By Erin Rose Fauchon
Sometimes we think those drills we perform in school are just silly, and pointless, but when a real emergency comes, none of us would know what to do. We had a drill about what we would do if a shooter had come into the school. This drill had us turn the lights and smart boards off, lock the door, stay away from windows, get low, and stay to the back of the room. Because of this drill, we will know what to do if something were to happen.
On Monday, November 29th, a 15 year old boy named Samuel Hengel in Wisconsin held his class at gunpoint. No one is sure what motivated this, but they all knew he was well-liked. The teacher and students had kept themselves calm while all this was going on. His classmates had even talked to him about his favorite activities to keep Samuel Hengel as calm as they all tried to be. After holding his class for about six hours, he has shot himself and died in the hospital the next day.
It is incidents like this and what had happened April 20th, 1999 at Columbine, which created the need to these types of drills. It’s like how incidents like the Our Lady of the Angels was one of the fires to have us have those drills, many lives could be lost. This fire had occurred in a catholic school in Chicago in 1958. There were 1,600 people in the school at the time and 95 had lost their lives. This school had very little way to get out of it and due to this, the death toll had risen.
When the fire alarm goes off, many believe it’s a drill. Much of the time it is, and that is why many students don’t take it seriously. There is no order when trying to get out of the building, everyone is talking, people try to find their friends, and some don’t even bother leaving the school because they know it’s just a drill. Many students don’t take school drills seriously but, if we didn’t have these drills, people would die. These drills are to teach people what to do in an emergency and the only people taking it seriously are the principals. We need to take it into our own hands to be serious during these drills and to make sure we know what to do. Next time might not be a drill.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Has it Gone Too Far?
By Brianne Garcett
After eating a huge Thanksgiving dinner, it’s time to get out your tents and folding chairs and line up outside stores waiting hours for the so called best deals. Every Black Friday, hundreds of thousands of people wait for those doors to open to get their hands on the two hundred dollar flat screen televisions, but is it really worth it? Over the past couple of years, this shopping has gotten out of hand; it’s becoming a holiday itself. Are the deals that great where you’ll battle these huge crowds and risk your life?
Within the last three years, many people have become crazed. They will wake up at three in the morning or sometimes even camping out outside the store for the night to get the best deals. Right when the doors open to these stores, that’s when the madness begins. In Buffalo, a man was trampled by a crowd rushing into Target early Friday morning. The man was screaming and yelling for people to back up, but these insane shoppers quickly scrambled over the man and into the store. People haven’t learned from much publicized, infamous death of a Wal-Mart employee that occurred in 2008 on Long Island. Frenzied shoppers literally pushed and ran right over him without even caring enough to stop and help him.
Not only having to wait for the stores to open, waiting on the lines for two hours just to purchase the gifts is a hassle. It’s like sitting in the waiting room of the dentists’ office waiting to be called in to get your tooth pulled. Normal civilians turn into monsters when waiting on these long lines, such as one woman in Wisconsin who was arrested after threatening to shoot anyone who dared to cut in front of her on line.
The day that is supposed to be meant to fully digest the large amounts of food you ate the day before has turned into life or death situations. Are the deals really that unbelievable that people will do anything to get that television or piece of clothing at a bargain?
After eating a huge Thanksgiving dinner, it’s time to get out your tents and folding chairs and line up outside stores waiting hours for the so called best deals. Every Black Friday, hundreds of thousands of people wait for those doors to open to get their hands on the two hundred dollar flat screen televisions, but is it really worth it? Over the past couple of years, this shopping has gotten out of hand; it’s becoming a holiday itself. Are the deals that great where you’ll battle these huge crowds and risk your life?
Within the last three years, many people have become crazed. They will wake up at three in the morning or sometimes even camping out outside the store for the night to get the best deals. Right when the doors open to these stores, that’s when the madness begins. In Buffalo, a man was trampled by a crowd rushing into Target early Friday morning. The man was screaming and yelling for people to back up, but these insane shoppers quickly scrambled over the man and into the store. People haven’t learned from much publicized, infamous death of a Wal-Mart employee that occurred in 2008 on Long Island. Frenzied shoppers literally pushed and ran right over him without even caring enough to stop and help him.
Not only having to wait for the stores to open, waiting on the lines for two hours just to purchase the gifts is a hassle. It’s like sitting in the waiting room of the dentists’ office waiting to be called in to get your tooth pulled. Normal civilians turn into monsters when waiting on these long lines, such as one woman in Wisconsin who was arrested after threatening to shoot anyone who dared to cut in front of her on line.
The day that is supposed to be meant to fully digest the large amounts of food you ate the day before has turned into life or death situations. Are the deals really that unbelievable that people will do anything to get that television or piece of clothing at a bargain?
WikiLeaks: Friend or Foe?
By Kristin Bonura
Curiosity seems to be the driving force within many Americans today. Reading up on their daily gossip or spreading rumors in the high school halls, many of us seem to want to know what’s going on or the next who’s who. One of the more recent scandalous events is the diplomatic secrets leaked by an organization, named WikiLeaks. They’ve recently released many documents, which people say could severely damage the United States’ foreign ally connections. Others argue that the documents were released from the United States database and are true. But when exactly do these exploits of information become too much?
WikiLeaks is an organization that uploads documents and comments on them. This organization is run by a group of hackers from various countries. The founder and now, on of the most targeted men in the world, Julian Assange denies many of the allegations made against him and believes he was only exploiting the truth. Though they’ve been around since 2006, it has recently gained popularity this past summer, when it leaked 90,000 secret documents about the war in Afghanistan. Most recently, over Thanksgiving break the site has released over 250,000 diplomatic secrets.
Heard around the world, countries have been angered by the secrets leaked by WikiLeaks. Many of the leaked diplomatic secrets were about the weaknesses and consisted of many rude comments about the leaders of foreign nations. On Monday Ecuador’s’ foreign minister said that they wanted Assange to come to Ecuador to discuss some of the leaked documents. This was later named false by Ecuador’s president, saying that these were the foreign minister’s beliefs. Sweden has also put Julian on the “most wanted list” and hopes to try him on five counts of sexual molestation. The Swedish government said that Assange could face up to two years in prison.
Within our nation, WikiLeaks is even causing a stir. Government officials and the Federal Bureau of Investigations are leading investigations on who Assange could’ve obtained this information. The United States are also trying to convict Assange of espionage and terrorism. Former President Bill Clinton has stated that he believes that because of the actions of WikiLeaks, some people will lose their lives. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton has also issued statements admitting that Assange has committed a crime against the United States.
Julian Assange believes that he did nothing wrong. He even gave a statement to the Times Magazine saying that Hilary Clinton should quit her job because of the espionage and spying on diplomats. Assange released this information because he had connections and had the intelligence to get this information. His leaks or secrets haven’t been proved wrong either. From the New York Times, David Brooks comments that “far from respecting authority, Assange seems to be an old-fashioned anarchist who believes that all ruling institutions are corrupt and public pronouncements are lies.” Looking through our history books, doesn’t there seem to be a repetition? Since the beginning on our country, we’ve seen treason, scandals, and terrorism repeat itself. If what Assange is leaking is all true, doesn’t the American public have a right to know what their government is doing?
Curiosity seems to be the driving force within many Americans today. Reading up on their daily gossip or spreading rumors in the high school halls, many of us seem to want to know what’s going on or the next who’s who. One of the more recent scandalous events is the diplomatic secrets leaked by an organization, named WikiLeaks. They’ve recently released many documents, which people say could severely damage the United States’ foreign ally connections. Others argue that the documents were released from the United States database and are true. But when exactly do these exploits of information become too much?
WikiLeaks is an organization that uploads documents and comments on them. This organization is run by a group of hackers from various countries. The founder and now, on of the most targeted men in the world, Julian Assange denies many of the allegations made against him and believes he was only exploiting the truth. Though they’ve been around since 2006, it has recently gained popularity this past summer, when it leaked 90,000 secret documents about the war in Afghanistan. Most recently, over Thanksgiving break the site has released over 250,000 diplomatic secrets.
Heard around the world, countries have been angered by the secrets leaked by WikiLeaks. Many of the leaked diplomatic secrets were about the weaknesses and consisted of many rude comments about the leaders of foreign nations. On Monday Ecuador’s’ foreign minister said that they wanted Assange to come to Ecuador to discuss some of the leaked documents. This was later named false by Ecuador’s president, saying that these were the foreign minister’s beliefs. Sweden has also put Julian on the “most wanted list” and hopes to try him on five counts of sexual molestation. The Swedish government said that Assange could face up to two years in prison.
Within our nation, WikiLeaks is even causing a stir. Government officials and the Federal Bureau of Investigations are leading investigations on who Assange could’ve obtained this information. The United States are also trying to convict Assange of espionage and terrorism. Former President Bill Clinton has stated that he believes that because of the actions of WikiLeaks, some people will lose their lives. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton has also issued statements admitting that Assange has committed a crime against the United States.
Julian Assange believes that he did nothing wrong. He even gave a statement to the Times Magazine saying that Hilary Clinton should quit her job because of the espionage and spying on diplomats. Assange released this information because he had connections and had the intelligence to get this information. His leaks or secrets haven’t been proved wrong either. From the New York Times, David Brooks comments that “far from respecting authority, Assange seems to be an old-fashioned anarchist who believes that all ruling institutions are corrupt and public pronouncements are lies.” Looking through our history books, doesn’t there seem to be a repetition? Since the beginning on our country, we’ve seen treason, scandals, and terrorism repeat itself. If what Assange is leaking is all true, doesn’t the American public have a right to know what their government is doing?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
By Salvatore Guardino
Barrack Obama’s campaigning during the month of October was not an act of desperation, nor one of strength. He wanted to get sympathy for the Democratic Party. His primary objective was to make the Republicans look as bad as possible, and make the Democrats look like the underdogs. This effort was futile though as the Republicans took the majority in Congress after the 2010 elections. Thus we need the “Slurpee Summit” to lay the problems between the two parties out on the table.
The name “Slurpee Summit” is the unofficial name of the first of many meetings between the GOP leaders, the President and Democrats. The Summit was given its name as a result of the President’s motto-like statement during the campaign. He made the analogy that the Republicans drove the metaphorical car of the economy into a ditch, and that the Democrats were pushing and shoving from the bottom to get the “car” out while the Republicans “stood there sipping on a Slurpee.”
Today after the meeting closed, the President called it a good start. He had this to say during a post meeting press conference, “It is no secret that we have had differences that have led us to part ways on many issues in the past. But we are Americans first and we share a responsibility of stewardship to our nation. People did not vote for gridlock.” He goes on to talk about how he hopes to have more meetings in due time with the GOP leaders. He has made the point over the past month and since the election that people did not vote for a lame-duck congress. They voted for change in the economy. Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell agreed that they made good progress with the President during their meeting. He states this to the press after the meeting, “We had a very frank conversation. Democrats and Republicans and the President understood what the American people had to say on Election Day very clearly.” The meeting was a change for the Republicans as this was their first large meeting as the majority in the government. They had the upper hand.
Though both sides played nice during the meeting, this in no way can signal the future. Democrats and Republicans alike agree that making a fight with someone from the opposing party is not a good way to gain support. This meeting was simply to please the American people. As long as the two opposing parties look like they plan to get things done, the American people will buy into it. This is either the start of a long process to a good economy, or a misleading beginning to an unproductive two years.
Oprah’s Favorite Things are Our Favorite Things
By Jenn Booth
Out of all the talk shows you could possibly go to, you would probably want to attend Oprah’s “Favorite Things” TV special. Since this is her last season, people were expecting something big, but definitely not to this extreme. Her recent audiences were made up of self less people who had given back to their communities and cities throughout their years. Oprah begins by switching from her black outfit to a long, red, sparkling dress. If you can picture what a screaming crowd looked like after this, then imagine what they would look like when they receive gifts after gifts.
Oprah says that “she’s saved the best for the farewell season,” and she was right. The first item she gave away was an Oprah Watch with 58 diamonds. Next, she hands out gray Tory Totes with matching flats. The Tote is worth $250 and the flats are worth $195. The Christmas Elves then proceed to give everyone a Nikon D3100 SLR camera. This was still only Part One of the show. In Part Two, each person received a sweater by Ralph Lauren with a matching blanket, sparkling Ugg Boots, a Coach bag, crystal earrings, books, hair products and four pairs of Nike running shoes. Oprah then decided that the audience should have cooking supplies like a Panini Press, as well as pans and brownie mixes. People screamed, some laughed as if it wasn’t real, and others cried. One man, was even seen down on his knees “clapping and crying as if he’d just seen the Messiah,” according to a viewer, Stacie Van Dyke.
Then the big gifts started coming. A free five year membership of Netflix was just the introduction to the 52-inch Sony Bravia LX900 3D flatscreen televisions that came down from the top of the room, complete with a blu-ray player. From KIVA.org, each audience member received a $100 gift card to start their own small business and the company will add $10 to every new loan. An iPad floated down with angel wings from the ceiling. Since it is the 25th farewell season, special t-shirts were made with workout pants, and once again, handed out.
But no one knew what was coming next. A box that had a miniature model of a cruise ship was presented by the show’s crew members. People went insane as Oprah said the words, “You are going on a seven day cruise!” The Black Eyed Peas performed at the end, and each person was able to bring home their new CD which wasn’t released until the next week. So are you wondering what the biggest present of all was? A black box with keys to the new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle that comes out in Spring. And as the crowd went wild, the show came to an end.
Many people think it is Oprah herself that gives these gifts away, when really it is the companies trying to get advertising. The companies give the show the products for free so that they can be exposed to the public since so many people watch her show. Of course it makes Oprah look like the most generous person in the world, which keeps people watching. The people who were watching at home were filled with jealousy, but we all know that they deserved the gifts for giving back. However, the brand new car part was hard to watch. It was a good end to 25 years of Oprah.
2010 Smithtown Holiday Guide
By Bianca Silva
December has officially arrived and the holiday season is in full swing. Of course, when we think holidays, we think craziness. However, amidst the bustle of our beloved and grossly overpopulated island, there are many local holiday treasures to enjoy and celebrate in holiday spirit.
Our own Smithtown West will be hosting a variety of seasonal events, specifically of the musical variety. On December 9th, 14th, 16th, and 21st, the high school band, orchestra, and chorus classes will be performing their Winter Concerts. They have worked hard all semester to perfect their performance; they’ve even missed class time to go to rehearsals. Don’t miss your chance to get tickets for an inexpensive night of music appreciation and an opportunity to support the Smithtown alumni. West will also be holding Acoustic Cafe on December 17th. It is a chance for Smithtown students to display their undiscovered musical talents. It is always entertaining to watch fellow classmates surprise everyone with their outstanding (or sometimes downright funny) performances.
Moving right down Main Street, our local theater is currently putting on the play Annie. Many local young actors and actresses will be participating. You would hardly believe they are the same kids scrambling off the buses in the neighborhood everyday--their level of professionalism is very impressive.
Up until December 8th, there will be nightly Menorah lightings to enjoy in St. James at the intersection of Lake Avenue, Moriches Road and Route 25A. It is a nice way to commemorate the Jewish tradition, even if you aren’t Jewish. The Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center will also be hosting a Circus Project Hanukkah Show with “candle lighting, dreidels, chocolate gelt, and more”, according to Smithtown.patch.com. Also, on Dec. 5, this Sunday, there will be a Latke Eating Contest at Zan's Kosher Deli. It’s sure to make for some good laughs and excellent Facebook pictures.
From Smithtown, it is a short ride to Port Jefferson if you want to enjoy the outdoor skating rink or the famous Dickens Christmas Festival. The streets are lit, lampposts dressed in evergreen festoons, and windows decorated with lively displays. Actors are dressed up in Dickens-era attire handing out goodies while a plethora of coffee shops offer something hot to drink for those less fond of the cold. Once the parade begins, however, everyone crowds the street to watch. It is definitely a great time for the whole family.
So, whether you are so busy that you feel you can hardly enjoy the holiday season, or your calendar is empty and you are looking for some holiday fun, be sure to check out the local events. Not only is there so much in our own backyards, but they are the fruits and talents of a local and personal community. Don’t miss the chance to experience the richness of the holiday season.
December has officially arrived and the holiday season is in full swing. Of course, when we think holidays, we think craziness. However, amidst the bustle of our beloved and grossly overpopulated island, there are many local holiday treasures to enjoy and celebrate in holiday spirit.
Our own Smithtown West will be hosting a variety of seasonal events, specifically of the musical variety. On December 9th, 14th, 16th, and 21st, the high school band, orchestra, and chorus classes will be performing their Winter Concerts. They have worked hard all semester to perfect their performance; they’ve even missed class time to go to rehearsals. Don’t miss your chance to get tickets for an inexpensive night of music appreciation and an opportunity to support the Smithtown alumni. West will also be holding Acoustic Cafe on December 17th. It is a chance for Smithtown students to display their undiscovered musical talents. It is always entertaining to watch fellow classmates surprise everyone with their outstanding (or sometimes downright funny) performances.
Moving right down Main Street, our local theater is currently putting on the play Annie. Many local young actors and actresses will be participating. You would hardly believe they are the same kids scrambling off the buses in the neighborhood everyday--their level of professionalism is very impressive.
Up until December 8th, there will be nightly Menorah lightings to enjoy in St. James at the intersection of Lake Avenue, Moriches Road and Route 25A. It is a nice way to commemorate the Jewish tradition, even if you aren’t Jewish. The Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center will also be hosting a Circus Project Hanukkah Show with “candle lighting, dreidels, chocolate gelt, and more”, according to Smithtown.patch.com. Also, on Dec. 5, this Sunday, there will be a Latke Eating Contest at Zan's Kosher Deli. It’s sure to make for some good laughs and excellent Facebook pictures.
From Smithtown, it is a short ride to Port Jefferson if you want to enjoy the outdoor skating rink or the famous Dickens Christmas Festival. The streets are lit, lampposts dressed in evergreen festoons, and windows decorated with lively displays. Actors are dressed up in Dickens-era attire handing out goodies while a plethora of coffee shops offer something hot to drink for those less fond of the cold. Once the parade begins, however, everyone crowds the street to watch. It is definitely a great time for the whole family.
So, whether you are so busy that you feel you can hardly enjoy the holiday season, or your calendar is empty and you are looking for some holiday fun, be sure to check out the local events. Not only is there so much in our own backyards, but they are the fruits and talents of a local and personal community. Don’t miss the chance to experience the richness of the holiday season.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Three cheers for five years
The small town band from Tallahassee, Florida, Mayday Parade got its start in
2006. Members include Derek Sanders, Jake Bundrick, Jeremy Lenzo, Alex Garcia, and Brooke Betts who got together after a previous band split. They performed at local shows and venues until they got signed to Fearless Records and the rest is history. At first, they recorded an EP called Tales Told by Dead Friends which was a hit among fans. Once they realized how much support they had from people, they started touring. They played at the well known Warped Tour along with co-lining with other bands on tour. In 2008, they released their first actual album, A Lesson in Romantics. Being their first debut album, they were amazed by the amount of popularity it had. With this positive outlook, in 2010, they released their newest album, Anywhere but Here. With their career as a band taking full effect, they soon began headlining their own tours.
On October 16, they came to the Crazy Donkey to perform along with Artist vs. Poet, Breathe Carolina, Every Avenue, and Go Radio. Which I knew would happen, they sold out the Crazy Donkey and everyone was anxious to see them. Hearing all the other bands, the crowd’s anticipation couldn’t wait any longer. The crowd went crazy when they came on, singing to every lyric to each song and cheering for them. At the end of the performance, all I have to say was that it was amazing. They sang as if their album was playing instead of them actually singing. Usually these type of small bands that get their fame from Myspace and word of mouth, don’t perform good live. However, this isn’t the case for Mayday Parade at all. Each song they sing captures the crowd and even when they played acoustically, they still kept the crowd’s attention. They give off positive energy to the crowd which makes you want to listen to them sing all night long. Although their latest album Anywhere but Here wasn’t that good, when you hear them sing, you forget about it and just sing along. If you are a fan of Mayday Parade, you should try to get out and see them; you won’t regret it at all!
-Brianne Garcett
Social Networking, a way of life
This is the spot where I put some interesting thing to pull your attention about Facebook, but do I even have to bother?
…but for those of you that are socially ignorant, Facebook is the most visited social networking site in the world, with over 500 million active users as of July 2010. It provides you with the ability to constantly “exploit” yourself to the world. You can also add photos, videos, you can even have your own virtual farm!
Does Facebook have enough privacy? This is a debate that has been thrown around since Facebook was founded. Even when the “prototype” for Facebook, “Facemash”, was founded in Mark Zuckerberg’s dorm room in 2003, he was heavily criticized for taking the privacy away from people. Only, then it was attacking female students at Harvard, not one out of 14 people on the planet.
Privacy is what Facebook revolves around. People are always complaining that Facebook makes you too open. You the Facebook user have too much information out on the Internet now you are complaining that the site needs to keep things more private.
Some people just cannot do this. They think that its Facebook’s fault that their info is posted all over the Internet. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that you put it up in the first place. If people do not want their information up on the Internet, Do not post it at all.
The problem is that people are blaming Facebook too much for their privacy faults. Facebook gives you the option to keep things private, but people are too lazy to do that though. When a problem finally arrives, they blame Facebook for keeping things out in the open. This is their own fault. I have ten different privacy settings on my profile, so I can choose who, and who cannot, see my posts.
Facebook has been called a terrible site by many groups (The Associated Press, The Boston Globe ). People have even created websites that are solely there to promote Quitting Facebook. (http://quitfacebook.com/)
-Tory Guardino
The Stress- Injury Relationship in Smithtown Sports
Competition is the word when it comes to all things Smithtown sports. With over 11,000 students in the Smithtown district, as noted in the district website, it’s hard to shine in sports that are saturated with talent. Sports are an important part of adolescent social and physical development, yet they become dangerous when stress levels become too high and kids don’t get enough rest. A Smithtown Cross Country and Track star, Victoria Lowe, can attest to this.
Lowe has been a top runner at Smithtown since freshman year. Always a dedicated and focused athlete, she has lead Smithtown to many victories. However, things took a bad turn last year when injured her hip. The extent of the injury is not fully known to Victoria herself, but it was extensive enough to end her running career for the fall season. “I definitely felt pressure from the coach and team to do well,” says Lowe. She also said that if she had rested between seasons instead of continued her training, she probably wouldn’t be dealing with such a serious injury. As a result, Lowe has been unable to participate in the entire 2010 Cross Country season (about 2 months so far), which has been hard on her as well as the team.
“It leaves our team at a huge disadvantage,” says Jenn Booth, one of Victoria’s teammates for the 2010 Cross Country season. “The whole team hopes that she will heal in time for the important meets at the end of the season. But if she’s not better by then, we don’t want her to run because we don’t want her to get a more serious injury.”
Physical injuries and injury recovery have a proven positive correlation with stress levels and the ability to cope with stress. That’s not to say that all injuries are a result of stress, but reducing stress can help reduce the risk of sports injuries. According to the article, Developmental Differences in Psychological Aspects of Sport-Injury Rehabilitation by Britton W. Brewer, acute injuries can often be prevented by simple exercises that reduce stress before a game or practice, including breathing techniques, stretching, and staying in a calm environment.
Of course, never being stressed in sports is impossible. Many students rely on sports scholarships to help them pay for expensive colleges. Scouts sitting at the game can account for a large amount of stress during a game. Even family and friends on the sidelines can put more stress on the athlete to perform well in front of them. The key is to manage your stress in a positive way, and direct it into a productive channel. It is beneficial for teens to learn early on how to separate distress and eustress (distress being the “bad” kind, and eustress being the “good.”). Not only will it help you in sports and prevent injuries, but can help you focus and perform better in all areas of your life.
Teen athletes shouldn’t worry if they feel a little overwhelmed sometimes, it happens to the best. They should just remember that sports are supposed to be a fun, positive, and healthy experience. If your sport is not giving you a positive experience, maybe it’s time to take a break or look into a new sport.
-Bianca Silva
Later is Better
Students, are you really even awake during first period? Is getting up at the crack of dawn affecting how you pay attention in class? Maybe if our bell schedule was pushed back an hour, you would perform better in school.
Right now our 7:20AM bell is too early for students, but not too early for the Smithtown School District Board of Education. A big factor in why we can’t start later is that we would have to end later which conflicts with sports, clubs, teacher meetings, and other after school activities. Instead of starting high school later, they decided to start the elementary school later. It is the high school students, though, who need more sleep. According to a study in The Washington Post, researchers have found that the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin is more abundant in teenagers than in adults and children during the morning. So doesn’t this prove that our school system is in reverse? If young kids are the ones who naturally wake up at 6AM, then why don’t they start school at the earlier time?
Unfortunately, we all realize that first period can’t start at noon. But it can start at 8:30AM. Most kids today are not getting the required eight to nine hour sleep they need to excel in school. Their biological clock keeps them up until around midnight and then they usually have to get up around 6AM, leaving them with only about 6 hours of sleep.
A new study shows that students who start first period at 8:30AM were more likely to get this eight hour sleep and were less likely to be annoyed, depressed and unhappy at the start of the day.
Let’s not forgot about grades. Can getting an hour more of sleep really help your grades? The answer is yes, according to a study shown in the Los Angeles Times, but the increase in grades is not that significant. However, this doesn’t mean that pushing the time back is useless. It may not fully improve their grades, but it does help them stay more awake during the day and have fewer disciplinary problems.
Sleeping later even plays a role in teen driving. Dr. Robert Vorona, an associate professor of internal medicine in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School performed an experiment about school arrival time affecting teen driving. The experiment was done in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, two neighboring cities. Virginia Beach's first period started at 7:20AM and Chesapeake's began at 8:40AM. Fewer accidents were reported for teens that lived in Chesapeake. Vorona states that the Virginia Beach students may be sleep-deprived. She said that students “tend to go to bed later no matter what time they get up.” The amount of sleep is based on the time students have to wake up. Many Smithtown High School students drive to school, so the time change could impact their driving ability.
And teachers, this applies to you too. Starting school too early can affect your enthusiastic energy when you teach. If you teach a first period class, you know how hard it is to keep your eyes open. If you’re half awake while teaching, chances are, the students are going to zone out. The students cannot change this system by themselves, though, so we need the support of parents and teachers to carry out this plan. Hopefully, all of these national studies will convince the Smithtown Board of Education to change the arrival time so that students will be able to get the sleep they need.
-Jenn Booth
West before East
Many students at Smithtown High School East had realized that they have been getting hand-me-down textbooks from Smithtown High School West. The eleventh grade English department of both schools got new textbooks this year, but not the science departments.
The tenth grade science department at East had been given the used textbooks of West, and students were not happy about it. “It doesn’t matter that the textbooks are from West,” says Mike Apirawic, Smithtown High School East Sophomore, “I just don’t find it fair for us to get used textbooks.”
Students don’t feel it is fair, and the teachers have their own opinion. “The English department is important, but that doesn’t mean the science department should be lacking the supplies we need for teaching,” said by Mrs. Hicks, Smithtown High School East 10th grade Science teacher.
Even though the textbooks are going to East, Smithtown High School West teachers think it’s unfair for the students to not have the same resources for their work. The quality of the textbooks should be equal, fair, and bought new at the same point in time so resources are not being handed down.
Most students are not thinking of the “Green Effect” of handing down the textbooks. The textbooks are being recycled and reused when they are passed from West to East. When confronted with the idea of the “Green Effect” of the textbooks, students say, “There’s nothing wrong with trying to go green, or passing down textbooks. If the textbooks are disgusting, new ones should be bought but if it’s not affecting learning then the textbooks are Eco friendly,” said by Samantha Sarube, a Smithtown High School West student. After asking An East student, their opinion of handing down textbooks and the “Green Effect” that goes along with it, they said, “It’s a good idea and there is nothing wrong with trying to be green.”
When thought about it, many can find there own view on it. Is it really environmentally friendly? Should textbooks be given at the same time? What do you think?
-Erin Fauchon
The tenth grade science department at East had been given the used textbooks of West, and students were not happy about it. “It doesn’t matter that the textbooks are from West,” says Mike Apirawic, Smithtown High School East Sophomore, “I just don’t find it fair for us to get used textbooks.”
Students don’t feel it is fair, and the teachers have their own opinion. “The English department is important, but that doesn’t mean the science department should be lacking the supplies we need for teaching,” said by Mrs. Hicks, Smithtown High School East 10th grade Science teacher.
Even though the textbooks are going to East, Smithtown High School West teachers think it’s unfair for the students to not have the same resources for their work. The quality of the textbooks should be equal, fair, and bought new at the same point in time so resources are not being handed down.
Most students are not thinking of the “Green Effect” of handing down the textbooks. The textbooks are being recycled and reused when they are passed from West to East. When confronted with the idea of the “Green Effect” of the textbooks, students say, “There’s nothing wrong with trying to go green, or passing down textbooks. If the textbooks are disgusting, new ones should be bought but if it’s not affecting learning then the textbooks are Eco friendly,” said by Samantha Sarube, a Smithtown High School West student. After asking An East student, their opinion of handing down textbooks and the “Green Effect” that goes along with it, they said, “It’s a good idea and there is nothing wrong with trying to be green.”
When thought about it, many can find there own view on it. Is it really environmentally friendly? Should textbooks be given at the same time? What do you think?
-Erin Fauchon
Senior Banquet
Class clown, most dramatic, cutest couple... Senior Banquet is coming up for the class of 2011! Senior Banquet is being held at Flowerfields in St. James on February 10th. The most anticipated event will be going on from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. However, all students are still expected in be in school then next day, regular time February 11th.
During the years, it has always been a complaint. Although many students have tried to get the day changed, the school will not budge. Principle Coady explains that “Students must attend school the day of Senior Banquet and are accountable of being there the day after”. He also says “I don’t have a say in when the date is, it’s more up to student council to decide”.
So many seniors ask, “Why not hold Senior Banquet on a Friday or Saturday night?”
Mrs. Paulik, advisor of the senior class council, explains “Costs are cheaper during the week and tickets will probably be eighty dollars each, and if it’s held on a Friday or Saturday night, ticket prices will go up a lot”.
What exaclty does it take to plan Senior Banquet? As Mrs. Paulik said, “Everything is planned the years before since Flowerfields is such a popular place”. However, there is also Senior Banquet Committee that is formed to help fund raise and get everything together. Senior Kelly Burke is a part of the Senior Banquet Committee, and helps to plan out the event. “I, as well as a few other seniors, are in charge of making sure things go according to plans, which means getting fundraisers together so we can decorate the place to make it look good”.
Being a senior is the most exciting time in your high school career. Senior Banquet is something that’s supposed to be memorable and lead up to a great ending to the year. Although it’s on a school night, with everything being planned out now, it will most definitely be enjoyable. Once you’re there having fun with your friends, you will surely forget about the fact that you have to wake up at 6 am to go to school. It is only until your alarm clock goes off the next morning when getting out of bed will be difficult.
During the years, it has always been a complaint. Although many students have tried to get the day changed, the school will not budge. Principle Coady explains that “Students must attend school the day of Senior Banquet and are accountable of being there the day after”. He also says “I don’t have a say in when the date is, it’s more up to student council to decide”.
So many seniors ask, “Why not hold Senior Banquet on a Friday or Saturday night?”
Mrs. Paulik, advisor of the senior class council, explains “Costs are cheaper during the week and tickets will probably be eighty dollars each, and if it’s held on a Friday or Saturday night, ticket prices will go up a lot”.
What exaclty does it take to plan Senior Banquet? As Mrs. Paulik said, “Everything is planned the years before since Flowerfields is such a popular place”. However, there is also Senior Banquet Committee that is formed to help fund raise and get everything together. Senior Kelly Burke is a part of the Senior Banquet Committee, and helps to plan out the event. “I, as well as a few other seniors, are in charge of making sure things go according to plans, which means getting fundraisers together so we can decorate the place to make it look good”.
Being a senior is the most exciting time in your high school career. Senior Banquet is something that’s supposed to be memorable and lead up to a great ending to the year. Although it’s on a school night, with everything being planned out now, it will most definitely be enjoyable. Once you’re there having fun with your friends, you will surely forget about the fact that you have to wake up at 6 am to go to school. It is only until your alarm clock goes off the next morning when getting out of bed will be difficult.
-Brianne Garcett and Kristin Bonura
Bonjour a Smithtown! (Hello to Smithtown!)
Last April a group of 17 students from Bretagne, France came to stay in the homes of some students from Smithtown High School West. Madame Gallagher was in charge of setting this exchange up with Monsieur Hassan El Amiri.
During the students’ two week stay, they had planned trips to the city, field trips to the other Smithtown schools and attended International Night. The group of French and Smithtown students became close and long term friendships were instantly made.
With many hours of free time, the group would plan many activities for everyone to get involved in, such as meeting up at Ralph’s Italian Ices on Maple Ave and going bowling at AMF Bowling. Going around Smithtown, one thing the students took notice of was our “huge cars!” They explained that the cars in Europe were much smaller. One French student Marie said, “Everything is bigger in the U.S.; the cars, the houses, and the people,” though she had meant it more as a compliment, that things were bigger and better in the U.S.
One Saturday the group all took another trip to the Big Apple. The French students were in awe as they looked at up at all the skyscrapers, all saying that the only one like it near them, was The Montparnasse Tower in Paris.
As the days passed by, the students got closer and closer to each other. They shared their cultures, different languages and homes. The French students also followed their host around school. One interesting fact they had brought up was that the Smithtown students were a lot more talkative and friendly with their teachers, explaining that their teachers were strict and rarely got into their personal lives.
Now almost six months after the exchange took place, the students are still communicating with their hosts through the internet. Both the Smithtown West students and the French students hope they’ll see their hosts again soon!
“The exchange was a great experience and I loved visiting New York and meeting everyone!” says Sophie Quillet.
“We loved the exchange and can’t wait to be back in New York!” says Nolwenn Vallin.
When asked if she would do another exchange, Madame Gallagher said that she has been working on it and Mr. Coady gave the thumbs up. She is still working on an exchange for the Smithtown students to go to Bretagne, France as well. Hopes are high and the students of Smithtown High School West are becoming more culturally aware.
-Kristin Bonura
During the students’ two week stay, they had planned trips to the city, field trips to the other Smithtown schools and attended International Night. The group of French and Smithtown students became close and long term friendships were instantly made.
With many hours of free time, the group would plan many activities for everyone to get involved in, such as meeting up at Ralph’s Italian Ices on Maple Ave and going bowling at AMF Bowling. Going around Smithtown, one thing the students took notice of was our “huge cars!” They explained that the cars in Europe were much smaller. One French student Marie said, “Everything is bigger in the U.S.; the cars, the houses, and the people,” though she had meant it more as a compliment, that things were bigger and better in the U.S.
One Saturday the group all took another trip to the Big Apple. The French students were in awe as they looked at up at all the skyscrapers, all saying that the only one like it near them, was The Montparnasse Tower in Paris.
As the days passed by, the students got closer and closer to each other. They shared their cultures, different languages and homes. The French students also followed their host around school. One interesting fact they had brought up was that the Smithtown students were a lot more talkative and friendly with their teachers, explaining that their teachers were strict and rarely got into their personal lives.
Now almost six months after the exchange took place, the students are still communicating with their hosts through the internet. Both the Smithtown West students and the French students hope they’ll see their hosts again soon!
“The exchange was a great experience and I loved visiting New York and meeting everyone!” says Sophie Quillet.
“We loved the exchange and can’t wait to be back in New York!” says Nolwenn Vallin.
When asked if she would do another exchange, Madame Gallagher said that she has been working on it and Mr. Coady gave the thumbs up. She is still working on an exchange for the Smithtown students to go to Bretagne, France as well. Hopes are high and the students of Smithtown High School West are becoming more culturally aware.
-Kristin Bonura
Brianne Garcett
Class clown, most dramatic, cutest couple... Senior Banquet is coming up for the class of 2011! Senior Banquet is being held at Flowerfields in St. James on February 10th. The most anticipated event will be going on from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. However, all students are still expected in be in school then next day, regular time February 11th.
Waking up early for school and running out of the house grabbing just a breakfast bar trying to not be late for the bus is what most of us face each morning. While struggling to keep our eyes open during the long periods of the day, you just wish you could go back home and snuggle up in bed. Most of the time sitting in class, you often seem to hear the rumbles of students hungry stomachs and sometimes waiting until their lunch won’t do.
Right as the bell rings, students swarm to the vending machines expecting to grab a candy bar or a bag of chips to get that burst of energy to make it through the day; however, that isn’t the case. As students run over to the vending machines, they stare in disgust at what has happened to all the non nutritious foods. Students refuse to put any money in the machine because they are not looking to munch on sliced fruit.
Many kids, they view this new change as turn for the worse. They wonder how fresh the fruit actually is since most people aren’t buying it frequently. Although the vendors come in every week to refill the empty spaces, will they take the time to put new fruit in or will they let it sit there until those spaces are empty as well?
Over the years there is always talk about going healthy in the cafeterias, having a can of soda and a bagel for lunch isn’t nutritious, but there are other ways to eliminate unhealthy foods. In some school districts, they also made the transformation to healthy foods, but they did it in a positive way. They still kept some unhealthy items as well as incorporating salad and fruit bar in the cafeteria. Knowing that the fruit is dumped each day is a much better thought than simply getting fruit out of a vending machine. Having multiple choices is much better than only deciding, apples or pineapples?
-Brianne Garcett
Waking up early for school and running out of the house grabbing just a breakfast bar trying to not be late for the bus is what most of us face each morning. While struggling to keep our eyes open during the long periods of the day, you just wish you could go back home and snuggle up in bed. Most of the time sitting in class, you often seem to hear the rumbles of students hungry stomachs and sometimes waiting until their lunch won’t do.
Right as the bell rings, students swarm to the vending machines expecting to grab a candy bar or a bag of chips to get that burst of energy to make it through the day; however, that isn’t the case. As students run over to the vending machines, they stare in disgust at what has happened to all the non nutritious foods. Students refuse to put any money in the machine because they are not looking to munch on sliced fruit.
Many kids, they view this new change as turn for the worse. They wonder how fresh the fruit actually is since most people aren’t buying it frequently. Although the vendors come in every week to refill the empty spaces, will they take the time to put new fruit in or will they let it sit there until those spaces are empty as well?
Over the years there is always talk about going healthy in the cafeterias, having a can of soda and a bagel for lunch isn’t nutritious, but there are other ways to eliminate unhealthy foods. In some school districts, they also made the transformation to healthy foods, but they did it in a positive way. They still kept some unhealthy items as well as incorporating salad and fruit bar in the cafeteria. Knowing that the fruit is dumped each day is a much better thought than simply getting fruit out of a vending machine. Having multiple choices is much better than only deciding, apples or pineapples?
-Brianne Garcett
Monday, November 15, 2010
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