THEODORE ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL

1 — Friday, March 1, 2019 4301 13th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 Vol. 1 No. 2 Social Media MAKING A SPLASH causes social problems Administrators suggest using it as a tool for personal betterment

BY DASEAN DIXON Times Staff Reporter

Social media for teens can be provoc- ative and distracting. In the fall students experienced some online bullying via Instagram, sparking multiple altercations and suspensions. Assistant Principal Darryl Powell report- ed the content to the School Resource Offi- cer, a member of D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, which led to an investigation. CANDACE BOND/Riders’ Times Ashley Outlaw, one of our hard-working Roosevelt has a comprehensive swim program for the first time this year, which includes swim classes during the school day, lifeguard training, and swim team. Joshua Carroll competed on the team in the 50m freestyle and the 50m backstroke. custodians, suggested for us all to report the STORY ON PAGE 8 page and the page would then be terminated. Perhaps the bigger issue is that no stu- dent wants to be the target of public insults. “Someone who uses social media to belit- tle another is wrong,” Assistant Principal PARCC testing judges school, not students Tawana Alston said. BY SYMONE ADAMS That is just fine with Sniya Adams, a 3-11 and “mandatory for all students in Our AP’s have been working on not only Times Staff Reporter junior. “Students shouldn’t get graded on algebra, geometry, English 1 and 2, and taking the page down, but they are also the test because if you fail one test you biology,” Mr. H-B said. trying to change the climate in which this We are going into that time of year shouldn’t get a failing grade,” Adams said. The D.C.’s State Board of Education grows. “Pages like this come from students when the only thing teachers and admin- Joshua Hurley-Bruno (Mr. H-B), the website says that eligible students are who don’t have a voice,” AP Darryl Pow- istrators talk about is PARCC. But what testing coordinator at Roosevelt this year, required to take it, but “there is no legis- ell said. To maintain a peaceful school he does PARCC really mean to students? said PARCC has a number of purposes: lation banning parents from opting out of wants to “make sure every student has a What do students think about it? “One is to inform students of their level of statewide assessments.” The penalty for voice.” Students don’t get graded on how they preparation for college and career, two is staying home is unexcused absences. Assistant Principal Simone Wilkinson do on the PARCC testing. It’s supposed to to help teachers reflect on their effective- For the last two years, the overwhelming explained that students, like other Amer- be the most important test of the year even ness, three is to help the district examine majority of Roosevelt students received a icans, have freedom of speech. They can though it has no effect on any final grade their policies.” 1 or a 2 on their PARCC exam, whereas See SOCIAL MEDIA, Page 3 students receive from the school. PARCC is taken every year in grades See PARCC, Page 2 Students give Organizations want to improve school lunch their school 3.5 in BY NAIDELIN SANCHEZ-LOPEZ Times Staff Reporter response to DCPS’s Many students complain about the “one-star” rating school lunch, so Riders’ Times tracked down some people who are working to BY ZANNAT FARIA, DAVID NEAU, LUIS make it better to find out how menus are ESPINAL, TONY WILLIAMS, JR. Times Staff Reporter planned and what students can do to help make change. DCPS introduced a school rating system Freshman Letitia Ozuna said she and Roosevelt scored one star out of five. usually brings her own food from home However, 42 students responded in a sur- because she doesn’t like many of the vey, giving their school closer to four out of things they make. “But some things are five stars. better than others,” she says. “The pizza The DCPS rating is based off of five cate- is my favorite. I like the rice. I like the gories, but we received a ‘one’ mainly due to chicken ok.” our test scores. No one at Roosevelt received Kids from International Academy say the top PARCC score in either English or the food that is served is unfamiliar. “I math in 2017. don’t like it because it’s not Latin food. It NGONEH BAH/Riders’ Times The only schools to get five stars were would be better if it were Latin food,” said Complaints about the school lunch are loud and long, but DC Greens is working with DCPS to get students’ voices heard. They want feedback. They want taste-testers. They say they actually want us See , Page See , Page RATING 4 LUNCH 2 to enjoy their food.

FEATURES...... 7 SPORTS...... 8 Changes in the school go beyond Boys and girls Indoor Track and the new classrooms and equipment. Field teams won big in citywide Roosevelt has had six principals in the last championships. 10 years, including Ivor Mitchell, who as Dr. D said, “did not play no games. There MUSIC...... 5 were no students in the hallway and the Missing marching band and lack students who did not realize or find their of an integrated music program purpose would see the front door.” frustrates teachers and students. 2 — Friday, March 1, 2019 News The Riders’ Times O’Leary calls for equity in school funding Staff writers Juana Lazo-Urias Alphonso Avery Outlines priorities in exclusive interview with Riders’ Times Symone Adams Tyrone Leach Ngoneh Bah Quinton Little Khiem Cam BY JAMIR MADDEN technology to all students. New buildings are Daynah Anderson Jamir Madden Tre’von Davis Times Staff Reporter really nice but in 2018, there are still many stu- Brayan Andrade Angela Martinez Carlos Escobar dents who are not playing on a level field when Judah Audrey Jay Matthews, II Alajah Henderson Frazier O’Leary won the Ward 4 State it comes to technology,” O’Leary said. Simmeone Barnes Juliana Miranda Juana Lazo-Urias Board Of Education (SBOE) seat after a O’Leary acquired a vast amount of teach- Jeremiah Battle David Neau Makihya Parker lengthy and tough election in November. ing experience that started at Garnet Patterson Marllin Benitez Makihya Parker Luis Quevedo Entering in the election late, O’Leary pre- Junior High in 1971 and ended up leaving Patrice Buchanan Jaela Riddick Myles Thomas vailed. “I was the last candidate to enter the and transferring in 1977 to Cardozo which he Kesean Bullock Naidelin Sanchez-Lo- Anthony Zelaya-Rivas election with no money, and managed to pay retired in 2017(47 years). In Cardozo O’leary Kyra Collins pez all the bills,” he said in an interview. balanced teaching English and helping stu- Reiyanna Davis Shayla Stockton According to DCIST O’Leary took a lead dents in the classroom while also coaching Dasean Dixon Advisers Ayah Truth in the election with 47 percent of the vote, baseball. Luis Espinal Candace Bond Tony Williams, Jr. beating out three other candidates. The other Before this election O’Leary said he never Zannat Faria Emily Gomez three candidates were Rhonda Henderson, ran for anything. It was his first time running Lania Hart Kandance Johnson Elani Lawrence, and Ryan Tauriainen. around passing out flyers and making school Alajah Henderson Design Erica Rambus SBOE is an executive branch independent appearances. “I gathered great input from the Morgan Hicks Shane Achenbach Mary Stapp agency of the D.C. government which pro- community,” he said. Jewel Joyner Photographers vides advocacy and policy guidance to DCPS. Now that O’Leary is on the SBOE, he is Fajr Kelly Jahara Abubaker One of O’Leary’s first things he will address advocating for the community to be more on the SBOE is making sure the funding is involved in the next election and attend the This is Issue Two of Volume [email protected]. distributed and spent equally. “Of all of these meetings. “A way the community can be One, Riders’ Times publications in In the American tradition of a free, very important issues, I think funding equity involved is to come to the community meet- SY 2018/19. Please contact us at strong, and independent press, our is the most important, There is no reason that ings that are held. However no one attends,” [email protected] if you mission is to provide an accurate a city with a budget surplus cannot provide O’Leary said. have any information about volume representation of events, and the numbers, past issues, or historical diverse views and interests of the information. students. Tenth grade students in Kandance Advertising and subscription IA students showcase English Johnson’s English class wrote rates are available by emailing stories of their own choosing, [email protected]. without administrative prior Costs for the printing of this issue skills in midyear presentations review, at Theodore Roosevelt were generously covered by Jane High School 4301 13th Street Doran, and the wonderful color BY PATRICE BUCHANAN presentations. I think that for any student, it NW, D.C., 20011. We welcome all upgrade was paid for by Special Times Staff Reporter is difficult to stand in front of your peers and student contributions of articles, Education Teacher, Dr. Shelley in front of strangers,” Sherman said, “and I photographs, graphics, etc. Please Hawkins. Thank you! International Academy seniors presented am proud that the students had presented so send any correspondence to their experience at Roosevelt and how it much confidence and vulnerability during impacted their lives in late January. Students their presentations.” were able to show how much they’ve IA students normally speak the language improved in speaking English and their they are most comfortable with, so they are stories of what it took to get where they are. given the opportunity to speak English. SCHOOL LUNCH are why you will not see chocolate “When I came to this school the first “I think that the presentation provided a From Page 1 milk, or breaded chicken including time, it was challenging because I didn’t platform for students,” Sherman said. nuggets on the menu.” know English and I didn’t know anyone,” Students were given feedback on their sophomore Julio Alvarez. This is part of the reason why sophomore Ali Adem said. presentations, mainly from other peers and There are two main reasons why the students like freshman Jhokanny Brito “I am proud that I made friends from adults who attended. They are graded on food isn’t better: cost and rules. Lea say, “The food has no flavor.” different countries” senior Samrawit vocabulary usage, linguistic complexity, Howe is the Director of School Food DC Greens is a non-profit Bulcha said. and language forms and conventions. The Initiatives for DC Greens. She said that organization that supports healthy These presentations have helped IA project also involved different forms of there are federal standards that school food for all and helped to create the students grow and do something that language because first they had to write it, lunches have to follow, and D.C. also School Food Advisory Board which, they’ve never done before. International then speak it, and also listen to their peers’ has strict nutritional standards. But has a “mission of opening channels of Academy teacher Phoebe Sherman said it presentations and give feedback. cost is a big issue too. “Food service communication and building a more took courage for them to stand in front of “I was not only impressed by the operators do not have a lot of money reflective and responsive meal program many people and tell their stories in English, development of students’ speaking skills, but to work with in preparing meals - across DCPS’ 114 schools,” according a language that still may not be completely was truly touched by the growth of our students labor, cost of ingredients, training for to its website. familiar or comfortable for them. as rich human beings in our community,” kitchen staff, equipment, etc. They end The School Food Advisory Board “I feel really proud about the student adviser Joshua Hurley-Bruno said. up having less than $1 to actually pay meets four times each school year and for ingredients for each school lunch,” wants students and families to come Howe wrote in an email. to these meetings to provide feedback room depending on the school’s scores of Megan Geiger is a dietician who about the lunches they are served. PARCC From Page 1 the PARCC assessment. PARCC scores are helps plan the menus for DCPS. “When Representatives from the company calculated and compared to other schools in menu items are planned I consider that makes Roosevelt lunches, Sodexo D.C. and are also compared to schools in other student preferences. I receive feedback Magic, will be there, as will DCPS Mr. H-B said a 4 would be a good score. states that participate in PARCC testing. when I visit schools and all new menu Nutritional Services leadership. In spring, 2017, 83 percent of Roosevelt In the end, PARCC becomes an import- items are taste-tested with students,” Their next meeting will be on students got a one or a two in math. In ant piece of data that people look at to mea- Geiger said. “My goal is to balance February 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Ron Brown 2018, 84 percent of students got a one or sure our knowledge. the nutrition regulations I am required High School. “I feel it’s very important two in math. Mr. H-B is one of many teachers who to meet while creating meals students that student voices are heard, and I “PARCC is stressful because I have to say they want us to look good in the knowl- enjoy.” do my best to meet their requests and try and remember everything I’ve learned edge department. Attendance is important. In an email, she explained how needs as best I can,” Geiger wrote. throughout the year,” Adams said. Graduating is also tracked very closely, but lunches are affected by laws: “The “I would encourage more students And students are timed. Each PARCC PARCC is the thing teachers care about federal regulations are the baseline set to attend meetings like School Food test is about four and a half hours, but Mr. because it shows what students learn. of guidelines, the local legislation is Advisory Board because I feel it is H-B said some students (those with an “So look, I love Roosevelt High School, stricter, and the nutrition requirements important for the community members Individualized Education Plan) are given and I work here because I believe in the in our contract with DCPS outline and parents who attend these meetings extra time. students, and if you look at us online, and more strict guidelines. For example, the to hear directly from students what they At the end of the summer, PARCC look at our stars [rating], we don’t look federal legislation regulates the portion enjoy eating because students are the scores are given to students by the assistant good, right? But if you walk in the class- sizes, calories, and sodium in the food. target audience for the menu. principal. room you’ll see how good we look,” Mr. The Healthy Students Amendment Act If you want to taste test the food “Next year I hope to have teachers give H-B said. “I want Roosevelt to look like the states that only unflavored milk may we are served, or recommend different students their score. In my view, it takes far amazing school it is to people who don’t be served, and the contract states that options to the providers, go to the too long for PARCC scores to be released,” know us. If our PARCC scores go up it tells no food shall have sugar as the first or meetings. Mr. H-B said. our community that we are a school that second ingredient, and no meat may be PARCC helps educators in the class- you want to attend.” flash fried. These nutrition guidelines 3 — Friday, March 1, 2019 News The Riders’ Times

of their opportunity.” SOCIAL MEDIA CALENDAR END OF YEAR EVENTS From Page 1 Butler talked about how public the Internet is, that there are no secrets there, and how people used to say “would you MARCH MAY say as much stupid stuff as they want to. say/do that in front of your mom?” This Learning to refrain from that is a major was a way to get teenagers to curb bad March 21: Immigration Narra- tives at 7 p.m. in the Atrium April 30 - May 15: PARRC and step into social media etiquette. behavior. Advanced Placement testing Intervention Coach Maurice Butler Be aware of what you are posting on advises students to try to think of their social media. Voice your opinions in May 2nd: Senior Award Night APRIL at Atrium in Roosevelt 7pm futures. “Nowadays, your caption on mature way that doesn’t target others, social media can limit your opportuni- Butler advises. Military Ball at April 1: Signing Day, the May 10: ties. Colleges, heads of programs and Butler states the bottom line. “If your first to take place at Roose, Marriott Marquis 7pm bosses look at your social media and can perception of yourself is not where it will acknowledge all senior May 31: Blue Tie Affair - very well take the content and context of should be, then use social media to dis- students, academically and student dance in the atrium, your social media activity and determine play your perception of where you would athletically, with acceptance 7-11 p.m. whether or not they want you to be a part want it to be. Be social, but be smart.” letters and scholarships to May: Sports Banquet, Spring colleges and universities. At Beauty Pageant this school-wide program that will take place in the atrium, students will personally announce what school they have committed to. Colleges, JUNE universities and the press will be invited. June 7: Senior Prom- (7- 11pm) in Gallaudet University April 4 -6: Senior Class Trip to Camelback Mountain Resort @ Kellogg Conference Center April 24: A Night in the June 10 -14: Senior Week/ PARCC, for parents and Last Week of school - fun daily students to learn about activities throughout the week expectations for testing, to June 14: Last Day of school; ask questions, and interact Graduation, at Roosevelt with classmates with food, games, and activities for the family Compiled by Kyra Collins

MYLES THOMAS/Riders’ Times Take Advanced Placement classes in subjects you like, advises junior Kamron Miller who is currently taking three AP classes. Miller reports that the work is harder and there is a heavier homework load. AP classes give long term boosts College credit and pumped up GPAs for starters BY ANGELA MARTINEZ class is dangerous in a way because Times Staff Reporter you can miss a lot of work,” Miller said. If you are looking to get ahead in AP classes are not the the only way life, one way you can start right now is to get ahead. To get started, you can LUIS QUEVEDO/Riders’ Times to sign up for an Advanced Placement take honors classes. You do not have Math teacher Cesar Juarez likes to see curiosity in his students, and he said he looks for “different types of participation: speaking, writing, and listening is key to completely understand the material.” (AP) class. Let me explain. to take honors classes to get into AP AP classes are designed to be like classes but it is a good possible start . college classes, and if you do well Honors classes are designed to be enough on the AP Exam at the end of more rigorous than ordinary high Teachers explain their the year you can earn college credit for school grade-level classes. But “an the class you take in high school. For AP class should mimic the structure free! All you have to do is study. and content of college classes,” said unique teaching styles “It’s harder than normal classes, Humanities Coordinator Ejima Baker- more work,” 11th-grader A’sun Truth Morales. BY REIYANNA DAVIS should strive for that, different modes of said. “The most homework that I get “It’s harder than normal classes, Times Staff Reporter engagement, expression, and incorporate is from AP.” more work, and everything’s harder,” different things for different learners,” he Truth takes AP ELA and AP World Truth said. But he added that he is glad We students know that our teachers all says. History classes. He was recommended he is doing it. have different styles, different ways to Spanish 2 teacher Michelle Romero for these by teachers he had last year. Now juniors and seniors can take AP run their classes and to motivate students. has homework deadlines, but if a student AP CLASSES OFFERED It would be cool to have a guide to every needs extra time, depending on their classes without a recommendation. You teacher’s expectations so that students situation, they can have extra time. “Some just have to advocate for yourself. Last AT ROOSEVELT would know what to expect. But that would assignments can be completed outside of year students were recommended by be a book, and this is a newspaper article, class,” she says. teachers, but now you can get accepted • Ap English Language so here are three teachers’ explanations of “I wouldn’t say I am strict, but I am a either with those recommendations, or if you’re not recommended, by • AP English Literature how they teach and why they teach this stickler when it comes to positive and • Pre-AP English II way. appropriate language,” Romero says. talking to your counselor you can get Algebra 2 and Trigonometry teacher Student teacher Stanley Absher, who accepted, according to AP English • Pre-AP English I Cesar Juarez does not consider himself to be works with ELA teacher Brigid Hogan says teacher of seven years Erich Heckel. • AP US History strict. “It’s not my goal to be a strict teacher; that student teachers have to learn to be If you decide AP is the right fit for • AP Psychology it’s my goal to have high expectations for strict. “I want to be stricter. It’s something you, Kamron Miller, a junior, advises you to have good attendance. Miller • AP Spanish Language my students,” he says. “Roosevelt students I need to work on,” Absher said. • AP Calculus are capable of achieving greatness beyond When it comes to assignments Absher takes AP physiology, AP history, and the community we have here, and to achieve finds a way to be both strict and helpful: AP English. He explained that missing • AP Environmental great things we need high expectations – “Due dates, are due dates, so something class is a huge con. “A pro would be Science high expectations of students’ work.” needs to be turned in when the due date the extra knowledge in the subject. A • AP World History He also expresses how his class is all- comes, but if needed afterwards, we can con is that it is a lot of extra work and learning-type friendly. “Every teacher work on improvement in the assignment.” requires commitment. Missing one 4 — Friday, March 1, 2019 Features The Riders’ Times

RATING From Page 1 Arabic teacher jets into Roosevelt McKinley Tech, School Without Walls, and Banneker. Most people expressed surprise when they heard about the rating, starting with Interim from her home in Egypt Principal Justin Ralston. “Any time a num- ber or star is used it leaves out a huge part of a story. So, it doesn’t capture the story of Roosevelt and the hard work of the students, families, as well as teachers,” he said. In fact, when asked to rate the school, he couldn’t. He indicated that it is counter-productive to do so. World history teacher Kathryn Collins agreed. “I was fairly shocked,” she said. “I didn’t expect the rating to be that low. I don’t feel DCPS. It’s very difficult to encapsulate the worth of a school in a single digit. A lot of great things happen in Roosevelt that isn’t reflected in a one-star rating.” Ralston mentioned that he recently met a former Roosevelt student who graduated in 2011, shortly after having the opportunity to study in China through the DCPS program. Now he works for the foreign service with the Department of State, Ralston said. Collins mentioned the intangible values of the International Academy. “It doesn’t take into consideration our IA students who are one-third of the school’s population. The star rating aren’t inclusive or reflective of the IA community and what it does for Roosevelt and the growth of all the students together,” Collins said. Last year, when the star rating system was proposed, public education advocate Cathy Reilly wrote a letter opposing it. “The children and families in these 1, 2 or 3 STAR schools may love their school; they may be getting one on one attention and excellent instruction. This simplistic rating actually denigrates their choice,” she wrote. “Schools are not on YELP as stores or movies. They are required to do something far more complex.” Each of the four categories that go into the rating is weighted differently. In high school, Academic Achievement is worth JULIAN HIPKINS, III/Riders’ Times 40 points, School Environment is worth 39 The town she is from doesn’t look all that far away on this map, and Ms. El-Hendy says that teenagers everywhere have a lot in common. She came to teach points, English Language Proficiency is Arabic in D.C. hoping to bridge cultural divides. worth 5 points, and Graduation Rate is worth 11 points. No one is rated on growth or the El-Hendy is eager to amount of teaching that goes on in a class- room. share Arabic culture If you want to see the scores go to https:// BY ZANNAT FARIA dcschoolreportcard.org Times Staff Reporter

Ms. Hend El-Hendy said she has “many true stories to tell about travelling and MISCONCEPTIONS adapting in a foreign country,” but she ABOUT ARABS would like it if you would learn Arabic to hear them. • Egypt is only a desert She was chosen from hundreds of • Every Arab is Muslim candidates to teach Arabic in DCPS • There aren’t any Arabic through a program sponsored by the U.S. countries in Africa State Department. This has brought her all the way from Suez, a coastal town in Egypt. • There are no tall She said Julian Hipkins, global studies buildings in Arab coordinator, helped her get oriented to D.C. countries and to Roosevelt when she first arrived in • There are no cars August just before school started. “He was • Everyone has a camel keen to make sure that everything is good with me inside the school and outside the • Very few people speak ZANNAT FARIA/Riders’ Times Arabic though it’s one school,” El-Hendy said. “I’m very thankful Working with so many different students from different backgrounds has been been instructive for Ms. to him and his family. Also, my mentor El-Hendy. “I plan to transfer what I have learned to Egyptian teachers and students in my community. I plan of the fastest growing teacher, Ms. Myers is a great support to me. to continue virtual conferences between my American students and Arabic natives, so that more mutual understanding is achieved,” El-Hendy said. languages Actually, all RHS family are considerate and cooperative.” teachers to teach their home language countries,” she said. “My school is a public She studied at The University of at American high schools. Through this one and all students in it are Egyptians.” stays because many students told me it’s Edinburgh in Scotland, so this isn’t the first program, students and teachers get a deeper This caused her to learn, “a lot about their only way to learn Arabic.” time she’s traveled abroad. “It was not hard understanding of each other’s culture while teaching a multicultural class from different Coming to the U.S has brought many or culturally shocking but it is a lot of work, sharing teaching methods. El-Hendy said backgrounds, various mother tongues, and experiences both good and bad. Yet, including teaching the Arabic language she wanted to join this program because several cultures.” El-Hendy overtook those obstacles to and culture, presenting outreaches for the she’s passionate about teaching people more But all teenagers have some similarities: provide Arabic as a language to students community, learning everything about about the Arab countries to create a better “Both Egyptian and American students at Roosevelt: “Sure! I miss everything in American educational system and attending relationship or a “mutual understanding.” like listening to music and dance, both Egypt. But, it’s awesome when I talk to TCLP workshops.” Reflecting thus far on her experience at study foreign languages, and are curious, ” my parents and tell them about what I’m The Teachers of Critical Languages Roosevelt she notes the major differences El-Hendy said. learning here and I feel how much they are Program (TCLP) is a program sponsored between Egyptian school versus American What will happen next year? Will the proud of me,” El-Hendy said when I ask her by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural schools, highlighting the school’s diversity. program stay? “It depends on school about missing home. Affairs. They recruit foreign language “Roosevelt has students from different administration,” El-Hendy said. “I hope it It is safe to say she has no regrets. 5 — Friday, March 1, 2019 Music The Riders’ Times

LUIS QUEVEDO/Riders’ Times With senior Besufikid Tasissa on piano and sophomore Samuel Taera on saxophone, the two students prac- tice in one of the ancillary sound-proof rooms in the music wing. Comprehensive music program frustrates teachers

BY BRAYAN ANDRADE precedence in scheduling. After you finish Times Staff Reporter your required classes you can take what you want based on what is available. So our To quote Hans Christian Andersen, electives are determined first by what we “when words fail music speaks.” But need to complete, and second by whether it what happens when music fails? Here at fits into our schedules because core classes Roosevelt, students are using music to are scheduled first. MYLES THOMAS/Riders’ Times speak, through the strings of a guitar and Senior Leighton Hardy, who raps, plays Students learn every kind of instrument in Dameion Roy’s music class. On this particular February morning, Roy orchestrates a rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” the keys of a piano and even their voices. keyboard and guitar, says the music rooms Roosevelt has a music program where you are where he wants to be. “The music could learn to play all different kinds of program has provided me with a place that instruments or join the choir to show off I can feel relaxed and comfortable,” Hardy your singing skills and have fun. says. “Throughout the school day we as Students miss the If you can get into the class. students constantly are told ‘This is what Music teachers Dameion Roy and you need to do. This is how you need to do Kenneth Dickerson are frustrated by it.’ Rinse and repeat. There is no variety two aspects of the scheduling this year: whatsoever, the music program has created marching band, students who want to be in their classes a place for me where I can be myself.” but couldn’t get scheduled in, and the new Hardy said the teachers are good at Block Schedule, which removed students helping students understand the material. plan to bring it back who were just learning to play instruments “They know how to teach in a way that is together as a class in January, then gave great for everyone to learn,” he said. them entirely new students. Because music is a group activity, he too BY TYRONE LEACH computers with keyboards. Everything Dr. Dickerson said that Roosevelt needs is frustrated with the scheduling problems. Times Staff Reporter is brand new. Now all we need are the a comprehensive and coordinated music “It’s unfair that students get put in random STUDENTS. program with “an end goal in mind.” He is classes that they do not wish to take but As some students and staff are aware Question:What has happened to happy to be giving students the basics and a cannot take the class that they want,” Hardy the Theodore Roosevelt School Band the elective class that was offered to musical foundation, but to get to the level of said. has been inactive this school year. students? performing, he needs students for more than Music programs are supposed to be Students are wondering why is that Answer: The key is comprehensive 4.5 months. “You can’t take an instrument valued across the whole district as well, as and are there plans in the works to music programs are not being offered for one semester and call yourself a DCPS’s Music Manager James Mitaritonna bring it back in action. When sitting as a class. A comprehensive program musician,” Dickerson said. told me that the district is trying to expose down with music teacher Dr. Kenneth is having something for your 9th, 10th, Student interest is there. Senior Aranxa more kids to music. Dickerson all the questions are going to 11th and 12th grade year. I think those Romero said she learned to play the trumpet “Music is important to a well-rounded be answered. things are going to be in place for kids last year, sings in the choir this year, has education,” Mitaritonna said in an email. Question: So Dr.Dickerson I want who will be excited about performing learned the guitar, and is even creating some “While it provides students with an to start off by asking the obvious and they will stay after school to of her own EDM songs in Roy’s class. outlet for creativity and passion, music question everyone wants to know: What practice… There is no other school in “The teachers make learning and playing also reinforces many other 21st century happened to the school band? the district that has the interior that we music fun,” Romero said. But she wants skills – collaboration, critical thinking, Answer: Kids come to me saying have. I know because I’ve been to all of more. “I would like it to be at least 2 days communication, etc. It activate parts of the “I already took music,” and “well, my them I’ve been to Woodson,Wilson and after school and to perform in more places, brain that are responsible for movement, counselor said I already took music, so I Coolidge is about to be built and also even outside of school.” emotions, and creative thinking. A strong don’t have to take it again.” ...Percussion i’ve been up to Eastern. They don’t have Everyone agrees that performing is music curriculum and program gives access is a four-year program. what we have. the ideal. It is the scheduling that is the to students to develop a lifelong love of Question: How can a school band be Question:What happens to all of the difficulty. music.” beneficial to the school and the children equipment and instruments that are not “Scheduling is not as easy as people He also said that “access is incredibly participating? in use? think,” said Shantius Jackson, the 10th and important when considering programming Answer: We are helping students Answer: Again the key word is a 11th grade counselor. “We want you to have in schools.” While the district provides develop their passions. The Department comprehensive music program – not what [classes] you want, but our first priority keyboards to all elementary school kids, of Education data showed more than music class. The equipment is here. is to make you graduate on time.” we have every kind of instrument here at 25,000 secondary school students Now all we need are the students. To graduate from high school we need 24 Roosevelt waiting for students to play them. who consistently scored high in the Question: What draws you personally credits and our elective classes which are That is what students like Hardy and classroom were involved with the arts. to music? World Language, Art, Health and Physical Romero want to see. “I would like for ...We acquired all brand new equipment, Answer: I like music because it Education, and Music count up for 4.5 of there to be more opportunities to play Everything in here started out brand blossoms until it is fulfilled. Same thing our mandatory elective classes, and another and sing for not only the school, but even new. The Drumline is brand new, high- with dancing. Everybody has to submit 3.5 credits for other electives you choose, outside of the school. I would like for there end, state-of-the-art. You can’t get any to the idea and then carry that idea. once you finish your mandatory electives. to be opportunities for us to play for other better than Champion Pearl Marching That’s what I like. In every situation So in total, electives are worth 8 credits, a schools and for outside events,” Hardy said. Band Series. We have a brand-new you have to submit to the actual idea third of your credits needed to graduate. “It brings me joy to be able to practice drum set, electronic drum set, Apple that you’re trying to get across. Jackson said that required classes take something that I love.” 6 — Friday, March 1, 2019 Features The Riders’ Times

Study hacks to get you on track BY KESEAN BULLOCK Kang also stated “I set reminders to help Times Staff Reporter me remember when to do my homework or if I got a test the next day. I study with Studying isn’t just for assignments or that time.” the night before a final. Certain theories Senior Meeko Reeves explained that say that learning works best in small he manages his time by making a list of chunks and over time. things to do. Meeko stated “I like to stay There are some ways to study that organized so I make a to do list to help me work better than others. And there are manage my time so I don’t get off track”. some ways to study that better suit your personality. You can use these studying QUICK TIPS tips to help you be a better student. First of all, it’s never too early to start 1.Write down all your formulas studying to help you remember what at the beginning of the test. happened in class. Eleventh grade English 2.Use a program to block dis- teacher Erich Heckel explained there’s tracting sites on your computer something called the “curve of forgetting.” for a set period of time. “The curve of forgetting is when your 3.Take notes using different short term memory will only remember color pens. the seven biggest things that happened that day,” Heckel said. “You should summarize 4.Before taking a test, write your notes after class in your own words down all the relevant infor- mation you can think of on an so you can have a better understanding of index card, as though it were EMILY GOMEZ/Riders’ Times what you learned in class.” a piece of paper you were Students work in the library on Saturdays in a special program that was established to increase achieve- Ten minutes is all it will usually take, allowed to bring with you. ment. Teachers brought snacks to facilitate the learning (and to get kids to come). he added, to remember what you did in a class and what you learned. 5.Spray an unfamiliar scent Eleventh grader Amaide Lee-Kang is a while you’re studying. honor roll student but he hates studying Source: http://www.bezzfeed.com/ so he explained, “I have to stay motivated peggy17-little-tricks-to-help-you-ace- Saturday Snackademy by remembering what and why I am all-your-tests studying to help me keep pushing.” Lee- offers tutoring, test prep and treats

BY JAELA RIDDICK help you improve your test scores because Times Staff Reporter teachers have more time to explain how to navigate PARCC, how much time Theodore Roosevelt High School to spend on test questions, and help offers Saturday Academy to help kids and familiarize students with its different put them on track to push them harder for formats. Teachers also give tutoring help better scores on the PARCC and SAT so students can spend more time on class tests. work, improving our math and reading “There was a need for our high- skills . performing students to help keep their “For me, walking into school on a scores stay high and prepare them for Saturday feels really funny,” sophomore MYLES THOMAS/Riders’ Times parcc testing”, states Lichuya Reda, the Brayan Andrade said on a cold February It is the job of a dean to help out students, especially if they are struggling, but at all times, Dean James Taylor III said. Mathematics Instructional coordinator at Saturday morning. “But coming here has Theodore Roosevelt High School. helped me get ready for PARCC testing. The students who attend Saturday Knowing how to manage my time will Academy come because they want to help a lot.” Wanted: Administrator who is better themselves. Saturday Academy is This is Saturday Academy’s second different from evening credit recovery year taking place,” states Dr. Ejma Baker- smart, strong, stern, kind, judicious, because with ECR you have failed a class Morales, the Humanities Coordinator. caring, funny, friendly, mean, nice... and need that credit, so you make it up in “The main purpose was to help accelerate the evening. the kids who have 2’s and 3’s on PARCC, In contrast, Saturday Academy is to to help push them to do better.” BY AYAH TRUTH The deans can do a good amount of things Times Staff Reporter with their positions but all of the deans said something along the lines of how DCPS Some people might think that deans restricts them from doing some things they stand around all day not doing much. You think are needed. Dean Taylor specified may see them just standing at the end of when I asked what doesn’t DCPS allow them the hallway, sometimes on their phones. In to do? “Suspension,” he said. “We want to reality, deans have a critically important job. suspend more, but they don’t let us.” Deans discipline students, manage students’ The deans say suspensions can help behavior, control the climate of the school students to focus more when they are and many more things. removed from the environment, and it can 9th grade dean Marvin Moore said “my also help their peers to focus better. All of job as a dean is to create and install climate the deans take on more roles in the school and culture. Climate and culture is what other than their jobs as deans. Dean Reginald you see when you walk into the building,” Stevens talked about how he assists in school meaning how it feels when you walk in, how operations; Dean Moore does coaching and PHOTOGRAPHER/Riders’ Times it makes you feel, and also the flow and the is a co-facilitator in the JKL club; and Dean LVoluptionem dunt re ilit doluptate ium estiis ium faccust iscipsaperum sed que nonesti busandant ini look of the staff and students. Munier Howard assists with sports events, dolestior soluptaepta dolor adi te antur? The deans take on many roles in the parties, and other school social events. school and in students’ lives. “Being a dean All of the deans said that their first job is sometimes like being the parent, mentor, choice wasn’t being a dean. That’s probably and counselor, it just depends on what the because being a dean is an unusual job and students’ needs are,” Dean James Taylor said. also one that not many people think about. If a student is having problems in the school When thinking about working in a school or at home, the deans are there to help out and most people only think of being a teacher, make students’ lives a little better if they can. or maybe even a principle. Another reason EMILY GOMEZ/Riders’ Times The deans have specific jobs but they’re there is that being a dean is a very difficult job. It It may “feel kind of funny” coming to school on a quiet Saturday morning, but students hope to benefit for whatever students need. takes a lot of work and responsibility. from the extra time here. 7 — Friday, March 1, 2019 Features The Riders’ Times Alumni reflect on good times during high school BY JUANA LAZO-URIAS the Roosevelt Alumni Association, which Times Staff Reporter he serves as Treasurer, holds an annual cookout at a local park, and that “the Recent Roosevelt graduates recalled number of alumni attending could swell good times during high school at Major over 1,000.” Ivy Williams’ annual alumni luncheon on Boardley also talked about the history of December 21. They experienced both the the school. He said it was all white until old school, before the renovation, and the well after segregation was banned by the the new school, but expressed fondness for U.S. Supreme Court in 1954. By the time Roosevelt overall. Boardley got to Roosevelt in 1983, he said “It was different because I was at the old “the school was 99.9 percent black with Roosevelt,” said Bianca Brannum, class of two Asian students.” 2016. “It was a small environment, but we The late Abe Pollin graduated from made it fun.” Roose in 1941, and went on to own the Three alumni came to the luncheon and Washington Wizards basketball team. talked a lot about their classes and how Before he died in 2009 he told The their overall experience was. Washington Post that he always wished he JUANA LAZO-URIAS/Riders’ Times “My favorite class was JROTC, Major had played for the Rough Riders. Former students returned to visit their old school on December 21, 2018, when Major Ivy Williams III held a luncheon in their honor. Ellington Turner (2018), William Huezo (2018) and Bianca Brannum (2016) mingled Williams’ class, because he told me to face “I was a fairly good athlete,” Pollin told with current JROTC students in Williams’ room. my fears and never give up,” Brannum said. the Post, but “at the last minute I didn’t William Huezo, class of 2018, said go out for the [high school] basketball One interesting thing that all alumni these students. Now it’s more about the that the school already feels different to team. And the reason I didn’t go out for said when discussing their time at “Me” movement. Partially filled stands him. “I liked my teachers and I liked my the team is I didn’t want to put myself in Roosevelt versus how Roosevelt is now, at football and basketball games. No friends. I was in JROTC and I had fun. I the position of getting cut, of not making is that they say it was better when they pompoms, no band, no boosters, and think that if I hadn’t had nothing of that the team. So what I did was I chickened were here. very little attendance by the students that I would hate school, not want to come to out. And to this day -- you know, I tell “I loved every minute that I was attend Roose. That’s discouraging.” school,” Huezo said. this story to graduating classes and things there,” Boardley said. “Maybe it’s me and This is a matter of perspective, though. This is not the only alumni event that like that -- I try not to back away from the times, but the students that attended Ellington Turner, who attended the alumni happens. The alumni organization is challenges. I try not to sit on the sidelines Roosevelt for many years understood, luncheon with Huezo, graduated in 2018 strong according to Malcolm Boardley III, of life, which is what I was doing watching appreciated and upheld the tradition of and they both say it was better when they class of 1986. He wrote in an email that my friends play and not me.” those before them. I don’t see that with were here, and that was just last year. Once upon a time there was a rickety old Roosevelt Classrooms and building still seem new

BY SIMMEONE BARNES Times Staff Reporter

Roosevelt looks beautiful, with the clean facility and new hallways, but some faculty say it is still in transition. The newly renovated school officially opened on August 19, 2016. “It’s been 25 years since students could walk through the front door,” Mayor Browser stated to The Washington Post at the ribbon cutting. Music teacher Dameion Roy said he has been working at Roose for four years. I asked him what he thinks the most important change that happened at Roosevelt since he has been here. “Getting a new facility, and just having space and technology in the building like smartboards, computers, and other useful equipment in the classroom,” Roy said. But with the good, Roy said there were negative changes too. “The change I think that affected the schools culture was that they lost a lot of good teachers who knew the population.” Both Mr. Roy and music teacher Kenneth Dickerson said that the school has also been negatively affected by having so many different principals. In the last 10 years there ANTHONY ZELAYA-RIVAS/Riders’ Times The mural in the entryway was restored in the 2016 renovation. The photo shows a detail from “American Panorama,” a painting that was found underneath have been six different principals. four layers of paint in the old school’s cafeteria. It was commissioned in 1934 by Franklin Roosevelt’s Work Progress Administration. One principal who Dr. Dickerson looked up to was Ivor Mitchell who was here from fall, 2010 to the spring of 2015. At that time, Dr. Dickerson said that the hallways were always clear. “Mr. Ivor Mitchell did not play no games. There were no students in the hallway and the students who did not realize or find their purpose would see the front door,” Dr. D said. As I was talking to Mr. Ian Jones, he said that the culture at Roose has been improved with a new mission and vision, as we became a global studies education campus. “The worst part now is because we’re in the transition stage,” Jones said. Jones indicated that Roosevelt students are still struggling with their test scores, ANTHONY ZELAYA-RIVAS/Riders’ Times ALPHONSO AVERY/Riders’ Times classwork, and certain behavior situations that The school was completely renovated inside and out, from the basement to the top One of many colorful murals that decorate the halls of the school build- occur in school. of the cupola, to the tune of $140 million. It re-opened for students in August, 2016. ing that still looks shiny and new. 8 — Friday, March 1, 2019 Sports The Riders’ Times Flag football Indoor Track and Field team proves and bowling mighty at state championships BY FAJR KELLY not just for Times Staff Reporter

With one of the smallest indoor track boys anymore and field teams in the DCIAA, Theodore Roosevelt competed strongly and racked More sports for girls up medals in the DCIAA Championship required by law on January 24. Boys got 2nd overall, and girls won BY JEWEL JOYNER 5th. Having a small team is significant Times Staff Reporter because with less people it is a lot harder to rack up points to win or place overall. Two sports at Roosevelt you may want Citywide Athletic Director for Track to know more about are bowling and flag Shanice Abrams said Roosevelt’s team of football. The bowling team for girls started in 8 boys and 5 girls was way smaller than, February and will be coached by Coach Chris for example, Wilson’s, which had 40-50 Harden. Athletic Director Kevin Grimsland runners, she said. says the bowling team started four years ago, Senior Taahir Kelly won DCIAA and flag football started three years ago. Indoor Track Athlete Of The Year, Coach Chris explains that by law (Title IX) winning the 500m and the 300m. His schools are required to have as many sports sister Fajr Kelly, a sophomore, also won for girls as boys. DCIAA Indoor Track Athlete Of The “We have this sport to have equal KWAME ADU-WUSU/Riders’ Times Year, winning the 500m, 800m, 1600m During the state championships, Kevin Hernandez hands off the baton to Taahir Kelly in the 4 x 4 relay. opportunity for girls and boys sports,” Coach and placing 2nd in the 300m. Senior Chris says. The bowling team is for girls in Jaedon Joyner won Indoor All-League Field Nationals competing in the Sprint back to back. order to make equal the number of sports Athlete of the Year and the triple jump Medley Relay. Fajr Kelly will compete “This year the girls doubled the teams available to boys and girls. and placed second in the long jump. in Nationals in the 400m. Nationals take number of people scoring points and The object of the game is to knock down the Senior Huzeyfa Telha won the 800m and place March 8-10 in NYC. the boys were as close to winning most pins in one to three turns during a game. the 1600m. It was very surprising to win Athlete championships as they have been in Bowling is also an individual team sport, meaning The boys team accomplished their of The Year, especially having to run many years,” said Coach Kwame Adu- you are playing for yourself within a team, like goal to make it to Indoor Track and the 800m, 500m, and 300m back to Wusu. track and field. In bowling you have only two chances to knock down the most bowling pins– unless you get a strike, which is when you knock down all of your pins in one throw. Bowling is fun and gets more competitive New sports are coming Roosevelt’s once you learn how to play. You will learn more about bowling and how it works once you join the team. way, up through the middle schools The bowling team gets just two practice days before the team begins to compete. It takes agreement, staffing, and money to start new in the District of Columbia Going more into the season games will be on Mondays and Wednesdays. BY JEREMIAH BATTLE he was in high school. ‘’​It sort of feels ‘’Sanctioned sports are those which In bowling you need a good amount of people Times Staff Reporter like lacrosse is taking over the high the DCIAA organizes, coordinates, to play. “Four players participate and as a team school world. When I was in school, we and provides funding for (i.e football, there are eight players,” Coach Chris says. You may have noticed that there are only played lacrosse in gym class,’’ he basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball Bowling requires a lot of focus and patience, new sports at Roosevelt this year, and said. “Not to go all history nerd on you, etc..) For the most part, sanctioned sports therefore players will need to be on task. the good news is there may be more on but it’s also a game that was invented are the ones students are most interested “Girls will need to be consistent in practice the way. by Native Americans so I feel like it’s in.’’ and during the game,” Coach Chris says. Since Kevin Grimsland became a great way to tap into and teach about With regard to non sanctioned sports Another sport that you might not know Athletic Director in 2012, six new sports historical culture.” or “club sports,” schools have the ability about is the flag football team for girls, which have begun and he said that our league, “We decided that it would be best to to field a sanctioned sport, however the starts in the spring and will be coached by the District of Columbia Interscholastic start these sports at the middle school DCIAA will not recognize it and therefore Dean Marvin Moore. The team needs at least 9 Athletic Association (DCIAA), is on level so that students would have time will not assist in funding or coordination. players and practices are going to be held at the “a mission” to bring boys and girls to develop skills that could transfer with There are numerous challenges in football field. Flag football requires teamwork Lacrosse, Wrestling, and Archery to them to the high school level,” Grimsland starting a new sport. “We have to make and determination in order to be successful. D.C. high schools. wrote in an email. “We’re hoping to add sure we have the capacity to take on a Flag football is like regular football but no Grimsland said if he could only bring all three next year, but that will be based new sport, which includes things like contact is included. Make sure your physicals one new sport to Roosevelt it would on student interest.” space for practices and games, the right are up to date if you would like to join any of be lacrosse, a sport he never had the DCIAA has sanctioned sports and coaching staff, student interest, and these teams. opportunity to play competitively when non-sanctioned sports, Grimsland wrote: adequate equipment,” Grimsland said. Darrius Buchanan snags scholarship BY JUDAH AUDREY coaching staff for all the support. He also was always there and always ready to make Times Staff Reporter thanked God for the ability that was given a play when it was needed,” Kouadio said, to him and that put him in the position adding that “Debo,” as Buchanan is known Darrius Buchanan is a superstar athlete to help his family, all of whom were in to some, is humble, but he also wanted to who plays basketball and football and attendance. Buchanan said he would like be the next LeBron James. really showed his talent on the football to study computer science in college. Perhaps next year he will continue his field in this, his senior year. Buchanan “I felt great because it is the next step in before-game-ritual of listening to R&B announced in February that he will my life,” Buchanan said after the ceremony, music while resting his eyes, even if the be attending North Carolina Central as his mom teared up. tunes change from Odell Beckham Jr. University on an athletic scholarship, His talent came on quickly. “Things and Khalil Mack to something new and where he will be playing wide receiver as weren’t going how I wanted playing different. he did for the Rough Riders this past fall. basketball so in my 11th grade year I tried In the 2018 season he racked up such something new by stepping on the football NGONEH BAH/Riders’ Times outstanding statistics as 673 total receiving field. It has opened a lot of doors for me It was only his second year playing high school yards, 34 catches, and 9 receiving since then,’’ Buchanan said. football, but Darrius Buchanan made enough of touchdowns. Sophomore Antwaun Kouadio who an impression playing wide receiver for the fall 2018 Rough Riders football team to get an athletic On National Signing Day, February 6, plays cornerback for the Rough Riders says scholarship to North Carolina Central University. He Buchanan thanked his friends, family and that he learned to depend on Darrius. ”He formally signed on February 6. 9 — Friday, March 1, 2019 Sports The Riders’ Times Rough Riders dominate in the Milk House BY FAJR KELLY Times Staff Reporter

Boys basketball has a 19-12 winning record at this mid-February writing, having grown stronger as the season progressed. On February 14 they beat H.D. Woodson in double Overtime after having lost to them earlier in the season. Coach Rob Nickens has been coaching Rough Riders boys basketball in the Milk House for 13 years now (and other DCPS teams for 12 years before that), and he hopes to make it to the DCIAA championships for his ninth year in a row. At this writing, the boys team is in the Final Four and will play McKinley Tech to determine eligibility for another championship. Wilson will play Coolidge to round out the DCPS Final Four. Nickens said injuries have been minimal this year and the team has a determined spirit. He thanked his staff around him who he said, “really help to get the job done.”

PHOTOS BY CANDACE BOND/Riders’ Times Jamal Mohammed (0) and Jabril Moham- med (1) use teamwork to make the dream work, which contributed greatly to the boys team’s winning season. Roosevelt holds comprehensive Athletes’ grades impact swim program for the first year playing time Broken pump has shut They call it school for a reason down the pool since December BY QUINTON LITTLE Times Staff Reporter BY MORGAN HICKS AND REIYANNA DAVIS At Roosevelt grades are one of the most Times Staff Reporter important things to athletes. Under the DCSAA and the DCIAA rules, student With “deliberate practice” numerous athletes have to maintain a 2.0 GPA. If not, students who joined Roose’s 2019 it’s a high chance you would have to sit out swim team not only learned to compete for at least a couple games. in swimming events like freestyle, “Every athlete has the same minimum backstroke, butterfly, etcetera, but also GPA requirement,” athletic director Kevin learned how to swim. Grimsland said, adding that the rule is Coach Ian Jones said the swim team enforced with the use of an online database has benefitted a number of students this tracking students’ grades. year with the first comprehensive swim In D.C. the number is 2.0. It might be program, including swim classes during different numbers in different states or the school day, an extra-curricular team colleges, but the purpose for the rule is to that competes in the DCIAA, and an extra- motivate students to do well in school. curricular lifeguard training program. CANDACE BOND/Riders’ Times “Athletics are a privilege. To play athletics, However, the pool has been out of Numerous students signed up to be on the swim team without knowing how to swim. They learned, players need to make sure to live up to their use since sometime in December, so competed, and made it to the city championships. From left, senior Jisela Alvarenga, head coach Ian Jones, junior Melissa Arce, assistant swim coach David Haskins, and senior Ingrid Tchouamo. academic priorities,” Grimsland said. classes and team practices are generally Some student athletes agree with the rule. taking place in the weight room. The to feel more comfortable in her body. to her. She said she knew how to swim “If you don’t have good grades you should swim team meets twice each week for Just wearing a swimsuit around other a little before joining the team but was not be able to play,” said Samory Mitchell, a practices that last an hour and a half. students was the first hurdle. Then she afraid to go in the deep end. sophomore JV basketball player. Jones is preparing the team, currently got in the pool with Coach Jones and Coach Jones said that swimming isn’t In some situations that can be harsh. 12 athletes, to compete against other assistant swim coach David Haskins like other sports where there is a leader Judah Audrey, a 10th grade pitcher for the schools such as Wilson, Ballou, Bell, who showed her what to do with her or star. “They are stars as a whole team. baseball team said that may be unfair in Dunbar, HD Woodson, Mckinley Tech, hands, how to kick the feet, then put it all They always encourage each other in some situations. “What if I had a learning Anacostia, Banneker, Cardoza, and last together and swim from one end of the their speed and events,” he said, adding disability,” Audrey said. but not least the championships, to be pool to the other. that all 12 swimmers on the team have Sophomore cheerleader Brianna held on March 1. She has been competing in the 50m improved their event times since the Hutchinson at one point found herself Coach Jones said that this is our second Freestyle, and is currently learning the season started. ineligible to cheer for two football games year for Roosevelt to have a swim team breaststroke so that she can compete in Haskins, who works for the Department says. “It was hard to get my grades up, and the first year to have swim workout that event as well. She said she was glad of Parks and Recreation, said there are especially in certain classes,” Hutchinson classes during the school day. to have the opportunity to be on the swim several 3-day lifeguard training classes said, and explained that she had to get all her Ingrid Tchouamo is a senior who did team and also that she has enjoyed it. that happen throughout the school year teachers to sign off on her return to the field. not know how to swim before she joined Senior Jisela Alvarenga has been and that they are taking place at other “It motivated me to get my grades up the team. She said she joined because she competing in both the freestyle and the pools, since the Roosevelt pool has been because I couldn’t do what I love to do,” wanted to push herself, and she wanted backstroke, which were completely new out of commission. she said. 10 — Friday, March 1, 2019 Arts The Riders’ Times Romeo and Juliet take the stage

CANDACE BOND/Riders’ Times At left Juliet, played by Vanessa Jimenez-Reyes, is surprised to meet Romeo at the masquerade party. BY ALAJAH HENDERSON Academy teachers Phoebe Sherman and Above, Julio Argueta-Martinez plays Lord Capulet who is asking Tybalt, played by Tre’von Davis, not to Times Staff Reporter Cara Slotkin. They said that auditions were fight in his house. open to all, but no ninth-graders ended up All fall students gathered in the being in the production. Most ninth-graders auditorium to practice going back to 15th got to see it though, because freshmen read century Italy and pretending to fall in love. Romeo and Juliet in English class. Romeo and Juliet finally got to take to Bronstein said that the actors got to the stage on December 13 when students work with a fight choreographer for scenes performed it first for ninth-graders and where there was physical contact, and that then in two evening performances for the the lights were designed by a professional community at large. lighting designer, but the students worked Yehuwalatshet Biyzen is in the 11th with him on hanging the lights. Community grade and played as the character Lord partner and former Wilson English teacher Montague, along with a number of other Joe Riener built the platforms for the set. roles. “I joined the the play because I When I went to see the play I was wanted to get myself involved,” Biyzen interested to see that the actors made said. “I want colleges to see how active I eye contact with the audience. Student am in high school.” actors were dressed up in costumes that Senior Leighton Hardy played Romeo they brought from home and put together and between performances he said that he themselves. They had party costumes and was excited about the opportunity. He is casual ones for different scenes. also interested going to college, where he Aaliyah Bolls said she enjoyed it. “It was wants to study psychology. very good,” Bolls said.”My favorite part of The play was directed by Harriet the play was at the end when they killed

Bronstein, who is new to Roosevelt this themselves to be together.” CANDACE BOND/Riders’ Times year, and it was produced by International At the masquerade party, senior Leighton Hardy plays Romeo in the December performance. Movies of 2019 BY JULIANA MIRANDA they created Aladdin again but in real Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar Andy Bean as Stan Uris Times Staff Reporter life, Aladdin was based on an Arabian Billy Eichner as Timon Wyatt Oleff as young Stan Uris Folktale of the same name from “One John Oliver as Zazu HAPPY DEATH DAY2U These movies are something to look Thousand & One Nights”. This movie is Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Nala Genre: Horror/Slasher forward to throughout the year despite the about Aladdin that goes on a journey & a Shahadi Wright-Joseph as Young Nala Release date: February 14, 2019 fact that you have finals in school, by the genie accompanies him. James Earl Jones as Mufasa Summary: Tree Gelbman is a college time these movies come out you will be Cast: Will Smith as the Genie John Kani as Rafiki student that is murdered on her birthday in the middle of exams & watching these Mena Massoud as Aladdin Alfre Woodard as Sarabi & has to relive the same day over & over movies can give you a little break. Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine Amy Sedaris as an unspecified again until she finds out who her killer is. GODZILLA Marwan Kenzari as Jafar elephant shrew LA LLORONA Genre: Adventure/science fiction Navid Negahban as the Sultan IT: CHAPTER TWO Genre: Horror Release date: May 31, 2019 Nasim Pedrad as Dalia Genre: Horror Release date: April 19, 2019 Summary: Godzilla is based on Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders Release date: September 6, 2019 Summary: La Llorona is a legends members from the cryptozoological Numan Acar as Hakim Summary: Based on the first movie “It” that started in mexico about a woman who agency Monarch that fight against Robby Haynes as Razoul Pennywise the evil clown returns to a small drowned her two kids all for a man then took monsters that everybody believed was a Frank Welker as the voices of Cave Of town (the same town) 27 years later to torture her own life because she couldn’t live without myth, One of them happen to be Godzilla. Wonders & Abu the grown up members of the Loser’s Club. her kids, she would cry outside in the dark Cast: Kyle Chandler as Dr. Mike Russell THE LION KING Cast: James McAvoy as Bill Denbrough streets looking for her kids. she would haunt Vera Farmiga as Dr. Emma Russell Genre: Adventure/Musical Jaeden Lieberher as young Bill kids & wouldn’t stop until she found hers. Millie Bobby brown as Madison Russell Release date: July 19, 2019 Denbrough Cast: Linda Cardellini as Anna Garcia Bradley Whitford as Dr. Stanton Summary: The Lion King was Jay Ryan as Ben Hanscom Patricia Velasquez Sally Hawkins as Vivienne Graham originally a Cartoon Disney film in 1994 Jeremy Ray Taylor as young Ben Marisol Ramirez as La Llorona Thomas Middleditch as Sam Coleman but was created into a real life film in Hanscom Sean Patrick Thomas O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Barnes 2019. The Lion Kings setting is in the Jessica Chastain as Beverly Marsh Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen as Samantha David Strathairn as Admiral William Stenz African Savanna where the future king Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh Roman Christou as Chris Ken Watanabe as Dr. Ishiro Serizawa (Simba) is born, but not everybody in the Bill Hader as Richie Tozier DeLaRosa Rivera as David Garcia Zhang Ziyi as Dr. Chen kingdom is too happy about the birth of Finn Wolfhard as young Richie Tozier Madeleine McGraw as April ALADDIN Simba & that would be Scar… Simba’s Isaiah Mustafa as Mike Hanlon Sierra Heuermann as Sam Genre: Fantasy/Romance father (Mufasa’s) enemy. Chosen Jacobs as young Mike Hanlon Sophia Santi as Bocanegra/female customer Release date: May 24, 2019 Cast: Donald Glover as Simba James Ransone as Eddie Kaspbrak Oliver Alexander as Carlos Summary: Aladdin was originally JD McCrary as Young Simba Jack Dylan Grazer as young Eddie Jethan Camarena as Simon a cartoon Disney film in 1992. In 2019 Seth Rogen as Pumbaa Kaspbrak Irene King as Donna 11 — Friday, March 1, 2019 Arts The Riders’ Times Students provide perspectives on brand loyalty Supreme and Superdry are Roosevelt best-sellers

BY DAYNAH ANDERSON hand, says she likes to wear expensive Times Staff Reporter clothing and doesn’t shop with a budget in mind. Her favorite clothing Roosevelt students and teenagers is Adidas because she says she likes a in general have ideas about what they lot of sports wear. will and won’t wear. Ask where they Jada Resper, another 12th-grader, shop and what brands they like and says her favorite brand is Pink and the trends most agree on are Superdry, Vans but doesn’t think style has to H&M, and Forever 21. be pricey. “This outfit I have on only According to 9th grade student cost $40,” Resper says. She also says Alicia Bangura, a way to stay fly is she doesn’t think students know much to wear brands like True Religion and about the companies whose clothing Versace, even though she says she they wear. hasn’t ever worn it. Another up-and-coming brand COURTESY OF KHIEM CAM/Riders’ Times Bangura also won’t wear Chucks, that the interviewees tend to like is A peek into the shoe closet of junior Khiem Cam reveals his love of style, and his neatly organized collec- tion of high-end sneakers. but for a different reason. “Converse Superdry because it is relatively new, really throws me off all the way off. and they like the way the Japanese Why do people still wear that brand? It letters look on the clothing even though has been around since my grandmother they don’t know what the letters mean. Sneakerhead culture was a kid,” she says. Isaiah Kitt, a junior, said that both Damarco Walker has a similar Superdry and Supreme seem like the dislike: “I hate seeing Rebox. It really most popular stores for teenagers at walks the halls of Roose blows me.” So as you can see, he the moment, but that Balenciaga is also BY SHAYLA STOCKTON Vans Fear of God. He says he doesn’t have doesn’t like certain clothing. But he trending. His favorite brands, however, Times Staff Reporter a favorite place to shop, but he often shops says he likes to wear Polo and Zara, are Off-White and Louis Vuitton, two at Tysons Corner or online at GOAT, or and he doesn’t like to spend a lot of luxury fashion labels. You spot them bouncing up and down StockX. money on his clothing. “I gotta stay fly,” Kitt said. in the hallway, looking cute, attracting Although some sneakerheads resell Senior Kemari Gray, on the other quite a bit of attention. But you can’t help shoes for money, Cam says he buys yourself. You want a better look. They’ve them for their looks. “Some people like turned the corner and you’ll have to speed sneakers because they look good. People up to catch them. Did they disappear into think they are lit.” Cam says. a classroom? Down the staircase? Did He also goes on sneakernews.com, or Albums of 2019 anyone else see them? hypebeast.com to see how people in South Wait! There they are. Blue and white Korea are wearing their sneakers. shoes with a blue nike swoosh and red Sneakers aren’t just for teenagers. BY MARLLIN BENITEZ tag attached. Those are the Jordan Mens Tenth grade English teacher Kandance Times Staff Reporter UPCOMING 1 Retro High Off-White University Blue. Johnson does not describe herself as Wow. How did junior Isaiah Kitt get his obsessed with sneakers, but likes the way Twenty-eighteen was a heck of a year. CONCERTS: hands on those? they look and feel. Many artists dropped albums, some that “I am obsessed,” says Kitt, a well- “I’m a lowkey tomboy so that is why blew people’s minds. One of these artists • Meek Mill- March 21, known sneakerhead around school. I gravitate to them,” Johnson says, is Cardi B. Her album blew up, making Fillmore silver spring Kitt’s favorite sneaker to buy is the Yeezy adding that her favorite sneaker to buy it one of the top 5 in Billboards. In the MD. brand. “They are pretty creative, very is the Human Race Adidas by Pharrell album “Invasion of Privacy” she had 13 • Ariana Grande- March limited, very unique, and different,” he says. Williams. songs, including “Drip,” “Bickenhead,” 25, Fillmore Silver He says he owns about 40-100 pairs of She shops for them online at Flight and many more. sneakers and buys them from different Club, and GOAT: “They have exclusives, Some reviews were made based on Spring MD. websites, such as StockX, GOAT, or and you can get them as close to box her album. Los Angeles Times states: • Jacquese- March 3, Farfetch. But his favorite are his Off- prices as possible, and they have a wide “Yet what’s remarkable about the Fillmore, Silver Spring White Jordan Ones. During the winter he variety of sizes.” album is how un-smoothed-out Cardi MD. says he prefers to wear solid colors like Her favorite pair of sneakers that she B sounds in this new environment. • Mariah Carey -March black or brown. Then in the spring and owns is the Yeezy Foamposites from 2014. Though she clearly values the approval summer he wears light or bright colors. Johnson said she likes to have a of old-fashioned arbiters, she won’t dull 31, MGM, National Khiem Cam, also a junior, doesn’t know fresh pair of sneakers when she travels, her rough edges, as many have before Harbor Oxon hill MD the exact number of sneakers he owns, but something that she can dress up with a her, to get it; the vivid result gives the • B2K, The Millennium estimates that it’s around 80. His favorite blazer and a cute pair of jeans, or wear for impression that she’s still in communion tour with Mario and sneaker to buy is Jordans, Yeezy, and more casual comfort. with her core audience — and indeed Pretty Ricky - March that her fans are somehow sharing in her success.” 15, Eagle Bank Arena, A couple more artists are dropping Fairfax VA. some albums, but the main artist that • Broccoli Festival - has been blowing up and has been Lil Wayne, Childish breaking the internet is NBA Youngboy. Gambino, 6lack, Ella NBA youngboy going by the name “Youngboy Never Broke Again” is a Mai, Lil baby, Teyana young artist that made the album “38 Taylor, Wizkid, Gunna, Baby” back in 2016. Now everyone is City girls, Ybn Cordae, waiting for him to drop “38 Baby 2. and many more. - April Youngboy once said he was dropping 25-26, FedExField. “38 Baby 2” in December but never dropped it. Now people are anxious and are waiting on this album to drop. He announced that he might drop it in COURTESY OF KANDACE JOHNSON/Riders’ Times February, but we will never know until From the collection of 10th grade English teacher CARLOS ESCOBAR/Riders’ Times Kandance Johnson, a sweet pair of Chanel high-top These Vans ‘Fear of God’ sneakers are a Roose the days come. trainers snuggle up in the box. favorite. 12 — Friday, March 1, 2019 Arts The Riders’ Times

Toast Times With Jay Matthews When the bread and butter go together What are your goals and plans for 2019? What’s your favorite food? What’s a dream you want that hasn’t happened?

Diego Minor (12th grade David Panchi(11th grade student): student): Minor’s goals and plans for Panchi’s goals and plans for 2019 is to go shopping more. 2019 are to pass all classes. His His favorite foods are burgers favorite food is Pupusas. His and fries. His dream is to go dream is to be a construction out and explore the world. worker.

Christian Floren( 11th grade student): JEWEL JOYNER/Riders’ Times Floren’s goals and plans for Manuel Betancourt (Behavior Erich Heckel (11th grade ELA 2019 are to pass all classes. His Specialist): teacher): favorite food place is Chipotle. Betancourt’s goals and plans His dream is to cook and be a Heckel’s goals and plans for for 2019 are to educate and chef. 2019 are to start running again. build others in order to help Heckel is a former track star. them in life. His favorite food is Darrell Smith, Sr. (Director, Also his plan is to read more seafood. His dream is to be a Strategy and Logistics): to get his mind right. Heckel’s favorite food is a medium rare doctor or a professor at a major In 2019 he would like to steak. His dream is to visit college or hospital. maintain the cleanliness of the Australia. school and fix the bell system. Malik Payne (9th grade student): His favorite food is steak. His Eyler Zahir( 9th grade student): Payne’s goals and plans for 2019 dream is to buy roadhouses Zahir’s goals and plans for 2019 is learn more, not only in school and rent them for mothers on are to study more in class. but also in life. His favorite foods welfare and to help them get Zahir’s favorite food is pizza. are chicken and pizza. His dream their educations and funding His dream is to be an artist and is to be a NBA player. for permanent homes. explore the world. Fashionable students by Makihya Parker Riders’ Times asked the students on this page to answer a few questions about their style. We picked them because, well, seeing them everyday, they are detailed from head to toe. 1. Is dressing nicely more about 3. What trends have you liked/disliked? creativity, or how much you spend ? 4. Where do you shop? 2. What trends are you seeing now? 5. What’s your favorite brand?

9th graders 2. Supreme shirt, Levis pants, Uggs, brands but Burberry is just so cute! Rajsan McCray Supreme bookbag. 11th graders 1. “Yes, it’’s creativity because it’s 3. The trends I dislike would have Khiem Cam to be Superdry backpacks, like it’s PHOTOS BY MAKIHYA PARKER/Riders’ Times about your personality. It shows a 1. In my opinion I’m just creative not becoming a trend. I don’t have no To the left is Catherine Salgado and lot about your personality and how how much you spent. Khiem Cam, two well-put-together stu- clean you are.” trends I like honestly. dents, both juniors. Above is sophomore 2. None right now. Jamir Madden. 2. “The trends I’m seeing at the 4. I prefer to shop online. I buy from 3. I’ve like every trend. moment now is H&M and Nike.” all types of places. I bought clothes places you never heard of, but for 4. Mall. 3. “I dislike those joggers that are Air Force Ones, with jeans and jeans I prefer to go in the store and black and white that people my 5. My favorite brand is Off White. trench coat. try them on. age are wearing. Also dislike New Catherine Salgado 3. I don’t really don’t follow no trend Balance. I like Zara jeans.” 5. My favorite brand would be that I like. I dislike those fat pants Supreme. 1. it’s about creativity definitely. 4. “I shop at Zara, H&M, Gucci, with the long shirts Reiyanna Davis 2. I’m seeing Doc Martens, a Forever Footlocker, Balenciaga.” 21 sweater, I think these jeans are 4. I shop at Zara and H&M, True 5. “Umm my favorite brand would 1. It’s more about creativity! Cause from Marshall’s and a Michael Kors Religion and H/H also known as have to be Jordans.” Sneakerhead for you can buy the most expensive shirt watch. helly hansen zara those are the best and your outfit can still look like stores out right now !!! Seriously and sure. 3. I like Victoria Secret and Zara trash if you don’t style it right. jordans mostly 12s and 11s and uggs Aniyah Headspeth clothes. I don’t like cheap clothes. 2. I am seeing sweaters, Doc Martens, 2. In fact none. [She laughs.] I mostly get my jeans from Zara or 5. My favorite brand is True Religion the whole fall vibe in general. Hollister. Xavia Little 3.Ugh idk… I hate when people try 3. I love the sweater over the dress to dress like other people. 4. I shop at Forever 21, H&M, Zara, 1. It’s about creativity. shirt trend; hating that RED or Hollister, Victoria Secret or Pink, 4. Pink, moncler, h&m, Zara, Armani 2. Boys with man bags. BLACK Guess jacket trend! Almost whatever people know the store by. Exchange, Abercrombie & etc every boy in this school has that 3. I like a lot of trends but I don’t like 5. I guess Nike. 5.My favorite brand is Mcm jacket. It’s very sickening [she says the trends the boys started 12th grade 10th graders while laughing]. 4. I shop at Pink MCM, Uggs, air Micko Reeves Jamir Madden 4. I shop at Tyson’s Corner mall! max mostl 97 or air max plus They have every store out there 1. Creativity, how well you can put 1. I feel dressing is about creativity: 5. That will have to be MCM. which is very peaceful. clothes together, foreal foreal! “look good feel good” 5. .I am trying to stay away from 2. Trends I am seeing now are high