District News February, 2008 Center Moriches Cele Weaving a Legacy: Black Influence on American Music Junior Justin Barone For as long as human history has been documented (and most likely thousands of years beforehand), music has taken a dominant role in the shaping of cultures. It has been used to keep records, to tell stories, and to express the feelings and emotions of the player. From Johann Sebastian Bach all the way to Tupac Shakur, there have been but a handful of individuals that truly left behind a legacy with their music. Many of these individuals were African- American, and even back when bias and racism reigned supreme and popular ideals dictated that music was indeed a white man’s business. Legends like Son House, Muddy Waters, and the Grandfather of Rock & Roll himself Robert Johnson were weaving their legacies, legacies that would mark their influence on the face of music for a hundred years to come. One of the most notable examples of black influence on music, the blues, began in the Mississippi delta. As early as the 1900’s there are tales of blues men traveling along the delta, making stops to play at local bars, clubs, and even street corners in small towns during their travels. The most notable of these mysterious traveling bards is Robert Johnson. Due to a poorly documented life and an early death (He died at age 28) not much is known about him. Upon his death, he left behind but one child and a mere handful of recordings from his time as a musician with which to mark a legacy. Despite this small amount of music from which to draw upon, his sound and style played an integral part in influencing those who would come after him. Artists ranging from classic rock acts of the 60’s and 70’s such as John Fogerty, Bob Dylan, and Led Zeppelin have all cited his work as the driving influential force behind their music, and it is argued that he single-handedly sowed the seeds that would eventually grow into the musical phenomenon that is today known as Rock and Roll, thus Robert Johson is credited with laying the foundations of modern Rock ‘n’ Roll.. Artists such as Led Zeplin, John Fogerty, and Bob Dylan cite Johnson as a major influence on their music. cementing Robert Johnson’s status as one of the most influential figures in the history of modern music. Approximately 30 years after Robert Johnson’s death, another future history-maker emerged, a young black man by the name of Jimi Hendrix. Influenced by Johnson himself, Hendrix had a peculiarity about him: due to the fact that he was left handed, he flipped the guitar around and played it backwards, using his left hand to hold the guitar pick and his right to finger the fret- board. This would not be so odd except for the fact that he did not re-string the guitar after flipping it, which meant he played with the strings on the guitar in a backwards order, leaving the highest pitched string on the top of the neck and the lowest at the bottom (on a standard guitar, the highest pitched string is at the bottom). This quirk, combined with his unique sound, playing style, and on-stage antics (he once doused a guitar in gasoline and lit it on fire while he continued to play it) would serve to forever brand him as one of music’s most influential players, and would serve to mark his legacy, which still remains evident almost 40 years after his death by asphyxiation in 1970. Twenty years after Jimi Hendrix left his lasting impression in music, November 1991 saw the release of young Tupac Shakur’s debut album, entitled 2Pacalypse Now. It was released on Interscope records, and proved to be his most overtly political work, addressing problems such as drug use, brutality, and unplanned pregnancy. Tupac himself was a very talented lyricist, poet, and actor;; he had a cameo appearance in the 1991 film Nothing but Trouble, and his first starring role in 1992’s Juice as the character “Bishop.” He was very outspoken, and the lyrical content of his music often sparked controversy. He had his entire career ahead of him, but tragically, Tupac Amaru Shakur was murdered;; he was gunned down in a drive-by shooting on his way to Club 662 (now known as Club Seven), and died of cardiac arrest six days later at the age of 25 in the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. His powerful lyrics, his message, and his life touched the lives of millions, and helped to secure Tupac’s place in history as one of music’s most influential figures. For as long as humanity has occupied this earth, there has been music. Behind that music, there have been great musicians;; there have been minds, hearts, and souls that made the music possible, and even in a time when racism and bias reigned supreme, black musicians were weaving a legacy… one that would change music for a hundred years to come. February, 2008 The District News 7 ebrates Black History Inventing America Jan Ernst Matzeliger’s patent drawing for a shoemaking machine that in- creased shoe production by 900 percent. Rotary Club of the Moriches and CMHS Interact Club are proud to sponsor a Spaghetti Dinner Perhaps the greatest cruelty visited upon African Americans in the history of this country was the unquestioned assumption that a person of African descent was intellectually inferior to a person of European descent. When a man loses his power to be inventive, he loses what makes him human, for it is our inventiveness, especially in the face of hardship, that distinguishes us from the animals. Listed below are a few of the men and women who, despite the overwhelming hardships of slavery, segregation, and second-class citizenship, have proven that a man or woman’s intellectual capacity is never affected by something so superficial as the color of his or her skin: Nathaniel Alexander (1756 –1808) invented the modern folding chair. The one thing that Nathaniel perfected was the relative size of the chair after it was folded up. Henry Blair (1807-1860) invented the modern day seed planter. He was the second black person to receive a patent, and he is the only inventor to be identified in the Patent Office records as “a colored man.” Benjamin Bradley (1830-unknown) impressed those around him with his high level of intelligence that while still a slave, he was given a job at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, where he developed a steam engine large enough to drive the first steam-powered warship at 16 knots. His master allowed him to sell the engine and he used the money to buy his freedom. Lewis Latimer (1848–1928) invented an important part of the light bulb — the carbon filament. Latimer worked under Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison. Jan Ernst Matzeliger (1852–1889) invented a shoemaking machine that increased shoemaking speed by 900%. In 1992 the US, made a postage stamp in honor of him. George Washington Carver (1860–1943) invented peanut butter and 400 plant products. Carver was a slave and did not attend college until the age of 30. Madam C. J. Walker (1867–1919) invented a hair-growing lotion, which made her the first female millionaire. Garret Morgan (1877–1963) invented the gas mask, and also invented the first traffic signal. Otis Boykin (1920–1982) invented the electronic control devices for guided missiles, IBM computers, and the pacemaker. Henry Sampson (1934-) was the inventor of the modern cell phone, specifically in forming the Gamma-Electric cell, which made it possible to send and receive audio signals via radio waves without wires. Lonnie Johnson (1949-) invented the world famous water gun, the super soaker. to benefit Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Tuesday, April 15, 2008 in the high school cafeteria 4-8PM $10 adults $5 children Early bird special 4-5:30 PM only $8 Nathaniel Alexander’s patent drawing for his “folding chair.” 8 The District News High School Happenings February, 2008 English, now with Honors Senior Corey Fitzgerald December 11th marked the official induction of the Marvin Bell Chapter of the National English Honor Society. The NEHS has been created due to a unanimous vote held by the English department. The induction ceremony was held in the Center Moriches High School Media Center on Tuesday during the evening hours. The ceremony was held not only to induct 12 seniors in to the honor society, but also to induct the actual honor society itself. The inductees of the new honor society were chosen due to the rigor of their English classes, as well as their grades. Being that it is customary to give an honor society an actual title, the English department unanimously voted on naming the society after Marvin Bell. Marvin Bell, a former Iowa Poet Laureate, was a Center Moriches graduate of the class of 1952. Bell, having written 16 books of poetry, all on various topics, was the keynote speaker of the ceremony. Bell, who is no longer a resident of Center Moriches, was called upon by Mr. Lewis Brunnemer, Chairman of the English Department. According to Brunnemer, his first contact with Mr. Bell was in 1990. One of Mr. Brunnemer’s students, Sean Mellon was assigned the project of actually corresponding Marvin Bell, a 1952 Center Moriches graduate and former Iowa Poet Laureate, was the keynote speaker at the installment of the new Marvin Bell Chapter of the National English Honor Society held in the Library with Marvin Bell himself. Luckily during this time Mr. Bell was in the area, making Sean’s project easier, as well as helping Mr. Brunnemer to come into contact with him as well. Since this first meeting, Mr. Brunnemer has developed a friendship with Mr. Bell, seeing him more each year. As the ceremony was nearing, Mr. Brunnemer had asked Mr. Bell through an Email if he Question of the Issue would be willing to be the keynote speaker for the ceremony. Mr. Bell replied that he would be “more than honored.” The ceremony included all the members of the English department, who were inducted in to the ceremony as well. The ceremony lasted about two hours, with the induction of the students, as well as poetry readings done by Marvin Bell. The ceremony ended with the student inductee’s receiving copies DECA Gets Competitive Senior Alex Snead By Ashley Stabile It’s February and love is in the air. So if you don’t have a valen- tine, why not pretend you do? This issue’s question: Would you send yourself flowers on Valentine’s Day? Junior Nicolette Broda: I wouldn’t because I would want my boyfriend to do it. Social Studies Teacher Mr. Roberts: Absolutely not. Senior Mike Healy: Of course;; every year. Junior Callie Rank: no, that would be silly. Senior Marybeth Valenti: I wouldn’t. Junior Chris Cooper: No, enough people send me flowers. Junior Gavin Rodgers: my mom sends me flowers. Math Teacher Mr. Ramirez: I love myself and have respect for myself, so yes. Sophomore Dylan Simpson: Yes, Definitely. Guidance Counselor Mrs. Marino: No. No sending yourself flowers on Valentines Day. Health Teacher Mrs. Parillo: No because I would have to keep my flowers in my bathroom because my cats eat them. Senior Jaszy Magee: heck no. Gym Teacher Mr. Fredrick: No, that’s kind of desperate. If you do not get them, you don’t deserve them. of his latest poetry book Mars Being Red;; each was individually signed by Bell. Overall, the ceremony was seen as a huge success by all who attended. English teacher Ms. Turano stated “I almost cried during Mr. Bell’s poem to his wife, Dorothy.” The English department as a whole is ecstatic about the new chapter. Meetings for the chapter will be held in the near future. Center Moriches DECA students performed well at the regional DECA competition at Suffolk Community College of January 9th 2008. Thirty students are in DECA and 21 competed. Seven center Moriches students placed out of 1200 other students. All 1200 students were from Suffolk County. DECA stands for Distributive Education Club of America. DECA is the business club of Center Moriches and it is run by Mrs. Sloane. Louie Luigini, Victoria Bedell, Haley Eaton, Alexandra Kraveski, Rebecca Endres, Catherine McHeffey, and Caroline McHeffey all placed at the competition. Students pictured from left to right: Haley Eaton, Alexandra Kraveski, Re- becca Enres, Catherine McHeffey, Victoria Bedell, and Louie Luigini. February, 2008 High School Happenings The District News 9 English Gets Makeover Senior Alex Colpas Students in Spanish IV had the opportunity to learn about the revolutionary history of Latin America through a movie based on the life of Ernesto “Che” Guevara Motorcycles and Revolutionaries Michelle Gillette LOTE Teacher The students of Miss Gillette’s and Mrs. Dias’ Spanish IV classes attended a field trip at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington N.Y. A total of twenty five students viewed “The Motorcycle Diaries” a fascinating portrait of the young Ernesto “Che” Guevara in 1952. Based on a true life story, The Motorcycle Diaries is an inspiring and thrilling adventure that traces the youthful origins of a revolutionary spirit. The film follows two daring friends, Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Alberto Granado, who hop on the back of a beat-up motorcycle for a breathtaking and exciting road trip across Latin America. The film enlivened and enriched the students’ educational experience. This state-of-the-art theatre gave students a different view of Spanish language and Culture. “Their was nothing that I did not enjoy about the film,” said Junior Kate Connolly – Smithwick. Another student said this movie piqued her interest in learning more about the culture: “I don’t know if I will be able to go to Latin America but until then I will definitely learn more about it through books and movies like these,” she said. Business Students of the Month Seniors Jane Fedak (left), Jillian Brandine (right), Jillian Barbosa (top), and Louie Luigini (bottom) were selected as October, November, December and January Business Students of the Month respectively. All were honored at a dinner meeting hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce. The Center Moriches High School English department is throwing out the old curriculum and starting fresh. The new curriculum will include new classes broken down from original classes like English 9,10,11, and 12, and reassembled into smaller semester-long classes. The A.P. classes will still be available and two core classes will be made mandatory for all students. The classes will be thematically organized according to time period and genre, to help students better understand the material they are given to read and write. English Department Chairman Mr. Brunnemer identified the need for a new English program to create a greater interest in the material from the student body. New classes, such as Shakespeare 1 and 2, Gothic Literature, and Public Speaking, will, according to English teacher Mr. Gerhauser, help students “compartmentalize content in their minds.” Instead of having one class in which students read on an extremely broad scale ranging from as far back as Sophocles all the way up to Joseph Conrad, the new program will give the option of taking classes with a more narrow focus. Senior Gina Marie Gerdik expresses her appreciation for the new curriculum: “Wow, this is wonderful,” she said. “This is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. I’m a little disappointed that I won’t be able to take these classes. I hope the underclassmen take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!” Gerhauser says the English department is excited about the change. “The teachers will be teaching classes they are personally interested in, and the students will finally have some choice in what they learn. It’s a win-win situation.” However, scheduling conflicts are a future concern for the guidance department because the new classes may interfere with next year’s schedules for everyone. After taking their core English classes, students next year will have the opportunity to take See English makeover on page 3 10 The District News Guidance News February, 2008 Tips for Writing a NCAA Eligibility Standards College Essay From QuintCareers.com Even seemingly boring topics can be made into exceptional admissions essays with an innovative approach. In writing the essay you must bear in mind your two goals: to persuade the admissions officer that you are extremely worthy of admission and to make the admissions officer aware that you are more than a GPA and a standardized score, that you are a real-life, intriguing personality. Unfortunately, there is no surefire step-by-step method to writing a good essay, but we have compiled the following list of tips that you should find useful while writing your admissions essay. 1. Answer the Question. You can follow the next 12 steps, but if you miss the question, you will not be admitted to any institution. 2. Be Original. Even seemingly boring essay topics can sound interesting if creatively approached. If writing about a gymnastics competition you trained for, do not start your essay: “I worked long hours for many weeks to train for XXX competition.” Consider an opening like, “Every morning I awoke at 5:00 to sweat, tears, and blood as I trained on the uneven bars hoping to bring the state gymnastics trophy to my hometown.” 3. Be Yourself. Admissions officers want to learn about you and your writing ability. Write about something meaningful and describe your feelings, not necessarily your actions. Stay away from grand themes that you have little personal experience with. 4. Don’t “Thesaurize” your Composition. For some reason, students continue to think big words make good essays. Big words are fine, but only if they are used in the appropriate contexts with complex styles. Think Hemingway. 5. Use Imagery and Clear, Vivid Prose. 6. Spend the Most Time on your Introduction. Expect admissions officers to spend 1-2 minutes reading your essay. You must use your introduction to grab their interest from the beginning. You might even consider completely changing your introduction after writing your body paragraphs. Don’t Summarize in your Introduction. Create Mystery or Intrigue in your Introduction. 7. Body Paragraphs Must Relate to Introduction. Your introduction can be original, but cannot be silly. The paragraphs that follow must relate to your introduction. 8. Use Transition. Applicants continue to ignore transition to their own detriment. You must use transition within paragraphs and especially between paragraphs to preserve the logical flow of your essay. 9. Conclusions are Crucial. The conclusion is your last chance to persuade the reader or impress upon them your qualifications. In the conclusion, avoid summary since the essay is rather short to begin with. Also do not use stock phrases like “in conclusion, in summary, to conclude, etc.” 10. Do Something Else. Spend a week or so away from your draft to decide if you still consider your topic and approach worthwhile. 11. Give your Draft to Others. Ask editors to read with these questions in mind: What is the essay about? Have I used active voice verbs wherever possible? Is my sentence structure varied or do I use all long or all short sentences? Do you detect any cliches? What’s the best part of the essay? What’s the worst part of the essay? What parts of the essay need elaboration or are unclear? What parts of the essay do not support your main argument or are immaterial to your case? 12. Revise, Revise, Revise. You only are allowed so many words;; use them wisely. If H.D. Thoreau couldn’t write a good essay without revision, neither will you. Delete anything in the essay that does not relate to your main argument. Do you use transition? Are your introduction and conclusions more than summaries? Did you find every single grammatical error? Parents/Guardians need to be aware that NCAA initial- eligibility rules have changed. All students planning to enter a Division I college or university on or after August 1, 2008, will be evaluated under the 16 core-course rules. In the past, it was only 14 core- course rules. Parents/ Guardians need to be mindful of the course(s) that they select with their child. If you think that your son/daughter will be interested in playing sports on the collegial level (Division I or II), then it is vital that they select competitive academic courses. The course selections during 9th to 11th grade are crucial. The NCAA determines which courses are approved and which courses are considered a part of the approved 16 core-courses. That said, if your child is a serious student/athlete, pay careful attention to his/ her course schedule. In the senior year, the student and parent will need to register with the NCAA. The best thing to do as a Parent right now is to log onto the website and familiarize oneself with the process and requirements. The website is web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common. Guidance Update The Guidance Department has planned a busy spring for our students. The scheduling process will begin on February 13th and continue through the end of March. The counselors will meet with each student to create a schedule based on teacher recommendations and current grades. Parents will be invited to participate in this important process. College Information will be presented to the Juniors on January 29th and the guidance counselors will begin meeting with Juniors on an individual basis throughout the spring. This is an important time to begin college searches and campus visits. Juniors are advised to take the SAT exam on March 1st, May 3rd or June 7th. The June date is usually a good time to take SAT Subject Tests which are required by competitive colleges. Students may obtain a registration form in the guidance office or register on line at collegeboard.com. Parents are encouraged to meet with their child’s guidance counselor to discuss college and career options. Seniors are advised to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible (www.fafsa.ed.gov.) The federal government uses this form to determine your eligibility for financial aid, which includes grants, work-study, scholarships and loans. In order to complete the FAFSA you’ll need the following forms: - Social security number - Current bank statements - Driver’s license - Current mortgage and investment records - Alien registration card - 2006 federal tax return (estimates are OK on tax questions) - 2006 untaxed income records - 2006 W2 forms and other record of money earned - Parents’ 2006 income tax return Center Moriches is proud to offer “Rachel’s Challenge” which was presented to our students on February 1st. This is a program that inspires, instructs, and enables students to bring positive change to the school atmosphere. Know Your Guidance Department Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Nina Marino A - G A - Kn A - He A - G Henry Mack Ko - R Hf - R H - Q S - Z S - Z S - Z H - R Lisa Hession S - Z February, 2008 Advanced Placement from page 5 courses to use “AP” designation on student transcripts, course catalogs, or other materials. Beginning in fall 2007, colleges and universities will receive a ledger of schools that lists the courses authorized to use the “AP” designation at each school High School Course Selection (February – April) On February 13, 2008 (Teacher Recommendation Day) your child will submit their 2008- 09 course selection sheets to each teacher to approve desired courses for next year. Once collected, this request will be reviewed by parents, teachers and guidance counselors in preparation for next year’s master schedule. Please consider the following AP classes that have been approved for “AP” designation: English Language & Composition English Language & Literature Calculus AB U.S. History Government and Politics World History I World History II Biology Physics College Board Approval to Be issued Shortly Statistics Art History Environmental Sciences In summary, the tremendous growth of Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate programs in New York State and the nation is having a powerful effect on our education system in general providing positive outcomes for all students. The famous Broadway musical How To Succeed in Business without Really Trying was just performed last weekend by the Center Moriches High School Drama Club. Directed by Nick Attanasio, the drama club presented the Broadway comedy of former window washer J. Pierpont Finch and his story about how to succeed in the business world. Junior Chris Murphy played Finch with Junior Elaina Pysarchuk as the secretary who is interested in Finch. The other prominent parts went to Tom Schrage, Corey Fitzgerald, Krystina Sconzo, Gabrielle Comanda, Konrad Grossman, Sam Ferrante, Chris Natalie, Erin Gibney, Joseph “Chester” Monroig, Hillary Maltz and Robby Reeve. The District News 11 photos by Kallie Crawford February, 2008 C.M. Sports The District News 12 Wrestlers Look Toward Counties;; Honor Teachers Over the last few years the wrestling team has been improving tremendously. They are currently ranked third in division II on Long Island and have high expectations this year. This year the team is forfeiting the 189 and 215 weight classes, which automatically spots the other team 12 points. However, the team is more enthusiastic than ever and they finished with a record well over .500. They are going into the county tournament with big goals. Dan Himmelstein and Andrew Leone lead the team and have won all of their dual-meet matches. Another senior expected to do well, Louie Luigini, says that he’s “psyched for Counties.” On Martin Luther King weekend, the school held a tournament and many of the Center Moriches wrestlers did well against the tough competition. On January 16, the Center Moriches wrestlers chose to show their appreciation for their teachers. Each wrestler chose his favorite teacher, and before they wrestled against Southampton, each selected teacher was called down. As the teacher came down, the wrestler who had picked that teacher ran out and presented him or her with a shirt and a handshake. Junior Will McBee, who picked Mr. Roberts, said “ It gave wrestlers a chance to show appreciation to their favorite teacher.” Will was satisfied with the way things went and thinks that it would be a good idea to do again next year. Mr. Gerhauser, a teacher who attended and was chosen by Eric DeAngelis, thought it was a great idea. He said, “ I always like to be appreciated and get free t-shirts, but it got teachers to support their Senior Andrew Leone gets a hold of his opponent at the Bellport Tourna- students. It helps teachers realize ment that their students do other things and have other passions outside of the classroom.” Both teachers and students thought that it was a Senior Jillian Brandine great,” said Jane. “ I think we are successful night with a noble purpose. working together better than ever.” Along with the basically Cheerleading is a sport that doesn’t get much attention. new team there is a new coach: The girls cheer for all varsity Ms. Gillette. She says that she is and invigorated all Center Moriches basketball home games, both extremely proud of her girls and sports enthusiasts through out the boys’ and girls’. They do they all get along great. She is town. Junior Jon Stuart exclaims, not go to the away games. going to miss her two seniors Jane Starting with thirteen girls, Fedak and Jen Perez next year. “It is great to see members of our Recently, they have had own school excelling in the sport of the team now consists of only ten basketball in ways girls of which only two are returning. several after school bake sales. unimaginable.” It Captains Jane Fedak and Nicolette They were fundraising the money is definitely true Broda have been working really to get warm- up jackets for the that watching hard to get this group motivated. “ team. The warm up outfits will all of the daring The girls are really coming along be here in time for next year. Photo by Amanda DeAngelis Junior Kenny Riker They’ve Got Spirit, Yes they Do Boys Head To Playoffs Junior Joe Falco The Red Devils Varsity Basketball team kicked back into gear this winter as their leading support, Point Guard Alex Snead, Point Guard J o n a t h a n - Wa r d Adams and Shooting Guard Jordan Adams led the team to a 13-2 record so far. The team assured their place in the playoffs, which will be starting on February 16th. T h i s season has been an unbelievable one for the Devils, especially at home, where they remain undefeated. Games as memorable as their first match with Sachem North, taking a 73-51 lead, or their most recent victory on February 1st against Mattituck have thrilled three-point shots and bullet-speed under-leg passes have entertained and excited all spectators of the 07-08 winter season. The team is looking forward to a playoff season that will reflect their regular season. “I can’t wait to go to the playoffs this year” says star point guard Alex Snead. Their last regular season game will be held Wednesday, February 13th at Babylon. Congratulate the class of 2008 Ads for the 2007-2008 yearbook are now on sale. Purchasing an ad will allow you to give a special message to your son or daughter that they will remember forever, as well as help to keep the cost of the yearbook low. Prices: Full page - $200 ½ page - $120 ¼ page - $80 1/8 page - $50 Booster (up to two lines) - $25 Please contact Mr. James Abraham, Yearbook Financial Advisor at 878-0092 ext. 501 or by email: [email protected]
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