Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center Friday, December 18, 2020 Volume 65, Issue 2 ’Tis the Season for Reaching Out The holidays offer everyone a chance to support each other in a challenging time. By TAMARA GEAR For many people, 2020 has been a hard year and there is no better time than this holiday season for Patriots to reach out, and show appreciation to their community. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, Paul Revere began its second annual Soles4Good shoe drive. Where Patriots donated gently worn shoes to El Salvador’s Soles4Good. Soles4Good is an organization where women can have access to shoes which they can buy for very low prices. This encourages them to fund and create their own micro-businesses by using some of the profits from the shoes that were donated. “The 2nd Annual Soles4Good Shoe Drive went extremely well. We had another successful event,” said Paul Revere parent Fati Adeli. Other volunteers who were involved in the shoe drive were Paul Revere students Kate Lee, (continued on page 2) Eighth-grader Leena Adeli safely transfers holiday gifts to her former teacher Mr. Hernandez. Photo: Fati Adeli

In sixth grade, these Patriots were Students in the remotest parts of Spirit Week allows quarantined Choir and yearbook students able to be so much closer. Page 7 the world can still learn. Page 8 kids to let their hair down. Page 13 team up for a joyful video. Page 19 December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 2

Leena Adeli and BSU officers Brooklyn Walker, Evonne Brider, Jean Haney and Chidebere Onyenecheche, along with Ms. Evans (eighth-grade counselor), and Mr. Flowers (sixth grade counselor). “No one had a specific role; we just all worked together, by making posters and a video that; we shared to the grade level assemblies, and we also helped to collect shoes at the school,” said Ms. Evans. Last year there were about 1,500 shoes that were donated. This year, The canned food drive will be Patriots surpassed that number going on throughout the week- with a total of about 1,600 shoes end and will end on Dec. 20. donated. Another recent community Not only has Revere been program happened when donating shoes, but on Nov. 4, students got together to create Revere began its 10th Annual cards for doctors in order to Canned Food Drive except this show their appreciation. “The year it was virtual. Instead of holiday season is all about giving having students bring cans of and getting, but what about the food to school, Revere accepted people who only give?” said online donations to the Los seventh-grader Mia Boasberg. Angeles Regional Food Bank, One day Mia and her family where volunteers pass out food were watching the news when to people who are unable to they came across a sad story afford it. “Now that the canned about doctors who were talking drive is virtual, we’ve missed out about their difficulties during on the fun of making in-person the pandemic. “All I could Tamara Gear drops off a donations,” said Mr. Slavin. The think about while watching this donation for the shoe drive. canned food drive is being led by was how can I do my part and the Community Service Club and make sure these doctors feel Mr. Slavin (eighth grade English appreciated,” said Boasberg. teacher/team organizer). As the After listening to the doctors Mia amount raised started to climb then contacted her local hospital dramatically, the website was and found out that the doctors updated with this enthusiastic enjoyed getting homemade message to encourage further cards. For the past two weeks donations: Mia has been trying to spread Wow! We’d set our goal at the word about what she and her family are trying to accomplish, $5,000 and your support is tip- so other people will join them in ping the scales at almost DOU- making cards too. BLE that! Let’s see if we can hit Right now Mia is happy Mia Boasberg that $10,000 mark! to say that they have almost previews a In the spirit of holiday giv- reached their goal for how many motivational ing, please make your donation cards they want to collect and card that will TODAY. Your support has never she is very grateful to the people be sent to a been more needed! In fact, the who decided to help. doctor. number of people seeking help Earlier in December, anoth- from the food bank and related er seventh-grader, Noah Hou- agencies has **nearly tripled**! riani, and his mom volunteered Let’s rally together as an extend- to deliver pre-made Hanukkah ed community of Paul Revere packages to the doorsteps of Middle School Patriots and show members of the Sinai Temple our fellow Angelenos that we are Religious School community. here for each other in this time of The packages contain one pack need! of 44 candles, a small packet of Students, families, staff, chocolate coins called gelt and alumni, and community mem- a dreidel. Noah has sacrificed bers, please remember... Revere a lot of time and effort just to “CAN” make a difference! make sure people in his temple December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 3

Eighth-graders in Ms. Moreno’s English class surprised and delighted her by holding up thank you signs just as the winter break was about to start. community are prepared for the drive by to pick up their cards eight days of Hanukkah and to from parent volunteers. “I felt put glowing smiles on their faces. bad teachers had to drive to us to Noah was given a list of pick up their gifts, but we were names and addresses to which so glad to see so many of them,” he would deliver the packages. said parent Fati Adeli, who added “It was kind of tricky because there are hopes to set up another we wanted to be efficient and pick up date after the holidays. had to map out our travels.” That In Ms. Moreno’s eighth- way he and his mom could cover grade English class, students in more ground in less time. her fifth period class coordinated “I feel great and accom- a little surprise for her. A class- plished to reach out to my com- wide group chat organized by munity and bring the Hanukkah Elle Citron, and Kate Raymond spirit into the homes of many ironed out all the details. Each happy families, especially during student wrote a personal thank the pandemic when families are you note for Ms. Moreno, to ac- alone and desperate. I hope to knowledge all the hard work she do this next year and continue has done. on this old but new COVID-19 On the last day of class before Hanukkah tradition. It’s the best winter break, Ms. Moreno came feeling the world!” with a surprise of her own, wear- Sometimes, kindness comes ing bright red Christmas colors, as an expression of gratitude. and started the class off with the Many students show this by shar- classic holiday song “All I Want ing gift cards with their teachers for Christmas Is You.” right before leaving for winter The class responded by hold- break. With school closed, teach- ing up all their thank you signs, ers were given the chance to pick and yelling out their thanks. Ms. up their cards last weekend at a Moreno appeared to be in joyous special spot on the UCLA cam- shock, and cried out, “Oh my Noah Houriani delivers a Hanukkah packet to his fellow seventh-grader pus. For three hours last Friday god, thank you guys so much! I Misha Keyvanfar while little Junie looks for his treat. Photo: Rebecca Houriani and Saturday, teachers could am going to cry!” December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 4 LAUSD Prepares for a Safe Return to Campus The District’s plan includes new learning paths, virus testing and more new safety measures.

By NICO TROEDSSON most about school is having the freedom to part of middle school that is currently lack- go up to the teacher to ask a question,” he ing. “One of Revere’s strengths is that it’s so The question on everyone’s mind as we says. Mia Flores Avalos, a seventh grader, big, everyone has a chance to find his or her head into the new year is “When will school also feels that she “got a better understanding ‘group’. I see it every year. But I’m afraid reopen?” While LAUSD has yet to set a of the material in person.” this is almost impossible during distance definite date for on-campus learning, it has Eighth grade students are particularly learning.” With roughly 2,000 students on begun preparations to make the safe reopen- stressed about their future as they struggle to campus in normal circumstances, Patriots ing of schools a possibility. But Los Angeles prepare for high school. Maddox Walker says have many opportunities to make social County will need to move off the state’s most “I don’t like distance learning. I feel like it’s a connections during lunch and after school. restrictive coronavirus tier first. waste of time. I don’t really learn as much as I Group work also allows students to get to did before and I doubt I will be fully prepared know their classmates. None of that is pos- Frustrations Begin to Grow for classes in high school.” Alexi Baski also sible during distance learning. Eighth grade worries about his education. “In my opinion, English teacher Ms. Moreno worries for A major motivation to get students back socially-distanced school has failed,” Alexi her students: “I don’t see any benefit from into the classroom is an increase in failing states. “Everyone has a different learning keeping kids out of school. It’s the kids in grades. Roughly nine the high-risk pop- months into remote ulations who are education, LAUSD suffering the most. feels that distance The students that learning isn’t ade- are self-motivated quately preparing may be the only its students. Seventh ones doing well grader, Conner Sulli- academically, but van agrees, “For me ALL students are virtual learning isn’t suffering from the working because lack of social in- of distractions and teraction with their technical problems.” peers.” One of the top When it comes concerns from a stu- to academics, the dent’s point of view two teachers wor- is the lack of a steady ry whether they’re routine. Tamara able to meet every Gear, a seventh grade student’s needs. Mr. Patriot explains, “In Schwartz explains school, we had the that “a big part of same weekly sched- learning is to try ule, and I went to the something, get feed- same classes at the back, and then im- same time everyday. prove or fix it. It is Now that school is much more difficult virtual, the schedule for teachers to pro- is different and the The latest lockdown closed the campus to all individuals until the new year. Photo: Nico Troedsson vide as much feed- classes that I take on back as we normal- Fridays change which ly do.” He goes on can sometimes be confusing. Also, classes speed and style so some students may have to explain that “part of teaching is building are longer than before but we only go to them adapted more than others but the vast major- relationships with students and showing that two to three times a week.” Seventh grader ity of students have been negatively affected you believe in them. This tends to motivate Vidhan Sahai also struggles with the virtual and will face problems in high school.” students, but building these types of relation- schedule. “I miss being in the classroom,” he ships is challenging during remote learning, says. “During online classes, sometimes my Revere Teachers Express Concerns and is probably affecting student grades.” attention goes elsewhere and I miss some- Ms. Moreno is also concerned with help- thing in class. I prefer having all of my class- While students struggle through technolog- ing students who have trouble keeping up es on the same day because then I’m always ical issues, limited access to their teachers, with lessons. “I see grades slipping for those updated on my subjects.” and distractions at home, Revere’s teachers students who already struggle academical- Face-to-face interaction is another major worry about how well distance learning is ly. The district recently shared data with the concern. Seventh grade Patriot Sammy Dunn meeting their social and academic needs. schools showing that grades have dropped in believes that the inability to meet with teach- Seventh grade English teacher Mr. Schwartz alarming numbers.” She feels that teaching in ers in person is harmful. “The thing I miss believes that socialization is an important December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 5 the classroom allows her to read and respond dents can continue to receive Grab & Go ing more on a screen than in the classroom. to students in a way that she can’t do online. meals on campus, and can opt into the Hybrid You have more room to move around and can “Sometimes all students need is clarification, format at certain points of the year. also do a much larger variety of things during and redirection, or one-on-one personal as- Students who select the Hybrid model will your lunch break.” He enjoys the freedom of sistance and connection. In the classroom, receive a combination of on-campus learning learning at home as well as what he considers it’s easy for me to know which students are and remote instruction. While on campus, to be a lighter workload. struggling. All I need to do is look at their students will remain with the same group of For students who selected the Hybrid faces and see if they understand. This online people or “cohorts.” Some students may be model, a lack of social interaction appears to ‘Distance Learning’ experiment does not al- in the classroom in the morning and others be an important factor. Eighth grader Chris low me to pick-up the necessary feedback in the afternoon, or the cohorts may alter- Andres, who has already taken the initial from their faces. When all the cameras are nate school days. Meals will be made avail- LAUSD COVID test, chose Hybrid learning off, I can’t tell [if they’re understanding], and able on campus for those students who want “mostly since I miss the school and walking this is extremely frustrating.” them, and families can choose to opt into around and seeing my friends.” Online-Only at any time. When they are not Changes on Campus When campus does reopen, students will notice physical and procedural changes to school life. Paul Revere will implement the Three S Model, which includes screening, sanitizing, and social distancing. Daily, stu- dents and employees will be screened for fever and asked health-related questions to evaluate whether they may be experiencing COVID symptoms before entering the cam- pus. Hand sanitizing stations will be set up for student use, air filtrations systems will be upgraded in classrooms, and classroom sur- While the Paul Revere campus remains on lockdown until citywide COVID rates decrease, faces will regularly be disinfected. Reorga- LAUSD has outlined two learning paths for once schools do reopen. Photos: Nico Troedsson nized classrooms and one-way hallways will help ensure socially distancing. Addition- LAUSD Plans for Reopening ally, all drinking fountains will be covered on campus, students will continue to learn re- to prevent their use, and restroom stalls and In October, the district launched its motely. According to Mr. Iannucci, “No more urinals will be reduced to ensure distance be- COVID-19 testing program, making free than 15 students will be in a classroom, but tween people. Students will no longer access nasal swab tests available to all families. it has not been decided what student sched- lockers and they will have a staggered lunch The goal of the program is to understand the ules will look like or if students will change schedule so that they can eat in grade appro- number of positive cases in the community teachers.” Regardless, anyone entering the priate areas outdoors. so that the school district can make a decision campus will need to have a negative COVID Campus will reopen only if and when on when it’s safe to reopen schools. The most test result. LAUSD has the go-ahead from public health recent data from the LA Unified COVID-19 Still, LAUSD expects “a large number officials. Unfortunately, coronavirus cas- Dashboard, which Superintendent Beutner of our students” to select the Online-Only es are continuing to surge as we enter the shares regularly on his Twitter account (@ option, according to Director of School Ser- colder winter months. A new stay-at-home AustinLASchools), shows that out of rough- vices Michael Romero. That may be the case order and tighter restrictions for Los Ange- ly 235,000 tests given, 4,618 have come back for Revere’s Patriots who describe a variety les has meant that there can no longer be positive. That’s 1.96% positivity. of reasons for continuing with online learn- anyone physically present on campus. Mr. ing. Seventh grader Emma Zarutsky selected Though LAUSD would like to see that Iannucci contacted Revere families to an- the remote learning option because she be- number go down first, it has designed a pro- nounce that effective Dec. 10, all on-campus lieves it’s safer. She explains, “With Hybrid gram to get kids back into the classroom as programs would be terminated, including soon as it’s safe to do so. learning, some people might get COVID right after they take the test, so they might childcare, athletics, in-person tutoring, and spread it. Schools shouldn’t reopen until ev- all in-person services for Special Education. Two Learning Paths Available eryone is vaccinated. For now, I’m nervous All teachers and staff currently working at about being on campus physically.” school have also been asked to stay at home. As part of LAUSD’s plan, families can Eighth-grader Alexi Baski, who also opt- These changes will remain in effect until at choose between two different learning paths: ed for the Online-Only model, worries about least the next school semester. hybrid or distance learning. The district has the Hybrid’s schedule. “It just seems far too While LAUSD has worked hard to be able sent out emails, encouraging families to inconvenient to have to pretty much live two to serve its students on campus, the surging make the selection that is right for them. For lives at once, I’m already overwhelmed with COVID rates throughout the city has made families who do not feel comfortable sending all the different times and places I have to the safe reopening of schools impossible for their children back to school, the choice to turn assignments in, so in my opinion there’s now. It has not been determined when stu- continue with distance learning is available. no reason to be anymore stressed.” dents will be allowed to learn on campuses In this format, students will continue to learn eventh-grader Grant Coelen says he’ll be again, but when COVID cases drop, LAUSD remotely, with a mix of live instruction and “sticking with online learning not because of already has a detailed and well thought-out independent work assignments. Those stu- safety purposes but because “I enjoy learn- plan in place. December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 6

The Town Crier asked Revere Patriots “What I miss most about school are adven- “The thing I miss most about school is what aspects of on-campus school they turous problems. Usually, problems aren’t seeing the animals at the farm. Hopefully we miss the most after nearly nine months of something that people miss, but the kind of can get back as soon as possible, so I can see being quarantined. Here are just a few of problems I like is when something happens them.” — Andrew Tarica, 7th Grade their answers: or a friend forgot to do something and the entire friend group works together to fix it. “What I miss the most about school is the “I definitely miss the face to face interaction, We all care about each other and work to- overall social interaction. I miss being in with teachers, students; everyone. I even gether even if only one person is benefiting.” class, talking to teachers and peers, and miss that awkward moment when a parent — Misha Keyvanfar, 7th Grade hanging out with my friends.” recognizes you but you have no idea who — Isabel Bierner, 7th Grade they are. The best part about going to “What I miss a larger school is most about school the ability to never is seeing people run out of people to in person where make friends with. you don’t have to Without physically be on mute, you being on campus, can see everyone it’s hard to have fully and not just that experience.” their upper body, — Lily Williamson, and can social- 8th Grade ly interact with other students “The thing I miss without being in a most about school breakout room. I is being social and miss being able to making friends. get to know others When we were in because Zoom not school it was super only limits some- fun when we got to one’s physical do group projects, appearance but it sit with friends at also limits what lunch, and just talk you can learn with people when about a person.” we were in a bad — Brooke Santos, mood. But due to 7th Grade online learning, it is extremely “The thing I miss difficult to get the most about friends’ phone school is seeing numbers, talk with my friends and the teacher about Roughly nine months since the quarantine started, Paul Revere Patriots reminisce over what aspects teachers. The grades, or talking and activities they miss most about on-campus school. Photos: Paul Revere Graphics: Nico Troedsson main thing I miss with friends.” is human contact — Erika Tontti, 7th Grade “What I miss most? Human interaction. and just being able to talk to them face to Seeing friends twice a week isn’t the same face. Before the pandemic we were able to “The first few weeks we switched to Zoom as seeing hundreds of kids and goofing go to school and my mom would have to and left school, I really didn’t miss anything around in class everyday.” drive me and I would go to my locker and about school. I was happy that I didn’t have — Katie Jeffers, 7th Grade talk to my friends. Now we have to wake up, to wake up at 7:00 am in the morning and sit go to our devices, and click a link. So the in those uncomfortable metal chairs. Now, I miss everything. I miss seeing my friends, “I really miss seeing people every day. I main thing I miss is just being able to talk to even the people I wasn’t necessarily close am an only child and I often feel lonely just people in person and not through screens.” with! I miss physically seeing my teacher’s sitting in my room all day, staring at a com- — Andy Viliani, 7th Grade faces, running in the field, and eating lunch puter screen. In my opinion a lot of things with all my peers.” are better in person.” “I miss seeing friends, making friends, over- hearing random conversations in the hall, — Noah Houriani, 7th Grade — Sunny Lehrhoff, 7th Grade things like that.” — James Ball, 8th Grade “I miss social activities. I had a lot of friends “The thing that I miss the most about school from school and Paul Revere provided a is seeing my friends every day because I “I miss seeing my teachers and visiting place for me to hang out with them but am stuck at home. Something else I really because I live far away from most of them miss is taking a lot of pride in decorating my Mr. Agcaoili and Mrs. Barbieri at nutrition quarantine has stopped me from seeing locker and being creative.” and at lunch.” them.” — Hudson Ramberg, 7th Grade — Sofija Milic, 7th Grade —Harper Given, 7th Grade December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 7 “One thing I miss a lot about school other “I miss having the stimulation you get when “I really miss seeing everyone and not being than seeing my friends is going to my locker going to school everyday. For me I also miss locked in my house for what seems like or walking to class because even though having a routine of waking up, getting ready, forever.” being at home all day is nice, it gets boring, driving to school and being able to see your — Anthony Morales Ruiz, 7th Grade and at school things are always happening.” friends, classmates and teachers.” — Jaden Mehrdad, 7th Grade — Sophia Smeeton, 7th Grade “Last December I went to the mall with my friends. We bought the same outfit. It makes “I miss being around my friends and playing “I really miss my friends and being able to me sad we can’t do things like that anymore. football on the yard during lunch. I also miss play with them at lunch. I also miss being Now we can only call or text each other.” passing period because I got some alone in class in person. It is a lot easier than — Ruby Ruano, 7th Grade time walking to my classes.” distanced learning and I hope we can get the — Christopher Goodman, 7th Grade virus under control and go back soon.” “What I miss most about school is people in — Ethan Heiden, 7th Grade person especially because I am new and it’s “One of the things I miss about school is hard to make friends.” the Snack Shack. They always have the best “The thing I miss most about school is defi- — Ava Morrison, 7th Grade snacks that I wouldn’t be able to get when nitely socializing. I miss being surrounded I’m at my home.” by my friends and hanging out with them. “The thing I miss most is hanging out with — Grant Coelen, 7th Grade I miss conversing face to face with my my friends after school on campus. We friends, classmates, and even the teachers, usually do our homework together then, but “Whenever it rains now, it reminds me of and having “real life” interactions.” now we’re limited to texting and calls.” walking through the crowded hallways with — Gili Egri, 7th Grade — Mila Balar, 7th Grade my friends between classes. The feeling of being closely clustered together now seems “What I miss the most is social interaction. “What I miss most about school is interact- If you needed help with homework or had a particularly comforting.” ing with classmates, friends, and teachers. I — Avery Zemlak, 8th Grade question, it was easier to get the teacher’s also feel that I’m more productive, and learn attention. Also, I could talk more with my better at school rather than at home.” friends and it was easier to stay focused.” “What I miss most about school is interact- — Brandon Bendel, 7th Grade ing with other students, teachers, and friends — Sofia Aldana, 7th Grade which was a great thing to do when at regu- lar school. The interactions that students had at school allowed people to talk about things that you can’t do when you are cooped up in your home. And lastly, it let people learn more about other people and even make some friends that you can talk to outside of school too.” — Morgan Kelly, 7th Grade

“What I miss most about school is the quiet classroom setting. At home there are more distractions, so it can be hard to focus on class. However, at school I found it easier to stay engaged with what my teacher was teaching in class.” — Samantha Torres, 7th Grade

“I miss seeing all my friends gathered at my locker or in the class. I also miss seeing my teachers actually teaching us in class and giving us one on one attention.” — Eli Konecke, 7th Grade

“What I miss most is being in a fun and comfortable environment with my teachers and friends, and seeing people in person.” — Yonathan Feldman, 7th Grade

“The thing that I miss most about school is going to lunch and seeing my friends. Normally at school, I go down to the lunch tables and meet my friends and we joke around and laugh together. I miss that because during quarantine, we can’t see our friends very much and we only play online Patriots Ruby Ruano, Layah Belay-Simmons, Ruby Recinos and Emely Toledo (left to right) now.” — Tyler Harper, 7th Grade miss the social interactions they were able to have before the lockdown. Group Selfie: Ruby Ruano ,

December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 8 Remote Remote Learning By ARIK KRAFT With school online, Patriots like the six on this page are now able to travel to faraway places while still going to school each day.

Seventh-grader Ingrid Knap went to Norway before winter break. She’s gone on many hikes and has gone skiing there. There is a nine hour time difference there so school starts at 6 p.m and ends at 11:15 p.m. In the photo Ingrid is starting a campfire near her cabin.

Sixth-grader Talma Daube and Eitan Daube, her eighth-grader brother, went to Yosemite and went on many hikes with their family. They stayed in a cabin and did their school from there.

Seventh-grader Makinzi Gregory is in Dubai. Since things aren’t as shut down there, she’s gone to amusement parks. With the twelve-hour time difference, she starts school at 9 p.m. and ends at 2:15 a.m. In the photo, Makinzi stands in front of the Burj Khalifa which is the tallest building in the world. Eighth-grader Hayley Hewitt (holding sign) went to Michigan in early October. She stayed at her grandparents’ house and set up a temporary workspace in the guest room. School started at noon and ended at 5:15 p.m. so she did most of her work before school. She also went apple picking and visited a pumpkin patch.

Eighth-grader Nikhil Bhasin went to Florida on a plane. He took a COVID test to be safe. He stayed at his grandparents’ house while they weren’t there. He used his iPad to go to class with a three-hour time difference. December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 9

Eighth-grader Marley Woods and her friends gather in her backyard for a pre-Thanksgiving celebration called “Friendsgiving 2020.”

NewNew WaysWays toto CelebrateCelebrate OldOld TraditionsTraditions Friends and family still come or friends due to health conditions, even a my house and cooked a big Thanksgiving warm letter or card can lift someone’s spirits. dinner. It was delicious! We went around the first, especially now when it’s On the Friday before Revere left for the table sharing what we are thankful for. All harder to come together. week-long Thanksgiving break, the student though I was not able to see any of my ex- council sponsored a virtual event called tended family this Thanksgiving it was still “Operation Gratitude.” Student Body Pres- an amazing holiday spent with dear friends. By NOAH HOURIANI ident Hailey Sugarman kicked things off The most important thing is that I was able Amidst the chaos of 2020 the world has by encouraging the Zoom audience to write to keep my family and myself safe during arrived at the special time of year known for heartfelt letters to members of the military this scary time.” Seventh-grader Elianna holiday celebrations bringing warmth and joy and first responders. Seventh-grader Lilly Aschinger went above and beyond just to into everybody’s homes. So this year, the di- Browning then led students and teachers in be with her family during this tough time. lemma is how to continue all the annual tradi- making hand turkeys the old-fashioned way. “Something special I did on Thanksgiving tions under current circumstances. Hugs have Small gestures like this can lighten up some- was that I flew over to Chicago to reunite been replaced with elbow bumps and smiles one’s day in a big way. with my family. I think COVID-19 has made with masks. The living rooms that were once Seventh-grader Kathryn Waterbury is an- us more thankful for family and friends be- filled with glowing faces enjoying festivities other Patriot who has adjusted to her novel cause ever since the pandemic has started, by the fire are now cold and empty. Whether experience this year. “I spent Thanksgiving they seem further away than ever.” it’s Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, or Christmas, with my friend, my mom and my friend’s Hanukkah caught many by surprise, arriv- people have put their imagination to the test family,” she said. “We all came together at ing in early December. People have come up to bring their families together while also staying within CDC guidelines. On Thanksgiving, people are always thank- ful for family and health. No one would have ever thought that on Thanksgiving 2020 the world would be yearning for a chance to cel- ebrate with family. Now, many people have said they regret taking family for granted in years past and cherish each and every single moment spent with them. In homes around the world, everyone is working hard to recon- nect with family and friends in creative ways. For eighth-grader Marley Woods and ten of her closest friends, this meant gathering in her backyard for a very early pre-Thanksgiv- ing get-together for an event that they called “Friendsgiving 2020.” Marley is just one example of how the 2020 pandemic is not stopping friends and family from continuing the Thanksgiving tra- dition but with a twist. For those who can’t be with huge groups of older family members The Houriani family and friends gather around their big table for a delicious Thanksgiving feast. December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 10

Hailey Sugarman (left) and Lilly Browning with many ways to make this holiday the best Some people have made plans to just get and glamorous candles bring warmth and experience that can be. Seventh-grader Noah away from the pandemic and restrictions. joy into many Paul Revere family’s homes Houriani presents some insightful thoughts. Seventh-grader Oren Davidi is really looking as they light the menorah this holiday sea- “Over time, we have learned how to incorpo- forward to Hanukkah celebrations in a new son. Seventh-grader Hannah Altman puts her rate safe COVID-19 procedures with family environment. “I also might go to the snow family’s menorah on the kitchen island and traditions, and that is what we are doing right mountains and/or a vacation place where we usually lights it after dinner. Hannah won a now. COVID-19 hasn’t just put our healthy can relax and forget about all of the stressful Menorah making contest with her religious habits to the test, but also how we overcome things everybody has to deal with in this pan- school, using everyday items she had at home these challenges during the pandemic and demic.” Just a little break from the pandemic to make a beautiful creative menorah. “I used use our imaginations to make this experience can lift your spirits and show you the light recycled cans and bottles and connected ev- better than ever.” at the end of the tunnel. The eight glowing erything with hot glue.” Hannah Altman has inspired many people in the Jewish and Paul Revere community to let their creativity and Hannah Altman lights her imagination light the way. Just a fun and sim- award-winning menorah on ple thought can lighten up a day. the first night of Hanukkah. Seventh-grader Gili Egri has also come up with ideas to incorporate in her family’s Hanukkah celebration and explains the one thing that matters during the holidays. “To make the upcoming holidays special my family and I are planning on hanging out as a family. We plan on watching movies to- gether, baking treats, and giving presents for Hanukkah. The upcoming holidays are going to be special and different with more time to hang out as a family and connect. Just be- cause there is a pandemic it doesn’t mean the holidays can’t be a special time of the year where you get to hang out with those people who truly love and care for you.” Other people have been thinking outside the box and are taking into account the ben- efits of virtually celebrating Hanukkah. Sev- enth-grader Asher Cohen plans on spending the rest of Hanukkah with his family on Zoom. Although some people have to put their family’s health before the holidays, thanks to Zoom, families everywhere around the world are celebrating this holiday but through a different platform. The holidays have highlighted the impor- tance of spending time with family. People think that decorating and vacationing are what make the holidays special, but really for all we know, family is all we got, and this is what truly creates the holiday spirit. Seventh-grader Erika Tontti puts things into December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 11 perspective perfectly. “You don’t need to do something fancy and expensive to have a good holiday season. All you need is your family.” This also resonates with Conner Sulli- van as he shares his thoughts on the holidays during the pandemic. “I’m still going to an amazing place for the holidays with my fam- ily. It’s far away in San Diego and it’s in a ranch with many lands of open space. We’re going to eat and talk for hours about every- thing and in the end we’re all just going to forget we’re in a deadly pandemic.” When it comes to Christmas, many Patri- ots are determined to end the dreadful year of 2020 with a big bang. This means over- flowing amounts of decorations, a glistening and glittering Christmas tree that lights up the whole block, and mouth-watering meals ready to be devoured. Sophia Smeeton is an- Lyla Johnson other seventh-grader who is looking forward tries to find the to winter break. “My family is going to make perfect spot the holidays as special as possible so that to hang her hopefully we can end this terrible year on a old-fashioned high note,” she said. “My family will be at rocking horse home for the holidays but we will go all out ornament. with decorations and we will really get into the Christmas spirit.” For some people, carrying on the inher- night we put the lights on first and then the also going to bake for my family as a surprise ited family traditions is just the norm during ornaments that date all the way back to my for them.” Christmas. Seventh-grader Lyla Johnson’s parents’ childhood and even my grandpar- As a yearly tradition, many Paul Revere family went to a Christmas tree lot in the val- ents’. We are very old school. On Christmas families would attend church during the ley and picked up a seven-foot Douglas fir. night, we always read two books, ‘The Story holidays. Now due to the pandemic, many Lyla describes the excitement of the family of Christmas’ and ‘‘Twas the Night Before communities have no choice but to close the tradition that has been carried on from gener- Christmas.”’ In other families, just a simple churches. This year, Nyela Factor’s family ation to generation in her family. “On Sunday game night can be a big deal for a family who is disappointed because they cannot attend doesn’t get to spend that much time together. church the way they have in past years and Seventh-grader Sofija Milic and her family, is trying to come up with other plans to make for example, decided to make the best out of up for the non-church holidays. “Instead, their current situation and try to bond, con- this year we’re going to fly to my grandma’s nect, and strengthen their relationship. “My house in Texas and spend time with her and family was planning to do a little family din- our family.” ner and have a game night. In a way, I am So, families across the country, especially happy that we are doing just a little family in the Paul Revere community have come up night because my parents are always work- with very creative and original ideas to con- ing and we never really have a lot of time to tinue on the yearly traditions of the holidays spend together, having fun.” while also staying within CDC health guide- Besides the games and Christmas dec- lines. Although the 2020 pandemic has many orations, some students have found cooking restrictions and limits on what we can do to be a very fun, imaginative, and interactive during the holidays, Patriots are understand- experience to also give back to the commu- ing that the most important thing during the nity. Seventh-grader Connor Petoyan let his holiday season is family. Seventh-grader Liv creativity and desires take over, while prepar- Shilstat put this into words perfectly. “Even ing to bake holiday sweets. “Some things I though it won’t be as big as usual, it doesn’t am doing to make the holidays fun is bak- matter as long as you’re with loved ones.” ing. I am baking holiday themed treats like Perhaps no one in the Paul Revere com- cake, muffins, pastries, and cookies.” On the munity is as ready for winter break to come Samantha Torres other hand, people like Isabella Thorn Perez as Mr. Iannucci. In a message to the faculty hangs a Filipino haven’t just been thinking of themselves, but and staff, Revere’s principal wrote, “I want to Christmas parol rather her friends and family. Isabella is go- reach out to you and say thank you for con- on her front door. ing to make delicious meals and is anxiously tinuing to do such an outstanding job. This She made this counting the days till she can see the sur- has been a difficult year for all involved, star-shaped prised and thankful faces of her family and teachers, parents and students. The break lantern herself. friends. “I’m going to bake and cook for my comes at the perfect time. Use it to rest, relax friends and leave the food by their doors, I’m and recharge.” December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 12

Treasurer Vice President

Historian

President

Advisor

What’s New With the Council Crew? Mr. Bilek and his leadership There was time to play two rounds of the This Among Us Zoom is just one of many game. In the first round the crew mates had events the recently-elected student council team are powering through a victory because they voted out Mr. Slavin has planned for Patriots this year, all adjust- the pandemic with ambitions who was the ‘impostor’ and Mr. Bilek who ing to the pandemic. Mr. Bilek and the leader- was kicked out from the meeting due to a ship students already have under their belts a plans for a successful year. technical glitch. In the second round, Ms. series of other events that were big hits. By NURAH ABOKAR Daley won because she was able to kill the “Our concerts have definitely been the- most crewmates without being voted out. Af- greatest hits this year,” said leadership advi- Excited chants were heard from teachers terward, she was overjoyed. “I became the sor Mr. Bilek. “Emily Vu and Andy Schmidt as they entered the Zoom on Wednesday, impostor and all of a sudden I had this pow- brought out many Patriots to the shows and Dec. 16. They were assembling there to play er!” she exclaimed. we are excited to host more.” Leadership Among Us, the popular game that has also found new ways to continue has taken the world—and Revere— much-loved Revere traditions, transi- by storm. The event, coming on the tioning normally in-person fundrais- heels of Spirit Week only days earli- ers online. er, was sponsored by Revere’s lead- According to student council pres- ership class and was more proof that ident Hailey Sugarman, “Mental even a global pandemic is not going health has been a big topic in our to slow down their plans for a pro- school this year and we have been ductive and memorable school year. trying to maximize support and As eight teachers gathered in Zoom raise awareness.” Red Ribbon Week to battle it out, Mr. Bilek shared the brought many Patriots together and code with each of the teachers, who showed that Revere is supportive of then joined the game. Mr. Badgett people going through tough times, es- shared the screen, and the over 200 pecially during the isolation and pain Patriots who tuned in were able to caused by this pandemic. watch their teachers navigate their This year has been a rough one way through completing tasks and for many, but with outside-of-the-box identifying the “impostor.” thinking, the council crew continues Mr. Bilek also created polls for to find ways to bring students togeth- the students who attended the meet- er, while allowing everyone to stay at ing, so they could vote for who they home. Indeed, before everyone left thought the impostor was. This gave for fifth period, Mr. Bilek told the the teachers an idea of who to vote Zoom audience, “Next semester, look for in the voting round. Many of for chances to join us and play with these teachers had already had expe- us now that we actually know what rience playing the game and showed we’re doing and we’re no longer run- the others the ropes. ning into walls.” December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 13 Revere Revs Up Remotely Spirit Week brings four days of fun and clever camaraderie to a school community stuck at home. By SHANE MASTERSON Spirit Week has been a hit at Revere every year it’s been around, and even though every- one is doing things differently for this year, Patriots came together to make Spirit Week as special as ever. Starting on Monday, Dec. 7, Patriots dressed their hair up, brought their pets to class, “sported” their favorite team’s apparel, and even twinned their outfits and accessories with their fellow students. With the virtual setting that school is taking place in, students and teachers alike had to adjust activities accordingly, as well as rules. Seventh-grade representa- tive Sage Denham underscored this last point, saying, “We didn’t want to break the dress code. So all of us in leadership thought of the days the school did in CRAZY HAIR DAY kicked off Spirit Week with Talia Moore and Mr. Bilek showing off their crazy hairdos. previous years and then chose four days where that would’t be The week kicked off with the opposite! Mr. Slavin, for in- be a common trend with teachers, a problem. And we wanted to Crazy Hair Day, so that quote stance, wore a white wig and a with Mr. Amos wearing a red one. make sure kids had permission by Sage applies here. But stay- stylish headband. “It was 1,000 Other teachers took a more… di- from their teacher before doing ing distraction-free doesn’t mean degrees in this wig!” he ex- rect approach. Sixth-grade teach- anything too distracting.” anything’s called off — quite claimed in chat. Wigs seemed to er and leadership adviser Mr. Bilek dyed his hair pink, and Mr. Kirby wore pigtails. Pet and Stuffed Animal Day came on Tuesday, where Patriots were encouraged to take their stuffed animals or pets into class. This day is a special one, because it’s not something Re- vere would be able to do nor- mally, so the online setting helps out. Seventh-grade teacher Ms. Stewart brought her dog Bella to her Zoom class — and Bella was wearing a pink bow, just raising the cuteness factor even higher. Mr. Schepps’ cat also attended class, but clearly didn’t want to be there; his eyes were bulging out and he was struggling to be put down. Ms. Johnston doesn’t have a live pet, so she brought a Pokèmon stuffed animal to cel- ebrate the day. Mr. Slavin does have a real pet… but he was too scared to hold his cat, Gucci. PET & STUFFED ANIMAL DAY was enjoyed by Zion Silver, Ms. Stewart, Ms. Johnston and Natalia Pulice. Maybe the wig from Monday had December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 14

his baby would throw up on it. Mr. Badger also wore a baseball jersey and hat, showing off his Dodger pride (bet Mr. Iannucci liked that!) Seventh-grader Luca Rosenmayr wore a red shirt for Red Bull’s associated teams, but namely its N.Y. soccer team. Thursday marked the final day of Spirit Week, and this time Matching Day was the theme. Some teachers went all out for this one — eighth-grade teachers Ms. Yang, Ms. Ernst, Ms. Lee and Ms. Wooler had matching classes, with every student be- ing asked to wear blue. Mr. Roig got in the tropical spirit, with his seventh-grade advisory wearing sunglasses and Hawaiian shirts. Some students matched with their friends, with seventh-grad- ers Jude De Pastino, Viola Browne and Gaby Bartle wear- SPORTS DAY gave Patriots like Maya Wynn and Mr. Liberatori a chance to root for their favorite teams. ing matching black hoodies. And pop culture made an appearance, something to do with the animal’s the fun with her hamster and two sure enough, it did just that on the with Mr. Slavin’s second adviso- attitude… Students also joined in cats. Zoom class.” ry dressing up in rainbow clothes on the fun, with seventh-grad- P.E. classes that being held at That dog’s athletic prowess as characters from the hit game er Jude De Pastino bringing his the grassy area by Santa Monica helped set the stage for Wednes- “Among Us.” dogs Pepper and Buddy onto the Beach were joined by someone day, where Patriots celebrated Spirit Week, as with every- screen. Sixth-grader Mabel Lowe walking their dog in the back- Sports Day by showing off thing else this year, was handled brought her dog Jackson, and Oli ground. Emma Shayestehfar said, their favorite teams by wearing differently than usual. But the Albores brought his dog Loulou. “Mr. Foxson asked the woman clothes associated with them. leadership team made sure stu- Other students brought more ex- about the dog and she said it was Ms. Palcan is a Rams fan and dents and teachers alike were otic pets, with seventh-grader Taiwanese. She added that the wore a corresponding jersey, and able to have tons of fun, even in Cesar Romero bringing his parrot dog is really strong and can climb Mr. Liberatori showed his love of this virtual landscape — some- to class. A fellow seventh-grader, trees. Mr. Foxson asked her if she the Braves with a Braves hat — thing not seen too often with on- Amelia Santos, also joined in on could have the dog prove it and, not a jersey, though, out of fear line school these days.

MATCHING DAY gave Mr. Slavin and his advisory class a chance to dress up in rainbow clothes as characters from the hit game “Among Us.” December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 15 SPEAKERS SHARE INSIGHTS ABOUT THEIR CAREERS By ISABELLA JONES About once a month, Revere invites people with interesting jobs to come speak to students about their experiences and to give everyone a sense of what it’d be like to be in their profes- sion. They hope that later in life David Javelosa: PROFESSOR Anna Scotti: AUTHOR Dr. Carrie Loewen: DENTIST students can decide which type Fist 2 and Milos Astro Lane. He novels using storyboards ideas job. She has been doing this job of job fits them best. ​​The “Roads has been creating games since quotes. Anna said she loves her for about 10 years. She says after to Your Future” program comes about 1995 and he said he loves job and has always enjoyed writ- such a long time blood doesn’t out of a partnership with the Pal- what he does. ing. Ms. Scotti is also a middle gross her out and that when isades Optimist Club. Zooming into Revere on Oct. school English teacher at an in- you’re taking someone’s teeth The first speaker this year 27 was Anna Scotti, who talked ternational school in Burbank. out you’re not even thinking was Professor Javelosa, an inter- about her journey as a poet and She hopes her short stories in- about the blood you just want to active media professor. On Sept. author. One of her more recent spire her students. help the person. As a dentist she 29 he talked about the games he books, Big and Bad, is about The third speaker, Dr. Carrie says that it pays a nice amount of created and his very creative job a California teen with a tough Loewen, spoke to Patriots over money too. which includes lots of thinking childhood. She talked about Zoom on Dec. 8. She told stu- “I am very appreciative to and patience, but is also a lot her experience writing an ac- dents to “do something you love the guest speakers we have had of fun. He gets to reach into his tion-packed emotional novel because then it won’t feel like this year,” said Ms. Makhani, child side but uses his brain to and how she manages to do such work.” She talked about how the teacher who supervises each code and structure games such as a demanding job. Writers don’t she loves helping people as a event​. “We are hoping to contin- NHL All Star Hockey, Armored just write; they have to construct dentist and how it is her dream ue the program next semester.” Mr. Weggler Says Goodbye Beloved special-education teacher moves on after over 20 years.

By AMANDA WEXLER Then Mr. Weggler said he was go- Mr. John Weggler has been a special education teacher for ing to get emotional and remarked, 33 years (including over 20 at Revere) and he is retiring at the “I look out at all the faces here on end of this semester to join his family who moved Zoom and I think I have been out of state after his wife got a great job outside in just about every one of California. your classrooms. You’ve At a faculty meeting on Dec. 3, Mr. Ian- had some exceptional stu- nucci said that Mr. Weggler is “a devoted dents and we’ve had some family man who wants to spend more time interesting talks and I’ve learned a lot about with his family now that they’ve relocated teaching and a lot about life just from work- to Atlanta. And family means everything ing with all of you. so it all makes sense.” “I’ll miss the students most of all,” he Mr. Iannucci added, “Up until this year Mr. Weggler continued. “I won’t miss the paperwork. we had this amazing program on our cam- with his The biggest regret I have is that my own kids pus that John and the late Deena Booth daughter, didn’t make it all the way through Revere, created that supported families like no oth- Quinn. but my daughter did get to be in Mr. Alpert’s er school did. Through his leadership and class and Mr. Hernandez’s class and she had a hard work, the students on our great year with them and she still talks about how campus that he worked with they taught her how to write and how to do math. were allowed to grow in the But you’re all really great teachers and I’m really go- three years they were here. With- ing to miss all of you.” out John, so many young people who Mr. Slavin, seen above sharing a St. Patrick’s Day toast with are now young adults would not have Mr. Weggler, said he is truly going to miss his colleague. “Mr. been nearly as successful in life with- Weggler has been a tireless and compassionate advocate for his out that program. We deeply miss that students and a colleague I’ve collaborated with a lot. He has also program and we will deeply miss you been a friend. I’m going to miss seeing him around, especially On strike in and I wish you nothing but love and since he’s leaving Mr. Fulling and me as the only Red Sox fans Jan. 2019 success in your new adventure in life.” on campus!” December 18, 2020 Paul Revere Middle School 16 Opinion Cheating : the new pandemic Unethical Behaviors Run Rampant in Online School

Since teachers cannot be physically pres- ever show their face to hide that they’re that they will refuse to practice unethical ent to oversee online test-taking, cheating is cheating. At the same time, students who are behavior like cheating, and they will report on the rise. Cheating includes any activity cheating aren’t exactly doing themselves a anyone who does. Honor codes lower the from sharing test information with other stu- favor. Since they’re not learning the material, risk of cheating in the categories of plagia- dents to looking up answers online. Increas- when they move to a more advanced course, rism, unauthorized crib notes, and more. ingly, students have engaged in some form they will lack mastery of the material. Oftentimes, students who cheat have been of cheating over the course of the pandemic. Despite the belief that monitoring cheating pressured by their peers or persuaded into Many students believe that quickly asking online is difficult, a very simple solution ex- doing it. A message pops up on a student’s a friend for help on a test question is not ists. As stated in the New York Times article phone and it is their friend asking them nearly as unethical to share a few as checking their answers because answer online. they took the test There is a good earlier. Many reason why the kids our age teacher does not find it hard to leave the room for decline “helping” the entirety of the a friend because class when there is we are in middle a test. Teachers are school and im- there to moni- mature decisions tor students for can be made potential cheating. when under pres- However when a sure or stress. test is given online, The student there is nothing a being messaged teacher can do to will most likely stop students from agree to help be- calling their friends cause they don’t or simply looking want to have any up the answer on conflicts with their computer. their friend. With In the New York students having Times article, As an Instructor, How Do I only three class periods excluding advisory, Deal With Cheating in The Age of Zoom? one group of students will take a test for a ethicist Kwame Anthony Applah writes, The worst aspect of remote certain subject before another group. This “You have duties arising from your relation- allows a gap of time where students can be ship with your teachers and your fellow stu- learning is that teachers peer pressured into giving answers or the dents. It is a betrayal of the teachers’ trust if cannot control cheating. questions away to the second group. you try to pass off the work of others as your Although honor codes do have a positive own or misrepresent your level of compre- impact on cheating, realistically, we are hension. It’s disrespectful to your teachers, How Dishonest Are Students? “Donald Mc- halfway through the school year. It’s unlikely and of course, it’s unfair to your fellow Cabe at Rutgers Business School and Linda that we will implement an honor system any students who have kept to the rules, given Trevino at the Smeal College of Business time soon at Paul Revere. Sadly, cheating that your work may be ranked higher than at Penn State found a 23% rate of helping is an issue that isn’t getting much attention it ought to be.” Students who do not cheat someone with answers on a test without an from the school district due to more urgent are in a difficult position compared to the honor code, versus only 11% at school with concerns. While many students may not be ones who have chosen to break the rules. An an honor code.” An honor code requires cheating, it’s fair to assume that a decent honest student who always participates and nothing more than a signature from each proportion of online students will have much keeps their camera on can get a lower grade student that confirms they will approach their different grades once the pandemic is over. than the always-muted student who doesn’t education throughout the year with integrity, — Michael Williamson December 18, 2020 Paul Revere Middle School 17

The Town Crier asked Patriots whether running on the quiz material, giving you cheating has become a bigger the answers. But overall, it is easier to problem since school has gone cheat depending on what is considered online. Here are just a few of cheating.” their answers: —Gavin Rhoads, 7th Grade

“Cheating through Zoom is “I haven’t seen anyone cheat on an unstoppable problem, Zoom, but I imagine that a lot since teachers can’t stop of kids are using their phones in anyone from doing anything class, searching up answers.” through a computer, even —Alisa Martynova, 7th Grade if their camera is on. However, cheating will hurt “Cheating is a huge issue the student more than the on Zoom. This is due to the teacher even if they aren’t fact that students are able to punished, since when high Facetime or text when doing school comes around, they tests. Students can turn off their won’t remember what was screens on tests, making it easier to taught in middle school.” get away with cheating. This is not —Parsa Imankhan, 8th Grade fair to the students who actually put work into their assignments. If people “I think cheating is inevitable, so keep passing tests by cheating, students the only way around it is to embrace will start to think that cheating is the easiest it. You can design a test so that you can’t and only way to get good grades and they’ll look up the answer. A good workaround to continue cheating.” the Facetime issue is to make a test with —Nurah Abokar, 7th Grade many different questions, but only a few of them are randomly selected to be on each “I think we can trust a lot of students but “Cheating through Zoom is a big problem test.” —James Ball, 8th Grade not all of them. Some kids are not learning because the teachers can’t see what’s really anything and just search up answers.” behind your screen and it’s up to you to “Well, based on my observations, cheating is —Ashton Adibi, 7th Grade have self-control not to cheat. Most people not good in any situation. If kids bring their think of Zoom as a whole different world laptop during a test and look at the answers, than regular school, which is true, but that shame on you. Because that’s just saying “I have seen people on calls with friends instead of participating in Zoom a few times. doesn’t mean we have other privileges like that you don’t know the answer. So one kid cheating. It’s our responsibility to tell the studies so much during the week that he can In my observation, it’s always the same people talking to each other, and I’ve heard truth and not cheat, that is what makes you a barely stay awake and then a random kid true student.” —Noah Houriani, 7th Grade who didn’t study comes along and cheats on them getting called out by the teachers.” —Isabella Thorn Perez, 7th Grade the quiz, which gives him an automatic A+. I “I haven’t seen cheating in any of my classes, don’t know about you but that’s wrong.” “Honestly it is a lot easier to cheat now but I have heard about it from other people. —Conner Sullivan, 7th Grade With school now virtual, students can turn that I think of it. But for English class is it their videos off and mute themselves. They “I don’t think cheating is a huge problem. even possible to cheat? I don’t know. It is can call, Facetime or text their friends for Although some kids do cheat by talking probably for math and science and maybe answers without getting caught by the with their friends on Facetime, that’s not all history because you can have a video teacher.”—Tamara Gear, 7th Grade that bad. It might actually help kids learn to cooperate in a group and work together, which is also a good skill.” —Sammy Dunn, 7th Grade If Revere had an honor “I know a lot of kids who cheat on their code, where kids pledged homework but not the test. I also know some kids are also using study guides, notes, not to cheat and to report calculators, or textbooks while doing tests.” on the kids who did, —Alexa Farahmand, 7th Grade do you believe it would “Based on my observations, cheating is a reduce the amount of bigger problem on Zoom. Kids can easily go to another tab. However, I don’t think there cheating? is as much cheating as others think there is. I think teachers should be allowed to make Based on a poll conducted the week of Dec. 7-11 of 120 Patriots from all three grades. kids have cameras on during tests, but they Graphics: Google Forms. should also trust their students.” —Asher Cohen, 7th Grade December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Opinion Paul Revere Middle School 18 TALKING HEADS Should outdoor dining be allowed in L.A.? Because the COVID cases in LA are rising, the city shut down all outdoor dining. As seen below, some people think that it is wrong, and others agree that people shouldn’t outdoor dine.

“I have a lot of mixed views about this. I think once cases go down, and if they do routine checks to make sure that the tables and chairs are socially dis- tant, then we can dine outdoors. I have walked by places where there weren’t precautions and it made me feel angry because the restaurants that did take precautions paid the price.” —Izzy Kocher, Grade 8 “I think there is a safe way to have outdoor dining but that doesn’t mean that all people will agree to do it. Since I’m from England, I know that when people opened everything, the people and the restaurants didn’t really care about COVID. I think it is the restaurant’s responsibility to make sure that people stay healthy so that their business can remain open.” —Christie Turner, Grade 6 “I don’t think they should allow outdoor dining, be- cause it takes up parking space for essential workers. Also, there is still a big risk even though it is outside. I really feel that you shouldn’t go outside to eat if you can buy ingredients and cook inside your own house.” —Layla Johenese, Grade 8 “During the pandemic, restaurants should not be opened due to the risk of infecting the food being served. With the pandemic rising in cases, it would TOWN CRIER POLL be a major setback if there were to be outdoor din- ing. The chefs and staff could infect the food with When should LAUSD schools re-open? their ‘dirty hands’ which could possibly be infected.” — Eli Konecke, Grade 7 In the spring semester, but only after everyone has received a COVID vaccine and been tested ...... 45% “No, because it is still unsafe to have people sit close together. Even if the air from the people inside can Not until the next school years begins in Aug. 2021...... 25% go outside, not all of it will. It will be smarter and safer to keep all dining shut down until the virus is Right away, but with masks and social distancing ...... 7% mostly gone.” —Hendrix Hughes, Grade 6 Other / Not Sure ...... 23% “Yes, I do believe they should open up outdoor Based on a Google Forms poll conducted during the dining because people are way less exposed week of Dec. 7-11, 2020 of 124 Patriots from all three grades. outdoors and they are at separate tables with their masks on unless they are eating. Restau- VOLUME 65, ISSUE 2 rants have also started using disposable plastic utensils so people are not using the same ones. —Mechal Green, Grade 7 Published by and for the students of “I don’t think the city should allow any social activity Paul Revere Charter Middle that will knowingly increase the spread of the virus School and Magnet Center because the more the virus spreads, the longer we’re 1450 W. Allenford Avenue out of school and sports and concerts and movies, Los Angeles, California 90049 etc. I would imagine that outdoor dining knowingly increases the spread of the virus, but I’m not an expert Editors: Hunter Hughes, Arik Kraft, on that. ” —Mr. Alpert, Grade 6 English/History Nico Troedsson, Amanda Wexler, Member of the National Lily Williamson, Avery Zemlak Interviews and layout by Giada Musumeci Scholastic Press Association Faculty Advisor: Mr. Wechsler December 18, 2020 Paul Revere Middle School 19 Entertainment

Sixth-grader Natalia Crystal sings “Ma’oz Tzur,” which she says “celebrates rising up against tyranny and the importance of freedom of religious expression.” ‘Together in Song and Spirit’ ated by yearbook students are Izzy Kocher, Evonne Brider and and a lot of work to record your- Choir and yearbook sandwiched in between songs. Finn Nance, kick off the vid- self singing a solo on video! It students collaborate The 6-minute video, edited by eo with introductions filmed on offered my students a chance to eighth-graders Brett Federman Zoom during advisory on Dec. 8. use their vocal skills and to show on a special holiday and Charlie Speiser, is being post- “It gave my Choir students a their school spirit. The result will concert presentation. ed on the Revere website. Four fun goal to reach for,” said Ms. be fun, inspiring and will serve to choir students, Layla Johnese, Cronin. “It takes great bravery boost school spirit and morale.” By SONNY MULNICK With COVID-19 spread across the globe and social dis- tancing enforced, the annual Re- vere holiday concerts were can- celled. But, Mrs. Cronin and her choir students decided that the show must go on! She arranged to work with year- book students on a special video presentation showcasing the tal- ents of her students. She offered everyone a chance to participate in an extra-credit assignment to sing in a video and send the clips to the yearbook students so they could put together a video collage Choir singers Zoom-sync their Top row: Jiwon Kim, Isabelle of all the submissions. All togeth- Kocher and Finuala Nance. er, there were about a dozen clips, voices for “Carol of the Bells”: One seems to hear Middle row: Dayna Daniele, with 19 students and one proud Layla Johnese and Darby father performing a mixture of Words of good cheer From ev’rywhere Rastegar. Last but not least: holiday tunes from their homes. Daniel Farasatpour. Short holiday-themed clips cre- Filling the air December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School 20

Sunny Lehrhoff sings Joni Mitchell’s melancholic classic “River.” Evonne Brider and her dad are joyfully “caroling through the night.”

Jules Uhry (left) and Annabelle Kapur do a “Winter Wonderland” duet. Celia Elisha (left) and Alexis Basaric-Potoker belt out “Last Christmas.”

Marley Mizban sings the classic “Feliz Navidad.” Emma Stajduhar performs “Happy Holidays.” Brianna Ortega sings about poor “Rudolph.”

Olivia Clark dances to “Winter Wonderland” in front of a roaring fire. Andrew Bramblett does vocals, guitar and keyboards on his original song. December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School 21 Mason Wiener Mr. Hyman, one of the organiz- ers of Revere’s Film Festival, shows off some metal to promote the upcoming event. Hallmark Movies Miss The Mark It’s December and you know what that means, everyone is getting ready for the holidays! Christmas lights are to be lite,reefs are to be hung, and Christmas trees are to be bought. But amidst all this light and joy is a darkness greater than all others, the Hallmark Channel. Although Hallmark cards have been around since 1910, the channel is some was founded in 2001. The Hallmark Channel is the opposite of the true meaning of Christmas (no mat- ter what they say in their movies) and is a corporation focused only on making mon- ey and not quality content. This Christmas, Hallmark has decided Film Fest to roll out a new group of “movies” as despicable as the Grinch himself. Their marketing strategy is to make movies targeting the nostalgia of moms nationwide Kicks Off by getting actors and actresses they like The 7th annual film festival is coming from shows or movies they used to watch up with trophies, gifts and prizes for and convincing the watchers to buy as winning entries. Submissions are due many of their sponsored products as Mar. 12 and the Film Festival will be possible. One such example is the recent Friday, Apr. 9, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. There Hallmark movie “If I Only Had Christ- will be six categories including Live mas.” Scheduled to repeat on Sunday, the Action, Documentary, P.S.A., Com- movie stars Candace Cameron Bure (Full mercial, Music Video and Animation. House) and has a plot that has been done Instructions on how to submit your en- so many times before this by Hallmark try can be found on the school website themselves that they have given up on get- where you can find the maximum run- ting new actors that haven’t been in their ning times for certain film categories. films before. In fact looking at all the Hall- A promotional video edited by former mark Christmas movies coming out this Revere parent Sue Fitzer was shown on year, their plot is almost the exact same. Wednesday, Dec. 16 to ignite interest in Also the fact that they are trying to do a the event. The video, which opens with kissing scene in the upcoming “Christmas the song “Bang!” by AJR and YouNo- Ever After” through a plexiglass makes tUs, shows excerpts from a number of no sense whatsoever. past award-winning films. The video Last year I was forced to watch one and more info is on the school website of their terrible Christmas movies and I paulreverems.com—click on the stu- walked out with fewer brain cells than I dents tab and click on Film Festival. had before. Yes, watching tv and movies Mr. Hyman, now in his seventh year that don’t stimulate your mind are scientifi- with the festival, said, “We’re hoping cally proven to cause a loss of brain cells. for a great event, maybe online or may- So, if you believe in the true meaning of be even in person. Revere’s filmmakers Christmas, then turn off your tv and spend can use the winter break to get started some time with your family, and then on their films.” —Sofia Aldana you can save Christmas just like Will Ferrell in an actually good Christmas movie. December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School 22 Kate Raymond presents one of her vignettes.

THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT National Writing Month prompts assignments that vary in length, writing style and guidelines. feel pressured to follow a specific outline. By LILY WILLIAMSON very passionate about writing, the most dif- ficult part was restricting my writing to only My book is about a missing man who has From paragraph-long pieces to short 100 words. However I was able to learn a lot a secret past. His non-binary fiancé, Kim, novels, students at Revere celebrated Nation- of new writing techniques and methods from struggles to uncover the truth behind his al Writing Month with many unique assign- all the stages of revisions we had to make.” disappearance, with the assistance his sister, ments in their English classes that displayed a Ms. Johnston’s approach to National Charlie, who is still grappling with the star- variety of techniques and writing styles. Writing Month was to have her eighth-grad- tling news. The answer to their questions is Ms. Moreno’s eighth-grade English ers generate their own stories, beginning where they wouldn’t dare to look.” class began their November assignments by with a “novel pitch,” which would be sent This November has proven how well reading a short story titled “The House on to her. From there, students began their sto- English teachers have adapted to the pan- Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. Zoom ry on a website called NaNoWrimo for the demic. They are still formulating creative discussions focused on the literary devices, challenge to write a 9,000-word novel in one assignments that challenge students to think figurative language and sensory images the month. Her young writers had to incorporate outside of the box. COVID may have slowed author incorporates in her narrative. Students dialogue, characters and an original plot. down many aspects of everyday life, but it were then asked to write a series of short Daniella Traum said she enjoyed this has not stopped Revere students from put- memoirs, or vignettes, connected to their own assignment. “It gave me the opportunity to ting pen to paper and writing assignments lives and present their stories to the class. build a story I imagined on my own account. that reflect their unique personalities and One writer in her class, Mia Mozenter, I was able to use my imagination and not imaginations. states, “It was a really fun assignment and taught us so much about different writing Mason Gabi Traum strategies.” holds shows off Mr. Schwartz’s seventh-grade classes up his the book had a tricky assignment. The students were 100-word cover for tasked with recalling a memory of an event story. her novel. in their life, ranging from happy to sad, and write a detailed story in around 100 words describing this event in great detail (sentence fluency, figurative language, etc.). Mason Wiener drew on a torturous ep- isode for his hundred words. “I decided to exaggerate a memory of myself in the wait- ing room of a doctor’s office with a fractured wrist, losing patience and sanity,” he said. “The sanity part was exaggerated to bring a more ominous and darker tone. Coming from the point of view of someone who is December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School 23

Mulan, a remake of a Disney favorite about The One and Only Ivan is a heartwarm- The Broken Hearts Gallery is a great a female warrior, could have been a much ing story of a gorilla named Ivan who lives movie because it is very lighthearted and fun better movie. Perhaps the biggest problem is in captivity far away from where he belongs. to watch, and super funny as well. The ro- that I was comparing this live-action version The movie now out on Disney+ portrays mance is dreamy and the acting is amazing. to the animated original. First of all there the life of Ivan and the special relationships Romantic comedies are not for everyone, weren’t any songs in the new version that he makes while living in a mall. The movie but I really enjoy them. Some days I will be made the original better. Second, the original is based on a true story and expresses how in the mood for something more dramatic, had more comedy which made the story animal cruelty is a big issue and how it but others I am just in the mood for some- feel very different. But this Mulan still has a affects animals’ lives. Yet the movie makes thing that I can laugh at and feel good inside few good parts. It has lots more action than things more comedic than truthful. This when it ends. This is that kind of movie. The the original and it is more related to women movie shies in comparison to the extreme- journey throughout the love story between empowerment. Yet there are new characters ly well-written novel. I advise reading the Lucy, the female lead, and Nick, her male who seem unimportant. Fortunately, this book to get the full experience and truly hear counterpart, is uplifting and feel-good, and Mulan is now free to watch on Disney+. Ivan’s story the way it should be told. everyone is smiling by the end of the movie. —Arik Kraft MAYBE —Avery Zemlak MAYBE —Amanda Wexler MAYBE ToTo StreamStream oror NotNot toto Stream?Stream? That is the question Town Crier critics try to answer about six films now available on various platforms.

The Devil All the Time is generating tons Candace Against the Universe When Contagion may not be a new movie but of buzz due to its shocking violence and I first found out that they were making this there is no better time to watch it than now. disturbing elements. Set in southern Ohio movie, I was filled with sheer anticipation. The movie follows the rapid spread of a and West Virginia post WWII, this movie For those of you who don’t know, “Phineas highly contagious lethal virus. The disease now streaming on Netflix follows Arvin, an and Ferb” was one of the greatest shows of is much more deadly than the COVID-19 orphan who lives in a corrupt town where all time and they also made a really good we know and hate. It sustains a dark, deadly people are dying left and right, and in the movie for it called Phineas and Ferb Across tone from start to finish. Don’t let these dark most sinister of ways. All of these crimes are the 2nd Dimension. When I finally turned elements push you away from this film. overshadowed by the towns’ strong reli- it on all the excitement went away and was Contagion is an absolute masterpiece. With gious ways. Brace yourselves, viewers, for replaced by disappointment. The movie that many different subplots that are all separate a gruesome journey with jaw-dropping and I had waited months for turned out to be a in the beginning, they all merge and form eye-covering moments, as the violence in corporate nostalgic cash grab focused on the a cool ending. It also highlights the power this movie is seemingly endless. However, if Phineas and Ferb community. All of the of the press and media, as well as showcas- you muster up enough courage to sit through jokes are as two dimensional as the anima- ing the vaccine process. Not to mention, it, be prepared for a wild ride filled with tion is, the storyline is lazy, and they didn’t the movie has an amazing soundtrack that incredible acting and startling plot twists, as even use the same band (Bowling for soup) captures the ominous theme really well. every character seems to have a villainous who did the soundtrack to the show. The Watching this movie might comfort a lot side. Based on the twisted novel, this movie only redeeming quality is the characters and of people viewing it in 2020, knowing that is being held to very high expectations from they seemed less natural than before. Overall the real-life current situation could be much viewers, which it undoubtedly meets. I would give that only 5 stars out of 10. worse. Or it could put you in a bad mood, —Lily Williamson MAYBE —Mason Wiener NO like it did to me. —James Ball YES December 18, 2020 Paul Revere Middle School 24 Lifestyle Jorden Ditwiler Ella Rich Isabella Aguilar

Mask Fashion Patriots up their mask game, with a display of brightly-colored and patterned face coverings.

By CAMIL AL-HASHIM Levi’s, Old Navy and Gap are now supplying DIY mask videos on social media platforms their customers with masks with intricate de- such as YouTube, Tik Tok and Instagram. Masks have become a common cloth- signs and logos. Even luxury companies like Other individuals are making high-end masks ing accessory around the world due to the Gucci and Louis Vuitton are bringing masks with gold and diamonds. COVID-19 pandemic. However, they aren’t into their stores. Smaller companies like Tec- These fashionable face masks can range only used as precaution against the virus. With zero are making light-up masks while others, from a dollar to a million dollars. While the high-fashion brands featuring masks in shows, like Custom Ink, are customizing masks that end of the pandemic may not be clear, these they are have begun to turn into a fashion are washable and reusable. Some individuals fashionable masks are a reminder to stay safe statement. Popular companies such as Nike, are also making their own masks and posting amid this crisis.

Mr. Foxson’s bright yellow mask is from a Griffin Brackey’s “jaws” have been replaced Lulu Zwarych’s mask, sewn by her mom, visit to the doctor’s office two days earlier. by shark teeth in this mask from Amazon. features Baby Yoda from Mandalorian. December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School 25 Pods, Peers and Problem Solving When Zoom just isn’t enough, these Patriots band together in small groups for more traditional in-person learning. By HORUS KUP Remote learning has been rough and many Patriots have felt virtual learning is a big ad- justment. It has been a whole semester and many students have been struggling to keep up with the adjustment. To help with this lack of being able to get as much learning time in, many Revere students have been supple- menting their learning with pods, tutors, and study groups with friends. These remote learning extras help multi- ple people in many ways. With the limited schedule of the new remote learning school year people are only getting half the time they would be in class. Because of this people have trouble keeping up with the fast paced teach- ing of remote learning and they have pods, tutors, and/or study groups to help keep up. Pods and study groups may sound the same but pods are held with a teacher and are sim- Sammy Dunn and friends learn an algebra lesson in their outdoor study pod. ilar to tutors in whole groups. Study groups are held between students who help each oth- with your work and teach you different tech- dents choose to sign up with friends to add er out sometimes with or without a teacher. niques on how to complete your homework more familiarity in these pods. In Mechal’s Mechal Green is a seventh-grader who does and schoolwork. These tutoring and pods ar- case she does these pods with friends and two forms of remote learning extras. Mechal en’t very different from traditional learning. tutoring with her sister, but she finds these has a pod and a tutor that she works with. She According to Mechal, it is more helping with pods and tutors are helpful because in a pod has a tutor for math and a pod for all other your homework and schoolwork rather than people are able to help each other with their subjects. She started these pods and tutoring learning more material-or following lesson work and they explain to each other work at the beginning of the new school year and plans. they don’t understand. For people thinking this is her first time doing them. For Mechal, These study groups make completing of signing up to participate in a pod, study in the pods you have a tutor that will help you schoolwork more collaborative. Some stu- group, or tutoring sessions Mechal recom- mends these extras because it not only helps with academics but it also allows you to so- cialize with people. Another person who is taking part in these remote learning extras is Samuel Dunn, a seventh grade Revere student. The remote learning extra he does is a pod with seven other kids, Eli Konecke, Rowan Williams, Max Browning, Sage Denham, Isla Moran and Lilly Browning. The pod that Samuel Dunn and his friends have is for the subject of math. They started this pod at the beginning of seventh grade. Similar to Mechal Green’s feelings about how helpful these pods are, Sammy Dunn also thinks these pods are very helpful. Ac- cording to Sammy, “It makes math so much easier because it is very hard to learn math over screen. There are no demonstrations and it’s hard to get help one on one. In this math pod you get to collaborate with your friends and get to go at your own pace.” Kathryn Waterbury and her friends team up to get their school work done. In Sammy’s case, when they first get into December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School 26 the pod they get situated into their seats. son isn’t as good as separate. According to Katie Jeffers They then dedicate the first thirty minutes Skyler and Julia it is better in person because to homework but it doesn’t have to be math they get to communicate better and socialize related. Then the pod teacher shows the better and socialize in a real way. They also two algebra lessons on a white board as they understand each other better in person. Sky- My Pod Is take notes. ler says that you can understand each other Two people who have done pods and have better because it is easier to read each other’s similar takes on whether it is a good idea or body language. For online, you could be on Helping Me not. Skyler Bral and Julia Jawor. These two a Peloton and no one would know. You can girls are sixth graders who do a study group only see half of their body. Julia also agrees Stay Afloat held with each other. They had their first and says that you could be watching Netflix Online school in-person meet up on December 10, 2020. instead of really being there. They live close sometimes feels like But before this they were working through to each other and they have worked on study you’re all alone. It Facetime. This is one of the many ways that guides together and multiple other assign- can be hard to engage, people can communicate. Julia and Skyler ments in person. They Facetime every other because when the didn’t know each other before. They actually day and they meet in person every Thursday. teacher and other kids went to different elementary schools. They They plan to continue in the future. are not in the same are now in the same classes. They first truly Kathryn Waterbury is another Patriot room with you, it can started when they met through group chat for who is in a study group with her friends. feel kind of discon- their class. Julia asked the group chat a ques- Kathryn and her friends agree that quaran- nected. A lot of kids might just turn off tion and Skyler answered. Skyler responded tine has been hard for everyone and they their cameras and wait for class to be over. privately. They had Facetimed each other and have found a fun way to be social. Once or Social interaction is a big, important part helped each other out. They had the same as- twice a week Kathryn and her friends meet at of school for teens. In in-person school, signments to do and then they worked togeth- Kathryn’s house at 8:30 am. They all bring you’d go see your friends between classes, er and became friends. Then Facetimed after headphones, their own devices, and school laugh, then go back to class, maybe talk studying and talked after studying. With any supplies. During breaks they would hang and laugh some more before class starts. new experiences there are challenges. One out and talk. Then after school they do their On breaks in online school, kids usually sit of the challenges that Skyler and Julia faced homework together, go skateboarding to- in the same uncomfortable chair they sat was loudness and difficulty hearing each oth- gether and have fun. Sometimes on Friday in during class, get on their phones, check er. Julia’s brother would also Facetime with they sleepover after school. Kathryn Water- the time and feel sad until it’s time for the friends but not for studying but for playing bury recommends making a pod and study next class to start. In in-person school we together. This would make it difficult to fo- group and says, “Creating a pod is something used to throw on clothes, rush out the door cus and make a loud workspace. Julia would that I recommend because of the social as- to drive to school and get fresh air or see wear headphones to make it less distracting pect. Before I made a pod with my friends, I things, trees, neighbors walking by, birds, but that didn’t fix the entire problem. Now was quarantined with my whole family and maybe deer. Now we roll out of bed and they don’t have this problem after visiting in then my mom and I moved back to my house sit at our desks a few feet away, and we’re person. Although the pandemic might make and I was really bored. My friends and I all lucky if we see a big brother slouching by it dangerous to meet in person, Skyler has got tested before we saw each other and then in his bathrobe on his way to his Zoom been tested for COVID and the result was began to hang out. Before I was doing online class. I think my eyesight might be getting negative. Some people might say that in per- learning with my friends, I wouldn’t get out worse from staring at a screen all day, and of bed and wouldn’t pay at- at nothing else but walls not far away. tention to class at all. When Even if I go out for walks, I feel like I’m I am a group of people where permanently cooped up. we are all paying attention But some kids have found a solution, it keeps me on track and fo- and it feels like a cure for cancer and cused. I really enjoy getting inventing the airplane at the same time. to see a few of my closest About once or twice a week, I get together friends during such a hard with friends and we do class together. time.” With friends it feels more like real school. Even throughout these Me and my friends have a few of the same tough learning times many classes, so it’s convenient to do them in patriots are continuing to the same room. I also think it’s nicer for learn. We may not be get- our teachers to see kids smiling rather ting as much out of school than sitting alone in a dark room. We but students have been bring our headphones, school supplies and supplementing themselves. yoga mats because we have P.E. together Through pods, study groups sometimes and we make it safe by wearing and tutors are great for keep- masks and sitting far apart at a big table. ing up with the tough times After school we get lunch, bake cookies, of quarantine and keeping in go skateboarding and have fun! Even if it’s touch with others. These re- just a class of two or three kids in person it mote learning extras are how can be a lot easier to get through the day. people have kept on problem Jordyn Peykar joins her friends in the pod she set up at home. Pods aren’t just for dolphins, they can be solving with their peers. for kids too! December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School 27

Lily Williamson (left) and Elise Larsson show off their Harry Styles Vogues.

We “Adore You,” Harry Styles! The pop star’s fans include many Patriots, who love not just his music, but his unique style and message.

feminine clothing and his interpretation of Anyone with the slightest interest in By LILY WILLIAMSON what fashion means to him.” fashion will know that we are entering a I listen to a variety of artists, but Harry The elements of many different musi- new age in what’s defined as “normal.” With Styles is the one recurring name. He is cians in his style of clothing, most promi- celebrities and pop culture icons like Billy recognized by some as the 16-year old on nently the likes of Prince, Elton John, David Porter, Janelle Monae, Billie Eilish and of the X-Factor in 2010, by many as a former course, the aforementioned Harry Styles, the member of the immensely popular boy- idea of clothing being limited to one gender band, One Direction. Now, most recently, he “Harry Styles made me more is something that will cease to exist. is a rising individual artist and the first male comfortable in my skin.” His fashion sense is not the only thing to be shot solo on the cover of American adored by his fans around the world. His Vogue. His appearance on Vogue has been —Jasper Hoegh-Guldberg music, which has evolved as much as his causing copies to fly off the shelves, with a style, combines rock and pop, generating a waitlist started for those who wish to order Bowie, Juan Gabriel and Mick Jagger, can sound unique to himself. While currently the magazine. Along with his cover, more be found in his concert and day-to-day out- having two solo albums and five One Direc- images from the photoshoot (photography fits. These influences, as well as Harry being tion albums under his belt, Harry Styles has done by Tyler Mitchell) can be found inside, one of the muses of Gucci’s creative direc- been creating hits since he was put into a with an interview detailing his life during tor, Alessandro Michele, has helped him band with four other talented singers on the quarantine, as well as his love for music and build a unique and personalized wardrobe X-Factor. This band became One Direction, fashion. that often blends feminine and masculine a worldwide sensation and arguably one of While him appearing on Vogue is articles of clothing. While he’s not the first the biggest boy bands of all time. history-making, it has sparked controversy to experiment with fashion and break down Two years after One Direction an- because of his outfits. To many, including the walls that have limited what people nounced they were going on a hiatus myself, he is rocking the baby blue Gucci could wear, his segment in Vogue provided in 2015, Harry Styles released his first ball gown, but not everyone loves his barrier hopeful insight into the future of the fashion eponymous album, “Harry Styles”, which breaking appeal to fashion. Conservatives industry. Kate Swain adds, “ One of my contained hits including “Sign of the Times” have started to trend the phrase “bring back favorite things about Harry is how he openly and “Kiwi,” as well as many of my own manly men”, starting a debate on social expresses himself through fashion. I deeply personal favorites. media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. admire his unshakable confidence and pride Eighth-grader Chloe Krasnow-Lahita, a Eighth grade Patriot Kate Swain is proud of in how he dresses and how he doesn’t place Harry Styles fan since his 1D days, loves all Harry Styles, and “adores how he embraces gender boundaries in fashion.” of his songs, two of them being “Golden” December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School 28

Chloe Krasnow-Lahita (above) sports her merch and holds up her collection of Harry Styles CDs, posing in front of his tour poster and next to his vinyl.

and “Fine Line”, from his second album, interactions at concerts, to his support for from them and stay with the friends who “Fine Line.” This album is his more vulnera- the LGBTQ+ community, Harry Styles appreciate me for who I am.” ble work, and is nominated for a Grammy in has truly lived up to his “Treat People Eighth-grader Jasper Hoegh-Guldberg the upcoming awards. “Fine Line” features With Kindness” slogan. With his confi- says, “Harry Styles made me more com- songs that are more pop oriented compared dence and love for everyone, he is the fortable in my skin. I like to paint my nails. to his first album, but both albums capture ideal role model for children, teens and Seeing him paint his nails made it feel like Harry Styles perfectly. Recently, he was adults alike. I was not the only one.” named by Variety as their Hitmaker of the Harry Styles’ supporters experience In a world where it seems so hard to Year, an award given to artists who generate a different kind of gain from being in his find someone who is truly themselves, and creative and well-written hits, so it seems fandom. There are always the newfound proud of who they are, I feel lucky to be that his music career is heading in one direc- friendships that come with meeting people living in one with Harry Styles. His positive tion, and that it is up. who have the same liking for a certain mu- personality, hope for a kinder world, and My appreciation for Harry Styles reach- sician, and a love to gush about their style confidence inspire me to be the best person es far beyond his style and his music. I love and aesthetic. Harry Styles does have his I possibly can be, one act at a time, and I’ll him for his genuine kindness. From his fan own music and aesthetic, but it’s his motto never forget to treat people with kindness. that many fans love the most. The mes- sage “Treat People With Kindness” (often Patriot Natalie acronymed to TPWK) is so relayed by him Kylie Lupescu holds Alpert displays - during his concerts, on his merch, and her copy of Variety her “Fine Line” after every appearance on a talk or radio featuring Harry Styles. vinyl. show - that there’s no question as to what you learn from being a fan. Harry Styles has built a platform with his music and style to promote kindness, self-expression, confidence in who you are, and acceptance. Many of his Patriot fans agree. Chloe reflects on how being a fan has changed her. She says, “Being a fan of Harry Styles has impacted me in many dif- ferent ways. I made friends because I was a fan, felt able to express myself more, and learned that you should choose to be kind to everyone around you.” Sixth-grader Vanessa agrees, stating, “I’ve learned that I shouldn’t let anybody contradict what I wear or how I act, and that if people do, I should distance myself December 18, 2020 Paul Revere Middle School 29 Sports

P.E. teacher and coach Mr. Foxson leads one of his running club pods at Santa Monica Park.

QuarantineQuarantine FitnessFitness Amidst a global pandemic, is that it is now mandatory to wear a mask out in public and while exercising. Although exercise habits have changed masks are important to wear to stop the drastically this school year. spread of COVID, it has made it even harder for students who are running due to the lack By MASON WIENER of oxygen concentrated in them. “It is harder to work out wearing a mask because masks Are two periods of P.E. enough for Patri- make it harder to breathe and they get wet ots? This is how much P.E. time Patriots have from your sweat,” said seventh grader Cole been limited to working out during school. Sugarman. Another important COVID safety According to P.E. teacher and Running Club guideline is that you must maintain a six feet coach Mr. Foxson, “I think two days a week distance from other people. “I can’t run with are better than no days! With the way that Eighth-grader a friend in person because we still have to be the block schedule works it is up to the kids Lily Williamson at a distance, and even then the ability to talk to fill in those gaps. It is our hope that stu- runs while to one another is gone,” said eighth grader dents are getting out of the house and getting wearing a mask. Lily Williamson. at least 30 minutes of exercise every day!” One of the programs that is most affect- Ever since COVID-19 first hit, Revere pa- ed by this is Revere’s PEP classes. Before triots have had to find new ways to exercise COVID, all of PEP’s sports classes were while staying safe, and working out as we held on the Revere campus, but recently have know it has drastically changed since then. been relocated to several public places such Whether you’re running, swimming, or bik- as the beach and Santa Monica Park. One ing, new safety protocols have been enact- of Revere’s teams that was uprooted from ed to keep people safe. One example of this Revere amidst the pandemic and forced to December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Sports Paul Revere Middle School 30 relocate was the Running Club. To accom- all these precautions it is nearly impossible and blended that into my workout. I also go modate for these regulations, the team has to socialize and makes friends during these on lots of runs around my neighborhood to been split into different pods. “This makes adapted practices, “Now it is harder for me stay in shape and improve my times.” it so that the same groups stay together, and to interact with my teammates because we While some Patriots have been making it also limits the numbers of kids at a time,” have to be distanced. I don’t like soccer up for lost exercise some say that they are said Mr. Foxson. However, these pods lim- practices and play for the games. Now I not getting enough exercise. According to it the social aspect that was key in Running can’t play games!” said Cole. Soccer is not seventh-grader Gili Egri, “I don’t think the Club in the years before COVID-19, “...for the only club sport affected by this, Max amount of exercise I’m getting this year is the students it is a tough way to make friends Miller, an eighth-grader who is a member comparable to last year. Last year I exercised and get acclimated to the school team,” ex- of the GBG Xtreme Club team, says that about five days a week not including the pressed a worried Mr. Foxson. Similarly to they have removed large portions of their walks I went on with my friends. This year I the Running Club, the lacrosse team has workout to accommodate for safety regula- have only two days of exercising in my P.E. started enforcing the same mask and social tions. “We don’t do the same drills as before, periods…” Gili is not alone in thinking this, distancing policies, “Because of the virus, but I would say that overall practice feels “I am not getting the same amount of exer- practice feels a lot different. We are not al- similar,” stated Max. cise last year because with COVID-19 it has lowed to make physical contact and running Some students have chosen to work out become increasingly harder to get activity warmups have seemed to vanish from our at home rather than be on a team because outside or even indoors,” said seventh-grad- training,” said eighth grader Banyan Kline. it is both safer and easier. These workouts er Evan Lam. Not only have school teams had to change include having a home gym and running Although the mile was dreaded by many but also club teams have changed to become around their neighborhood. Some may even students back when Revere Patriots were in safer for those involved in them. One such go out to a public place to work out by them- person, some would now would happily run example of this is the Santa Monica Club selves. “I’ve always wanted to come up with the mile if they were given the opportunity Autobahn. Soccer practices are held four a more personalized, consistent exercise to be on campus again. Even though the way days a week and now require you to distance routine for myself,” said Lily Williamson, students play sports has changed, there are and wear masks at all times. These new prac- “and that’s something I’ve been able to do lots of persevering Patriots who have found tices focus more on running than playing as to stay in shape. I’ve been focusing on the ways to work out safely in the most difficult a team and practice drills. However, with areas I really wanted to see a difference in, scenarios.

Revere’s P.E. Department Is Ready to Take a Spin

By CONNOR PETOYAN Although the campus has been quiet during the pandemic, exciting new changes have occurred at Revere. The Revere cam- pus, built in 1955, was lucky enough to re- ceive some gifts for the holidays. Due to generous grants, and thoughtful planning by the department staff, P.E. will be better than ever. For the students that want an alternative to running the mile, 34 new stationary spin bicycles will now be available for use. Ac- cording to Ms. Walker, they will be used for fitness days, flex Fridays, and extra credit. Also a new painted and waxed room will be available to enjoy the bikes in.“We will have to see what the situation is when we get back to campus. We are always ready to adapt and modify,” said Ms. Walker. How was Revere able to receive these? These lonely spin “They were granted to Revere by UCLA bikes are ready to health sound body sound mind,” says Ms. take Patriots on a Walker, which is an organization dedicated healthy ride. to fighting childhood obesity by providing middle and high schools with a compre- hensive physical education program that or overweight. Their mission is to promote the hardwood floor cleaned and waxed, now includes an incredible fitness center, an in- self confidence and healthy lifestyle choices looking as good as new. novative exercise curriculum and profes- among today’s youth. It is obvious that the pandemic cre- sional development for physical education As all students know, the P.E. gym floor ated some challenges for Revere stu- teachers. The problem in their eyes is that can get extremely slippery. Roughly 1,500 dents. But they now have an improved according to the L.A. County Department Patriots enter the gym in one day. Taking P.E. program to look forward to upon of Public Health, 42% of children are obese advantage of the empty campus, Revere had their return. December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Sports Paul Revere Middle School 31 A Path Forward for Professional Sports? Fans around the world—and at Revere—debate the challenges of competing during COVID.

By PARSA IMANKHAN side generates revenue for teams. Earlier this So is there a solution that solves the en- year however, the NBA (National Basketball tire problem? Perhaps there could be a bub- Sports. They unite people. They bring peo- Association) used a “bubble” format to re- ble system where players were tested upon ple across the world together. At a big school start their 2020 season. The Bubble required entry and isolated from other people, while like Paul Revere with tons of sports fans who all players to be tested and quarantined be- also being allowed to bring immediate fam- vocally root for their favorite teams, sports fore entering the isolated area of Walt Dis- ily members with them. There could also be give everyone something to talk about and ney World, where they would play their a small number of fans allowed to enter the even argue about. In short, they are important games and would be required to stay until bubble for each game, while being tested im- and many people including stadium work- the season ended. Though this solves the mediately upon entry and being quarantined ers, team owners, coaches and of course, the health problem, players were without their for a short period of time before entry. Peo- players themselves rely on sporting events to families, and the lack of fans contributed to ple may argue that too many tests that are put food on the table for their families. And the lack of excitement in the stadium. Two necessary for other people would be wasted though 2020 was a semi-successful year for solutions have been tested, neither has been on the players, and that it would be too time sports, 2021 will be a challenge like no other. 100% correct. consuming to test every fan, but many be- With COVID cases on the rise, and ath- lieve such a bubble system could work. letes contracting the virus left and right, all Revere students had vastly different while games are still being played in emp- Should pro athletes be allowed to play opinions on whether or not sports should ty stadiums while the leagues themselves their sports during the pandemic? be played during the pandemic at all. Sev- struggle to make money, the question now enth-grader Noah Houriani said, “I feel is: what is the solution to the problem, as pro athletes should be allowed to play their there definitely is a problem regarding pro- sports during the pandemic because they fessional sports. Should we go back to how have worked so hard all year to become the sports were played before the pandemic hit? best athlete they can be. We also deserve to Should sports stop entirely? Or is there some watch and support them from the stands in other solution that keeps the health and eco- the stadium just like we used to do. nomic concerns covered? The world is head- Other Revere students argued they should ing into uncharted territory this year, and this not be able to play, including seventh-grader sports crisis is definitely one of them. Sophie Smeeton who said she feels that “pro Only two major sports leagues are current- athletes should not be able to play sports right ly active: the MLS (Major League Soccer) now because everyone else in the country is and the NFL (National Football League). quarantining, but these athletes are not. It is The players do not seem to be in any kind unfair that they get to continue their jobs in of closed environment or socially distant at person when it’s really not necessary. They all. For both leagues, the view from outside aren’t social distancing or wearing masks. looks like business as usual just in empty Instead of slowing the spread they could be stadiums. And though this approach would making it worse for no reason.” be standard in a normal year, this is 2020, If there is mandatory social distancing Regarding fans in the stadium, an over- and with a pandemic like this one, the world whelming majority of students believe there cannot just go about business as usual. and mask wearing, should fans be should not be spectators at professional As far as how this approach has worked allowed to go to stadiums to watch sporting events. Lucie Brazier said, “I do this year, aside from the fact that players are teams play? not think fans should be allowed in the sta- on the field, the short answer is no. It has not diums because you can’t always keep track worked out. In the NFL specifically, COVID of so many people and I think that even cases have been rampant. The COVID cas- if they were allowed it would attract big es have gotten so bad that during one NFL crowds.” Chris Fulling also said, “I think game between the Denver Broncos and the they shouldn’t because they are touching all New Orleans Saints, the Broncos did not the seats and stuff so during that game may- have a single quarterback who could play, be another person has COVID and a person after one quarterback’s positive test caused touches something and gets it.” the whole team to be at risk of catching it. While Revere students have mixed opin- Thus, the Broncos had to use a wide receiver ions on how or if at all professional sports as their quarterback for the game. And it did should return during a pandemic, in the end, not go well, as not only does a COVID case the decision is with the leagues and teams on on a football team affect the health of players, how they want sports to return. And while it can affect how the game itself is played. sports may be in a tough spot right now, with The long answer for whether or not it some suggesting an overall cancellation and has worked is, sort of. Although fans being ban, hopefully there will be a day sometime inside the stadium is now seen as a health in the future when everyone can watch ath- risk, it can solve the financial problems the Based on a poll conducted the week of Dec. 7-11 of 122 letes compete against each other the same leagues have been facing, as having fans in- Patriots from all three grades. Graphics: Google Forms. way they have for decades. December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Sports Paul Revere Middle School 32 RUN AROUND REVERE With all of school being online, many Patriots are getting less time out in the fresh air. Now more than ever, it’s important to get outside and explore new locations to change up the surrounding scenery while exercising. Here are four of the best running and walking locations near Revere. Story and Photos by CASEY SCADUTO

1501 Will Rogers State Park Road: Will Rogers State Park Pier/Ocean Avenue Neighborhood: Palisades Park is a is located just past Revere, and is an ideal location to run and hike. very calm location to go for a walk or run. The vast view of the Inspiration Point loop trail is 2.1 miles and is one of the most beach below it from the cliff the parks sits on and the tall palm popular of the trails at the park that brings you up into the Santa trees dotted all over the park’s length all create a very fresh and Monica Mountains. The trail boasts scenic views and a plethora of breezy atmosphere. There is grass that extends down the middle of vivid wild flowers. This park is located on a large plot of land that the park and a dirt path on either side of the grass that is open to offers up a variety of trails with shorter to longer trail lengths and a running and walking. The shade created by the large trees blocks varying level of steepness. out the sun that shines right above the park.

17580 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades:Santa Monica 2600 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica: Clover Park is also boardwalk is a great location to run or walk. The boardwalk ex- a great location to run or walk, especially on the loop that wraps tends to the Santa Monica Pier and into Venice, which means you around the park’s perimeter. This loop is a 0.8 mile stretch to walk or can walk or run as far as desired. This location has a view directly run. There are also 15 exercise stations placed along the path includ- next to the ocean and all along the boardwalk the sand is also open ing a rope climb, balance beam and stretching stations. This loop is for people to walk or run on. The boardwalk along the beach can also a very flat leveled walk or run. Also at this park are baseball be accessed by parking at the Will Rogers State Beach or the lots and softball fields as well as tennis courts. Parking is available in that decrease numerically from the Will Rogers parking lot. the lot adjacent to the baseball diamond at the front of the park. December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Sports Paul Revere Middle School 33

Sports is something almost everyone partic- He’s Keeping His Goal for Sure ipates in at one time or another. Many enjoy sports for fun or fitness, but only a handful In spite of the fierce pandemic, seventh-grader devote many hours of their life to the sport Max Dorband continues his soccer aspi- they truly love. This is what separates true rations. The seventh-grader started playing athletes from everyone else. The athletes on soccer when he was only seven years old, these pages are definitely ones to watch. and he said he continues to see yearly im- provement. He plays goalkeeper for the club team called the L.A. Bulls. “I like goalkeep- er because I like getting put in high pressure positions. It’s also my best position,” Max explains. “Playing at a high club level brings out the best in me.” While Max also enjoys baseball, he decided to focus solely on soc- cer because it became more fun for him and provides better exercise. The commitment is intense but Max manages to keep up with his two long distance soccer practices and one goalkeeper zoom per week, in addition to the six days that Max spends working out to stay in shape. One way he accomplishes this is doing homework early and not pro- crastinating. “Playing on a team brings out accountability. In order to succeed, you must rely on your teammates and your teammates must rely on you!” It’s not just blood, sweat, and tears, however. Max finds soccer to be a great way to communicate with friends, and has connected with so many interesting new people from other schools. Coronavirus has forced Max to do things out of the ordinary. His team has to separate themselves and their belongings. Max also has to wear a mask ev- erywhere he goes with his teammates except during practice, and only half the team is al- The New Face of Skateboarding? One NBA Game Was All It Took lowed to practice at once. Although COVID Speeding past the school kids, past the cafe has made things challenging, Max is able to and over the speed bumps goes the skate- Starting when he was only five years old, find a social outlet through soccer. In the fu- boarder. He is zooming down the side of Will Petoyan has been playing basketball ture, Max has high hopes to become a goal- Sunset Blvd., doing trick after trick needing for most of his life. He first got the desire keeper at Stanford University. zero effort. But who is the skateboarder? No to play when he watched an NBA game and —Grant Coelen other than seventh-grader Vance Clark. The was mesmerized by the players, the action, 13-year-old has been skating for 8 years. At the sounds, the pace and everything else. the age of six Vance was nailing tricks like Then that was when he started playing bas- the “ollie” and the “pop shuv-it.” These tricks ketball himself. When he was in elemen- are not easy, so Vance practices day after day tary school, he joined a league and would learningnew tricks and growing to his full practice with his team after school and play potential. Vance easily glides majestically games on weekends. On average, he would on his skateboard over the streets of Pacific dedicate 7-8 hours a week to basketball. All Palisades, he is such a great skateboarder that his brothers have played basketball and they he achieved a sponsorship from surfing and sometimes play together. Will has had many skateboarding brand Live Life Outside. They outstanding feats in basketball. Both his club saw Vance’s skills and immediately knew and rec teams have won numerous games and he had potential to be the new face of skate- championships. After all that, there is one boarding. Skateboarding is in no way easy more accomplishment that he feels proudest and sometimes you fall down, Vance suffered of. This was when he was invited to a special a broken arm from a skateboarding trick in basketball camp where he was trained by real march and once he recovered he got right professional trainers. For now, things like that back on his board and retried the trick he was are out of the question. As Will said, “I love hurt on. Vance shows incredible amounts of basketball. Sadly, COVID-19 has slowed our toughness and strength while skateboarding. games down.” —Horus Kup —Mattias Hernandez December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Sports Paul Revere Middle School 34 favorite thing in tennis is to play matches. He stress that she has. Charley loves the thought has fun playing long rallies and also when of continuing soccer and becoming a coach he wins. A skill that Tristan wants to learn is someday. Because of the pandemic Charley how to get a good fast serve. This would help is unable to play any games or practice with making it hard for the opposing player to re- her team at all. She still practices at the park turn the ball. In the future Tristan would love occasionally with her mom. The only good to join the school tennis team. Tristan’s coach thing about the pandemic is that she is able teaches other players than himself and can to focus more on what she needs to work on therefore arrange games with other players. instead of having her teammates distractions Recently his coach arranged a match with and everyone having to work together. Char- him and another player that they played at a ley prefers playing as a forward player on the private court in Beverly Hills. Since several field so she can shoot goals and score. She people want to play, Tristan’s coach can ar- wants to learn how to get a great corner kick, range several matches. Without the pandemic and a strong kick to the ball. After the pan- these kids would be able to enjoy their sports demic ends Charley hopes to keep playing and interact with more people without being soccer, but in the safest way possible. afraid to get a virus. —Samantha Beckey —Samantha Beckey She’s Keeping One Stroke Ahead Sarah Portilla has been swimming for five years. She started at five years oldbut stopped for a few years and picked it back up again when she was eleven. The sev- This Ace Player Aims to Serve enth-grader enjoys staying away from the technology and this takes away her stress and Tristan Kiperman plays as a competitive negative thoughts. Sarah says she struggles tennis player. He normally plays at Chevi- with breathing when she swims. Sarah would ot Hills, but also plays at a private house like to teach people how to swim when she’s in Beverly Hills through his coach. He was older to help keep people from drowning. normally playing matches competitively, but Sadly Sarah hasn’t been able to do any swim- hasn’t got to play much in quarantine without ming during quarantine. She is trying to stay anyone hosting games. This eighth-grader fit by doing workouts and occasionally jog- started playing tennis in second grade when ging. She does miss competitive swimming, he was eight. He played at Cheviot with a but at the same time she’s happy to have a coach. Once he was ten he barely played any break from it and not having to leave her tennis and was mainly focused on soccer for house every day to go to swimming classes. a few years until he was twelve. He then con- —Samantha Beckey tinued playing tennis more than soccer. He’s played so much he now plays competitive- ly with his coach one to three times a week. Tennis helps Tristan with stress, since he has time to get away from schoolwork and all the drama. He enjoys spending hours on the court hitting with his racket. It makes him happy and he always has a great time. Tristan started playing tennis because his mom was a big fan of the game and watched it a lot. She pushed him to play, but tennis had also seemed to catch his eye. Tristan would like to continue playing tennis in the future. It helps him so much and gives him something fun to do that gets him outdoors and gives him exercise. He says he would like to play tennis in college, but he’s not certain if he She Gets a Kick Out of Her Sport wants to play it professionally. Yet it all de- pends on once he gets into college and he Charley Lesser is a competitive and hard gets to see where he is in life. The pandemic working soccer player in the AYSO soccer has affected tennis because he can’t go out- program. She isn’t currently playing in a side and play all the matches that he used club but has been on an all stars team in the to do. There’s a lot more precautions when past. She played soccer at Westwood park. playing. He can’t play with other groups or This sixth-grader started soccer at age five do clinics. Tristan says that his coach was in kindergarten and is still playing to this able to get a private court that allowed him to day. Soccer helps Charley calm herself down play through the whole pandemic. Tristan’s and distracts her from school work and any December 18, 2020 Paul Revere Middle School 35 F un Zone QUARANT-MEMES As a way to escape from the messiness of today, memes are taking the world by storm. Whether it’s demonstrating one’s annoyance at COVID-19, or mocking disorganized political debates, making a meme combines Photoshop skills with a sense of humor. Town Crier writers were invited to create memes about beginning this year virtually. Here are some of the best submissions. Layout: Lily Williamson

Shane Masterson, 8th Grade Nico Troedsson, 8th Grade Giada Musumeci, 8th Grade

Parsa Imankhan, 8th Grade Horus Kup, 7th Grade

Samantha Beckey, 7th grade Noah Houriani, 7th grade

the shelf next to Layla .6. Took out the shadow of the tree next to Izzy. 7. Took out the two circles on Evonne’s wall. 8. Addeda set of colorful holiday lights to Evonne’s background. Evonne’s to lights holiday colorful of set Addeda 8. wall. Evonne’s on circles two the out Took 7. Izzy. to next tree the of shadow the out Took .6. Layla to next shelf the

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES: 1. Izzy’s name is reversed. 2. Made star under Finuala red. 3. Added a snowman hat on Izzy. 4. Changed the headphone color to blue on Evonne. 5. Added a menorah on on menorah a Added 5. Evonne. on blue to color headphone the Changed 4. Izzy. on hat snowman a Added 3. red. Finuala under star Made 2. reversed. is name Izzy’s 1. DIFFERENCES: THE SPOT ANSWERS:

December 18, 2020 THE TOWN CRIER Fun Zone Paul Revere Middle School 36 SPOT THE DIFFERENCES Can you find all 8 changes? Photoshopping: Eli Hamid ASKASK AVERYAVERY

Eighth-grader Avery Zemlak reads her mail.

Dear Avery, The holidays are coming and I’m really missing my family who live far away because I know I can’t see them this year. What should I do? Ms. Cronin’s choir students fight the giggles while filming their intros to their holiday song video. Sadly, Stuck Ho Ho Home for the Holidays Dear Ho Ho Home, I know how you feel not being able to see family this year when normally we would. Try doing some of your holiday traditions through FaceTime or Zoom. It’s not the same but it’s better than nothing! —Avery Dear Avery, I’m worried that the holidays are going to be super boring in quarantine since I don’t have a phone or any other way to communicate with friends. I have no idea how to entertain myself. What should I do? From, Boar Dum Dear Boar Dum, Without a phone, there’s so much you can do! You can watch movies with your family, bake some treats, go outside, Satire by Mason Wiener or decorate your house to celebrate the SETTING ALL THE WRONG PRESIDENTS season! Happy Holidays! The elections are finally over, with Vermin Love Supreme capturing every single electoral —Avery vote! How is this possible? Political analysts note that all the members of the electoral college Dear Avery, received ponies seemingly out of nowhere. After Vermin’s rushed inauguration, his only rival, Every year I always burn something Imma Kid, has decided to curse the system and go off the grid. Vermin’s first move was to when trying to help cook with my change the economy to a pony-based one, which he insists is “a jobs creation program.” To family for Christmas. I really want to keep the ponies from starving in the street, there will be pony social security, universal pony help, but I don’t want to mess every- healthcare, and the haystamp program. Vermin has decided to tackle thing up. What should I do? the pandemic by creating an even worse zombie virus to distract peo- Signed, ple, then use these newly-infected zombies to power America, killing Burny Burns two birds with one stone. The new president’s ratings are rather high. Dear Burny Burns, According to Revere student Tote Ally Real, “Before Vermin every- Cooking definitely isn’t the easiest thing was gloom and doom, but now the future looks bright. He even thing to learn. Just know your family will has legalized pony marriage, so my pony Buttercup and I can finally love you even if you mess up. You could be happy together!” Meanwhile, Imma Kid has vowed: “Mark my always try practicing making easier words, Vermin, this is unjust and unlawful, and I’ll continue pressing dishes before the big feast to get better at charges against you, no matter how made up they are, until I’m sitting cooking! —Avery in my rightful booster seat in the White House!”