2 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Cover Story Paul Revere Middle School ’Tis the Season of Giving Patriots are giving back to their community by lending out helping hands to those in need. start of Revere’s season of giv- By ALEXA DREYFUS es that Patriots were able to win Positive Chalk on Nov 30. This and JULIA MUSUMECI ing back. were gift cards, and the winners was a great opportunity for Pa- The next week was Hallow- were Johnny Harvey and Dan- triots to write positive messag- As the weather gets colder, een, which everyone knows is ielle Efron. es, outside of the X building, to Revere gets warmer. Patriots filled with tons of candy. Af- Right after Halloween, the refugees who do not get a good lend helping hands all around ter Halloween, there is always Community Service Club col- education. To host the event, the campus, and spread the holiday leftover candy that gets thrown lected old crayons, that were not Community Service Club had cheer. There were many oppor- away. So, the Community Ser- being used anymore. The cray- snack sales from Nov 5 to Nov tunities for Patriots to partici- vice Club organized Operation ons were donated to a school 9 and the proceeds went to Cis- pate in helping others, led by the Gratitude where they collected that could not afford to supply arva Refugee Learning Center, Community Service Club, Lead- all of that extra candy that would their classrooms with the same which helps out refugees in Syr- ership and even on their own. otherwise be wasted. They do- tools that Revere has. Patriots ia. Jack Hesse, who is a member From volunteering to fundrais- nated it to soldiers overseas, to collected crayons from restau- of the Community Service Club, ing, this holiday season is full of bring a smile to their faces. Pa- rants, classrooms, and their explained how he realized “this giving back. triots who donated their leftover house to donate to the kids and is my passion to help.” During the whole month of candy had their name placed in classrooms. Hunger is one of the big- October, the Community Service a raffle, according to the amount After that, the Communi- gest issues worldwide, and the Club collected unused socks be- of candy that they donated. Priz- ty Service Club led Operation Community Service Club took fore school and during home- it upon themselves to help fix room. Sama Mohaber, a member this problem. Lucy Chada Kra- of the Community Service Club Helpful People Assisting Operation Gratitude marich, a Community Service explained, “We hosted Sock- The Homeless (818) 469-0448 Club member explained, “My tober which is a sock drive for Contacts: (PATH) operationgratitude.com view on the world has changed people who can’t afford socks.” (323) 644-2200 because now I see the world as Patriots that donated socks were Heal the Bay epath.org L.A. Food Bank who needs help and how we can able to receive a sweet treat to (310) 451-1500 (323) 234-3030 help them.”Every year around thank them for being a “life- healthebay.org Make a Wish lafoodbank.org Thanksgiving, the Communi- saver.” The socks were donated Foundation ty Service Club have hosted a to children in need of warmth Tree People (310) 788-9474 L.A. Rabbits food drive. Patriots had the op- during the cold winter season, (818) 753-4600 wish.org (310) 713-2478 portunity to donate a variety of as socks are most needed to keep treepeople.org larabbits.org food to the less fortunate. The warm during these months. The L.A. Children’s food was donated to families Community Service Club col- Toys for Tots Hospital Cisavara Refugee who could not afford to have a lected 176 pairs of socks, and (703) 640-9433 (323) 361-2308 Learning Center traditional Thanksgiving din- donated them to the Union Res- toysfortots.org chla.org cisarualearning.com ner, filled with food. Bins were cue Mission. This was just the placed all around the campus,

Members of the Community Service Club homeroom count candy Leadership representatives, Mason (left) and Elysha give Ysaik a cookie, that Patriots donated, for Operation Gratitude. Photo: Bianca Cherry in J2, at the bake sale that took place during lunch. Photo: Alexa Dreyfus December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Cover Story Paul Revere Middle School 3

Josh draws a picture and writes a message of encouragement Rachel plays with her rescued for the refugees who are in need of a smile. Photo: Alexa Dreyfus rabbit. Photo: Rachel Hachamovitch

Jordon donates crayons in the bin in the main office. Photo: Pierce Bergstein Duc (left), Erica, and Avery hold up the socks they are about to donate. Photo: Alexa Dreyfus

Sama (left), Brooklyn,and Mattie do- Sierra (left) and Sofia donate many socks Matin picks up toys and gifts at Target to donate to nate cans in S3. Photo: Alexa Dreyfus in the 8th grade bin in S3. Photo: Alexa Dreyfus homeless children in need. Photo: Sofia Farhangnia and Patriots could place the food and students can take whatev- Hachamovitch. For her Bat Mitz- was hosted by Leadership. They in them, such as beans and tuna. er they want. In the future, the vah, she decided to do a Mitzvah hosted a bake sale during lunch The food was then donated to Community Service Club will be project, where she helped rabbits on Dec 5 and 7 to raise money the Los Angeles Food Bank, selling Sees Candy and donating find homes, for an organization for victims of the recent fires that who distributed the food to those the money made to charity. called LA Rabbits. So far, she took place. The money made in need. Patriots all around Revere has spent around 13 hours help- during the sale was specifically Throughout this holiday sea- participated in the season of giv- ing, and has helped find 5 foster donated to victims affected by son, many bake sales were held. ing. One example is Sofia and homes and 7 permanent homes the Woolsey Fire, which was the They were all held by the Com- Matin Farhangnia, who helped for rabbits. She feels as though closest one to Revere. The vic- munity Service Club and Lead- out by donating Christmas pres- dog and cat adoptions get too tims have lost their homes and ership, and each time the mon- ents to homeless children. They much attention, and that rab- almost all of their possessions, ey was donated to a different went to Target and picked out bits deserve more. She explains so many organizations have charity. So far, the Community toys to donate to multiple fam- why she chose LA Rabbits, “The been collecting donations. The Service Club has made $400.40 ilies. This was a great chance adoption fee goes straight into proceeds that were made during in all, and donated it to the Los for them to give back during supplies and food for the rabbits, the bake sale are being donated Angeles Children’s Hospital. On the holiday season. Matin ex- and they don’t let any rabbit go to the Red Cross Foundation. top of all of this, a parent of a plained, “It feels good to help into an unsafe home.” This is a These past few months have student at Revere, Ms. Elkins, out those who can’t afford to get great way of giving back, and been filled with giving back, but has been placing books, food, Christmas presents.” Many other there are many opportunities just the Community Service Club and many other items, on a ta- Patriots participated in activities like this that you can participate and Leadership will make sure ble right outside of the quad. She just like this. in as well. that the season of giving contin- puts them there every Thursday, Another example is Rachel The last of the charity events ues well into 2019 and beyond. 4 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School

Seventh and eighth graders take learning to the Pali Institute.

By SYDNEY SUH Mr. Koretz described the benefits of During the heart of the fall semester, Pali Camp as, “Pali Institute provides a Patriots who were not at Revere were up unique opportunity to Revere students to in the mountains of Running Springs, Cal- experience an outdoor education, science, ifornia. At Pali Institute, students had the and leadership program with their friends.” opportunity to learn new skills and social- Although many Revere students had ize in an unusual domain. Eighth and sev- an eventful time at the Pali Institute, some enth graders both took their trip from Nov. were nervous about the aspect of miss- ing school for three days, and in addition Mr. Honda and Ms. Daley show their support as 26 to 28. making up work. “I knew I had nothing to they stand with L.A.. teachers. Photo: Ryan Yashar The highlight of many Patriots’ Pali Camp visit was being surrounded by na- worry about, but I was still anxious that I ture and completing the arduous obsta- might miss some important material for a cles the ropes course had to offer. Shawna test,” said Brooke Shibata, an eighth grade Teachers Get Ashley, a seventh grade student, stated, Patriot. Along with students, all teach- “My favorite part of the trip was getting to ers made accomodations for the students the top of ‘The Criss Cross’ on the ropes going to Pali Camp, so that the campers Ready to Strike course.” would not miss anything important. By CASPAR TURNER The first planned United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) teachers strike since 1989 is slowly inching toward realization. As ne- gotiations go nowhere, the likelihood of a full-fledged strike increases and the chanc- es of a compromise seem slim. Unless the union can reach at least a tentative agree- ment with the district, teachers may strike as soon an Wednesday, Jan. 9, two days into the spring semester. If UTLA calls for a strike, Patriots should Jasmin, an eighth grade Patriot, flies through Students take water samples of bacteria on the think twice before making plans for an ex- the air on Pali Institute’s zipline. Photos: Mr. Cos bank of the Pali Instiute’s freshwater lagoon. tended holiday; in the event of a real strike, students will have to come to school as nor- mal. Mr. Iannucci’s plan is to have the three grades rotate every two hours between the auditorium, gym and P.E. field for instruc- tion and activities. LAUSD Superintendent Beutner claims the district’s financial reserve of $1.9 billion doesn’t mean the district can raise salaries any higher than 6%, the district’s current of- fer to teachers. In an official email, UTLA made an ul- timatum, “Fact: We will strike in January if A group of Patriots form a circle by holding A cabin of seventh grade Revere campers enjoy no agreement is reached after fact-finding. hands to exercise their team building skills. a meal in the dining hall with their counselor. We are in a battle between [Superintendent] Beutner’s vision to downsize our public school district and our vision to reinvest in it. His Oct. 30 contract offer to UTLA members falls woefully short of addressing the needs of students and the demands of educators and parents. We will continue making every attempt to reach an agreement, but we must be ready to strike in January.” Meanwhile, many teachers are planning to rally near L.A. City Hall this Saturday morning. Mr. Bilek, co-UTLA chair, said, “It’s going to be huge. It’s being compared Hayden (left) and Zayd write thank you letters Jazlyn grabs for a rope as she tries an to the Women’s March, but for teachers.” to their counselors and the Pali Institute staff. obstacle on the Pali Institute ropes course. December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 5

Flames overtake the hills of Malibu and Topanga. Photo: Dylan Ferguson Fire fighting planes contain the last bit of Malibu fire. Photo: Josh Gabbard Wildfires Scorch Patriot Terrain By MAX SCHWARTZ a set of birds very similar to the The fire that recently ravaged birds at the farm, was forced to Southern California, the Wool- evacuate, and took their birds sey fire, has caused 56 casualties with them. It happens that the and wrecked havoc on the homes two knew Mr. Honda, the teach- of many citizens. In Ventura and er in charge of the farm, and Malibu. The fires have affected brought there birds to the farm, many of us here at Revere. Many to give them shelter. patriots and teachers have been Birds, as well as students displaced, or indirectly affected came to Revere during the fire. by the fires, and some Patriots A Malibu High School student, even live in the area of were the an eighth grader named Dylan fires occurred. The fires had an Ferguson, came to Revere for a affect on a large chunk of the few days, while his school was students and teachers at Revere. evacuated. “School was closed A seventh grade math Friday November ninth because teachers Ms. Stewart was indi- the fire was getting close to our rectly affected by the fires. She school.” He said. During the and a handful of other teach- couple of days Malibu High was ers have experienced terrible closed, Dylan took classes at Re- traffic caused by the fires. She vere. He explained, “My mom said that it had taken her up to thought it would be a good idea two hours to get home, during to experience a larger school and the first week of the fires. One see some of my friends.” Dylan teacher Mr. Para, described be- also told us about how he was ing forced to leave the house personally affected by the fire, at 5 am, because of the “Three he says that the fire came “With- to four hours” it took to get to in a thousand feet” of his fathers school. Other teachers, like Ms. house. Zelsdorf, were directly affected Stella (from left) Eric, Megan, Julie, Jordan and Enya play with birds The wildfires have affected by the fires, “I am from Paradise, brought to Revere as evacuees of the local wildfire. Photo: Mr. Honda many in the Revere communi- California. My parents house ty. Students, teachers and even and my childhood home burned Not only teachers were af- they were riding, and walked animals have been evacuated or down,” she reported. fected by the fires. A large por- the rest of the way home. Three forced to deal with bad traffic, Another frightening exam- tion of the students experienced camps burned down, and many but things have seemed to look ple of a close encounter with the terrible traffic, in-fact many Patriots used to be campers at up. Mr. Parra says that the traf- Woolsey Fire, is Ms. Kruger’s students found it easier to walk said camps. A handful of stu- fic has slowly been getting bet- fire story. She had recently sold home, to even as far as West- dents even had to evacuate their ter, Ms. Krueger is back in her her house, when she was evac- wood, as opposed to sitting in a homes. home, Malibu High School is uated due to the fires. The area bus in bumper to bumper traffic. A large part of the surround- back in session, and the fire has around her neighborhood burned One group of said students had ing community was deeply af- been all but contained. The fires down. The area that she later barely reached Kenter, when fected by the fires. One mother may have been strong, but the moved to was also evacuated. many of them got of the bus and daughter pair, who owned community seems to be stronger. 6 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School Red Ribbon Recap By GRANT GAILYS Red Ribbon Week was full of ways to in- form students on the importance of making responsible decisions and staying away from drugs. This event was hosted by leadership from Oct. 22-26. President Peter Garff said, “Red Ribbon Week is important because it promotes drug awareness and brings atten- tion to an issue that many kids do not under- stand. This allows Revere to work towards becoming a drug free school.” Taking into On Monday, Patriots decorated their doors. Patriots swore to stay away from drugs by account recent issues with children obtaining Ms. Asahina’s class (above) took second accepting Krispy Kreme donuts on the sec- access to drugs, this is a much needed event. place behind Mr. Bilek. Photo: Erica Davis ond day of Red Ribbon Week. Photo: Erica Davis

For Wednesday of Red Ribbon Week, Patriots Johnny signs the pledge to stay away from On Friday, Revere invited FBI agent Eileen wore red clothing to show their support for drugs. The pledge was hung inside Town Hall Clark to share her story with bullies and mak- drug awareness week. Photo: Erica Davis as Thursday’s festivity. Photo: Grant Gailys ing the right choices. Photo: Sofia Farhangnia All Charges Cleared for Mock Trial Revere’s court room team competed against sixty other schools all across Los Angeles County. By SOFIA FARHANGNIA The defense attorneys had to prove that Rea- While all other patriots were snoozing gan Klein did not intend for the message to away, 16 were working hard in X1 to put be threatening and that she did not create a together a case that was “just like the real false emergency report. thing,” according to scoring attorneys. From Annabelle Grandy, who portrayed the September to November, these junior law- victim in this case, said, “Mock Trial has yers and witnesses came to school at 6:50 am taught me to be more confident in myself and and were coached by lawyers Sean Morris want to consider being an attorney in the fu- and David Affeld, and teacher coach Mrs. ture.” Gilmore. On November 7, the defense had their This year’s case was a civil trial that first competition housed by the Stanley Mosk featured the defendant Reagan Klein (Kyra Courthouse. The competitions are all judged Morris), who was accused of making a crimi- by real judges. They won their verdict and nal threat and a false emergency report, more won on a point system scored by attorneys. commonly known as swatting. The victim in Shayan swears Kyra in as Reagan Klein at The scoring attorneys even said that they, this case, Sawyer Smith (Annabelle Grandy), their first competition.Photo: Sofia Farhangnia “Would offer jobs to the attorneys at our law testified that she was “terrified by the threat.” firms if they were older.” Conversely, the defendant testified that she On November 15, the Shaya argues did not send the false emergency report, and prosecution competed. a point. that it was sent from her friend, Cameron They won the verdict on Photo: Holmes’ (Tyler Hoffman’s) phone. Other wit- one of the charges and Sofia nesses gave evidence to support their side of unfortunately lost Farhangnia the case. narrowly on the The prosecution attorneys, Shaya Key- point system. Shaya vanfar, Anirudh Chatterjee, and Emi Affeld Keyvanfar said, had the burden of proving beyond a reason- “Although we didn’t able doubt that Reagan Klein had made a Annabelle, portraying Sawyer Smith, testifies win, I am very proud criminal threat and a false emergency report. at the witness stand. Photo: Sofia Farhangnia of our team.” December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 7 FARMING FOR THE FUTURE Revere’s FFA club and animal science electives dig in for a busy year.

By RUSTIN KHARRAZI ing, motivating, and education- traditional FFA script and pres- al. It is amazing ent. Revere decimated the com- The farm at Revere is a place to attend an petition taking 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and where Patriots of all grades event with 4th place come together to meet animals over 4,000 and take care of plants. “FFA,” students in or “Future Farmers of America,” FFA uniforms, with only 21 students attending. is a lunchtime club that meets all with a passion for Agricul- Individual winners were also re- every Monday, taking advantage tural Education! I’m nervous, warded such as Evette Kruk as of Revere’s farm and agricultur- but I’m also excited to see how the outstanding vice president, al areas. my students will do at the FFA Colin Winston as outstanding Founded in 1928, “FFA is Vet Science Competition in San secretary, and Joaquin Leitz as the premier youth organization Luis Obispo in February,” she outstanding president. Other preparing members for leader- expressed. winners include Victoria Her- ship and careers in science, busi- Current members of Fu- nandez, Hunter Grogan and Jon- ness, and technology of agricul- ture Farmers of America were athan Soleimani. ture,” according to the National prompted to join FFA. One rea- FFA hopes to grow this year FFA Organization’s website. son, as Patriot Arnulfo Castillo and plans “to hold several fund- Garrett This club is run by Ms. Rob- stated, was “I’m excited about raisers,” Ms. Robertson said. prepares ertson, who is a agriculture and field trips.” Patriot Hunter Gro- “We will use funds to help cover for yard animal science elective teacher. gane explained, “I thought it the cost of students to attend the work FFA meets on Mondays sounded cool.” Students of State Conference, purchase ma- with a during lunch in the Luke (left) and Ms. Robertson’s Ani- terials for the Vet Science judg- shovel. agriculture sec- William carry boxes mal Science class, ing team, and possibly a field Photo: tion of the farm, to the farm. Photo: Max along with the FFA trip. “To achieve these things, Rustin where Patriots Schwartz members, also FFA receives assistance from Kharrazi are filled with have many goals many sources. “FFA is the larg- tasks such as such as “state est youth organization in the US, raking and conferences, so there is a long history of our tending to public speak- organization being supported by production,” the National crops. Stu- ing, expanding the agriculture industry. They FFA Organization states. “Rap- dents can re- the chapter, and help cover the costs of awards, idly evolving talent, innovation ceive up to half more.” They see scholarships, and events. In and technical aptitude from FFA an hour of com- FFA as “a national case we have unmet needs, we members is required to meet this munity service for organization for agri- reach out to our parents to cover challenge.” With fast-approach- each lunch meeting. culture students that pro- them,” she explained. ing challenges in agriculture for This year, FFA hosted a vides leadership opportunities, FFA is an opportunity for the near future, FFA is out to fundraiser to raise money for a as well as a way to connect with youth to experience agricul- make sure all stay sustained by sister FFA chapter in Tallahas- students with similar interests.” tural environments and farm targeting children early. The fu- see, Florida, which was affected Last year, Future Farmers work. “Earth’s population will ture of Revere’s and the world’s by Hurricane Michael, and is in of America left to a convention be 9.8 billion by 2050, requiring agriculture is in the hands of the need of donations. FFA mem- center where there were work- a 60% increase in agricultural Future Farmers of America. bers sold a variety of lollipops shops, a career show, and lots in front of town hall during the of inspirational speeches. Nine week of Oct. 22. Patriots were students attended the conven- buzzing around just to get these tion including Brooke Shibata, sweet treats. Katelyn Schreiber, and Sammy FFA’s goal is to “keep grow- Sachs, accompanied. by Ms. ing,” Ms. Robertson mentioned. Robertson. They even had their “We are a new FFA chapter, so own customized FFA jackets. we want to continue to teach On Nov. 8, 2018, FFA stu- our students about all the amaz- dents of Animal Science class at- ing opportunities there are in tended the Opening and Closing the FFA organization, includ- Ceremonies citywide competi- ing public speaking, leadership, tion at North Hollywood High. conferences, and a new Vet Sci- With effort and time, students ence Judging Team. I can’t wait did their best to memorize the to bring our new FFA members to the State Conference in Ana- Tyler (left), Arik and Talia tidy up heim this April! It is fun, inspir- at the farm. Photo: Rustin Kharrazi 8 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School New Counselor Arrives Mr. Flowers is this year’s new seventh grade counselor. As he settles into his new office, he says his “primary role is to assist all students with their academic, social and emotional concerns.” Mr. Flowers said he chose Revere “be- cause of all the options the school offers the students, from the music department to the awesome sports and clubs. Not to mention the extraordinary staff.” Mr. Flowers raved Kate Rao eyes a great title. Photo: Chaz Plager about Revere, “Thus far I honestly believe Griffin (clockwise from top left), Johnny, Revere is one of a kind. The way the school Caspar, Bianca, Sierra and Sofia hold up the is able to function so smoothly with 2100+ Library Gets Some TLC winning issues and award. Photo: Julia Musumeci students is amazing. I think this opportunity Since the beginning of the school year, allows students from 100 zip codes to expe- high up on the shelves, one dedicated par- rience different cultures, which is a prime Town Crier Wins Again ent has been volunteering at the library. Kate example of how the world works.” Every day in E5, Revere’s journalists are Rao is a librarian for the Los Angeles Public —Caspar Turner working to publish The Town Crier. At the Library in Pacific Palisades, and she spends end of the year, these issues are submitted most of her off-days volunteering at Re- to a competition across America held by the vere’s library. Kate started volunteering this National Scholastic Press Association. year in August on an irregular basis, due to Out of 260 newspapers from 38 states, the busy nature of her job as librarian. Revere was one of the 28 earning the 2018 Last December, when fires wreaked hav- Pacemaker Award and one of only a few oc on California (and subsequently Revere), middle schools to win, including nearby Kate vacuumed all the ash from the large Harvard-Westlake Middle School. wildfires off of the library’s books. When The Town Crier has won this award be- asked why she decided to volunteer at Re- fore, making this its third win. vere, Kate replied, “I just love books.” Ac- Ron Johnson, one of the six judges, said, cording to Ms. Vogel, Revere’s liaison, “We “Our Pacemaker winners rival . . . commer- are so lucky to have an amazing parent vol- Mr. Flowers speaks with seventh grader Sean cial publications . . . with a depth that you unteering in our library.” ­—Chaz Plager Grier in the counseling office. Photo: Caspar Turner don’t expect.” —Sierra Sugarman

SEVENTH GRADE JOURNAL Somehow I ended up in senior orchestra. Our teacher last year, Ms. Jacques, had left Revere to take some time off, which added more to the freshness of seventh grade. Mr. Samuel stepped in and right off the bat gave us a music sheet which he said to “cite read.” I sat Off to a Great Start in the front row but due to my bad luck I played all the notes that I By ELYSE ZHANG knew wrong. So much for my good impression on the first day… Guest Contributor After orchestra was P.E., thank goodness, at least something On my first day of seventh grade, I was a little nervous but I knew. I got there late due to my heavy backpack and I was con- mostly confident, because I had some experience from sixth grade cerned everyone had already picked their partners for the lockers. at Revere, where I learned many things and made new friend. Time To my surprise, we had “one person per locker.” That brightened flies. After I got the hang of things the school year had already my day and I found that I could fit my whole backpack in the lock- ended. I had never been past the eighth grade quad and so it was er without getting it jammed. Downside, it was on the bottom. like looking into a new world. I had to ask people walking around Lunch came and lucky for me the friends I made last year were for directions, twice! Only one question had been going through my in my P.E. class, so I didn’t have to look around for them. We were mind: will I still be treated as a sixth grader since I’m short? walking to sit by the cafeteria when a huge wave of people swept As the bell rang here comes my Period 1. The history teacher my friends away since the student store had just opened for the year. this year was different and announced that he would not assign a Math class was next; I got into honors so perhaps it will be lot of homework but many projects instead. I was excited since we easier? Not really. When stepping in, I saw that there hardly did any projects in sixth grade. In the meantime, I was wor- was a project assigned. I was a little sad to have ried. I barely knew anybody in the class. Then English came, and I homework on the first day. felt so relieved when seeing some friends in the class. I got warned The last period was science which went by for being too loud but hey, it’s the first day! Anyway, now that I got pretty fast. I had only a few friends there but inter- the feeling I wondered what the rest of the day was going to be like. estingly, it became a good class. We were asked to During nutrition I noticed a pattern of going to the S building exchange phone numbers with people we didn’t and B to D twice a day. I thought to myself that I was just an un- know. It turned out to be an out-of-the-or- lucky person. If I didn’t feel unwelcome already, a double my sized dinary experience for me, and the day girl came through and said, “Excuse me, sixth grader.” Well, that ended on a good note. My seventh answered my question. Those four words stabbed me like a hundred grade year was off to a “great” start! pins through my body. Trying to calm myself, I ran to the music elective. As I started cello last year, I chose to do the same this year. Elyse plays the cello. Photo: Kyra Morris December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 9

Patriots celebrate the scariest day of the year at the Halloween Festival in the haunted Town Hall. By DUC LE hats. It also had a basketball game where Patriots had to Boo! Patriots celebrated the holiday of terror shoot mini basketballs into a hoop to earn candy. In at Revere with a Halloween festival. On Oct. Chris cackles at the evil laugh fear pong, students attempted to toss a ball into a 31st, students crowded into Town Hall to play competition. Photos: Duc Le row of cups. There was also a sticky dart game, carnival games and compete to win sugary where you throw sticky balls onto a target, a prizes. pumpkin drawing activity, and a cup game Last year, Revere had a Halloween where kids guessed which cup a ball was un- dance where students paid two dollars to der, out of three possible cups. dance to a DJ’s music and eat pizza. This Patriots piled into Town Hall and were event racked up a huge crowd. But, this given bags to hold their prize candy when year it was time for a change . they first arrived. They then played com- School President Peter Garff ex- petitive games to win candy. There were plained, “This year we wanted to have a lit- multiple competitions including the cookie tle more variety in our activities. Leadership walk, which drew big crowds, and the evil also saw this as a learning experience and a laugh competition. The cookie walk was a rip way to see what the students want.” off lottery version of musical chairs. In the cookie Peter also stated, “This year our Halloween walk, contestants stood on numbered squares along festival had individual activities rather than a whole a circle. Friends and classmates walked around the cir- group dancing together. Leadership believes that the stu- cle and then they stopped on a number when the music was dents might enjoy this more.” Olivia Turfe, a Leadership represen- paused. Leadership called out a random number, and the person on tative added, “We put a lot of hard work into this event, and we hope that said number was disqualified. you enjoy it.” All in all, Leadership raised a lot of money for Revere and the This festival had many carnival styled games. These games student body was able to celebrate the holiday of horror in a new included a ring toss where students had to throw rings onto witch way—carnival style.

Andrew and Amy makes an announcement. Delfina throws rings onto hats to earn candy. Juliette and Elysha call a random number.

Nathan attempts to throw a ring onto a hat. Mason mixes cups to hide the ping pong ball. Adrian attempts a Halloween ring game. 10 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School

Surfing the Tide Wired on the Of Architecture Technology Path By KYRA MORRIS By KYRA MORRIS

A multi-talented speaker re- A tech entrepreneur, who is a fel- turned to Revere on Wednes- low Revere alumni, came to the day, Nov. 8. Rich Wilken, who library on Wednesday Dec. 5 for used to go to Revere, talked to a “Roads to Your Future” talk. students about surfing and - ar Ramis Sadrieh talked to students chitecture. Rich Wilken saw the about how he became a tech en- structure of Revere once again. trepreneur. He explained how he Patriots had questions about wired together his own compa- what Revere used to be like, By CHAZ PLAGER ny, Technology for You. Patriots surfing and architecture. were able to get their questions Sixth grade magnet parents were cooking up a way to raise funds answered. Shira Berukhim: If you weren’t for Revere-sponsored trips, and they found it. On Nov. 5-8, stu- a surfboard maker and an dents could buy tickets for Costco pizza at the student store, and Claire Kim: How many times architect, what would you be? on Nov. 9, they went to J2 to pick up the slices they bought. In a day do you have to fix com- RW: Probably an artist. total, Pizza Day sold over 300 slices of pizza, and earned about puters, phones, etc.? Maddy Neuberg: How many $300 of dough. Why did Ms. Mabashov, the magnet RS: I usually have to fix a com- buildings have you construct- coordinator, choose pizza? “Why puter or phone 6-8 times a day. ed? not?” she said. “Everyone loves River Peck: What do you think RW: Around 600. pizza.” The magnet committee is the impact of technology Jada Fisher: Who is someone will use the dough they made on us? that inspired you? for magnet field trips. And, RS: Even though I love technol- RW: Cliff May. sorry if you find these puns ogy, I think that it will eventual- Zack Wein: Which spot is your too cheesy, but Pizza ly destroy us all. favorite place to surf at? Day left a good Emily Von Goetz: What college RW: Probably Malibu point. taste in did you go to? Willa Colgin: Have the build- everyone’s RS: UCLA. ings at Revere changed a lot mouth. Fabian Bradfield: Was it hard since you went to school here? to start a technology company? RW: Yes. Most of the buildings RS: Yes. To start a company, are completely different, but you need a lot of patience. some look mostly the same. Shira Berukhim: Do you have Talia Soleimani: Do you re- any siblings that helped you? member P.E and running the RS: I have an older sister, but mile at P.E? she didn’t know a lot about RW: Yes. I remember running technology, so she couldn’t help the mile and I remember we had me. a green and gray uniform. Autra Hadim: Do you think Catalina Brody: Do you you would have been as remember when you started successful if you didn’t go to surfing? college? RW: I’m not sure what year it RS: No. College helped me ex- was, but I think that it was ei- plore what I really wanted to do. ther 1959 or 1956 or somewhere Naomi Benyamini: What around then. pushed you to start your own Ally Goodman: Did you ever business? want to build something RS: I worked for two smaller against code? companies first, and I didn’t get RW: No I would never build payed much. That experience against code. Building against made me realize that I wanted code can be dangerous. A lot of to work hard to get my money, people ask architects that, and not work hard and have other the answer is almost always no. people take the money.

December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 11

What’s Up With All These Clubs A look into the world of the old and the new Paul Revere lunch groups. Monday By SAMMY WHITE a union for students in the black Along with the new clubs, Chess Club On Club Day, people with community and other minorities many are returning from years Ms. Esparza - C5 diverse passions and hobbies to learn in a safe, friendly, and past. Some old favorites include gathered in the eighth-grade open environment. “[National the Community Service Club. Future Farmers of America quad to eat lunch and join Black Student Union] is a place This club is in charge of most of Ms. Robertson - The Garden clubs. After to gather and signing up for exchange ideas Tuesday a club, they and experiences continue to that students can GSA Club meet at lunch use to gain a bet- Ms. Cruz/ Ms Martinez - D3 every week on ter understand- that specific ing of how they Circle of Friends day. Clubs can serve the com- Ms. Longway - Town Hall help students munity,” says express their Radaya Ellis, the Writer’s Club interests and BSU president Mr. Schwartz - S4 make new A member of Community Service at the University Shawna (left) and Amelia (right) friends with Club informs a fellow Patriot. of Wisconsin. A concentrate on a game of chess in Sit With Me Club those same Photo: Erica Davis third new club is chess club. Photo: Kyra Morris Ms. Kruger - X16 hobbies. Chess Club. In (Also On Wednesday) A lunch club is a group of Chess Club, students play chess Revere’s fund raisers, and raises students led by a teacher. Each and teach others how to play money for charities throughout Wednesday club has a different theme and chess. The fourth club, Girls the year. For example, they were does different things during Who Code, is an organization in charge of the bake sale for Aca-Deca their meetings. Clubs are very trying to close the gender gap children’s hospitals, Operation: Mr. Hamanishi - E4 unique and can range from An- in technology and coding, and Gratitude, Socktober, Opera- (Also On Friday) ime Club to Hebrew Club. show that girls can code just as tion: Positive Chalk, and others. Along with the old clubs, well as boys can. The fifth club, Another popular lunch club is Community Service Club there are seven new clubs that Lunchtime Writer’s Club, is a Aca-Deca. In Aca-Deca, stu- Mr. Slavin - Town Hall have come to Revere. These club where students can write dents can join Revere’s success- clubs are Anime Club, Black stories, games, and fan fiction ful Academic Pentathlon Team Girls Who Code Student Union (BSU), Chess with other students who also and travel to competitions where Ms. Banner/ Ms. Fowler - J4 Club, Girls Who Code, Lunch love to write. The sixth club is they answer trivia and try to win Time Writer’s Club, Movie Movie Club, a club where patri- medals. “The Academic Pentath- Thursday Club, and Revere Table Hock- ots watch various movies while lon is valuable because it teaches ey Club. In Anime Club, stu- eating their lunches. Finally, critical thinking skills, essential Black Student Union dents meet up to discuss and Table Hockey Club teaches stu- to higher education” says Caspar Ms. Evans - Town Hall draw Anime art. Another new dents the basics and rules of Ta- Turner, co-president of Aca-De- club, Black Student Union, is ble Hockey. ca. Table Hockey Club Mr. Weggler - J2 Photo: Rustin Photo: Sierra Sugarman Kharrazi Hebrew Club Ms. DelCambre - B5

Friday

Anime Club Ms. Johnston - D5

Comic Book Club Mr. Hyman - N4

Sports Talk Club Mr. Alpert - X12

Movie Club Patriots rake leaves in the Future Ms. Cruz and Ms. Martinez hold Patriots advertise their comic Ms. Roman - G2 Farmers of America lunch club. up signs for GSA club. books for the Comic Book Club. 12 December 13, 2018 Paul Revere Middle School Opinion The Town Crier asked Patriots Georgie (from left), if they believe tests should be Ariana, Sydney and the main variable affecting Sofia take their solar their grade point average. system science exam Below are a few of their re- in Mr. Aochi’s class. sponses: Photo: Bianca Cherry “I think that tests should have a big impact on our grades because I think that teachers can view students’ progress on tests better than with homework and projects. Tests also pressure students to study until they understand the concept.” —Giada Musumeci, Grade 6

“Tests can determine a person’s self confidence, but it can also help them learn more for the fu- ture. Depending on the teacher, tests can be helpful, or a waste of time. For example, if you have to take a test on something that you learned the year before then you will do better.” ­ —Nicole Kaplan, Grade 7

Let’s be clear, testing is important, and I do what went wrong, all that’s left is students feeling “Tests should NOT be the only not believe that it should be completely abolished. down about the low grade and seeing the class assessment. Students can freeze But, testing has become a monster. It growls at move on without them. That’s when kids need up and make careless errors on you at its mere mention; it drags its fists as it support the most, and maybe another chance. tests. Having homework, class- follows you home where you have to spend hours One middle school educator, Rick Wormeli, likes work, and projects gives kids trying to tame it; and then, you go to school and to allow students to redo their work and tests opportunities to demonstrate have to battle its bad breath and gnarly roaring until they’ve mastered the content. “Our job is to their knowledge in a form more while stopping it from biting off your hand—all teach students the material, not to document how suited for them.” within a time limit, ready or not. they’ve failed,” he said. This —Ms. Manes, Grade 7 Math I understand testing is a useful way, persistence is rewarded. way for teachers to check if their “Too much emphasis The pressure to do well on “Testing has too big of an students understand material, but on tests can encourage tests has become so crazy that impact on our grade. By giving the system is overly reliant on it. there is even something called tests so much power it makes First of all, exams count for a fast-food education.” “test anxiety.” Kids hear learning very stressful. So, too much of the total grade. In about needing to earn high taking power away from tests my experience, most teachers have their students’ grades in school and on the SAT or ACT tests and distributing it to homework semester grade depend mostly on test results. I to have a chance of being admitted into college. and projects would have a very would argue that homework and class projects This sets the tone for high pressure. Test jitters positive effect on everyone’s should be valued more than tests because they can strike even when a student has thoroughly attitude towards learning.” demonstrate that students have taken a respectable prepared for the exam. Nerves not only make it —Makenzie Armbrust, Grade 8 amount of time and shown they grasp the subject harder for students to do their best, but they put matter. On the other hand, too much emphasis on students through unnecessary discomfort. Some- “Tests are very important in a tests can encourage a fast-food education consist- times kids freeze up. Sometimes they make minor student’s grade average. It de- ing of rote memorization, recognizing familiar mistakes, and get marked down drastically. termines whether the kid knows questions, and taking shortcuts. It’s more import- In the end, the emphasis should be on inspir- the material. You can not deter- ant that the students truly understand and appreci- ing students about new topics and strategies more mine if the student is learning ate the lessons they are taught. than earning A’s. As Harvard sociologist William with projects and homework. Also, they say the point of tests is for teachers Julius Wilson said, “The person who scored well Although testing may cause to see if their students grasp material. But, even on an SAT will not necessarily be the best doctor stress, testing brings students when kids earn poor scores, teachers move on to or the best lawyer or the best businessman. These to the best of their ability, and the next chapter. They have to; there’s so much to tests do not measure character, leadership, cre- allows kids to rise above.” cover. But without slowing down to understand ativity or perseverance.” —Griffin Riel ­—Naya Ramaswami, Grade 8 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Opinion Paul Revere Middle School 13 TALKING HEADS Would separating boys and girls improve school performance? The hypothetical separation would only be during core classes; electives, P.E., and homeroom would remain co-ed. We asked a few Patriots to comment on the topic.

“I do not think separating boys and girls would help students perform better. In my experience, boys and girls being in the same class has never decreased productivity nor caused any major distractions during class.” —Chaz Plager, Grade 7

“I think that separating boys and girls would help students perform better in school. It would stop stu- dents from getting distracted in class and encourage them to focus more on their teachers.” —Jake Evans, Grade 7 “Separating boys and girls would definitely improve education. When boys and girls flirt in class, it distracts everyone around the lovebirds. And girls can get an attitude towards boys they don’t like. It’s extremely irritating, especially when they have to work together on a project.”­ —Michael Francoeur, Grade 8 “It wouldn’t make much of a difference since boys and girls still can talk at certain times of the school day. Also boys and girls would be able to talk and do their thing after school and on weekends. So, separating boys and girls will not make that big a deal.” —Lukas Haas, Grade 7 TOWN CRIER POLL “I do not believe that separating boys and girls would lead to better performance. For some Do you support the teachers and students this may be true, but I feel that students their willingness to strike? should be able to learn in a setting similar to that in which they will be working as adults.” —Ms. Stewart, Math Teacher “Just like any educational model, from magnets to schools for enriched studies, single-gender schools are not a fit for every student. However, by providing the single-gender school option in Los Angeles, LAUSD is providing access to a model that was not I support the teachers I don’t support the strike I am unsure previously available to our families. The only single gender model 79% 18% schools were independent schools most of which were cost pro- 3% hibitive for our families. In educational research, it is very difficult Poll of 6th, 7th and 8th grade homerooms by Sofia Farhangnia on Nov. 15 to identify one single factor that results in improved performance, and it is often a variety of factors that allows for student success in VOLUME 63, ISSUE 2 school. However, according to a leading researcher in single gender education, Cornelius Riordan. single gender schools in large urban public school systems have shown remarkable results. Benefits include increased academic achievement, higher graduation rates, Published by and for the students of stronger performance on standardized tests as well as higher Paul Revere Charter Middle self-esteem. Although only open for three years, School and Magnet Center the LAUSD Girls Academic Leadership Academy, 1450 Allenford Avenue Dr. Michelle King School for STEM (GALA) is Los Angeles, California 90049 following this research trend by showing some of the highest Smarter Balanced Assessment scores in Editors: Sofia Farhangnia, Johnny Harvey and the city.” —Liz Hicks, GALA Principal Member of the National Sierra Sugarman Scholastic Press Association Faculty Advisor: Mr. Wechsler Interviews and layout by Aidan Petoyan 14 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Opinion Paul Revere Middle School “In my opinion, the article is very informative and interesting. But, there are READERS REACT TO... many reasons that I feel this article is all-in-all a way to just justify the rules instead of showing the “new” opinions and ideas. Although through recent years of sexualiza- tion to girl’s clothing, certain clothes help us through the heat. LA is a hot place and it is harsh to have to wear full pants and shirts with long sleeves.”—Timea Rosner, Grade 8

“The school dress code should remain as a code of conduct at Revere because in order to create a more productive learning envi- ronment, there needs to be a strict set of rules for kids to attain to. Unlike a zoo, it must be professional and formal.” —Johnny Harvey, Grade 8 “I agree with the dress code because students should need a restraint on what they wear to school. Also, the dress code isn’t too strict for everyone to follow.” —Noah Andrews, Grade 6 The main editorial in the last issue generated much discussion. “I think that the main Here’s a sampling of reader reactions. By BIANCA CHERRY editorial, In Defense of the Dress Code, is a good article. In my opinion, “I agree with a lot of what “I like the idea of the dress if we don’t have a dress the editorial has to say. code, but even the past code then anyone can wear Certain things are not article seems like it’s in what ever they want. If we very appropriate to wear favor of it. I think that the didn’t have a dress code to school. Also, putting a dress code is quite dumb. I think that Paul Revere would be not as dress code in place pre- When has anyone ever amazing as it is right now.” pares students for a future been offended by seeing a —Sofia Mollica, Grade 6 work environment, as they girl’s shoulders? I’m not also require workers to wear certain clothes. saying it should be removed altogether, just “In my opinion, as an Not following the office’s dress code can re- revised. A lot. This has to stop.” eighth grader who has sult in consequences similar to not follow- —Sammy Sachs, Grade 8 been at this school for ing the dress code.” three years, the dress —Nathan Gagnon, Grade 7 “I found the In Defense of code is unfair. I dress for the Dress Code article to myself, and many others “If the dress code was be a realistic opinion of do too. Having an option, appealed, girls at school many students’ feelings at least, would be fair, but would take the rules to a about Revere’s dress code. this has gotten out of hand. This is causing new extreme - they would I believe it is important girls to be pulled out of academic classes wear shirts up past their to remember that many to be talked to about their clothing. Girls belly buttons and collars schools have uniforms, are being stigmatized and addressed as just below their shoulders. but Paul Revere does not, but we do have a objects. Nobody pays attention if a tank top Boys don’t need any dress clear dress code that is easy to follow. The is two fingers wide or if a skirt reaches your limitations because if boys were to dress reason for the rules is to maintain consisten- index finger instead of your middle finger. like the girls do, it would be an insult to the cy for all the rules on campus. We take pride Yet, girls campus wide are having nervous boy, not a fashion statement. Pulling shirts in preparing our students to be career ready breakdowns because of this. Girls are up into a knot would especially make them and following school rules are an important receiving detention and being banned from look morally off-line.” aspect of the school environment.” culmination over this and that’s not right.” —Michael Francoeur, Grade 8 —Ms. Graham Asst. Principal —Shaya Keyvanfar, Grade 8 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Opinion Paul Revere Middle School 15 “At the beginning of the There is no scientific support for the “I disagree with the arti- school year, deans Ms. idea that long shorts and long sleeves help cle, because I think people Grayson and Mr. Lock- kids learn better. However, being pulled out should be allowed to wood came to our gym of class and missing beneficial learning time wear their hoods and any class to talk about the because of a dress code violation hurts kids hat, any color they want. dress code, and what is and their mental health. An argument was However, I also agree with not allowed on campus. made that following dress codes prepares it because students should Last year I spent 6th grade kids for future jobs. However, people work not show any extra skin wearing pants, even when it was hot out- in all different types of environments, not at school. As stated in the article, school is side, because my arms are long and I could just places where you wear a uniform. In a place for learning, not fashion. I believe easily reach past my shorts. But, this year fact, this summer I was a Junior Lifeguard some parts of the dress code are too strict I knew I had to speak up. In period 3 gym and a few of my instructors have been life and could be modified, while others create a I asked Ms. Grayson, “What are girls with guards for more that 20 years. We can all good learning environment for Revere.” long arms like me supposed to do when agree that lifeguards are some of the bravest —Giada Musumeci, Grade 6 they want to wear shorts and can’t find people any one has ever met. They wear shorts that adhere to the dress code?” Ms. bathing suits to work every day. Grayson responded with, “Well, you just Following a dress code doesn’t pre- THE WRITER RESPONDS: have to adhere with the dress code.” That pare you for a future job. Learning how “After my dress code editorial was pub- didn’t answer my question, and it made me to make your own boundaries and respect lished, I received an overwhelming amount think more about this topic. other people’s boundaries, not relying on of angry responses. While I appreciated the Families have to work with a budget gender stereotypes, and learning how to opportunity to have some for clothes, and middle school kids’ bodies not comment on other people’s bodies will reasonable debates with change and grow often. A pair of shorts help you in a future job. Having healthy and a few students, sadly, the might fit one month but be too short, ac- respectful boundaries will help you cope majority of the respons- cording to the dress code, the next month. with all obstacles or great things that might es were confrontational Some families may be able to buy new happen in your life. If you are making a at best. Lots of colorful shorts every month, but what about the judgment about someone based on what language was directed my families who can’t afford that? Kids whose they’re wearing, the problem isn’t with that way—some to my face families can’t afford to replace clothes person, the problem is with you not having, and some not-so-behind my back. From the that often probably worry every day about or respecting, healthy boundaries.” “criticism” I received, my general sense getting dress coded. Even worse, there —Lucy Chada Kramarich, Grade 7 was those students disliked me personally. It isn’t a very wide variety of shorts for girls seemed many of them immediately judged available to buy anywhere that have long “I do not entirely agree my entire character based on my opinion on inseams. Shorts for boys that have seven with the editorial about the the dress code, despite never meeting me. inch inseams can be purchased everywhere. dress code, even though it I felt they were trying to shame me out of A regular inseam for girl’s shorts is between contains some compelling my viewpoint; their insults seemed intended 3-5 inches. Should girls have to wear pants points. I think that the way to cause me self-doubt. I’m glad to say that every day like I had to in 6th grade? you dress is an important when I know I am doing nothing wrong, The argument was made that, “Girls way to show who you are. it’s impossible to get to me. But, you could dress to get compliments from other girls.” I think that the dress code have caused damage to a person with less That is a myth and relies on stereotypes. should become more flexible, especially the fortitude simply because that individual Girls dress how they want to dress because rules concerning hats and beanies.” held different beliefs from you—beliefs that it feels good, not to get compliments from —Aidan Petoyan, Grade 7 aren’t hurting anyone. other girls. This also puts labels on people Your voice is a blessing; don’t make it like, “she’s feminine,” or he is “masculine,” someone else’s curse. I’ve heard many of or he is a boy, and she is a girl. What about “It’s important students you comment that my article was rude. I’d all of the people in the middle, the people dress appropriately for like to ask, what was rude about it? The who don’t want to decide if they are mascu- school. School is their part where I said you look great and there’s line or feminine? It is sexist to put labels on job. Every job has a dress absolutely nothing shameful about your people and what they wear. The best way to code. That’s real life. Save body? The most interesting aspect about the deal with a dress code is to let people wear the spaghetti straps for the school’s reaction has been to see how so what they want as long as no private parts weekend.” many people were genuinely shocked I had are showing. —Ms. Walker, P.E. teacher a different opinion on the dress code while In 2016, the moms and daughters of also being a girl. A world where everyone public schools in Oregon reached out to “Well in general I think has the same opinion is unrealistic. And, the National Organization for Women to the dress code is not fair while I’m on the subject, let me be clear reshape their dress code which included because I feel it’s kind of about another thing: I chose the dress code the same fingertip rule for shorts. The dress giving a bad example for as the topic, and I chose my opinion with no code was reworked so that children could girls by saying that if you input by anyone on the faculty. I will leave wear “anything as long as it includes a wear something against you with this: it is okay to disagree with my bottom and a top so that private parts are the dress code, boys are opinion, it is not okay to be rude and vulgar covered,” and prohibited clothes that “con- going to stare at you and about it. If, by any chance, you want to talk tain violent images, hate speech, profanity, get distracted by you. But, currently in my to me about my article and opinion, I expect or pornography.” These guidelines don’t re- life I have never experienced or heard any it to be a polite and respectful debate on inforce gender stereotypes or body shaming. behavior like that.”—Elsie Ward, Grade 7 both sides.” —Griffin Riel, Grade 8 16 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School

Mr. Schepps smiles as he holds his award for out- standing attendance. Photo: Mr. Iannucci

Mr. Amos runs the mile with his fourth period P.E. class. Photo: Dara Rahmanian

Campus News and Notes

Students in Ms. Banner’s class blocked the door with chairs and table during a lock down By Sofia Farhangnia drill. Photo: Ms. Banner

Sophie makes a gingerbread house in Ms. Palcan’s first period math class. Photo: Talia Soleimani

Mrs. von der Ohe, a professor at SMC, helps students like her son Max learn with microscopes. Photo: Ms. Zuckerbraun

On Halloween, teachers went all around campus pointing out letters to spell out the word, “zombie.” Photo: Mr. Wechsler

Annabelle, a service worker for Mr. Honda, collects eggs from the chicken coop. Photo: Sierra Sugarman December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 17

Angelina LeBron James conducts a liquid watches his son lab with rubbing play for Crossroads alcohol and water Students in Mr. in a basketball game in Mr. Cos’s science Roig’s fourth period against Revere. class. Photo: Julia English class per- Photo: Jake Evans Musumeci form a play based on The Outsiders. Photo: Sophie Herron Students at UCLA help sixth graders construct a building that can endure an earthquake. Photo: Erica Davis

Sierra (left), Luna, Annabelle, Lyric and Drew participate in a Leadership jump-roping con- test. Photo: Kyra Morris

National Park rangers talk to sixth graders about wildlife and forest safety up at the farm. Photo: Max Schwartz

LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner poses with yearbook students after paying a visit to Revere. 18 December 13, 2018 Paul Revere Middle School Entertainment

Photos: Eva Herndon heard about Unplugged Night through the Revere PEP pro- gram. She was excited about performing in front of so many people. On Unplugged Night, stu- dents performed 16 skits. The first was about Birthday Stalk- ers. This skit was about how over enthusiastic and slightly creepy friends can be on your birthday. Another one of the The improv group waits patiently skits performed at Unplugged for their signal to start dancing. Night was a divorce court over a they were so busy talking, they Comedians participate in annual improv show. pair of “Red Gucci High Heels.” missed the epic wave. be performed. Even while the Yet another skit in Unplugged By EVA HERNDON Night was a spoof of a modern and SHAWNA ASHLEY show was going on, the improv group was still changing things popular Cooking Show. Instead Revere’s improv club up behind the scenes, an act of of competitive the show got out- showed off their improv skills true improv. Some of the perfor- right weird with a dolphin chef they ‘d learned for the past two mances were even created by the pairing up against a professional. months in one big show: Un- actors while they were on stage. The skit ended with the judges plugged Night. That Friday Lara Ganz was the director in trying to blend the dolphin chefs night at 7 P.M. Revere students charge of Unplugged Night. head in a blender. gathered in the Auditorium to She’s been teaching theatre since To finish it off, students pre- watch comical skits, dancing, 2013, and she loves everything sented movies and writings about improv, and other talents they about it. She said, “I feel like the their experience. Many said that wanted to display in front of parents are really supportive, the through the improv group they their friends, family, and others community is really supportive, had made friendships that would who came. and the kids are really enthusi- Spencer speaks to his “daugh- last even after the curtain closed. The improv group, made up astic and excited in what they’re ter” about running “the farm.” Sydney Meza said, “You’re with of about 14 kids, worked hard doing. It’s a real joy.” people who share the same in- on this show for two months, Madeleine Wolfe was one terests and support each other. A “classic” case of theft turned I think everybody who did the and only finished the show a of the students that performed in into a hilarious one about Zebra minute before the show was to Unplugged Night. She says she class will stay in contact.” murdering. Once the curtain closed, a A big-crowd pleaser was a round of applause echoed across skit called Musical Spoof. In the room. According to the au- this skit, Patriots attempted to dience, Unplugged Night was a perform shows off Broadway, tremendous success. but without the years of per- formance that Broadway stars possess. A singer performed “A Whole New World” from Alad- din while actors were collaps- ing behind them. Other skits performed in “Musical Spoof” were “Mama Mia” from Mama Mia and “Tomorrow” from An- nie. One more skit performed in Unplugged Night was Surf- er Bros. The Surfer Bro Skit was about Surfer Bros, which starred about ten boys enthusi- astically talking about surfing a huge wave. However, because

Patriots strike a pose before the The improv group performs a curtains close. Photo: Shawna Ashley dinner party scene gone wrong. December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Charter Middle School 19 Madrigals Help to Brighten Hanukkah Event in Palisades By CHAZ PLAGER In order to help brighten up the first night of Hanukkah, twenty of Ms. Cronin’s Madrigals went to Swarthmore Avenue for Chabad of Pacific Palisades’ annual menorah lighting. On Dec. 2 from 5- 5:15 p.m., Re- vere’s Madrigals treated the public to them performing songs such as “Hanerot Halulu,” “Hanukkah Shalom” and “Festive Madri- gal.” Madrigal River Tharae said, “It was a very nice setting and a lot of people stayed to watch us sing.” Ms. Cronin leads the Madrigals as their voices soar through the Village. Photo: Bryan Beasley Ms. Cronin added, “It was great to repre- sent Revere and public schools in general at amazing show. The responses to your group The Madrigals will be busy singing again the event.” After the event, Rabbi Yossi Eil- were fantastic. I wanted to sincerely thank today and tomorrow, as they have plans to go fort, who specially invited Revere to the cel- each of you for coming out and adding so caroling along the halls of Revere to contin- ebration, said, “Your school really put on an much light to this beautiful evening!” ue spreading the holiday cheer. 20 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School AMELIA LESSANS Not-So-Super Superstars As a little kid, I would watch shows like ‘Jessie’ on the Disney Channel. I would always become really jealous of the kids my age who became fa- mous TV stars. I would ask my mom if I could do that kind of thing, Actors and actresses read a line from their script in Town Hall during fourth period. Photo: Kyra Morris and she always said some light-hearted version of no. Now, I’m extremely thankful for my mom’s resistance. If you take a look at a teen or child star, there is much more beneath sweet, lovable surface. To become rich and famous at such a young age takes its toll. Their fame and fortune will cost them many childhood experiences that can’t be simply bought, and that can’t ever be relived. At home, a celebrity child will be doted upon and spoiled. At school, they might never learn to share due to their fame and fortune. An example of this is JoJo Siwa. She started out on Dance Moms as a dancer. “Dance Moms” is a show about kids who Students strike a pose. Photo: Amelia Lessans Patriots perform. Photo: Krish Gupta-Garcia compete via dance, and then their moms battle it out with gossip, lies, and their huge egos. It makes for a very entertaining view, but in my opinion, only blood-thirsty, back-stabbing deranged psychopaths would do that kind of thing to their children. JoJo Spirit Series Siwa acted like she was a teen when she returns to Revere with the play “Buddha Walks.” was 5, and now, as a teen, she acts like a By KRISH GUPTA-GARCIA vere. Students in sixth grade classes work 5-year-old. She was a bratty little kid on the with Spirit Series instructors to produce show, which has led to her self-absorbed Students of sixth grade classes at Revere Buddha Walks. Buddha walks is based off personality that she illuminates on her worked with Spirit Series instructors to pro- of the real-life story of an ancient Indian YouTube channel. She passive-aggressive- duce Buddha Walks after weeks of practice. prince Siddhartha, who eventually becomes ly flaunts her lifestyle and wealth, but her The play is about Siddhartha, a prince in an- known as the Buddha. He leaves his wealth young viewers love it and therefore she has cient India and his journey to find his life’s and power in India as well as Hinduism be- over 8 million subscribers. JoJo has a line meaning, after being pampered by his father. hind to journey to find enlightenment. In the of bows for sale in thousands of different He later learns that riches don’t come from end, he winds up creating his own religion, colors. She also has cheesy songs such as actual money but that “real riches come to Buddhism. Buddhism later becomes one of “Every Girl’s a Super Girl”, “Like a Kid those who have the courage to follow the the largest religions in the world, and still re- in a Candy Store”, and her most recent deepest callings of their heart.” mains one of the largest today. released November 3, 2018, “D.R.E.A.M..” The Spirit Series program is one of the Brianna Walker, who played Channa has JoJo is not the only celebrity to take it numerous enrichment opportunities at Re- learned an important lesson from participat- too far. Justin Bieber has recently said that ing in the play. Channa is the Buddha’s for- he will no longer pose in pictures with his mer devoted servant and good friend, who be- fans because he feels like a zoo animal. comes a Buddhist. “Buddha Walks,” Brianna Any start-up celebrity would be elated at a says, “has taught me to be a forgiving person chance to pose with fans, but now, appar- and how to have a good, happy, mindset.” ently, is just too good for that. An article Bruno Martinez Caballero, who played Brah- by Carly Silver on the website Ranker says man #3, says he would participate in Spirit that he, “Yelled at fans talking during a Series again if he could. “I would do it again 2016 concert, ”and he told one female fan [because] it is a fun way to learn stuff and that she was “the worst” in 2017. Thankful- it is a good way to learn new cultures.” Mr. ly, as far as I know of, everyone at Revere Hyman says that one of the most important is leading a normal childhood, without lessons Spirit Series teaches is that “listening paparazzi and movie shoots. Beggar talks to the Buddha. Photo: Amelia Lessans is paramount to success.” December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School 21

As 2018 comes to a close, The Town Crier rates the past year’s trends. By MINNIE JELLINEK Unlike most CEOs, when Emily Weiss began her beauty blog “Into This past year, LUSH has been exploding with their bath bombs, the Gloss” in 2010 featuring beauty secrets and tips from big names and other natural beauty products. However, their fame has hit in the industry, she probably did expect that it a rock, and has been dwindling in size ever would launch a $52 million makeup company. since. Not only are their products terribly Weiss is a go-getter and GLOSSIER is makeup expensive, but they aren’t very effective when for the new generation. The products are sen- you actually use them. There is no point of sibly priced and stylishly packaged in a classic putting a colorful bomb into your bath other millennial pink. However, the factor that draws than for pure amusement. Once the initial me and 1.66 million others to Glossier is some- excitement wore off of Patriots, bath bombs thing about how approachable it is. The models became quite bland. Also, some of their prod- aren’t Malibu Barbies, but real people and the ucts contain glitter, which creates more of a products are legitimate, but don’t have names like “Perle Le mode mess and an inconvenience than they are useful or effective. Lush serum”. Glossier is more than a brand, it’s a new way of life that should stick to basic beauty products, such as face masks, and stop represents the needs of our generation. —Minnie Jellinek trying to create unpurposeful products. —Sierra Sugarman SPOTIFY is one the of the most used music apps of our time for On APPLE MUSIC, a family plan is $14.99 a month. Just for com- several reasons. First of all, it allows the user to make playlists, so parison a family-plan on Netflix is $11.99 a month. Apple Music they can play all of their favorite songs with- is more expensive and all you get is music, out listening to any of the songs they are not opposed to Netflix which is cheaper and comes interested in. The app is easy to use, and does with many shows and movies. Apple music not take much effort to navigate. In addition, is overpriced. Spotify, a much better option, Spotify has an extremely wide range of songs to offers about the same music for free. Apple choose from. The only con I can come up with Music is just a rip-off, they say that you gain is that the user has to pay in order to unlock access to the entire iTunes library (which is Spotify Premium. This allows the listener to true), but who is going to listen to the whole play any song they want, and listen to ad-free music. Overall, I iTunes library? Name one person who is going to listen to the would definitely choose Spotify over any other music app, especial- ENTIRE iTunes library and I’ll give them a cookie. I’m pretty sure ly because it allows the user to listen to their specific taste in music. ­ that you can listen to the music that you want to without wasting —Sydney Suh that money. —Aidan Petoyan

THE OFFICE is a funny TV show made in 2005. The first episode The Archie comics started out as cheerful and light-hearted, but got me hooked on this hilarious comedy. The Officestars Steve RIVERDALE soon turned it into a dark, spine-chilling show version Carrel, who plays Michael Scott, the boss at Dunder Mifflin. His of the comics. In their defense, most shows comical remarks make me crack up and cringe these days are like that, and it is hard to com- at the same time. All nine seasons are filled with pete when your show is like a perfect world. outrageous humor. One of the most entertaining When the show first started, it attracted many characters is, Dwight Schrute, the “assistant to viewers, specifically teenagers. By the time the regional manager.” His peculiar composure the most recent season came out, most of those always keeps me laughing. Strange romances viewers moved onto their new favorite show, between two characters in the show alwas leave that they will binge watch all night on Netflix. me on a cliffhanger. It shows all the struggles Though the characters can be relatable at times, of life with the comedy that makes it so good. If the show has been all over the place. The characters and sets stay you are looking for something to binge-watch at home, The Office the same, but the storyline does not seem to flow from episode to is a great choice! —Eva Herndon episode, with different events every time. —Alexa Dreyfus

Social media platform INSTAGRAM has been around for 8 years and Remember.Musical.ly, the home of such creations as the “Don’t has collected nearly 1 billion monthly users. As one of nearly one Judge Me Challenge”? Remember how everyone except those who billion, I use Instagram multiple times a day. This includes in the used it thought it was terrible? Well, back by morning, afternoon, and before bed for about unpopular demand, TIK TOK is here! TikTok is, 15 minutes at a time, translating to nearly 45 aside from a few differences, just Musical.ly but minutes of my daily free time. I do not post somehow worse. The app has obnoxious ads ev- frequently but in this 45 minutes I look at recent erywhere on YouTube and relies on children to posts of celebrities, comedy accounts, and join their apps, yet the app is populated mostly friends. Although Instagram is an unproductive by those over 30. However, this pales in com- use of my time, it entertains me through long parison to the “Bad Boys.” With an obnoxious bus rides and whenever I am bored. I recom- song playing, the “Bad Boy” wears “nerdy” clothing, and as the men Instagram to anyone that has a lot of time waiting on a bus or bass drops, they cover the camera and reveal that “Wow! They’re so at an office in their spare time. —Grant Gailys hot!” Don’t use this app if you value your brain cells.—Chaz Plager 22 December 13, 2018 Paul Paul Revere Middle School Lifestyle

Niki Namian decorates her Christmas tree. Shira lights her menorah during Hannukah. Amelia tops her Christmas tree with a star.

Patriots share their unique traditions for getting the most out of their winter festivities. By SOPHIE HERRON

The winter holidays are well underway, and Patriots are busy celebrating. Several Patriots shared their family traditions. Seventh grader Amelia Lessans cele- brates both Hanukkah and Christmas. Some of her family traditions include the Christ- mas Pickle. “Our parents hide a green glass Ms. Berellez lights things up. Photo: Kwazi Estess Isabel Fischer lights her family’s menorah. pickle somewhere around my grandparent’s house in Lexington, Massachusetts, and on mas tree and decorate it with some Hanuk- Christmas morning, my cousins and I must kah ornaments and Christmas ornaments. What are your plans find it to win the $15 iTunes gift-card. I’ve On Hanukkah we have our family come over for winter break? never lost.” Weinachtsteller is another tra- and we eat a bunch of food like latkes, pota- dition in Amelia’s family. “On Christmas toes and so much more.” According to a poll of 202 Patriots . . . mornings we get these paper plates with nap- Lindsay Baker says her family has their kins concealing the contents. We count down own traditions.“Every year, we have done 35% will travel outside of California. Advent calendars filled with either choco- from three and then we take off the napkins 22% will donate time or money to charity. to reveal heaps of candy! Then we trade late, charms or baby Jesus toys.” and steal candy from/with our cous- Lucy Chada Kramarich added, “Each 25% will participate in religious activity. year we break this cracker called oplatek ins, aunts, uncles, and grandma. I al- 65% will go to the movies. ways go for the gummies!” on Christmas Eve when my grandpa’s Niki Namian spends Christmas uncle is over and we have a big party. 40% will play Fortnite. with her family. She said, “Our fami- The youngest goes around and gives ev- ly friends have Christmas themed par- eryone the oplatek. We break pieces off Poll conducted by Alexa Dreyfus ties each year where we celebrate and say thanks and eat it together.” together.” She added, “We Michael Francoeur, who was decorate the Christmas tree born on Christmas Eve, shares as a family and love baking how he and his family go to his special cookies. Every year grandmother’s Christmas party when the clock strikes mid- every year where they eat a lot night on Christmas we open and play board games. our presents around the Revere faculty are also Christmas tree.” Holiday sweaters like decorating the main office and Isabel Fischer’s fami- this one worn by Jacob classrooms. From the oplatek ly celebrates Christmas as Boulanger have become to latkes, Patriots all over Re- well as Hanukkah. She ex- an annual tradition. vere celebrate different holi- plained, “We get a Christ- Photo: Jordon Cook days in unique ways. Amelia and her family enjoy Weinachtsteller. December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School 23

Mouthwatering recipes, both savory and sweet, to feed everybody’s winter break cravings. BY TREY TZUNG ”It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” and what bet- ter way to start it off then with The next recipe is from Jake For a delicious entrée try The final recipe is from some homemade recipes! Not Evans, a seventh grade Patri- Johnny Harvey’s turkey dinner. Aidan Petoyan. Aidan cele- only are these foods delicious, ot. Jake celebrates Christmas Johnny is an eighth grade Patriot brates Christmas over the break, they are made by some of our during the winter season. Over who celebrates Christmas. For and for this holiday he and his very own Patriots! the break, Jake makes lots of this tradition he and his fam- family make Oreo cake pops. foods, but one of his favorites is ily make a turkey dinner, that Originally, his grandma made potato casserole. His family has was created by his great grand- a cake pop recipe, but then his been cooking this dish for more mother. His family has been mother modified the recipe to than 50 years. They first started making this dish his whole life. make Oreo cake pops instead of The first recipe is some making it when his great aunt, just the regular ones. Aidan’s yummy ginger snaps courtesy of Nina, discovered the recipe and Turkey Dinner family has been making the seventh grade Patriot, Olivia La shared it with her family. 3/4 cup Morton kosher salt modified Oreo recipe for about Via. Olivia celebrates Christmas 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 15 years. over the holiday season, and 1 12-14 pound turkey (neck and every year she makes this recipe giblets removed) patted dry for 150 gingersnaps. This recipe 2 sprigs rosemary has been in her family for many 2 garlic cloves, crushed years, but the present day recipe 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter was written down by her mom’s 2 teaspoons soy sauce cousin in 2014.

Potato Casserole Oreo Cake Pops 1 stick salted butter 1 package of Oreos Stalk of green onions Cream cheese 4 cups cream of chicken soup White chocolate chips or bark Two medium size bags of shred- Toothpicks ded cheddar cheese 1. Place salt and brown sugar 1. Put Oreos into a plastic bag 150 Gingersnaps Salt in a medium bowl and work and crush up 20 tablespoons dark syrup 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 frozen hash browns together to incorporate 2. Put crushed Oreos into bowl 18 tablespoons sugar Cornflakes 2. Place turkey in a roasting 3. Add in cream cheese to the 1 egg pan, pack mixture inside and Oreo bowl About 5 tablespoons half and 1. Melt 1 stick of salted butter out of the turkey. 4. Mix together with an electric half cream in pan 3. Chill uncovered for at least mixer until the mixture is a 2 tablespoons cinnamon 2. Add 1 stalk of green onions 12 hours semi-smooth sandy texture 1 tablespoon cardemon in pan 4. Preheat oven to 425° 5. Take a spoonful of Oreo mix- 1 tablespoon cloves 3. Sautee 5. Place turkey in oven and pour ture and roll into a ball 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 4. Add 4 cups of cream of 1 cup water into pan 6. Repeat step five until you run 900 grams flour chicken soup (do not add water) 6. Roast turkey out of Oreo mixture 5. Add two medium sized bags 7. Add more water by 1/2 cup if 7. Put the Oreo balls into the Instructions of shredded sharp cheddar needed fridge 1. Melt butter and let cool 6. Add salt 8. Cook until skin is browned 8. Melt white chocolate chips/ 2. Mix butter, syrup, sugar, egg, 7. Once melted, add 1 1/2- 1 3/4 over 35- 45 minutes bark cream, and spices together bags of frozen hash-browns 9. Cook rosemary, garlic, butter, 9. Take toothpicks and insert 3. Mix baking soda with small 8. Mix and soy sauce in a small sauce into the Oreo balls amount of flour. Add to mixture 9. Put in buttered casserole dish pan over medium heat until 10. Dip the Oreo balls into the 4. Add more flour little by little 10. Bake on 350 degrees for bubbling melted chocolate until dough is firm about 35 minutes 10. Reduce oven temp to 350° 11. Drizzle excess Oreo crumbs 5. Leave in fridge overnight 11. Add cornflakes crushed up 11. Continue to roast turkey, onto the Oreo pops 6. Bake in oven at 350º F for ap- or regular on top basting with butter mixture 12. Let sit for a little while until prox. 8 min 12. Bake for another 10 minutes every 10-15 minutes the white chocolate hardens 24 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School

On the twelfth of October By RYAN YASHAR and DARA RAHMANIAN In Twenty-Eighteen... Five eighth grade Iron Men In 1775, Paul Revere received an order to go with me, and they also thought it would to deliver a message to the people in Lex- be a good idea.” Decided to go green. ington, Massachusetts. Almost two and a They decided to wait until Friday, Oct. half centuries later, five eighth grade Patriots 12 to do it, however, so they could celebrate were also given a mission that they felt eager Leon’s 13th birthday. That way, this walk to complete. could represent Leon’s so-called “journey to It all started with a phone message from manhood.” the school principal: “Next Wednesday is So just like Paul Revere, these boys set National Walk-to-School Day. All Patriots out on a journey before daybreak, but on foot are invited to take part in this eco-friendly rather than on horseback. activity.” The walk took about an hour and as they Leon Akhavan said he liked the idea moved along, the group of boys saw some right away. “I thought it would be funny if I extraordinary sights. Overcoming any fears, walked to school since I lived extremely far these five Patriots finished their eco-friendly away in Westwood. I asked my close friends journey with great enthusiasm.

In their own words, the boys give a step-by-step account of their 4.4–mile journey.

My dad told me he had got a message from We started in Westwood I thought it would be super cold, but it was Mr. Iannucci encouraging students to partic- at Leon’s house near somewhat warm. Time was passing very ipate in Walk-to-School Day. My dad said it Lindbrook. It was still quickly because we were laughing and jok- was dangerous so I could only go if I brought pitch black. I had nev- ing the whole time. For example, at one point my friend Mike, who lives near me in West- er been walking on the Naveen got a massive branch and was swing- wood. But I wasn’t going to stop at Mike, I streets that early in the ing it around and we were all just laughing. was going to assemble a team. As my dad morning. While I kept One of the best things was looking at all of was driving me home on Wilshire Boule- moving forward, I re- the other people who were vard, I kept looking out the window at the alized that I was ahead and I stopped and also up at 6 a.m. There was city sidewalks, already knowing that’s where turned around to tell the others to catch up. a homeless guy in about I would be in a week. I had to assemble a They had stopped and were gazing at the his 30’s who said “hello” team of willing people who have the endur- stars above them. Behind them, I couldn’t to us and asked us, “’Ey, ance to walk about five miles. Ian, Mike, Eze- help but notice a faint red light in the dis- y’all going to school?” He kiel, Naveen and I have all earned Iron Man tance. It seemed to be gradually rising into seemed surprised to see shirts in P.E. and everyone on the team said the sky. It was the sun rising in the east, and us. We told him, “Yeah, yes at the very first offer. Our motto was “If it was incredibly beautiful. I realized in the we’re going to school.” It felt strange but in- we can run it we can walk moment that this was one of the only sunris- teresting to talk to someone whom I would it.” The largest obstacle in es that I had ever witnessed. As we contin- normally ignore while in the car. It’s inter- setting up was convincing ued walking through the streets of Wilshire, esting to think that I might never see him the parents, mainly Mike’s the faint light behind me only grew brighter. again and if I hadn’t gone on the walk, I parents. At first they said It slowly illuminated the sky and made it never would have met him in the first place. no, and then they said only look a magnificent pink and yellow color. In Even this early, the streets were super busy if he was dropped off at front of us, it was still dark, but the sunlight and we had to constantly be on the watch for the 405 bridge. But Mike’s was slowly catching up to us. After crossing cars as we crossed the intersections on foot. great bargaining skills made them finally the pathway under the 405, we stopped and When we crossed, Leon had his flashlight on give in. With Naveen, our safety was maxi- turned around to admire the orange giant. flashing mode, to alert any drivers coming in mized because he is tall enough to look like Its rays shed light on us as it floated above our direction. After reaching the other end of our dad. Finally it was my birthday, and we the horizon and into the sky. It was truly a each intersection we were all relieved that set off early in the morning. —Leon Akhavan breathtaking experience. —Ian Ishak we didn’t get hit by a car. —Ezekiel Ito

December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School 25 Many Ways to Get to Revere A survey of families last year revealed how over 2,100 students get to school.

LAUSD, City or 38% Parent-Funded Bus Patriots get off the Tumbleweed buses by the J-building. Photo: Ryan Yashar

THE 4.4-MILE WALK TO PAUL REVERE On Oct. 12, five Revere eighth graders traveled to school on foot through the busy streets of West LA. Above from left to right are Naveen, Ian, Leon, Michael and Ezekiel. Map: 36% Single Car Aidan Petoyan Daniel gets dropped off at the horse- shoe driveway. Photo: Ryan Yashar

“It was truly a breathtaking experience,” says Ian Ishak.

As we were walking, we couldn’t help but be The walk was coming to distracted by small things we found along the an end—everyone’s legs way, whether it be the number of people at were just about ready to 23% Carpool a certain coffee shop at a certain hour or the give out, and the only Michael (left) and Drew exit their sight of a bus one of us would normally be thing keeping our spir- carpool’s car. Photo: Ryan Yashar on right then. Near the federal building we its alive was conserva- briefly sat down on a bench for about two tive humor. As we came seconds because we joked that we needed a around the bend of 26th break. Then we got right back up and walked Street, we could almost see our well-sought along San Vicente. There was this one bro- goal—Paul Revere. On the way down the ken sprinkler we came across. Even though hill of 26th Street, we motivated ourselves I probably passed it every day while my dad by beating the fluff out of a pillow that hap- drove my sister and me to school, I have nev- pened to be resting on the curb. After beating er noticed it before, and based off of the in- the pillow all the way down until the bottom Walk terest in it expressed by everyone else, none of the hill, we were less than five hundred 2% of the others had noticed it before either. We yards away from our final destination. We Patriots sprint across Allenford to get took a while to watch it spew white water in were right where 26th Street becomes Allen- to school. Photo: Krish Gupta-Garcia the air, only for it to rain ford, and conversation picked up amongst down on cars containing ourselves as a great wave of relief and angry drivers who were elation rushed over us. We treated the last busy wondering what on segment of the walk as a race, and Ezekiel earth about half a dozen finished first. Then came me, and after me tired teenagers were do- Naveen and Leon tied, and Ian came in last. ing staring at a faulty wa- As we trudged through the front entrance of ter fixture on San Vicente. Paul Revere, cheering as we crossed our fin- Some of us stuck our feet over the sprin- ish line, our journey was complete. We all 1% Bike kler to direct the stream of water it shot out. parted ways from there, meaning that the Ms. Joensen bikes to school two or After we all got bored of it, we moved on and walk was finished—and the day was just three times a week. Photo: Mr. Wechsler headed to school. —Naveen Rutgers beginning. —Michael Francoeur 26 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School Students reveal the uses crutches to help her move around. Jayleen said that she stories behind their should be better soon. This in- injuries that have jury prevented her from running the mile and other various P.E. affected school life. activities such as push-ups. ARI MOORE (6) By AMELIA LESSANS , an eighth grader, received a growth plate Many Patriots engage in af- injury on his ankle called Sev- ter school activities such as soc- ers Disease, which starts in the cer, volleyball and basketball, back of your heel and extends and others just prefer to stay all the way up the leg through home and bounce on their tram- the Achilles tendon. This injury poline. These injured Patriots is caused by a growth plate in- tell their stories behind the inju- flammation on growing children ries they’ve had to cope with. that tend to be active, meaning BENJAMIN ALTMAN (1), a that his injury isn’t caused by seventh grader, sprained his falling or being hit, it’s caused right wrist. He explains, “I was simply by growing when some- just walking at soccer practice, one is younger. He received this when a ball came out of nowhere injury Oct. 8, and he was healed and hit my hand.” This event oc- completely by Nov. 19. Ari ex- curred on Oct. 16. He wore a plained, “It hurts a lot.” He wore splint on his injured wrist. Luck- a cast with a boot mechanism ily, he’s a lefty, so his injured underneath, and he got his cast hand didn’t affect his writing too off on Nov. 6. much. EVA HERNDON (7), a seventh BRADAEN BARASH (2), a grader, sprained her wrist while sixth grader, broke his fibula jumping on her trampoline at her and also messed up his Achil- house. “Even eating with uten- les. He told, “I was running and sils hurts,” she described. She then, all of a sudden, my ankle received this injury on Sept. 13, twisted, and my bone popped.” and she was better around the This occurred on Oct. 7, and he 25. She said, “it’s feeling better was healed by Nov. 15. He wore already!” Eva wears a brace on a boot and used crutches to help her injured wrist. She was in- support his foot. structed to ice her injury. DAYNA DANIELLE (3), a sixth AMANDA LINEY (8), who is grader, said that she got, “Hyper- an eighth grade patriot told, “I extention with bone damage.” sprained my ankle while I was Her injury occurred while she playing soccer.” Amanda goes on was doing push-ups at P.E. She to say that she was close to MVP said someone pushed her down in P.E., but then she sprained her from behind while she was in ankle, so she couldn’t achieve the ‘up’ position, and she land- this goal. She used crutches to ed awkwardly. She wore a sling aid her ankle. Her injury stopped around her arm, and she didn’t her from participating in PE un- participate in P.E. activities. til she was fully healed. She said LEXI RABEN (4), a seventh her injury wouldn’t last long, grader, sprained her ankle on and that she’d recover soon. Oct. 11, and was healed Oct. 29. LILA KUNKEL (9), a seventh She explained, “I tripped over grader, was injured when a friend a tree root while running the accidentally slammed a door on mile.” Lexi used crutches to help her finger at school (Don’t wor- her transportation, and she wore ry, it was an accident). This re- a bandage on her injured ankle. sulted in a hairline fracture on This kept Lexi from participat- the growth point of her thumb. ing in P.E., and it made walking She received this injury Sept. difficult. 12, and she was healed by Oct. JAYLEEN DELHOYO (5), an 3. Lila wore a brace on her wrist. eighth grader, explained, “I frac- She explained that, “Writing is tured my hip while I was skate- difficult,” and that she cannot boarding near my house.” She participate in various P.E. activ- said that she smashed into a pole ities such as the mile and fitness and her hip fractured. She now day. December 13, 2018 Paul Revere Middle School 27 Sports Layla Adeli. Elan Lee. Julia Musumeci Photo: Elliot Lee Photo: Elliot Lee Modernizing the Olympics Ryan (left) and Jackson per- Think about where form a move. Photo: Derek Anwar you will be two years from now. In the year 2020, most Patriots will be in going into Riders Run Down high school but at the same time the Summer Olympics in Tokyo will begin with a slight surprise. The Competition That year, there will be mixed gender relay races in many sports. Thomas Bach, pres- PEP athletes compete in many events in the Delphic League. ident of International Olympic Committee By MAX SCHWARTZ they scored in the competition she had this to (IOC) said, “I am delighted that the Olym- say “I am extremely proud of our team and pic Games in Tokyo will include more Swish! Stomp! Forehand! Gooaal! Here thought we did very well this year.” women.” In other words, this new, co-ed that? That is the sound of Revere athletes en- Soccer is another sport Revere competes trend is aimed to encourage more women joying our PEP after school sports program. in. Revere recently formed a Varsity and Ju- to compete. As of November 26, Patriots have been en- nior Varsity boys team and a Varsity girls These modified Olympics will also joying the second session of PEP, or Person- team. Mr. Lafalette predicts that Revere will boost women’s participation in the com- al Enrichment Program. PEP offers an array “Not only make it to the playoff, but make petitions. According to NPR, “The IOC of classes and activities, many of which are it to the championship game.” There is still says it will get close to gender balance sports. The athletic activities PEP offers a whole season ahead for the Revere ath- among Olympic athletes, boosting women include: Tennis, Volleyball, Flag Football, letes, and the riders are hungry. Mr. Lafalette to nearly 49 percent, from 45.6 percent Basketball, Wrestling, and Cross Country. seems to think “last year are boys took sec- in Rio.” Some sports, such as swimming, Just before the start of Session 2, the Re- ond place, but this year we have unfinished have already started changing their ways. vere Cross Country team raced at the Delphic business.” Eighth-grade Patriot, who is a competitive League Finals, an important event for Paul Revere is also a big competitor in basket- swimmer, Bianca Cherry said, “When I Revere athletes. In fact Revere is one of the ball. This year we have three teams, a Varsi- was younger most of my swim races were top scoring schools at the event. At the Del- ty, a Junior Varsity and a sixth grade team. coed.” Not only do coed competitions phic League Finals, which took place on Oc- Our sixth grade team played Crossroads on strengthen the equality between genders tober 30, our female runners took first place December fourth, in an action packed game, but they can also bring out the best in ath- over all, as well as the top three individual with full bleachers. Part of the excitement letes by pushing them past their limits. places. These places were occupied by Lay- for the game was LeBron James’s sixth However, this coed trend can lead to la Adeli with a two mile pace of 12:49, Kyra grade son playing on the opposing team. many frustrations. Both genders would Morris, 13:07 and Shaya Keyvanfar, 13:09. Though the boys did not win, Revere played overall get new challenges they did not Layla Adeli says that “I love running with very well, dominating throughout the first have before. For example, women would my classmates because we push each oth- half. Both Junior Varsity, and Varsity played be irritated that they may not be taken er, to run faster which makes running much Brentwood on the sixth of December. The seriously. Eighth grader Caspar Turner more fun. Our cross-country boys took sec- Varsity team played great early on, but they agrees, “I don’t think coed middle school ond place over all, with Elan Lee coming narrowly lost. Junior Varsity killed with a fi- sports are a good idea because boys and in fourth individually with a speed of 11:58 nal score of 71-46. girls mature at different rates.” However, I for two miles, Daylen Dacay, with a time of Among the many sports Revere partici- think Paul Revere could participate in this 12:27 and Sam Houston, 12:29. Elan had pates in, another one is wrestling. The team new movement in different ways. One way thus to say about his performance “I feel ac- is preparing for their first meet of the year would be to let all the competitive sports complished because I did my best.” will be on Thursday the thirteenth. They will teams practice together despite their gender Another one of the competitive PEP be wrestling against Harvard-Westlake and and to have some races against each other. sports Revere participates in is tennis. The Chaminade. Another way would be to ask other schools Revere girls tennis team came in second Revere has succeeded in many athletic in the Delphic League to create some coed place over all. They won the majority of their endeavors through the course of the year. teams in sports. I believe this coed trend games up through the semi-finals. One of the Though the teams have done a lot, they still will have a positive effect on the Olympics members of the girls team was eighth grader have many games and an entire season filled and can also have one on Revere. Davina Yashar, and when asked about how with competition ahead of them. 28 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Sports Paul Revere Middle School Photos: Kyra Morris Drawings: Trey Tzung and Aidan Petoyan

To achieve Wonder Woman, girls have to run a mile in under 6:30. Sub Six is another challenge shirt that Patriots can get. To receive Only girls can receive this shirt, so if a boy gets a mile between six Sub Six, students have to run one mile in under six minutes. Unlike minutes and six and a half minutes, he will not obtain Wonder Wom- Wonder Woman, both boys and girls can earn this shirt. If a Revere an. If a girl gets a mile in exactly 6:30, she won’t get the shirt. Wonder student happens to get a mile in exactly six minutes, that Patriot will Women times include 6:28 which is seventh grader Pilar Winslow’s not receive this shirt. An eighth grader, Layla Adeli (left), got Sub time (left), and 6:22 which Sofia Farhangia, who is in eighth grade, Six with a time of 5:49. Kwazi Estes (right), a seventh grader, earned got (right). Jen Chin received Wonder Women with a time of 6:15 this shirt with a time of 5:40. Other fast times include, 5:34, which and Savannah Mullins got a time of 6:25. was Max Field’s time, and 5:59 which Shaya Keyvanfar got. T-SHIRTS HONOR Students start earning P.E. challenge shirts in the first semester by completing difficult feats.

To acquire Iron Man, Patriots must run five miles in under forty min- To earn Flash, boys and girls need to get different times. For girls to utes. That means that each mile must be run in under eight minutes. get Flash, they have to run two miles in under 13 minutes - which is Although this may seem simple, each progressing mile receives a two back-to-back Wonder Woman miles. However, boys have to run high time, so most Iron Man runners run their first mile in under two miles in under 12 minutes, or two back-to-back Sub Six miles. 7:30. Ava Baak (left), an eighth grade Patriot, got a time of 39:45. Julia Musumeci (left) got a time of 12:53. Another Patriot with Flash Santiago Arza Garcia (right) who is in seventh grade, got Iron Man in is Max Fields (right), a seventh grade Patriot who ran Flash in 11:34. 37:20. Other Revere students who got Iron Man include Claire Kim Other Patriots with fast Flash times are 12:20 for Sienna Ozar and who got a time of 38:58, and Braeden Barash with a time of 36:50. 11:54 for Elan Lee. December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Sports Paul Revere Middle School 29

In order to claim the Batman shirt, Patriots have to do a half grass To get Spiderman, Patriots have to climb the obstacle course pole lap and the obstacle course, including the pole, bars, and balance ten times in less than five minutes. This shirt cannot be earned with beams. Then they sprint out of the obstacle course gate, in under a time of exactly five minutes. Most people get a burn on their leg three minutes. Eighth grader Autumn Lee (left) was able to com- from going up and down the pole so many times in a row. Elan Lee plete the course in 2:52. Luca Riggiaro (right), an eighth grader, was (right), an eighth grade Patriot, got Spiderman in a time of 3:50. able to complete the course in 2:41. More Patriots able to complete Amanda Shane (left), an eighth grade Patriot, got a time of 4:34. the Batman course are Javier Tiscareno who had a time of 2:56, and Other Spiderman times are Whiley Grether with a time of 4:04, and Paria Grether achieved Batman in 2:46. Autumn Lee who got Spiderman with a time of 3:52. HEROIC EFFORTS To earn these shirts, Patriots have to run and climb at almost superhuman speed. By KYRA MORRIS

To get Superman, boys have to get all of the P.E shirts; Flash, Bat- Silver bullet is the hardest Revere challenge shirt to earn. In order to man, Spiderman, Sub-Six, and Iron Man. Girls have to get all the get it you have to run one mile under 5 minutes. Only 6 people have shirts except for Sub-Six, instead they need Wonder Woman. Revere ever gotten Silver Bullet. The two fastest times are, Charlie Sherman students have to get these shirts in than one year if they want to get ran it in 4:47 which is the best Silver Bullet time ever and Drake superman. Kyra Morris (left) an seventh grade patriot got the shirt Johnston got the shirt in 4:51. The other four runners who have mile last year. Zack Gresham (right) who is an eighth grade patriot got times in under five minutes are Robert Larson’s time was 4:53, Da- Superman last year. Other Patriots with Superman are Luca Riggiaro vin Cruze got it in 4:56, Anthony Perez achieved the shirt in 4:57, (who got Superman last year) and Ilan Lee (who got it this year). and Teddy Suijmn got a Silver Bullet time of 4:58. 30 December 13, 2018 Paul Revere Middle School F un Zone Edited by JAKE EVANS

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES Find all 8 changes made to the pic below. Photshopping: Erica Davis

A few days after the death of comic book legend Stan Lee, 204 Patriots, some from each grade, were asked: Which MARVEL SUPERHERO is the Greatest Of All Time? Black Panther 30% Spider-Man 23% Iron Man 7% Captain America 5% Isaac (from left), Nicole, Giselle, Aidan and Chapelle show off their “ugly sweater cookies.” Photo: Erica Davis Wolverine 3% Others 32%

Marvel Films

OREO TASTE TEST: Oreo Cookies vs. Oreo O’s Cereal Oreos—you like them, I love them, some hate them. And in 1912, when Axel Nabisco created “Milk’s Favorite Cookie,” some people who lived on a much higher plane of existence might have asked, “What if it were a cereal?” Today, we have that answer. Made by Post, a separate company from Nabis- Mason co, Oreo O’s are the unlikely union of Oreos and Cheerios. Five Patriots sam- pled both the cereal and the classic snack. Let’s see how the cookie crumbles. Pierce Kwazi Estes said the cereal “smells like a cow.” Levi Salzman said, “They taste nothing like the real Oreo. They’re not so good.” Axel Greve said, “They taste like burnt chicken.” Pierce Bergstein said they “smell toxic.” Mason Lopata had a more positive view, saying, “They smell like regular Oreos.” However, he still would “rather eat regular Oreos.” Levi So by a 5-0 margin, it seems like the issue was about as black and white Kwazi as the cookies themselves. Oreos may be milk’s favorite cookie, but the same can’t be said about the cereal. —Chaz Plager December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Fun Zone Paul Revere Middle School 31

IMAGINE IF... The yearbook artists in E-5 illustrate their favorite holiday fantasies.

Rio Viecco reads and answers his mail.

Elf ran the mile in P.E. Photoshopping: Mason Lopata Hey, Rio: Everybody seems to think I’m rich because I wear lots of Supreme and BAPE. It’s great feeling like I belong with the rich kids, but I actually got all this stuff from a friend who doesn’t like it anymore. Now I’m invited to a big party and I want to go but I can’t really afford to. What should I do? Signed, Poor Excuse for a Friend Mr. Hamanishi became Santa Claus. Jake Evans Dear Poor Excuse, Honestly I think that next time you should not lie and go along with being super rich, so you can have more friends. A snowman partied with Patriots. Levi Salzman Being yourself is more important and better than people thinking you’re rich because the people that only want you for the money are not real friends, they are fake. In the end I think you should tell them the truth and they’ll probably be kind about it so don’t worry. —Rio Hey Rio, My friend just started hanging out with this guy that she has liked for a long time. I am really happy for her, but now I never get to see her anymore. Whether it’s before, during or after school, he is always there. I even tried inviting her over for a girls’ The Grinch took Mr. Iannucci’s job. Sydney Geiger Goats became Santa’s reindeer. Pierce Bergstein night, but she brought him with her! I miss my friend. What do you suggest? Sincerely, Missing Friend Dear Missing Friend, You gotta tell this girl that it’s called “girls night” for a reason. You have to share your time with your friends or you will lose them. If I’m with one of my male friends and there’s a girl there that he likes, he will act annoying towards us and then try hard to get the girl. I don’t like hanging out with people who put girls in front of their really good friends. —Rio Elf lived in the Revere lockers. Maddy Suddleson The east driveway was a ski slope. Bella Kagan Question for Rio? Write it down and bring it to E-5. 32 December 13, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Fun Zone Paul Revere Middle School

WORD SEARCH How many names of these Fortnite skins can you find in the puzzle below?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES The top photo below has been Photoshopped with 8 changes. Can you find all 8? Photoshopping: Erica Davis

THAT WAS THEN . . . (over 15 years ago in 2003) SNOWFLAKE CHALLENGE Find the one snowflake that is repeated.

THIS IS NOW . . . (recently in front of Room E4)

right corner is repeated in a smaller size about four snowflakes to the left. left. the to snowflakes four about size smaller a in repeated is corner right

The snowflake in the lower lower the in snowflake The RAIDER WRECK OFFICER, SNOWFLAKE CHALLENGE: CHALLENGE: SNOWFLAKE

MOGUL MASTER, MONIKER, RANGER, SHOGUN, SYNTH STAR, TACTICS TACTICS STAR, SYNTH SHOGUN, RANGER, MONIKER, MASTER, MOGUL

STRIKER, DAZZLE, DESPERADO, FLAPJACKIE, INFILTRATOR, MAXIMILIAN, MAXIMILIAN, INFILTRATOR, FLAPJACKIE, DESPERADO, DAZZLE, STRIKER,

YEE-HAW, CRIMSON SCOUT, FAR OUT MAN, BRILLIANT BRILLIANT MAN, OUT FAR SCOUT, CRIMSON YEE-HAW, flipped. WORD SEARCH: WORD

holding Giselle’s cookie. 7. Giselle is holding Chapelle’s cookie. 8. Isaac’s head is is head Isaac’s 8. cookie. Chapelle’s holding is Giselle 7. cookie. Giselle’s holding

5. The color of the words on Chapelle’s sweatshirt is changed to blue. 6. Nicole is is Nicole 6. blue. to changed is sweatshirt Chapelle’s on words the of color The 5.

words on Nicole’s pants are changed to blue. 4. The design on Nicole’s shirt is multiplied. multiplied. is shirt Nicole’s on design The 4. blue. to changed are pants Nicole’s on words

the right. 2. There is a Santa Claus on the left-hand bottom corner. 3. The color of the the of color The 3. corner. bottom left-hand the on Claus Santa a is There 2. right. the

1. There are more flowers added to the wall on on wall the to added flowers more are There 1. ANSWERS: SPOT THE DIFFERENCES: THE SPOT