The Liberty Ledger DECEMBER 2018 I S S U E 1 3 Why Should You Read and Write Historical Fiction By: Maura Baker

Historical Fiction is a genre (literary and film) that best friends, one Dictionary.com generalizes as “The genre…that of a patriot family takes place in the past and are characterized and one of a loy- chiefly by an imaginative reconstruction of histori- alist family? In cal events and personages.” However, historical addition, you’re fiction is so much more than this! Historical Fic- much more likely tion is a glorious time-traveling adventure and to remember facts soap opera. I know you're probably thinking, about history from “Okay, sure, but why should we read and write an emotionally historical fiction?” Well, I’m going to answer just engaging story that! rather than a dry accounting of his- tory. For exam- Why you should read historical fiction ple, after a test, One of the great things about reading historical students may fiction is that it allows you to learn about historical promptly forget times and events in an exciting way! Since histor- the names and ical fiction usually focuses on the experiences of dates that they learned from textbooks, but we one individual and his or her relationships instead all remember that there were not enough life- of a general overview of the event or time like boats for everyone on the Titanic thanks to most historical textbooks would give you, it James Cameron’s brilliant work of historical leaves room for per- fiction, Titanic. sonal opinions and drama. Think about Why you should write historical fiction it, what would you If you’re creating a work of historical fiction, rather listen to: Para- you get to explore history for yourself, and graphs and para- generate simulations of historical events and graphs verbosely ex- see how you yourself would have acted in plaining how the those situations. Also, if you choose to Revolutionary War write historical fiction and portray your charac- affected the relation- ters, you can be anyone in history that you ship between the pa- want! You can be a soldier fighting in the Rev- triots and the loyal- olutionary War, you can be an African Princess ists or a story about in the 14th century if you want! Moreover, how the Revolution since writing historical fiction requires doing a slowly split up a life- certain amount of research, the idea of creat- long friendship be- ing your own world based off of what you are tween two teenage reading, it can make reading non-fiction more The Liberty Ledger

Why You Should Read and Write Historical Fiction ...Continued By: Maura Baker fun! time! Learning about history helps us to under- stand why we live the way we do today, and if As you can see, there are many reasons why you you can learn about history in an exciting way, should read and write historical fiction. It allows it’s a win-win for you! you to escape the present and travel back in

Pictures By: Dayana Matamoros Ramos & Carmina Rojas Sterling Mine

Holiday Interviews

By: Camille Bugayong and Trinity Mcarthy

THANKSGIVING Ms. Yu: I am thankful for family, my colleagues and coffee. I am excited to cook food with my family.

Mr.DeJesus: I am thankful for my coworkers, after the snow lock in, I saw that they are really good people! I am excited to rake the leaves in my yard.

CHRISTMAS/HANNUKAH Mr.Krayton: What do you love about the holidays? Spending time with family. What do you hope to get? A New York Yankees jersey. Favorite Winter Movie: ELF

Mr.Goldberg: What do you love about the holidays? Warm weather. What do you hope to get? My two front teeth Favorite Winter Movie: Home Alone The Liberty Ledger Medical Marijuana

By: Oechi Udechuku On Monday November 26, 2018, a bill was passed under N.J. law that will make it easier to qualify and obtain medical marijuana. However, numerous people have perceived medical marijuana as something harmful ra- ther than something beneficial, and they most likely do not know what it really is. Ac- cording to https://www.webmd.com, medi- to qualify and obtain legal cannabis under cal marijuana is regular marijuana repur- a bill that cleared three state legislative posed. It uses the chemicals contained or committees. The bill was to be called the plant itself to treat diseases and condi- tions. Medical marijuana can be used to “Jake’s Law” after Jake Honig, who died treat chronic illness, multiple sclerosis, epilep- of brain cancer early this year. Cannabis sy, Alzheimer, anxiety and much more. oil helped him, but the law back then forced his parents to use it sparingly in The reason why medical marijuana is not le- small amounts. This hindered Jake’s condi- gal in all states is because researchers see marijuana like other addicting drugs such as tion. The new law now allows patients to LDS. The marijuana plant contains more than purchase bigger portions of medical mari- 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids, juana. Patients enrolled in the medicinal with each one having a different effect on marijuana program are permitted, every the body. THC and cannabidiol CBD are the month, to buy 2.5 ounces from January main chemicals found in marijuana. THC is 2019 to July 2019 -- up from the current 2 what causes hallucinations and the high feel- ing when using marijuana. The cannabidiol ounces -- and after July, a maximum of 3 (CBD) is the nonintoxicating part of marijua- ounces a month. People who are in hos- na that is extracted. This oil has been proven pice care or diagnosed with a terminal dis- to help people with many medical condi- ease have no purchasing limits. tions. According to https://www.nj.com, As stated in https://www.nj.com, New Jer- “Michael Brennan, a Moorestown resident sey's medical marijuana program has been and a board member for the advocacy revamped to make it far easier for patients group, the Coalition for Medical Marijuana -New Jersey, said he wished the legislation could address the exorbitant cost of legal- ly sanctioned cannabis. Brennan said he is "amazed" by how helpful cannabis has been for him, but as a person reliant on permanent disability payments, the $850 two ounces costs him a month is "a barri- The Liberty Ledger

Medical Marijuana...Continued By: Ogechi Udechuku According to https://www.nj.com, “Michael as a person reliant on permanent disability Brennan, a Moorestown resident and a payments, the $850 two ounces costs him board member for the advocacy group, the a month is "a barrier." Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey, There is a need for people to educate said he wished the legislation could address themselves about medical marijuana and the exorbitant cost of legally sanctioned its healing properties. Many people have cannabis. Brennan said he is "amazed" by benefited for the plant’s CBD oils. how helpful cannabis has been for him, but

Getting to Know Mrs. Salazar By: Nia Caesar

Why did you choose this job? (Spanish Teach- er) I chose this job because I first worked with a girl scout group and I enjoyed it. During that time I was a dental assistant and I wasn’t too satisfied with working in dental care so I began to volunteer for schools. And I decided to be- come a teacher right at that time. I liked com- ing up with new material and lessons to teach students.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

What is your favorite part of teaching Spanish? My favorite part of being a Spanish Teacher is hearing students apply what I have taught What is it like being a mother and a teacher? them to real life. When a student tells me that It is very challenging. After coming home they used what they learned in Spanish class from teaching students all day at work, I today at Target. But I love when students con- have to cook dinner and help my kids with nect the lessons to real life. their homework.

How long will you stay at Liberty? Hopefully for- ever. What do you want to achieve in 2019? I want to be able to think before I react. I What are some of your favorite things? want more patience. My favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird. My favorite movie is any Hallmark Christmas Mov- If you could improve the school in one way ie, I love those movies. And my favorite food is what would you do? I would have smaller anything Asian. class sizes.

What is your favorite activity? What kind of students do you enjoy having? My favorite activities are anything that in- I enjoy having students that participate in volves crafting. Like making cards, invitations, class activities. Students that raise their hand and party decorations. and are not afraid to answer questions. The Liberty Ledger Student of Honor Roll Breakfast the month By: Camille Bugayong & Tamyca Tunis SEPTEMBER 7th Grade Honor Roll 7th Grade John Kearns Victoria Peart Leila Smith

OCTOBER 7th Grade Sebastian Veillard 7th Grade High Honor Roll Svara Bhatnagar Javier Duarte Cubero Albert Palaguachi

NOVEMBER 7th Grade Antonio Deane Brooke Schenk Brandon Peak The Liberty Ledger Student of Honor Roll Breakfast the month By: Camille Bugayong & Tamyca Tunis SEPTEMBER 8th Grade Honor Roll 8th Grade Byron Alvarez Charley Dvorin Alexis Aguilar Cruz Kevin Renderos

OCTOBER 8th Grade High Honor Roll 8th Grade Asad Hall Nia Oparaji Nadgee Coriolan Alonso Garcia Garnica

NOVEMBER 8th Grade Curtis Battle Zoe Gilson Maegan Bulanhagui The Liberty Ledger

Getting to Know Dr. Gordillo By: Samantha Brooks What college did you graduate from and what was your major? I graduated from Rutgers Uni- versity in New Brunswick. I was a double major in Psychol- ogy and Spanish.

What do you like best about your job? Connecting students to good books. Do you speak another language? I am fluent What do you like least about your job? in Spanish. I can speak, read, and write it. The paperwork.

If you had to pick another profession, other What is your favorite book? This is always a than teaching, what would it be? hard question for me to answer. I have so I would be an entertainment reporter. many favorites! Growing up my favorite book Can’t you see me on the red carpet? was Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume. She is still one of my favorite au- What do you like to do outside of school? I thors. I met her twice! One of my favorite enjoy going to the beach, spending time reading experiences as an adult was reading with my family, and catching up with The Godfather by Mario Puzo on my trip to friends. Greece. I could not put it down!

Do you have a hobby? I like writing for fun What is your favorite food? Salvadoran food and promoting literacy. is my favorite. Pupusas are the best!

Thanksgiving Food Box Decoration Contest Here are the winning boxes. The Liberty Ledger History of Dc and Marvel By: Dayana Matamoros Ramos full that is very intriguing.

DC and Marvel are great comic companies that have DC introduced everyone to the superhero world. These DC comics was founded in companies produce comics, movies, tv shows, and 1934 by Malcolm Wheeler- much more that have entertained us for the past Nicholson. At this time, this decades. When looking at the history of both these company was known as Na- companies, you will be surprised. These companies tional Allied Publications. were not always what like what they are now and The name DC Comics was not some of the histories are pretty interesting. officially adopted until 1977. They published their

first comic book, New Fun, in 1935 and the first Su- Marvel perman story was published in 1938. Batman soon Marvel was started in 1939 by Martin Goodman. At followed in 1939, followed by Wonder WomAn in this time, Marvel comics was 1941. There are over 10,000 characters DC has cre- known as Timely Publications. ated over the years. Some of the most popular DC Timely Comics first comic was characters include Batman, Superman, Wonder printed in October 1939 and Woman, The Flash, and plenty more. DC has also it featured the original Hu- created some pretty interesting villains like Captain man Torch and Namor. These Cold and The Joker. In conclusion, DC comics has a were the first Marvel heroes pretty interesting history and can be called the king that were created. Atlas of all comic books. Comics became Marvel in

1961. This year, the Fantastic Four and other su- All in all, DC and Marvel both have a really interest- perheroes created by Steve Ditko, Stan Lee, Jack ing history. Over the years both companies have Kirby, and many others, was launched. There are changed quite a lot and have become very success- over 8,000 characters that have been created by ful. These companies have introduced us into a Marvel comics. Some of the most popular Marvel whole other world of heroes and villains that have heroes are Spider-man, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and kept us entertained for the past years. If it weren’t many more. Marvel has also created its fair share for these two companies, we might have never been of villains. Some Marvel Villians include Doctor introduced to the amazing worlds of DC and Marvel. Doom, Loki, Thanos, Red Skull, and hundreds of more. Overall, Marvel has a very colorful history

Disney Day Pictures By: Tamyca Tunis The Liberty Ledger TV’s First Transgender Superhero By: Amie Binan Maines’ father was un- The season 4 theme of CW’s are current comfortable with it but events happening in the world such as LGBTQ, im- he came around and migrants, race, etc. One big thing the show is doing accepted her. Once to raise awareness by including a transgender su- Maines figured out who perhero called Dreamer. Dreamer is the great-great she really was, she -great-great-great grandmother of the hero, Dream went through surgery to Girl, from the Legion of Superheroes. The Legion of become the gender Superheroes is a crime-fighting team from the 31st with which she identi- century. Dreamer has the power to see the future. fied. Her first appearance was in the first episode of Season 4 as a cub reporter at CatCo Worldwide Nicole Maines never Media and will be mentored by Kara Danvers expected herself to land (Supergirl). Nal came out as transgender in epi- a role on the popular sode 2 of season 4 and revealed her powers in epi- show, Supergirl. But sode 7. here she is and she do- ing a great job playing Nicole Maines, the actress who plays Dreamer, is Nia Nal. Nal became a transgender herself. She knew she was not meant key role in stopping the to be a boy since she was 3 years old she told in villain in Episode 7 of Supergirl. Throughout the an interview with Ellen DeGeneres on The Ellen season, Nia Nal has been slowly developing to be- Show. She grew up with a twin brother, her mom, come the hero that saves the day against season and her dad who supported her all the way. At first, 4’s big bad’.

TV SHOW REVIEW By: Angelyn Cancel New & FBI

Need a TV show to watch? Here are a few of my personal favorites:

New Amsterdam

New Amsterdam is a new medical drama about a new medical director (Max). He is the first medical director that cares about keeping people alive and not just about making the hospital money. Max has a wife who is pregnant and he has cancer. Throughout the first season, he fires and hires doctors, creates new departments and goes through many other personal experiences regarding his wife, his cancer, and many other things.

I would not recommend this show to anyone who does not like blood because they show many surgeries being performed. I give this show 5 stars. FBI

FBI is a police drama, released to the public this year, and is exactly what it sounds like; a show about FBI agents who must work dangerous cases. Maggie and Omar (main characters) are partners. Maggie was married until her husband was killed in a car accident, and Omar, who Maggie calls O-A, was a soldier until he came to the FBI.

I would recommend this show to anyone who likes suspense and or drama. I give this show 5 stars. The Liberty Ledger What To Look Forward to In 2019 Student Council By: Lauren Bulanhagui Corner Captain Marvel By: Maura Baker The first look of this movie was shown at the end of the 2018 Marvel Film Avengers: Infinity War. This movie is November and December set to be released (US) in March of 2019. In this film, Captain Marvel (played by Brie Larson) is reminded of were two very productive her past as she fights in a war that is between two alien months for our student races (watch the trailer). It is anticipated that this movie will leave a big impact on the Avengers: Infinity War council. The holiday wish- seeing as it will uncover the ending of the movie (www.thewrap.com). ing well fundraiser has been doing exceptionally Shawn Mendes: World Tour From teenager in , , to one of well, it’s one of the most the most famous teen idols in the music in- profitable fundraisers our dustry, Shawn Mendes has announced his school has done! We had world tour with his self-titled album, that was released on May 25, 2017. He is set to head- our last spirit day of 2018, line his tour in his hometown of Toronto, Canada at the Roger Centre crazy sweater day, on De- (www.billboard.com). This tour is going to go on through 2019 and he is going to travel from Canada, the US, and countries in Europe.. cember 20th, as well as the staff crazy sweater Billie Eilish’s Debut Album contest. We have many At 16 years old, Billie Eilish has grown from her viral success with her song Ocean Eyes and is showing this spirit days coming up in through her upcoming album that is set to come out in the new year, so we ask 2019. According to Spotify’s Behind the Lyrics, when the party’s over is the first single off of her 2019 debut for your participation! We album. She states she is more enthusiastic about this LP than she was look for- about her debut EP don’t smile at me. ward to

Ariana Grande’s Thank U, Next album seeing Ariana Grande is releasing her fourth studio album ti- tled thank u, next in March of 2019. According to www.spin.com, there have been claims that she is going to go on tour with “two albums” in reference to this up- coming album and her 2018 album Sweetener. The title of this album was inspired by her 2018 hit single thank u, next in which she makes plenty of NFL Super Bowl The Super Bowl of 2019 will be held in , Georgia. Last year, Justin Timber- lake performed during the halftime show. This year, the pop rock band Maroon 5 with frontman Adam Levine is rumored to be performing for the halftime show.

Avengers: End Game This Marvel movie is set to come out in 2019 and it is a movie that will reveal what will happen next to the remaining Avengers. The trailer of this movie shows the situ- ation all the Avengers (who are still “alive”) are in due to the effects of what Thanos has done.

The Liberty Ledger

Pictures By: Camille Bugayong & Tamyca Tunis Pep Rally The Liberty Ledger Advice by Marge & Dreamcatcher

Dear Marge, Teachers give me too much homework. I don't have any time to do other stuff. What should I do?

Advice: Time management is the best thing you can do. Try to set a schedule for yourself, and try not to get distracted by your phone or the TV. By making a schedule for homework you will find that you will have time for other things. I do all of my homework in order of the agenda, so I know what comes first and what comes last. If you end up talking a little too much during class my best advice is to remove yourself from the people that are causing you to talk. This will allow you to get a little bit more work done in class so you don’t have as much work at home. Just don’t try to take the easy way out and not do your homework at all.

Dear Dreamcatcher, I am having troubles with some of my friends. Though I like my friends, I don't like their attitude. They can be kind of cruel to- wards other people.

Advice: Friends can be complicated, especially in middle school. If you don’t like their attitude, try to help them fix it. Tell them that you don’t really agree with what they are saying, and that it’s kind of cruel. If they don’t comply, leave them alone. Your true friends will realize what they’re doing is upsetting you. You don’t always have to agree with your friends, but you can at least tell them how you feel.

Dear Marge and Dreamcatcher, There is this boy that I really like but I don't think he notices me or knows that I like him. What do I do?

Advice: Marge - I wouldn’t stress over it as much. If you're already friends with him, great, but don’t try to force anything. Become his friend and if he likes you, you’ll know but if he doesn’t you’ll get over it fast. Boys can be like that sometimes and it’s hard to tell. Also, try to be yourself around him and don’t show a fake you. If he doesn't like you for who you are, don’t stress over that; he should like you for you.

Dreamcatcher - If you really like him, try to become friends with him, and talk about the things you have in common. Just talk like normal friends. Just remember that you shouldn’t change yourself or your personality for him. He should like you for who you are and you shouldn’t have to live in constant fear that you’re doing something wrong. Instead, try to show him the REAL you. He’ll get to know you better and might think about who you are more. If you find out that he doesn’t like you, don’t think that it’s your fault. You should know that one day, you will find someone perfect for you that won’t judge you by anything, and will always be there for you.