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Vol.ll, No.3, March 31, 1995. aSSlC_.___ Townsend Harris High School at Queens College 75-40 Parsons Boulevard. Flushing, NY 11366 'We're movin' out' - this time for real!

by Veronica Lee 'receive instructions for the march Philip Sousa. Peter Lustig, band locker assignments and eat lunch April, due to the loss of several April 24, 1995: Moving down 76th Avenue and 150th director, said, "We'll also play the in the state-of-the-art cafeteria. rooms, including the library. The Day, Take 2. Planstoparadeto Street to the new building. Pen­ school alma mater, of course, and "It's going to be a very festive daily Monday schedule will also the new building on the day stu­ nants, designed by junior Sylvia we'll try to play fanfare music as time," said Ms. Biener. "We're allow teachers sufficient time to dents return from spring vacation Yue, with the words "Townsend Dr. Largmann enters the build- just counting on nice weather for give tests before the April24 move.

are in full swing, after being Harris AT Queens College" in ing." 1 the parade." The Student Union plans to have brought to a halt by the sudden bright lettering, will be distributed "It's going to be an interesting The Student Union is planning a Spirit Week in the new school, postponement of the original to all Harrisites as souvenirs to time with 900 kids walking through activities to regenerate enthusi­ consisting of a Hug Day, Hat Day, February 28 date. carry along the parade route. Judy the streets and the band playing asm for the move. "We're going and Blackout Day. The possibility According to Principal Malcolm Biener, Coordinator of Student music at the school," said fresh­ to begin a countdown to April 24 of a spring dance in celebration of Largmann, everything is "in place Activities, said; . "Sylvia drew man Philip Borzio. in the main lobby, and start mak­ the move is currently being pre­ and running smoothly" for the several pictures and the Student After the march, students will ing announcements over the P A sented to the school administra­ relocation of Townsend Harris to Union chose the design. The pen­ report'to homeroom for a ribbon­ system again, comparing the old tion by the S.U. for approval. itsncwhomeat 149-11 Melbourne nants are beautiful." cutting ceremony before entering building to the new one," said Commenting on the April 24 A venue on the Queens College Upon arrival at the new school, their new classrooms. Following Seth Cohen, S.U. President. date, Ms. Biener said, "I feel con­ campus. marchers will be greeted by the the ceremony, a rotation of the On April 6 and 7, the library is fident that we're going to move, Several events have been ar­ Concert Band playing renditions grades has been planned to allow scheduled to be moved to the new but I wouldn't bet my life savings ranged by the Student Union to of the "Liberty Bell March," freshmen, sophomores, and jun­ building, while large boxes of on it." Vesna Vasic, S.U. Treas­ commemorate the occasion. On "Washington Post," "Stars and iors to tour the building accompa­ machinery are set to be shipped urer, added, "We're all hoping for April 24, students will first report Stripes Forever," and "Semper nied by student guides, do paper­ out April 12 and 13. the best and that we'll get over to official class, where they will Fidelis," all composed by John work in official class, receive Enrichment will not meet in there soon." Albany trip ai.ms to stop impending budget cuts; State senators support senior tuition waivers

by Michael Munoz classes like Latin and Greek, and ers was also concerned about state stats are one thing, but you are the tives who maybe did not agree As a result of lobbying efforts Enrichments, and the senior cuts in higher education. "CUNY living proof behind it," said Mr. with us," said Ms. Biener. "I felt by Townsend Harris students, "Bridge Year." Students reiterated and SUNY," he said, "are among Lopez. we were preaching to the con­ several state legislators expressed these points in one-on-one meet­ the best in the country. A lot of Junior Adam Carroll said, "I verted," added junior Elizabeth their support for the tuition waiv­ ings with legislators and their people wouldn't have been able to feel today was a success because Irizarry. ers which allow seniors to attend staffs. The day was inspired by a afford college if it weren't for these we were able to voice our con­ Other efforts adopted by Harris to Queens College classes for free. trip to Townsend by Housing systems." Mr. Sanders said he cerns directly to our representa- · protest cuts included a massive let­ It was feared that the money for Committee Chairman Vito Lopez would "look into" the waivers that tives. We brought our school to ter writing campaign. Each stu­ the waivers, roughly $335,000, on January 19. allow for the Bridge Year. their attention and many of them dent wrote letters to state represen­ would be cut in this year's state "This is a powerful move, Coinciding with the trip was the promised to talk to their colleagues tatives. Assemblywoman Vivian budget. However, "a number of coming to see representatives," release of report cards_...... _,.. from the about our concerns." Cook, laughing, remembered the senators have been calling the said Angela Davis, legislative letters. college as a result of our lobby­ director for Assemblyman Darry "You kept ing," said Principal Malcolm Towns. "This is the first group of my secre­ Largmann. "It looks as if our sen­ high school students we've seen tarybusyby ior year waivers will be saved." this year; we've seen college stu­ opening Students from each grade, ac­ dents but not high school students." mail," she companied by Coordinator of Indeed, representatives were en­ said. Student Activities Judy Biener, thusiastic about Harris' lobbying A demon­ P. T.A. Co-President Ann Carroll, efforts. "It's a tough fight up here stration out­ and parent Rosa Pagan, went to this year," said Assemblywoman side of City Albany on March 7 and met with Melinda Katz. "It helps every time H~lisbeing representatives to discuss prospec­ you come to see us; it reminds us planned tive cuts in the state's budget, that there is a constituency out city-wide which will be voted on April 1. there we represent." for late The budget proposed by Gover­ All the students on the trip came April or nor George Pataki will probably together in a conference room for early May ask for a $300 million cut from a meeting with Steve Sanders, by Student Lobbying against educational budget cuts, Dionrie Fraser, Bonnie Yee, Akiba Smith, Roshni Ray, New York City alone. The state Chairman of the Education Com­ Michael Munoz, Elizabeth Irizarry, Marlin Daniels, and Tamar Aydin, meet with Senator Vito, U n i o n currently gives about$5 billion to mittee, who stressed the impor­ Assemblywoman Melinda Katz, and their aides. Photo courtesy of Vito Lopez. President the city for education. tance of government in education. Seth Cohen Representatives were handed a "You can tell something about the Chancelor's office for New York The only complaint students had and Queens Student Advisory position paper, written by Ms. kind of government you have by City high schools. Townsend about the day was that it seemed Council Facilitator Naomi B iener, which outlined reasons for the way it treats children and young Harris placed first in math, read­ everyone they met with was on Stonehill. "We're timing the rally stopping education cuts, citing a adults, especially when it comes . ing and attendance, bringing their side. "I would have likect to to most effectively influence the loss of sports programs, ''extra" to education," he said. Mr. Sand- praises from representatives. "The have met with other representa- City Council's vote," said Seth. - 2 Appel named top Bio-Teacher New building almost ready

by Jennifer Pare a girl could be. I decided to be a teacher. As by Violetta Ostafin Being named top biology teacher in the far as I'm concerned, it's the best thing I As the April24 moving date to the new building draws near, construction workers are city wasn't something Susan Appel was could've done." hurrying to ready the school for occupancy. expecting when she opened her mail from Ms. Appel will be presented with the "The building will definitely be very near completion by this date. The school is and will the New York Biology Teachers Associa­ award at a dinner-dance in June. "This be absolutely stunning," said Sam Gordon, the Project Manager for the School Construc­ tion. "I didn't open [the envelope] right gives me a good chance to invite my mother tion Authority (SCA). away because I thought it was an announce­ up from Florida," she said with a laugh. "Considering the level of completion of the building today, we could not possibly have ment for a meeting. When I did open it, I Ms. Appel's students and fellow teachers moved on February 28, when wires were still exposed in some rooms and walls needed to started screaming like a maniac," she said. are especially proud of her. Science teacher be erected in others," said Principal Malcolm Largmann. "I am confident now, however, On the evening of Thursday, March 16, Odile Garcia and members of the Science that we are moving into a safe and exciting facility." Ms. Appel received the news that her peers Research elective gave her a surprise break- Mr. Gordon and Joseph DiGiacomo, the custodial engineer, both expect the auditorium, had voted her number one for excellence in fast party on the morning of March 21 in which is still under construction, to be completed by mid-May. Until then, the auditorium biology teaching. The awardis given celebration ofher achievement. Sophomore and the rooms adjacentto it will be blocked off to prevent student access. "Workers... will New York Biology . " ' Dimitri Papan- be confined to that specific part of the building. Identification will be required to insure Teachers Associa­ agnou said, that only appropriate personnel enter," explained Dr. Largmann. tion, of which Ms. "After years of "Everything is progressing well," said Malcolm Rossman, Assistant Principal of Or­ Appel is a member. hard work, the ganization. "I just delivered the bell schedule to the new building. We want music to play Past winners of the day of true ap­ in place of the usual ringing sound," he said. award choose the preciaL~n and Debra Michlewitz, English teacher and Space Coordinator for the move, recently nominees based on reward has fi­ completed a grant proposal for funding to train teachers to use the computers in the new the quality of teach­ nally arrived." building. ing and the service w.;,. ~ ~ Sophomore "The training would enable us to pass on our knowledge of the computers to students who performed in the . Kate Margalit could use them for reasearch and projects. I am hoping that we receive the money; it would field of biology. agreed, saying, be another thing to add to all of the wonderful things we will be getting in the new Two nominees are "Ms. Appel is building," she said. chosen, and a ballot an inspiring and Since the decision not to move, which came on February 16, the contractor has been is mailed out to the encouraging in- working on an accelerated schedule and weekly meetings have been set up to monitor the members of the As­ , dividualandher company's progress. The meetings, which take place every Friday, are attended by Dr. sociation, who de­ devotion to us Largmann, Mr. Rossman, Mr. Gordon, Mr. DiGiacomo, and representatives from the termine the winner. should be val­ construction company. Candidates for the ued." "We go to see if the contractor is meeting the deadlines that we had set for them," said award are not told Junior Nia­ Dr. Largmann. of their nomination; Joy Rhodes, "I feel that the meetings are moving along very nicely. They are very productive. I would they learn of it only who is in Ms. say that they are the juice behind the motivation of the whole project," said Mr. Di if they've won. Appel's Inde­ Giacomo. Besides her work pendent Study During the meetings, "punch-lists," which point out what still needs to be done, are at Townsend Har­ Photo courtesy of Susan Appel. class, said, "She made. The lists include small items such as assembling furniture and cleaning light fixtures ris, Ms. Appel is an officer in the New York actually listens, and she helps you as much and larger jobs such as installing fire extinguishers. Biology Teachers Association and has given as she can. She puts a lot of effort into the "The SCA will be here even after you move in," said Mr. Gordon. "We still need to see workshops in biology to teachers and stu­ class and makes sure we all do the best that the fiber optics are installed and the punch-list items are completed. I plan to be here dents. "It's fun [to be a biology teacher)," Westinghouse projects possible." until September because of such small work," he said . . she says. "I like watching my students think Ms. Garcia had only praise for Ms. Appel, "You have a beautiful school. I was very uncomfortable and scared with the move and and try to find out how things work. When saying, "Ms. Appel is my mentor. . She worked to do all that I could possibly do to prevent you from moving in February. It [the I was young, there wererft too many things trained me; she really is the best." building] was not ready and there would have been much confusion and discomfort," said Mr. Di Giacomo. "Now I think that the building will be ready for you. If you moved in today, we could even work with that," he added. Paper cranes, good will, But is it worth the trouble to move an entire school toward the end of the school year? "Yes," said Dr. Largmann. "We have already lost a great deal of academic time, but we cannot allow a vacant building to just stand there. It is hard to control vandalism when a Sent to ea-rth·quake.victims building is empty. Plus, the freshness and openness will be exciting," he said.

by Bonnie Yee several weeks. According to Japaneses Hoping to be the light at the end of a tradition, paper cranes are sent to a person ~::::t::::::::::~::~::I:::::::::::::ili::::::::::::::tt:::::::::::::::::::::ttt::::::~:::'I: \?'~1 ass i C t::::::::::tt:::::~~:r::::::::::::::r:~: : :::::::::::::::::::::::~~::::::::::::: :':::! tunnel, Townsend Harris students recently to wish him happiness and a quick recov­ Editor-In-Chief: Seth Cohen Townsend Harris High School at Queeno Colleae sent a check of about $172 and wishes for a ery. Junior Editor: Veronica Lee 75-40 Panons Bl•d. Flushln& New York 11~ speedy recovery to the victims of the Janu­ Archon's Junior President, Maria Fox, Phyllis Pei ary 17 earthquake in Kobe, Japan. believes in keeping with tradition. Readers are Invited to submit let­ Michael Munoz Sports Editor Erik Bloch ters to the ed~or. Letters should be Feature Edllor To raise money for the earthquake vic­ "One thousand cranes shows that we care; News Editor placed In Ms. Cowen's mailbox In the tims, members of Archon, Save the Chil­ it shows a lot of effort. No matter what we Tara Balabushka general office. The Claulc reserves LaJ-ollt Edl"tor the right to edn all letters. Letters must dren, Hiroko Muchniki' s Japanese classes, did, the fact that we did something is the lncludenamaand~k:lalclass . Names •· Desiree Clemente & Sarah Kim David Iankelevich will be withheld upon request. and other students collected donations, held important part," Maria said. Phofo&raphJ Edlton Art Editor a bakesale, and sold Japanese calendars. Some students feel that although paper Michael Garber Business Manapr Along w1th the money, letters of encour­ cranes are nice, raising more money would Dionne Fraser, Wendy Kemp, agement and hope (written in both English have been more helpful. Violeua Ostafm, Kelly Villella and Japanese), and 1,000 paper cranes were "An earthquake is devastating, because it Senior Contrlb11Una Edlton constructed and sent to Kobe on March 13. not only takes lives, but also property," News Staff- Mid>ool Garber. Beth Mattucci, Cooy McCNdt::n, Fcmmdo Mcco. Na!alka-Palozynolti, Romina Perr.-. Kathryn Rube. Scot Seber. Jemilior Silvermm. Irina Kobe Hishi High School, sent by Tohru more money would have been useful," she Tsytsylin, Danna Vui<:, Mic::bacl Weia Sports Staff - Jlllliu Foot. Heather Fucnoa. Cooy Noaouky. Scot Seber, Oam: Schnabel, Liron Shapir. Asai, a teacher. added. Jeooili:r sa_.._. "The earthquake damage to the city was All in all, science teacher and Archon Photographer - Dioone l'raoer Artists- Alvaro lborguca. GeorJI" MOiakis, Ono Fetcncn. Rena Varsheoe so tremendous, it's hard to believe it's advisor Odile Garcia is pleased with the Twist- LeoticOffeubac:h modem-day Kobe at all," Asai said, in his students' efforts. · message. "The purpose was to make kids stop and Principal - Dr. Malcolm Largmann Advisor - Dsa Cowen To express their support, students made think of somebody else and not themselves," 1,000 origami cranes over the course of Ms. Garcia said. .. .. ~.. ''"'l Vol. 11, No.3, April 1, 1995 .• asSlC...... --- Townsend Harris High School at Queens College 75-40 Parsons Boulevard. Flushing, NY 11366 Ancient lingo added Fault line at building site to language curriculum Threatens long-awa1ted move by Beth Mattucci Indo-European words, this team of by Demetrios Bertzikis problems of one individual school at pal Martin Bigmann of this latest Next year the Foreign Language experts was able to piece together a Once again, Townsend Harris may this time. impediment to the move, he said, "I Department will be welcoming a new probable language. These scholars feel be forced to postpone its move. Dr. Stanley Galakowicz, the seis­ know nothing about this. Until I have addition to the Townsend Harris fam­ that Townsend Harris students will be The discovery of a major fault line mology expert at New York Univer­ received an official call from the Board ily: Proto-Indo-European. This four­ ideal candidates to learn this ancient under the new building on the Queens sity who discovered the fault, pro­ of Education, we are moving, despite year required course will be added to language because of their intellect College campus has the school Con­ claims that "it is massive," and pre­ any danger to our lives." the curriculum along with the one mod­ and their ability to absorb both for­ struction Authority scrambling to dicts that "a major earthquake is des­ Another seismology expert, Dr. em and classical language that stu­ eign and classical languages. strengthen the building against pos­ tined for the area." Horton Suess, said, "I am 100 percent dents are currently studying. Latin and Mr: Russian is enthu~iastic about sible earthquakes in the area. He made the discovery this week certain that an inevitable earthquake Greek teachers Lisa Language and teaching the new language. "I think The recently-dis­ Roman Russian, who are responsible that Townsend Harris is the perfect covered fault is for coming up with the idea, will in­ school in which to pilot this language. situated underneath struct this course. In my experience teaching here, I've 149-11 Melbourne According to the The Encyclopedia witnessed the students' remarkable Avenue, the site of Americana (1994), Proto-Indo-Euro­ ability to grasp a new language. I also the new building pean is "a hypothetical language think that learning Proto-Indo-Euro­ ready to be occu­ ~LP J thought to have been spoken about pean will be beneficial to the students pied by Townsend 3,000 B.C." For more than 200 years, because it will allow them to under­ Harris High ' scholars have speculated that many stand many other Indo-European Jan ~ School. The dis- modern-day languages classified as guages," he said. covery has also belonging to the Indo-European fam­ The extra course will be conven­ given rise to fears ily (from India to Europe) have iently added into the schedule by cre­ that an earthquake branched off from Proto-Indo-Euro­ ating a tenth band, extending the of major magnitude l pean. The original Indo-Europeans school day by one hour. The consen­ will some day strike ../' are believed to have originated from sus of most students is that it is a small New York City. the steppes north of the Black Sea, in sacrifice to make for a better educa­ An investigative ">~ -- what is present-day Ukraine. Later, tion. report, exclusively they conquered several European cul­ Senior I. M. Smart said, "I think it is obtained by The tures on horseback, and spread their a great idea. It will not only give mean Classic through an language in the process. According to edge over other high school students, anonymous City an article in Science News (February bur it will also be a lot of fun, like Council member, 25, 1995), it is believed that many Latin. Ifonly someone had thought of shows that any de­ foreign people willingly acquired Indo­ this sooner." cision by the mayor European dialects so that they could Freshman Teacha Me is also ex­ to allow the move- share in the thriving economy of the cited about this new addition to the mentofTownsendHarrisHighSchool whileexperimentingonthemetalconc will reveal a sinkhole which will ilter­ Indo-Europeans. Although no written Townsend Harris family. · He com­ to the new building will jeopardize tent of the earth in the neighborhood ally swallow up anything or anyone evidence exists of this language, there mented, 'This is a great opportunity. the students' "well-being," and vio­ of Queens College. He claimed that he who is present at the area." Dr. Suess has been a recent breakthrough. By learning Proto-Indo-European, I late city and federal laws unless the personally talked to top city officials, said that it is quite probable that the Professors from Queens College's will be able to understand almost any building is reinforced to withstand a who agreed that Townsend Harris fault was formed during the end of the Foreign Language Department, Ms. language. I also like the idea of hav­ 7.4 or higher magnitude earthquake. cannot occupy that space unless they Ice Age when the water from the Language, and Mr. Russian have been ing a tenth band; nine is just not Townsend Harris will remain at reinforce their building before mov­ melting ice entered the earth and was meeting for the last year with one goal: enough." 75-40 Parsons Boulevard unless this ing in. Galakowicz also said that he trapped by New York City. to reconstruct this hypothetical lan­ If this course is successful, teach(;!rs standard is met and a new Certificate will soon "widely publicize the dis­ IfGalakowicz's discovery is legiti­ guage. By studying the shifts in lan­ will consider offering "Deciphering · of Occupancy is iss':led. covery" and only talked to The C lassie mate and if Suess' predictions are true guages as they spread throughout the Hieroglyphics: A Guide to Under­ The mayor still has not commented because its school was directly in­ as well, the future of not only world and the research of other lin­ standing Cave Drawings" as an elec­ on this matter, saying he is too busy volved. Townsend Harris, but the entire city, guists who have tried to reconstruct tive next year. cutting the budget to look into the When The Classic informed Princi- could be devastating. 'Tiny Bubbles': Stressed students may pop away problems in new room by Helen Haritos ited to once a week, five times a mark­ 1 boxes of wrap, most of which was increasing the price of the bagels by hepunchedintotheairwith~;~.smileon Assistant Principal of Organization ing period. Each "session" will be needed to protect science material. five cents. his face. Malcolm Rossman announced yes­ three minutes long. This supply soon needed to be replen­ Harrisites will volunteer their time Students seemed pretty pleased terday that the tons of bubble wrap in The room will also be used as a ished. Another 1,000 boxes were and strength to re-wrap the room, and when they heard about the padded the lobby will be used to cushion a punishment. When students act up, ordered and what is seen in the lobby will receive a maximum of 15 service cell. Helen Maliagros, a freshman, room in the new building. The room forget homework, or get a referral, is all that is left of the second ship­ credits per term. said, "Pad up a room? It has a good will be used as a stress reliever, with they will get locked in there. They ment. The big question hanging over Administrators, teachers, and stu­ purpose but it's kind of. ..comy." '· students locking themselves in there won't be allowed to pop the bubbles, Mr. Rossman's head was what to do dents alike have all given into the Mr. Rossman hopes the bubble wrap to pop the bubbles and reduce ten­ however. The guard will be present, with the extra supply of wrap. temptation of popping the wrap in the in the new room will not need chang­ sion. popping away, while the unlucky It is anticipated that a lot of wrap lobby. "It's there- you have to do it. ing for at least a week; however, con­ Students can sign their names on a student stands there and watches. will be needed. The company is giv­ It's just there," commented Harry sidering the number of tests and the sheet that will be displayed outside Stephen Roxland, a freshman, thinks ing Townsend Harris a discount of Rattien, Assistant Principal of Mathe­ amount of homework given, he ex­ thedoorofthe"paddedcell." A guard that this is a form of "cruel and un­ 2,000 boxes for the price of 1,000. matics. When Mr. Rossman was asked pects to need the services of the vol­ will be hired to monitor who enters usual" punishment. Money for this project will be raised if he ever popped a bubble, he replied, unteers to re-wrap the room by the and when. Each student will be lim- . Mr. Rossman had ordered 1,000 by a bake sale every week and by "What I do is take a straight jab," and second day there. - 2 Barbie gets brains: New doll modeled after Harris girls by Natalka Palczynski and Jennifer and votes, the executive board chose Townsend. Silverman The new Barbie, which as been molded to look Mattei Toy Company has received numerous as realistic as possible, has a hunched back and complaints in recent years about its Barbie doll's bag (to scale- there are roughly 11,200 gratl}s in flighty personality. Many people feel that this is a 25-pound book bag), hackey sack, dictionary, not the image that Barbie should portray. The program card and SU card. "We girls can do anything, right Barbie?" men­ There will also be a line of accessories to be tality is back again. In an effort to restore her sold separately. Some of these items are: gym l·- ~ood name and popularity, Mattei has decided to ·uniform (colors- crimson and gold), Barbie locker, Barbie NYC j..-'1~ 9:.~-.~ .. bus, and Barbie Mass Transit train. In addi­ tion, Mattei will pro­ duce a limited edition . of Kens. They will market approxi­ mately 9.5 million Townsend Harris Bar­ hies, with a Ken for every 700 Barbies. It is estimated that they will be worth $1,000 each by the year 2000. These Barbies will be on sale in the S U Store of the new build­ ing, as well as many other stores through­ out the country. It is expected that Barbie Supreme Court overrules will be available for purchase as soon as Townsend Harris stu­ Unfair referral for t-shi·rt dents make the move by Romina Perrone Judge Crump stated that Joseph's t-shirt did to the new buillding. March 15 was a school day, but sophomore not call for action to be taken against the gym Mattei hopes that Joseph Formato spent it at the State Supreme program, and he therefore ruled that Joseph is this new Barbie will Court. Battling a referral he got from dean and protected by the First Amendment. end complaints from gym teacher Ronda Stix on March 1. 1994, he Ms. Stix had argued that the t-shirt encour­ feminists. When so­ emerged triumphant after the court unanimously aged students to refuse to build their muscles or .phomore Jennifer ruled that he had received an unjustified referral. take gym seriously. This, she claimed, was a Matchin; an avid Bar- According to Ms. Stix's testimony, Joseph "clear and present danger" to their health. , .,,..,.. • hie collector, was received the referral because "he wore at-shirt Joseph's referral was demolished, and all dis­ take an educational approach. Company research­ asked what she thought of the new doll, her which encouraged our other Townsend Harris ciplinary points were erased from his record. ers surveyed the country looking for the school response was, "Like I'm glad she's not like such students to fail out of our fme gym program." Despite this, he had to complete 'The Easy with students who best fit the public's idea of an an air head any more. Like who needs a ditzy The t-shirt in question was navy blue with red 4,000" the next day. incredible woman. After countless discussions idol? Go Barbie, yeah!" paint spelling "MUSCLES R 4 AIRHEADS." After the trial, Joseph stated, "I never meant to Joseph and his parents, Leonard and Nina For­ encourage any kid in my class to fail out of gym. mato, claimed that Townsend Harris had vio­ I never even intended to do so myself. I am only Regents Board revamps exams; lated his First Amendment rights by issuing him sorry that Ms. Stix had to waste her time and am the referral. sorry that she took it the wrong way." Makes them 'student-friendly' In addition to wearing the controversial t­ "I did not take anything the wrong way," by Fernando Moreno the amount of time that a student is allotted to shirt, Joesph had also refused to do "The Easy replied Ms. Stix. "I only feel that if you don't Imagine coming in on the day of a Regents take an exam. Under Jhe old guidelines, a test in 4,000," an exercise series consisting of push­ complete the "Easy 4,000" and then encourage and having the option of taking it with your best any subject lasted for three hours, but with the ups, sit-ups, and 4000 laps around the gym. classmates not to, you are guilty of being out of friend, or being given the opportunity to take new rules, a student has the option to take the Chief Justice Ronald Crump, in delivering the shape and out of your mind. You should be the test home for a couple of days. How about exam paper home for up to two days. This will court's verdict, said, "Under the Hazelwood punished for this." taking Regents exams on subjects like the allow pupils to use all the sources they want to decision of 1988, schools can ban free expres­ Dr. Largeboy said, "I believe that the judge NBA, Pearl Jam, and Melrose Place? This obtain the correct answers, thus giving them a sion if it is likely to cause disruption in the knows his l~ws and regulati~ns. He made his June, students throughout the state will get great opportunity to score high on the tests, and school, but Mr. Formato's t-shirt did not present decision, fulfilling his duties with responsibil­ first-hand experience in taking the newly-re­ at the same time, motivating them to hone their a clear and present danger of such disruption." ity. It worked out for the best." .. vamped Regents tests, after the Board of Re­ research skills. gents in Albany passed new rules and regula­ Another change made by the Board is that tions regarding the format of the exams last those who wish to take their examination in '------. week. The changes are aimed at improving the school may do so, under the condition that they offered, so that taking the exams will appeal to a Hoop, sophomore. ''The new forinat allows scores of the thousands of test-takers, while do it with a classmate. Some educators feel that broader range of students. These include exams for us to lean important skills by examining maintaining the principles of learning, only a person achieves more through cooperative which require the know ledge of the NBA, radio things that are appealing to us. Our mathe­ this time using different approaches. learning, and they have taken this idea one step stations, Pearl Jam songs, and T.V. dramas like matical skills should improve with keeping The idea of changing some of the old ways of further by mandating students to take the Re­ Melrose Place and Days of Our Lives. The up with the NBA, and a couple of episodes of the Regents came about because of the medi­ gents with a partner. Test-takers will be en­ reason for tests in such mainstream topics is to Melrose Place should give us a lesson ortwo ocre grades that students have received during couraged to converse during the three hours of encourage students to be aware of their cultural in sociology." the past few years. By making the proper ad­ exam time, ensuring that each answer will be surroundings. Tests in these new subjects may Officials of the Board of Regents in Albany justments, members of the Board of Regents well-thought-out. be taken in place of a Regents exam in an aca­ continue to explore other alternatives to make hope to boost the scores on the tests and also Under the old system, Regents were given demic area, and may be used to fulfill the· re­ taking Regents more worthwhile for stu­ increase the percentage of students receiving only in academic subjects, such as math, sci­ quirements for a Regents diploma. dents. Announcements regarding more Regents-endorsed diplomas. ence, foreign language, English, and history, "These changes in the Regents make me look changes are expected to come in the next few One of the biggest alterations made involves but now, tests in more "popular" topics will be forward to taking. them in June," said Horace months.

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