September, 1999 • TheNewNew Heartbeat of SHS • The Pulse 1 ^^

Syosset High School • 70 Southwoods Road •Syosset, 11791-2998 • 516-364-5702 • E-Mail: [email protected] INSIDE THIS ISSUE Volume 42 • Issue 1 • September, 1999 Secretary of Education Riley

Zombies! Visits Syosset High School Rachel Leventhal’s investigation into the Zombie problem at Syosset High. Page Five

Spector’s Reviews

¥ American Beauty ¥ Stigmata ¥ Double Jeopardy

Page Four

Woodstock ’99 Dave Anderson goes upstate for three days of music and partying. Page Six

Mr. Rahr Senior Nate Gitlitz displays his computer skills as Mrs. Rodenburgh, Superintendant Dr. Carole Hankin, and U.S. Secretary of Ari Stern sits down Education, Richard Riley look on. for an interview with By David Roseman and other members of the Board of Educa- light of the audience. Following a rousing our new Assistant On Friday, September 17, Syosset High tion watched as Senior Nate Gitliz demon- rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, they Principal, Mr. Rahr School, and the Syosset Central School Dis- strated a webpage he designed using sang a barbershop version of “And The Page Seven trict, had the privilege of hosting a dinner Macromedia Director, Photoshop, Flash, and Band Played On”. To end their perfor- in the honor of Secretary of Dream Weaver. Other students also worked mance the quartet sang “It’s a Small World” Education Richard W. Riley. The festivi- on introductory multimedia techniques us- and invited the audience to sing along, and ties began at 5:30, as the student lobby was ing Macromedia, including student techni- after the encouragement of Dr. Hankin, the transformed into a reception hall, complete cians Dave DiGregorio, Jeremy Meller, and entire room joined in to complete a won- with decorated tables, balloons, and a ban- Scott Orkin, who assisted and were doing derful performance. Sports ner for Mr. Riley. Faculty from every research for teachers for internet projects. After Dr. Hankin introduced the dig- ¥ Girls’ Volleyball school in the district, members of the PTA, “The advanced computer courses of- nitaries in attendance, she introduced Mr. ¥ Girls’ X-Country Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. fered by the Syosset High School Business Riley to a standing ovation. Mr. Riley Department introduced me to these tools,” made a wonderful speech in which he dis- ¥ Boys’ X-Country Carol Hankin, Congressman Peter King, the new head of BOCES, Jerry Shively, and said Gitlitz. “It was really exciting showing cussed the progress of education in the ¥ Football students, among others, mingled in the ves- Secretary Riley my work, and he was really country and the excellence of education in Page Eight tibule, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the interested in what I was doing.” Syosset. He discussed the importance of former South Carolina governor. Musical entertainment was provided by teachers, and how excellent teachers like When Mr. Riley first arrived he took a the amazing high school orchestra under the those in Syosset are necessary for the suc- tour of the computer facilities and observed direction of Mr. Stephen Schopp before and cess of the students and our nation. Mr. an Advanced Computer Multimedia dem- during Mr. Riley’s arrival. Following Mr. Riley commented on the need for high edu- onstration, along with Dr. Hankin, Con- Riley’s speech, Melissa Sanfilippo, Jessica cation standards to attain success in today’s gressman King, the President of the Board Jackson, Jaymie Zurlo and Dana Friedman society, and in the future. He noted the of Education, President Marilyn Gottleib, of the Adelettes, sang beautifully to the de- Continued on Page 7… 2 The Pulse • The Heartbeat of SHS • September, 1999

S TAFF o p i n i o n s

The Heartbeat of SHS Animation Controls Primetime Volume 42 • Issue 1 • September, 1999 Syosset High School • 70 South Woods Road By Chase Jaycox Maggie, the baby who, despite her lim- what they do are presented in a way that Syosset, New York 11791 • [email protected] Prime time toons still measure up! ited dialogue is an integral part of the is very funny and makes you want to see Animated shows are starting to come into show. These central characters link us to what else has changed. “Futurama” airs Editor In Chief David Roseman their own during prime time. Such shows many other (dis)likable characters such as at 8:30 on Sundays on FOX. as “The Simpsons” and “King of the Hill” Krusty the Clown, Montgomery J. Burns, On Thursday at 9:00 on FOX is another Managing Editor David DiGregorio have already been accepted as quality the owner of the power plant, and Kent midseason entry, “Family Guy,” about Peter Business Managers Sunjay Kelkar shows, while newcomers “Futurama,” and Brockman, the local newscaster. This is a Griffin and his family. His wife, a perfectly Joshua Sauberman “Family Guy” are trying to forge their way great show and I recommend that you normal woman, is the only reason the family onto our TV screens. watch it. “The Simpsons” airs at 8:00 on stays together. She cooks, cleans, and does Feature Editor Rachel Stanton “The Simpsons” is of course prime Sundays on FOX. everything else that the others neglect. Peter’s News Editor Ari Stern time television’s longest running show and “King of the Hill,” another hit, is teenage daughter, Meg, always puts her two is in syndication. It is a favorite of many about the life of Hank Hill and his family, cents in on everything, using her whiny, nasal Opinions Editor Ken Spector people and incredibly funny. It features who inhabit a small rural town in Texas. voice to get her way very often. His pre-ado- Sports Editor Allison Hoyt the adventures of the Simpson (go figure) They have many crazy neighbors (the lescent son Chris does not seem to be all there. family that lives in the town of Spring- Korean family who live next door and all He finds things like toilet paper entertaining. Layout Editor Michael Kass field. The family is headed by the bald- of Hank’s weird friends who love to drink) The brainy family dog, Brian, who talks ing, bumbling idiot father Homer J. The goings-on in this show are definitely makes some very funny insights into the life Asst. News Editor Soren Gandhi Simpson who works at Springfield’s worth watching. This show airs 7:30, Sun- of the family. The most exciting and funny Asst. Opinions Editor Adam Taubman nuclear power plant. His dumb ideas and days on FOX. character on the show, by far, is the baby Stuie. misconceptions are often the most enter- Next is “Futurama,” a hilarious He is a genius, but no one seems to notice. He Asst. Sports Editor Karen Zelenka taining part of the show. His witty wife midseason entry about a typical New York is always plotting schemes to take over the Asst. Layout Editor Evan Hoberman Marge (known for her tall, blue hair) has pizza delivery boy, Fry, who delivers to a world, such as his weather-controlling ma- enough common sense to balance Homer’s mysterious office building where he is chine. But when the time comes for his scheme Distribution Manager Peter Intindoli idiocy. Their children: Bart, the mischie- cryogenically frozen for 1000 years. Wak- to fall through, his mother yells, “Stuie, time vous 5th grader who never does well in ing up in the year 3000 he meets Leela, a for your nap.” His cynical antics are what keep Staff David Anderson Kiran Kelkar school; Lisa, the 3rd grade genius in the 30-year old unmarried one-eyed alien, and the show going most of the time. Damien Augustin Rachel Leventhal family keeps Bart at bay most of the time Bender, a cynical, sarcastic robot who All of these shows are very funny and if Holly Bender Jonathan Maisel and always tries to stop her father from quickly becomes his best friend. The you have not discovered them yet, you should Shari Gamm Kathy Miu going through with his crazy plans; and many changes in the way people live and really gvie them a chance! Barry Goldberg Kevin Miu Michael A. Henrich Andrew Schatz Chase Jaycox Eda Uca Megan Kass CD Review

Advisors Elizabeth Schmid Amanda Christy of the Month By Jonathan Maisel The Pulse is created using Macintosh and Power Macintosh G3 computers, Significant Other (Limp Bizkit)- an Apple Color OneScanner 1200/30, This band started out playing locally Adobe Page Maker 6.52™, after they formed in Jacksonville, Microsoft® Office ’98, and Adobe Florida in 1994. Who would predict Photoshop™ 4.01. Unsigned edito- rials are the consensus opinion of the that their intense rap/metal music would editorial board and do not necessar- hit mainstream success and fling them ily reflect the views of the advisor or into superstardom? With two years of the administration. Letters to the touring after the release of their debut editor, which relay the opinion of the writer, not The Pulse, are welcomed; album “Three dollar Bill Yall$” the they are subject to being edited and band is back with a second album fea- must be signed, although signatures turing some special guests on it. The will be withheld upon request. Any elusive Scott Weiland from Stone questions concerning advertisments or subscriptions should be directed Temple Pilots helped lead singer Fred to the Business Department. Durst develop the new songs as well as sing on a track also featuring Jonathan Davis from Korn. Rap artist Method Telephone (516) 364-5702 E-Mail [email protected] Man joins in on some freestyle rapping with Durst on a track too. The rest of the tracks on the album still combine the rap/metal formula that has made them a success so far yet everything is much more melodic and more song ori- ented. The first single off the record is “Nookie”, whose groove-laden sound definitely introduces people to the new and better type of songwriting skills that they have developed. Other highlight tracks are “Break Stuff”, “Just Like This”, “I’m broke” and “Re-arranged”. The band has been slotted as the head- liner for the Family Values tour this year so they are sure to stay in the forefront for a long time. September, 1999 • The Heartbeat of SHS • The Pulse 3 o p i n i o n s Shyness: A Freshman’s Look Is There Life After 11th Grade? By Barry Goldberg sponsibilities this year in school and yes, for the By Kathy Miu (if you already aren’t) who doesn’t know Ahhh, there’s nothing like the 9th period bell, first time have limited access to a fully function- Dragging the daily load of books over a single member of your class. What do the end of another grueling day at Syosset High ing vehicle. But the second reason is not so ap- my shoulder (large backpacks filled with you do when your teacher asks everyone for its beloved students. And yet another huge parent. It is the thought, before crossing the thresh- unneeded textbooks and binders are al- to pair up for a group activity? Shuffle collective sigh of relief, that yes…. The juniors old into school your junior year that it would be a ways the first sign of a freshmen), I qui- your feet? Tap your fingers in anxiety? had survived another day. struggle. 11th graders from past years have passed etly sit down at my desk for first period Admit it, timid people would experience Everywhere I go people ask me what grade down the message to us and we will more than English. During the class, my hell during such an incident! Not to men- I’m in and I always respond with a slight cringe, likely pass down the message to this year’s sopho- peers participate as I, as al- tion the monotony one would face sitting “11th.” Then proceeds the usual fuss. “Hey hey, mores; It’s not easy. So you see, even before the ways, remain silent at my in class without speaking to a single soul! that’s a pretty big year.” “No, not really,” I say pen hits the paper for the first time in the junior desk throughout the en- Looking at the educational aspect (hold with a nervous tone. But the truth is virtually all year, the remains somewhat of a physiological tire period. Why has on, you can last one sentence about edu- juniors, including me, have apprehension about barrier. this cheery, gregari- cation), unsociable people definitely have the workload the year has to offer and already So what is the point of telling you all the ous girl gone sour? fewer interactions in the classroom, mak- has. I mean, sure, the SAT’s, driver’s education, things you didn’t want to hear? (Boy, you must We may all just turn ing them less subject to college selection and the rest of the normal school- hate me right about now). But here’s a news around and point learning the material. time blues aren’t that big of a deal. Yeah, right. flash: We will survive this year! The more we our finger at shyness. Now, you de- Look, I take nothing away from all of the complain and the more we whine, the harder Either that or the mand to know, why other diligent grades in our school and I under- it is to actually see the truth: One day we’ll teacher has yet to know have I made you read stand that Syosset is high-pressured for school look back on this year and laugh. Ok, maybe my name. paragraphs of com- excellence (I’ve seen kids break down at the in another lifetime, but we will. Hey, that Although you may plete gibberish? For thought of a B+!). But we of the 11th grade have doesn’t mean I enjoy sacrificing much-needed think that some freshmen the benefit of the poor been in school only a short time, and frankly, with hours of sleep so I can learn the periodic ele- are sociable and talkative, girl or guy sitting there in all the work we’ve already accomplished, it feels ments or the meanings for various foreign you may find it surprising the corner, as well as you, the like ten years. words, but when its all over we’ll all be left that others have the evil, person who must now talk to So just what can be attributed to this seem- standing proud and tall. isolating character trait of that poor girl or guy. Yes, ingly dismal situation? There are two answers So you see, there is life after 11th grade shyness. Well, you may they are waiting for YOU. Y- really. The first and most obvious being that it is and you know what? It probably won’t be a ask, what induces this O-U, to come over and talk true! Juniors do have added pressures and re- bad one either. shyness? Being in a to- to him or her. tally different envi- Only you can ronment where unfa- prevent forest miliar faces appear shyness. Or was A Senior’s View on the in whichever con- that shyness fires? fusing hallway Anyway, before you decide to some angry man New AP Exam Policy venture down. Pure fear of talking to new wearing a Smoky the Bear costume sues By Adam Taubman Syosset High School has eliminated the possibil- people. Maybe fear of being disliked? Or me, I would hope that I have passed on Syosset students in their senior year know ity of a student not taking AP classes seriously you may be just like me. Too lazy to get to the idea for you to communicate with the that the months that lie ahead will be both long and a lot of extra work for its teachers. know one another! silent ones, who often become stereotyped and stressful. Even those that choose to adopt a For the most part, I have no problem with Imagine that you’re a shy freshman. and secluded. laid-back approach to schoolwork will be busy this reasoning. If Advanced Placement classes are writing essays, filling out forms, and stamping supposed to simulate a real college experience, envelopes, all to get into the college of their choice. then anyone who chooses to enroll in one of the Of course, this is typical of every senior class classes should have the attitude and responsibil- across the country, even if to varying degrees, ity of a college student. After all, it would be un- The Tenth Grade Void but in Syosset, the college application process is fair to ask a teacher to fill the role of a college something different. It is always a part of our lives, professor when the students are not willing to co- By Michael A. Henrich class is a two-night class trip to Bos- no matter what grade we are in. Whether it be operate and do their part. But there is another side In 9th grade we were the new kids ton, Massachusetts. A single week- studying for a test in freshman year, volunteering to all of this. in town, not always feeling com- end excursion cannot account for the at a local hospital, or even writing for the school That side is the students who don’t take AP pletely comfortable. In 11th grade the unanimity of all of the 10th graders newspaper, almost every non-leisure activity is classes to impress colleges or to place out of a SAT’s will crowd our thoughts with into a single harmonious group in in some way directed towards the ultimate goal class later in life, but rather to learn. While there concern and anxiety to a point many which all have similar feelings relat- of a better education. This can actually be healthy may be few people with this as a sole purpose, have trouble standing. And senior ing to any specific instance. The lack in that it is a form of motivation, but sometimes it almost every one of us appreciates knowledge year college entries and high school of unity is good and bad, for it translates to a level of competition that includes and progress to some degree. For some of us, an graduation will overcome us with teaches us to be individuals, but de- fighting for every grade and arguing over every AP class can mean much more than a grade. It disappointment, joy, and a newly nies the students a channel to which test answer marked as incorrect. Unfortunately, can mean a new understanding of our world and found person within us all. Then we may become a group. the teachers are usually on the receiving end of a foundation for a career or hobby; it can mean there is our current year, our 10th As of yet, the tenth grade seems such behavior. an interesting forty minutes; and it can mean chal- grade, or sophomore year. What will like a void in our high school careers. To stop this, some teachers have done sev- lenging ourselves to do better in life. The AP Exam concern us this year? What will up- We have no distinguishing character- eral things: develop stricter grading policies, use has nothing do with these motives. set us and shape us into a different istic that will affect the entire grade. structured rubrics and formulae to calculate av- For those of us who appreciate the personal person? The only thing I can tell you Not an SAT, high school graduation, erages, and now, the school allows into Advance value of an Advanced Placement course but do readers, is that I do not yet know. or a Freshman Friday. My conclu- Placement courses only those students who not want to take the exam at the end of the year, This does not mean that there is sion is simply that sophomore year pledge to take the AP Exam in May. This pre- an injustice has been done. Some have learned to nothing to look forward to in this is the year of individuality. The year vents students from enrolling in the class to add put up with the extra responsibility, but others grade. Upcoming, we’ll have the that all of us can discover ourselves an impressive course to the transcript and then have only been discouraged from enrolling. In same Homecoming Dance and Car- without anything drastic happen to forgetting about the test once acceptance letters attempting to weed out the undedicated students nival, and the choice to join a few of our grade as a whole. Now the real arrive in the mail. Second, if all students took the from the AP program, Syosset High School may the same clubs as the past. Our only question is this: how do you feel AP Exam, then no optional final test would be have lost the best students of all—those that value hint of unity among our sophomore about it? necessary. There are other explanations as well, education more than a high school transcript or but essentially, by instituting this requirement, college credit. 4 The Pulse • The Heartbeat of SHS • September, 1999 o p i n i o n s A Moment With Spector: The Pulse Movie Reviews Nothing just happened. There is no By Ken Spector for murdering his wife. After escaping American Beauty mystery. There is no big climax. Only Hello. And welcome to Spector’s arrest, he tracks down her true killer whilst Drama an unraveling story that’s interesting movie reviews. To ensure safety while being persued by Tommy Lee Jones. MPAA Rating: R but lacks the meat and juices that makes reading, please comply with the follow- Double Jeopardy: Libby Parsons is framed Spectroscale Rating: A any story good. The main idea they were ing rules. All hats and glasses should for murdering her husband. After her six putting across was intriguing. But not be taken off during the reading. Please years of prison, she tracks down her hus- enough to carry the entire movie. keep your arms, legs and other expend- band knowing he framed her, whilst be- BASIS: A young non-religious able body parts inside the vehicle at all ing persued by Tommy Lee Jones. This woman becomes a Stigmatist. {Mean- times. Do not stand up. Pregnant just goes to prove two things. #1. Women ing: The five wounds of Christ during women, people with motion sickness have more patience than men. It seems his crucifixion are inflicted upon her by and/or taste should not submit them- they have enough patience to sit six supernatural powers.} selves to reading this. We repeat: DO years in prison, whereas a man just runs NOT STAND UP. Prepare for movie away before going to prison and then review departure. gets away Scott-free. And #2, Tommy Soon To Be In Theaters Lee Jones will never be old enough to Sleepy Hollow: The latest from stop jogging after criminals. Kevin Spacey and Anette Benning in Tim Burton. A remake of the Legend of Spectroscale BASIS: A woman is framed for mur- American Beauty. Sleepy Hollow with Ichabod Crane and A: Better than your average bear der by her husband, then after discover- the Headless Horseman. Starring ing you can only be convicted once of the Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci. No- B: Your regular movie Wow! This was an extremely en- same crime, she goes across the country vember 19. C: Typical crap fest chanting movie. Kevin Spacey is fabu- Z: Almost as bad as Wild Wild West to kill him and get her son back. Dogma: Kevin Smith’s (Clerks, lous as always. Excellent points are Mallrats, Chasing Amy) new movie made about regular everyday incon- which after five long awaited years, will spicuous things. There is so much you Double Jeopardy finally be released. Hooray! Matt can take out of this movie. Philoso- Damon and Ben Affleck are fallen an- Drama phies, quotes {such as my gels who try to hustle their way back MPAA Rating: R favorite}”Never underestimate the into heaven by scamming God with the Spectroscale Rating: B power of denial” and different stand- help of Jay and Silent Bob. November Double Jeopardy is a fast-paced “I points of how to live and looking at oth- 12. hope it turns out well” movie. I only have ers. When you walk out of the theater, Bringing Out the Dead: Nicolas one question. Did anyone else realize this you’ll be embraced with a sensual feel- Cage stars as a paramedic who discov- is basically a rip-off of The Fugitive but ing of bliss. Knowing that in a materi- ers how weird New York City can be at with a woman instead? Think about it. The Tommy Lee Jones and Ashley Judd alistic world, so much beauty is hidden night. Fugitive: Dr. Richard Kimble is framed navigate rough waters in Double Jeapordy. from humanity. If you just stop to see Movies To Come it. You will know why life is worth liv- Scream 3: The closing chapter to ing. You gotta see this one. the trilogy. Sidney drops out of high BASIS: How strange families can Insanity Plea school and goes to Hollywood. Decem- be while living in suburbia. By Jed evans ber 10, 1999

The Mission to Mars: Man’s first trip to Stigmata Mars turns into disaster. March 10, 2000 Do you ever find yourself standing SERBSAPS has been proven to Horror Red Planet: Val Kilmer’s trip to idly at the foot of the stairs in E Hall? Do cause lateness, inattentiveness, and MPAA Rating: R Mars. March 31, 2000 you ever notice yourself in the cafeteria, general disarray. Though there isn’t Spectroscale Rating: C+ Fantasia 2000: Disney’s sequel to standing right in front of the doors, effec- a cure yet, here are a few things that Fantasia. January 1,2000 tively blocking the path of incoming and you can do to avoid contracting outgoing students? Have you even done SERBSAPS: Movie Tips these things when none of your friends - meet friends in the lobby or other Anyone interested in the Blair were around to even bother standing such area designated for meeting, Witch Project? Check out their web site around talking to? Did I just end a sen- not stairs or doors. at www.BlairWitch.com for about four tence with a preposition? - move to a new location if you hours worth of stuff that wasn’t in the If you answered yes to any of the notice people constantly running movie. above questions than you may have what into you and/or saying “excuse Like Clerks, Mallrats or Chasing experts call School and Environment Re- Patricia Arquette delivers the scares me” Amy? Check out www.ViewAskew.com lated Behavioral, Social, and Psychologi- in Stigmata. for multitudes of news to Jay & Silent cal Syndromes. The disease is called - make an attempt to get to class on Bob action figures. SERBSAPS (pronounced: surpsaps) for time What a let down. For any horror So, what have we learned here to- short. For many years SERBSAPS was - wear ear plugs and blind folds fans who saw the numerous advertise- day? Well, we learned as long as we believed to be a common hereditary dis- to English class ments for this film, you have to agree keep shelling out $8.50, Hollywood will ease. Recently, however, Dr. Wes Van Der with me that Stigmata seemed fabulous. continue making memorable moments Wessen of Pebbly Creek University at - and buy Nabisco’s Low Sodium To throw in another quote for the sake and mega profits forever and ever. Any- Pebbly Creek discovered, in a routine Ritz Crackers! of...Well. Throwing in another quote. way, I’m all out of room. So until next laboratory rat experiment, that it is in fact If you wish to contact me for more “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Sure, time, keep watching the classics and an airborne contagious disease which is information on SERBSAPS and how you Stigmata has neat special effects, along avoid the popcorn. incubated in bodies lacking in initiative. can personally protect yourself from its with some weird and scary stuff. For Movies To Come information was Though the disease is most prominent contraction or for a free sample sized example, when Frankie Paige {a supplied by Cinescape Online, among Freshmen, it has been known to packet of Ritz Crackers or you wish to woman} suddenly becomes possessed Videohounds Golden Movie Retriever spread to upper classmen and can lead to contact me because your are a distraught and speaks in a deep male voice. {Kind 1999 and View Askew Online. All of the the lifelong disease CSERBSAPS member of the English department, I can of like Bea Arthur.} But when the cred- information is true. Otherwise it would (Chronic School and Environment Re- be seen attempting to get downstairs in E its start and the lights go on, you sit just be a waste of time. lated Behavioral, Social, and Psychologi- Hall before for pretty much the entire day. there and think. What just happened? cal Syndromes). September, 1999 • The Heartbeat of SHS • The Pulse 5 f e a t u r e s The Freshmen Friday That Wasn’t By Rachel Stanton “Every four years Freshman Friday ing, teachers, administrators, and having been physically hurt, this does “I’m nervous because the school is is really bad, and this is the fourth coaches were out in the hall in force on not mean that they were unaffected. It so big,” said Jane. “I know I’m going year!” said one freshman at Freshman Freshman Friday. Due to their efforts, is the administration’s hope that no stu- to get lost.” Orientation. An- only two out of the dent is dealing with this situation on his “I’m worried I won’t make any other agreed, stat- over 400 freshmen or her own. However, the school can friends,” added her friend Jill. ing, “I heard that “It is a shame that in SHS reported only respond to the incidents that are A third freshman added, “I heard when this year’s se- being harassed. reported. that Dr. Schneider has a big computer niors were fresh- upperclassmen think This does not When asked about Freshman Fri- in his office, and if you get in trouble, man, the seniors mean, however, day, Dr. Schneider said, “It is a shame he’ll look you up on his computer, and were really mean to it is fun to harass the that no harassment that upperclassmen think it is fun to he can find out everything about you them, so they’re go- freshmen … We here took place. One harass the freshmen … We here at and your life.” ing to be mean to junior reported Syosset High School are working hard These concerns, and many others, us!” at Syosset High witnessing a se- to teach students how to behave prop- were voiced at Freshman Orientation, Luckily for nior trip a particu- erly, and we’ve come a long way. When which was held on Tuesday, August 31. these freshmen, School are working larly small fresh- I started here, seniors brought paddles However, one possibility that had fresh- their fears were not man when he was to school. Every year there is less and men especially scared was the infamous proven true. In fact, hard to teach walking down E- less violence. Hopefully through edu- “Freshman Friday”, the first Friday of this year’s Freshman students how to hall. When the cation, this nonsense will stop once and every year. Friday was espe- freshman ran for all.” On this day last year, a number of cially mild, al- behave properly” away, practically One freshman expressed different freshmen were seriously harassed by though, according to -Dr. Schneider in tears, the senior feelings about Freshman Friday. “All I upperclassmen, who were later sus- our principal Dr. burst out laughing. heard about Freshman Friday was fake. pended due to their actions. Common Schneider, Fresh- In another inci- It’s too bad though; I would have liked fears about this day were voiced by two man Friday in Syosset High School has dent, a senior made a freshman stand by to be shaving creamed. It sounds like freshmen, who were so frightened about never been really bad, and rumors about his locker until the bell rang so that he fun.” Hopefully, by the time this fresh- the possibility of repercussions that the day have been blown out of propor- would be late for class. man becomes an upperclassman, his at- they asked to remain anonymous. tion. In order to prevent any wrongdo- Although no freshmen reported titude will have changed. Zombies Walk the Halls at Syosset High School! By Rachel Leventhal dents are so sleep-deprived. project and she then works on it for another half- resorted to pulling 3 hour, 2 hour and even no Imagine it’s your average Friday morning. To see how this works, let’s take 3 different hour. It is now 9:00 and Sally must practice on sleep all nighters? After waking up, boarding and riding the bus (or student types and examine what they do after her violin for an hour and a half. It is now 10:30, It’s time to point the finger, and the finger driving your car for seniors), you pull open the school let’s out. Observe: but before Sally can call it a day, she must work doesn’t point to the students. The theory that hard large, heavy doors and enter Syosset High School. Let’s say that an average student, John, gets on her upcoming forensics piece. Sally is finally work=good grades=good college=good As you walk down to C hall, so that you may home at 4:00 from his after school commitments. done at 11:00. job=money and success and been emblazoned empty the 25 pounds of textbooks into your He does two hours of These passages upon today’s teenagers by none other than our locker, you observe the people around you. work, and then eats his don’t even begin to ac- adult society. Additionally, with the competition There’s that tall girl in the corner who seems dinner for half an hour be- count for things like getting more intense throughout the country, stu- to be fighting to keep her eyelids from closing. fore going to his hour and making one’s lunch, ex- dents are working harder than ever and as a re- There’s also that cute guy from your Biology class a half SAT review course. tra homework or tests, sult are getting less sleep. by his locker who has been staring aimlessly into It is roughly 8:00 when time-consuming com- So, yes, you definitely should be getting a space for the last five minutes, and then finally, he gets home. He then mitments like “hell lot of work in high school; that’s a good thing, as there’s your best friend sitting on the floor by her proceeds to work for an week” for shows, school it will prepare you for the challenges of college locker, who, in trying to cram for her history test hour on his book report concerts, jobs, or even and for a possible future career. However, you next period, has just reread the same sentence for English, which is due simply break time. All should also be enjoying yourself at the same time. twenty times in a row. in two days. If he goes to of this and more might Try to attain a balance between the two (a little “What exactly is going on?” you think to bed in an hour (10:00) extend somebody’s day bit more sleep time would be great!), and remem- your self, gazing at the weirdos who surround and wakes up at 6:00 the for hours. Not even to ber; if you feel you’re really stressed out over you. Well, it could be that the tall girl is a narco- next morning, he will mention having any so- your work, take a break. Call a friend to talk, see leptic who (oh darn!) forgot to take her medica- have had 8 hours of sleep cial life, John and Tom a movie, or even take a nap: just do something tion again. It could be that guy from your bio a decent amount. Let’s might get to sleep some- other than stressing out over your work. Finally, class has some really odd staring problem. It could wait a minute though… time in the vicinity; of just remember to enjoy yourself: after all, these also be that your best friend has some rare men- Another good student, between 11:00 and are the days you’re going to miss in the years tal block regarding the effects of Jacksonian De- Tom, gets home at 5:00 12:00. Assuming all ahead. mocracy upon the Industrial Revolution. Or then from his after school three wake up for school As for those strange “zombified” people at 6:00ish or so, this again it could just be that neither of them have commitments has two Ken Spector is among the Zombies of around you, see if you can help them out a leaves Tom and John gotten enough sleep. hours of homework. Af- Syosset High School little bit. If that girl is a narcoleptic, kindly Looking around Syosset High School, it has ter completing this work with a probable 6 hours remind her that she may have slipped up on become increasingly common to see a plethora he eats his dinner then proceeds to study an hour of sleep and Sally with possibly five or less. that pill schedule. Otherwise tell her she of wandering, “zombified” students. It is obvi- for his math test tomorrow. It is now 8:30. Tom Studies have shown that teenagers require should get some sleep, it looks like she could ous that a large majority of our students are lack- then works half an hour on his lab write up, which at least eight hours of sleep a night, as much as use some. As for your best friend, tell her that ing in precious sleep time. This tired state that is due at the end of the week. It is now 9:00. elementary school students. Six hours, five hours, for the next test she might want to make up a many students are falling victim to can have ex- Keep that in mind… or even less sleep just doesn’t cut it, especially study group, that way the work won’t be too tremely negative effects: poor concentration, cut- Finally super overachiever “Sally” gets since over the course of the school week, these stressful for her. Also tell her to take a breather ting classes, bad test grades, and even sickness. home from school at 5:30 after her after school hours of sleep deprivation certainly add up. With from her studying and come hang out one day. When parents and teachers fail to realize, how- commitments. She has two hours of homework, many over-stressed teenagers attempting to bal- Finally, as for that cute guy from your Bio. ever, is that it really is not our fault that we lack so but first she breaks for dinner for half an hour. At ance tremendous course loads, numerous after Class, ask him if he might want to come with much sleep. In reality, it is because of increased 8:00 after finishing her work, Sally takes a half school commitments, and any sort of social life, you to that party tonight. After he takes a nap pressure by the school and by parents that stu- hour to speak to her mentor about her science is it any wonder that more and more students have of course. 6 The Pulse • The Heartbeat of SHS • September, 1999 f e a t u r e s Good Times at Woodstock ’99 By David Anderson mal-sized venue. But all of the acts seemed to tival grounds were so big that from the other end, A Woodstock moment that stands out in my This summer I paid almost $300 to be hun- adjust to that and managed to bring the masses of you couldn’t even see the fires. If you wanted to mind is the Offspring show on Friday night. My gry, dirty, sunburned, deprived of bathrooms, and people together, even if it was just for a few songs. get away from them, you could easily leave and friends and I were very close to the stage for the to walk for miles a day for four days. The idea The bands themselves were just as shocked as go to another area. show and the music and the energy going through sounds almost inconceivable, yet there were some the concert goers were about the size of the crowd, the crowd where we were was incredible. A high- of the best days in my life. This “unbearable” and it humbled even the most arrogant rock stars. light of that show was the part where the lead event that I am referring to is Woodstock ’99. I I believe that was one of the factors that made the singer beat up life-sized cardboard figures of the was one of the 250,000 people that made history bands so good; they felt like the listeners were Backstreet Boys. Another experience that I will at the 30th anniversary celebration of the original doing them a favor by listening to them, instead always remember is being about 20 feet away Woodstock Arts and Music Festival from July of thinking that they were doing a favor to the from the stage while Megadeth played, and then 23, to 25. crowd by playing. The result of that feeling was getting one of their set lists after the show. There When I arrived at the festival site early Fri- possibly some of the best performances of any of were many other performances that I enjoyed: day morning, the first thing a guard said to my the performers’ careers. Metallica, Kid Rock, Rage Against The Machine, friends and me was, “The campgrounds are full One of the bands that stands out for its per- and the John Entwistle Band. It seemed like al- formance is Limp Bizkit. I had seen them previ- most every type of music was represented there, ously this summer and had enjoyed it, but noth- ing compared to the show that they put on at Woodstock. They like to get crowds to partici- pate with them, and they did not fail at Woodstock. I thought that I had been in large mosh pits be- fore this, but the one during Limp Bizkit was out of this world. If they were trying to achieve anar- chy, they definitely succeeded. At one point, the lead singer, Fred Durst, had to tell the crowd to calm down. Although it seemed frightening at Crowds gather at Woodstock ’99 as they wait anxiously for the festivities to begin. Dave Matthews Band played at Woodstock. already, so you’ll have to find somewhere to set up your tent.” This was before the campgrounds Second, any reason that you hear about the were even supposed to be open. My immediate cause of the looting and destruction is made up. thought was, “How big is this thing anyway?” Although the prices for food and water were ob- That was the question that I am sure many people scene (my friends and I didn’t eat anything for asked themselves or others during the whole three days because of this), it was not a main fac- event. tor of the trouble. Anyone that was there could Limp Bizkit gave an exciting performance The magnitude of Woodstock ’99 was prob- tell you that there were a couple of stupid people at Woodstock ’99. ably the most incredible factor of it. Miles of who thought that it would be fun to do damage to people blended into the horizon in every direc- Concert-goers get out of hand and set fire the place, and it turned into a big “follow the tion. It was announced at the main stage on Sat- to their surroundings. leader.” Considering the number of people that so I’m sure everyone could have found some- urday that Griffiss Park, where Woodstock ’99 were there and the fact that the security guards thing to listen to. I definitely did, and I will never took place, had been declared the third largest the time, it was not as bad as the newspapers and had left earlier in the day, the damage could have forget all the amazing experiences that I had at city in New York State. To have been a part of media portrayed it to be. One of the events that been much worse. Woodstock ’99. that city is an honor, regardless of any negative has gotten the most attention from the media is news reports. the fire and looting spree that occurred Sunday Because of the size of the audience, the per- night. There are a few things that I would like to club events formances of the bands that played were defi- say about this. First of all, the fires were not as nitely not as intimate as they would be at a nor- dangerous as they were made out to be. The fes- Spirit Week Schedule Syosset Interact Supports Cyclones Week of October 18 Ride Again Monday 18 Walk-Athon Earthquake Victims Dress Up in School Colors By Eda Uca less. Never has their need for essential but simple FALL 1999 Cheerleaders in Lunch Room Tonight, when we go home to our warm things more necessary. Often, we hear people Cycling Schedule beds, and eat the food our parents out on the table moan about “needing” a new car or “needing a Tuesday 19 Banner Day ** Riders should meet in the faculty parking lot at 3:15 pm ** for us, and drink from our constant flow of clean snack,” but the people in Turkey really do need Crazy Dress-Up Day water, there will be thousands of people in Tur- protection from rampant spread of diseases, clean ** All rides contingent upon the weather ** key quietly slipping into their crowded tents or water to make it through the days of back break- ** Look for our Spring 2000 Schedule in early March 2000 ** Wednesday 20 Celebrate Our Excellence Day nervously claiming park benches, doomed to ing work of fixing homes and roads, and shelter Ice Cream and Kareoke spend another sleepless night. Most of you have to face the hardships of the upcoming winter. Thurs. Oct. 7, 1999 Green Belt South Trail Pajama Day heard of the devastating earthquake that hit Tur- The situation looks hopeless for the Turks Thurs. Oct. 14, 1999 Oyster Bay key in August. You have probably heard of the as their government has done little to help save Tues. Oct. 19, 1999 Open Ride Thursday 21 Student Teaching Day 35,000 people that died in the rubble and never them from their personal hell. But, there is help Tues. Oct. 26, 1999 SUNY Old Westbury had a chance to be given a grave to rest in peace. on the way. Our very own INTERACT Club Friday 22 Pep Rally and School Shirt Day Alev Aydin, junior, thinks back to the event, will soon be working together with you to help Sat. Oct. 30, 1999 Bethpage/Massapequa Carnival Starts at Night and says that he “cannot express” his devastation save these people. With your help, there will be over the life shattering event. Today in Turkey, warmer clothes and more food for the thousands Carnival on Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 there are two classes. Homeless, and not home- of homeless people suffering in Turkey. September, 1999 • The Heartbeat of SHS • The Pulse 7 nn ee ww ss Teamwork Seen as “Big Plus” Syosset Receives By New Assistant Principal Grant from State By Ari Stern receive orders from people above him, and By Staff Writer Working less than a month and a half without question, would have to imple- An $8,000 legislative grant has been secured at Syosset High School, new Assistant ment them. But at Syosset, everything is for the Syosset School District by State Senator Principal Mr. Stewart Rahr is amazed at discussed, and input is given by all the Carl Marcellino. This grant, which comes at the the teamwork that goes on at the school. major heads of the school. request of Superintendent Dr. Carole G. Hankin, He is also quite stunned at the amount of Another difference between the city will be used for an early intervention program in freedom given to students on campus schools and Syosset is the freedom al- response to the nationwide concern about school grounds, as well as maturity of Syosset located to students. In the city, students safety. students. This shock comes after working need to be accounted for at all times as “The Syosset District is taking a proactive more twenty-nine years in the public to where they are in the building. But approach to school safety, an issue which is of school system of New York. in Syosset, students are given the abil- concern to every school in the country,” said Dr. Mr. Rahr started his teaching career ity to roam around the building more Hankin. “Not only will a successful pilot pro- in the junior high schools of New York freely. gram benefit the children of Syosset, but it can City in 1971. There, he worked as a “I am quite impressed with the way provide an effective model for schools through- teacher in Social Studies, as well as a co- students acted during our ‘little’ episode out the nation to replicate.” ordinator for many different assemblies. that happened the first week of school This grant will allow the District to expand In 1981, he transferred to Forest Hills in “D” hall,” said Mr. Rahr, referring its “Peers As Leaders (PAL)” program to ninth High School. He worked as a teacher at to the small fire caused by a motor burn and tenth graders. Where while the eleventh and first, before he was promoted to dean in out. “If this happened in a city school, twelfth grade PAL classes focus on drug educa- 1984. In this position, he was responsible “I am quite I would be sure to be screaming at kids tion and AIDS, the ninth and tenth grade students for attendance records of the 3,600 stu- and running around the building to will focus on alienation. The students will work dents in the school. He remained as dean impressed with the make sure everyone is out. This truly with elementary school psychologists to provide until 1995, where once again he was pro- …students … If this proves that Syosset students are a grade intervention services within small group and class- moted, this time to the position of assis- above the rest, with a better sense of room sizes. Elementary school students are ex- tant principal. [was] a city school, I what responsibility and maturity are. It pected to verbalize concern and issues regarding “I don’t like to just take a job and sim- is evident why they are granted so many many topics dealing with personal safety. ply move up,” said Mr. Rahr.” I like to would be sure to be freedoms.” With this type of intervention by the Dis- take a job, master it, and then really feel Mr. Rahr is looking forward to con- trict, the potential for providing support to chil- like I deserved my promotion.” Unlike his screaming at the tinuing his work as assistant principal, dren who have feelings of alienation and hostil- New York City public school experience, kids...” where he is looking to learn the “lay of ity is much greater. It is hoped that the program Mr. Rahr is impressed with the teamwork the land,” and see how he can better will enable Syosset to be the safest school district going on at Syosset. A “top-down” policy ÐMr. Rahr help improve Syosset as it heads into in the nation. is instituted in the city, where he would the new millenium. Expansion Welcome Back Secretary of Education …Continued from Cover by saying “DN.” Continues change in attendance in high schools, from He was then presented with a plaque By Ari Stern From the Editor as recently in historical terms as fifty years honoring his hard work and dedication to Months after finishing an expansion of four ago. While one third of students used to go education in the United States, as well as a classrooms to lower “E” hall, Syosset is continu- By David Roseman on to higher education, another third used to pair of Syosset sweats to match those given ing its expansion with the addition of two more Well, another year of school is complete high school and then go directly to First Lady Hillary Clinton when she vis- classrooms. These rooms, which will be used as upon us. Time for homework, tests into the work force, and the final third ited Village Elementary School last April. english and science classrooms, will connect and projects, but also time to rekindle dropped out of high school and went to work. Following the performance of the Adelettes, lower “E” hall and “D” hall. The expansion is old friendships and to see familiar No longer are these trends evident, as more the crowd enjoyed a buffet dinner and desert. due to the influx of students who will be attend- faces. This year, as the Class of 2000 students continue on to college, and it is nec- “We were very excited to have the ing Syosset High School in coming years, as the embarks on its final year of high essary to have a good, quality education to Secretary of Education visit our district, current enrollment of 1752 is expected to reach school, there is much to look forward get a good job and to be a success. and this is a credit to our supportive 1900 by the 2002-2003 school year. to in what will most assuredly be an- A charming man, Mr. Riley sprinkled Board of Education, PTA, community, With more students coming into the school, other exciting year at Syosset High in many jokes and anecdotes to his speech. faculty, staff and our outstanding stu- many new teachers will also have to be hired. School. There are many new terrific He joked about “the intelligence of whoever dents,” said Dr. Hankin. “We were de- The Syosset School District handbook states that teachers and faculty members at the scheduled the dinner” for Friday night as lighted to honor him for the tremendous “for every15 students attending the high school, high school this year, who will help opposed to the fury of Hurricane Floyd the encouragement and support he gives to there will be at least one teacher in the building.” to make this another outstanding year previous night. And as Dr. Hankin pointed our district and other public schools that As construction starts in the next few months, here in Syosset. out, Mr. Riley is a father of four and grand- strive to provide all children with an the two trailers attached to “D” hall will need to This year The Pulse is looking father of ten, and he held up a picture of his excellent education.” be removed. These trailers, which currently house forward towards another year of im- whole crew for the audience to see like any Mr. Riley’s visit was “yet another the Forensics and Ken Magazine office, were proving and informing you of what is proud grandparent. And with Peter King in proof that Syosset isn’t just known lo- found not to meet building regulations, and there- happening in the school and in the attendance, who recently wrote a book about cally, but nationally as well,” said Dr. fore couldn’t be moved to another area where community. As always, we invite Ireland, Riley told a story of how his young- Schneider. Dr. Schneider continued that they would be attached to the building. Currently, anyone that wants to write, or has est grandson wrote his first book last year, “every school in the district does a great no decision has been made as to where the Fo- ideas that they would like to share, to and was at the “same point in his writing job.” rensics and Ken offices will be moved. come to The Pulse office, near C-Hall. career” as King. Mr. Riley then told the re- Student Government President Stu Whatever changes are to be made in the We hope to help make this an en- ceptive crowd how his grandson wrote DN Katz also enjoyed Mr. Riley’s visit. He school, Syosset High School officials are doing joyable year in your high school ex- at the end of the book, “because every story liked, “the way he talked…he didn’t their very best to make sure Syosset lives up to perience! says ’DN’ at the end.” And to the delight of talk like he was a politician, but more its Blue Ribbon Award for “Excellence in Edu- the crowd, Mr. Riley concluded his speech like a friend.” cation.” 8 The Pulse • The Heartbeat of SHS • September, 1999 ss pp oo rr tt ss football Boys’ X-Country Girls’ X-Country As of October 4th, Syosset’s record is 2-1 Under Way at the home opener, Syosset beat By Kevin Miu Begins Season The 1999-2000 the Cross Country Team is By Holly Bender Uniondale 20-12 poised for another great season. Even with the The girl’s cross country team is looking absence of last year’s amazing senior class, the forward to a strong season. The Lady Braves Then, we achieved an incredible victory over team has made great strides, both individually ended the spring season last year with a bang, Long Beach: 43-0 and as a unit. Summer running, which began taking the Division 1 Champion title. Now, even before the end of the 1998-1999 school year, after a summer of hard work, this year’s team Unfortunatley, we lost a close game to was a huge success. Many runners amassed a is as strong as ever. Returning cross-country huge number of miles, most notably James runners include the team’s co-captains junior Farmingdal by one touchdown. Duade, who ran an unbelievable 834 miles. Holly Bender and sophomore Jubilee Po and The team hopes to have a great showing at as well as junior Debra Montgomery. Veteran the Suffolk Coaches Invitational, and to ride their runners who ran winter and spring track but hard work and dedication all the way to the State are new to the fall season include dedicated MANDARIN Championships and beyond. sophomores Liezle Figueras, Hana Isoda, MANDARIN “After a great season last year, division Aileen Kim and Maria Lam. An abundance champions (17-0), conference and county cham- of talent can be found in the team’s rookies, WOKWOK pions 2 years in the row, 4th in the NYS and NYS including freshmen Poonam Maru, Rachel Federation meet, and 1st in the NYS academic Wolther and Katherine Yau, eighth grader 390 Woodbury Rd., Hicksville team average, our team this year is stronger then Andrea Tychanski, and seventh grader Beth ever,” said Senior Garrick Huie. “We’re looking Off S. Oyster Bay Road, near Raimo & Aegean East Alizzi. This years cross county season is bound for a top 3 rank in the state, top 5 rank in the to be exciting. The team gladly welcomes the 822-9888 • 822-9833 eastern region, and top 25 rank in the nation. We support of students and staff members at our are returning 6 guys that plan to have their best upcoming events. seasons of their lives; Seniors Garrick Huie and Dan Abramowitz, Juniors James, Sean Duade, Ruderman. Last year, the boys Junior Varsity and Billy Vasilyadis, and Sophomore Earl Han, team won the JV county championships with a BRING IN THIS COUPON who was freshman champion last year. Others perfect score, and they are now ready for another that have proven themselves to be on varsity are repeat! AND GET 15% senior Mike Chen, and Junior Tommy Cafiero.” Our coach, Bart Sessa, is one of the best The boys that will lead the JV team are Se- coaches on , and he is willing to do niors David Morcos, Rob Volk, Viraj Gadkar, Yuta anything for us to win the State Championships. OFF YOUR ORDER! Koda, and Cyril Malika, Juniors Albert Lin, Chris Every athlete on our team has his own goals but Kan, Wesley Cheng, and Saugot Sen, and Sopho- together we have one goal, “Winning the State mores Tien-Lun Chuang, Henry Kung, and Josh Championships!” Girls’ Volleyball Set to Go MANDARIN By Allison Hoyt Allison Hoyt (middle hitter) and outstanding set- The 1999 Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team is ter Jean Chiang. Outside hitters Lindsay looking forward to a successful season.. After a Klimkowski, Jennifer Belk, Maria Bacolostantis, WOKWOK season opening victory already under their belt, and Megan Huenke should be very successful they plan on being very competitive this year. spiking opponents, middle hitters Kristina Chau, The team is filled with experience, there are eleven Samantha Brooks, and Jennifer Hoyt should have returning players. The team returns seniors no trouble blocking. The team will rely greatly 15%15% OffOff Kristina Chau, Diana Gasparini, Megan Huenke, on its outstanding servers, Kim Jacobs, Michelle Allison Hoyt, Kim Jacobs, Lindsay Klimkowski, Mianulli, and Eileen Lee, while Diana Gasparini and Eileen Lee. Juniors Jennifer Belk, Samantha will provide the girls with amazing defense. Brooks, and Michelle Mianulli, and sophomore The Braves have already started their sea- Jean Chiang. Two new players have joined the son on a positive note with a very convincing team this year, sophomore Maria Bacolostantis, victory against Elmont High School. With the and freshman Jennifer Hoyt. combination of experience and talent on this Come in for our monthly This years’ team is led by senior captain year’s team, the playoffs are very attainable. specials featuring tradi- tional recipies from China The Pulse Syosset High School and Hong Kong. 70 Southwoods Road Syosset, NY 11791 [email protected] This Month’s Special: Peking-Style Chicken

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