ABINGTON: #1 in the alphabet, #1 for school community news! Social Justice: How Teens Can Make a Difference By: Madeline Jamieson (grade 9) and Caroline Cook (grade 9)

We were honored to have Congresswoman Madeleine Dean join our social justice group meeting the other night. We all asked her questions about topics that were important to us and relevant to this election. As a graduate of Abington High School, she encouraged us to become leaders of change in politics. (continued on page 3)

We were honored to have Congresswoman Madeleine Dean join our social justice group meeting the other night. We all asked her questions about topics that were important to us and relevant to this election. As a graduate of Abington High School, she encouraged us to become leaders of change in politics.

IN THIS ISSUE

News & Editorials ……………………....1-13 Tech……………………………………………..14-24 Life, Travel, & Self- Help………….….25-39 Food & Entertainment……………...... 40-45

1 Covid-19 By: Christopher Law

Recently, the entire world has been affected by a disease known as Covid-19. Covid-19 is a highly contagious disease that was caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Due to Covid’s intense symptoms, doctors and scientists have recommended citizens to wear masks and keep a six-foot distance from others. These recommendations have put a huge dent in our daily lives. On a usual day, adults would be NJHS 2020 driving to their jobs and working while their By Sam Erwine, Secretary of the NJHS children are in school learning. Now that Covid is here, many are working from home to stay safe. Staying home during the This year’s National Junior Honor Society day keeps people safe and prevents more cases of Covid. Scientists believe that will be carried out virtually. We’ve already staying home, washing your hands, begun to prepare for the upcoming year. So cleaning your home, and avoiding close far we have chosen our new lineup of board contact with others may prevent Covid from members. Currently, we are preparing for our spreading. This tactic seems to work well new members to be inducted online, and though there is one issue. According to the we’ve had our first community service CDC’s website, “People who are infected activity! but do not show symptoms can also spread (continued on page 4) the virus to others.” (continued on page 4)

2 (Social Justice- continued from page 1) Hybrid or Virtual This summer, while you were scrolling through Instagram, you may have come across an abundance of posts related to School… serious social justice issues. Black lives matter, the importance of voting, women’s reproductive rights, and many What will it be? other topics were brought to the forefront of your attention. By: Keira Doogan Although social media may have alerted you about these topics, many people have been fighting to make a change for here has been a lot of back and forth T centuries. In the 1960s, for example, leaders such as Martin lately on whether Abington School Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, John Lewis, Malcolm X, and District should go back to in-person many others were fighting for equality among all races. Over school (hybrid) or to continue with the past century, some women worked tirelessly for their right virtual school. Now, what is the right and to vote, and to be treated as equals in society, this includes safe answer? You see, in this time of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Gloria Steinem, crisis, everyone is unsure. No one knows and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. An individual can make a what the correct plan is. But a ton of difference as we have learned over time. Our group is made people have their own opinions on up of teenagers from local school districts who come together whether they want to go back to school or to meet because we are all committed to social justice, and not. Some people are choosing to voice addressing relevant issues on a local level. their opinions… Approximately 62.9% of students I interviewed outside of school want to go Given recent social injustice, our collective awareness back to school and the other 37.1% want has been raised. We are a part of a social justice group to continue virtually. Many students want because we want to make an impact in our polarized political to go back to school, but they realize that climate. Participating in this group has raised our awareness there are many pluses and minuses to and brought a sense of reality to all of the injustice that we’ve going back. For example, Mila Spisic, a been blinded to. We engaged in various volunteer seventh-grade student at Abington Junior opportunities to make productive changes in our community. High, would love to go back to Our group focuses on new topics every few weeks so that we in-person-school, but she has mixed can understand and be acquainted with all of the current feelings on the issue. She says “Going political affairs. We have currently turned our attention to back to school would be a great idea getting out the vote for the 2020 election. Our group makes because I would get to socialize and calls, sends texts, writes letters, and tries to figure out new make new friends!” ways to get people involved. We’ve sent over 40,000 On the other hand, 52.7% of the messages and made over 1,600 calls to get people registered. students I interviewed believe that going In the future, we plan to discuss and support the Black Lives back to school could be dangerous Matter movement, the Me Too movement and look into new because of Covid-19. But despite the ways to help our environment. risks, many students still want to go back You too can get involved by speaking out about what to school. Spisic thinks that “As long as you believe are important issues in our everyday community. my fellow classmates, teachers, and I One of the best ways to spread awareness is to educate wear a mask and follow the guidelines, yourself and others about any pressing matters relevant to everyone will most likely stay safe and be today’s society. Even though we can’t vote as students Covid free!” attending Abington Junior High, we can still make a (Continued on page 4) difference!! 3 (COVID- continued from page 2) Covid-19 has a variety of different symptoms. According to the CDC’s website, the most common are: ● Fever or chills ● Cough ● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing ● Fatigue ● Muscle or body aches ● Headache ● New loss of taste or smell ● Sore throat (NHJS- Continued from page 1) ● Congestion or runny nose The first focus: our new lineup of board members. Our ● Nausea or vomiting new president is Tommi Crump, and our vice president is ● Diarrhea Taylor Shore. The new secretary and treasurer are Sam Since there is such a variety, it can be Erwine and Alana Le. The Service Chairs are Inda Bard difficult to tell if you have Covid or just a Hennessy and Nathan Schneider, the Tutoring Chair is Brody small cold. One way you can find out if Ufberg, the Programming Chair is Frankie Zhang, the you are sick is to get tested. This is the Membership Chair is Ava Kirkpatrick, and the Marketing Chair best and safest way to check if you have is Madison Matchett. You’ll hear more from these new board Covid. members at upcoming meetings, including the induction. Despite our virtual opening of schools, NJHS is excited Even though Covid has turned the entire to welcome a record breaking 273 new members to the AJHS world upside down, scientists are still Chapter. Due to social distancing guidelines, this event will be working on a cure. The most we can do at the moment is wait and find ways to held virtually and will feature a special guest alumnus as our help out others during this crisis. speaker. The new inductees contributed an overwhelming amount of new ideas and projects for this upcoming school year and we can't wait to get these bright, young minds to work! Regarding what we’ve already accomplished so far, we held our first virtual service project this year! Normally, we would have our annual Breathing Room Foundation 5k in person in order to raise awareness and donations for families affected by cancer. This year, to complete this act of service without spreading the coronavirus, we held it virtually. Our students and staff sported pink shirts as we executed a 3.1 mile run around our neighborhoods, on trails, and many other places. The Breathing Room Foundation is an organization that provides individualized care and support to families affected by cancer by addressing their critical needs to let them focus on regaining their physical health. They do this by handing out food and other necessities to cancer patients and their families so that they know they aren't going through this 4 alone. What a good cause! (Hybrid or Virtual- continued from page 3) Most of the students I interviewed feel this way and EDITORIAL believe that going back to school would be better; but again, Cornielle’s opinion differs. She believes that Opinion: The 2020 “Going back to school in November is unnecessary right now,” she thinks there are too many safety issues. “Covid Presidential Election- cases are currently going up in the US and going back to The Information You Need To school would be way too unsafe at the moment.” Know To Decide Cornielle doesn’t feel comfortable going back to school, By Ethan Eisenberg “unless the rates start to drop.” She thinks there is no need to go back since “There are already so many good things about virtual school.” Gaby truly believes that there are a few pluses to being stuck at home. “Since school is at home I get to work in my own space where I can concentrate and focus on my schoolwork.” Also, Gaby likes having four periods a day. “I only have four periods a day instead of having eight like I would if I went back to school. I prefer four periods a lot because I can focus more on each subject rather than stressing over multiple subjects.” Like Gaby, 28% of Here are the two presidential candidates, Democrat Joe students like having 4 periods. But, 14.9% feel that there Biden (left) and incumbent Republican Donald Trump should be more breaks during each class because each (right). They are two very different candidates who have very different stances on major issues. (AP) period is so long.

Even though Gaby and lots of other students think that This year, as you probably know, is an election, continuing virtual school would be great, there are a few which according to dictionary.com is the selection downsides that make learning challenging. Gaby says, “... of a person or persons for office by vote. These virtual school is challenging because of internet levels include from our local commissioner, problems.” Lots of students all around the world are based on which of the fifteen wards of Abington experiencing this and it can be very frustrating at times. each of us lives in, up through electing a presidential candidate. Every year in the United Since almost all students are using a computer every day, States is an election year, but different officials it can be hard to receive a wifi connection. Gaby has also have different lengths of the terms they serve experienced this at home; “I know that a few times my and are only on the ballot when they are up for computer has frozen or disconnected me from Zoom re-election or if they have served for a long calls.” enough time and it is time to elect a new Times like these are tough for everyone. It can be very candidate to that office (based on which office hard deciding what’s best for us and our community, but they’re holding). We, as citizens, only vote for we are all in the same boat: stuck at home with nothing to certain officials based on what year it is, or if do. Right now, we need to focus on staying safe and there is a special election, such as if an officer minimize our interaction with people in confined spaces. resigns or dies while holding an office. This year the president’s term expires, so in this election, But overall, it’s up to you; your opinion matters, and your citizens get to elect a new president or re-elect voice should be heard. Do you want to continue virtual the current president. This only happens every school or go back to school? Whether we go back to four years, the length of a presidential term, school or not, we will figure it out. Together. which makes this election even more special 5 compared to other elections. (Cont on page 6)

(Election- continued page 4) Some major current issues Also this year, there are many other important ●The coronavirus pandemic, in terms of the number of people issues compared to previous years that are infected worldwide, although primarily in this country, the normally important for each candidate to have a number of deaths, including the death rate, and other plan for, but are usually not needed at the time of important statistics, such as the transmission rate and the their campaign, unlike this year, such as The percentage of positive tests Coronavirus Pandemic and the vacant Supreme ●The economy and the job market, which has plummeted since Court seat (I’ll get to these in further detail a bit the beginning of the pandemic, causing multiple businesses to later). I will discuss the major issues that are close currently taking place in America, the ●The supreme court hearings to replace Justice Ruth Bader candidates, and their basic backgrounds, what Ginsburg who passed away on September 18 each has accomplished earlier in their lives, ●The Black Lives Matter movement, race in America and especially in the last four years (the last equality, as well as police presidential term), and how this year’s election is ●Climate change, and the effort to combat it affecting Abington. ●Each candidate’s records

Meet the Candidates

Current President Donald Trump (R): Former Vice President and Challenger Joe Donald Trump is a politician, businessman, and Biden (D): television personality. He is originally from New York Joe Biden is a lawyer and a politician. He is originally City and started his career by helping his father with from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and he later moved to his business, which was owning apartment buildings. Claymont, Delaware during his childhood. He started He later took over the family business. He also owns as a lawyer, and became a U.S. senator representing many other kinds of businesses, including golf Delaware in 1973, and was a senator until 2009. He courses, hotels, and casinos as a few examples. He was the vice president for former president Barack was the host of the television show “The Apprentice”. Obama from 2009 until their term expired in 2017. He During his predecessor’s, former President Barack has been married twice and has/had four children, Obama’s term, he started the birther theory, claiming two of whom have predeceased him, as well as his that Barack Obama was not born in the U.S., probably first wife. because his father is from Kenya, and because he’s biracial, which started Donald Trump’s “political career”. He announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential race in 2015 as a Republican, beating Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton in the electoral college, even though she won the popular vote by three million votes. He has been married three times, and he has five children.

(Continued on page 7)

6 Each Candidate’s Records, and How they Former Vice President and Stand on Major Issues Challenger Joe Biden (D): Joe Biden has been in Washington for

Current President Donald Trump (R): forty seven years, both as a senator and Donald Trump’s political career has pretty much spanned his last as vice-president. He was elected before term, or the past four years, as well as his candidacy in 2015 and he was thirty, and has represented 2016. Before this, his only political career was the birther theory, Delaware for thirty six years. When it which was when he tried to remove his processor, Barack Obama comes to major issues for this election, from office because Trump kept touting that Obama wasn’t born here is where he stands:. Joe Biden has in the United States. After all, his father is Kenyan. When it comes been a harsh critic of Donald Trump’s to the major issues for this election, this is where Donald Trump handling of the pandemic, as he has said stands: When it comes to the coronavirus, when the first cases in that Trump has “Failed America”. He is the United States were discovered, he referred to the coronavirus consistently seen wearing a mask, and he as a “Democratic hoax” and that “Everything will be okay”. Later holds campaign events that follow safety on from veteran journalist Bob Woodward’s book, we learned that protocols. He also says that if he is in an interview with the president in February, Woodward recalls president, that there will be a national Trump saying that “I know how dangerous this is, but I will mask mandate, and that he will listen to downplay the threat so people don’t panic”. He continues to tout the experts, even if that means shutting that “This will disappear”, and that “We are rounding the final down the country again. He also says that turn”, which he repeated at the final debate a few nights ago, he has a plan for the economy and even though recently the United States recorded the highest businesses, and that “Donald Trump number of new cases daily throughout the whole pandemic. He doesn’t”. He also said that he mostly continues to counter some of the leading infectious disease opposes court packing, and has not given experts in the country, such as the head of the NIAID, Dr. Anthony a clear position on the supreme court and Fauci, and head of the CDC, Dr. Robert Redfield. He also for Amy Coney Barrett, other than “The most of the pandemic has not worn masks or social distanced in people should choose”, stating that he public, even though scientific studies have proved that it helps thinks that the swearing in of any new slow the spread of the virus. He also spreads false and justice should happen after election day. misleading claims about the virus, such as “They should have He has said he will have a clear position never let it escape China” and “We’re beating this China Plague”. on this issue before election day. In terms He also holds multiple superspreader rallies where thousands of of race in America, Joe Biden does seem people are packed closely together in an arena where very few to have a plan and is open to having are seen wearing masks, as there is no requirement to. He, as equality throughout the U.S.. However, he well as the first lady, have tested positive for the virus. He was has been known to make dumb racial taken to Walter Reed medical center and was treated there for comments, the most recent one being three days before returning to the white house. In terms of the while responding to a question on a radio economy, he keeps touting lies about how well it does under his show, “If you don’t know who to vote for, governing, even though like with many presidents, he inherited me or Trump, then you ain’t black.” He has the state of the economy from what the Obama administration did since repeatedly apologized for this during Obama’s presidency. If he is going to build a great (continued on page 8) economy, we need a stimulus deal to help get businesses back on their feet, as well as money to families who desperately need it.When he was asked about this at the final debate, he replied that Democrats won’t work with him to pass a deal. However, as far as I can tell, most of the House and the Senate do want to pass a stimulus deal. The moderator did reply to him that he still could find a way to pass a deal and work with congress because he’s the president, which is very true. 7 (continued on page 8) (TRUMP- continued from page 7) (BIDEN- continued from page 7) A few weeks ago, he touted “There will be no comment, and does seem motivated to end the problem of stimulus until after I win”, although he later systemic hate and racism. In fact, he has repeatedly said backed down after he was challenged. Also, he that what inspired him to run for president was in 2017 in continues to look at the economy through the Charlottesville, Virginia, when there were neo-nazis stock market, even though that only pertains to carrying torches and saying hateful slurs, and there were the top citizens in terms of income, like him. counter peaceful protests. A young woman from the Right now, for Republicans, there is a push to peaceful protest side was killed during this, and Donald replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who Trump said in response, “There were very fine people on passed away on September 18th. Trump has both sides.” Joe Biden said that he realized that he has to nominated Amy Coney Barrett, a law professor run to change this reality, and continues to be devoted to at Notre Dame University, and is a strict it. He also has stated that his plans for policing are that the Catholic who has seven kids and who is very police need more funding and help. He thinks that they pro-life and anti-abortion. Senate Republicans need more training, because he said that most of the have been trying to get her sworn in before the shooting situations usually involve someone in a mental election. When it comes to race in America, health crisis, and we need more training to help with this, Trump has a long history of being a racist and as well as a psychologist. He has also stated in response saying and doing racist things. However, at the to Donald Trump’s claims that Biden wants to defund the final debate, he remarked, “I am the least racist police, “That isn’t true. In fact, he has cut budgeting to person in this room”. police departments, so the real one defunding the police is When it comes to the Black Lives Matter Donald Trump.” In terms of climate change, Joe Biden has protests, he has strongly stated that they are all said that we need to listen to scientists, and there should violent, and has used large-scale rioting and be more clean energy, such as wind energy. He has said looting to convey his “law and order” message, that he sees this as an opportunity to create more jobs. even though most protests are peaceful, and rioting and looting are usually not connected How this Election Affects Abington with the protests. In terms of policing, he keeps touting that “Joe Biden will defund the police”, Last presidential election here, Hillary Clinton won 20,963 even though he has been proven wrong on votes to Donald Trump’s 9,902 votes, making her the clear several occasions. Also, in an interview, he winner in Abington. This year based on polling from the rest compared police officers who use chokeholds of the nation, I’d assume that Donald Trump would lose by an and guns against innocent black or brown even greater amount here. If I happen to be going people, which started this movement, to golfers somewhere in Abington, or passing through it to get to my who miss a three-foot putt. He also refuses to destination, I usually tend to see a substantial amount of condemn white supremacy, probably because Biden signs to very few Trump signs. Besides the they will vote for him and they support him. In presidential candidates, there are other positions up for the first debate when he was asked to condemn grabs this year that will be voted for in Abington, such as a white supremacists, he replied, “Stand back state representative in congress, the state attorney general, and stand by”. In terms of climate change, he the state auditor general, the state treasurer, and a has denied that it is happening. Donald Trump representative in the state general assembly. What I’m also has a long history of corruption, as well as curious to see is what the results of the mock election in the being a racist, demeaning, being a bully, school district will be, and how it compares to the nationally especially through twitter and media sources, counted ballots cast in Abington. and winning competitions in unethical, unlawful ways. He has also been accused by multiple To Conclude...So here is the information you should women of sexual misconduct. know for the election this year. It can be both helpful for if you are voting on a nationally counted ballot (if you are at least 18 and registered), or on the Abington votes page. So now 8 you should go and vote! Asynchronous Day, Harmful The 2020 Election or Helpful?

by: Brendan Turner By: Madden Murray Abington Jr. High School's weekly Asynchronous Day has received all sorts of mixed feelings from By the time this comes out, the students and parents of the school. No one can decide election will be over, but we may not whether it's beneficial to students, or simply a waste of know who was elected for days, even time. Being virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic has weeks. This election has been like no certainly caused no shortage of problems for students and parents across the U.S., but the idea of the weekly other, not only since there is a pandemic, asynchronous day manifested by Abington’s school but because of the sheer number of votes board was intended to help with a few of them. An that are coming in. Young people have average week for Abington students consists of five been coming out in numbers to vote, school days. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday which usually never happens. The two are for online learning where students participate in main candidates for the 2020 election classes via Zoom calls and Google meets. Contrary to were democratic candidate Joe Biden, this form of learning is the asynchronous day, a and the incumbent, Donald trump. Both Wednesday where students are able to work on their political parties have been fighting for own, away from Zoom calls and Google meets. not only control of the White House, but Since the beginning of these asynchronous days, spots in the House of Representatives students and parents alike have been debating the and the Senate. No matter what happens usefulness of this day. Some say that the though, the next months after the asynchronous days can cause students to get election are going to be tense for some. distracted from work, and spend the day doing nothing Either side that loses may claim election while they could be learning. It can be hard to access fraud or some other issue. But no matter teachers on asynchronous days, and one student what happens, know that the state of the explains, ¨I can get distracted very easily on country rests in who is elected. Make asynchronous days which is not good because I don't sure you vote, and remember that your get my work done as quickly.¨ The asynchronous days voice is being heard. also have a lot of benefits for students. Madison Gammage, a freshman in Abington Junior High gives

her opinion that, ”The asynchronous days are very

helpful because we spend less time on screens and

we can get a lot more work done. We also have some

down time which gives us a brain break.”

(continued on page 11)

9 The Pros of Virtual Learning by Kira DeCristofaro & Logan Landau

Many kids have to attend school virtually this year because of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Students have mixed feelings about this and how they are learning this year. We interviewed some of the students on how they are liking school this year and many kids are having a positive experience, even though they are missing seeing their friends at school every day. Taylor Shore, a ninth-grader attending AJHS, said, “I am actually enjoying online school a lot more than I expected. The teachers are very sweet and understanding, which helps me learn in a better way. I really appreciate the eighty-minute periods, since we have extra time to become educated individuals.” Students have told us that they like having four periods a day and having longer periods during virtual learning, but some wish the periods were shorter. Taylor explains how she is liking online learning better than she expected, which is the case for a lot of students this year. In addition to this, you Elizabeth Tanis sitting at her can have more one on one time with a teacher. If you need computer doing school work. Photo extra help, they are just one email away and this is a great by Elizabeth Tanis. benefit of virtual learning. A student named Olivia Crawford, another ninth-grader told us that ever since the quarantine was in place, she has gotten to catch up on her sleep and likes that she has the time to sleep in before school starts. Since students don’t have to worry about getting up early to take the bus in the morning, they are The Secondary Hybrid getting a healthier amount of sleep at night, or at least in Olivia’s case. Other freshmen, Cassie Coffee and Lena Bowman Model begins February 1, have told us that they like working from home because they 2021 can eat whenever they are hungry during classes. In school, you have a scheduled lunch period and it could be really late, but Mondays & Tuesdays: you weren’t always allowed to eat during classes. Luckily, since Cohort A: In Person students are in the comfort of their own homes, they can eat Cohorts B and C: Online whenever they want. Another freshman, Elizabeth Tanis (pictured above right), told Wednesdays: us that she likes that her tutorial periods are like full period Asynchronous Learning study halls. She said, “It’s fun to have a break when originally in your schedule you don’t have any study halls.” Emma Fantini, a Thursdays & Fridays: ninth-grader, said that she liked “being able to complete Cohort B: In Person assignments at her own pace, especially when you didn’t finish Cohorts A and C: Online them in class.” This is important to a lot of the students that attend Abington because, if a lot of work is assigned for classes and they can see the due dates, they will learn the importance of organizational skills and using a calendar or planner. Plus, some students only have their tutorial periods as their study halls, as Elizabeth said. They can use this time to complete the assignments and take breaks. Many of the people we talked to said that they like being able to eat lunch while watching tv or talking to a friend, and although they miss the social aspect of being at school, they still have it in their own ways. Students at AJHS are enjoying virtual learning which is ultimately helping them stay positive 10 throughout what is going on in our world today. (Asynchronous continued from page 9)

Staring at a screen all day can get very tiring, and can even cause headaches. For students in Abington the constant screen time can have negative effects on learning. For many students, stepping away from screens can be very beneficial, and can help them focus and learn better. Gammage says, ¨I´m not on a Zoom call, and I'm not a huge fan of Zoom calls, so that's nice.¨ Asynchronous days allow these students to take a break from the constant screen time and allow them to learn and work in a natural environment. Asynchronous days also allow students to get their work done faster and more efficiently. Gammage states, ¨It's nice because I get to work at my own pace.¨ Many students may struggle in the virtual setting because there is not enough time to get work done and they feel that they are being rushed, or they grow bored and restless because the class is too slow. The asynchronous days allow students to work at their own pace, which can be very beneficial for getting the specific assignment done and personal learning overall. Working at A typical virtual learning environment for their own pace, students can spend more time on subjects they tend students working at home. to struggle with, and less time in the areas that they do not need extra help in. Asynchronous days can also help students who struggle to get work completed the time to catch up on assignments. Opinion: Virtual Ninth-grader Peter Murray, says, ¨I have a very busy schedule because I have a lot of activities. Asynchronous days give me time to School is not as catch up on my homework and classwork. They´re extremely helpful Effective to me.¨ These non-virtual days provide Murray as well as many by Peter Murray others with the necessary time they need to stay on top of their work. Asynchronous days are overall very useful to students in several Online learning this year is less ways, and keeping them as a part of online learning would be very effective for most students at Abington beneficial. School District compared to previous school years, because of the functionality of virtual school. Teachers are unable to cover as much in the time given and are not able to use some basic teaching methods, like hands-on learning. With the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) still uncured and rampaging around the United States, causing many deaths, the Abington School district opted to stay online for school to keep people safe. While virtual learning was the best option under the health circumstances, it hurt many students educationally. Davan Murray, an 11th grader learning in the Abington Senior High School system explained, “Some of my teachers have told me that we are behind where the class normally is.” 11 (VIRTUAL- continued from page 10)

The reason for this is unknown, but it is likely caused by the block scheduling. Murray has voiced that some of her teachers are struggling to fit the amount of learning of two class periods in one single class. In addition, teachers are not able to teach the same way and have been forced to change their strategies of teaching, thus making them teach even slower. Hands-on learning is found to help students remember 55% more information than if they were just lectured according to universities-colleges-schools.com however, in virtual learning, hands-on learning is a lot more difficult to do. However, a degree of hands-on learning is still possible with websites like Gizmo Lab, a website with various virtual labs students can participate in.

For this online school year, Abington School District decided to change up the usual schedule to deal with the emergent needs that are caused by online learning. They changed the five day a week days with all eight periods, to block scheduling with double-length (compared to last year) periods with 4 classes each day, and one day, Wednesday, as an “asynchronous” day with no classes. This Photo by Peter Murray: solves various problems, but causes many more in the process. A student working on their computer in One problem created by this is having your core classes a mere two the virtual learning environment. days a week. The time between each class is too long. This forces teachers to have to recap what you learned last class, and this is even worse for classes that happen less than twice a week, such as gym or health. A student in 9th grade, Madden Murray stated, “Classes are so far apart it can be challenging because such long breaks can cause me to forget the material we learned and make me have to review it.”

Both Davan Murray and Madden Murray explained why online schooling is ineffective in teaching students. Online schooling has many problems that just can not be solved with the resources available, many students are not thriving in this environment and miss school in-person. However, there are some benefits to online schooling, like it being more relaxed. In the next school board meeting, the Abington School District will discuss plans to reopen the elementary schools on November 9th for a hybrid system (virtual and in-person school) and reopen the Junior and Senior High schools on November 30th for a hybrid system. If this plan is carried out, it is assured many students will be excited to return to school again.

12 The Murder of Breonna Taylor: Opinion by Bethcaid Andrade

On March 13, 2020, three officers murdered an innocent woman. Her name was Breonna Taylor, and she lived a normal life before she was brutally murdered with her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker. She worked as a full-time ER technician; she had friends, a niece and healthy relationships with her family. At midnight that Friday, both Kenneth and Breonna heard an aggressive knock on the door with no one acknowledging who it was. Kenneth shot a warning shot. All three officers, Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison, Myles Cosgrove returned thirty-two shots to the The reason why the officers went to their home was to apartment complex where Breonna raid their apartment complex. There were allegations and Kenneth lived and at least six that Jamarcus Glover, Taylor’s ex boyfriend, was still of the bullets hit Breonna Taylor. selling drugs at the time. Breonna was continuously One of the officers who fired into helping Jamarcus with his financial problems and even the apartment was Brett Hankison. gave him money when he served time. Breonna died instantly on the floor As of October 19, 2020 none of the officers were of her home. charged or prosecuted with the heinous crime. Shortly after the incident protests began to start, and the peaceful protests turned into violent, physical, riots. All three got to live their everyday lives as if nothing ever happened. And nobody really talks about this case anymore, my neighbor posts many things about Justice for Breonna and George Floyd and this one time I saw that she had stopped trending on Twitter. So everything had just stopped for her, it was interesting for a week then got ignored, so what is going to happen? Well, at this point, not even I know anymore.

13 By: Nathan Schneider

All photos in this article were taken by Nathan Schneider - Google Meet home screen on personal account (left) next to Zoom home screen (right)

This school year is extremely unique because students from across the country are learning from home. Abington started the school year remotely, so students have interacted with teachers and other students through two platforms: Google Meet and Zoom.

The two video calling platforms serve the same purpose, but they have a lot of differences. This article will compare Google Meet to Zoom in five categories. First, the features, or what each program is capable of doing; second, their quality and resolution. The final two categories are aesthetics (how they look and feel to use) and ease of use. Ease of use will also include integration with other apps and programs.

Disclaimer: I own a Windows PC, and that is the only computer on which I used Zoom and Google Meet.

14 Features Google Meet and Zoom have had so many updates since the school year began, and they will not end anytime soon. In the time that this article has been written, Google Meet changed its logo and added the ability for participants to raise their hands (Zoom participants can raise their hands too, but the button to do it is harder to find). Also when this has been written, Zoom allows participants to drag people in meetings and decide where each person goes, a feature that is yet to be seen on Meet. I like dragging my friends’ videos to the top of my screen so I can see them more easily.

Sometimes, when I am too lazy to make my bed in the morning, I do not want other students to see where I’m filming. Meet and Zoom have different approaches to this. On Google Meet, I can blur my background. This looks like a portrait mode video where the subject pops from their background (see picture below). Zoom has a virtual background feature, so participants can replace their background with an image, GIF, or video. I have changed my background to make it look like I’m at the beach or on the set of The Office. Virtual backgrounds are a lot more fun than background blur because they allow students to show their personalities.

Background blur in Google Meet

Chat is an essential feature for video meetings. It allows users to communicate with each other through typing instead of speaking. Zoom has a more robust chat system. Users can send a message to everyone, the meeting host, or to any individual participant (if private chat is enabled). Meet does not allow private chat, so - as of late November 2020 - everyone can see every message that participants send. 15 Another feature only on Zoom is reactions. Video participants can put characters on their screens. For example, students can put a thumbs up if they agree with what their teachers say, which is useful for students who cannot show their video.

So far, Zoom seems a lot more feature-packed, but Google Meet has its exclusive features as well. One of them is polls. Teachers can easily poll their classes using the poll feature on Meet, and students can see how many people voted for each option. My World History teacher polls my class regularly on what we learned or will learn in the future.

Google Meet also tells participants who is in the call before they even join. As somebody who doesn't like to be the very first student to log in to my meetings - but also not one of the last - this feature is extremely useful.

The two platforms also share capabilities. Meet and Zoom allow participants to share their screens with the class, which is essential for classes. They also allow participants to see everyone on the call. Google Meet allows students to adjust how many tiles (other people) they see on their screen with a maximum of forty-nine. Zoom has arrows that allow participants to navigate across multiple pages of participants.

Both platforms have unique features - and they share a lot too - but Zoom is the more feature-packed video calling program because participants can do more than on Google Meet.

Resolution and quality I have not noticed a major difference in the resolution of my classmates across the platforms. Both of them are decent, and I cannot complain about either one. There is a difference, though, in screen sharing. My teachers often share their screens to play YouTube videos for the class. On Zoom, they are a little choppy, but I understand the content of the videos that I watch. Google Meet is a disaster. Videos are impossible to understand because they are hard to hear and videos have a low frame rate. They can only be understood if every participant turns off their video. Zoom is the platform with better quality. 16 Aesthetics Everybody has their preferences of the way these two services look, but one of them looks a lot better to me. Whenever I press a button on Google Meet I see a window coming out with an animation. A good example of this is chat. When I press the chat button, the tiles dance around the screen to make room for the chat window, and the chat window flows out from the side of the screen. In comparison, when I press a button on Zoom, the window appears without an animation, which feels unnatural. This is very challenging to describe in words, but what I’m trying to say is that Google Meet feels more natural and pleasing to use, and it has superior aesthetics.

The Google Meet webpage is another area where Google shines. On my student account, Meet’s webpage (before I join a meeting) has a work of art that is always different from the one I saw last. Google calls this the Canvas Project, and it is a nice touch to Google Meet.

Google Meet student home screen with the Canvas Project

Ease of use and app integration Zoom and Google Meet are both easy to use, but they both have shortcomings. First, Google Meet glitches a lot. When I pin videos in my meetings, my audio stops, and sometimes, my meetings freeze despite my good connection. These problems might exist because Google Meet runs on a browser while Zoom has its application. 17

I have an easier time adjusting settings on Google Meet because they are easier to locate. That could be due to the platform’s limited features (as mentioned earlier), but the less-complicated settings make it easy to use.

When it comes to integration with other applications, Meet reigns supreme. Because Google Meet is owned by - well - Google, it works seamlessly with other Google services. Gmail has a Meet tab, and Meet links can be added to Google Calendar events with a single tap. Additionally, Google Classroom displays teachers’ Google Meet links on the class banner, so it is much easier for students to find Google Meet links than Zoom links. Google Meet takes the crown when it comes to ease of use and app integration.

Arrow pointing to the Google Meet link in a class banner in Google Classroom

The winner If I did the math correctly, each platform won two categories. Zoom won features and quality, and Google Meet won aesthetics and ease of use. I prefer Google Meet because it looks better, and I care about aesthetics, but if you care most about features, Zoom is likely the better fit for you. However, the service we use is up to the teachers, so it is their decision which one is best for their classes. Google Meet and Zoom have helped virtual learning go smoothly, and students cannot imagine life without them. 18 By: Sarah Rothman Chrome extensions are very beneficial when it comes to productivity. They can be used for correcting spelling, customizing your browser, all the way to inserting emoticons. Here are 5 Chrome extensions that I find helpful for school.

First comes Grammarly. I’m sure all of you have heard of this from someplace or another, but you might be wondering what exactly it does. Grammarly makes suggestions and corrections to your writing. This could either be for spelling, grammar, word choice, and other useful grammatical functions. It is compatible with most apps such as Google docs, Google forms, and more. chrmbook.com, Chrome web store icon.

The next Chrome extension is Tab resize. This one might not be that helpful for people with two monitors but accommodates well for people with Chromebooks, or one monitor. This extension splits your tabs into separate windows, in just 2 clicks; no more tab jumping! When you click the extension, it gives you multiple arrangements of windows to choose from. The way I find this most useful is while in a live call, and also working on a document, both are out on my screen in an orderly fashion.

Next on my list is Nod. This extension has been commonly suggested by many teachers and is helpful when trying to communicate with them and classmates during a Google Meet call. When this is installed, a tab in the upper left-hand corner will pop up with different emojis. When you click on one, a message will pop up on the meet depending on what you clicked. This can display that you raised your hand, gave a thumbs up, along with many additional icons.

19 Nearing the end, another one is Grid view. This is also used for Google Meet, although it is very different. It’s used to display all participants in alphabetical order, which helps see who is saying what. In addition, seeing your classmates’ faces can help you connect with them, as it is hard to do during online school.

To sum things up, I would recommend Permanent Clipboard. This is helpful in many ways, but especially for those taking a foreign language or needing easy access to certain sayings, as suggested by Abington Jr. High School French teacher Jessica Michel. For a foreign language, this extension gives you a shortcut to special characters that you do not have access to on a normal keyboard.

Those are 5 Chrome extensions that help with productivity during online school.

By Tiffany Le Introduction As technology improves these days, so has the equipment for studying. There are now people on devices playing “games' ' such as Quizlet or Duolingo, which helps students with foreign languages. Now the teachers have an opportunity to skip the whiteboard and use the computer. The teacher could watch the student compete in these “games”. The “games'' that I’m talking about are Gimkit, Quizizz, and Kahoot. The “games” are considered to be like siblings.. These are often to help students study and practice before a test.

20 Kahoot Kahoot was introduced to teachers My take from Kahoot is that it’s as the first option to play a “game”. fun. There is a spark and passion This makes Kahoot the one of the within the games. It could be first “siblings” in the family of helpful for so many people. It’s learning games. When it started simply a quiz in disguise, but just back in September of 2013, the in a nice format. There are security game was a public beta. Then passwords and pins which make people discovered the Kahoot other people (outsiders) unable to website through peers, teachers, get in. The background music will and students. The rest was history. motivate students and get the There was a jump in the number students hyped. The background of accounts signing up for this music changes every holiday remix website. People discovered that it that comes around, so it’s nice and could have many purposes today, not boring. There is always a such as learning about classmates, simple message of it’s okay that team building at business you lost and keep trying. The thing conferences, and helping out with that keeps Kahoot boring, is that sports. The website also updated there are no modes. It is the only from just being a bland website competitive mode. There are a lot and now making an appealing of ideas that change the Kahoot style and interactive experience. format. However, Kahoot is a game The app is extremely useful to that would be called a classic. many students. It provides opportunities to help people study for tests or host games for peers. The app takes on personal learning which benefits students who are having trouble with the subjects.

Kids are hanging out using Kahoot. 21 Source: Kahoot official website Link::https://kahoot.com/blog/2020/02/07/5-ways-to-play-kahoot-c hallenges-in-your-classroom-and-beyond/ Quizizz Quizizz is a middle sibling of this My take on Quizizz: it’s just like game trend, Quizizz was created Kahoot; however there are things around 2015. With the founders’ that are in the game. I started to motivation, the founders wanted to play around 7th grade. I am create a way that students love amazed at how fun the game is learning and motivate them to and how similar it is to Kahoot. learn more. It’s been used almost The students can choose themes like a Kahoot. However, the that make the screen look founders put into different appealing, such as themes of dogs concepts of the “game”. Quizizz has at a cafe, or a cyberpunk car. The a different design format than music can change throughout the Kahoot. Quizizz has a theme and a themes. There are some daily streak. Each day a student similarities. It's like a Kahoot. logs in, he or she may have a Quizizz has a concept of having unique theme. Quizizz has power- word switch up or question. Quizizz ups instead of focusing to be the does have a way to create a series winner of a game. Some of questions. Quizizz could use power-ups could be beneficial to something to format differently, the players. The power of erasing like a little icon with each player. wrong choices, or having immunity The icon could be changed within to one choice is a couple of helpful the game, which gives the player items from the game. The app can some personality. There should be a be used on the go and grades the way to use the coins. Quizizz has Quizizz when people have finished different quirks. the quiz. It helps the teacher see who finishes or just flunks the quiz.

Making Quizizz questions 22 Source: aaron.kr link: https://aaron.kr/content/classes/using-quizizz-in-the-classroom/ GimKit GimKit is a new neighbor to student learn from the mistakes Kahoot and Quizizz. This was and having a correct answer the created by a high school student, more likely. The game moves at a which makes its format pace where it could be anyone who something new and there are a lot can win. of potentials. The founder graduated in 2019 and focuses on My take on Gimkit is that this improving Gimkit. Gimkit is very format should be used for a unnoticed by a lot of people due to vocabulary or foreign language. the rise of Quizizz and Kahoot. Gimkit is something that differs Gimkit is a young child in the from Kahoot and Quizizz. It’s a new “game” trends. The website was idea adapted to students’ minds. noticed by many teachers and The Gimkit have ideas from each peers. The start of the game side and make it better. I love the shows which mode it’s in, and concept of having new themes students can draw while waiting. each month. Some months there The gameplay is rather focused on will be a Thanos version where you remembering certain items. When can purchase six infinity stones getting an answer wrong, it shows and snap your classmate away. the right answer. When getting There are some flaws. It the question right, you earned sometimes requires a premium “cash”. Earning cash can lead you to account for an unlimited amount make money quickly with money per question or have insurance for any incorrect answer. Games vary throughout time limits, reaching the amount of money, and beating a giant student versus the entire class. The game keeps making the

GimKit power-up shop during a game 23 Source: Maneuvering the Middle Link: https://www.maneuveringthemiddle.com/gimkit-student-engagement/ of kits. This makes it unfair and compared to Kahoot and Quizizz, it’s a major flaw. So users making alternate accounts will be useful for that case. However, I think it’s an under appreciated “game” that should be recognized. Gimkit is like a middle child who never gets attention.

Conclusions During this time of social distancing and having to be apart, I think it’s great to have these “games”. The “games” support student interactions. The teachers can allow fun and engagement. The “games” help students focus on subjects. As time goes by, students may have new ways of studying. The studying will evolve through the times, and make students ready for learning and doing great things into the future, The future is hopeful that these games will grow throughout the years.

Resources Gimkit about the founder: https://www.gimkit.com Quizizz about the company: https://quizizz.com/about Kahoot about the company: https://kahoot.com/company/

24 Image from Pixabay

Ways to hang out with Oh, The Places We'll Go! friends during covid: Written by: Olivia Crawford Article by Matthew Cunningham

Photo from uchealth.org

1: Go outside Besides Disney World, there’s also Going outside is one of the best ways to socially Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Noah, a student at Abington Junior, had quite a few distance yourself from other people. This is things to say about DisneyLand, “I went to explained by science. According to mayoclinic.org, “ California last summer! It was really hot. We When you're outside, fresh air is constantly moving, went to Disneyland and stayed in the Disney dispersing these droplets. So, you're less likely to hotel which was very fun. You could go to breathe in enough of the respiratory droplets Downtown Disney, which is like an outdoor containing the virus that causes COVID-19 to mall. There were these super famous huge become infected. milkshakes which I and my friend got but Being outside offers other benefits, too. It offers an couldn’t finish! There was a new Star Wars emotional boost and can help you feel less tense, thing that was super cool! You could make a stressed, angry or depressed.” Science has shown droid or a lightsaber and you got to customize that being outside can boost your immune system it! My dad wanted to get a Jedi robe, but we got and can also clear covid particles quicker because puffer pigs instead. I was there when the crazy of how open the ventilation is outside. earthquake happened, so that was scary. The Examples of ways you can avoid covid while floor was bouncing up and down. We looked hanging out with people is to socially distance out of the window and saw that the water was yourself outside. For example, you can have a splashing out of the pool. The heat was crazy, socially distanced barbecue. This can happen so we spent most of the time in the pool. It was where one neighbor stays in their yard and your very fun though!” family stays in your yard. What you can do is get out In DisneyLand, there are also a variety of your grill and the neighbor gets their grill out. You attractions, dining areas, and shopping centers! can have each table the family is going to sit on at Some classic attractions are, It’s a Small World, least 6 feet apart or on their lawns and eat. The Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted cons of this is that communication could be hard Mansion. There are parades like the “Magic because of the restrictions of the distance between Happens” parade, and there are shows like your house and their house. This can make it so Fantasmic! And don’t worry! When you get you would have to shout. The good thing about this hungry, there are loads of food and cuisine, like method is that you can be able to communicate with the Plaza Inn. You will never get bored at each other through phones or if you are a kid you Disneyland! can do it through walkie talkies or your tablets. This The next destination is somewhere close, like offers a safe way for people to get together during New Jersey. New Jersey is known for its covid. It respects the guidelines fully and allows beaches. Wildwood is just one of them. At people to communicate in person or on the phone. Wildwood, you can swim at the beaches, eat at (continued on page 26) local restaurants, do games at the boardwalk, and go on rides at the different Piers! . (continued on page 26) 25 Caitlin DeSilvis, a a fellow Abington student, has had a 2: You can have a virtual sleepover great experience there. “My cousins and I went to Photo by thriftynorthwestmom.com Wildwood for a week. It was really hot, and we went to the beach almost every day. We went to the water park and

went on the rides. My cousins and my family rented a huge A virtual sleepover can be hard to do. If you house together. It was really fun!” do it right though, you will have a lot of fun I, personally, went there myself too! The waterparks are with your friends while socially distancing. great! You have so many different rides, slides, personal This is a great option for kids. Ways you can corners, activities, and much more! do this is through Zoom. For example, you Another popular event that takes place in Wildwood is can share a video or a movie through Zoom Beach Blast. Beach Blast is an event for soccer teams to and chat about it at the same time or share play a tournament on the beach! Players can play in their music. This ensures that you will be having bathing suits, and there are four people on the field, one as fun. You can also do crafts or board games. the goalie. There are no shin guards, and team members When it comes to bedtime, you can mute play in their bare feet, or in sand socks. Another positive yourself and your camera and charge your thing about Beach Blast is that you get a wristband that has phone. This can also be done with Facetime unlimited tickets on it! You can go on as many rides as you or other platforms. The downside with like! Facetime is that you cannot really share Our final destination on the tour is the country above the audio and video that great. Having a virtual U.S.: Canada! Canada is made up of ten provinces. Those sleepover will make the sleepover fun while provinces, in alphabetical order, are Alberta, British being socially distanced and is a great way Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and to get together for kids and adults. Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, 3: Have a virtual trivia night Quebec, and Saskatchewan. There are also three territories, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.

A virtual trivia night ensures that you are Abby Lonesky, an Abington student, has been to Canada.“I being safe while hanging out with your went to Canada in 6th grade. I went to visit Niagara Falls which was beautiful. The joke that everyone is nicer in friends or family members in a fun trivia Canada is 100% true. One of the most interesting things game. Examples of this can be a Kahoot about my trip was eating at McDonald’s. Strange I know, game you make or you find or could but a lot of preservatives that are in American food are rather just be random questions you do illegal in Canada, so the McDonald's chicken was actually with your friends or family. This is a way chicken.” to get close and hang out with friends and Wow! Maybe I’ll move there when I’m older! In Canada, family members during covid 19. This can you can also visit the Gros Mourne National Park, Niagara also be funny and entertaining. (continued Falls, Clifton Hill leading to the falls, Banff National Park on page 27) & the Rocky Mountains, Toronto's CN Tower, Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec), and many more! There’s just so much to see! (continued on page 27) Photo by Emily Maxie at medium.com

26 4. Do a video game call: In conclusion, there are too many countries Photo from wealthwords.com and places to see! In this article, we only covered a few places, but we weren’t even Before Covid, parents told their kids to get off close to covering them all! We talked about the video games. However, this year, parents Disney World, Disneyland, Outer Banks, might as well encourage their kids to play video Wildwood, and Canada, and they’re all very games. Of course, with a friend. Some of the different places in their own unique way. ways you can do this are through Discord Which place was your favorite place that we (computer), PS4, or XBOX. These games talked about? Have you ever visited any of ensure that you can hang out with friends and these places? Are you planning to visit any of play a game with each other. This makes it so these places? There’s just so much to see! Life they can play together and play whatever is just too short! “To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest game they want. You might also do this with a sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark virtual sleepover or something else that you ``Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always want to just play video games with. comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even 5. A hangout between a door or glass breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The A hangout between a door or a glass allows journey changes you; it should change you. It you to meet in person, but you are blocking out leaves marks on your memory, on your all the germs from your mouth from spreading consciousness, on your heart, and on your to other people. The downside is you will body. You take something with you. probably not be able to play games together. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain This is a downside,but you will also just be able Mexico - Epcot World Showcase to talk. This is a safe in-person opportunity to "Mexico - Epcot World Showcase". chat with each other. You also do not need to Wdwinfo.Com, 2020, get a glass divider. All you need is a glass https://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/ep door. Most people have a glass door or window cot/epws-mexico.htm. and this can be used to chat with your or Accessed 24 Oct 2020. relatives safely. You probably won’t have trouble talking and it is probably the best option Inside the Epcot Center for you in person. "Inside The Epcot Center". Travel Tips - USA Whatever the method your hangouts will be Today, 2020, in this pandemic, these ones are sure to make https://traveltips.usatoday.com/inside-epcot-ce you have fun and be safe. This pandemic has nter-12273.html. Accessed 24 Oct 2020. caused individuals to become more aware of our health and I hope this will help with your troubles of not having anybody to talk to in this Park, D. Park, Disneyland. "Disneyland Park". Disneyland, 2020, pandemic. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/destinations/disneyland/ . Accessed 24 Oct 2020. The Outer Banks | Things To Do, Hotels & Restaurants (continue on page 28) " 27 "The Outer Banks | Things To Do, Hotels & Restaurants". Outerbanks.Org, 2020, https://www.outerbanks.org/. Accessed

24 Oct 2020.

Anon

Wildwoodsnj.Com, 2020, https://wildwoodsnj.com/. Accessed 28 Oct 2020. 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Canada | PlanetWare "16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions In Canada | Planetware". Planetware.Com, 2020, https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attr actions/canada-cdn.htm. Accessed 29 Oct 2020.

28

Ask Abington: Quarantine troubles By Madeline Krassner

Is it just me or is all of this social distancing stuff tiring? Or is it hard to keep yourself organized when you're sitting at your own desk! Or is it just hard to focus with the streams of texts dinging and buzzing in. Tiring, am I right? You have come to the right place. Dear Abington is the advice column in the newspaper! I will answer your questions about anything from siblings to online drama! Being in this new virtual environment is tiring. I know. But here I and the rest of the staff and school are having the same feelings of confusion and walking through a never ending forest of doom. So that’s why Dear Abington is here for you. I am here for you. Let’s get started. Our first question is about being tired. Bring it in!

Dear Abington, I am super bored right now. I want to see my friends. I want to be able to talk to them in person. I don’t like my mask. It’s so hot and sticky! My nose is always itchy. So what I am trying to say is, HELP. Thanks, A Hi A! I totally understand how you are feeling. It’s so hard to get through this. I know you probably are tired of hearing people say this, but we are all in this together! I want to see my friends too. Sometimes I just want to scream. But we can’t lose hope. Doctors and scientists around the world are working on a vaccine. I’m going to try my best to answer your questions, but this isn’t going to be easy. So hang in there. So for the masks they are definitely hot and sticky. I agree with you. You can get cloth masks that are a teensy bit more comfy. Check with a trusted adult before you buy one. Just so they can make sure it’s safe:) The bored part is just like an endless hole. I’m bored all the time. Here are a few things you can do! Join some clubs! Get into a new hobby! I learned how to ride my bike. (continued on page 30) Opening day, March 8, 1926

29 Try to go outside on walks with your family. And the friends part, I would say stick to Facetime and Zoom. You could bring a mask and do a social distance chat. One of my friends and I went on a nice bike ride wearing masks! It was loads of fun. Even though we couldn’t go in her pool or talk, we enjoyed each other's presence. So A, I would say hang in there! We are on your side! I wish you all the best:)

Dear Abington, I can’t seem to keep up with the work. On the asynchronous days I’m so scared I’m going to forget to turn something in! I spend late at night working on assignments teachers gave me. I’m very annoyed with online learning. Can you give me some tips to keep up with the school work? Thanks!!! K Dear K, I didn’t like the asynchronous days much either. I couldn’t keep up with the work, until my mom gave me a great idea. So follow your schedule for that day as if it was normal. Follow each time and then if your time goes up for that period then put your work to the side and get done the next subject. Go back to that work at the end of the day so you don't get behind. This should really help. I also suggest talking to your counselor. She/he can really help!!! I strongly suggest it, K. Anyway, I suggest you stay organized. I’m bad at staying organized. Haha. But also to avoid distractions, close your door and turn off your phone. I’m sure a few friends will ping in “Hi!” or “What class are you in?” But mute those HUGE chats and only answer private ones if needed. Try to get as much work done during workshops and study halls. The teachers will be less hard on you considering this is hard online. I wish you luck K! Thanks for writing! Dear Abington, I can’t pay attention to the teachers during Zoom classes. I turn my camera off and get distracted somehow. At the end I sometimes didn’t even know what my teacher was talking about! I don’t know what to do. Help me please 30 J (continue on page 31)

Dear J, Ok so this one is going to happen. I get bored during classes too! I also have an answer. So I suggest keeping your camera on. Most teachers make you but it just seems like you're there more. So I strongly suggest keeping it on. Try to block out distractions. Baby yelling? Close the door. Also put a in school sign on your door. AND take notes during class. My mom helped me discover this sneaky life hack. Notes FORCE you to pay attention and they are

useful. So instead of using that loose leaf paper

for sketch paper, use it for note paper and do

math, science vocab/reading vocab on this Works Cited paper. ANYTHING at all other than sketching would be good. Enter.net, editor. "Theater History and Show I really hope this helped! Online school and zoom can be REALLY REALLY hard. So hang in Information." State Theater, there J! statetheatre.org/shows/show-information. Wishing you the best of luck!

Accessed 24 Oct. 2020.

"The Liberty Bell." The Liberty Bell,

www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/storie

s-libertybell.htm. Accessed 16 Mar. 2019.

"Pick Your Own and Farm Tours." Brecknock

Orchards, www.brecknockorchard.com/.

31 How do Students Stay Positive During Service with a Heart: 4 Opportunities You Can Take to Help Online Learning? By Victor Aires, 9th Your Community By Hallie Hasbun and Samantha Grade McQuade

Tips To Staying Positive Helping and volunteering in the community is always a great thing to do for students who have freetime. In order to get a pulse on the voice of During the pandemic while everyone is stuck at home, students I created a survey to poll some of my it’s still important to protect and grow our community. friends and classmates. The first question I Despite the pandemic causing many service asked was, “What is one way you stay positive opportunities to be unavailable at this time, some are during online learning?” Students like Maddie still up and running for students to volunteer for or even McMahon, Madeline Krassner, and Lily do on their own. Orlevitch have been spending time with family and friends; due to the health guidelines, they #1 New Life Thrift have been video chatting with apps like Zoom New Life Thrift is a great opportunity to help out and Facetime. Student Sarah Rothman has with various jobs with extra assistance needed, such been setting goals for herself. For instance, if as organizing donations. Volunteering at New Life Thrift she gets all her work done for the week, then is perfect for students looking to complete their service she will take at least 3 full hours of leisure time hour requirements or a general interest in volunteering on the weekends. This is a great strategy and giving back to their community. For more because it can keep you from procrastinating, information, go to New Life Thrift’s website: which causes stress in the future. Many http://www.newlifethriftinc.org/volunteer/ or call students have also enjoyed the company of 215-886-8619 for questions regarding volunteering. their pets such as dogs, cats, and bunnies. An activity that many students such as Lauren #2 Builders Club Sass have been doing is baking; she recently Builders club is a great way to earn service hours made pumpkin bread, which is delicious! and to feel great. Builders club does the smallest things Another student, Nia Mensah, has been like writing letters to veterans and hospital patients, fostering animals in order to keep her spirits and also bigger things like toy and clothing drives. This up, which I think is pretty cool. To wrap up, is one of the best ways to stay connected to the student Sebastian Ruiz has been enjoying community and to interact with students right in our eating chocolate, and other students like own building. If students are interested in learning Logan Landau have been staying hopeful and more about builders club, click the link here to watch a focusing on the benefits of online learning, short video of what they do throughout the year. which is a really good thing for your mental https://flipgrid.com/8c620bbd (continue on page 33) health. I think staying positive by doing things that you like is very important because it can help with your mental health.

(continue on page 33)

Abington Free Library in Abington, Pennsylvania. Uploaded by Karen B. 32 New hobbies #3 Green Thumbs Club Trying new hobbies is definitely a great way The Green Thumbs club is for students who to pass the time and to stay positive. Many care for the environment and would like to learn students have been doing some exercises such as more ways help. In the meetings we learn fun art Sarah Rothman, who has been skateboarding. Also, projects, how we can help the environment, and Lauren Sass has started doing pilates workouts, host guest speakers. If students are interested in she says that they’re really fun. Madeline Krassner earning some more honors society points, has also achieved her goal of learning how to ride students will need to join before December, but if her bike, which is awesome! Nia Mensah is it's just for fun, anyone can join throughout the choreographing Broadway songs. Miranda has year. been doing activities like painting, yoga, and any type of art form, since she’s a dancer. Other hobbies #4 AB-TAB that students such as Maddie McMahon and Claire AB-TAB (Abington Free Library Teen Advisory Rios have been doing is drawing and painting. Board) is a volunteer opportunity for kids in the Logan Landau has started coding while Sebastian grades 6-12 to expand leadership skills and Ruiz enjoys playing video games and talking to share suggestions about the library. Meetings are friends. Other students are also enjoying music held monthly on weeknights at 7-8pm during the such as Sabrina, which enjoys singing and Lily school year. Service logs should be brought for Orlevitch, who has been playing the Ukulele, she signatures. Students & parents who have any says it’s really fun and when she’s bored she just questions regarding AB-TAB should contact Ms. starts strumming! These hobbies look pretty fun Cummings: [email protected] and I might even try some out! Volunteering in the community, whether it’s in or out of school, is a great way to demonstrate service and give back to the local community and help others. The four opportunities can open doors for many students in service learning. Be sure to click the links and visit the websites included to get involved in volunteering in the opportunities available today.

Sources: https://www.abington.k12.pa.us/resources/service -learning/service-learning-opportunities/ (for information) https://foursquare.com/v/abington-free-library/4bb 4b72586a8d13aa9bede7f?openPhotoId=55b250 Image from News in Levels e1498e27d151190b56 (for picture attached)

33 Halloween in a Pandemic Wednesday Tips for Success By Claire Rios Lily Orlevitch

Wednesdays. During virtual learning, these are

With everything that was going on this year, the days that give us the most freedom. But with Halloween looked way different than in previous this freedom, we must be responsible. Many years. Before we didn’t have to wear masks and socially distance ourselves, but this year we now Wednesdays, I find myself distracted from my have to make changes. work or restless sitting in my chair. But with these helpful hints, Wednesdays will be a breeze! Not everyone went trick or treating. Many stayed On our asynchronous days, you may find safely at home or handed out candy in new socially distanced ways. You might have thought that yourself squirming in your seat, or your legs may Halloween would have been very boring, but it be twitching and restless. Fixing this is simple: actually wasn’t. There were many things we were find a different sitting position! On Wednesdays, able to do to keep the Halloween spirit. For example, you could have watched some horror movies or any you aren’t on camera, so you can sit however you type of movies you like. If you like watching horror want. Lay on your stomach, sit movies, and if you’re allowed, I recommend watching criss-cross-applesauce, do your work in a Truth or Dare, Polaroid, and In The Tall Grass. Your household could have opted to pumpkin carve or handstand; it doesn’t matter. As long as you get baked some Halloween themed treats as well. comfortable. But remember to sit in an area where there aren’t too many interruptions that Those who went trick or treating this year made sure may sidetrack you. tions that may sidetrack you. to wear their masks and to not get close to the other people around them. Many households Being focused is one of the most difficult pre-packaged candy to distribute quickly and aspects of virtual learning. One thing you can do contactlessly. Although Halloween was very different to minimize distractions is keep your phone out this year, I hope everyone had an amazing time! of your room. However, if you think you need to keep your phone with you, turn off notifications

for engrossing apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and

other social media platforms. These apps tend

to suck people in, and before you know it, you’ve

fallen down the rabbit hole and “just five

minutes” has become an hour. So it’s best to

turn notifications off and stay focused on

schoolwork. (continued on page 34)

Here is a picture of a pumpkin I carved! 34 Another way to keep out distractions is to How to Study In Online refrain from having useless tabs open on your computer. With virtual school, it may be School tempting to open up YouTube or Among Us or By Deborah Jagpat any other mindless game. And there is no During the second month of school I looked at my hack or tip to keep yourself from doing this. grades and was absolutely shocked. My grades You must have self control and remember, if were way lower than I expected and I grew extremely worried that I wouldn’t be able to bounce back before you were in physical school, would you take the end of the marking period. If your situation is out your phone and watch Youtube videos similar to mine then stay calm. First look at your during class? No matter who you are, the grades. Really look at them; look at the letter grade answer is no, so you should definitely restrain and look at the percentage. Most importantly look at what caused that grade and percentage. Tests, from doing it in virtual school. homework, classwork, or you could be like me and Many students finish their Wednesday have missing work that you didn’t even know you work by noon. Sometimes when you are done had. Start there, sure it could be almost the end of the marking period and you can’t raise it that with your schoolwork, it may be tempting to significantly but it never hurts to try. turn on the T.V. or the phone. To prevent this Once you’ve really looked at your grades, you from happening, it is a good idea to make it a should start focusing on the subjects that you're doing badly in. Look at the material closer, and study rule that you must do mind-fulfilling activities the material like crazy since it’s almost the end of the at least until three o’clock. This could be semester. Though don’t just study blindly, focus on reading, writing, drawing, playing an what you don’t understand and study past material instrument, working on a school project, or on the subject. Even if your grade appears to be good make sure that there's no likelihood of it taking up a new hobby. Just make sure it is dropping, for example if you have an A but it turns giving your brain at least a slight workout. out it was a 90. Study until you really know the Whatever you decide to do until three o’clock, material. Make a studying schedule so you can make sure you get the work done. remember to make it something that you will Now on to those missing assignments. Most enjoy, so you won’t lose interest and turn right of the missing assignments I had were listed on to a device. It is important to keep our brains Skyward. I wasn’t aware of them at all until I checked my grade on Skyward. Some teachers will active during quarantine. With these tips for give you assignments on Skyward instead of Google success, you won’t have to worry. Happy Classroom. Make sure that you check your Skyward Hump Day! everyday in case an assignment pops in that you're not sure about. You can also check Skyward inplace of checking your email. I pretty much never check

my email because I feel drained just looking at all the

messages. Skyward will usually fill you in on

everything going on. (continue on page 36) https://www.ecampusnews.com/2020/05/01/how-i s-gen-z-impacted-by-online-learning/ 35 Now the last step that I'm going to give is to write down your assignments. Writing them down Good study Habits somewhere that you're sure you will check will help By Maddie McMahon get them out of the way. Write down if you have a Skyward assignment, a Google Classroom, etc. Also don´t do it last minute. When you do you usually end up turning in garbage and getting a low grade unless you're lucky. If you have to read some chapters of a book, read it. Don't just think you can be comfortable There are many ways to study to get good in class not knowing what happened in the book grades. If you have trouble studying, then this is when everyone's talking about it. the article that you need. One studying hack is Now the last thing I'm going to say is, DON'T that you need to get all distractions out of sight. SKIP YOUR ZOOM or GOOGLE MEETINGS, no You can put your phone in another room. Also matter how tempting it may seem. Trust me you you can organize your desk or any quiet place miss things. Sure sometimes your internet is wacky that you will be studying at. I suggest you get all and you really can't get in.(That has happened to me a bunch) But if that's not the case then go. Even if it your materials ready before you start. I would doesn't seem like an important class. Those little 4 say take at the most 10 minutes to do so. Now credit classes do count for something. to get to the studying part. Types of ways to I wish you the best of luck as I wish myself as study are typing out notes or hand writing them well. My grades aren't that great either and I´ve just out. You will memorize them throughout the decided to check my grades like 2 weeks ago. I hope time you are writing or typing. If this subject has you all take my advice and start studying. It's a text book then read the textbook pages. It will important; especially when your parents look at your also help you with memorizing the material plus report card. Online learning is a lot different than this is the official material that you are learning. being physically there, but school is still school so Another trick is to study for 15-20 minutes each don't get too comfortable. night for around 5-7 days before the test or quiz.

By the time the test rolls around, you have studied for about 75-105 minutes. Every little bit of studying will help. Those are some study techniques that will help you a lot when trying to get a good grade.

This is an example of a studying set up for a person who is studying biology. Photograph by Maddie McMahon.

36

Google Images Too Cool For Homeschool

By: lAUREN SASS

Do your friends always have the coolest supplies? When you look online, do they not fit your budget? Well no fear, your school supply genie is here! These supplies are helpful, economical, and even on Zoom or Google Meet, will make you too cool for school!

Perfect Planner This chalkboard planner can keep you organized to help you get to all of your classes. It can be found on the Target website for only $15! https://www.target.com/p/u-brands-wood-frame-chalkboard-calendar/-/A-54184574

Handy Headphones These fabulous headphones can block out any noise around you. They come in four different colors and glow in the dark. They can be found on the five below website for $5! What a steal! https://www.fivebelow.com/products/glow-in-the-dark-headphones

High Five

These mini highlighters can help you with important notes. They have the most vibrant colors. They can be found on the Yoobi website for only $4! https://yoobi.com/collections/highlighters/products/6-pk-mini-highlighters

Beautiful Bottles It is important to hydrate during class! These bottles keep your drink cold for twenty hours and hot for four hours. They come in nine different colors. These water bottles can be found on the Target website for the low price of $8.50! https://www.target.com/p/zak-designs-30oz-double-wall-stainless-steel-tumbler/-/A-52542332 (continue on page 38)

37 Stress No More These stress balls can keep you calm all day long! They are so squishy and are great if you need something to fidget with. They look like sports balls and can be found on the Amazon website for $7.87. https://www.amazon.com/ArtCreativity-Basketball-Football-Baseball-Squeezable/dp/B07BFDV5TH/ref=sr_1_2_sspa? dchild=1&keywords=sports+stress+balls&qid=1603404721&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFJ TktWVUlQRkZGS0ImZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0MDE4MzgzMUMwNks3RDMyMlhMJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1ODYxM DMyWVVLU1JXWlhMVFA1JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1Z Q==

Germs Be gone This year it is super important to stay healthy. One way is to keep your hands nice and clean. Bath and Body works sells hand sanitizer in five packs for only $8.00! They also smell AMAZING! https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/c/hand-soaps/all-hand-sanitizers One of their many amazing scents

All together Now These mini supply kits ROCK!! They come with scissors, tape, a pencil sharpener, stapler, and a staple remover, but here's the catch, they are all tiny!!! They come in lots of different colors and styles and can be found on the Yoobi website for only $6.00! (continue on page 39) https://yoobi.com/collections/supply-kit/products/flat-mini-supply-kit-blue

38 Hold Up This pencil holder is cute and keeps all of your pencils in one spot. It can be found on the amazon website for only $9.59! https://www.amazon.com/WAVEYU-Pattern-Durable-Organizer-Classroom/dp/B07TLMZP4G/ref=sr_1 _1?crid=2K4YSLE947G92&dchild=1&keywords=pencil%2Bholder%2Bfor%2Bdesk&qid=1603409993&sprefix =pencil%2Bholder%2Bfor%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&th=1

See there are so many ways to be stylish while being on a budget! With these items, you will definitely be too cool for school!

39 Food Section <- This picture was Images Via taken by my father tasteofhome.com 55 TakeTake OutOut RestaurantRestaurant RecommendationsRecommendations toto KeepKeep YourYour StomachStomach FullFull DuringDuring QuarantineQuarantine

WrittenWritten byby SabrinaSabrina FamularoFamularo

With social distancing it can be difficult to find ways to feed yourself so that you aren’t just eating the same thing every night. Since eating at restaurants isn’t as safe as it used to be, many people are going to have to eat take out. Listed are five of my favorite take out places for you to try plus some Yummy Recipes for Fall food recommendations to try at each location. #1. Wawa Okay, let’s get the easy ones out of the By: Nastia Baranovskaya way first. Wawa is one of the easiest places to go In this article you will find out how to make a delicious Pumpkin to, since there are so many of them around. They Torte and an appetizing Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini. Those two have a wide variety of snacks and drinks to choose special recipes are made to celebrate the season of Fall. First from and delicious breakfast sandwiches. When I recipe is how to make a delicious Pumpkin Torte, for pumpkin go, I always get a rice and bean burrito, they are lovers, and people who like to celebrate with guests, and need a absolutely scrumptious. The mashed potatoes are simple and tasty dessert, that everyone will love. The second a great side to any order, but they also have great recipe you will find in this article is for those who like to celebrate smoothies and chicken noodle soup if potatoes with family, and sit on a cozy blanket, eating something yummy. aren’t your style. They also sell donuts and plenty To learn how to make these yummy recipes, type the hyperlinks of sweets to end your meal with! below. #2. McDonald’s Another extremely popular take out #1-Recipe for the Pumpkin Torte place for quarantine, McDonald’s! You have most #2-Recipe for Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini likely eaten food from here, even if it wasn’t recently. They are known for their burgers, #4-Queen’s Sushi This is another place you may not have been to is specifically their Big Mac and french fries. Some Queen’s Sushi! It is located in Glenside and only does takeout and people may not like how fatty the food is. You may delivery, perfect for the current situation. I usually get the sushi, not want to hit up this location every day, but in mostly the California and Hawaiian rolls. They have very good rice moderation it is a great option. There is one big and egg rolls. I used to always get the wonton soup, a soup that problem with eating there right now and that is that has dumplings in it. It is a local place you should definitely check only the drive thru is open, so if you do not have a out. car you can not get food there. #5-In and Out I don’t mean the burger place. This place is located in #3. Riviera D’Italia Let’s get into some interesting Hatboro and is more like a 7-eleven that sells delicious food. The choices that aren’t as well known as the likes of chicken there is amazing and it usually comes with biscuits. My McDonalds and Wawa. Riviera is an Italian family and I usually get the gyros, which are very tasty. The only restaurant that is close to my home, and it happens downside is that it is very further away from the area near where to be a great place to get take out. It has all sorts of we live. We usually only eat there once a month but when we do it Italian foods like pizza, pasta, garlic knots, is quite enjoyable. stromboli, etc. Whenever I go there I get a calzone I hope that this has inspired you to try out other take-out and it is extremely cheesy. I would also heavily establishments. The sad truth is that we are probably going to be in recommend the garlic knots. I mean who doesn’t quarantine for a while and we’ll want to have different ways to 40feed like garlic knots, they are so tasty! ourselves. Take out is a safe way to get dinner if you’re not in the mood for cooking, now you know some new places to try. What’s for Dinner? Top Five Best *=Black owned business

Takeout Restaurants #3 -Jules Thin Crust is a local chain with locations all over By Nia Mensah PA. And Just like Mod Pizza, Jules has vegan options. You can choose your toppings. The closest location to What’s for dinner? This is the Abington is in Jenkintown. You can call them at question constantly asked in my house and +1-215-345-8537 many other households. “Pasta!” “Soup!” Just then a genius walks into the room and https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/the-insider/humptys-dumplings-o says let’s get takeout. But then comes the pens-queen-village-branch-20170623.html next question… where to go? Take out seems like such a smart option since the pandemic started. It offers an opportunity to support local businesses and it is easy and delicious to do. But with so many options to choose from, where do you go!? Here’s the top five list of my favorite restaurants to get takeout from. Most of which have vegan and gluten-free options for the whole family! #1- Mod Pizza This delightful pizzeria has locations all over PA! You can order off the menu or customize your own if you're feeling fancy. They also serve vegan cheese and gluten free crust, so everyone will feel included in this awesome restaurant. Not in the mood for pizza? They offer salads and a #4- Humpty Dumplings is also a local business! This special thing they call a pizza salad; it’s a cute little Keswick eatery serves a variety of salad on top of a pizza crust. You can order dumplings and noodles with seasonal vegan on DoorDash or go to https://modpizza.com/. options. Try the root vegetable or vegan burrito #2- Bhan Street. This inviting Vietnamese dumplings and you won’t regret it. You can contact restaurant serves one of my favorite foods. them at +1-215-935-6180. Bhan Mi. Crusty bread, crunchy pickled *#5- The Nile Cafè. This restaurant is a little far away veggies,creamy mayo,& juicy baked tofu. but after you take a bite it will be worthwhile. This Bhan Street also has vegan options. You can order on GrubHub or call at 267-419-8587. welcoming soul food restaurant is located in Germantown and now has a social distance pick-up https://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/dining/food-type/pizza/go-mad-for-mod- window. I recommend the Chicken and Gravy but pizza-in-american-fork/article_e49a3878-d06c-5076-ab97-28568be206bc.html their menu serves different food daily. And did I mention, it’s vegan? But don’t let that fact be the reason you miss out on this amazing spot. You can call (215) 843-6453 for more information.

So find the restaurant that speaks to you. In this crisis supporting local businesses can be as easy 41 as 1...2...3 !!! Entertainment Section Are You Bored In Quarantine? Riddles By Ashleigh Lauer By:Anastasija Zeljkovic

What goes away as soon as you talk

about it? Silence Answer: Quarantine has been getting us all in adjustments and new rules for the Coronavirus. But what happened to

What has 13 hearts, but no organs?

having plain old fun with your family or even by yourself? cards of deck Answer:A Here are a few hobbies or fun things that you can do around your house while staying safe. One thing is that you can play board games with your family. There are many

Why is everyone sceptical of a big cat? board games that I could recommend but just have fun. lion always Answer:He’s This also has been helping us with having fun with your family. So play any game or just do anything with your

family; believe me, it’s a lot of fun. I know that you miss What's black, white and read all over?

your friends but there’s nothing wrong with Facetime(Zoom, newspaper Answer:A Google Meet, etc.) and you can play Game Pigeon, which

is like an app that you play through messages and you

play board games with your friends. I always play that with What has a pink tablemouth and white Answer-Your chairs? my friends, we have so much fun. You can also find some of your own hobbies. I recommend art; it is very relaxing

and you can definitely express how you feel and more. If What do whales drink?

What do whales drink?Whale Answer:Ginger you like to write like me there’s no shame in keeping a diary or notebook, that you either, write stories that are made up or even non-fictional or you write about wonderful things that happen in your life or in your friend’s Imagine you're in a room with no life, just make sure that you are having fun. Something windows or doors and nothing inside.

else that you could do is some crafts, like knitting, making How do you get out?

wreaths, or anything honestly. A project you could do is Imagining Stop Answer: make something out of cardboard and paint it. Another project idea is to make a sculpture if you have clay at your house. If you have a camera at home you can take Image pictures of life or certain objects in your house. I like to via:http://lsrel take pictures of my cat, my family, and what I see outside of ay-config-producti on.s3.amazonaws the windows. You can even go outside and take pictures .com/fc804e8c0b6 f8cb0cd4a6be1e0 of life; just make sure that you are following the rules with 72fd35eba33fba7 2849a808b193da Covid and everything. Lastly, you can clean your room. We 647c52389/block_ screen.html?id=63 all know that there is a certain part of your room that gets 0b3813-691a-43a messy everyone once in a while, so just clean that and 3-ab3c-625c4b91 ec6f you will feel very accomplished and happy after you do it. If you keep your room clean you can dust off areas that might have dust or wipe down any surfaces that you have. The Cringiest Joke of the month !!! It is important that you stay healthy and have fun during By: Allie McMahon quarantine. Those were some hobbies or ways that you Question: Why aren’t koalas considered to be a can stay safe and healthy while still having fun. I hope that bear ???? you have fun and try out some of these hobbies. 42 Answer : Because they don’t meet the qualifications . Image Via https://www.cleanpng.com/png-compu ter-icons-netflix-symbol-desktop-wallp aper-do-1845162/

What to Binge By Omar Falcon Oh no! You don’t know what to watch? Well that's ok because I can help. Here are a few movies and TV shows for you to watch.

Top on my list is Enola Holmes. This amazing movie revolves around the sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. This movie contains action and the need for knowledge.

Next on my list is the popular show Stranger Things which you may be familiar. Now this show is a little more mature than SpongeBob. It is jam packed with action. There are some scenes where it gets creepy and a little gory but nothing we can’t handle.

Finally, my last recommendation is the great show Cobra Kai. Cobra Kai Is based on the life of Johnny Lawrence from the movie Karate Kid. It consists of tons of action, some romance, and a lot of karate.

<- Anna Pavlova-The Parts of a Pointe -> woman who invented Shoe pointe shoes

Ballet: What is it Like?

By Miranda Vega

What is ballet? How old do you have to be to get pointe shoes? Is it hard? Some people say ballet is easy; others say otherwise. Ballet is a very intricate sport and art. Not many people can do it, and professionals aren’t even perfect at it. Ballet is physically and mentally difficult. Dancers can get injured very easily.

Ballet is a laborious sport. You need lots of strength mostly in your ankles and calves. Men also need more upper body strength to lift the girls. Did you know that the first ballet dancers were all men? To get pointe shoes it depends on your school. Some schools do it a certain age, others say whenever your ankles are ready. Believe it or not, to stand on pointe, your feet and ankles need to be very strong. Standing on pointe isn’t just leg strength and if you go en pointe (on pointe) too early then you can get hurt so bad that you can break your toes. When you first get pointe shoes depending on how strong your feet are you have to break the shoes in. When you break in your pointe shoes, you mold them to your feet. For example, the way that I break them in is I fold the shoe in half both ways then I step on the box of the shoe. After that, I grab the shank that is inside of the shoe and detach it from the shoe and I bend that. Last but not least I put them on and mold them to my feet by doing some exercises. Behind the scenes: in a studio, many things happen. That’s where you actually become a ballet dancer. In the studio, you practice all your steps. What is in a studio? A studio contains a Marley floor, a type of floor that is not slippery to make sure you don't fall when you are on pointe. It also has barres which are for ballet dancers to 43 stretch, warm up, rehearse or just keep in shape. (See the next page for the Q and A section of this article) Q & A Section of Ballet:What Is It Like by Miranda Vega Ms.Mishel: Q: What do you think about A: I think it’s beautiful, hard, requires dedication, practice. I think it had a really weird ballet? start.

A: Yes, sport is a funny term though. To me, sports means Q: Do you consider it a sport? a team. I mean, you are in a company, but I don’t know if I would call it a team. Not everyone depends on everyone else; there are some people who clearly Why? depend on their partners to make their entrances and exits. Ballet takes a lot of dexterity. You need to be flexible and it’s physically demanding. There isn’t much room for error. Also, the risks are higher of you getting injured by yourself.

A: It wouldn’t surprise me. I find it funny that I think of Q: What if I told you it was a a sport as a team. I mean,in tennis you’re alone.It sport? makes sense to me that it’s a sport. It requires physical strength. You can’t be out of shape and expect to turn like a feather. Q: Would you want to go see a A: Yes, I love seeing it. I love it, I love seeing ballet at some point in your life? my students perform, professionals perform. Some of it just blows my mind. Giovanna Hidalgo: Q: What do you think about A: It's an art that includes feelings, passion. when you dance you connect yourself to ballet? music. It's also a form of acting depending on what you are dancing.

Q: Do you consider it a A: I've heard many people say It. I don't sport? Why? consider it a sport.

Q: What if I told you it was a A: I've heard many people say It. I don't sport? consider it a sport.

Q: Would you want to go see a ballet at some point in your A: I would love to, I've seen many already. I life? love Le Corsaire, I like Peter Pan. Swan Lake not so much.

Jose Luis Vega Q: What do you think about

ballet? A: It's a good exercise. It's a good thing for kids to learn coordination and it's artistic.

Q: Do you consider it a A: No, I don't think it's a sport. Sports sport? Why? usually have scores, competition. Ballet is not a competition.

Interviewer: Well, there are Jose: Yeah but it's not based on...Sports are ballet competitions. Ice skating is objective, but you can’t score art. You could say it's a sport;it goes to the Olympics…. more like ice skating or things like that.

Q: What if I told you it was a A: Where do they compete? it's not in the sport? Olympics? I've never heard of a world championship of ballet. Q: Would you want to go see 44 a ballet at some point in your life? A:Only if I know the dancer 45