May 2021 THE NORSEMEN NEWS
From the Desk of Dr. Boswell: Inside this issue
Congratulations to the Class of 2021 on your graduation from Principal Update...... 2 Newark Community High School on May 28. Covid has not Student Services Updates...... 4 and will not keep the Norsemen down! We are so very proud Lynyrd Skynyrd...... 8 of our seniors this year. They have accomplished so much and DIY...... 9 have persevered in a time of uncertainty. Heard in the Halls...... 10 Senior Highlights...... 11 As a new staff member as of January 1, I cannot thank the Musician Birthday...... 12 students and staff enough for their warmth and hospitality. It is Year in Review...... 13 a privilege when I stop at a local store and someone asks if I am Movie Review...... 14 the new superintendent. It truly makes me proud to say “yes”. History of Memorial Day...... 15 This time as flown by and we are close to a summer of deserved Finding Freshmen...... 16 relaxation and planning our next steps in life. Eric Church Review...... 17 Art Competition Results...... 19 This summer at NCHS is always a time to get the building From the Nurses...... 20 ready for the upcoming year: from lawn mowing, painting, and May Principal Pages...... 24 detail cleaning to staff working on curriculum, new schedule May Calendar...... 26 planning, and a litany of other projects to prepare for our stu- Lunch Menu...... 27 dents. We have a gym floor that is getting a new facelift and we are excited for all to see in the fall.
As I reflect back on my short time here at Newark, the accomplishments outweigh any disap- pointments. Our students continue to excel academically and athletically. Covid has condensed our athletic seasons, yet we have adapted and shown great successes. The commitment by our staff to provide quality educational opportunities for our students is unwavering. The Board of Education is committed to updating and maintaining our learning community. Our building continues to serve us, but we are always looking at ways to utilize our limited space and update our 1937 building!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at the school - (815) 695-5164 - or e-mail me at [email protected] this summer. Again, thank you for supporting your school! I look forward to working with the students, staff, Board of Education, and the community in the 2021-2022 school year.
Dr. Edward A. Boswell Superintendent The Norsemen News May 2021 Still in the Principal’s Office? Hello Newark Community,
Here is a brief update on what happened at the end of April and what is around the corner in May: • Student of the Season was held on April 21st and we had a great morning honoring these students.
• The Top Ten Banquet occurred on Monday night 4/26 at Whitetail Ridge in Yorkville. This was a very successful event and we are very thankful to our sponsors 1st Insurance Group and Heartland Bank.
• You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown was a huge success. Congratulations to Mrs. Wheeler and everyone involved in this special outdoor production. The weather even cooperated and didn’t rain / snow at all for any of the performances.
• Volleyball won both the Little 10 Conference Title and the Little Ten Conference Tournament Title!
• Soccer had a very competitive season and they are looking forward to summer camp!
• Summer sports will be having IHSA State competitions. This includes baseball, softball, track and bass fishing. After not having a season last year, it will be nice to see these teams back competing. Let’s hope they have a successful season and deep post season run.
• Prom was set for Friday, April 30 at Northfork Farms, and it was fun! Thank you Mrs. Kala & Mrs. Nuzzo for all of their hard work to make this a memorable night.
• AP Testing 5/4 is AP Calculus, 5/6 is APUSH, 5/11 is AP Spanish, 5/12 is AP Music Theory and 5/26 is the AP Language Test.
• The Virtual Band Concert is on 5/17 at 7 p.m., and the Virtual Choir Concert is set for 5/18 at 7 p.m.
• Virtual Advanced Art Studio Show will be on 5/21.
• Booster Trivia Night is set at Whitetail Ridge for Saturday, May 22. Seating begins at 5pm. It is $150 per table with 8 per table maximum.
• The final exam schedule: 5/26 - Even Period Exams (2,4,6,8) and 5/27 - Odd Period Exams (1,3,5,7).
• Senior Special Food Treat is on 5/28 after the Senior Awards Assembly.
• NCHS Families, from 8 – 10 am on Friday, May 28 we are celebrating our Senior class with an awards assembly. We cordially invite all parents to join Newark High School staff to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2021. All 9th, 10th and 11th graders will NOT be at school and only need to sign into their first class on Zoom for attendance.
• Graduation is Friday night May 28 at 7 pm. Each senior will be given 2 tickets for this event. Due to Covid-19 protocols and the size of our gym we have a very limited seating capacity.
• After pausing the Hybrid Schedule due to COVID-19, we are getting prepared to have it in place for the 21-22 school year. But we are ready to move forward with our original plan for the foreseeable future. (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
2 The Norsemen News May 2021 Still in the Principal’s Office? (CONTINUED) Here is what the Daily Bell Schedule will look like:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday Wednesday (Odd Day) / Thursday (Even Day) Period Time Period Time 1 8:00-8:45 1/2 8:00-9:27 2 8:47-9:32 3/4 9:30-10:57 3 9:35-10:20 5a/6a 11:00-11:27 4 10:23-11:08 5b/6b 11:30-11:57 5a 11:10-11:37 5c/6c 12:00-12:27 5b 11:40-12:07 5d/6d 12:30-12:57 5c 12:10-12:37 7/8 1:00-2:27 6 12:39-1:24 SRT 2:30-3:00 7 1:27-2:12 8 2:15-3:00 NO SRT
• Here is some of the rationale of the hybrid bell schedule (combining traditional & block): - It will allow us to see students 4 days a week instead of 2 or 3. - This will help with continuity and retention of information. - With daily interaction we will have a better understanding of our students’ immediate needs both academically and socioemotionally. - Absent students will not get as far behind. - More curriculum can be covered with additional instructional time. - Less impact of field trips as they will occur on regular days NOT block days. - With attention spans decreasing, shortening class time can help with time on task. - Students will have more flexibility to make personal decisions with their schedules. - Provide smoother transition for incoming students. - Create a closer college structure with 3 shorter days and 2 longer ones. - Consistency with the daily schedule, no more wondering if it is an odd or even day. - Most careers and colleges have daily expectations so hopefully this will help with that preparation. - Less procrastination as classes meet more frequently.
• HEY JUNIORS…since 2015-16, an Illinois State mandate requires that any child entering 12th grade shall show proof of receiving one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Meningitis) after the age of 16. If you feel that your child has had the appropriate dosages of the vaccination, please contact your Health Care Provider and re- quest the most current immunization records be faxed to Newark High School at (815)695-5752. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in your child being excluded from school on October 1, 2021. For further infor- mation pertaining to this new mandate, please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at http://www. isbe.state.il.us/pdf/school_health/idphmeninimmstartmemo1213.pdf. If you have any questions regarding this letter please contact the Newark High School Nurses office at (815) 695-5164 x 229. Thank you!
If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me. Have a great summer!
Mr. Jim Still
3 The Norsemen News May 2021 Notes from the Social Worker Happy May Norsemen!
Wow, how is it May? Another year in the books and what a memorable one it was! I am grateful to have been a part of Newark’s success this year. Thank you to all the teachers, staff, students, and families who worked together to get through it!
May is Mental Health Awareness month. For many years mental health has been looked down upon and often referred to as an invisible illness. One will see a peer in a cast, know they are injured, and empathize with their pain. However, if one feels depression, it often goes unnoticed and often responded to by people saying, “It will get better”. Or even better: “Don’t worry about it, it is all in your head.” (I am not one to be passive aggressive, but did you happen to pick up on my sarcasm there?)
Mental health is the foundation of our wellness; it must not be ignored nor invalidated. When our mental health is at risk, it impacts our heart health, gut health, immune system, social wellness, relationships, daily functioning, and overall sense of self. Please do yourself a favor, monitor your mood. Observe your feeling. Allow yourself to feel, and accept, that your feelings are valid and real. AND THEY ARE OKAY! This is the biggest hurdle for many. If you need guidance, please take a look at my Google Classroom page. I have updated resources, videos, and skills to help us all learn to manage our everyday moods.
This past week we had TALK for the first time in over a year! And man, was it a good one! We were able to get outside and enjoy some fresh air to play some games, and enjoyed pizza and cookies in the gym! The nature of this program is to build compassion, relationships, and empa- thy through activities that foster new friendships and a level of understanding for one another. In years past, we have often had to “fill time”- meaning - “okay, they are over this activity; what can we do now?” This year, we couldn’t even get to all our activities! The conversations were so dang good, they did not want to stop. We had several students participate in open mic, where they shared their stories and related to their peers. We had many tears and lots of laughter. When I left on Monday my heart was full. Thank you to all who participated in TALK; I hope you learned something new about someone else and yourself. I am proud of you all!
Happy Summer Newark!
With love, Mrs. Olin, MSW, LCSW NCHS
4 The Norsemen News May 2021 Notes from Student Services
Important Information for Seniors Financial Aid Do you need more financial aid than what was offered? Parents can consider the federal government’s PLUS Loan to help pay for your education. A PLUS loan is for parents of undergraduate students. The loan is a federal loan with a fixed interest rate. The loan can be deferred until the student graduates or quits going to school, or can be paid on while the student is attending school. The loan is based on a credit rating. The Plus loan has a fixed interest rate and no collateral needed, unlike a second mortgage or home equity loan. For more information on how to obtain a PLUS loan, visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus.
Scholarships Mrs. McAnally is still receiving scholarships, and there are still scholarships available with May and June deadlines. Please check Xello for the most up-to-date list. Remember, a $500 scholarship is still more than you would make working in the amount of time it would take to fill out the application, and $500 will pay for books for a semester, so well worth the time you will spend!
New Scholarship – If you plan to major in nursing, see Mrs. McAnally for an American Legion scholarship specifically for nursing students. This is a new scholarship and she just received the application.
JJC Info – JJC is now providing online remote placement testing. Students who did not earn a 480 on the En- glish portion of the SAT and/or didn’t earn at least a 530 on the Math portion, will need to take a placement exam to earn placement in a college level course. This can be done by contacting the JJC Testing Services. For more information, visit https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/testing-services/placement-testing. For the latest information, please visit the jjc website at www.jjc.edu.
WCC Info - WCC is offering online remote placement and in-person testing with an appointment. Please re- fer to the WCC website at www.waubonsee.edu for more information. Placement testing must be completed before you can register for classes if you did not score high enough on the SAT in both English and Math.
Senior Graduation Package – Mrs. McAnally will mail home a large white envelope in June that will contain several important items: • Two official transcripts sealed in individual envelopes • An unofficial transcript for your records • Immunization records • Articulated Credit forms for articulated credit with JJC, WCC, and Kishwaukee
Please keep these documents in a safe location so you will always have access to them. The official tran- scripts will be necessary so you can apply for jobs, a union apprenticeship, apply for scholarships, apply for college or grad school, or any other important piece of business that would require one. The immunization records will be needed to live in a college dorm, apply for a passport and visa, and apply for certain places of employment. Always make a copy of your immunization records and keep the original in a safe place. The articulated credit forms can be taken to the VALEES office on the campus at Waubonsee Community College
5 The Norsemen News May 2021 Notes from Student Services, Continued... Students can pay $10 per credit hour to have the credits earned added to their college transcript. You must attend the college in order to get the credit. You have two years after graduation from high school to transfer the credit. If you have any questions concerning these documents, please contact Mrs. McAnally.
Final Transcripts – final transcripts will be sent out the first part of June once all final grades are posted. If a college reports AFTER June 15 that they have not received your final transcript, please contact Mrs. McAnally and she will send an additional one. If it’s BEFORE June 15, please give a little more time for the transcripts to arrive at the college and make it through pro- cessing. This can take up to two weeks after the transcript arrives, especially with colleges that have a large incoming freshman class.
Diplomas & Fees Owed – Diplomas will not be issued until fees are paid. To pay a fee, checks can be mailed to the high school at 413 Chicago Rd., Newark, IL 60541. If you wish to discuss your fees or need to know if you still owe fees, please reach out to Mrs. Ingraham in the school office. Chromebooks also need to be brought in for Mr. Lesak to update for release, and text- books need to be returned. Once this has all occurred, diplomas will be issued. Most diplomas are issued immediately after graduation in the main office. However, if you have not taken care of the above, your diploma WILL BE HELD! You MUST complete the above steps in order to receive your diploma.
Information for Juniors
Normally, the spring semester of the junior year, along with the summer months, is the prime time for juniors to visit colleges and start narrowing down choices. College applications are due in the fall of the senior year, so it’s really important for students to get visits taken care of and develop a list of 3-5 colleges that they will apply to in the fall. Because of the shelter in place order with Covid-19, most colleges are currently not holding on-campus visits. However, this should not deter a student from researching the colleges they are interested in to narrow down the choices. Many colleges have created detailed virtual visits, and some are now offering individual in-person visits. Check the website of the college you are interested in to learn more and sign up for a visit if available. Some tips for “visiting”:
• If the college isn’t too far away, make a drive and visit the campus in your car. Get out and walk around if allowed to see what the campus looks like. • Visit the college’s website to take a look around. Many schools offer virtual tours of their campus, and all provide a campus map (many are interactive) with pictures so you can see the main buildings, dining, and dorm rooms. • Visit a virtual tour website, such as https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch or http://www. ecampustours.com/. • Call and talk to a representative. • Go online to the school’s website and request information on the college. They will be happy
6 The Norsemen News May 2021 Notes from Student Services, Continued... to send you a plethora of materials and view books so you can get a good look at their school and what they offer. • Use Xello to research colleges that offer the major or majors you are interested in. You can access Xello by going to the school’s website on your Chromebook. Go to Student/Parent Re- sources, pull down to Academic Resources, and then down to Xello. You will be automatically logged in if you’re on your Chromebook. If you’re not on your Chromebook and it asks for a username and password, the username is NCHS-studentID#, and the password is your birthdate (mmddyyyy). You can save the schools and careers you’re interested in so their easy to find. You can take the assessment test if you’re uncertain what you want to do after graduation, and you can reach the school’s websites directly from Xello. (Think Career Cruising!)
We will hit the road running in the fall, trying to catch up on the time we’ve missed. The fall se- mester will be very stressful, as college applications will all be due and the FAFSA for financial aid will be due. If you need any help, whether now or later, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can be reached at my email address at [email protected].
Schedules for 2021-2022
Mrs. McAnally is working on schedules now and hopes to hand them out to current students by the end of the school year. However, if schedules aren’t complete by final exams, schedules will be mailed home in June. Incoming freshmen will receive their schedules over the summer via mail. If you need to make a schedule change, Mrs. McAnally will hold appointments so you may do so before school begins. More information will be handed out when the schedules are distrib- uted.
Summer College Classes
Would you like to take a summer college course for dual credit? Colleges are still offering this opportunity, but most will require you to attend class online and you must have adequate internet capability to attend the class. In order to attend class while in high school, you must first meet the criteria and then fill out paperwork through Mrs. McAnally’s office. Please contact Mrs. McAnally and she will walk you through the steps to apply and register. You must receive per- mission before registering, so please make sure you are in communication with Mrs. McAnally about what you want to do. You must be 16 in order to register for a summer college course, and may need to take placement exams if the course requires proof of reading or math abilities.
Xello
Don’t’ forget to continue to put your work experiences, community services, and extra-curricular activities in Xello so you will have a list when it’s time to file for Graduate of Distinction! For more information, please ask any of your teachers or Mrs. McAnally.
7 The Norsemen News May 2021
Lynyrd Skynyrd Austin Tollefson Junior Writer
“Play Free Bird!” We’ve all heard it at one point or another. However, there is more to Lynyrd Skynyrd than just one super long song. The band Lynyrd Sky- nyrd left the music world just as fast as they came into it. They produced fantastic music and provided great concerts for their many fans. The band released its first album titled (Pro- nounced ‘Leh-’Něrd ‘Skin-’Něrd) in 1973. This al- bum contained hit songs like “Gimme Three Steps,” Tuesday’s Gone,” and “Simple Man.” This album also contains one of the most well-known songs “Free Bird.” This album would start them down a road of great success. They would go on to release several more albums including Second Helping, Nuthin’ Fancy, Gimme Back My Bullets, and Street Survivors. Some of The album “Second Helping” their other hit songs are “Sweet Home Alabama,” “What’s Your Name,” and “Saturday Night Special.” Some of my favorite Skynyrd songs are “Four Walls of Raiford,” Poison Whiskey,” “On the Hunt,’ and “The Ballad of Curtis Loew.” However, tragedy struck on October 20 of 1977, when their plane went down in Mississippi. Legendary singer Ronnie Van Zant lost his life during the crash along with guitarist Steve Gainies too. This plane crash brought the band to a complete halt. Eventually, Lynyrd Skynyrd would re- unite with new faces and names and release a few albums in the 90s and 2000s. It would never be the same though. Despite the trag- edy, the band produced great music in the short time they had. The album “(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-’nérd ‘Skin-’nérd)”
8 The Norsemen News May 2021 Berry Basket
Madi Malone Senior Writer
If you’re looking for a great way to enter spring, try out this berry basket for beautiful decor and a fun activity! Materials: • Berry basket • Paper doilies and flowers • Hot Glue • Real flowers or faux flowers • Printable tag • Baker’s twine • Flower crown kit
Directions: 1. Add small paper doilies and flowers to the outside of the berry basket with glue 2. Create a handle using headbands using the flower crown kit and attach the inside of the basket with hot glue 3. Line the berry box with a larger paper doily and fill with real or faux flowers 4. Finish with a special printable tag tied around the handle with baker’s twine
Source: https://www.fun365.orientaltrading.com/article/may-day-basket-ideas
Photo Source: https://www. farmhousestylemag.com/ blog/?p=1168
9 The Norsemen News May 2021 Heard in the Halls By Kailee Borton
Emily, Senior Tegan, Junior Emily, Sophomore What are your plans for What are your plans for What are your plans for summer? summer? summer? I plan to play softball all sum- Ride four wheelers and dirt Working, sitting by my pool, mer, nanny, and hang out with bikes. hopefully visiting family in friends and family. How has this year changed California. How has this year changed your outlook on high school? How has this year changed your outlook on high school? Since I don’t get to work your outlook on high school? This year has made me realize everyday, and I can only work I’ve noticed that no matter that anything can change so on the weekends. I don’t get to how hard you try to stay out fast. do all the fun things like hunt- of drama, there is always What are you most looking ing, fishing, and other things I drama. But a plus to that is forward to next year? enjoy. that you can tell who your true I am looking forward to start- What are you most looking friends are. ing the next chapter of my life forward to next year? What are you most looking in college. ICE Program so I can go to forward to next year? What was your favorite part work for half of the day. I am looking forward to hope- of this school year? What was your favorite part fully the world being normal My favorite part of this school of this school year? again. year is playing softball. Being able to play baseball What was your favorite part and basketball. Also being of this school year? able to participate in the limit- My favorite part of this school ed FFA activities. year was that we got to play sports. Yes they weren’t “nor- mal” but sports are a big part of my life and I’m glad we got a chance to do them.
10 The Norsemen News May 2021 Senior Highlights Cassidy Adams Senior Writer Jared Jared’s plans for next year include going to work and do- ing construction. In the last month of school, he is looking forward to baseball because “it is just a very enjoyable season.” He says he will miss sports most about high school because he will never play competitively again. Jared’s favorite event of high school was definitely all the sport- ing events. When asked about his dream vacation, he said, “I don’t have a specific place but anywhere hot. Maybe a beach.”
Mycaela Mycaela’s plans for next year are to attend Illinois State University to study to become an elementary school teach- er. She is most looking forward to graduation as she is “one step closer to becoming a teacher.” She will miss the teachers most about high school, as well as the friends she has made here. Her favorite event of high school was the Homecoming games a few years ago when her class almost beat the (then) senior class. She also liked when her class won the Powderpuff Soccer game every year. Finally, her dream vacation would be Florida because she has family in Florida that she would love to see.
Phoebe Phoebe’s plans for next year are living in Chicago and attending University of Illinois of Chicago to study music. She also states, “I hope to spend a lot of time at the Bean.” She is most looking forward to the Drama Club Tony Awards as, “They’re always super fun.” Band, Drama Club, and all of her wonderful friends are what she will miss most. Her favorite event of high school is the band trip to Disney. She says, “So many good memories, very swag.” Phoebe’s dream vacation is Australia, as she is obsessed with the Sydney Opera House.
11 The Norsemen News May 2021 The “Piano Man”
Skyler Chavoen Senior Writer On May 9, 1949, William Martin Joel, also and early 80s, Joel earned a bunch of awards, known as Billy Joel, was born in New York. including a Grammy and a People’s Choice Joel’s father was an accomplished pianist, Award. which led his mother to force him to study pi- The 1980s and 90s was a big growth era for ano as well. At only the age of 4, Billy learned him. He released two Greatest Hits albums, how to play piano, and by the time he was 16 which made him the first American performer he was already in his third band. to unleash a full rock production in the Soviet Dropping out of high school, Joel focused his Union. He began to perform with other famous life on music and created his first solo album: artists and gained more awards along the way. Cold Spring Harbor in 1971. This album was The early 2000s was a hard time for Billy, not a hit and caused little success for him. This considering he was in and out of rehab for al- upset Joel because he wanted to become a cohol addiction. However, this struggle caused “rock star” so badly. So, he moved to LA, flew Joel to create a song with original lyrics for the under the radar for a little while and then got a first time in 13 years. Despite Joel’s struggles gig in early 1972 as a lounge pianist at The Ex- towards the beginning and end of his career, he ecutive Room. Later that year, an underground still pushed through and overcame the chal- recording of one of his songs was released and lenges. gathered positive attention. One of his singles, “Piano Man”, was a Top 20 Single for a while. This gave Joel the confi- dence he needed to create new music. He soon came out with Streetlife Serenade in 1974. This album was full of songs that represented the frustration he had had with the music industry and foreshadowed his exit from Los Angeles in 1976. Billy Joel’s music style drastically changed as the years passed. The Stranger, another album that was created in 1977, was one of Young Billy Joel smirks at the camera. Joel’s breakthroughs. Between the late 70s https://ultimateclassicrock.com/billy-joel-songs/
12 The Norsemen News May 2021 A Year in Review Ethan Jeffers (Senior Writer) This school year has been none like we have dents were ever seen before. Masks covering friends and allowed teachers faces. Plastic dividers put up between back into the students. Disinfectant wipes being used at the building. end of every class. Being forced to sit distanced The from friends at lunch. Adapting to a whole new whole aura style of learning. of theyear Almost everything that could have gone badly changed. Stu- this year, went badly. So lets review what really dents could happened this year. finally see Mr. Still gives a temperature check August 19, 2020: the first day of school, and the other side on the first day of school. the introduction of a new phrase that all the stu- of the alphabet dents here got pretty accustomed to, which was without a screen separating them. Classrooms “A-Ma in school, Mb-Z remote.” were full again, the entire social benefit of This was the start to a whole new type of school was brought back. But there was really school experience, hybrid learning. School, if just one big thing missing. nothing else, has always been a place to inter- Sports. There is nothing more fun than the act, to meet new people, to catch up with your entire school going to cheer on a sports team friends. And as of August 2020, the only way in the loud gyms, the violent screams, and the you could interact with some of your friends roar of the crowd when a big play occurs. This was seeing them projected on a Zoom call in year, the school spirit was missing. In October, it front of the class. seemed like we may get sports back, but that all The parking lot was nearly empty, and the paused because Illinois moved back a phase. So end of school rush to see who could get out of for almost the entire year of 2020, there were no the school before there is a huge line of cars school sports. stopped. The walk out to your car surrounded It was not long before we finally got our first by other people was no longer. Hybrid learning taste of sports back. Winter sports got back into really was a nightmare for some students. motion, with a much shorter season than normal. But thankfully, it was not long until that This was followed shortly after by fall sports. changed. By October 19, 2020, the slightest Looking back at the school year, over six sense of normalcy came back. All willing stu- months later, a lot has changed. These have not been the best circumstances by any means, but students here at Newark made due with what they had. They were willing to adapt and to change their whole perspective of what school was: learning through a mask, learning without close contact, learning completely online. Students at Newark High School are living through a part of history that nobody wants to be a part of. But like everyone else going through this pandemic, we adapt, we overcome, and we Students play ping pong in gym class while maintaining social distancing. conquer. 13 The Norsemen News May 2021 “Godzilla vs Kong” Movie Review
Morgan Long Senior Writer
The new 2021 action packed movie Godzilla review site with many famous critics, said vs Kong follows Kong (an over-sized gorilla) that the movie was action packed and had the on his journey to find his true home. While on human journey as well which made the movie his journey, he encounters a monstrous liz- great. ard known as Godzilla. A girl named Jia, an Freshmen and sophomores from Newark orphan, has a unique connection with Kong Community High School went to watch the and helps him to complete his journey. Kong film while juniors finished the SAT test. Soph- and Jia meet Godzilla along the way, who is omore Zach Carlson watched the movie and currently destroying the globe. This is only said, “It had a lot of action and got me out of the beginning to the problem, when a second school one day and I’m glad we went to watch Godzilla appears in the movie causing a bigger it.” This movie is a great movie for kids of all problem. Godzilla and Kong then have to come ages who love fictional monsters. If you are together to help save the city. interested in an action packed, heartwarming The movie has a lot of gripping action and movie I recommend watching Godzilla vs fight scenes between Godzilla and other mon- Kong. sters. The graphics in the movie are very well done and show a lot of detail in every fight scene. Godzilla and Kong are both faced with many challenges and fights along the way. Not only is this movie action-packed, but it also has some very heartwarming events. Jia’s character in the movie is deaf and uses sign language to communicate with Kong. Godzilla and Kong come together towards the end of the movie to defeat the other monster. Many critics on “Rotten Tomatoes”, a movie Godzilla and Kong fight in a battle.
Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/godzil- la_vs_kong/reviews?intcmp=rt-scorecard_ tomatometer-reviews
14 The Norsemen News May 2021 The History of Memorial Day
By Taylor Kruser https://www.rd.com/article/memorial-day-vs-veter- Sophomore Student Writer ans-day-difference/ The picture below is a statue to honor those who have Every year, millions of Americans celebrate died serving for our country. Memorial Day at the end of May. Memorial Day is a holiday where we honor the brave people who sacrificed their lives while fighting for their country. The holiday we now call Memorial Day was once called Decoration Day. This holiday was first celebrated in the years after the Civil War and didn’t become an official holiday until 1971. Memorial Day is celebrated every year on the last Monday of May. According to history.com, the Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any other conflict in history of the United States.. The mass casualties of this war led many individuals to begin hold- ing springtime tributes to the countless fall- came together as one. en soldiers by the late 1860’s. Although it is Memorial Day is celebrated in many differ- unknown where exactly this holiday started, ent ways. Some common traditions include many people believe that these memorial gath- decorating your loved ones’ graves, attending erings started in many places and eventually parades, throwing parties, or praying. Unofficially, Memorial Day marks the be- ginning of the summer season, which explains the tradition of wearing a red poppy in remem- brance of those who have fallen in war. So whether you’re attending a barbeque or hosting a party, remember that the true reason for this holiday is to honor the fallen soldiers who helped fight for the freedom you have today.
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memo- rial-day-history The picture above shows the Arlington National Ceme- tary. https://time.com/4346170/memori- al-day-three-day-weekend/
15 The Norsemen News May 2021 Finding Freshmen
By Ivy Adams Senior Writer
Ben Q: Summer is just around the corner; what are your plans? I want to get closer with friends, and family. I also want to play more baseball and football. Q: What has been the most impactful thing you have experienced this school year? Nothing in particular has happened. Besides Covid, this has been a normal year. Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and why? Where I am right now. My family is here and that is the most important thing.
Ava Q: Summer is just around the corner; what are your plans? Camping and hanging out with friends. Q: What has been the most impactful thing you have experienced this school year? Being on the dance team. I enjoyed learning all the routines and bonding with my coaches and teammates. Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and why? Italy because it seems so beautiful there.
Hannah Q: Summer is just around the corner; what are your plans? I have my permit now so I need to save up for a car. I am going to find a job, save some money but still make time for friends. Q: What has been the most impactful thing you have experienced this school year? The most impactful thing so far has been learning how to deal with drama and just be myself. Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and why? I would probably be in NYC to experience the real city. I would love to write a book there.
Ben Hannah Ava 16 The Norsemen News May 2021 Eric Church Puts His “Heart & Soul” Into New Triple Album Jocelyn Peshia Senior Writer While most were taking naps and baking Church’s belief in telling real stories cookies during last year’s lockdown, current through music calls back to iconic artists like CMA Entertainer of the Year Eric Church Kris Kristofferson or Johnny Cash. For ex- was recording songs in a cabin in rural North ample, “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” Carolina. Church split the tracks into three which was written by Kristofferson and later separate albums, with single “Hell of a View” covered by Cash, details a day in the life of leading off the final album. The albums are a man struggling with addiction. That song separately named Heart, &, and Soul and they from 51 years ago has its simple melody and were released on April 16, April 20, and April blunt lyrics akin to Church’s more recent work 23 respectively. The & (pronounced amper- like “Dark Side” from his 2014 The Outsiders sand) six-track album is available to Church’s album. Like Johnny Cash, Church’s natural exclusive fan club, the Church Choir, as a vinyl voice adds an authentic edge to his work. Their record and on streaming platforms (Mamo). shared characteristics of gritty storytelling are During last year’s lockdown, Church began clear and serve as a refreshing, thought-pro- a month-long writing retreat. According to voking respite from the saccharine songs of Billboard, he wrote the songs in the morning modern country. and recorded them with backing vocalist Jo- anna Cotten and various musicians each night, cranking out 24 songs within a 28-day period. To Church, it felt like “you were secretly doing something that was special” since the process was so secluded from the rest of the world. He also felt mentally exhausted, saying it “bout killed me” to be so involved in creating so many complex stories. Narrative songs are a hallmark of Church’s discography. As he stated in an April Billboard article, getting no. 1 singles on country radio isn’t his goal. Instead, Church wants to build an audience with his genuine talent (which he certainly has accomplished, with 3.74 million total tickets sold since the breakout Chief tour in 2012) and “try to push the narrative a bit for the whole industry” (Newman). On “Stick That Eric Church sings at a past concert. in Your Country Song,” he calls out the coun- https://tasteofcountry.com/who-is-eric-church- try music industry’s shift away from covering songs/ true American stories into constantly playing “fluffy” songs on the radio. Church knew this song was necessary to include on the album because of its “honesty” and the irony of send- ing it to radio stations (Newman).
17 The Norsemen News May 2021 Eric Church Puts His “Heart & Soul” Into New Triple Album (continued) Works Cited One example of excellent narrative writing Hudak, Joseph. “Eric Church Is Releasing is “Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones,” the final song on Three New Albums.” Rolling Stone, Soul, which tells the story of a talented young Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2021, www boy and his journey to find his father. He rollingstonecom/music/music-country describes the song’s protagonist as “Lynyrd eric-church-new album-heart-and Skynyrd Jones/Spelled with all 4 y’s/Was born soul-1117530/. in 70-something/Between ‘Sweet Home’ & Mamo, Heran. “Eric Church Announces ‘You Got That Right.’” The simple chords and Three-Album ‘Heart & Soul’ descriptive lyrics recall Church’s earlier songs Series -- And They’ll Be Here Soon. like “Lightning.” His talent for painting a Billboard, 21 Jan. 2021, www.bil picture of the atmosphere of young love (2011 board.com/articlescolumns/cou hit “Springsteen”) or candid moments with his try/9514629/eric-churchthree-albums son (“Three Year Old” from 2015’s Mr. Misun- heart-and-soul-release-date/. derstood) shines through in this new album as Newman, Melinda. “Eric Church’s Crusade to well on “Where I Wanna Be” and “Jenny.” Get Fans Vaccinated -- And Bring Co Church’s “Gather Again” tour will stop in certs Back.” Billboard, 2 Apr. 2021, Chicago at the United Center on March 11, www.billboard.com/articles/columns 2022. Meanwhile, Church fans such as my- country/9549094/eric-church-bil self will enjoy classics like “A Man Who Was board-cover-story-interview-2021/. Gonna Die Young” (a personal favorite) and Whitaker, Sterling. “BREAKING: Eric Church new tracks from Heart & Soul like “Through Announces Tour Dates for 2021.” Taste My Ray-Bans.” With his talent for storytelling, of Country, Taste of Country, 7 Apr. Eric Church’s new album appeals to traditional 2021, tasteofcountry.com/eric-church country fans and general music lovers alike. 2021-gather-again-tour-dates/.
The triple album cover. https://themusicuniverse.com/eric-church-announces-three-new-albums/ 18 The Norsemen News May 2021
Morris Exhibit Fine Arts Center Competition Finalists Jada Hamman Senior Writer Newark Art Students participated in the 2021 Morris Exhibit Fine Arts Center and Gallery Virtual Art Competition. Judging took place the week of March 8, 2021. Ribbons were awarded in each division for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and People’s Choice. People’s Choice was voted for through a Facebook voting booth. Winners in each divi- sion will be showcased on YouTube as well as being interviewed for a podcast.
Owen Mathre, Second Place, Class of 2022
The Morris Exhibit Fine Arts Center and Gallery has announced the winners of the 2021 High School Art Show. Congratulations to Daniela Carrillo on being awarded 1st place for her graphite drawing, and Owen Mathre 2nd place for his acrylic painting! Special thanks to Cassidy Adams, Emily DiClementi, Alexis Dixon, Peyton Eike, Dominic Malosh, Vincent Marmo, Hannah Sandoval, Serena Shriber, and Megan Williams for participating! The Newark Community is proud to have Daniela Carillo, First Place, Class of 2022 this level of participation in the Morris Exhibit Fine Arts Center and Gallery Virtual Art Com- petition.
19 The Norsemen News May 2021
From the Nurses Office 5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know
By: Michael Joseph Blaha, M.D., M.P.H., director of clinical research at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease
If you have thought about trying to kick a smoking habit, you’re not alone. Nearly 7 of 10 smokers say they want to stop. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health — smoking harms nearly every organ in your body, including your heart. Nearly one-third of deaths from heart disease are the result of smoking and secondhand smoke.
You might be tempted to turn to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vape pens, and other vaping devices) as a way to ease the transition from traditional cigarettes to not smoking at all. But is smoking e-cigarettes (also called vaping) better for you than using tobacco products? Can e- cigarettes help you to stop smoking once and for all?
1: Vaping Is Less Harmful Than Smoking, but It’s Still Not Safe
E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic. While we don’t know exactly what chemicals are in e-cigarettes, Blaha says “there’s almost no doubt that they expose you to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes.”
However, there has also been an outbreak of lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping. As of Jan. 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 60 deaths in patients with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI).
“These cases appear to predominantly affect people who modify their vaping devices or use black market modified e-liquids. This is especially true for vaping products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the main psychoactive compound in marijuana,” explains Blaha.
The CDC has identified vitamin E acetate as a chemical of concern among people with EVALI. Vitamin E acetate is a thickening agent often used in THC vaping products, and it was found in all lung fluid samples of EVALI patients examined by the CDC.
The CDC recommends that people:
• Do not use THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products • Avoid using informal sources, such as friends, family or online dealers to obtain a vaping device. • Do not modify or add any substances to a vaping device that are not in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
20 The Norsemen News May 2021
2: Research Suggests Vaping Is Bad for Your Heart and Lungs
Nicotine is the primary agent in both regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and it is highly addictive. It causes you to crave a smoke and suffer withdrawal symptoms if you ignore the craving. Nicotine is also a toxic substance. It raises your blood pressure and spikes your adrenaline, which increases your heart rate and the likelihood of having a heart attack.
Is vaping bad for you? There are many unknowns about vaping, including what chemicals make up the vapor and how they affect physical health over the long term. “People need to understand that e- cigarettes are potentially dangerous to your health,” says Blaha. “Emerging data suggests links to chronic lung disease and asthma, and associations between dual use of e-cigarettes and smoking with cardiovascular disease. You’re exposing yourself to all kinds of chemicals that we don’t yet understand and that are probably not safe.”
3: Electronic Cigarettes Are Just As Addictive As Traditional Ones
Both e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes contain nicotine, which research suggests may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. What’s worse, says Blaha, many e-cigarette users get even more nicotine than they would from a tobacco product — you can buy extra-strength cartridges, which have a higher concentration of nicotine, or you can increase the e-cigarette’s voltage to get a greater hit of the substance.
What Is in E-cigarette Aerosol?
• E-cigarette aerosol is NOT harmless “water vapor.” • The e-cigarette aerosol that users breathe from the device and exhale can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including: o Nicotine o Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs o Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease o Volatile organic compounds Cancer-causing chemicals o 1 o Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead • The aerosol that users inhale and exhale from e-cigarettes can expose both themselves and bystanders to harmful substances. • It is difficult for consumers to know what e-cigarette products contain. For example, some e- cigarettes marketed as containing zero percent nicotine have been found to contain nicotine.3
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes- for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html
4: Electronic Cigarettes Aren’t the Best Smoking Cessation Tool
Although they’ve been marketed as an aid to help you quit smoking, e-cigarettes have not received Food and Drug Administration approval as smoking cessation devices. A recent study found that most people who intended to use e-cigarettes to kick the nicotine habit ended up continuing to smoke both traditional and e-cigarettes.
21 The Norsemen News May 2021
What You Need to Know About Marijuana Use in Teens Fast Facts • 1 • 38% of high school students report having used marijuana in their life.
Research shows that marijuana use can have permanent effects on the developing brain 2 • when use begins in adolescence, especially with regular or heavy use.
Frequent or long-term marijuana use is linked to school3 dropout and lower educational achievement.
The teen years are a time of rapid growth, exploration, and onset of risk taking. Taking risks with new behaviors provides kids and teens the opportunity to test their skills and abilities and discover who they are. But, some risk behaviors—such as using marijuana—can have harmful Marijuana and the teen brainand long-lasting effects on a teen’s health and well -being.
Unlike adults, the teen brain is actively developing and often will not be fully developed until the Negative effects include:mid 20s. Marijuana use during this period may harm the developing teen brain.
• • • Difficulty thinking and problem solving. • Problems with memory and learning. Impaired coordination. 3 Negative effects on school and social lifeDifficulty maintaining attention.
Marijuana use in adolescence or early adulthood can have a seri• Decline in school performance. ous impact on a teen’s life.
• Increased risk of mental health issues. Students who smoke marijuana get lower grades and 4 are more likely to drop out of high school than their peers who do not use. Marijuana use has been 5 linked to a range of • mental health problems in teens such as depression or anxiety.Impaired driving. 6 Psychosis has also been seen in teens at higher risk like those with a family history. Driving while impaired by any substance, including marijuana, is • dangerous. Marijuana negatively affects a number of skills requPotential for addiction. 7, 8 ired for safe driving, such as reaction time, coordination, anda concentration. Research shows that about 1 in 6 teens who repeatedly use marijuana can become addicted, which means that they may make unsuccessful efforts to quit using marijuana or may give up important activities with friends and family in favor https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/factsheets/teens.htmof using marijuana.
22 The Norsemen News May 2021 In the light of the EVALI outbreak, the CDC advises adults who use e-cigarettes for smoking cessation to weigh the risks and benefits and consider use of other FDA-approved smoking cessation options.
5: A New Generation Is Getting Hooked on Nicotine
Among youth, e-cigarettes are more popular than any traditional tobacco product. In 2015, the U.S. surgeon general reported that e-cigarette use among high school students had increased by 900%, and 40% of young e-cigarette users had never smoked regular tobacco.
According to Blaha, there are three reasons e-cigarettes may be particularly enticing to young people. First, many teens believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Second, e-cigarettes have a lower per-use cost than traditional cigarettes. Finally, vape cartridges are often formulated with flavorings such as apple pie and watermelon that appeal to younger users. Both youths and adults find the lack of smoke appealing. With no smell, e-cigarettes reduce the stigma of smoking.
“What I find most concerning about the rise of vaping is that people who would’ve never smoked otherwise, especially youth, are taking up the habit,” says Blaha. “It’s one thing if you convert from cigarette smoking to vaping. It’s quite another thing to start up nicotine use with vaping. And, it often leads to using traditional tobacco products down the road.”
Want to Quit Smoking?
There’s a strong link between smoking and cardiovascular disease, and between smoking and cancer. But the sooner you quit, the quicker your body can rebound and repair itself. Talk to your doctor about what smoking cessation program or tools would be best for you.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping
For Further Information or Help:
If you use tobacco, it’s never too late to quit. For free help, visit: smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT- NOW.
Encourage your child to learn the facts and get tips for quitting tobacco products at:Teen.smokefree.gov.
Information about vaping: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking- tobacco/the-ugly-truth-about-vaping
Vaping Facts: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the- Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html
YRBSS Results, Slides, and MMWR Publications: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.html
Parent Engagement Tips: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/parent_engagement.html
NIDA Drug Facts: Marijuana: https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/marijuana
NIDA Marijuana: Facts for Teens: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts- teens/letter-to-teens
Adolescents and Marijuana: http://learnaboutmarijuanawa.org/factsheets/adolescents.html 23 The Norsemen News May 2021
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