P. 2 P. 6 P. 12 Beacon Interviews Mayoral Candidates Self-Segregation At Wilson Wilson Students Named to All-Met Team

Woodrow Wilson High School

January 31, 2014 THE BEACON VOLUME 77 ISSUE 5 In The News Pool Assault Investigation Reveals DPR Flaws Compiled By Emma Buzbee

Annie Rosenthal NSA Uses Apps to Spy News and Arts Editor The NSA and British intel- ligence services mine data One of the men accused from smartphone apps such as of sexual assault at the Wilson Google Maps, Facebook, Twit- Aquatic Center in November is ter, and Angry Birds to collect still on the pool’s payroll, and users’ personal information, will be until his case is resolved. according to The New York Both his and a second case of Times. The NSA claims that alleged sexual assault after- they do not target “ordinary hours at the pool are still being Americans.” investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department but have Shooting in Maryland already shed light on flaws in the Department of Parks and Last Sunday 19-year old Recreation’s management. Darion Aguilar entered the Co- On December 16, Ward lumbia Mall in Maryland and 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh shot two people before killing and At-Large Councilmember himself. As The Washington David Grosso met with the Post reported, Aguilar’s quiet interim director of the DPR, a personality and love of cook- ing gave no indication to peers captain from the MPD Special Photo by Isabel Gloss Investigations Branch, and two and relatives of an apparently CRIME SCENE - The Wilson pool is the site of two alleged incidents of sexual assault public witnesses in an extensive troubled mental state. in November. The investigation is ongoing. two-hour DC Council Commit- Egyptian Military tee on Transportation and the residents are informed about about the alleged assaults were partment captain at the hearing Leader is Running for Environment Public Roundtable. incidents and know what has not posted at the pool until said that because the suspects The purpose of the hearing was gone on, to the extent permitted December 9, and that even then in the case were known, MPD Office to discuss the circumstances of course by law enforcement in- the notices were hard to read. had left communicating with According to The New York surrounding the incidents at vestigation, and informed about According to a public witness the public to DPR. When Cheh Times, Egypt’s military-backed the aquatic center and DPR’s what they’re doing at the pool to at the hearing, the most senior asked DPR Interim Director government, disbanded after response. ensure patrons’ safety. pool manager had instructed Sharia Shanklin why notices had public protests three years ago, Councilmember Cheh ex- “The alleged incidents and pool personnel not to respond to not been posted earlier, Shank- is set to make a return. Field pressed frustration about DPR’s DPR’s response to them appear comments. The witness said that lin responded, “The communica- Marshal Abdul-Fattah el-Sisi, limited communication with the to me to be somewhat emblem- one pool employee had threat- tion that I engaged in with MPD the military leader responsible public about the incidents. atic of gaps in security and ened to call the police if he came and with the office of the mayor for taking the country’s first “One of my major con- management generally.” and asked about the incident led me to make this decision at freely-elected president out of cerns,” she said, “is that DPR has Among Cheh’s com- again. office, is running himself and done far too little to assure that The Metropolitan Police De- seems certain to win. plaints was the fact that notices CONT. ON PG 3 New Attendance Policy Causes Anxiety Claire Parker Managing Editor

It’s 9:15 on a Friday morn- ing, and junior Druex Collins is OUR MAN MANNY standing at the front entrance - Wilson alum is of the school, just inside the hitting the minors. glass doors. It is her first time Emmanuel Burris being part of the small crowd will be joining the of late arrivals held at the front Nationals minor entrance during first period. leagues for the up- Collins arrived at school at 9:08, coming season. 23 minutes late. Under D.C.’s new attendance policy, she will STORY on P. 13 be marked absent for the entire 390 minute school day. The policy, known as the 20 percent rule, is part of DC Illustration by Maria Brescia-Weiler Municipal Regulation 5-A21, ef- Creative Commons fective for all D.C. public schools ers one class period to be 20 cally truant, meaning they have as of June 2013. The policy percent of the day. This, coupled been absent unexcused for more Check out an Olympics preview and defines being present as being with Wilson’s policy of holding than 15 days. At some schools, “enrolled and registered for at students who arrive after 9:10 such as Anacostia and Ballou, more Tiger sports on pgs 11-12 least eighty percent (80 percent) at the door, means that a Wilson nearly half of the student body of the full instructional day,” student who misses only 6.5 is chronically truant. Last year at and mandates that students who percent of the day is considered Wilson, 282 students, or 17 per- miss more than 20 percent of absent. cent of the student population, the school day be marked absent The policy is an attempt to were truants. If the new policy for the entire day. curb D.C.’s truancy epidemic. had been in place last year, While technically the 20 While truancy rates have de- 1244 students would have been percent cut-off under the new clined in recent years, they are considered truant, which would attendance policy is 10:03, the still a problem. According to a have made Wilson’s truancy rate management software schools study by the Urban Institute, 2,500, or 20 percent, of D.C. use called DC STARS consid- CONT. ON PG 3 high school students are chroni- PAGE 2 NEWS January 31, 2014 Follow Up on PTSO Survey Results A new policy of setting aside lack of student preparedness, though that is good, it is not Maddy Taub Junior Editor part of Parent-Teacher Confer- and counseling. Also, he has even half of the parents,” said ence Day for meetings made been addressing different is- Instructional Coach Linda Link to PTSO Survey The Parent Teacher Student by appointment is one of the sues raised by the survey in his Wanner. “With that said, we Results Here: Organization surveyed Wilson survey suggestions that will now weekly message to parents. were glad to hear from the parents in the fall to assess their be implemented. While the survey does help parents and we welcome their http://wilsonhs.org/apps/ satisfaction with the school. By Cahall has been address- school officials to understand criticism and suggestions for pages/index.jsp?uRECID=1 the last Beacon issue, there had ing in-depth some of the main some parental concerns, they improvement.” 27889&type=d&termREC_ already been a meeting with topics of concern in his Weekly said it also may not be a full A summary of the results ID=&pREC_ID=321914 Principal Pete Cahall, the PTSO, Bulletins. In the past five weeks representation of the parents at has been posted on the PTSO and some administrators to he has gone into detail on class Wilson. page on the school website. review how to best address the size, Edline, communication “Four hundred and forty- issues that parents have raised. between parents and students, three parents responded, and al-

Mayoral Candidates Talk Education With the Beacon

Say the word Wash- Emma Buzbee Staff Writer ington, D.C. to anyone and a vision of America’s famous democratic buildings pops into mind. What often gets overlooked on the national scale is the government of D.C. itself. But to its residents, nothing could be more im- portant than the upcoming mayoral election and its effect Vincent Gray on education. Mayor Gray, in an email interview, says he Vincent Orange According to his 2012 election website, According to a Washington Post Poll before the 2010 believes that to improve the GPA and graduation Vincent Orange is responsible for the creation elections, 89 percent of registered Democrats believed statistics in DCPS, more capable teachers should of the “Educational Policies for Third and education to be a key issue in their voting decision, in be hired, the new Common Core standards must Eighth Grade Students Act of 2005.” This bill, comparison to the still high 80 percent this year. The be enforced, and all schools should have modern enacted in 2006, created graduation require- focus on education was especially sharp in 2010 due to facilities. He acknowledges the issue of education ments for third and eighth graders. Orange’s the controversy regarding the Fenty Administration and inequality in D.C., stating, “We must do more reasoning behind the legislation was that Michelle Rhee. Though many liked Rhee’s tough attitude to ensure that the course offerings and extra- simple regulations early on can be beneficial to and modern renovations for schools such as Wilson and curricular activities are also comparable at every students’ futures. Acts like this can be very im- Deal, citizens in poorer wards thought she favored affluent school.” Gray blames complications and a lack of portant in “early childhood education to reverse areas like Northwest. Mayor Gray won thanks in part to clarity with the school boundaries system on the the devastating trend that is negatively impact- opinions such as this, yet only 38 percent feel he has done fact they “have not been revised in a comprehen- ing the quality of life for our young people and a good job improving schools. This is significantly lower sive way since 1968.” the residents of the nation’s capital.” than his ratings in attracting businesses and decreasing Photo by Annie Rosenthal crime, giving fellow democratic primary competitors such as Councilmembers Muriel Bowser (Ward 4,) Tommy Wells (Ward 6,) and Jack Evans (Ward 2,) a chance.

Tommy Wells Muriel Bowser For Councilman Wells, the best ways to Councilmember Bowser of Ward 4 has con- Andy Shallal improve education for high school students in tributed three bills on the subject of education. Andy Shallal believes education in D.C. is D.C. involve motivation through job training, As she explains in an email interview, she was re- dropping to unacceptable lows but disagrees hands-on counseling to at-risk kids, and easier sponsible for the Kids Ride Free Program, which with conventional solutions to this problem. access to better schools. He said that to achieve gives students with DC One Cards free public bus According to his website, Shallal thinks that in his goal of 80 percent on-time graduation, when transportation after school. One bill, the “DC public schools today there is too much emphasis he becomes mayor, Wells would contribute $100 STEM Fund,” issues grants to non-profit groups on standardized tests and obedience. He vows, million to youth programs. His goal would be for to improve STEM education and training for D.C. if elected mayor, to improve schools by includ- every student to have the opportunity to have citizens. Bowser believes for our city “to remain ing parents, nurturing creativity, and increasing an after-school job or job-certification for future competitive, we need to prepare our youth and access. But the main issue, in Shallal’s mind, work. Wells thinks every family with an at-risk older residents for the modern workforce.” The is the blame put on teachers for issues like student should have their own provided coun- final bill, “Alice Deal for All,” is designed to im- poverty and unstable home lives when they are selor or social worker. He believes the current prove the standards of middle school education brought into the classroom. “Blaming DCPS school boundary problems and contradictions across the city, to create “high-quality opportuni- [teachers] for student standardized test scores exclude families from good public schools. It is ties in every ward,” and to “keep students on a is like blaming hospitals for illness.” his personal wish that all students be within a path to success.” 10-minute walking distance of a quality elemen- tary school, as this will lead to higher attendance.

Jack Evans Carlos Allen According to Corey Goldstone, spokesper- Carlos Allen’s campaign website says “edu- son for Councilmember Evans’ campaign, Evans cational excellence is our city’s best long-term believes that learning and education should economic development strategy.” But Allen Reta Jo Lewis “not stop when the final bell rings.” Instead, an emphasis should be placed on improving after- feels that this is not occurring due to poor Reta Jo Lewis is a strong advocate for school activities, homework help, and one-on- early- education programs and a school system education. She published on her campaign one tutoring to help bridge the inequality gap with too many outdated policies. Allen pro- website that she views education as “the great between public schools. Councilmember Evans’ poses the creation of public pediatric wellness equalizer, unlocking doors for everyone in our other strategy to decrease inequality is provid- centers with a well-equipped staff to go with it. city.” But Lewis also recognizes that in D.C., ing more jobs for D.C. residents, something he Allen also believes new teachers to be vital, so this nice idea is not always reality. To fix educa- promises if elected mayor. An increase in jobs one of his solutions is more rigorous student- tion inequality and improve schools in general, would then lead to “more money to invest in teacher training. Allen believes that DCPS has she promises to advocate for better teachers, communities, [so] parents won’t need to apply been hurting itself with constant arguments include parents in the learning process, and through a competitive process, because they between teachers and administrators that “have create new programs for adult education. destroyed morale and negatively impacted an will have a quality school in their own neighbor- entire generation of students.” hood.” All photos used with permission from the candidtaes’ campaigns January 31, 2014 NEWS PAGE 3 Tardy Policy Leaves Pool Assault Investigation Ongoing

FROM PG 1 pool, as the facility only employs two suspects] have been around Students Out in the a guard during the summer. Po- hundreds if not thousands of the time of December 6, actu- lice officers would only visit the children. I don’t know how DPR ally, and once that decision was site intermittently unless they can say that the public was never Cold made, on December 9 after ap- received a call. in danger,” he said. “My neigh- proval, we placed this notice in Shanklin said that surveil- bors have kids, they swim at the has encouraged parents and FROM PG 1 the Wilson Aquatic Center.” lance video tapes were not re- pool. I would never be able to students to document absences, She added that DPR had not viewed daily, and that DPR gave forgive myself if something had 73 percent. but thinks it is unfair to Wilson received any inquiries over social the tapes to the MPD without happened to them.” “I think [truancy] is a real students since the skinny period media about the incidents and reviewing them. However, the His concerns are particular- and chronic problem for some of the class schedule is at the that there had been no substan- alarm system had an associated ly relevant, as two of the alleged students,” says Principal Pete beginning of the day, meaning tial difference in the number of entry report that indicated if victims of assault at the pool Cahall. “I think being late is a Wilson students have less time patrons who attended the pool anyone had entered the pool fa- were minors. bigger problem. And there’s a to get to school than students at after the incident. “What we cility when the alarm was armed, Councilmembers Cheh and direct correlation between a other schools with block sched- have done completely over this and according to Shanklin, these Grosso both emphasized the student’s attendance and their ules do. time has been very intentional entry reports were reviewed need for a more proactive ap- academic achievement. Those After the first semester of and deliberate in an attempt to daily by the pool’s Risk Manage- proach to communication and kids who have a higher rate of the school year, Wilson is feeling keep the public safe and to not ment department. To Shanklin’s the resolution of management being absent, there’s a direct the effects of the new policy. engage them in an emotional or knowledge, the department had issues at DPR. In an interview correlation to them having Already 801 students have five psychological not reported any with The Beacon this week, below a 2.0.” or more unexcused absences, feeling of not “Managers entries to their Cheh said she has received a Consequences for truants 397 have reached the chronic being able to supervisors. report that she requested of the can be severe. After a student’s truancy level, and 207 require engage in their might have known She said that changes DPR plans to imple- fifth unexcused absence, a letter court referrals. But Wilson does leisure activity that there had the Risk Manage- ment, not only at Wilson, but at is sent home to their parents, not have the support staff to in our sites,” been unauthorized ment team and all DPR facilities. She has also and they are supposed to meet take action. Shanklin said. managers might met with Shanklin repeatedly with their student support “It’s a crazy policy because Cheh entries” have known that since the hearing to discuss team. After the 10th absence, we don’t have the tools to responded, “I there had been un- improvements. students receive a warning letter implement it,” says Cahall. “The think that the choice that you authorized entries: “The reports Cheh says that changes from the Metropolitan Police impact on the school has been made was the wrong choice and show inconsistencies we are include public notices about job Department, followed by a court the amount of manpower and it was unnecessarily delayed, investigating. We are going to openings and implementing referral after their 15th absence. hours that it takes [to imple- and as a result, people were left make adjustments.” According to weekly meetings of staff at all Out-of-boundary students can ment]. There are all these things in the dark and confused. And it Shanklin, this type of infraction facilities to go over rules. She be sent back to their neighbor- that take time and people. We doesn’t show what I think would would not be grounds to dismiss says that she has been impressed hood schools if they accumulate would need 20 people to do what be the appropriate way you a manager, and that after-hours with DPR’s efforts to improve, 10 unexcused absences in a year. they’re asking us to do.” would communicate with the parties would be cause for but that there are still issues to Sophomore Anthony Bass, Cahall says he has been users of a pool and allow rumors suspension, but not removal, of resolve. standing next to Collins at the fighting the regulation and and allegations to grow and an employee. No pool staff have “We have to get back to front entrance, says “I think this searching for ways to “trick fester in a community and all been fired. something that was more vigor- [policy] is ridiculous because I the system.” For the second the while you stand silent. And Two public witnesses at the ously followed in the Fenty only miss one class and I’m ab- semester, he is thinking about I don’t think that it was because hearing cited other management administration, which is perfor- sent for the whole day, so there using the CAS machines where MPD was silencing you. It was problems at the pool, including mance measures,” she said. is no point in me coming.” students swipe in to time- because you made that decision a failure to return emails from Shanklin explained that Collins, after finding out stamp students instead of using yourself.” patrons, possible staff parties DPR views the recent events about the policy, says “I’m very STARS. Another proposal is to After posing questions after hours, and a system of as an opportunity to improve, shocked. I can’t believe that. hold students who arrive after about DPR’s delayed response, solely internal hirings. Said one saying, “We recognize that there That’s so stupid.” She agrees 9:10 in a tardy hall in the cafete- Cheh and Grosso questioned witness, “There appears to be are areas for improvement and with Bass that the policy disin- ria and mark them tardy to first Shanklin about the circumstanc- a pattern where people who go this incident has brought to centivizes students who arrive period instead of absent. es that allowed pool employees along with the corruption are light an ability for us to say very late from coming to school at all. “It’s a regulation that can- to host after-hours parties. promoted. People who speak up, definitely we are not going to “Parents have called and not be implemented with fidel- Shanklin maintained that they aren’t promoted. They’re passively just continue to act complained about [the policy],” ity,” says Cahall. “I don’t neces- the facility had security cam- fired. They’re transferred.” with disregard of what these says DCPS Director of Student sarily have a problem with the eras and alarms, and that pool The other witness also took protocols and practices state. Attendance Andrea Allen. “They policy, whether it’s 20 percent or managers and assistant manag- issue with the wording of DPR’s Our staff are also going to hold wanted us to explain why that 40 percent, but the fact is we’re ers were the only people who notices, which maintained that themselves highly accountable rule is in place. And our position penalizing kids, parents, and had access to keys. There was no the public had never been in for enacting the work that keeps is it’s the law and that’s what we resources for the school.” on-site security personnel at the danger. “Since November 9, [the the public safe.” adhere to.” Cahall believes the policy OPINIONS Taking a Hard Look at Self-Segregation we provide equal opportuni- just being in the same place-- the system works, how society the making of the paper, come Beacon Editorial Staff ties to all Wilson students, and but coming together, working works. It is easy to blame the and tell us your stories. We want advertise to everyone, and are together as a unified, whole underlying issues, and “the your feedback and ideas. We also Over the past few years The proud of the work that we do, we community. That is our hope system,” but that isn’t getting us hold an open house on all the Beacon has struggled with the evidently fall short. for The Beacon. That it can be a anywhere. other Thursdays of the month in question of diversity and how The reality is place where all It is easy to just go with Ms. Stryker’s classroom. to ensure that we have a diverse that people join students feel what feels comfortable, but if we We are all guilty at times staff that reflects the entire the activities that “Although this is able to express want to start making progress of being passive bystanders to school. As a newspaper, we want their friends are a social norm, and their beliefs. and bridging gaps in the world; the self-segregation that oc- to remain unbiased, while being involved in, and We want to be if we say that we are for diversity curs at Wilson. As of now, The able to cover all realities of the we go to a school not just a Wilson able to say that and equality in the world, we Beacon commits itself to drop school from different perspec- where friend problem, it is still The Beacon is need to start by branching out-- the label of passive bystander, tives. Yet we find that year after groups often seem unnacceptable” the voice of right here and now. and encourages you to help us year our editorial staff is all to split along race Wilson, but are We, The Beacon, are going do so. Wilson is really the only white (and mostly female). We lines. [see fea- concerned that to make a commitment to reach school of it’s kind at least in the know this isn’t due to a lack of ture, page seven] it is currently out to more people, to start district, with such potential for writing talent, and are fairly Although this is a social norm, just the voice of a few. hosting more meetings, making real diversity, something The certain it isn’t due to a lack of and not just a Wilson problem, it Here at Wilson we have the the paper accessible to anyone Beacon is eager to tap into. We interest. is still unacceptable. chance to stop excusing this and everyone who wants to par- are only here for a brief time, It is our responsibility as Wilson constantly trumpets problem as a systemic one. It is ticipate. Every first Thursday of so lets make sure we don’t miss the Beacon staff to reach out diversity, but the diversity at easy to say that this separation, the month we will host a Beacon the opportunity to interact with to people from all backgrounds Wilson isn’t always real diver- this segregation, isn’t a personal fair in the atrium, so mark your people from all walks of life, we and we wonder if we are do- sity. We define real diversity as choice, that it’s just how Wilson calendars. Even if you are not may not get this chance again. ing enough. While we feel that people of different races not works, how DCPS works, how interested in participating in PAGE 4 OPINIONS January 31, 2014

Eboni Ask your questions at Ellis ASK EB ask.fm/TheWilsonBeacon

What are your ideas on a Valentine’s Day date- I like this boy, but we’re really good friends. I’m a senior and my parents and I are in a dis- Q -something affordable and not too much? It’s Q Should I tell him and potentially ruin our Q pute over what I should do after high school. just a crush not my girlfriend (yet). friendship? Should I listen to them or follow my dreams?

Valentine’s Day has now become such a big You should definitely tell him. It will not ruin Parents are parents for a reason. They have A deal when it could be so simple. For your date A your friendship, but it might be a little awk- A lived longer and have more experience. On the you need to focus on making her happy instead ward after that. Telling him that you like him could other hand, you will technically be an adult after of impressing her. Going ice-skating is what first really open a new door, especially if you guys have high school so it is ultimately you who will decide comes to mind; it is a cute and fun outing that can been friends for a long time. The best relationships what to do with your life. Decisions like this are really spark a lot of chemistry. The outdoor ice- start as friendships. You two should already know a tough. A parent’s advice is always helpful because in skating rink in downtown Silver Spring cost only lot about each other and letting him know how you most cases they want what is best for you. If they $8 for skating admissions, which is a good price. feel would allow you guys to develop a foundation are encouraging you to go to some form of higher You might even want to think about paying for her and grow. He probably already likes you too, but education after high school, you should consider it. ticket. Also, there are a lot of food places in that boys have way too much pride, so he’s not going An education is always something you can fall back area where you can grab something to eat after you to ever tell you. In a worst case scenario, he ends on. However, if you are passionate about a differ- skate; Chipotle, Noodles and Company, Chick-fil-a, up liking another girl and you never told him how ent dream, and it’s something positive, you should Potbelly, Fuddruckers, etc. This nice little Valen- you felt. You would probably be really upset. I’ve really try to talk it through with your family so they tine’s Day date could turn into an unforgettable been in this position before, and it was pretty weird can understand. At the end of the day, it is your night. I hope everything works out. Good luck! breaking the ice about our feelings for each other, life to live, so I say do what is going benefit you the but it did work out in the end. Please do not be most and more importantly make you happy. scared, nothing beats a try! Femme Fatal: Strong Female Protagonists Are Lacking Angela Montero feature a woman being abused fine the relatability of different signed books in which a female least not worth talking about-- Contributor or treated unfairly, and only one, characters based on gender. It is character is sexually harassed when they clearly need to be “To Kill A Mockingbird,” features perfectly normal and acceptable or treated as inferior: “The discussed. In a world with a population a strong female character. for a woman to read “The Odys- Odyssey,” “Romeo and Juliet,” We need to stop and take that is more than half female, it For a long time I accepted sey,” and relate the characteris- “Chronicle of a Death Foretold,” notice of the inequality of makes sense that there would be this lack of strong women char- tics of strong and wily Odysseus and “The Things They Carried.” women in books we read and a lot of roles for women charac- acters on our reading list as a and his strengths to herself and At Deal we read “I Know how it is reflected in the world ters in books. Today, a woman result of the few strong women her goals. Why the Caged Bird Sings,” in around us. searching for a strong female in early litera- “As I began to choose However, which Maya Angelou is raped It should be shocking and role model in literature doesn’t ture. However, a man read- by her mother’s friend. Rape offensive to be able to say that I have to spend too much time as I began to classic books to read on ing “Pride and and harassment are incredibly have read more books in which a looking. choose classic my own, I met amazing Prejudice,” and important topics, and there is woman is abused or raped than I Despite this, in my two books to read aspiring to be like nothing wrong with assigning have in which a woman is strong years at Wilson I have only on my own, I women like Elizabeth Elizabeth would books with this subject matter and independent. Yet most found two inspiring female met amazing Bennet in ‘Pride and be a sign of weak- for school reading. people don’t even notice this. characters in the assigned read- women like Prejudice’” ness. As a society What is wrong is ignoring What does that say about how ing for English class, while I am Elizabeth Ben- we have made it the issue. I have never had an we as a society view women? It constantly assigned books with net in “Pride and Prejudice” and acceptable for girls to emulate English class where my teacher is crucial that we acknowledge strong male protagonists. the sisters in “Little Women.” I boys but not the other way actually discussed the treatment this as wrong and work towards Out of a total of nine as- realized great literature is not around. As as a result, girls and of women in the book, including a better representation of signed books from English class, limited to male protagonists, boys are being deprived of some the rape scene in “I Know Why women. Books don’t just reflect seven feature male protagonists so why are the books we read in amazing characters in literature. the Caged Bird Sings.” We treat our lives; they also impact them and all nine of them feature English class? In the two years I’ve spent these events like they’re normal and can have a lasting influence a strong male character. Four The real issue is how we de- at Wilson, I’ve read four as- and acceptable-- or at the very on our world. PRO The AP System CON being forced into a standardized sched- one from a low-income family trying Zach Fullerton Elias Benda Contributor ule students are finally able to explore Junior Editor to be a high achiever -- the more AP subject matters they are interested in. classes they take to get ahead, the Advanced Placement courses allow Wilson offering a variety of AP courses The AP system is broken on a more the combined price of their students to expose themselves to more shows that it is an academically focused national level. AP classes are another tests would go up. rigorous classes with more meaningful school, willing to give students the way that students in America are All of this effort and expense content. One of the best things about attention they need to succeed in any faced with increased pressure to would be worth it if the AP tests these classes is that they are always field. perform unrealistically well, and they were an acceptable standard, but in optional. And many AP classes do not Wilson itself is a diverse school also increase the achievement gap many ways they aren’t. More and require pre-requisites. For those who with students and staff from different between socioeconomic groups. Suc- more, colleges are not giving credit don’t know what AP is, it is a program backgrounds, however the AP classes cessful students, largely from higher for AP courses or are raising the bar run by College Board which provides don’t always reflect that diversity. Of- socioeconomic standings than less for the grade required to receive courses of college rigor to high school ten, but not always, AP classes contain successful students, end up in AP credit. The lack of a coherent stan- students. In May, students nationwide a majority of students from a higher classes together, being taught by the dard for acceptance puts students take AP exams for each AP course they socioeconomic background. I would best teachers at the school. in a shoot-or-miss position; they take. These tests are graded from 1 not associate this to a lack of equal op- On the other hand, lower assume the pressure of AP courses in to 5, from worst to best respectively. portunity, instead I would blame a so- performing students who do not the ever-decreasing hopes that the The tests are usually $85 per test, but cial structure that associates AP classes take AP courses end up with a less courses will help them when apply- thankfully here at Wilson they are paid with being for “A” students. It’s widely challenging curriculum in a system ing to college. for us. understood that it is often parents in that does not favor them. This gap The more AP classes, the more AP classes do not exclude any type wealthier families that push their kids is part of a pattern; the number of pressure on students to perform. As of student. It only requires a student towards rigorous classes. AP courses available has increased in a whole, AP tracking puts students, willing to apply themselves. The classes Advanced Placement courses are the past 20 years, and according to their peers, their teachers, and their aren’t designed to take because of not for everyone but they are not selec- the Center for Education Policy the community at a disadvantage. Col- friends, or because of the college credit tive either. They are offered to every- socioeconomic achievement gap has lege courses are not meant for high that some schools offer. These classes one. The purpose of AP classes is not to increased in the past few decades as school students, who may lack the expose students to a stricter work separate, segregate, or track the school, well. time, capacity, or resources to fully schedule and allow them to explore but to offer challenging opportunities For students whose parents lack understand the subject. content they are interested in. to any student willing to take them. a college education, it can be much Those who are pressured into I have taken, or am enrolled in a With the right amount of focus anyone more difficult to understand and taking the classes end up being total of seven AP classes. I take them can not only participate in the class- navigate the college process, and dragged down by bad grades, while because of the academic challenge they room, but succeed on the AP test later the same goes for AP classes. We are those who do well, willingly or not, offer. APs are some of Wilson students in the year. blessed that test fees are covered for support a system that harms their favorite classes, because after years of us at Wilson, because imagine some- peers. January 31, 2014 OPINIONS PAGE 5 THE BEACON In This New Year, Resolve to Speak Up this theory, the more I noticed Though I found it extremely myself (and with trusty Beacon Maria Brescia-Weiler Editors-In-Chief it everywhere. In four of my troubling, I fault neither gender readers), part of it is probably Features Editor Nathan Davis classes in which 58.12 percent for this gaping gap in participa- that I’m a little bit scared. I Evan Hamlin Recently, in a class of mostly of my peers were girls and 41.88 tion. Yes, the boys could talk a don’t care enough about people Managing Editor girls, I noticed that whenever percent were boys, boys account- little less to create space for the knowing that I’m right to risk the teacher posed a question the ed for 65.33 percent of the hand girls, but it isn’t their job to coax being held accountable when I’m Claire Parker same hands shot up. This didn’t raises, leaving the girls with a their counterparts out of their wrong. Even now my words end Advisors come as a surprise; most classes meager 34.67 percent. When a shells like bewildered turtles. up on the opinions page, only Mary Stapp are dominated by a few students friend looked over my shoulder And yes, as a girl, I get that for lack of an observations or Alexandra Stryker who are eager to grace the class and saw my tallied findings, he sometimes it’s hard to force musings page. with their knowledge, it is just shrugged saying, “You have to yourself to participate. I don’t And knowing that pains me; Design Editors the way things are. But this time remember that so-and-so is in think of myself as shy or quiet that I, I who spent the first eight Mia Strazzella I noticed something new; all but this class.” (in fact, the main take away years of my education talking Sarah Torresen a very few of these rising hands And I agreed, that so-and- from my elementary school par- exclusively for my nearly-mute Finance Manager were attached to male bodies. so was accounting for far more ent teacher conferences was that best friend, much to the ag- Throughout the rest of the than his fair share of the class’ I should talk less), but I too find gravation of our teachers, have Nathaniel Remez period I watched and took note participation. But when this myself hesitating to participate, become a girl, one of many, who News Editors of this until I came up with two same comment was pointed and when I do I drop “likes” like hesitates. Claire Parker possible explanations for this out by several different people its my job. So, as a reminder to myself Annie Rosenthal newly-discovered phenomenon: about several different so-and- My conscious explanation and similarly tentative girls (or either the boys in this particular sos, it struck me that maybe is that I either genuinely don’t boys); there are no lions. Noth- Opinions Editor class were much smarter than there are simply more male feel qualified to answer the ing, absolutely nothing, will hap- Erin Sternlieb the girls, and anything short of so-and-sos than female ones. question posed or that I’m not pen when you are wrong. And I Features Editors MUCH smarter couldn’t have Most classes contained at least pressed to show off what I know, think that more often than not, Maria Brescia-Weiler justified it, or the boys were two or three male self-appointed but content to let someone else, you won’t have to worry about more comfortable tossing their class spokesmen (and I do mean someone more eager, do somer- that. Your silence is more selfish Lauren ReVeal thoughts into an arena that for spokesmen), while I struggled saults for the class. than any measure of boastful- Sports Editor the girls was filled with lions to hear a comment from a girl Most of the time when I do ness. Henry Shuldiner waiting to tear them apart with that didn’t start along the lines have something to say, an an- Share your knowledge not Style Editor gnashing teeth and sharpened of “I’m not really sure but…” or swer to share, it gets whispered because you’re interested in claws. “Isn’t it…” and contain at least to the lucky soul next to me and showing off but because there’s Annie Rosenthal The latter seemed more seven “likes.” I think like water if it is shared with the class, it’s a reason teachers encourage Photo Editor likely. is like a symbol for like life or only through them. But if I’m students to participate, because Isabel Gloss The more I thought about something. being completely honest with your classmates can stand to Graphic Designers Jane Martin Mason Strazzella Numbers Game: How Grades Affect Students Student Assessment) to 31 in Some students even go so far they can’t get good grades in the Junior Editors Evan Hamlin Nell Bayliss, Elias Benda, 2009. What’s the point of being as to swipe an upcoming test first place. They forfeit before Co-Editor-in-Chief Erin Doherty, Rachel Page, in school if all the city cares off a teacher’s desk, or take a they even give themselves a Maddy Taub Numbers matter in DCPS. about is our test scores? At the picture of answers that will be chance to play. Columnists They define success or failure, end of the day, the DC CAS does sent throughout other classes The importance the system whether you are a high school not define a student, a school, before the period is over, an act places on numbers hurts the Eboni Ellis, Jack Price, student or the superintendent. or a city. The desire to learn, becoming increasingly common school itself, too. Individual Jackson Ross In the past 10 years a much as well as the desire to teach, at Wilson. schools care so much about Staff Writers greater emphasis has been should stem from a hunger for These kinds of shortcuts achieving high attendance Emma Buzbee, Ellice Ellis, Ben placed on test scores as an indi- an increased understanding of a cause kids to take their classes a and graduation rates that the Gutman, Gregory Kopetsky, cator of success or failure. Stu- subject. lot less seriously. They feel that importance they place on what Helen Malhotra, Ellie Melick, dents continually fret over grade If you forget test scores and high school is pointless, because students do while they are in Sophie ReVeal, Matthew Smee, point averages and class ranks. focus on quality of learning, all the “real” learning is going to class drops significantly. Hope Willis This obsession with numbers teachers and students will have happen in college. I think we should forget Contributors and statistics is what is wrong a much more enriching academic Students need to get good about the numbers. A focus on Manuela Bayón, Zach Fuller- with the school system. experience. When the focus is grades to get into good colleges, engaging and enriching teaching ton, Liam Fischer, Will Hamlin DCPS is worrying about shifted from the test to the con- so they take hard classes. Then would allow students to grow Zoe Mills, Angela Montero, the wrong aspect of learning. tent of a class, everything else if they realize that the class is intellectually. Standardized tests Emma Natzke, Rio Osborne, Ali Because of the intense pres- comes naturally. too hard, they resort to cheating only measure a fraction of what Rashedi, Emmie Woscoboinik, sure on teachers and students Students put themselves to help maintain a respectable makes school, and learning as Ava Zechiel to meet certain benchmarks, under a tremendous amount grade. In the end, they come a whole, important. Tests are Staff Photographers the overall quality of learning of pressure. The desire to get away with nothing from the indicative of some aspects of Nico Artiga-Oliver, Joey has decreased. After No Child good enough grades to get into class as a result of their inability a student or school, but they Keegan, Will Hamlin Left Behind was passed in 2002, college ironically leads stu- to keep up. merely judge students and the U.S. dropped from 18 in dents to cheat, to not do work, This culture creates a bigger schools by their cover and the Thank you to our faithful and to skip class if it means problem for students who feel first few pages. volunteer, Mary Carpenter. the world in math on the PISA (Programme for International they get the grade they want. The Beacon is published monthly by students of Woodrow Wilson High School, 3950 Chesapeake St. N.W., Washington D.C., 20016. Unsigned Things Wilson Administrators editorials and cartoons are the views of the staff; personal commentaries Top 10 Did On Their Snow Day reflect the opinions of the writers. Our mission is to provide an ac- curate representation of the diverse Crack the new Make a third instagram views, opinions, and concerns of 1 Wilson Beanies 6 the students of Wilson High School. We aim to serve as the voice of the students. Through responsible, ethi- Get a shapeup cal journalistic practices, we strive to Update myspace 7 provide thorough, reliable news cov- 2 erage of issues relevant to Wilson. Advertising and subscription rates are available by emailing beacon- Tweet at dcps asking Sell christmas gifts [email protected]. 3 8 for a snowday The Beacon welcomes all student and guest contributions: articles, photographs, art, commentary, and letters to the editor. All submissions Think about wilson can be sent to beaconchiefeditor@ Cancel gym membership 9 gmail.com, and become property of 4 The Beacon. The Beacon is a public forum creat- Try to sell rookies on ed for the purpose of expressing the 10 DMV Addicted To All views of and providing information Not go outside to the Wilson student body. Thank 5 Things Fresh you for reading The Beacon. PAGE 6 FEATURES January 31, 2014 Self-Segregation Still Stands at Wilson Lauren ReVeal Dr. Martin Luther King Ellice Ellis Jr., Congressman John Lewis, Sophie ReVeal and many others have worked SOCIAL GROUPS tirelessly for equal rights in There is no rule in Ameri- schools and all over the country. can schools today that says that Segregation has plagued the U.S. people of different races have to DON’T HAVE TO BE JUST for generations and lingers on sit separately from each other. as personal preference through However, self-segregation still groups at schools, including Wil- occurs in schools. Wilson is no son. Wilson is a diverse school exception. yet people are still segregated by Self-segregation is when races. people separate themselves from Jonathan Shea, the World those who are different, inten- History 2 and AP World History tionally or not. Self-segregation teacher, wrote in an email “In is a common phenomenon that general, I would say that self- changes students’ personal segregation occurs at Wilson. experiences and views regarding On a daily basis, at lunch, I think their school. that self-segregation is more a Recent studies by the function of elementary school University of Michigan found BLACK OR WHITE than racial self identification.” that the larger the school, the Graphic by Mason Strazzella, Jane Martin, Ellice Ellis He said he believes that it is more likely it is for students to Some students surveyed did not veyed agreed that they wanted stand, but introducing the con- also based on activities, espe- find friends of their own race. know what the term self-segre- to fix the self-segregation prob- cept at an early age might shift cially team sports: “There is a On paper it makes sense: if a gation meant. Others found that lem at Wilson. peoples’ minds to the dynamic perception that ‘crew is white’ student is at a school with only it was a problem at Wilson. Of Students suggested solu- between the oppressor and the or ‘basketball is black.’This is an 100 people, they have fewer op- students surveyed, 64 percent tions such as having all-grade oppressed.” oversimplification, but to be- tions of people to connect with, said that self-segregation was an activities, more racially-diverse Sophomore Michael Jones come a stereotype, it has to have no race excluded. However, at a issue at school, and 81 percent classes, and getting the school said that he sees segregation some truth in it.” school like Wilson, where there said that it was more likely to itself to demonstrate that, in the groups that people hang On a positive note, Shea are 1709 students and more occur at a large school. across the board, people of out with. “It doesn’t really affect said that “[f]ar more students than 300 per grade, there are However, Wilson students different races have common me that much because I expect hang out and date across group more options for friends. Con- did not agree on the cause of interests and really are not that it to happen. I do prefer more lines than when I started here sciously or subconsciously, many this self-segregation. They at- different. diverse groups, but, at the end in 1993. Classes are also more people tend to choose friends of tributed it to ignorance, people “I think workshops on privi- of the day, people are going to diverse.” Still, not everything their own race. feeling more comfortable with lege and oppression are a start,” want to be around people with has been solved. Wilson is a di- The Beacon decided to test their own race, D.C.’s school wrote one survey responder. similar interests and experiences verse school, yet voluntary racial this theory by surveying a ran- boundary system, and even fear. “White privilege is impossible, and that usually goes along with segregation still exists. dom sample of students during Still, 53 percent of students sur- as a white person, to fully under- their race,” he wrote. lunch and through social media. Custodian Steve James: One Of Wilson’s Guardian Angels als can be credited most with James grew up in D.C. and he still claims that the craziest to your classrooms and just keeping our great school intact. attended H.D. Woodson, where moment was seeing Cahall dress working with y’all in general is Some would claim it is Principal he played football, basketball up on Wacky Tacky Day. “That my favorite part of my job,” he Pete Cahall. Others might argue and was a member of the swim was wild,” said James. said. that it is any one of the deans team, which occasionally prac- From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. His least favorite part, or administrators. But very few ticed at the Wilson pool. Little every day, James keeps the he explained with a chuckle, recognize the custodial staff as did he know, he was swimming atrium, the cafeteria, and the is “cleaning this joint up after playing a crucial role in keeping at the school he would work for kitchen clean. He is easy to spot y’all!” the school running. and love years later. in either a Washington Redskins “Wilson is a nice school, it is You’ve all seen them; they “I like to experience dif- or Green Bay Packers jersey. “The where I’d like to retire.” Photo by Joey Keegan walk around at STEP, picking ferent schools,” James said. In Skins [are] my number one, but I If he ever does, Wilson up trash and making small talk his 18 years with DCPS, he has still like the Packers as a number might have trouble filling the Greg Kopetsky with students, but there is much worked at a number of schools, two,” he said. He loves talking void he will leave. Matthew Smee Staff Writers more to their job than just this. including Phelps, Ballou, Ana- football with anyone who will We had a chance to sit down costia, Coolidge, and now Wil- listen. When looking at Wilson, with one of our school’s custodi- son, which has been his home On top of all this, he plays it is hard to say who among the ans, Steve James, and learn a bit for the past six years. a major role in making sure kids staff of hard-working individu- about his life and job. Through all this experience, get to class. “Ushering you kids 2013 in review For Wilson, 2013 brought in St. Louis, Mo. And just in what goes on in Congress does entire world--was delighted to Ellie Melick Staff Writer about the usual exportation of 2013 alone, the boys varsity soc- not by any means represent the welcome the arrival of Bao Bao. last year’s class of ‘13 to bal- cer team, the girls varsity soccer culture of our city as a whole. This adorable baby giant panda Every January, when we ance out the influx of this year’s team, the varsity football team, Unfortunately, national was born August 23 and has cap- come back to school, I find that freshmen. This school year’s the varsity volleyball team, the politics affected many residents tivated the hearts of little kids, the only thing that feels differ- graduating class proudly took girls varsity lacrosse team, the of the district and the D.C. area, high school students, and grown ent from “last year” is having their place on the throne of se- girls varsity softball team, and when the federal government men alike; especially with the to write a different number on niority, which means--especially the boys varsity baseball team was shut down for two weeks in help of the National Zoo’s Panda the dates of my papers. Besides as we enter the second semester- all won their respective DCIAA October, causing many federal Cam, which is easily accessed by trying to adjust to the new digit, -that you will not be seeing any championships. Basically, Wil- workers in D.C. to be furloughed. the zoo’s website. nothing really strikes me about of them at school unless they son kicked it all over the place. City politics shaped up the year So as we say goodbye to one the end of one year and the start absolutely have to be in class for The year was also an impor- as well, with investigations into year and welcome in another, of another. Not all the “Best something. So basically, you will tant one for the entire city. Last Mayor Vincent Gray’s 2010 it is important to look back on of 20__” lists and “Preview of not be seeing them at school. January the streets and hotels campaign which shed light on the events--good and bad--that 20__” articles, and definitely Wilson extracurriculars became packed with celebrities, the inner workings of our city’s defined our city and our world. not the New Year’s resolutions I had a great 2013. We saw an tourists, and Barack Obama en- government. Even if most new gym member- forget about within a week. On a exceptional musical, “West Side thusiasts for the President’s sec- D.C. also suffered a grave ships have gone unused and I smaller scale, I find it can be nice Story,” put on with the help of ond inauguration. Increasingly atrocity: the September 16 still write “2013” on all of my pa- to look back on the highlights of lots of students, parents, and dramatic tensions between po- shooting at the Navy Yard that pers, we as a community have no the past twelve months, instead staff. Last March the Wilson ro- litical parties seemed to amplify left 12 victims dead, as well as reason to expect anything but of thinking about how we are botics team became the first D.C. the focus on D.C. even more the shooter Aaron Alexis. But greatness from the rest of 2014. all officially one year closer to high school to ever go on to the than usual, although any 202er in more positive news, every dying. World Robotics Championships will be quick to remind you that Washingtonian--as well as the January 31, 2014 FEATURES PAGE 7 Neighborhood Spotlight: Columbia Heights to the opening of a uniquely Patrick Paniagua Staff Writer designed Z-Burger. The theatre’s former ticket booth serves as a Columbia Heights is a quick-serve window for some of neighborhood that blends so- the best shakes in D.C., and the phisticated people and cultures. old balconies from the original Bordered by Adams Morgan and building were kept to give it an Howard University, this neigh- interesting vibe. There is also a borhood has seen many changes significant amount of retail that over the past 20 years. just popped up with the new During the period in the mall. Best Buy, Target, Modell’s early 90’s in which D.C. was and Petco are all businesses that dubbed the murder capital of the the neighborhood needed. U.S., this part of town looked Thirteenth Street is a quiet very different from today. residential street in Columbia Shootings and gang activity Heights. There is not much tarnished the last of the positive commercial space on the street, image that remained of Colum- hence the absence of businesses. bia Heights. The newly renovated Car- After the grand opening of dozo High School on 12th Street Target in the new mall and con- has brought a new crowd of dominiums in Columbia Heights highly- invested teachers to the in 2008, things improved. area who are out to help those The streets were cleansed of a kids who need them. Photo by Nico Artiga-Oliver majority of the negativity and Eleventh Street is home LIGHTS IN THE HEIGHTS - The recently renovated Tivoli Theatre is one of the most violence. to many great locally-owned glamourous attractions in Columbia Heights. The neighborhood has a lot to offer, On 14th Street lies a great eateries. The Coupe, a 24-hour from large retail stores to locally owned eateries. assortment of fast food places, restaurant with the same owner beat environment serving some bars like El Chucho that has taco conglomerate really adds pizzazz including Panda Express, Five as Open City in Woodley Park, of the best burgers I’ve ever had. happy hour on weekdays with to the neighborhood, making it Guys, and Chipotle. The recent turned the first floor of a vacant Eleventh street is also home to $2 tacos. distinct from others on the D.C. renovation of Tivoli Theatre led and beat-up building into an up- much smaller restaurants and The ever-changing ethnic map. GSA Hopes to Welcome More Participants crimination. Occasionally they talking about the club, and are may ask, What is appropriate? Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Ava Zechiel Contributor also talk about current events more comfortable with com- No one specific thing can apply Questioning, Asexual) bullying. involving gay rights, or ways to ing out to the club. Before the to every person, so if you are The GSA wants all of the stu- The GSA (Gender and Sexu- improve the environment of the title modification, people who unsure about a person’s gender dents at Wilson to feel at home; alities Aligned) club has been school. showed up did not participate as (and are comfortable enough like they always have someone working on many things since The name Gender and Sexu- much as they do now. with them), go and ask them! to talk to. If you ever need any the school year started. Mem- alities Aligned is a new name; The GSA has been working It might seem awkward, but it’s support, contact your counselor, bers have been trying to spread the club used to be called the with science teacher Chris Ober- even worse when you use the or come to GSA in room 223 the word about the club meet- Gay Straight Alliance. The pur- meyer and more recently history wrong gender pronoun. during STEP on Wednesday and/ ings, which are on Wednesdays pose of renaming the club was teachers Robert Geremia and The GSA’s number one goal or Thursday. They’d love to see and Thursdays during STEP. At to make sure that anyone and Michael Garbus to collaborate is to help the Wilson community you there! these meetings, the GSA talks everyone can feel comfortable in with other teachers about inap- stay welcoming and easy going. about social justice issues in- the club. Since the name change, propriate name-calling inside It also works to help spread the cluding gender and sexuality dis- it seems more people are openly and outside the classroom. You word about LGBTQA (Lesbian,

mer vacation, pollution of any emissions. “The idea of com- kind is never good. posting is new to many people,” Because of this extreme Tacco says, “but once they learn waste, a new pilot composting how easy it is to participate, it program arranged by DGS began becomes a habit. We encourage on Tuesday, January 21, taking all students to participate!” place during STEP in the cafete- A common phrase that ria, atrium, and kitchen. Both almost everyone has heard is: students and staff members are “Even you can make a differ- now expected to use the bright ence,” just by recycling one thing yellow collection bins to deposit or tossing your leftovers in the Wilson materials like leftover food and right bin. While this is true, it used paper products (i.e. nap- takes a great deal of awareness kins, paper towels, paper bags) to make the kind of differ- Shifts to that can be composted. ence people are looking for. In Both HealthCorps and DGS implementing this composting will be working together to program, the idea is to make Sustainability spread this new program to oth- environmental awareness more er schools in D.C. and to make common and easier to follow. Photo by Joey Keegan it known throughout Wilson. In addition to the compost DGS is also offering community bins, recycling bins in the hall- RETHINK RECYCLING - Wilson begins its pilot composting program. The program service hours for those who help ways are for separating every- was arranged by the Department of General Services and encourages Wilson students promote the program, such as thing else: trash in the brown to compost and recycle. by making posters and flyers out bins and recycling in the green son’s recycling system. Sopho- period is actually either com- of recycled materials. Students ones. This is so that no one Zoe Mills Contributor more Dilara Yildiz says, “I hear postable or recyclable, according who are interested can contact needs to have a second thought the janitors just dump it in the to the waste audit conducted Brooke Hartman at brooke.hart- when throwing something away. Many students are unaware trash,” about the materials that by Wilson’s AP Environmental [email protected]. But what happens if you’re not of what they’re throwing away are supposedly being recycled by Science students and the DC “So far student feedback has sure what you can recycle? It and where, every day, whether students each day. Department of General Services been positive,” says Micheline ends up in the wrong bin. To they’re eating lunch or crum- Custodian Jose Echeona (DGS) Tocco, the head of the new make it easier, here are some pling a piece of paper and toss- confirms her suspicion. “Well, If students aren’t recycling program and a big supporter of commonly-used things that can ing it in the brown trash bin in basically the students don’t and are throwing the wrong composting and recycling. be recycled: glass, paper, cans, the hallway. respect [the system] and throw things in the wrong bin, all of But Tocco and DGS are and plastic. Remember to look “People contaminate it [with food in the recycling bin, and we those materials just end up in a determined for good results. out for the brown and green and the wrong materials] and that’s have to throw it in the trash.” landfill. And while it may play They’re hoping that collecting yellow bins! why it doesn’t work,” says Latin Currently, 75% of the trash a role in giving students and these compost materials will teacher Jan McGlennon on Wil- generated during Wilson’s lunch teachers an even warmer sum- help reduce greenhouse gas PAGE 8 THEFT January 31, 2014

THEFT AT

WILSON

Photo illustration by Joey Keegan

SURVEY ANALYSIS REVEALS STOLEN TRENDS IN THEFT AT WILSON prevention, they largely do from them still did not report ITEMS Nathan Davis Co-Editor-in-Chief not have confidence in school the theft suggests that there is security in terms of recovery of more than just underconfidence. On Tuesday and and stolen items. Of students sur- It could be a manifestation of a Wednesday, January 14 and 15, veyed who did report their theft “no snitching” culture at Wilson. The Beacon administered a sur- to the school, 71 percent rated (Some variation of, “I’m not a vey focused on understanding the school’s response to their snitch” showed up with relative the experiences of the Wilson report as either not very helpful frequency in the section ask- student body with theft. Analy- or not at ing students to sis of the data from the 945 all help- “71 percent rated the elaborate on why responses we received painted a ful. This schools response to they didn’t report picture of an environment where response thefts.) Addition- theft is widespread and where is sup- their report as either ally, the low value students approach the issue with ported by not very helpful or of items might some apathy. the fact have contributed Of those surveyed, 61 that of not at all helpful” to students not percent reported having been those who reporting items: stolen from at least once, a clear, reported thefts, 72 percent did around one in three instances but not overwhelming major- not recover the stolen item. of theft were valued at less than ity, despite the fact that only 53 Disappointingly, this lack $50. percent of people are afraid of of confidence manifests itself in The results also shed light having things stolen from them. the large percentage of thefts on possible improvements. This discrepancy could be ac- that go unreported (51 percent, While 69 percent of seniors and counted for in a variety of ways. according to the survey results). 64 percent of juniors surveyed Perhaps Wilson students take The vast majority of the com- had been stolen from, only 47 more precautions with their be- ments The Beacon received on percent of freshmen surveyed longings after being stolen from why students didn’t report the had been. Of course this is and derive a sense of safety from theft was underconfidence that largely related to seniors having *total of each students’ individual their own personal measures. Wilson would be able to help spent more time at the school assesment of loss Perhaps Wilson students are them recover the item and thus having a bigger window confident in the school’s ability But widespread failure to of opportunity in which to have to stop theft before it happens. report cannot be entirely attrib- been stolen from. However, the However, the statistics uted to underconfidence in the magnitude of this gap could very also suggest that while Wilson school’s response system. The well suggest that improvements students may have confidence fact that 38 percent of students have been made in the theft in security in terms of theft who knew the person who stole prevention system as a whole. January 31, 2014 THEFT PAGE 9

SURVEY RESULTS Interview 61% of Wilson students With have had things stolen Wilson Hernandez from them at school Deans Compiled by Lauren and Sophie ReVeal

Barnes 1. 72 percent of students who reported the theft did not of students get their stuff back. Why do did not report you think this is true? Barnes: “I don’t know about that the theft because… if there’s a theft that’s in the view of the camera, we have a 9/10 rate of returning the items to them.”

Hernandez: “It depends on the item that was taken and where it was taken from. If a student has something stolen and they don’t didn’t notice it until hours later… there is nothing we can do.”

2. 54 percent of freshmen have not been theft victims, but by the time they are sophomores that number drops to 38 percent. Why is there such a large change? KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR... Hernandez: “Freshmen stay (MOST COMMMONLY around freshmen. They aren’t STOLEN ITEMS AT WILSON) as careless with their things. [Sophomores are stolen from because they hang around] maybe people they don’t need to be hanging with.”

3. What is the best way for students to recover their things?

Hernandez: “Report it right away. To an admin, or security. Because then we can do our best of recovering the item… Usually it’s reported right away and we have a good turn around… That Graphics by Mason Strazzella, Jane Martin, Ellice Ellis turn around time has to be on point.” WILSON STUDENT TESTIMONIALS When I was a freshman 4 years ago, I got the iPod with the At around mid September last year I was So far, during my two years at cameras for Christmas. It was in my bag at the front of the class, walking down the stairwell to leave school when Wilson I’ve had two items stolen. and I went to the door of the room; when I came back it was gone. I saw one of my friends arguing with another One, my iPhone 4 and the other, the They also took my monthly passes; I had at least 2 of those stolen Wilson student. I remember my friend saying money in my wallet. The first incident within that year, so that’s a little over $300. It doesn’t end there. My “Please give me my phone back!” but the other where my phone was stolen occurred friend got me a coat for Christmas that year, and I wore it to school student refused. While watching this happen I after school. Initially I didn’t report and left it in a class, when I went back a few minutes later it was pulled my phone out to try to take a picture of the incident to the school and just gone. That one was my fault but it still sucked walking home in the the student taking the phone, so I could show told my parents, who filed a police middle of winter in a t-shirt. By sophomore year I got a new iPod it to an administrator so they could get my report, and after two weeks, I was still and went to the other end of the class, and when I came back it was friend’s phone back. The student saw me trying without a phone. A couple phone- gone. The people around my bag were my friends so I asked them to take a picture and quickly came up to me less weeks later, my sister noticed a about it, and they’re the ones who stole it, so luckily I got the iPod and snatched my phone. I tried to chase after random email in our group chat, and I back but didn’t notice until later that they also took my metro pass him, but I lost him in the crowd of students. came to the conclusion that the email, and gum. That’s already over $500 and it wasn’t even 2 years. By my After this happened I went to the security office which was the person’s first name junior year I decided I wasn’t going to leave anything anywhere be- and told them my situation, they contacted my and last name, was from the person cause Wilson students will steal anything. I made it to March when dean and the police to see if they could find my who had stolen my phone. I then I left my Galaxy SIII in the bathroom. It was a minute later when I phone and the student who took it. We tried us- reported the incident to my dean, came back and it was gone so I went to security to ask if they could ing Find My iPhone but the phone was turned and he recovered my phone instantly. check the cameras for me. The guy told me there was only one per- off. Luckily, the photo that I took came to my After the whole drama was over my son who was in the bathroom between the time I left and the time I computer and it was a clear enough shot to dean told me I should have reported came back so he went and talked to her. He came back and told me, determine who the student was. I printed this it in the first place, and I would have “She doesn’t have it.” So I asked “Oh you searched her?” He said “No photo and showed it to my dean and he said he gotten it right back. I followed this I didn’t check her. She was an adult. She said she didn’t see it.” would take care of the rest. The administration advice on a later occasion when 70 Senior year I haven’t had anything stolen because I don’t leave forced the student to return the phones. To my dollars was stolen out of my wallet anything anywhere unless someone close to me is watching it. So understanding the student also received a long- during a chemistry lab, but it proved yeah I’d say it’s a pretty big issue. term suspension. to be false.

Emma Natzke, 12th Ali Rashedi, 10th Ellice Ellis, 10th PAGE 10 FEATURES January 31, 2014 Co ipps Last llege r b With c y E S summer I got the opportunity m m 4,000 students to visit Scripps college in Claremont, California. ie W undergraduate, Division It is a small liberal arts school. Scripps is on a beautiful os co 1 athletics, and a 6% acceptance b campus about 40 minutes outside of Los Angeles. The campus is o i rate, the U.S. Naval Academy is one of known for its nice weather, its hideaway courtyards, and its sycamore and n i k the top universities in the country. During orange trees. It consists of off white buildings and many dorms have porches or the Spring of the my junior year I was invited to balconies. Scripps is a women’s college which would probably not be appealing to attend a “Candidate Visit Weekend” at the Acad- many Wilson students, but the cool part about Scripps is that it is part of a consortium emy in Annapolis. It started on a Thursday with an of colleges with four co-ed schools. All of the schools are directly next to each other and U orientation and after that I met up with the midship- things such as classes, clubs, sports teams, and many social events often overlap. Scripps S man I was going to “shadow.” We got a tour and after that itself is extremely small so there is a lot of interaction with professors and class sizes we just hung around and did homework. Friday morning are small but the other schools make it seem bigger and offer more opportunities for we got up at 5 a.m. and went to practice with the the row- N Scripps students. ing team. After practice we had until 7 a.m. to get ready and a One of the most interesting things that I learned about Scripps that Wil- head down to breakfast. Although one can choose what to eat v son students would like is that it seems to be very accepting of different around the dining hall, the meals are very family oriented and a interests and possible career paths. It encourages creativity. It is

sometimes the food is brought to the tables. After that we had l

also known as a very liberal school, much like Wilson is. a full day of classes. The classes were smaller than any class I

have ever had at Wilson. By 3 p.m. classes were all done and A

it was time for practice again. Around 6 p.m. we were back in c

the rooms getting ready and heading down to dinner. The a

weekend I went there students went to concerts. Saturday d

morning we were up early again for training. Although I e

fell in love with the school it isn’t for everybody: plebes m

(freshmen) aren’t allowed to listen to music without y

permission; days start really early and don’t end until

very late; being late is not an option; and there are b

y

uniforms. I would say this isn’t your average M

a

university experience, but still is one of the n

u

most prestigious and respectable schools e l

a

in the United States. B

a

y

College Reviews o n

sity iver Being of V Un the son of a UVA alum has irg tern led to my interest in being a Cavalier since in s b a North- y e E I was born. I have visited the university several times i h li a t eastern was the first as r B for football and lacrosse games, legacy weekends, alumni school I visited in Boston, and I en b o d weekends, black alumni weekends, and overnight visits with cur- y Nwasn’t really impressed. The school has a rent students who also have legacy at the school. Anyone who has been R i o a big campus, making up a large neighborhood to the University of Virginia can tell you that there is a preppy atmosphere O largely by itself, with a trolley car track running right s on campus. The students show their “class” and “scholarly” behavior by wearing b down the middle. The school is very technical/ engineer- o button-down polos, khakis, and Sperry’s around university grounds no matter r ing/ business-minded, and comes off as so. The campus tour n what time of the week or year, even to football games. After meeting many UVA stu- e was much better than the orientation, which portrayed the dents I learned that many of them weren’t as elitist as they appear; over 65 percent school as gaudy, fake, and “pressed.” I personally didn’t feel as of the students come from Virginia, and many come straight from public schools. I if I would relate with anyone who went there, but I understand concluded that the way the students dress and the attitude they have is caused by that others could. One aspect that didn’t interest me but the idea that they will all some day become successful and live the life of an elitist. seems cool was their Work-Study program, in which stu- The school seems to be very diverse for a top-notch institution, but the social dents work an actual paid job in their field of study, and scene is far from integrated; the fraternities are very divided based on race. include their experience and connections as a part of Students of different races still do mingle and create relationships, they their college experience that can help them in just seem not to party together. Many of the qualities of UVA’s the future. social scene are similar to Wilson’s. Also, both schools are public and both attempt provide a quality educa- tion for a low cost.

Fresh LEARNING THE . . . s Local A B C ’ A Bring your family All Natural B Bring your friends C Bring your school ID and get 20% Chef-Driven off your entire check www.petesapizza.com US Naval Academy Pete’s Offer can not be combine with any other special. Discount does not apply to alcohol. Limited time offer. January 31, 2014 FEATURES PAGE 11 My Life So Far: Amy Wopat Helen Malhotra Studies. In her junior year of Staff Writer college she took a year abroad in Madrid, Spain, and has made a Almost every student at point ever since to participate in Wilson High School knows professional experiences outside who “Maestra Wopat” is, either of the country every four to five by having her as a teacher or years. hearing her daily “Get to class Wopat next traveled to people!” in the morning. Despite Ibarra, Ecuador for a year with a the many things students have volunteer program called World learned from Spanish teacher Teach, teaching English at both Amy Wopat, almost none have the local university and the local gotten the chance to learn about high school. Her Ibarra teach- Photo by Joey Keegan the circuitous route she took ing experience was fulfilling, UNA VIDA INTERESANTE - Besides teaching in DC, Sra. Wopat has traveled through- to arrive at Wilson eight years she said, because of the creative out the Latin American world. The Wilson Spanish teacher also completed the Na- ago, or about the role travel has freedom given to volunteer tional Marathon with Wilson students in 2010. teachers in the classroom, and played in her life so far. to educate domestic workers Wopat had never been much take classes at an international led to her decision to pursue Wopat was born in Madi- on their legal rights. “Many do- of a runner and she had never university and study in local teaching. son, Wisconsin, where she lived mestic workers were unaware of run more than five miles in her schools. On her trip, she met Ju- Wopat moved to Los with her mother, father and their rights and as a result were life. That same year, she ran and lie Gloss, who was participating Angeles where she taught both brother until second grade when taken advantage of,” Wopat says. completed the National Mara- in the same program and who Spanish and World History for she moved to Phoenix, Ari- Through her contact with thon with Wilson students. moved to D.C. two years later to four years at a small school in zona. Moving at a young age led Schultz, she moved to D.C. “It was one of the most teach at Wilson. South Central L.A. One year she Wopat to appreciate travel and in August of 2006 to teach at fulfilling events of my life, which Wopat summarizes the took five of her L.A. students the experience of different cul- Wilson. Wopat says, “The two I never could have achieved had impact of traveling on her life: to Spain during their spring tures, which over time allowed things that are most important it not been for the motivation “If I had to define the most break; on the same trip were her to master the Spanish lan- in order for me to be happy and of my students,” says Wopat. important things to me, they 10 students and two teachers guage. Phoenix was her first ex- successful are having diverse Because of an injury, Wopat has have come through my travels, from Wilson including Wilson’s posure to Spanish, because there students and having support- not been able to run as often as like getting to know culture and former Director of Academies were language classes available ive colleagues, and I definitely last year but hopes to return to people first-hand and making Jeffrey Schultz. Wopat kept in at her elementary school. get those things by teaching at her new hobby soon. everything that you learn in the touch with Schultz. After fourth grade in Wilson.” Four years into teaching at classroom real. You can learn so She went to Middlebury Arizona, Wopat moved back to In 2009-2010, Wopat and Wilson, Wopat participated in much about facts and history, College for her Masters and Wisconsin and stayed there until Italian teacher Simona Spicciani- the Fulbright Teacher Exchange, but until you’re able to see how spent time abroad in Mexico she graduated from the Univer- Gerhardt sponsored and coached a program that makes it pos- people experience that in their and Spain. Afterwards she sity of Wisconsin with majors in Wilson’s first Teens Run DC sible for teachers to go abroad daily lives, it’s not as interesting volunteered on projects for six Communication Arts and Global club. Prior to starting the club, for three or four months to or as powerful.” months in Cochamamba, Bolivia BLACK HISTORY MONTH FEB 2014 WILSON SPECIAL EVENTS FEB 3 FEB 4&5 FEB 7 FEB 7 STEP - ATRIUM English Classes FEB 7 Breakfast - 8am BLACK BOX 1:45 - Library Black History Brainstorm of Jazz/Neo Soul 12:30 & 2 Cupcake Black Authors Black History in the Atrium Challenge Movie: The Celebrations Great of the Oral FEB 12 Debaters FEB 13 Tradition with FEB 7 Baba C and the STEP - ATRIUM Breakfast - 8am Breakfast - 8am Wilson Poets Famous Black FEB 13 Blues Music in R&B/Gospel Scientist 1:45 - Library Music in the the Atrium Contest Black History Atrium (SciMaTech) FEB 21 Movie: Gifted FEB 19 BLACK BOX Pd 4 - 12:09 BLACK BOX FEB 19 FEB 21 Pd 4 - 12:09 1:45 - Library FEB 19 BLACK BOX Guest Speaker Library Pd 4 & Pd 6 Black History Erich Jarvis White Like Me Pd 2 & Pd 6 (Black Scientist) Documentary Movie: Ghosts Stereotyping of Mississippi Short Films by “Vocal Learning” by Tim Wise Free Minds (Reserved for sci- Wilson A Poetry Writing ence classes) Workshop Students FEB 26 FEB 27 STEP - ATRIUM Choir Room FEB 27 FEB 28 FEB 28 Pd 4 & Pd 6 Black Greek 1:45 - Library Breakfast - 8am STEP - ATRIUM Tunes of the Speaks Hip Hop Music Greek Step Civil Rights History of Black Black History in the Atrium Show Movement Greek Letters Movie: Tap PAGE 12 SPORTS January 31, 2014 Wilson Athletes Honored in Seasonal Recognition by Sophie ReVeal Every fall, winter, and spring, The Washington Post comes out with an All Metropolitan list of the best athletes in the DMV area for each sport based on statistics and overall athleticism. For the fall season, the Post named four Wilson scholars for honorable mention. These students were Asia Amis for girls cross country, Acey Calhoun for football, Alexis Coates for volleyball, and Adam Pine for soccer.

Photo by Joey Keegan Photo by Joey Keegan Photo by Isabel Gloss Photo by Joey Keegan Senior Acey Calhoun was selected Senior Adam Pine was named to Sophomore Asia Amis was Junior Alexis Coates, captain of for the defensive section of the All- the soccer section of All-Met. With delighted to see herself in The Post. the volleyball team was awarded hon- Met football team. “I did better last 12 goals this season for the Tigers, “I was actually very excited because I orable mention for her outstanding year than I did this year because [last including the first goal in the DCIAA wanted to be in it last year but I didn’t season. “It’s a blessing to receive such year] I played all the games,” said the championship win over Bell, Pine was make the time for it,” said Amis. an acknowledgement and I’m excited star linebacker. “This year I missed the leading scorer for Wilson. Pine also The cross country star’s time for the and proud to have received it,” said three games because of college visits played kicker for the football team, 3-mile was 21.27 minutes, which was Coates. “It gives me a sense of satisfac- and my injury.” Calhoun was also and was named to the All-DCIAA one of the leading factors in her selec- tion that all my hard work isn’t going in The Post when he committed to team. tion for honorable mention. unnoticed, and I know that without Louisiana State University for track God and my coaches that receiving All and field. Met wouldn’t have been possible.”

Looking Ahead to the Olympics Wilson Special Olympics participate in the games. The militant Islamist group based in Team Headed to Nationals Erin Doherty Caribbean country’s two-man the Dagestan region of Rus- Special Olympics teams from Sophie ReVeal bobsled team of Winston Watts sia claimed responsibility for a Erin Doherty across America. If the team does Henry Shuldiner Junior Editor and Marvin Dixon had finished bombing in the Russian city Vol- well and wins, they will compete February 7 marks the start with a good time in their qualifi- gograd, which killed 34 people. The Winter Olympics are in the International Games in of the 2014 Winter Olympic cation heat, enough to lift them This group, along with three ru- just around the corner, and 2015. Games in Sochi. The Olympics to the Olympics. It’s the first mored female suicide bombers, athletes from countries around For now, the team will focus are an electrifying experience for time a Jamaican bobsled team have made threats to the games. the world are making their final on their upcoming scrimmages people all across the world, with has qualified for the Winter The bombing in Volgograd, preparations. Locally, athletes and practices, and “[I] hope over 2,500 top caliber athletes Olympics since 2002. The story just 600 miles north of Sochi, on the Wilson Special Olympic everyone can come cheer us on from 88 nations competing in brings many fond memories of confirmed the fear of Russian of- team are starting to look ahead as we try to bring the gold medal classic winter sports events and the famous Disney movie “Cool ficials. In a recent article by BBC to their own games. At the end back to Wilson for the second games. Runnings”, a tale of how four news, UK officials reportedly of the school year, the team will time,” said Tucker. The events span from Febru- Jamaicans defied the odds to said that terrorist attacks are compete in the National Special The games are still months ary 7 to 23 with different events qualify in the four-man bobsled “very likely to occur” within the Olympics Games in New Jersey away, but the Wilson Special each day. Some of the most pop- for the 1988 Olympics in Cal- time span of the Olympics. in a number of different sports, Olympics team is planning on ular winter sports events include gary. The State Department has including soccer, volleyball, track participating in Special Olym- alpine skiing, speed skating, Team USA has many return- warned Olympic visitors and and field, and bocce, according to pics events sponsored by the ice hockey, and figure skating. ing athletes in the quest for gold, fans of possible attacks, and has biology teacher Sissella Tucker, District. On Friday, February 7, This year, however, a total of 12 such as snowboarders Shaun been making arrangements for the team’s assistant coach. a group of Wilson students plan new events will be added to the White and Lindsey Jacobellis, two US navy ships to be sta- Last May, the Wilson Spe- on attending the “Special Olym- contest to make it the largest ice hockey players Patrick Kane tioned in the Black Sea. Helicop- cial Olympics team won the D.C. pics D.C. Cool Schools Polar Bear Winter Olympics to date. Some and Jonathan Quick, and speed ters could be deployed to Sochi Olympic Games soccer tour- Plunge” at Catholic University, of the more popular new events skater Shani Davis. Those are if needed to protect those at the nament with a mix of special with planned activities such as include ski halfpipe (men’s and just a few of the 224 members games. The precautions being Olympiads and unified players, swimming in outdoor pools, women’s), women’s ski jumping, that comprise team USA who put in place by U.S. officials will athletes who play competitive enjoying food and beverages, biathlon mixed relay, and a new will be competing in 15 sports. hopefully prevent any dangers sports for Wilson. With this interactive sessions with kids figure skating team event and As teams start to arrive that could occur. victory, the Tigers earned the and adults, and overall fun. The luge team relay. Many of these in Sochi within the next week, The upcoming Olympics in opportunity to compete in the “Plunge” brings together kids are similar to events in the Win- the news reveals possible Sochi will be an important time National games with four Special and adults and will raise money ter X Games that occur every dangers about the upcoming for competing athletes, teams, Olympiads and five unified play- for D.C. Special Olympics teams year in Aspen, Colorado. Games. Officials from several and viewers around the world, ers. On June 14, the team will and for future Special Olym- One of the biggest stories countries have warned visitors but the safety and possible travel to New Jersey, staying at pics in the District. If you are in Sochi is the qualification of and athletes about potential threats will be something else Princeton University’s campus interested in participating in the the Jamaican bobsled team to terrorist attacks. Last month a viewers can watch for. while they compete against Polar Plunge, contact Ms. Tucker for more information. Roosevelt Trumps Wilson in Late Thriller of stags, the Corps and the Out- raven, a human, a seal, a wolf, Ben Gutman I also like the way the riders. That is, until a hornless and a reindeer, all of whom help Staff Writer author works the events of the stag named Sgorr (possibly the him when he must finally fulfill story into the long and complex most evil character in litera- the prophecy. For those of you who are prophecy. In a number of cases, ture) enters one herd and starts One reason I like this book looking for a book to read, which this leads to dramatic irony changing its ways, including is because there are so many I bet many of you are, I recom- where Rannoch knows nothing authorizing a massacre of all the characters in the story. Each mend Fire Bringer by David of these events but the reader or Outriders in one single night. character who is still alive at the Clement-Davies, which is one of another character does. On the same night, a fawn climax has its own moment of the most obscure books I have Although it does have some is born by the name of Rannoch. glory and significance, several of read, but also one of the best. minor flaws (some unneces- Rannoch quickly begins to which come at the perfect mo- Set in medieval Scotland, sary passages and lack of comic resemble a deer mentioned in an ment. This works because the Fire Bringer tells the story of the relief), Fire Bringer makes up for ancient prophecy, and is forced author tells some of the story red deer, who lived in large herds them with exciting action, com- to flee with his mother and from these characters’ points consisting of a lord, a series of plex characters, and a perfect some of his friends. Along their of view, in addition to telling it captains, and two large groups sense of timing. Enjoy! journey, Rannoch befriends a from that of Rannoch or Sgorr. January 31, 2014 SPORTS PAGE 13

Math Teachers On Ice by Erin Sternlieb Mr. Singer Mr. Jacoby

Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Singer SINGER SWINGING - Math teacher Jeremy Singer has more talents than just graphing and calculating. His other passion lies in the Photo by Joey Keegan olympic sport, curling. BLADES OF GLORY - Mr. Jacoby struts his stuff on the ice. Figuring skating combines grace and physical endurance, featured by one of You may know Jeremy Singer as the friendly precalculus and economics Wilson’s finest. teacher, but he’s also a curling aficionado and has been curling throughout the past 13 years. Singer first learned about curling in the book “101 Stupid Things Before Alex Jacoby was the math teaching prodigy he is today, he was a dif- To Do in DC.” ferent type of prodigy: a figure skating prodigy. Jacoby began skating as a little According to Singer, curling requires “a great mix of physical and mental kid. After his dad took him to a free ice skating lesson, Jacoby was “hooked” and activity.” In each curling match there are eight ends (ten in the Olympics), which continued skating for thirteen years, until he graduated high school. are essentially periods. In an end, each member of the team, called a “rink,” Figure skating might not seem like a real sport, but is in fact an extremely throws two large stones with handles. Of four team members, the “lead” throws difficult, rigorous, complex and competitive sport. There are various levels of -com the first two stones, the “second” throws the third and fourth stones, the “third” petition, not just the Olympic level, as Jacoby is quick to point out. Unlike other throws the fifth and sixth, and the “skip” is the captain, deciding the strategy and sports, figure skating does not just require raw physical strength or coordination, delivering the last two stones. The lead and second both sweep the ice in front of but the ability to look graceful while performing a strenuous task. Skaters spend the stones. Singer plays in two different leagues: in one, he plays lead and in the hours everyday on the ice, the cold adding a unique challenge. other, skip. For Jacoby, his favorite part of skating was “the speed and control moving Curling requires more skills than you would imagine. Singer says. Curl- over the ice -- frictionless travel is the only way to go,” he jokes. To be a good skat- ers “need to have a good sense of balance and the ability to develop a natural er, or just to have fun, Jacoby says all it takes is “good knee bend, some willingness rhythm.” Teamwork is also essential “since all four members of the team have to to keep trying even when you keep falling, and a tolerance for the cold.” work together to make a shot work,” he says. It might seem that teaching a baffled group of teenagers and soaring across Singer also emphasizes the social aspect of Curling. “It is very bad form to the ice on skates have nothing in common, but today Jacoby can still draw a lot of just leave after a game without spending a few minutes socializing,” he says. parallels between skating and his job as a math teacher. Not just the physics aspect Curling is also very unique in that all ages can play together. In Singer’s league, involved in skating (“the momentum, friction, energy, and collisions”), but the there is a team with a 65-year-old man, his 40-year-old son, and his 11-year-old discipline that both require. In both skating and math, Jacoby says “the only way granddaughter. to perform well under pressure is to practice endlessly.” Skating taught him “that Singer is looking forward to rooting for the U.S. curling team, which has failing is a necessary part of progress.” events in Sochi February 20 and 21. He has curled against a current member on Watching figure skating competitions is not Jacoby’s favorite part of the sport the men’s roster for Team USA. Singer predicts that “the U.S. mens team is going (he cites the annoying announcers). But he recommends that, if you plan on tun- to struggle to win a medal, but the women have a really good chance of doing ing in to watch the Sochi figure skating events on February 9, 12, 14, 17, or 20, well.” you “imagine yourself as the skater you’re watching -- imagine what it would feel Be sure to tune in on February 20 and 21 to cheer on your country. You never like to do what they’re doing.” know, you may be inspired. It’s never too late to start curling!

Wilson Alum Emmanuel Burris: A Hit In His Hometown squad all four years, usually at and even Wilson students. “I Henry Shuldiner Giants farm system and was that he belongs back in the shortstop. He was coached by was very happy and excited for Sports Editor named the starting second big leagues during the Nation- Wilson’s former Athletic Direc- baseman for San Francisco on als’ Spring Training season in Emmanuel,” said McCarthy. tor and head baseball coach Ed- April 1, 2009. Burris was the Vienna, Florida. Players in the “It’s great to have him back in Early in December 2013, die Saah. Saah said about Bur- first product of the DC Public minor leagues are often invited Washington.” MLB infielder and Wilson Alum- ris: “He was an Athlete, in other School system to play in the to join the professional team Saah was also thrilled ni Emmanuel Burris received words he could play more than Major Leagues in 38 years, the during Spring Training, for when he heard Burris would some very exciting news from baseball, he could play any sport. previous being Vince Colbert, evaluation and possible promo- be coming back to DC. “I was the Washington Nationals: his He could have been the quar- a graduate of Eastern, who tion to the club. very happy for him,” explained hometown ball club was offer- terback for the football team if pitched three seasons for the Burris is a great example of Saah. “I told the Nationals they ing him a minor league contract. he wanted to.” Saah also said Cleveland Indians beginning in success on the baseball diamond should draft Manny in the MLB On December 19, Burris became that he used Burris at almost 1970. and is an inspiration for ball draft [in 2006]. I told them he’s part of the Nationals Organiza- every position, as an outfielder, Over the next few years, players all over the district. got speed, he can help you in tion. catcher, and relief pitcher. Burris was repeatedly relegated Coach John McCarthy, director the eighth and ninth innings, Burris was born and raised In the summer of his junior to minor league teams and then of Home Run Baseball Camp, and he’ll be bringing at least in the District. He competed in year at Kent State, Burris trav- was finally called up by the Gi- met Burris when he was seven 500 people to the stadium each various local youth programs elled to Massachusetts to play ants to play. On November 8, years old. “I was running a pro- night.” and camps that are still popu- summer ball in the prestigious 2012, Burris elected free agency. gram called Elementary Baseball The Nationals should be lar today, such as Home Run Cape Cod Baseball League, which On November 21, 2012, in the Shaw neighborhood, looking forward to having Burris Baseball Camp, Northwest Little has sent over 300 players to the Burris signed a minor league and he came to practice one around, he is a very versatile League, and DC Dynasty. Burris Major Leagues. Burris helped his deal with the Cincinnati Reds day and asked me [if he could] player who has played almost attended and played for Wilson college team, the Orleans Fire- (similar to the one he participate and I said sure,” said every position professionally, during his high school career birds, capture the 2005 league recently signed with the Nation- McCarthy. Burris went on to except for pitcher and catcher. and graduated in 2003. He went title and was named MVP of the als). He played the 2013 season work as a coach for McCarthy “It is unusual to find a player on to play at Kent State Univer- championship series. “That’s with the Reds Triple-A team in in his teenage years at Home with good speed and a good sity in Kent, Ohio. Drafted by when the MLB teams started Louisville. Run Baseball Camp, and the two arm...and [Burris] has that,” said the San Francisco Giants, Burris calling, the White Sox and the The contract Burris just developed a strong relationship. McCarthy. “He is a hard worker, was the 33rd overall pick in the Red Sox and so forth,” said Saah. agreed to puts him with the Burris’s return to DC has a humble young man, and he has 2006 draft. After being drafted, Burris Nationals AAA affiliate, the caused lots of jubilant energy earned all of his opportunities.” During his time at Wilson, worked his way through vari- Syracuse Chiefs. Hopefully, Bur- among past coaches, friends, Burris played for the varsity ous minor league teams in the ris will get the chance to prove PAGE 14 STYLE January 31, 2014 Rated : 2013’s Best Movies, by Jackson Ross R Rated by the Boss # the kings of summer # Star Trek: Into Darkness Teen movies these days aren’t teen movies. They’re artificially fantastical romances The two “Star Trek” pictures that J.J. Abrams has made in the past few years have populated by hunks of wood that can’t act. “The Kings of Summer” goes back to ba- come under a lot of scrutiny for attempting to make “Star Trek” more mainstream sics, in more ways than one. Embarrassed by their parents (including Nick Offerman, than it should rightly be, and to an extent I can understand that. However, I also displaying impressive dramatic chops), three boys decide to run away into the Ohio understand that plenty of Trekkies are such rabid traditionalists that even the forest and build a cabin to live in, forgoing any sort of human contact except their American Tea Party might tell them to be more open to change. Filled with great own. Spurred on by beautiful direction and deliciously wacky dialogue (“Maybe we performances and clever twists and turns, “Star Trek: Into Darkness” rises above a can disillusion him. A bear with no purpose in life may be easier to take down”), this summer full of dim-bulb CGI bores that give blockbusters a bad name. Plus, Bene- movie serves as possibly the closest thing we’ll ever get to a Calvin & Hobbes movie. dict Cumberbatch continues to prove his success is just as much due to talent as it is to clinically insane Tumblr worshippers.

# Gravity The World’s End Alfonso Cuaron should be one of the biggest names in film. He easily would be if he # made movies more regularly (his last one was in 2006), as the few movies he has Edgar Wright is a comedy maestro. You will find none that simultaneously spoof made, including “Children of Men,” the third Harry Potter, and select others, are all and pay homage to cinema classics as brilliantly since Mel Brooks circa “Blazing modern classics. To put it simply, Gravity Cuaron straight-up revolutionized how Saddles.” “The World’s End” is no exception, following a group of middle-aged effects-driven movies are made. From the 12-minute opening shot of Sandra Bullock British friends, led by Simon Pegg (marvelous as an alcoholic screw-up) as they and George Clooney, the only two with more than a few lines, he has created the return to their hometown to complete a pub crawl they attempted as teenagers most intense, scary sci-fi film since “2001: A Space Odyssey.” and strange circumstances lead them to suspect something sinister happened after they left. Want proof that Wright is a fantastic director? Watch a scene from this movie where the five friends fistfight a group of teenagers, all from the perspec- # Fruitvale Station tive of one friend on the ground as he crawls underneath legs, making his way to a bathroom stall. If only we could see a “Hangover” movie with that much effort put “Fruitvale Station” is a deeply revealing examination of race in America with a true into it. story to back it up, filled with gut-wrenching material that solidifies it as a movie you should watch once just to experience its power and then stay away from forever. I chose “Fruitvale Station,” one for its raw portrait of modern racial tensions, and be- # Prisoners cause it didn’t need a ton of A-listers to tell its story convincingly. The fact that it was On paper, the plot of “Prisoners” seems hackneyed and trite. Two little girls go written and directed by a first-timer, Ryan Coogler, and starred the up-and-coming missing in a small Pennsylvania town, and as a straight-laced detective tackles Michael B. Jordan is quickly forgotten as the two work in tandem to create the most the case, a grieving father launches his own investigation. But thanks to a twisted fully realized, human character to grace 2013’s screens. script by Aaron Guzikowski and director Dennis Villeneuve instilling every mo- ment with subtle darkness and dread, “Prisoners” is a chilling mystery in the same league as “Mystic River” and “Zodiac”. Once Hugh Jackman’s father goes off and # The Lone Ranger kidnaps a potential suspect, it’s the darkness that sets it apart. Its unrelenting Yes. “The Lone Ranger.” History will vindicate me, or vilify me. It could go either abrasiveness pays off in the long run, if you can stand a few torture scenes that are way. You want to know why, ask me in the halls, and we’ll both discuss it like civil, shockingly intense in terms of brutality. albeit opinionated adults. American Hustle Don Jon # # David O. Russell’s consistency has made him one of my favorite filmmaker working Jon Martello may not be as real a character as “Fruitvale Station’s” Oscar Grant, but today. How he managed to go from the loose-screwed romance of ‘Silver Linings he’s by far one of the more original characters to come along in a while. By writing, Playbook” to this crime-comedy romp in only a year is impressive enough. The fact directing, and starring in this lovably wacky tale of romance and Internet porn, Jo- that he’s honest enough to radically dramatize the true story of con artists and the seph Gordon-Levitt has, in my opinion, quickly become the best triple-threat since FBI teaming up to entrap New Jersey politicians, but then to open the film with a Woody Allen in his prime. His ability to use such an outlandish character to work title card reading “Some of this actually happened” demonstrates even more. Add wonders on our emotions and thoughts on relationships in general is so astounding, an unrecognizable Christian Bale acting as the successor to Robert De Niro in sever- you wonder how more veteran supporting actresses like Scarlett Johansson and Ju- al ways, a hilarious supporting cast of Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and more, lianne Moore (both delivering their best performances in a long time) reacted upon and the best soundtrack of the year, and you have one of the best Scorsese movies reading the script for the first time. that Scorsese never made. It was going to be my number one, until I realized… # The Wolf Of Wall Street Oh yeah, there’s a Scorsese movie coming out that was actually directed by the master himself, Martin Scorsese. This is what happens if you take an already excessive mem- oir by crooked trader Jordan Belfort, get Terence Winter of “The Sopranos” to adapt it into a screenplay that broke the record of most uses of the F-word in a single film, get the man behind “Taxi Driver” and “The Departed” to visualize it as a three-hour extravaganza of orgies, ruthlessness, and unheard-of quantities of every drug under the sun, and put an inhumanly amazing Leonardo DiCaprio at the center of it all. The Wolf of Wall Street is the best film to come along in at least half a decade. Don’t listen to people who say it glorifies Wall Street dirty dealings. It’s intentionally over-the-top, one big example of the extravagance that caused Belfort’s downfall. The gratuitous nudity? The mammoth amount of time devoted to the drug known as the Quaalude? These are not meant to showcase how much fun working on Wall Street is. They’re meant to showcase the decadence that is responsible for our economy today. That and for Leonardo DiCaprio pulling out every stop imaginable for a performance that deserves to be remem- bered for, and this is not hyperbole, the ages. Jokes are made about his inability to win an Oscar, and while he has certainly deserved one for other things, I’m going to make a decree. If he doesn’t win his first Oscar for Best Actor on March 2, I will write a 1,000 word essay on the problem with the Oscars forThe Beacon. If they refuse to print it, I will upload it to my Facebook account. That is the power of DiCaprio’s performance and this landmark film in general. “Fire Bringer” Tells Exciting Medieval Tale red deer, who lived in large herds Rannoch quickly begins to character who is still alive at the this leads to dramatic irony Quinn Heinrich consisting of a lord, a series of resemble a deer mentioned in an climax has its own moment of where Rannoch knows nothing Staff Writer captains, and two large groups ancient prophecy, and is forced glory and significance, several of these events but the reader or For those of you who are of stags, the Corps and the Out- to flee with his mother and of which come at the perfect another character does. looking for a book to read, which riders. That is, until a hornless some of his friends. Along their moment. This works because Although it does have some I bet many of you are, I recom- stag named Sgorr (possibly the journey, Rannoch befriends a the author tells some of the minor flaws (some unneces- mend Fire Bringer by David most evil character in litera- raven, a human, a seal, a wolf, story from their point of view, in sary passages and lack of comic Clement-Davies, which is one of ture) enters one herd and starts and a reindeer, all of whom help addition to telling it from that of relief), Fire Bringer makes up for the most obscure books I have changing its ways, including him when he must finally fulfill Rannoch or Sgorr. them with exciting action, com- read, but also one of the best. authorizing a massacre of all the the prophecy. I also like the way the au- plex characters, and a perfect Set in medieval Scotland, Outriders in one single night. One reason I like this book thor works in the events of the sense of timing. Enjoy! Fire Bringer tells the story of the On the same night, a fawn is because there are so many story into the long and complex is born by the name of Rannoch. characters in the story. Each prophecy. In a number of cases, PAGE 15 STYLE January 31, 2014 artists’ corner Maude LaVaute Ice Rongsawad Compiled by Annie Rosenthal

The Hater Is Gonna Hate Jack Price Columnist 1. College Sweatshirts: No- body likes a braggart. So society tells us, but society also tells us to wear every single chain even when we’re in the house. Society is suffering from a case of mild dementia today, so I’m going to fill in and break it down for you: Please take off your college sweatshirt. Sam Lindenfeld Queenie Madrid 2. White People In Shorts: I Hope Willis cannot think of a single reason someone would think wearing shorts in 19-degree weather would be a good idea. L. Ron Wilson Players Get Working on the One Acts Hubbard invented pants for a reason. Will Hamlin produces the plays. “They in- each actor to really understand to really allow the plays to come 3. J’s: Did anyone ever see Contributor clude a ridiculous British murder their character. We then move into their own, but when they that Lil’ Bow Wow movie Like mystery, a group of elementary on to rehearsals where we work do, One Acts proves to be a truly January is coming to a Mike? If Air Jordans actually school boys contemplating liking on blocking, or stage movement. unique and amazing experience.” close, and just like every year at gave you special basketball pow- girls, and two art thieves bound This is where the play really “By the end of it, you feel Wilson, that means it’s time for ers and helped you find your to fail.” comes together. The actors are a part of the One Acts family. One Acts plays. Student actors, foster dad they would be really The plays are always an able to play off of one another in With so many students involved, writers, directors and producers cool, but instead they just crease entertaining event for the audi- ways that are not possible when there are a lot of challenges and all collaborate to put together a and make you look like everyone ence. The months of hard work simply orating the play.” O’Brien it can be stressful at times, but production of short plays that else in your D.C. History class. that the actors, writers, produc- says that producing a play can the final productions are ex- will be performed on the second 4. The Winter’s Tale Film ers and directors put in create be harder than it looks, but the tremely rewarding,” says Gigli. and third weekends of February. Adaptation: I don’t know if any a spectacular night. Senior Des final product is entertaining So on February 6, 7, 8, 13, “This year the plays vary of you urchins have read Mark O’Brien, a director, described and satisfactory for the cast 14, and 15, come down to the and compliment each other Helprin’s novel Winter’s Tale, how the plays come together, and audience. “Doing the plays black box to see the short plays well,” says senior Jonah Gigli, a but it is very gully and not at saying, “We start out with a cou- is a long process because there that will be truly amusing. Doors member of the Wilson Players, all like the mawkish adapta- ple of practices where we simply are so many components that will open at 7 pm. the student theater group that tion starring Colin Farrell and read through the script, allowing have to go into it. It takes time that guy who looks like Russell Crowe. 5. School Shootings: Accord- ing to ThinkProgress, there has been a school shooting on seven Album Review : Because The Internet rich-people problems fused of the 14 school days so far in Hope Willis with typical youth issues (fake 2014. As Congress and President Staff Writer Obama continue to ignore the friends, love interests, self impending crisis, more and more “Because The Internet” discovery, daddy issues etc.). children die, and waking up for is Donald Glover aka Child- He’s somewhat of a urban school becomes just a little less ish Gambino’s second studio Brooklyn hipster rendition of appealing. album and a follow-up to Jay Gatsby. 6. Priorities USA: The Super the emotional 2012 album The screenplay is funny PAC Priorities USA took all “Camp”. “BTI” can only be de- and satirical as well as intro- the fun out of the Democratic scribed as a sensory overload. spective. It doesn’t miss a primary by saying they planned The songs are a calculated but chance to make fun of party to throw their support behind chaotic compilation of synthe- culture, the luxe lifestyles Hillary Clinton in the 2016 sized rap, acoustic, electronic, we aspire to, hipsters and presidential campaign. Luckily, R&B and jazz-inspired tracks 20-something millennials, rumors have surfaced that they containing varying lyrical blindly- followed trends, love, plan to retract their support and styles. “The Crawl” is a hard, the chips on our shoulders bequeath it to the first rapper superficial rap track with and the general angst that who can use the term “Super superb production. It’s polar- teenagers have. PAC” in a song without referenc- ized by “3005” and “Telegraph “BTI” is symbolic of ing marijuana. Ave”, love songs with a Drake- our fast-track thoughts and 7. Savoy: I have no clue/ like flow, but then challenged light-speed lifestyles that don’t care about the Norwegian by “Zealots of Stockholm”, stem from technology and band/American hotel Savoy, but which gives off a dark ambient the internet. “BTI” itself is according to the twitter page @ electronic vibe. Gambino has beautiful, with all of its com- dmvconfession some George- a few guests on the album, in- by a 74-page screenplay writ- a character who represents plex winds and turns. Even as town Prep student made out cluding the acclaimed Chance ten by Glover, meant to be Glover, called “The Boy”. Only, seemingly non-sequitur as it with Malia Obama at their con- The Rapper, and veteran but devoured while one listens to in this abstract alternate uni- is without the accompanying cert last Saturday. This makes only recently rising star Jhene the album. verse Glover intentionally casts script, somehow, some way, them important, and me sad. Aiko. All of these tracks are “BTI” picks up fictionally himself as the archetypal over- the songs manage to stand on WHERE ARE THE MALIAS OF given context and relevance where “Camp” left off, with privileged youth with cliched their own. YESTERYEAR? PAGE 16 January 31, 2014 What wasKIDS your New IN YearsTHE Resolution? HALL Compiled by Will Hamlin

To get a tarantula Cameron Boucher- Write more music Khan, 9 To ride my bike without train- Lena Jones, 11 Gain weight ing wheels Eric Viera, 10 Ellie Melick, 9 Jake Radack,10

Play soccer in college To work out To get a job and make money Sebastian Duque, 12 Njiri Kouaho, 11 Zenia Zeitlin, 11 Shu Phua, 9

Finesse Brian Keyes, 9 Yannick Twusami, 10 Ball out more To be in The Beacon Tony Fratto, 10 Hashanii Williams, 11

Luke Wallis, 10 Nicole Amalemba, 11

Eat more bagels Hannah Wyatt, 9 To become Beyoncé Sarah Robinson, 9 Zavier Northrup, 10 Allie Shwalb, 9 Don’t be a loaf Sarah Burch, 9 Wear more sweaters Yana Madrid, 11 Henry Cohen, 10 Des O’Brien, 12