2 January 19, 2018 Paul Revere Charter Middle School Opinion Marie Kim, Revere’s Red Ribbon Week speaker, listens to Evagelos Christofides’s opinion during the seventh grade anti-drug assembly on Oct. 25. Photo: Zion Irvine

In a world that can sometime seem health, relationships, plans for their future out with stories that just should not be told. unaware of its problem with drugs, the and sometimes even their lives. Teens need Instead, they can help their teens plan how to national event Red Ribbon Week is like a to hear the cold, hard facts about drugs so handle certain situations. For instance, what much-needed light in the darkness encour- they don’t get misled by friends who say if kids end up in a place where others are do- aging kids to reach their full potential by things like, “It’s natural, so it’s healthy.” It’s ing drugs, and they want to leave? Or what if avoiding alcohol and drugs. With a door- unlikely those friends drink rotten milk or a friend has been drinking beer or smoking decorating contest, a lollipop-guessing stuff poison ivy in their socks while touting pot and offers them a ride home? These are game, and the promise of parties, Red the benefits of everything natural. important conversations to have. Ribbon Week proves hard to ignore here at Even though some kids eventually will Paul Revere. However, it’s just one week, a Red Ribbon Week is over, but experiment, the ones who choose to say no finite period of time, and the message that should understand they’re not alone. Celebri- must be amplified is likely to fade away we still need to keep talking ties who never drink include Jennifer Lopez, like a forgotten song. Unfortunately, if last about the dangers of drugs. Tyra Banks and Natalie Portman. And some year’s U.S. trends continue, over 22 per- have learned the hard way and now steer far cent of eighth graders will report they’ve Revere teachers should help kids away from drugs and alcohol like Denzel used alcohol according to the National In- separate what’s fact from fiction with more Washington and Robert Downey Jr.. And stitute on Drug Abuse. Worse, that number lessons and movies about the subject. But First Lady Melania Trump recently encour- jumps to over 61 percent by twelfth grade. the school should reach out to parents as aged a group of Michigan middle scholars Among the reasons teens abuse well. After all, the Red Ribbon website states saying, “Don’t try to copy somebody. No substances are they hope to fit in socially, children of parents who routinely talk to drugs. No cigarettes.” they believe they’re indestructible, or they their teens about drugs are 42 percent less Most importantly, teens must make just plain old want to rebel. But regard- likely to get involved with substance abuse good choices they’re proud of. Patriots can less of the reason, kids need to understand than those who don’t. However, only one in remember the wise words of Mr. Iannucci: when they take that first sip, puff or pill, four teens say their parents bring up the sub- “Always do what’s right; it’s better than what they’re really doing is risking their ject! It helps if parents don’t freak their kids doing what’s wrong!” —Griffin Riel

The Town Crier asked Patriots what they think Revere could do to improve drug awareness. Below are some of their responses:

“I feel that some extra aware- “Revere can improve drug “This year, the annual assembly “In my opinion, what works ness is needed. Perhaps we awareness with fun activities didn’t really capture the main better than slogans or bracelets could get a doctor to come and events. Maybe we could idea about not doing drugs. I is science. Teaching kids about speak all about drugs and the have homeroom teachers put on think showing the kids pictures the permanent damage that effects of drugs. I think if more a drug awareness movie and/or of what happens to them after drugs can cause to an adoles- students hear about the effects have an assembly that explains they do drugs would more than cent brain tends to scare kids. of drugs, they would be pres- what can happen with drugs.” likely make them not want to do No one wants to make them- sured not to use drugs.” —Makenzie Armbrust, them.” selves stupid on purpose.” —Sophie Miller, 6th Grade 7th Grade —Logan Downer, 8th Grade —Mr. Schwartz, 7th English January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 3 TALKING HEADS Are we doing enough to prepare for the “big one”? With earthquakes and other life-destroying natural disasters forecast for our future, can Patriots do more to get ready? “I do not think we’re prepared for an earthquake. If an earthquake occurred, we go the field. The problem is that if a student by any chance gets hurt, they do not have many first aid kits on the field. We can prepare by having more medical kits, and having them be more accessible.” —Federizo Gavin , 6th Grade

“I think that most people are not prepared since the ‘big one’ can occur at any time. The school could even make homeroom for packing and preparing water, and food.” —Donya Abhari, 7th Grade “I don’t think we’re doing enough to prepare for a catastrophe. Classrooms need to have much more basic supplies (food, first aid), so they can be prepared if the doorways are blocked. Overall, we need to prepare more to stay inside the rooms.”—Annie Vinetz, 8th Grade “No, I don’t think that the school is doing enough to prepare students for major earth- quakes. All we do is go under our desks. The school could have an assembly to go over the procedures, and what to do during and after an earthquake.”— Netaniel Daee, 8th Grade

TOWN CRIER POLL “Considering the fact that no large quake has happened to us in a while, it might be hard to prepare for the unexpected. But in the mean Which device is most time we should continue to make sure every classroom has crucial items in case of a real valuable to you? emergency.” — Abi Wrentz, 8th Grade “I believe Revere is doing enough. Our staff does an amazing job trying to prepare our students for any major catastrophe. There is always more we could do, but that would mean interrupting more instruc- Phone Computer Tablet Television tion time for teachers, so I wouldn’t recommend it.” 81% 12% 0% 7% — Mr. Tokeshi, 6th Math and Science Poll of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders conducted “I believe that our school community is prepared, by Tala Maher and Maddie Glenn on Nov. 16, 2017 but when I took an impromptu survey of one of my classes, asking if their families had a plan (food, VOLUME 62, ISSUE 2 water, emergency supplies, etc.), the majority of the students indicated that they were not aware of any plan in their home.”—Ms. Stewart, 7th Math Published by and for the students of “I think the school could do more. Having an actual Paul Revere Charter Middle practice which involves our parents would be more School and Magnet Center authentic. Not only do our students need to be pre- 1450 Allenford Avenue pared, but so do our parents. But the recent fires have Los Angeles, California 90049 shown me that should a natural disaster strike Revere, our students would be well cared for and kept safe by Editors: Alexandra Schoettler, the Revere staff. ” —Mr. Iannucci, Revere Principal Member of the National Joey Chae and Maddie Glenn Scholastic Press Association Faculty Advisor: Mr. Wechsler Interviews and layout by Tala Maher 4 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School Wildfires Disrupt Revere’s fall semester comes to an end with an unexpected tempest of cinders and chaos. By JACK WILLNER Tuesday, Dec. 5 brought sudden turn of events for Revere. Students were gasping for breath as smoke from a huge blaze now known as the Creek Fire completely obliter- ated the local air quality. It broke out in the San Gabriel Mountains Monday night and forced thousands to flee their homes in Syl- mar and Lake View Terrace. Thick smoke from the fire made its way down the coast and led to unhealthy air quality as far south as Santa Monica. Revere was greatly affect- ed by the fire as students were covering their face with anything they had in hope of not breathing in smoke-filled air. During homeroom, announcements were made stating that all windows and doors must be closed during class time and stu- dents should be indoors at all times except passing period. P.E. would take place in the auditorium, for the outside air quality proved Sofia Farhangnia, a seventh grader, took this photo of the Skirball Fire from her Palisades home. physical activity to be too dangerous. Pass- Even the close proximity of the approaching flames did not stop her from coming to school. ing period was a struggle for many Revere students. The smoke had many Patriots cov- for the semester in history today and knew our carpool to pick us up for drive the long ering their face with their jackets as a way of it was important not to miss it. I decided to drive to school. The area we live in doesn’t protecting themselves from the unwelcom- suck it up and go to school even though a have smoke, so when we drove into the ing air. part of me was telling me not to go.” smoke, the smell hit us with full force. To make matters worse, a second blaze, Seventh grader Madison Morales said, “As soon as we arrived, I went straight this one called the Skirball Fire, flared up “I woke up at 5:30 to the smell of ash and to the main office for a mask. There was no- early next morning near at a homeless en- smoke in my eyes and hair. I decided to take one in school. Even my homeroom teacher campment near the Getty Center, threaten- a shower to get rid of the smell, not think- was absent! The fire is right next door and ing many homes in Los Angeles. Because ing about the fires near my school and how our school should shut down for our and the of this, many Revere students did not show much traffic there would be on the way teachers’ health! I don’t like missing school, upon Wednesday. The school rules would be there. it is stressful to make up all the homework the same as the day before. All students were “Arriving on to the 405 I noticed a bigger and tests and projects! Although, when the to be kept indoors during class, nutrition, cloud of smoke then the day before, check- whole school is closed, I am completely fine and lunch. During lunch, the 552 students ing Snapchat I saw all my friends saying that with not going!” who were still on campus ate in the audito- they weren’t going to school today because Amanda Andres, an eighth grader stated, rium. of the fire. My mom just acted like it was a “I woke up this morning to my parents de- A few Patriots who came to school on normal day... until they started closing down bating whether or not I should go to school Wednesday, Dec. 6, had the opportunity to the freeway. My friend texted me and said and texts flooding in from my friends asking share their perspectives of the fire situation. that her bus driver said that school was can- if I would be. My sister’s school had been Julia Sansing, an eighth grader, said, celled and when they arrived to school to cancelled and my parents were wondering “This morning for me was just like any other stay on the bus and not do anything.” why Paul Revere was still open. My mom day except the smell of a fire had filled the Eighth grader Ella Movie also had an didn’t want me to miss school, but my dad air and clouds of smoke had accumulated in interesting Wednesday morning. “My dad said it was up to me. I wanted to come, but a the sky. Yesterday my eyes were stinging and woke me and my brother up at 6:20 a.m. to bunch of my friends weren’t going and a few my throat hurt, so I thought I wouldn’t have get ready for our ride 7:10 a.m.. were even evacuated from their houses. to go to school today because of the little stu- “We couldn’t stay home because my “My parents ended up telling me it was dents and teachers who were going and the mom is in Scotland so we had no-one home best to go, but told me to have my phone on air quality. with us. It felt very lonely. We also didn’t me at all times just in case they were going to “However, my parents, who both work want to miss school because I had a science be evacuated from their houses. If they were and didn’t have time to stay home with me quiz, and didn’t want to miss it. to be evacuated they said they would get me told me I had to go. I also had my last test “My brother and I had to get ready for right away. January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 5

Year-End Scheduleevacuated to my aunts house for a couple of hours until it was safe enough for us to re- turn.” Javier Boyle, a seventh grader, showed up to school with a positive outlook. “Might as well make the best of it,”he said. “I know what you’re thinking, how are you so brave, well that’s just me, besides, the fact that no one is here makes all my class kind of… peaceful. The lack of enforcement to regu- lar rules allows school to be partially enjoy- able.” Seventh grader Sophia von der Ohe stated, “I woke up to the sound of my phone dinging nonstop as more and more people texted that they would not be going to school. My mom was worried that not a lot of people would be going to my younger brothers’ school, because she was going in to teach about Saint Nicholas Day as a parent volunteer. I told her that not a lot of people would be at Paul Revere, and she said, “Well, you’re going!” Due to the unbearable air quality, the decision was made late Wednesday to close Eighth grader Morgan Hillenbrand Seventh grader Finn Dunne took this photo of smoke school the next two days. During the week, adjusts her mask. Photo: Joey Chae from the Skirball Fire outside his house in the Palisades. Mr. Iannucci and the main office received many emails and phone calls regarding the “On the way to school we saw a bunch school so why should we!?” I went to class decision to keep Paul Revere open on Tues- of people packing up their cars getting ready to find even more ranting. I would be fine if day and Wednesday. The PRIDE Newsletter for the worst. When we neared Paul Revere the school closed and no one had to go but email blast responded by saying, “Please be there was not the usual traffic because of the I don’t like missing school—it just builds advised that the Los Angeles Unified School few students that had decided to come, but stress on my behalf.” District, not our principal, makes the deci- none the less I still came.” Kenneth Otgonbayar, a seventh grader, sion about whether or not school is open.” Eighth grader Jenna Barad also had an stated, “I woke up to the call from my friend In total, LAUSD closed over 250 schools interesting Wednesday story. “I woke up at Willem telling me that he would not be go- during that week. A LAUSD superintendent 4 a.m. to the smell of smoke in my room. I ing to carpool that day because of the Skir- stated, “We relocated a handful of schools looked out my window and saw the moon ball Fire, but his mom still offered to drive. the first morning, closed over 50 the next, rimed with a faint orange circle. I couldn’t After I hung up, I saw my mom sitting on and shut down the entire Valley and schools fall asleep so I read until I got tired enough. the couch focused on the TV. The screen in the west the day after.” Eventually I was able to go back to sleep. was on KTLA Live and it showed a video of School resumed for Revere starting “When it was time for me to get ready the fire blazing in the mountains, and that’s Monday, Dec. 11. According to the LAUSD for school, my mom came into my room and when the thought of me skipping school website, “The decision to reopen schools told me that I didn’t have to go to school be- that day that popped in my head. I asked my was based on improved air quality and the cause she was concerned about my asthma. mom if I could skip school but she shut that lifting of mandatory evacuations that af- I told her that I would be cautious and call idea down. Well, what a disappointment. I fected school communities.” Some of the her if there were any problems at school. She thought today was going to be the day I fi- wildfires were starting to become contained understood that I didn’t want to miss school nally got to stay in bed and pretty much do at that point as well. and even though she wasn’t totally on board nothing but I guess that idea only exists in The loss of two school days had a big ef- with me going, she allowed me to. My dad my dreams.” fect on Revere’s schedule. All after school was in Europe at the time and had no say in Seventh grader Ely Rahimi said, “I woke activities, including P.E.P. events, were can- the current situation was. up to the sound of texts from my friends say- celled. Monday’s annual concert assemblies “When I arrived at school I was very ing their family was about to be evacuated were also cancelled. Teachers were given surprised to see how many students came. from their home in Bel Air. My friend lives until Dec. 19 to finalize grades. Even the More than half of my homeroom was gone three minutes away from me so I turned on publication of this edition of The Town Crier and only 12 people were there. When I was the news and saw them talking about my was postponed since most of the staff mem- walking to my homeroom, people could street being on high alert of evacuation. I bers were personally affected by the fires and continuously come up to me and rant about packed the most valuable of my possessions couldn’t come to school. The Town Crier having school. “The fire is only 13 miles and some clothes enough for a week. printer in Sylmar happens to be located very away from us!!!!” “Pali High doesn’t have “But it turns out, we had to evacuate. We close to the starting point of the first fire. 6 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School

Sixth graders work on making their struc- Ruby works on her seismic structure in Ms. Hubbard films as a structure is tested ture earthquake resistant. Photo: Stella Becir Mr. Matzu’s magnet class. Photo: Stella Becir on the shake table. Photo: Clara Schoettler REACHING NEW HEIGHTS Sixth graders take a trip to UCLA where they learn the importance of seismic engineering.

By STELLA BECIR of charge,” explained Magnet Coordinator The activity incorporated presentation, Ms. Mabashov. science, math, and technology skills. Sixth Engaging young students in seismic The students were put into groups of grade students were able to take away new engineering is an important aspect of the four and were instructed to create an earth- and exciting information from this expe- sixth grade science curriculum. UCLA en- quake safe structure using K’nex pieces, rience. Clara Schoettler, a student in Ms. gineers came to Revere to show sixth grad- which interconnect to form structures. Hubbard’s class, said, “I learned that build- ers the importance of designing earthquake Each piece would cost a certain amount of ings must have supports and braces so that safe structures, especially in California, money, and each group had a budget limit. they don’t fall.” where earthquakes are prone to happen. On Nov. 13, after the structures were Clara said that she enjoyed this expe- The project incorporated problem solv- completed, the classes took a trip to UCLA rience because “it was a chance to com- ing and presentation skills along with the where their structures were placed on a municate with your friends. I also enjoyed academic aspect of the activity. Patriots shake table. The structures were judged by learning about buildings and engineering learned the importance of fabricating struc- the construction plans, engineering princi- because I would like to know if buildings tures with supports and braces, so that they ples, aesthetics, and the structure’s ability around me are safe.” After the experience, don’t collapse in an earthquake. to stand on the shake table. students were able to grasp the significance “Revere’s Magnet Program works The project was STEM related and of seismic engineering. closely with the Engineering Department geared towards magnet students, although Van Buck said, “I think it is important at UCLA to provide STEM programming Ms. Hubbard’s charter class was invited to because in case of a real earthquake, you for our sixth graders. The program is free join the activity. will know that the building is safe.”

Early School Start 2018–2019 2019–2020 2020–2021 First Day of School Aug. 14, 2018 Aug. 20, 2019 Aug. 18, 2020 For 3 More Years Thanksgiving Break Nov. 19–23, 2018 Nov. 25–29, 2019 Nov. 23–27, 2020 Winter Break Dec. 17–Jan. 4, 2019 Dec. 23–Jan. 10, 2020 Dec. 21–Jan. 8, 2021 LAUSD releases schedules Spring Break Apr.15–19, 2019 Apr. 6–10, 2020 Mar. 29–Apr. 2, 2021 to help in summer planning. Last Day of School June 7, 2019 June 12, 2020 June 10, 2021 By COLE HERRON vey regarding when the school year should did not respond,” according to the website, Get ready for another early school start, but it seems as though their opinions which also reported, “Only parents in Mel- year, as next year starts on Aug. 14th. In were not able to change the outcome. voin’s Board District 4, serving the west fact, Patriots can prepare for the next three In September, the LAUSD commis- side and Hollywood, preferred a two-week years of school, as the Board of Education sioned a survey of parents, and 38% of winter break.” However, in a 4-3 vote, approved instructional calendars through families responded, according to data Mr. Melvoin joined with three other board 2021. LAUSD board members say the published in laschoolreport.com. “Of the members to approve the new calendars, goal was to create schedule stability. parents surveyed, 36% said the school which have school starting well before Previous to the schedules being re- year should start after Labor Day, 32% Labor Day and have three-week winter leased, Parents were asked to fill our a sur- disagreed, 31% had no preference, and 1% recesses. January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 7

Students spend three days on a retreat focused on outdoor learning and team building activities. By MADDIE GLENN Institute is the only outdoor education Lila Strasser added, “I met a lot of new peo- program accredited by the Association for ple, and there was a lot of teamwork involved. New feet were running through Running Experiential Education and the Western For example, we had to help each other up Springs, California, when seventh and eighth Association of Schools and Colleges.” on the ropes course and build rockets togeth- grade students from Paul Revere enjoyed a Patriots participated in outdoor activities er.” Eighth grader Jenna Barad expressed, two night, three day stay at Pali Camp. At the including hiking, ziplining and team build- “Knowing that I go to school with my new Pali Institute, located in the San Bernardino ing exercises. Eighth grader Julia Sansing friends and being able to see them every day Mountains, Patriots got to learn and socialize said, “Every day we had many activities, after camp was probably my favorite part.” in a different terrain. Eighth graders got the one of my favorites being the ropes course. Students were excited for the many fun experience first, from Nov. 13-15, and the I tried the scariest course called the ‘Leap activities provided, but some weren’t thrilled seventh graders went from Nov. 27-29. Sixth of Faith’ and it was so fun. Jumping off the about missing school. Seventh grader Si- graders will take their trip from Apr. 4-6. high ledge was the best part of my day.” erra Sugarman said, “Although Pali Camp Mr. Iannucci explained, “Our students Eighth grader Amanda Andreas shared, was fun and I enjoyed it, when I got back, I are experiencing hands-on science instruc- “The night hike was really fun. We walked had a lot of work to make up, and I realized tion and learning to test themselves as around in pitch black and weren’t al- how much we do in our classes three days.” young adults in group building activities. I lowed to have any flashlights. We saw An official message was sent out over Ju- am excited about the possibilities this pro- hundreds of stars and it was beautiful.” piter Grades that students could turn in work gram offers our students in outdoor educa- The students also enjoyed bonding with that needed to be made up on the Monday tion, science and leadership. The Palisades each other during the retreat. Eighth grader after they came back.

Ervin (left) and Richard gear up for Patriots play a team building the ropes course. Brooke reaches for a rope. game with a hula hoop.

Julia climbs up a tree to the ropes Henry and Orlando holds course. Sara shoot for a bottle rocket. the stars.

Yann prepares for the “Leap of Faith.”

Paige searches for Kavita, (left) Kayla microorganisms. and Maya eat a meal in the dining hall. 8 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School

Sara sells Adam writes a message to buttons new Patriots at the Chalk during event. Photo: Ely Rahimi Back to School Night. Photo: Ely Rahimi

Arya and Emma sort candy for Operation Gratitude. Photo: Davina Yashar Revere’s Helping Hands Patriots reach out to the community with fundraisers, drives and other fun events. By DAVINA YASHAR “Socktober made me see the our country. It is also amazing an impact for both of the or- happiness and joy we could to see Patriots donate and con- ganizations,” said Samantha. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., bring to someone, even when it tribute to this incredible event.” Revere students are very whose birthday was just celebrated is just a simple pair of socks.” Outside of Town Hall, mem- fortunate to have a library of with a day off on Monday, once Patriots also participated bers of the Community Service full of books, but many schools said, “Life’s most persistent in an annual project called Op- Club often sell buttons that dis- don’t have their own. Milk and and urgent question is, what are eration Gratitude. The Com- play pictures of everything from Bookies, a book drive supported you doing for others?” Many munity Service Club hosts this emoji’s to celebrities. All the by Leadership, is an opportunity Revere students can answer event in early November where funds raised are donated to sup- for Patriots to give back to the this question by describing the they collect Halloween candy port two animal awareness or- community by donating books. many ways they’re helping oth- from Patriots. All of the candy ganizations, Biologists Without “Everyone in Leadership ers in the community. was then shipped to an orga- Boundaries and Best Friends. has put a tremendous amount of Shortly after the new school nization that sends the care- The Community Service work into the drive,” explained year began in August, the Com- packages to soldiers overseas. president, Samantha Spivak, Treasurer Kimiya Natan. On munity Service Club planned Mattie’s sister, Emma, helped went to Town Hall to sell but- Dec. 13, Leadership visited a new event called “Chalk.” In count, measure and sort the Hal- tons and show her support for 118th Street Elementary School this event, Patriots write positive loween candy during this event. the organizations. Samantha also and spent time reading donated things to welcome new students “By contributing to this picked designs for the buttons. books to their new owners. to Revere. Community Service project,” said Emma, “I felt “I feel pride when I con- “Sometimes we take the sim- member Athena Kurlak visited like I was helping show my ap- tribute to this fundraiser be- plest things like a new book or a homerooms to announce and ex- preciation for the soldiers that cause I know the money we school library for granted,” said plain what the event was about. sacrifice their time to fight for raised would definitely make Kimiya. “Lots of people don’t “I think that Chalk is a great have either of those things so event because it provides mo- it feels great knowing we made tivation for the new students HELPFUL CONTACTS: it possible for them to have it.” and helps them transition into The Community Service the year easier,” said Athena. Pug Nation L.A. Adopt-A-Pet Club believes that one of the During the cold holiday sea- biggest problems in the commu- sons, socks become one of the 310-327-7871 888-452-7381 nity is hunger. Members collect- most needed items for the home- pugnationla.org adoptapet.com ed over 12 boxes of canned food less. Members of the Commu- Best Friends S.P.Y (Safe Place for Youth) from Revere. They sent them to nity Service Club collected do- 818-643-3989 310-902-2283 the Los Angles Food Bank to nated socks from Patriots for an bestfriends.org safeplaceforyouth.org give food to hungry families. event called “Socktober.” Com- Hispanic Federation L.A. Family Housing Seventh grade member munity Service members visited Gigi Palazzo who contributed homeless shelters and surprised 212-233-8955 818-982-4091 hispanicfederation.org lafh.org to this drive, said, “When you the less fortunate with socks. help someone in need, you feel “I collected pairs of socks One Voice The Birthday Party Project a sense of happiness because and brought them to home- 310-485-9961 972-290-0908 you know you are helping less shelters,” stated seventh onevoice-la.org thebirthdaypartyproject.org change someone’s life and the grade member Mattie Tillman. community in a positive way.” January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 9

Ms. Cronin illustrates Mr. Valerio counts her love for teaching the donated socks at the chalk event. from Socktober. Photo: Sydney Geiger Photo: Cole Herron

Emma greets candy donators with a welcome sign. Photo: Davina Yashar

Mattie donates a This year’s can to the food winner for drive. Photo: Griffin Riel Operation Gratitude, Justin, poses with club president Arya. Photo: Davina Yashar

Community Service members sell snacks outside of the J building. Photo: Ely Rahimi

Tyler points to a picture as a little boy smiles at him. Photo: Erica Davis

Treasurer Kimiya reads a picture book out A young girl smiles at Adelaide after loud to a boy. Photo: Avery Globerman reading a book. Photo: Josh Frankel LEADERSHIP SHARES THE JOY OF READING

Kaila and Noa sort and box books for Milk and Book- Olivia discusses the book she read Kiara reads The Magic School Bus to a child ies. Photo: Naomi Benyamini to a kid. Photo: Jack Willner during Milk and Bookies. Photo: Erica Davis 10 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School LOST AND FOUND Paul Revere’s beloved tortoise returns after a scary disappearance. By ANNABELLE GRANDY ing slow about this girl. Once she Shelter, thinks that the per- got to the tennis court, an anony- son in the white van realized Tortoise-napper on the loose! mous person dumped her in the that Bubba would require Revere’s beloved 140-pound back of a white van. too much care and thought Sulcata Tortoise named Bubba Students informed Mr. Honda they could just drop her off. (AKA Fatty Fatty Two by Four), throughout the day that Bubba Scott Scozzola, the escaped from her compound on had been stolen. He told us that, DeBell Golf Club Manager, “Bubba routinely gets out of her told the Palisadian Post Photo: Thursday, October 26, and was Sierra Sugarman taken from campus in an alleged habitat, so at first, it wasn’t a big that he and his staff called case of “tortoise-napping.” deal. Later, when I found out she Burbank Animal Control to Bubba is 20-30 years old and broke through the locked gate remove the tortoise from their The photos showed Bubba tucked has been at Revere for three years. at the top of the agriculture area, course, a feat that took four men up in her shell because she was She came to Revere from Topanga I really started to worry. Then I to complete. The golf club posted scared of her new surroundings. as a rescue because her original heard she got thrown in the back on their Facebook, “When you Mr. Honda drove all the way to caretaker passed away. Tortoises of a truck on Sunset, and my heart think you have seen it all at De- the Burbank Animal Shelter to of her kind are usually very valu- sank.” He also added, “I had little Bell Golf Club. Today there will pick her up. The shelter charged able and can be sold for $500 or hope of getting her back when I be slow play on Hole 18 due to the $25 a night, plus a pick-up fee, more. Do not mistake her for a tur- first heard she was stolen,” said ‘Snapping Turtle’. Book your next so the total to get her back ended tle. Turtles are reptiles that spend tee time at DeBell, it’s just like up being $75. A Jupiter message most of their time, if not all, in visiting the zoo.” immediately went out to the wor- the water. Tortoises dwell on land, Meanwhile, Mr. Honda was ried families of Revere who were clearly making Bubba a tortoise frantically searching through praying for a miracle. because she is known to love to photos and cases of lost tor- Mr. Honda said, “I think walk around. Bubba is also well- toises, finding himself unsuc- Bubba is really happy and feels known around the farm where she cessful. News crews from at home at Paul Revere. She has lives and loves hanging out with NBC, KTLA and KCET came to shelter, space, plenty of food and the students. Bubba lives within interview Mr. Honda and get the company. She gets excited when two gated enclosures with one to word out about the missing tor- she gets out of her habitat and I sleep in and one to roam around toise. They called Mr. Honda and think when she found the ramp to freely. She gets plenty of food, came to Revere. Mr. Honda’s in- the garden she became fascinated consisting of fruits, vegetables, al- terview told NBC, “Most people and went exploring.” He also said, falfa, hay and more. She currently underestimate tortoises. When “I think all the animals missed has six roommates; four goats and Bubba gets excited she stands her, especially the goats. Bubba two chickens. up really tall, starts walking re- was here when the goats were just On the day she was stolen, ally fast, and she doesn’t stop.” babies so Bubba is like a mom Bubba was just going on one of her Mr. Honda takes a selfie with Autumn Lee, a seventh grader at to them. I believe Bubba loves daily strolls when she came across Bubba, Kathy Steele, and his Revere also featured in the news, them too.” the ramp to the garden. A couple of daughter at the animal shelter. described Bubba as “very pushy,” Mr. Honda plans to prevent PE students were playing around, clearly being true because she this from happening again by and one of them saw Bubba walk- Mr. Honda. “But, when I got home pushed past all the farm animals “tagging Bubba, repairing any ing up the ramp. It looked like she I was able to think more clearly when she escaped. gates she might bust through, was trying to get out of the farm. and made a plan to get her back. The animal shelter had taken and making sure we don’t un- This was all the kids could see I called a friend of mine who got in the tortoise. Kathy Steele, after derestimate how fast she can get from the PE field, and as Bubba me in touch with animal shelters watching the news, knew it was around.” Bubba, while being ex- reached the garden, she managed and local news.” Bubba. She immediately called tremely loving and outgoing, is to plow through the bottom of the The tortoise-napper decided Mr. Honda. Mr. Honda wasn’t also very unpredictable. Revere’s huge gate. She walked the length to drop her off at a golf course in very hopeful, because he knew the love for Bubba has grown because of two football fields, taking Burbank, 22 miles away from her chances that it was Bubba were of her disappearance and extra “about 20 minutes,” guessed Mr. home at Revere. Kathy Steele, a slim. Then, when Mr. Honda saw precautions will be taken to make Honda on the news. There is noth- member of the Burbank Animal the photos, he was sure it was her. sure she stays right at home.

NBC News covers the event and features Autumn Lee, the damage to the fence, Mr. Honda and an aerial view of the trail Bubba took to escape. January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 11

Ka’lise Thomas Sit With Us Club in the Spotlight shares during the Sit Revere’s anti-bullying group is featured on CBS This Morning. With Us Club. Photo: CBS like you’re a part of something.” Ms. Kruger, By JORDAN PORT the teacher in charge of the club, explained A small club that started to give students how the club started. She said that Lola Clark a place to sit during lunchtime has made its knew someone that was involved in the mak- way onto CBS News. Its founder, eighth ing of the Sit With Us app, which was created grader Lola Clark, created the Sit With to help stop bullying. What the app does is list Us Club at Revere to help students to con- lunches that students can go to in their school, nect with each other. This club is meant to and helps students connect with others. make students feel good about themselves The app is free to download, and was cre- and not be judged while having a fun time ated by a high school student, Natalie Hamp- during lunch. ton. She had been bullied, and was inspired to In the CBS report, Lola stated, “They help stop bullying. The Sit With Us app is now Lola Clark don’t have a place to sit at lunch, a lot of available to download. Lola decided to make explains ‘em. And they know here they can be ac- the Sit With Us Club, and asked Ms. Kruger the cepted, not judged.” Another member of the to sponsor it. She accepted and now the club purpose club, Colwyn Brainard, told CBS, “Sit with is held in X16 every Wednesday. Ms. Kruger of the Sit Us has people who you can connect with if said, “We encourage anyone to stop by and With Us you’re a little different. And you can feel make new friends!” Club. Photo: CBS

The CBS news crew films the Sit With Us Club. Photo: Caspar Turner

Colwyn and Lola are featured on CBS as part of the Sit With Us app report. Photo: CBS

students voted for their CJSF officers. Akin Servi was chosen as Ready for College? President, Arya Naeim as Vice President, Emily Schwartz as Corresponding Secretary, Margot Barrett as Recording Secretary and Prisca Onyenechehe as Treasurer. CJSF prepares students The next applications are due Jan. 29, 2018, at 8 a.m. with for their higher education. no exceptions. The meetings are run by the officers with the help of Ms. Esparza and are mainly focused on talking about how to succeed in high school and college. Meetings are held once a By EMILY SCHWARTZ month and all information is posted outside of the counseling CJSF Corresponding Secretary office. Patriots can become honor members after turning in three different semester applications. California Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF) is a state- Last year the honor members were recognized at Awards wide program that helps bring awareness of college to students at Night and wore honor medals to the culmination ceremony with a young age. Ms. Esparza is the program organizer here at Revere. a special recognition during the ceremony. Their names were CJSF is available to students in the seventh grade second semes- also recorded in the student’s cumulative records. Lastly, honor ter and all eighth graders. Last year during for the fall semester members are eligible for associate membership in CSF (Califor- applications, CJSF had 173 eighth grade members and in spring, nia Scholarship Federation) participating high schools during the 144 eighth graders. At the beginning of this year, the eighth grade first semester of ninth grade. 12 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School I. Before School II. Homeroom III. Nutrition IV. Lunch V. After School

Cole enjoys coffee cake outside of N5. Photo: Porter Comstock Nahmi talks to J5 students Max reads morning about Milk & Bookies. announcements. Photo: Joshua Frankel Photo: Joshua Frankel

Students in Community Service Club Eco-Homeroom students In H3, trumpeteers move donation boxes for the can drive. throw away the recycling. in Band practice Photo: Joshua Frankel Photo: Jordan Port their piece. Photo: Joshua Frankel

REVERE R UTINES The sound of the bell triggers student buzz and starts each school day. By JOSHUA FRANKEL Jazmin brings in N3 students pledge Eighth-grade the recycling for allegiance to the homeroom assembly students Eco-Homeroom. flag. listen to Mr. Shibata. Photo: Joshua Frankel Photo: Joshua Frankel Photo: Joshua Frankel

Kenji makes a food-drive Choir homeroom students practice a poster in the melody. Community Service Photo: Joshua Frankel homeroom. Photo: Joshua Frankel

Kimiya (left) and Jada collect books for the Milk & Bookies book Drive. Photo: Erica Davis January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 13 SEVENTH GRADE JOURNAL With Changes Come Challenges By NAYA RAMASWAMI Guest Contributor Seventh grade, a new beginning, a fresh start. Now we are looking up to the Mr. Shibata presents a eighth graders and setting an example for PowerPoint describing the sixth graders. Although it may seem Schoology in Town the same, seventh grade is very differ- Hall. Photo: Mr. Wechsler ent than sixth, in many aspects. There are little stressful changes like having to run to my locker during passing period, JUPITER LEAVES REVERE’S ORBIT trying not to be late but getting stuck in a tardy sweep, and having to deal with an Schoology is now the school’s online communication system. extremely heavy backpack. But there are By COLE HERRON ology. For example, I plan to integrate the also big changes, like becoming more use of badges into instruction this semester, serious and maturing and having higher For years Revere has been using Jupi- specifically for students to work on learning expectations from others. Teachers and ter Grades as a way for students and teach- the names of plants, horticultural tools and parents expect much more from us now. ers to communicate, as well as a system to wild animals. Schoology is so much more We’re not “scrubs” anymore! check grades and see what’s coming up next than just a grading program. It feels like 21st First of all, it can be a bit of a chal- in class. But after five years, Jupiter is get- century learning. On the other hand, it can be lenge going from one class to another, ting replaced by Schoology, a website with totally wackadoodle and not intuitive at all.” in seventh grade we have many dif- a very similar use. However, instead of just Schoology was created by four college ferent teachers for different subjects. being able to post grades, teachers can use students in 2009 in New York City. Since Sometimes it really hard getting through the system to send homework, videos and then, the company has been growing and Revere, a huge, crowded school, in only documents to their students. changing, being used in over 1000 schools 6 minutes. From fifth period to sixth, I Revere is just one of the many schools and districts. have to go from Ms. Stewart’s class, B3, across the district switching to Schoology. “We hope that Schoology continues to at the very front of the school, to Mr. Venice High School is one of such. “There’s allow students and parents up-to-date access Honda’s class, R1, at the farm. On the a lot you can do through it, but it could be re- and information about a students’ academics first day of school, I was pretty nervous, ally hard to navigate,” said Jenny Jackson, a as well as provide a means of communica- and I was running as fast as I could. science teacher at Venice, as quoted from the tion between the school and home,” said Mr. Everyone was pushing and shoving, school’s newspaper, The Oarsman. Shibata. “After winter break, Jupiter will trying to get to their next class as well. Some teachers at Revere share Ms. only be used to reference Fall grades and I actually ended up getting to my class Jackson’s dissatisfaction with School- messages exchanged between school and way earlier than I needed to. So, I started ogy. Mr. Slavin, an eighth-grade English home.” Jupiter will officially go dark on Feb. slowing down the next couple of weeks teacher, questions some parts of it. “School- 2. and I was a lot less stressed. Turns out ogy lacks some of Jupiter’s most important As of Jan. 9, 85% of students at Revere we have just the right amount of time to functions, which makes a mid-year transi- had logged into Schoology, while only 30% get to our next class. tion a little challenging.” He is referring to of their parents had. If a student at Revere It’s really different having P.E. at the program’s lack of a behavior log and a plans to carry their Schoology account into the beginning of the day. I have P.E. first seating chart. Both can be found on MiSiS’s Pali, then they are out of luck, as Pali uses a period, and sometimes it feels good to system, but parents cannot see the behavior different version of Schoology than Revere, run the mile so early, because it feels just log there. “As for the app, the jury is still out meaning a new account must be made. like a morning jog. It’s also really nice on whether the website is easier for students Many of Revere’s students have strong to have it kind of cold, so that we don’t to use than the app, but as a teacher, I prefer negative views on Schoology. Michaella have to run in extreme heat. In sixth the online interface and find it easier to use Matinfar, for example, said, “Personally, I grade we had P.E. in either fifth or sixth Schoology on my laptop than on a mobile believe that Schoology presents an unneeded period, and it got so hot at the end of the device. However, I always think it’s impor- inconvenience with its format that is not as day that running was hard. Another chal- tant for online programs to provide a top- clear and efficient as Jupiter. Rather than lenge is having a super heavy backpack. quality app, because our students’ worlds are having all my classes in order and all my av- I’ve realized that even though we spend becoming more and more oriented around erages on one page, I am forced to go to nu- so much time decorating it and practic- mobile devices.” merous pages, having to check each classes ing how to open our lockers, we may not On the other hand, Revere’s agricultural updates one by one.” use it that much! Sometimes we don’t teacher Mrs. Robertson, approves of School- Georgie Thomas said, “Schoology is have time to go to our lockers during ogy. “I’m way more excited with Schoology much more difficult to understand and to passing period. This forces me to carry than I ever was with Jupiter,” she said. “I navigate because everything is written in all of my stuff in my backpack, so can do much more educationally with Scho- ALL CAPS. It may not bother most people, (continued on page 15) (continued on page 14) 14 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School

SEVENTH GRADE JOURNAL (continued from page 13) Girls Band it’s heavy. I think binders add the most weight. Binders are Together for practical, because we can fit all our spirals, tests, work- Lessons on sheets and folders in them. The day that we got to sit Empowerment in the eighth grade quad was pretty cool because we got to see what lunchtime will be like for us next year. There, we had plenty of space to sit, talk and eat our lunches. I’m excited to be in eighth grade for many reasons, and the quad is definitely one of them. There is another major difference — homework. Last year, I had one math work- By GINGER SIMPSON sheet a day. Now, I have more Girl power was on full dis- homework on a daily basis. play as Hillary Clinton and Sen- Each teacher gives a little ator Kamala Harris showed girls homework, but, all that adds what empowerment really is at up, and before we know it, we the Girls Build LA event. Close have two hours of homework to ten thousand girls showed up every day! That’s a big dif- from different middle and high ference from sixth grade. If schools to hear the two political this workload is hard for us, figures talk at the L.A. Conven- imagine how hard it is for the tion Center. Revere sent 43 sev- Shaya poses with inspirational Hillary Clinton talks with Bozoma eighth graders. enth and eighth grade girls in messages for girls. Photo: Layla Adeli Saint John. Photo: Shaya Keyvanfar It may seem hard for hopes of proving how impactful seventh graders, but it gets a women can be in today’s society. Keyvanfar said, “It was so em- grader, added “The event was so lot better throughout the year, Seventh grader Sydney Suh powering with all the strong and inspiring and taught me that I as we gain many new habits. said, “This event really inspired smart girls in the room. I feel can do whatever I set my mind We learn that we have enough me to push the boundaries of supported and having a commu- to. It was empowering hearing time for passing period, we what I already knew I could do.” nity makes me feel strong.” about the effects girls are already get to know our Seventh grader Shaya Brooke Shibata, a seventh making in the world today.” teachers and what they like, we get to like PE in the morning, and the homework load becomes a lot easier. We also realize that seventh grade really isn’t that hard, once we get into our groove. Every grade is dif- ficult in the beginning, but if you work as hard as you can, you will get through it! Naya carries her heavy binders and notebooks. Photo: Alexandra , Schoettler January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 15 No Objections for Mock Trial Patriots place third in courtroom competition. By SOFIA FARHANGNIA case that, according to the scor- ing attorneys, “reminded us of a Who murdered Alex Thomp- real trial.” son? That was the question This year’s fictional case buzzing around in room X1. In featured Casey Davidson, its third year at Revere, Mock played by Annabelle Grandy, Trial may not be a very well who was charged with the first- known activity, yet it may be degree murder of Alex Thomp- one of the most valuable experi- son. Her bloody walking stick ences one could ask for. It is a was found near the victim’s program, sponsored by the Con- body at a political rally. Threat- Hemosoo Woo is sworn in by the stitutional Rights Foundation, in ening messages were posted on court bailiff. Photo: Sofia Farhangnia (continued from page 13) which students present a case Alex Thompson’s BLAB page and deliberation. but I find ALL CAPS very hard in a courtroom. Every Tuesday and Davidson’s car was found Throughout November, the to read,” she added. and Thursday from September outside of Alex Thompson’s team went to a courtroom and “I believe that Schoology to November, Revere’s Mock house. The defense lawyers, competed against other schools is very hard to understand and Trial team met in Ms. Jackson’s Sofia Farhangnia, Talia Davood with a real judge. The defense is also missing an organized a won their verdict and both the calender, which helps everyone defense and the prosecution with due dates and scheduling, won based on points given by and it is missing a lock,” said the scoring attorneys. This re- Makena Reiss. sulted to both teams moving on “The format of Schoology to the playoffs for the first time makes it harder to check grades in Revere history. Revere got to because there are many buttons the semi-finals of the competi- within the app that show the tion (top 4 in the county) before same information, which slows losing to 7-year reigning cham- the app down and makes it hard- pions, Chamanade, by 1% of a er to reach an important page,” point. Coach Sean Morris, who said Emma Deiter. is also a lawyer, said “The best Some students prefer the part of coaching Mock Trial is new system. “I believe that in the passion of the students. This many ways Schoology has been The Revere Mock Trial Team poses in the Stanley Mosk Courthouse case is really interesting because beneficial to our school,” said after their prosecution team won the preliminary trial on Nov. 13, 2017. there are enough facts on both Kimiya Natan. “For example, sides to argue out the outcome Schoology has its very own room for an hour before home- and Arya Naeim, asked the wit- either way.” app which can be downloaded room. The team consisted of nesses questions to get the right Teacher coach, Ms. Jackson on both your iPad and personal sixteen students who played the facts out. They argued that the said, “We are incredibly proud phone.” roles of attorneys, witnesses, a blood came from another inci- of our students for what they Ryan Woods said, “I like the clerk and a bailiff. The lawyers dent, that Davidson didn’t post accomplished in such a short calendar on Schoology better spent hours of time in and out of the messages, that Davidson was amount of time.” than Jupiter because it is one col- school working on their direct not driving the car and that the Seventh grader Anirudh umn along the side of the screen and cross examinations, opening time line shows that Davidson Chatterjee said, “ This has taught that makes it easier to read than and closing statements and mak- was somewhere else during the me to enunciate, speak clearer, Jupiter.” ing objections. Witnesses spent time of the death. Prosecution and feel more confidence.” Ely Rahimi added, “Person- days figuring out how to portray lawyers, Alexandra ally, I like how Schoology for- and memorize their characters. Schoettler, Shaya mats its grades. It has an overall The clerk, Kyra Morris, had Keyvanfar and Por- grade and shows the different the challenging task of timing ter Comstock, had categories that you’re graded on the trial and each individual wit- the burden of prov- and how much each category is ness. “I had to do a lot of mental ing beyond a rea- worth.” math on the spot,” said Kyra. sonable doubt that Jupiter Grades has been at The bailiff, Emi Affeld, had Casey Davidson Revere for longer than each to swear in every witness. She committed an act student has, but it’s finally be- had many terms and speeches that caused the mur- ing replaced by Schoology. to learn. With the help of parent der of Alex Thomp- While not everyone agrees on coaches, who are actually law- son and that she did whether or not it is efficient, yers, Sean Morris and David Af- so with premedita- in the words of Mr. Slavin, feld, as well as Ms. Jackson, the tion, malice afore- Kyra Morris calls time after the prosecution “We will make the best of it.” team was able to put together a thought, willfulness, finishes its closing statement. Photo: Tyler Hoffman 16 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School

Oreo Ready, Explosion Set, Wrestle!

Terrific Trombone

Ricardo pins Chris to the ground. Suzy and Niko work on their Oreo labs in Mr. Aochi’s Emmanuel practices the trombone in his fourth period Photo: Johnny Harvey fifth period science class. Photo: Tristan Lucas class, which is Advanced Band. Photo: Sierra Sugarman

It All Campus Feudal Adds Up News and Notes Plays

Students attend a meeting about money Seventh graders in Mr. Schepps’ second period World History By Sofia Farhangnia managment. Photo: Mr. Valerio class perform a play about feudalism. Photo: Naomi Benyamini

Fabulous Farming

Ancient Groupwork Happy Heads

Eighth grader Morgan works with her Sixth graders in Mr. Liberatori’s history Mr. Wolfgram and his class grow in the “garden of shovel in agriculture. Photo: Max Rodman class work. Photo: Annabelle Grandy knowledge” in room X12. Photo: Maddie Glenn

Mr. Anderson poses with his Super “Staff Superstar” Staff and Starbucks cards. Photo: Joey Chae

Rocking Masterful Robots Masks

Eli and Alex work on their robot in Ms. Samson works on his mask Mr. Mer- Banner’s robotics class. Photo: Sofia Farhangnia cado’s 4th period. Photo: Bianca Cherry January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 17 Justin (left) , winner of the “Drugs are Dum” candy con- M&M test, and Arya. Photo: Photo Fun Davina Yashar Fanatic

Candy Mr. Mercado assists and directs Rose in Brayden sorts his colored M&M in Ms. Palcan’s Champ the photography elective. Photo: Cole Bailey first period lesson on ratios. Photo: Dakota White

3, 2, 1, Smile!

Eco Yummy Leaders Meals

Goat at the farm enjoy their lunch Orchestra members gets ready for their Students in Eco Homeroom empty out recycling of recycled food. Photo: Jack Willner group photo. Photo: Tala Maher bins in the West Driveway. Photo: Josh Frankel Running Rockstars Terrific C’mora does Typing the obstacle course during 4th period. Photo: Griffin Riel

Awesome Artist Great Grip David (left), Elliot and Seventh grader Audrey works Mr. Shaya run their weekly In 4th per, Jack and Sean in Mercado’s class. Photo: Tristan Lucas mile. Photo: Jack Willner digital imaging. Photo: Felix Effron

Highlighted College

H2O Minds

Windy Weather

A P.E. water fountain is dyed from a January wind and rains caused a tree to fall down UCLA students visit Mr. Aochi’s class to highlighter. Photo: Tristan Lucas and block the East Driveway. Photo: Johnny Harvey present about the human brain. Photo: Cole Herron 18 January 19, 2018 Paul Revere Charter Middle School Entertainment The audience watches attentively. A rousing spectacle in the Photo: Mason Wein auditorium incites applause. Photo: Max Rodman

Micah strikes a pose. Photo: Abi Wrentz An Ancient Tale, Still Sturdy as Ever Buddha Walks continues to inspire students with its themes of forgiveness and mindfulness. By CASPAR TURNER born in the 6th century that ceptable. The humble prince “It’s kind of nice. Everyone is disillusioned with the world later abandons his throne and his calls me ‘Siddhartha’ and it feels Feeling discontent with the as it is. family. like an important part to play.” state of one’s nation is nothing He aims to transform the In Mr. Alpert’s sixth-grade “I will make my perfor- new. Siddhartha Gautama was world by promoting his theol- class, still some time before the mance stand out by being ener- protesting injustice millennia ogy, called Buddhism. The story performance, the instructor de- getic and not getting sloppy with ago. Buddha Walks is one of mostly focuses on why Siddhar- livers a lesson on forgiveness, my lines.” the one-act historical biogra- tying into Buddhist ideology. Ansar Sherkanov, Mr. Alp- phies created by Spirit Series, a “Releasing blame is like letting ert’s Siddhartha, said, “I wanted program the organization says is go of poison,” the instructor con- this part because I’ve always designed to “empower students fidently confides to a classroom wanted to feel what it’s like to be with the drama-based values and full of young minds. “It’s like the main person in a play. I was literacy skills to succeed.” letting the burden roll off your happy when I got this role. I will At Paul Revere, Spirit Se- back.” make my performance stand out ries is available for sixth grade Hands dart up and eager sixth by putting emotion into my lines classrooms throughout the year. graders offer up their metaphors. so it can be a good play.” It is a great chance for students It’s all part of the program. The Micah Raben, from Ms. to educate themselves on promi- script leads right into the lessons Jackson’s English class, de- nent, fundamental principles, taught by the instructor, and the tailed the upsides and downsides like Buddhism and Socratic phi- lessons reinforce the themes of to a leading role. “I’m mostly losophy. the play. nervous and excited because Spirit Series instructors ar- The leading role in the per- I don’t want to mess up. I will rive at Revere several times a formance is that of Siddhartha stand out by projecting my voice year to guide students through Gautama. All other characters and showing the emotion of my the process leading up to the per- are only necessary to the plot be- character, the Buddha.” formance. Along with rehears- cause of their relationships to the Spirit Series believes Bud- ing the lines, students are given future Buddha. Some of the stu- dha Walks is a golden opportu- lectures on topics related to the Hugo places a necklace on the dents playing this pivotal piece nity for students to learn about biography; in the case of Buddha Buddha. Photo: Jordan Port were interviewed before their perspectives not often explored Walks, self-reflection and medi- performance. by Western education. It teaches tation. Although performers are tha decides to leave his opulent Max Wilbur, who played the its lesson using unconventional not required to memorize any world to live more modestly. Buddha for Ms. Fowler’s class, means, and students come out of lines, the goal is to understand Siddhartha learns about poverty, said of the coveted leading role the program knowing a lot more the meaning behind the script. hunger, and death, and decides that he obtained, “I wanted this about Buddhism, and hopefully, Buddha Walks is about Siddhar- that taking part in palace life role. I wanted the most lines and themselves. tha Gautama, a young prince while peasants starve is not ac- to try something new.” January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 19 THEY ALL GET TO PLAY IN SAN JOSE Four of Revere’s instrumentalists were chosen to play in California’s best middle school groups. Photos: “I play the violin, and went to “I play the clarinet, and I went to Tala Maher Suzanne High School to audition. Irvine to have a live audition at Su- After that, I discovered that I got zanne High School for the chance into All-Southern Orchestra! The to play in the All-Southern California judges picked me for my soft, Orchestra or Band. I also submit- beautiful notes and quick, energetic ted recordings, and then I was tunes. I sent a recording to CBDA, picked to play in the All-State Band, and also got into that orchestra. I probably because of my great believed they saw the same things sight-reading and intonation when in that recording as the All-Southern I play. For All-State Band in San judges did. I played an extremely Jose, I had to play three scales and quick 3-octave C-Major scale and a piece by Brahms called Alegretto two pieces.” Graciaszo.” “I play the clarinet, and was “CBDA is an association that —Vera Fang, 8th Grade —Daniel Thurmond, 8th Grade accepted into the All-Southern selects students from all over Cali- and All-State honor bands. For fornia to play in an honor band. The All-Southern, I went to Suzanne student turns in a recording playing High School to audition, and for scales and a piece of music. If you All-State, I had to record scales get to play for them, you go to San and a song. I received my audition Jose for four days. The first three results about two weeks afterwards, days, you rehearse and meet other and was happy to see that I got in. students. You then perform in a I love playing the clarinet because concert on the fourth day. I love of the variety of songs I can play playing the flute because the notes with it and its beautiful sound.” soar around the room.” —Alexandra Schoettler, 8th Grade —Sophia von der Ohe, 7th Grade 20 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School

Nicole tells a spooky story about an Jedi Judgment experience she had. Photos: Mason Wein Opinions vary on the latest installment of Star Wars. By CASPAR TURNER Star Wars: The Last Jedi may be the most polarizing entry in the saga yet. This film created a rift in the fanbase. The pre- quels were widely despised, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was considered great by audiences and critics alike, but The Last Jedi is different. Some laud it as a step in the right direction, but others were under whelmed by the film and its somewhat con- fusing plot. A number of scenes completely subverted expectations, stunning some viewers and disappointing others. The Town Crier asked Star Wars fans at Revere to rate The Last Jedi against the rest of the series. UNPLUGGED My expectations were really high. I Patriots write, direct and perform their own stories and skits. thought they unsuccessfully tried to be fun- ny. They resorted to ironic humor once too By MASON WEIN (not written by students) that actors danced often. The results were eye-rolling. I feel and sang along to. From stand-up comedy they changed the rules of what’s possible. What do McDonald’s, snakes, and writ- to dramatic stories, this show really had From five minutes in, I was asking myself, ing all have in common? They were all it all. “Is this the best they could do?” Silly. important topics in Revere’s newest after- One of the stars of the show, eighth —Mr. Schwartz, 7th Grade English school drama production, which premiered grade actor Kennedy “KK” Peil, said, “The on Friday, Nov. 3rd. This new program is show was a fun new way to express your run by Lara Ganz, the same person who creativity and see results for hard work.” I thought Star Wars: The Last Jedi was casts and directs many other Palisades Sixth grade Patriot and performer Rustin a mediocre movie. The graphics were youth performances. She likes to call the Kharrazi thought that the show was “a su- cool, but the story was a little cliche. show “Unplugged,” because it gives actors per-fun new opportunity for aspiring actors Some things in the movie were not really a chance to “unplug” their creativity and at Revere.” necessary like Admiral Ackbar’s death. In come up with their own dances, skits and The production featured more than general, this movie didn’t really click with stories. This PEP class results in a two-hour twenty actors and spanned across two and a me. —Edward Kim, 7th Grade hodge-podge of student-written stories and half hours, packed with a variety of original skits. The show also contained a few songs sketches, skits and stories.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about Lexi performs a comedic Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The best part scene in which she pretends about this movie was Luke’s time on the to order pineapple pizza. island training Rey to become a Jedi. Another great part was the battle on Crait. Now to the things I hated about this movie. I really didn’t like the casino planet scene. I also hated the Finn and Rose ‘romance’ Performers Rustin (left), KK and Sydney sing story. Overall, this was a good movie. Not and dance along to a song for the audience. great, but good. If you’re a big Star Wars fan you’ll find this movie disappointing. —Cameron Hosseini, 6th Grade

The newest Star Wars movie was my favorite, mostly because it had a lot of women’s empowerment. I liked all the amazing looking creatures and in the end when they showed the next generation of The Unplugged cast members perform a Jedi. —Rose Gabbard, 6th Grade hilarious skit influenced by “American Idol”. January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 21

ANNABELLE GRANDY The Show That Mr. Hyman speaks Blew Us All Away about the upcoming Festival organizers (from left) Film Festival at a I have a confession. are Sage Grandy, Debbie Sachs, Dec. 1 assembly. I am a “Hamilton” Mr. Hyman and Susan Geiger Photos: Nick Johansson junkie. I know every line and song and rap. Nine months into the Broadway produc- Students on the Silver Screen tion of “Hamilton” the average price for Patriots start prepping for the upcoming Revere Film Festival. one ticket was $1,200. Amazingly, two years later, “Hamilton” By ANNABELLE GRANDY At the festival on Apr. 25, there will be a remained the most expensive show in red carpet so all film makers can have their Broadway history! When “Hamilton” Lights! Camera! Action! Revere’s 4th photo taken. Film makers might also get a opened in Los Angeles, ticket prices Annual Film Festival is having its world chance to have interviews with local press. were averaging from $85-$750. So, was premiere on Apr. 25 in Revere’s auditorium. Mr. Hyman, the Film Festival coordina- “Hamilton” really worth the bank-break- It’s a time for students to be the Hollywood tor, warns young filmmakers not to procras- ing price? actors or directors they’ve always wanted tinate. “Don’t wait until the due date is three Seventh grader Donya Abhari said to be. JJ Abrams, the writer and producer weeks away to get going. You should know she thinks it was. “Yes, I do think it is of Star Wars and Star Trek, went to Revere. exactly what you’re going to do. Making a worth seeing the show with the $1,200 Any Patriot can aspire to follow in his foot- quality film, even a short one, takes a long tickets. I am a super fan of ‘Hamilton’ steps. time.” He says that students “will learn how and would do anything to see the show!” To submit an entry in any of the six cat- the process is incredibly time-consuming Many people agree with this, and are egories (see chart below), students must go and how vulnerable it feels to express one- willing to pay an arm and a leg to see to paulreverems.com and follow the instruc- self creatively. It can be scary, yet worth- a performance. Seventh grader Diya tions on the Film Festival link. All entries while.” As a Film Festival veteran he thinks Prakash agrees with Donya and says, “I must be submitted on Friday, Mar. 23. that “filmmakers should take advantage of think seeing the show is 100% worth it Mr. Hyman (K1), who runs the festival, the lunchtime talks.” because not only is it life, but it conveys keeps his room open for lunch to help stu- Many moments in the festival are im- education in a cool way.” dents with their submissions. He also has portant and memorable, but Mr. Hyman But not all Patriots believe “Hamil- guest speakers that are part of the film in- loves “seeing the students’ enthusiasm ton” is worth it. Seventh grader James dustry come and give pointers to young film throughout the process and motivating them Lewis says, “‘Hamilton’ was kind of a makers. Today, Sascha Penn, a producer of to tap into their creative side. This will be fad in 5th grade and I could understand Gone, Survivor’s Remorse and Power will be the fourth time I get to witness the pure joy high ticket prices then, but it has died having a meeting with film makers in K1. of presenting a film to a packed auditorium.” down now, so prices should be reduced.” Key Moments in All Six Categories From Last Year’s Festival Mika McCaffrey also argues, “Over- rated. It’s the touring cast. If I pay a Zenarus certain amount for tickets, I better get The Walks Never the original cast.’’ Despite not seeing Fixer Home Again the original cast, Mika McCaffrey still begged her parents to take her to “Ham- ilton.” Ultimately, she took money from her college fund to pay the high cost of tickets. In my opinion, every student in the world, including students at Paul Re- vere, would benefit from seeing “Ham- Live Action Animation PSA ilton” live. The musical is now traveling to San Diego, where it will be playing Don’t Litter- Propel Crenshaw at the San Diego Civic Theatre until Recycle Water Cowboy Jan. 28. It would be great if they of- fered tickets to students at a lower price because it teaches important history in an entertaining way that kids will have fun watching. “Hamilton” is no doubt an incredible production, but sadly, most of us will be giving up our shot to see it, unless tickets become more affordable. Music Video Commercial Documentary 22 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School

The arrival of a new show, “Stranger Things,” When it was released in March, “13 Reasons caused many sleepless nights of binge- Why” immediately became a popular show. watching for Patriots and people all around However, it was doomed to fade away into ir- the world. “Stranger Things” first came out relevancy. “13 Reasons Why’ is a depressing in 2016, and with its thrilling story line and show that seems to tell watchers that suicide throwback sound track, it’s no wonder why it became an instant is a good way to get attention. In addition to glorifying suicide, it hit. The intense theme works perfectly with the humorous acting is, overall, not very fun to watch. Complete with Hannah’s death of the boys who are fighting for their lives, as well as struggling scene and graphic depictions of many kinds of assault, this show through middle school. On top of the stellar acting, the special leaves people feeling despondent and more reluctant to deal with effects are out of this world. Everything looks lifelike, even if conflicts in real life. “13 Reasons Why” ultimately causes its it’s fictional. “Stranger Things” provides a perfect excuse to stay viewers to feel dejected and it should not be watched by teens. cooped up in your room all weekend. —Alexandra Schoettler —Josh Diaz

One of the biggest singer/songwriters of Over the past decade, Taylor Swift has been 2017 is undoubtedly Khalid (pronounced a very relevant musician. Unfortunately, this kuh-leed). He won the Best New Artist award does not mean that she is improving as an on the MTV awards, and his debut album artist. With her fifth studio album recently “American Teen” hit number four on the released, she has proven herself worthy of Billboard Top 100 Albums chart. His songs even more criticism. Her new music such such as “Location” and “Young Dumb and Broke” are still being as “Look What You Made Me Do” has made it clear that she is talked about months after his album was released. He has also transferring to the mainstream – in a bad way. She has been con- collaborated with some of the current most popular artists. Khalid tinuously becoming less and less unique and is starting to shift ushers in a new wave of R&B that’s different from Rihanna and over to simple pop music. From repetitive choruses to shallow The Weeknd. With catchy vocals and instrumentation, Khalid is verses, Taylor Swift does not need as much recognition as she truly a great R&B artist. —Joshua Frankel is getting. —Felix Effron

With her entertaining comedy sketches and In 2013, the Midwestern teens, Jake and vlogs, occasionally featuring her boyfriend, Logan Paul, began their career in the media Liza Koshy has taken the internet by storm industry. Hungry for attention, they started over the last few years. She started on Vine creating Vines that gained lots of views. where she would create hilarious six second Many fans appreciated their down-to-earth videos that grew quickly to popularity. With demeanors and “family-friendly” content. her engaging content, people of all ages enjoy her fun-loving per- Eventually, they transferred to YouTube. Jake’s rap single “It’s sonality. Not only is she on the internet, but she has made her way Everyday Bro” has become one of the most disliked videos of all to the big screen as well. This quirky 21 year old is something time. Additionally, Logan has become a controversial figure after truly special, from Vine famous to YouTube sensation and movie releasing an inappropriate video where he discovered a suicide actress, we all wonder, what will her next move be? victim in a forest. In conclusion, neither Jake or Logan Paul –Abi Wrentz deserve the attention they get. —Caspar Turner

The world of social media features many dif- To be honest, “TBH” is terribly tedious. It ferent things, including the new app, Sarahah. lasted for days, a week, even, but did not Some of the older social media platforms are compare with a single social media app that still favorites but don’t have an aspect that kids and teens use today. It’s supposedly many enjoy —anonymity. Now with Sarahah, said to bring people together. “See who you can anonymously send people messages. likes you,” it says in its slogan, but if it’s You can open the app and see what someone said, but you can’t anonymous, how exactly is that supposed to happen? Plus, the see who said it. Many people enjoy seeing what people have to app creates the little descriptions that one chooses to send to a say about them, and likewise saying something to someone else. person, so the messages aren’t even heartfelt or honest! Don’t Sarahah became the craze and weeks later, people are still posting waste time on this useless app. It takes more time to download comments and it doesn’t look like the fever is going to die down. the app than it takes to compliment someone in real life. —Joey Chae –Maddie Glenn January 19, 2018 Paul Revere Charter Middle School 23 Lifestyle ABI WRENTZ Delicious Dilemma From Lay’s Dill Pickle to Oreo’s Swedish Fish, varieties of flavors are flooding supermarkets, bringing me to the ques- tion, what’s the point of eating a Birthday Cake Oreo when you could just eat a fresh slice instead? There are even competitions nowadays like “Lay’s do us a flavor chal- By ABI WRENTZ more and no one picked up an apple flavor. lenge” where people submit creations in a Lastly tried was the Hot Cocoa Oreos and chance to win a cash prize. Manufacturers are pushing new fla- they were said to be very close to the origi- Patriots did a blind-taste test to see if it vors of their original products out in an at- nal, with guesses like Cookies and Cream. was really worth eating the intriguing fla- tempt to boost sales. These new, sometime According to the students’ reviews, the vors. A Hot Chocolate Oreo was tasted by surprising flavors have become so ubiq- original version of the product, whether a six students. Two thought it was Cookies & uitous that the writers of The Town Crier potato chip or a chocolate cookie, is what’s Cream, two guessed chocolate and vanilla decided to do a blind taste test of the new best to buy. Patriots weren’t even able to swirl, one thought cupcake, and the closest flavors to see if they lived up to the adver- guess the given flavors. These products are guess was S’mores by Evan Grochola. An tisements. Three students tried the Crispy being forced out carelessly to the public and Apple Pie Oreo was no treat. It was as- Taco flavored chips and none of them got it soon enough the people will catch on and sumed to be banana or pumpkin flavored. right. Apple pie Oreos were not a hit. Out stop purchasing the products. Have compa- Tristan Larsson came to the conclusion that of four students, none of them dove in for nies have stopped caring about the consumer it was a “Graham Cracker Oreo.” and more about the sales? We did the same test for Lay’s Potato Chips. Eighth graders Stella Becir and Mason Wein had their mouths full with “Everything Bagel” and “Taco” flavored chips. The Everything Bagel chips“tasted like a Thanksgiving dinner with way too much salt,” Said Stella. On the other hand, Mason thought these Everything Bagel chips were mashed potato flavored. “It’s good, but not great or special and doesn’t make me want to dive in for more.” As for the Taco chips, Stella said, “They tasted like a run-of-the-mill burrito. I wouldn’t want to buy these again.” To make matters worse they have come out with a “Mystery” Oreo that shows no flavor on the box and consumers have to submit their guesses online. And for the record, everyone agrees that the “Mystery” Oreo’s flavor is believe it or not “Fruity Pebbles.” According to these reviews, it looks like getting the real thing is better. Not only that but throughout the taste tests, students weren’t even able to identify the flavors. As Maya Salam says in a New York Times article about the crazy flavor craze, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” 24 January 19, 2018 The Town crier Paul Revere Charter Middle School

Patriots celebrate the season with a variety of traditions, tasty treats and terrific trips. By JOHNNY HARVEY Patriots take part in unique holiday tra- ditions, such as caroling and teacher lunch- room celebrations. This winter season stu- dents shared their pictures and stories. Before winter break on Friday, Dec. 15 in Town Hall was the annual teacher and staff holiday luncheon hosted by pride. The menu eatured Pasta Primavera and many deserts. Seventh grader Sophia von der Ohe cel- ebrates a German tradition over the holidays. Every Dec. 5, her family polishes their big- gest boots and puts them outside the door. “At night Saint Nicholas comes and fills the boots with little toys and candy if we have been good over the past year,” said Sophia. When Sophia and her family wake up on Dec. 6, they find their boots filled up outside. Emme Silberberg celebrates Hanukkah. She usually spends the holidays at her grand- parents’ or cousin’s house and they eat latkes and applesauce. “On the last night I get a big gift, like the tickets I got to the Clipper game last year,” Emme said. Eighth grade Patriot Nick Johansson eats traditional Swedish pancakes on Christmas Eve, while eighth grader Tate Foxson has to jump over a Christmas tree in order to get his presents. On Christmas Eve Tala Maher has a party with her cousins and family members. “After the party I open my presents with my cousins,” said Tala. Paul Revere students also visit unique destinations over winter break. They do ac- tivities such as skiing or visiting a remote island. School President Maya DeGanyar takes a trip to New York every holiday season. “When we are in New York City we go shop- ping and walk in the city,” said Maya. Sixth and eighth grade brothers Liam and Asher Saven visit South Africa every two years. The two travel to this unique loca- tion because their dad is from there. “When we go to South Africa we go to the beach, eat food and just have fun,” said Liam. If the brothers are visiting Africa, they celebrate Hanukkah before their trip. Whether celebrating a tradition, enjoying delicious food or traveling around the globe, Patriots enjoyed their three weeks off. Paul Revere Charter Middle School 25 26 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School

Super expensive clothing and accessories are all the rage, but are things going way too far? By BIANCA CHERRY enth grade Patriot, talked about how much wear Supreme because their peers, favorite he liked the brand. He said, “I think it looks rappers and celebrities wear it too. They also After reading the last issue of The Town cool and I like all the different choices.” The wear it because it’s worth lots of money and Crier with an article about the clothing brand style of the brand and the “swag” gets people that makes it cooler than something “cheap.” BAPE, Patriots were asking, “What about buying their products. As the case with any major brand, there Supreme?” Like BAPE, Supreme is an ex- The owner of the brand is James Jebbia, are many people who try to sell fake Supreme. pensive—many would say overpriced— who said, “Supreme is a brand for the peo- On ebay anyone can buy a knock-off Supreme clothing brand. It sells a variety of shirts, ple.” Hype for Supreme and similar compa- x Louis Vuitton sweatshirt for $18.98. sweatshirts, hats and accessories that can be nies is often spread by word or through so- Supreme has caused a lot of drama with seen all around Revere’s campus. cial media. David Mack, a seventh grader, people asking “Why spend so much money The brand has various collaborations said, “I found Supreme from my sister. She for a piece of clothing?” YouTuber Idubbbz with different brands like Northface, Fruit talked about it and I thought it looked cool (a.k.a. Ian Carter) has sweatshirts and t-shirts of the Loom and the boxing brand Everlast. and now we share our Supreme.” reading “Sheep” with the box logo just like The Supreme and Louis Vuitton collabora- The trend of Supreme is spreading all Supreme. The t-shirts go for $15.29 and tion was a huge success. They had a variety over, even a couple of miles away at Pali- sweatshirts for $31.49. This merchandise of bags, clothing and accessories. One of the sades High School. In a recent issue of its mocks the popularity and price of Supreme. bomber jackets was resold at a whopping school magazine, The Tideline, there was Eighth grade Patriot Josh Khorsandi $23,000. an article by former Patriot Stavros Hughes said, “I was going to buy Supreme but it was So why is this street wear brand causing called “Into the Belly of the Hypebeast.” too expensive.” Instead, he got Idubbbz mer- so much commotion? Zion Irvine, a sev- The conclusion of the article was that people chandise. “It’s really funny,” he added. David “Supreme”Mack is head to There’s a toe in his favorite brand. Supreme style for every taste.

Collage: Cesar Aubour January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 27 These days people are buying this over priced clothing. The popular brand RipnDip sells clothing with the cartoon cat Nermal on it. Like Supreme and BAPE it sells shirts, sweatshirts and accessories. Itai Feldman, a seventh grader, said he chooses to wear RipnDip because “it is good quality and ,I like how the cat is sitting in the pocket. RipnDip’s pop up shop on Melrose turned into such a success it became a permanent store. Different stores like Zumiez and Ac- tive sell some items of RipnDip at their stores. The Korean brand Comme des Garçons (which is a French name) quickly became trendy at Revere. With a variety of shirts, shoes, and sweaters, the famous heart design Hundreds of people wait in line in Long Beach, Corey Ehrlich poses for a selfie with popular has Patriots talking. Seventh grader Dillon hoping to buy street wear. Photo: Corey Ehrlich YouTuber RiceGum at a recent Complex Con. Khoubian said “I like it because the design is very different and distinct. These days, peo- size that is popular and worn a lot. This is website or the store where it’s a lot cheaper.” ple are into wearing clothing with graphic important because if you get a size that is Of course, some people are not a fan of designs that are overwhelming on the eyes. not worn very much it is not going to sell. the overpriced brand. Seventh grader Nata- The simplicity of the design is really the The shoes retail price was about $150. Corey nia Aslmand thinks the idea of Supreme is ri- thing that stands out to me the most.” Dillon and Noah said they were going to resell it for diculous. She said, “The reason why people has a hat from Sneaker Con, a convention around $800. They chose the price by look- wear Supreme is because it is so expensive”. that resells clothes to companies and buy- ing at different apps. Corey said, “It’s impor- Natania says people wear Supreme because ers. He said “I got that hat from a seller and tant to know when stuff comes out and to be the price of everything is so high, when you Comme des Garçons does not make hats, so ready to get in line.” They said their goal in wear it, it makes you look like you’re rich. I’m not sure if it’s a sneak peak of one of the beginning was to see what this new thing Adding on, celebrities like Kanye West, their new collections or just a fake.” was. They started by waiting in lines every Drake, Pharell, Frank Ocean, Chris Brown, Not only do they provide their own cloth- weekend. They started with a small amount and more wear Supreme and it inspires their ing, the brand has also done many collabo- of money and their business started growing fans to wear it as well.” rations with companies such as Nike, Con- quickly. Eighth grader Owen Loncar, captain of verse, and Supreme. Comme des Garçons Like Corey and Noah,Willem Kiperman the volleyball team, said he doesn’t wear Su- has become very famous in France and is an and Cesar Aubour have a business buying preme because since it is so pricey, “when upcoming brand in the United States. Com- and reselling Supreme. “My friend Cesar I’m walking down the street I don’t want to pared to Supreme, their clothing is much and I started a Supreme business where we worry about getting jumped.” more expensive. An average Supreme shirt buy Supreme and resell it on Instagram. Eighth grader Sammy Dohad added, “I is around $30-$45 while a Comme des Gar- We mostly sell it to friends of friends who don’t have that sort of money, but even if I çons shirt averages at $90-$100 for a plain pay us in cash. We use that money to buy did that’s not my type of style and I can’t white t-shirt with a tiny embroidery logo of more Supreme to resell. We buy it online or pull it off. I wear black shorts and a t-shirt to the famous heart. at the Supreme store on Fairfax.”Supreme school everyday. I wouldn’t look good in it.” There are many different designer brands is carried in a lot of stores including Round selling everything from basketballs to snow 2, Zeros World and Fight Club LA. Willem sleds and Supreme even sells a brick. What said “I have made a lot of money because I if you can’t get your hands on these items? have gotten a rare kind of shirt called a box What do you do? People who resell cloth- logo for $55 that I sold to a store at Fairfax ing and shoes help this issue. Corey called Round 2 for $600. I used that money Ehrlich and Noah Zaret buy and re- as my capital to buy more Supreme to sell. sell shoes and clothing. The eighth If someone says I paid too much money for graders recently went to Complex Supreme, I just tell them how much mon- Con which is a street wear and ey I got for selling that box logo. Some shoes convention. At Complex people might say they overprice things Con a lot of new shoes drop. Co- but we usually just compare them to what rey and Noah went after a pair of other stores are selling them for or what specific shoes. They were looking people are selling them for on this for the Travis Scott Air Force online site called Grailed.” Even 1’s. After waiting in a line for Willem thinks spending than the three and a half hours they retail price is ridiculous. He finally got their hands on said “I personally think a pair of them. They got a it’s ridiculous that people are spending this much Josh, modeling Idubbbz’s money on Supreme and if merchandise mocking I ever wear it, it’s usually be- Itai and his friend Willem (in Supreme hat) Supreme. Photo: Cesar Aubour cause I got it at retail right from the show off their RipnDip shirts. Photo: Erica Davis 28 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School Help Wanted! Town Crier writers offer their best peer advice. Dear Tala, I recently got a D on my math test! My mom saw my test and she flipped out! I explained that it was a new David Mack, a seventh grader, Ginger Simpson, a seventh Jacob Kermanikian, a sixth topic and the whole class re- said his hair routine takes about grader, said, “I wanted to shave grader, said he takes 30 seconds ceived a bad grade, but she 20 minutes. “I start by washing the bottom of my head because to do his hair.“At the end of wouldn’t have it. The next my hair. I use Pantene shampoo I thought it looked cool and it summer break I dyed it purple time I get less than an A on and conditioner. Finally, I put is easier to maintain. I also got and shaved half of it off because a test, she’ll take away my Kids Double Dutch Spray in it inspiration from Pinterest. Their I dreamt of doing it forever and electronics. Please advise me. to make it smell good.” shaved head buns looked great.” wanted to look very original.” Sincerely, Stressed

Dear Stressed, I have one thing to say: study, study and STUDY! If you can’t get a grasp on the subject, you can get help from Hair your teacher during lunch or nutrition. If that’s not enough you can go to websites like Khan Academy or Tutor Vista. Make sure you just try your With hardest and it will turn out Taniyah Johnson gets her Mekhi Diallo is a seventh okay. hair done every two weeks at grader with orange dyed, curly Sincerely, Tala her house. It takes about three hair. Mekhi’s look has gone hours each time but once styled, through several transformations. Dear Bianca, this sixth grader’s hair is almost FlairBy ABI WRENTZ and In the third grade he shaved effortless and takes only a few BIANCA CHERRY his head completely, and in the I’m sitting at my table and minutes to do in the morning. fourth grade he had a Mohawk. my friends won’t stop talk- ing, even when the teacher tells them to stop. I don’t want to hurt their feelings but I feel like my learning is suffering. How should I break the news? From, Frustrated

Dear Frustrated, You just have to be nice and honest. You don’t want to make them feel bad, but you still need to inform them. You Odin Saric, an eighth grader, Rio Viecco said “I come from Eliana Bernstein, an eighth can say something like “Hi, said, “I wanted to dye my hair a family of hair stylists and they grader, recently dyed her brown I feel like you guys are being pink because it is my favorite want your hair nice with no bed hair to red.“I don’t usually style a little loud in class. Is there color. My inspiration for it is head when you go to school. my hair unless it’s for an event.” any chance you guys can be a Stephanie from Lazy Town be- Over the years I have learned Her routine takes 3 minutes little quieter?” If that doesn’t cause of her vibrant hair.” His the perfect style. I like the style consisting of brushing and us- work, then you should talk to hair hasn’t been this color for where both sides of the head ing some leave-in conditioner. your teacher about moving long. Before Odin’s hair was are shaved and the top stays.” Eliana said, “I was bored with your seat. pink, it was bleach blond and This seventh grader’s hair cut is my hair and I wanted to explore last year he had a buzz cut. inspired by David Beckham. some other, better things.” Sincerely, Bianca January 19, 2018 Paul Revere Charter Middle School 29 Sports Revere boys run to victory. Photos: Heather Haggenmiller

Cross Country Champions Sammy Shaya Sammy By JOHNNY HARVEY ship as he was the last Revere Houston Keyvanfar Dohad scoring qualifier. One small stride to the fin- The Revere girls ran to a ish line, one bigger leap to vic- nail-biting second place finish, tory. Revere boys have won just falling short to Harvard- their second straight league title, Westlake. Sienna Ozar, who was leaving schools like Harvard- the top Revere girl and had a Westlake and Brentwood in their 13:10 time said, “I was tripped wake. Meanwhile, the girls took at the starting line and was another top three finish with sec- knocked down. I ended up being ond place. the last person off the start line.” “It took a lot of hard work Alec Yet Sienna still placed in the and training,” said top Re- Schmitt top ten. Revere seventh grader vere boy Alec Schmitt with a Sydney Suh showed sportsman- two mile time of 11:28. “The ship and helped Sienna up at the coaches on the Cross Country starting line. team were amazing with helping The top sixth graders this me improve my running ability year were Sammy Houston, who and form. I enjoyed competing finished twentieth overall, and against other schools a lot. It was Kiera Ishak, who finished twen- fun to be able to run against oth- ty seventh overall. “I had lots of er kids and to compare myself to fun, and running with people I other runners in L.A.” knew was great and encourag- Although Alec contributed ing. It took lots of hard work and to the team greatly it took more our coaches pushing us in every phenomenal running to bring Mr. Foxson gives a winning speech and holds up the first place trophy. practice,” explained Sammy. home the title. Sammy Dohad Max Sienna “I ran two miles on week- ran all the way to third place and Burger Ozar ends to achieve my goal as contributed to the Revere score the top sixth grader in all the of 29 points. schools,” said Kiera. “I had so Another top finisher was much fun running with my class- eighth grade star Max Burger, mates. All of the seventh graders who finished sixth overall. Ivan on the team were so nice to me Vasquez, who recently claimed and kept telling me ‘you are so the Superman shirt, finished fast.’ To win the championship fourth in the stacked Revere I pushed myself to be the best standings. Seventh grader Cesar Kiera sixth grader and contribute to Aubour locked in the champion- Ishak the team.” 30 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School

Jack crushes a pitch. Spencer waits for a pitch. Photo: Rich Schmitt

Johnny hits a fly ball .

Swinging for Success Paul Revere players share their experiences on the baseball field and their goals for the future. on, his team played better than they ever By MAX RODMAN contribute to his team. For weeks Spencer thought they would. His team won division practiced non-stop to improve his skills. In after division, and climbing their way up Batter up! Students all around Revere the last few games of the season, Spencer play baseball with club teams, in leagues, to eighth place in the entire country for the played even better than he hoped to play national tournament. Alex is looking for- or on all-star teams. They play in intense that season. Now he says, “I am looking championships and tournaments all over ward to playing baseball all four years at forward to playing baseball for many more Pali High. the country. These Patriots enjoy baseball years.” and some of them have goals to play base- Nathan Spoonamore is a seventh grader Alex Denham is an eighth grader who who is talented both on the field and at the ball in the future. has played for all-star teams and high-level Johnny Harvey plate. He plays baseball at West Los Ange- , for example, is a sev- club teams across the country. Alex has enth grader who has played for multiple les. Nathan’s primary position is first base played in North Carolina, Cooperstown, and he normally hits fourth in the batting club teams in stadiums all across America. and twice in Omaha. As catcher, Alex men- He is a centerfielder who has made plenty order. Nathan hopes to play baseball for tioned “You can manage all your team- Pali High, then in college and the MLB. “I of catches and, in Arizona, robbed a home mates, yell at them, and run the game.” run. Johnny is also a very skilled pitcher would pick the Milwaukee Brewers over When Alex played in the PONY Tourna- any team,” he said. known for his accuracy. His team practiced ment with the best team he ever played four days a week for two months. They Jack Woods is a seventh grader who practiced everything from throwing, to hit- has a passion for baseball. He has travelled ting, to running in preparation for the All- all over the continent to play baseball. Jack Star Village Tournament in Cooperstown, leads his team’s infield at shortstop. He has New York. Johnny said, “I worked so hard played in New York, Las Vegas, Omaha for years trying to do well in Cooperstown and even played four games in Cienfuegos, and I did.” Johnny’s goals for the future are Cuba. While he was there, he and his team- to play in high school, college, and eventu- mate, Jake Herrera, were able to raise four ally, the Major Leagues. thousand dollars to buy baseball equipment Spencer Rodman is a sixth grader who for kids in Cuba. Jack wants to play at Pali has been playing baseball for most of his High, in college and the MLB. life. As a pitcher, Spencer has struck out Kayvan Moskowitz is a seventh grader plenty of batters and led his team to many and is the captain of the outfield. He plays wins. Spencer was planning on pitching baseball to have fun. Kayvan’s best posi- last season, however, in a practice game tion is center fielder. He normally hits the same season, Spencer was hit by a ball, fourth in the batting order. Kayvan has also and broke his nose. His broken nose made played in a Cooperstown tournament. him unable to play in games or even prac- Tyler Hoffman is a seventh grader who tice for almost two months. When Spen- plays for the fun of baseball. He enjoys be- cer was finally able to play again, he was ing with the community and his team when out of practice. Spencer said, “Even after Alex catches he takes the field. Tyler is a second base- coming back from a broken nose, I wasn’t a curveball. man, but he also pitches. Over the summer, hesitant to start playing again.” When he he also played in a tournament in Cooper- got back, he struggled to play as well as he stown. Tyler hopes to be successful playing wanted. However, Spencer still wanted to in high school. January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School 31

Spencer rounds SIERRA SUGARMAN the base. Photo: Rich Schmitt Catastrophic Concussions With our improving medical technology, we can now see how dangerous contact sports can be. Repetitive con- cussions, for example, link to life-long brain Johnny strikes out a batter. damage. Schools all over California, including Re- vere, are choosing touch football instead of regular football—if they even play it at all. This is because of the dangers contact sports possess. When we get a concussion, no matter how old we are, our brain suffers. Severe damage can only occur with repeated head abuse and head injuries, but when we get a concussion we should be careful. Scars Kayvan gets set form to repair damage, but rarely succeed to deliver a pitch. long-term. In 2017, Michael McCann, an attorney, professor and sports journalist, published an article about concussion’s long-term effects in the NFL and college football. “Of particular concern, 48 of the 53 college players’ brains and 110 of the 111 NFL players’ brains exhibited CTE,” he said. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopa- Alex gets thy is a brain disease caused by repetitive ready to brain trauma, or concussions. We need to swing. be more careful with our heads, and treat them like the delicate technology they are. However, others like Dr. Joseph Maroon argue that “the problem of CTE, although real, is it’s being over-exaggerated and it’s being extrapolated to youth football and to Nathan leads off high school football.” It turns out Maroon third base. Tyler launches a fly had a 30 year paid relationship with the ball into the air. NFL, and failed to disclose information on CTE. While what he says may be true, if an extracurricular sport has a risk of life- long brain damage and expediting death, parents, children and adults should worry. Although football is a major concern because of physical contact, it is not the only sport to be worried about. Soccer, with intense running and heat, is also a concern. Last August, players in southern California were practicing in 110 degree weather. This was extremely dangerous and involved a 12 year old passing out. Fortunately, no one was permanently hurt. However, the prior weekend during a soc- cer tournament in Huntington Beach, a dif- ferent 12 year old collapsed and died due to the intense heat. We should consider taking our safety more seriously, because tragedies do occur. 32 January 19, 2018 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Charter Middle School BUBBA’S WORLD Cartoon by Alexa Dreyfus

Edited by Sofia Farhangnia

STRANGER THINGS TRIVIA TEST 1. What is Dustin’s nickname? Which teacher doesn’t teach P.E? 2. What does the crew nickname the bully? 3. Who plays Eleven? THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW Lulu (left), Adelaide and Elyana pose at 4. Episode 3 is called the Flea and the _____? the boys P. E. area in September 2015 and again by the F buildings in November 2017. 5. In which state does the show take place? 6. What does Will communicate through? 7. What form of transportation do they use? 8. What’s winter dance at school named? 9. What’s the name of the middle school? 10. What is the game the boys play? 11. What did they dress up as for Halloween? 12. Where did Eleven live in season 2? 13. What does the lunch lady stash? 14. What is Eleven’s real name? 15. What time did Nancy tell Barb’s mom to meet her at the park?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES The photo below of the three Revere seventh WORD SEARCH Find all of the names of graders has been Photoshopped with nine different changes. How many you can find? all of the holiday and winter words, activities and objects in the word search. There are seventeen words in total. Puzzle: Sofia Farhangnia

Gene (left), Marcus and Levko pose in front of the murals. Photoshopping: Evan Grochola

Mr. Hernandez is the only math/science teacher. math/science only the is Hernandez Mr. MYSTERIES: MYSTERIES:

Africa is now green. 9. Marcus has shorter shorts. shorts. shorter has Marcus 9. green. now is Africa MASKED MASKED

stripes are gone. 7. The rhino is flipped. 8. The island by by island The 8. flipped. is rhino The 7. gone. are stripes

5. The Quicksilver logo has been taken away. 6. The zebra’s zebra’s The 6. away. taken been has logo Quicksilver The 5.

different. 3. There are two trees. 4. Marcus’ eyes are open. open. are eyes Marcus’ 4. trees. two are There 3. different.

1. Shark’s eye is gone. 2. Bird is is Bird 2. gone. is eye Shark’s 1. SPOT THE DIFFERENCES: THE SPOT

6. Menorah 7. Hannukah 8. Candles 9. Latkes 10. Dreidle 11. New Years 12. Snowflake 13. Kwanza 14. Skiing 15. Snowboarding 16. Advent 17. Ornaments 17. Advent 16. Snowboarding 15. Skiing 14. Kwanza 13. Snowflake 12. Years New 11. Dreidle 10. Latkes 9. Candles 8. Hannukah 7. Menorah 6.

1. Christmas 2. Star 3. Tree 4. Stocking 5. Presents Presents 5. Stocking 4. Tree 3. Star 2. Christmas 1. am 9:00 15. Jane 14. Pudding Choco 13. unit storage Hoppers 12. busters Ghost 11. Dragons and WORD SEARCH: SEARCH: WORD

1. Toothless 2. Mouth breather 3. Millie Bobby Brown 4. Acrobat 5. Indiana 6. Lights 7. Bikes 8. Snowball 9. Hawkins 10. Dungeons Dungeons 10. Hawkins 9. Snowball 8. Bikes 7. Lights 6. Indiana 5. Acrobat 4. Brown Bobby Millie 3. breather Mouth 2. Toothless 1. STRANGER THINGS TRIVIA: TRIVIA: THINGS STRANGER