TThhee CCoouurriieerr Volume 90, Number 1 White Plains, New York 10605 JANUARY 2014

Highlands Welcomes New Principal and Friend, Mr. Spatafore By Sarah Salino What is your history like in education? I began teaching in 1979 as I science teacher. I taught Chemistry at White Plains High School in 1986-87. I then taught Science 8 and Earth Science at Highlands from 2003-2010. I was an Assistant Principal at Highlands, East- view and White Plains High School from 2010-2013, and now I am return- ing to White Plains Middle School as Principal. White Plains Ranks Among What was your college education like?

I received my Bachelor of Science Principal Ernest Spatafore Degree in Earth and Space Science at Top 25 U.S. Cities SUNY Stony Brook. I later received my Spending time with my family is very Master of Science degree in Educational important to me when I have the op- By Richard Daronco grader at the high school. White Plains Administration at Fordham University. portunity to do so. In addition, I enjoy White Plains has it all! For a second School Superintendent Tim Connors cycling and participating in triathlons. year in a row it has been voted one of the agrees. Why did you decide to become a prin- best places in the country to live. The “When schools can show that they cipal at White Plains Middle School? What qualities do you look for in a city was ranked #23 by Livability.com educate all of their students by closing good student? I enjoy teaching and I very much enjoy for its cultural centers, outdoor beauty, the achievement gap, it has a big impact the school environment. I also think it is I think that it’s great when students ideal location, education and social and on why people choose to move to a very important to provide opportunity are curious and open to new ideas. It is civic activities. city,” Connors said. for students. important that a student is hard work- Mayor Tom Roach believes one of One area where White Plains scored ing and organized. Organization plays the reasons White Plains is a great place high was in social and civic capital. “It What do you like to do when you are a large part in your success as a middle to live is because it is a kid-friendly is great to be in a city where there is not working? schooler. city. “We have numerous recreation always something happening, such as programs, an ice rink, the best youth parades, festivals, carnivals and street bureau in the state, and an amazing fairs,” Mayor Roach said. library,” Mayor Roach said. He went Another factor was the location on to say “The Edge,” a space intended and the easy access to New York City. The World Loses for teens will be opening soon. Mayor Commuters can enjoy a 35-minute Roach also credits a great school system Metro North train ride to the city .White where he has a fifth grader at George Plains was one of only three small cities Another Great Hero Washington Elementary School and a 9th in New York to make the top 100. By Lucas Konarski in the country’s On Thursday, December 6 Nelson history. He was Mandela passed away at his house in the first black the company of his family. Mandela was president in born into the Madiba clan in Mvezo, the history of Tigers Leap With Joy Transkei, on July 18, 1918. He grew up South Africa. By Melanie Varela in a small town in South Africa. Nelson In 1993, Nelson On December Mandela was, and still is, considered a Mandela and 20th 2013 teams 8C hero in the whole world for his kindness President FW and 8D went on a trip and help in the fight to end apartheid de Klerk, who to Bounce. Bounce is and racism in South Africa. When he was the Presi- a place in Rockland was young, Mandela made a campaign dent of South County where kids of civil disobedience. Civil disobedience Arica before of any age may go happens when people disobey the law Mandela, won Nelson Mandela there and have fun in a peaceful way. He spent 27 years the Nobel peace for hours. At Bounce in prison after being convicted of trea- prize. Mandela there was a foam son by the South African government. served only one term as a South African pool where you could Many would think that this experience president until 1999. During his presi- jump into. Students were performing flips, back flips or just jumped into the left Nelson Mandela bitter and angry. dency, he used the nation’s enthusiasm foam pit. There was also a trampoline basketball court where people could However, the opposite was true. After for sports as a way to try and unite black just jump on the trampolines and relax. Most people stayed here because they his release, Mandela worked hard to re- and white South Africans. He encour- could just talk to their friends while still participating in the trip’s activities. unite South Africa. He knew that it was aged black South Africans to root for Last, but not least there were two dodge ball courts. Students and teachers important for blacks and whites to work the national rugby team. This shared went head to head in many of these games throughout the whole day. While together for South Africa. He is quoted interest helped to encourage some in Bounce there was a period of time where it went dark and various neon and as saying: “If you want to make peace unity in South Africa. After he left the white colors would glow because of the UV lights. This made everyone have with your enemy, you have to work presidency he never stopped working even more fun! Overall students and teachers had fun while on the Bounce with your enemy. Then he becomes for the good of South Africa. His ac- trip and it was a complete success! your partner.” complishments for South Africa and the In 1994, some years after Mandela’s lessons he taught us about forgiveness release from prison, he won the first and unity will never be forgotten. fully democratic election for president Page 2 The Courier Tigers Spread Holiday Cheer Tigers Show Their Stripes By: Melanie Varela students could dress just like their The week of November 12th best friend or a group even. It’s through the 15th was spirit week here okay if you thought you were see- at Highlands. Students in 7th and ing double; even the teachers were 8th grade participated in the events part of this. A lot of teachers came in being held. Each day throughout the jeans and a white shirt so they could week was given a theme. Tuesday all be twinning on twin day! Finally the 12th was pajama day. Students Friday the 15th was black and orange wore their comfortable pajamas to day, students showed their stripes school yet did not fall asleep in class. by wearing our school colors. Why Wednesday the 13th was fashion di- can’t spirit week be every week? saster day which meant the students Spirit week was a complete success wore some of the most outrageous for the students and teachers, all of outfits that didn’t make sense at all! the tigers in the school showed their Thursday the 14th was twin day, stripes.

Photos courtesy of Mrs. Davila Bugsy Malone Jr.: Coming On Friday, December 13th,The 7th & 8th Grade Select Choir went on a “Carol- ing” tour in the city of White Plains along with a small 8th grade band ensemble. Soon to a Stage Near You! Under the direction of Mrs. Davila & Mr. Veeder, the students performed a 30 minute concert at Education House, NY Presbyterian Hospital, and the Galleria By Emily Brooks Mall. Along with popular carols, the choir sang Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for This year, the school play is going to Christmas” and danced some great choreography to it. Thanks to a grant from the be Bugsy Malone Jr. This play is about Foundations of Education, the choir was able to bring in Caren Valente as an Artist a boy named Bugsy Malone. He is a in Residence choreographer. It was a wonderful day filled with Holiday cheer! teenager living in New York City. One day, a new girl named Blousey comes to town. Bugsy is head over heels for her, Tigers Support Our Former Troops but she will have nothing to do with him. Meanwhile, there is a whipped By Alyssa Cuomo guard, and Navy stood up as they heard cream fight going on between two rival On November 11th, members of the their song in the piece “The March of the gangs, Fat Sam`s and the Dandy Dan`s. 8th grade band headed to the eerie setting Armed Forces”. Additionally, citizens After the fight, there is an audition for a of the Old Rural Cemetery at 9:45am to of the White Plains community joined big New York performance that is miss- play for many brave veterans. These the Veteran’s Day Ceremony, such as ing their star actress. Right as Blousey veterans were awarded for their bravery students from the Hebrew high school is about to audition, Lena Marelli, the and strength in the process of fighting and Mayor Tom Roach. There was a missing actress, strolls in and gets her for the United States of America. The rifle salute to the departed veterans as part back. Bugsy feels bad for Blousey, and have a huge battle. For the rest of pieces of music that the band played well. Most importantly, it was a peace- so he offers her an audition with Fat the show, the two gangs get ready for included “The Star-Spangled Banner” ful and chilly morning of remembrance Sam for the Grand Slam Girls. While a final, giant whipped cream and pie and “The March of the Armed Forces”. and honor. they are working out an audition, Fat fight and Bugsy tries to raise enough Members of the Marines, Army, Coast- Sam`s and Dandy Dan`s gangs run into money to take Blousey to Hollywood so each other at Hung Fu Shin Laundry she can pursue her acting career, which ultimately gets Blousey to fall for Bugsy. Auditions took place for 7th and THE COURIER 8th graders during the first week in December. Congratulations to the cast White Plains Middle School members! We look forward to this excit- ing new production! EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF Bangles ...... Kira Lichtblau Editors-in-Chief Louella...... Samantha Fazio Benny Lee...... Aidan Benjamin Alyssa Cuomo Opera Singer ...... Anna Tender John Petrozzi Bronx Charlie. . Christopher Iannace Oscar de Velt. . . Frank Annunziato Blousey Brown. . . .Kelly Ainsworth Managing Editors Copyeditor Photography Editor Paper Boy...... Johan Devernay Sarah Salino Danny DeGenaro Melanie Varela Bugsy Malone ...... Alex Sanchez Amy Rosenblatt Radio Announcer ...... Layout Editor Office Manager Camilo Villavicencio Associate Editor OPEN Stachys Aho Butler...... George Kalyvas Lucas Konarski Roxy Robinson ...... Sports Editor Circulation Editors Samuel Salazar-Puhm Webmaster OPEN Lena Salino Dandy Dan...... Aaron Weiner Ms. Goudreau Kelly Marx Tallulah...... Shirin Clark Fat Sam...... AJ Scapoli Staff and Contributors Ventriloquist. . . . Amy Rosenblatt Rebecca Sparer, Nikolas O’Hanlon, Josh Thomas, Jeff Matthew, Richard Daronco, Fizzy...... Jacob Fleuricot Emily Brooks, Rachel Rose, Melissa Angel Waitress...... Morgan Hricay Knuckles...... Devin Burns Advisor Yonkers. . . . . Camilo Villavicencio Rachel Miller Lena Marelli. . . . . Sophie Hamlin Grand Slam Girls . . . Nicole Abato, Editorial Policy Dylan Bange, Sydney Barest, Editorials reflect the opinion of the editorial board and, unless otherwise noted, are written by members of Allison Cunney, Megan Fay, the staff. The editorial board solicits responsible commentaries and letters-to-the-editor, but reserves the right to Kira Lichtblau, Sasha Marshall, edit for style, grammar, or space limitations. Letters and commentaries containing obscenity or libelous comments Jenna Reilly, Denali Sagner, will not be published. All letters must be signed or they will not be published, however your name can be Catherine Serra, Ria Seth, withheld upon request. Carly Seymour, Ashley Smith, Anna Tender, Prasida Unni Layout Help Phyllis DeGenaro The Courier Page 3 EDITORIALS Reviews Reviews Reviews! The King’s Seidler himself had had a stuttering Obama Lies Once More problem as a boy. It served as an inspi- By now, most have heard of the healthcare law called Obamacare. The plan Speech Improves! ration to his work. As well as Mr. Firth, has taken effect, with around 106,000 enrollments thus far. With 314,000,000 By Danny DeGenaro Geoffrey Rush had quite an interesting documented people in America, and some 11,000,000 undocumented immi- role, playing an actor posing as a speech grants, these numbers seem quite miniscule. In fact, this implies that only 3% of In “The King’s Speech,” a man who therapist. He did a wonderful job, seem- people in America actually participated. A total flop of a program? Definitely. is destined to become king of the British ing funny and clever at the same time. Democrats say that this is only because over - visiting of healthcare.gov Empire must overcome a problem with The radio was a new invention, and and its marketplace caused it to crash. However, most of Obamacare is pur- stuttering. He is helped by a man who almost everyone had one, so members chased through state markets, not federal markets. Another issue is afford- claims to be a doctor, but turns out to of the royal family often had to make ability. Obamacare payment is not flat, opening the possibility for errors and have no qualifications at all. speeches over the radio. The crisis oc- price increase for policy holders. The fact that Obamacare is geared towards “The King’s Speech,” a relatively curred when the new King had to make lower income families means that a sudden spike could financially hurt these new British historical drama, takes a radio speech announcing that England people. All money that they can’t come up with comes out of YOUR pocket place between the 1920’s and 40’s. It is about to go to war with Germany. via taxes. came out in 2010, and was directed by “The King’s Speech” was was Now to the juicy stuff! Obama said on numerous occasions that no one Tom Hooper. Colin Firth plays King awarded an Oscar® for best picture, and would have to lose their healthcare and switch to Obamacare. HE LIED! George VI (the 6th), who was referred to earned $414,211,549 in box office sales. Many people cannot go to the same doctor anymore, including cancer and as Bertie throughout the movie, because It is better suited for adults and older other terminally-ill patients. Some ill people will temporarily lose access to his real name was Albert. It was recom- children, because of a little profanity, medicine and treatment during the transition period, and will become very mended to him that he change his name but it is certainly a fun and interesting unhealthy as a result, some to the point of death. From this brief summary, to George when he became King. (It was movie to watch. This was an astounding we can clearly see that Obamacare hurts America, her citizens, and her ill. the beginning of WW II and the British movie, inspiring, in a way, because it royal family thought Albert sounded reveals the importance of finding your too German). The writer of the screen- voice. It is one of the best movies I’ve Combining the Tigers: Roaring success, or an play, David Seidler, had read about the seen, and everyone should see it at some king’s problem with stuttering, and not point in their lives. Administrator’s Dream? being able to enunciate words properly. White Plains Middle School and the 6th grade academy recently replaced the tradition of Highlands and Eastview rivalries dating back to the establish- ment of the schools’ placement into the junior high system. The new redesign Thor: A Shocking is his brother Loki, who also wants to places all 6th graders on the Eastview campus, and the remaining students on rule Asgard. The movie was released on the Highlands campus. Along with the new study procedure called AVID, Experience November 8, 2013 and it was number which forces students to have one binder for all of their classes, administra- By Nikolas O’Hanlon one at the box office. It was directed by tors in the district claim grades will rise and student be happier with the new Alan Taylor and the actors were Chris changes. This would seem like a reasonable idea, if the exact opposite wasn’t Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom happening. Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard, and Idris If the redesign is meant to raise grades, why are we failing? I personally Elba. The genres are Action/Adventure can say I know a multitude of longtime advanced students who are failing or and Sci-Fi/Fantasy. have failed courses. If our advanced students are failing, who’s to say we all The story line is that Thor is pro- can’t fail? The answer for many is common core. Common core means nation- tecting the Nine Realms (9 worlds ally raised standards for our core classes. With course difficulty increasing that include earth) from the vengeful suddenly, students and teachers alike are scrambling for material, and fighting Malekith. Malekith is an evil dark elf. for each precious point. Without material from years past, asking your teacher He has an army, space ships and uses a for a practice sheet is a nearly invalid tactic. To add insult to injury, students power called ether to try and conquer and parents involved in the merger do not love the transition. the Nine Realms. Only Thor, an earth- The fact is, many students were perfectly content at the schools they were ling scientist named Jane Foster, Thor’s in. Many friendships are compromised by the merger because the sheer num- evil brother, and a crazy scientist, stand bers each grade has. If there are 5 teams in 8th grade, each with a little over in his way. Who do you think will win? 100 students. That means we have more than 500 8th graders. Imagine trying The ending was awesome! It was to find your best friend in a sea of over 1000 people (There are two grades really scary at times, like when I thought of similar size in the building), across 4 floors and 9 periods. The chances of Who speaks softly and carries a big Jane Foster (the scientist) was going to seeing that friend are very low, making kids unhappy. In addition, we in- stick? THOR, that’s who! The name of die when she absorbed the Aether and terviewed the mother of a student (who chose to remain anonymous), who the movie is “Thor: The Dark World.” blew up anyone who tried to attack her. says that children will have, “A difficult time switching schools twice in two It’s based on the Marvel comic book It was also funny, like when Loki turned years because they find it hard to get settled”. As the child of this mother, and series called Thor. Thor is a Superhero into Captain America while he was talk- many others, has a tough time “getting settled”, the merger will hurt them who lives on a planet called Asgard and ing to Thor. So all in all it was exciting, emotionally, and thus impact the grades they receive. takes care of earth against many evil suspenseful and funny. I recommend With respect to our hard working administrators, the merger has potential. forces. One of Thor’s biggest enemies this movie to anyone. The possibilities for improving education are truly limitless. However, the current merger has way too many bugs and kinks. Issues like lunch period separation, morning assembly seating, and rejection of constructive student Book Review: you may only suggestions to end these practices are holding the merger back. As students, bring what fits we can only study more, and hope for a snowy winter. “Thirteen Little in your back- pack. Rule #2, Blue Envelopes” there are no By Rebecca Sparer maps allowed. Rule #3, do not Gyu-Kaku Gets a This teen novel is great for young bring money readers interested in suspenseful and or credit cards. Standing Ovation exciting books. “13 Little Blue Enve- Rule #4, no By Lena Salino lopes”, by Maureen Johnson, follows e l e c t r o n i c s a seventeen year old girl from the U.S or communi- Gyu-Kaku, a new Japanese Bar- named Ginny, who has the fantastic op- cation with beque Restaurant, gets 5 stars! At Gyu- portunity of exploring Europe and hav- anyone from Kaku, you have an interactive experi- ing the adventure of a lifetime. While on home on the trip. Maureen Johnson is ence by cooking your own meal right this adventure, Ginny tries to figure out one of my favorite authors, and this is at your table! They offer soup, salad, a very important family mystery that left possibly the best book she has ever writ- meat, and more! For dessert, they have her dumbfounded over two years ago. ten. It is definitely a book I recommend a very famous and delicious Green Tea To guide her, envelopes are left with to a middle school student. 100 Layer Crepe cake. You can also instructions and four rules. Rule #1, roast s’mores. When I went, I had an has many locations, but the closest one amazing time. I liked it because it was is located at 169 Main Street in White a very calm environment and all of the Plains, New York 10601. Gyu-Kaku also grills make the restaurant very warm. has a groupon available online. You can DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION? The staff is very nice and the service is see more information on their website, Would you like to share it? Write a review for very quick. It is a medium-fancy place. http://www.gyu-kaku.com. The Courier! It is also medium-expensive. Gyu-Kaku Contact Ms. Miller, Room 141 Page 4 The Courier

are you the new student in Mrs. Berger’s An Undefeated Season class?”, “Uh… si,” I said, guessing she seemed pretty happy when she knew that we were going to be in the same class! “Wow! Mrs. Berger has been talk- ing to the whole class about you and how we were going to have a new stu- dent from a different country! Well, my name is Alison.” I stayed quiet and was still confused. That’s when she noticed Student Literature Spotlight that I spoke a different language and had no idea what she was trying to say Moving to NYC and she didn’t know what I was trying to say to her. After that I enjoyed talking and laughing with her even though I by Melissa Angel had no idea what she was saying and I knew she didn’t know what I was trying Have you ever worked so hard on to say. But we always found our ways. something and just felt like you had Day after day, Mrs. Berger taught By Richard Daronco to start all over again? Well moving to me and I practiced as much as I could NYC felt just like that. to learn the new language. “One, two, The Highlands boys’ modified soccer team under the leadership of Coach I sat down looking outside of the three,” she always said to help me Michael Lambert had an undefeated season for the first time in recent memory. bus window crying like never before, it say and understand some numbers. The team dominated every game. In some games, the opposing teams were un- was like a different world I was living It wasn’t easy it was actually harder able to take any shots on goal. in and I knew I didn’t want to be here than I thought. I cried and cried for it “This season proved to be one where the team truly came together as one,“ and I didn’t belong. I was the quietest felt like years without stopping, and said Coach Lambert. He went on to say, “our undefeated record was attributed because if I said anything no one would I missed my house back in Colombia to the overall depth of the boys and their ability to remain positive in the face of understand me. No one offered me and I didn’t want to stay any longer. It adversity.” anything. Where was the “Hello, what’s was just too different and I just wasn’t The majority of players this year are members of the White Plains Milan pre- your name?” or the “Hey, you need help ready to face the challenge to learn a mier team coached by the White Plains High School JV coach Jack Gigli. “I am on something?” But I couldn’t blame new language, make new friends, and very proud of them and will continue to work with them, “said Gigli. them. If they said that or anything else get used to waking up early every day! The entire team played well together and each player made remarkable con- I wouldn’t understand, so I preferred I knew my mom wasn’t going to let me tributions to the success of the team. There were also at least two Olympic Devel- being the quiet one rather than making give up; she took me to the bus in tears opment Team players, Carl Fisher and myself who are currently on the rosters a fool out of myself. I didn’t really mind and saw me start my day in despair. for state teams in Region 1. Fisher and I have been identified as state tournament sitting by myself, but it would help to In the end I knew I got better with the players and have been invited to try out for the ODP Region One Team in July. have someone to talk to or just sit there new language and my mom was really next to me and just try to talk to me. Like surprised to see me at least trying to get at home, in Colombia, I had the funniest used to living in New York. “Fifteen, friends and it got me more than upset to sixteen, seventeen,” my mom practiced see them sad, to have to say “goodbye” with me “eighteen, nineteen, twenty,” to me. I really wanted them here to cheer 2013 Pep Rally I responded back. It wasn’t easy but I me up because I knew they would but I knew it would take more than five days by Rachel Rose knew that wouldn’t happen. to learn a new language. And at school I ate my sandwich in my new I had a new friend and all the effort On Friday November 15, school’s cafeteria - nothing like in Co- and practice I put into learning a new Highlands students and fac- lombia where we ate in our classrooms language. I knew was worth it. ulty gathered on the bleachers - and it felt like I hadn’t eaten some- “Melissa, tiempo de ir a la escuela” for our 2013 pep rally. After thing in ages! At that moment a girl my mom said. “Bueno, mama” I spoke last year’s pep rally was can- with slippery dancing blonde hair sat back. I knew that was my cue to go back celled due to hurricane Sandy, right in front of me, she was very quiet to school and start my day with my new the idea made a terrific come- and kept looking at my lunch with an friend Alison and my amazing teacher back. Alex Sanchez started off interested face and said “Do you mind Ms. Berger. Not only did I want to be this train of events by singing if I sit here?” I looked at her - I had an there I also knew I belonged. My mom our national anthem. Follow- idea of what she was trying to say, but watched me start my day with a smile ing this was a performance not quite. “Uh… si,” I responded back. full of happiness. from the band and 7th grade chorus.The band played a medley of military songs, Her eyes opened up wide and said: “Oh, and any veterans among the faculty were invited onto the field. Students with family in the military were also invited to stand when their branch’s song was played. After this amazing musical display our mascot came down to the field. He danced to Colonial life the “Harlem Shake”. Then, students played an interactive grade vs. grade game with beach balls. Next, we brought Making visits the down our fall sports teams including girls’ soccer, football, girls’ volleyball, cross country and many others. Finally, to finish off the afternoon, a series of games were played Bracelets for a Highlands by our fall sports teams and a randomly selected group of students. Thank you, staff and students for making this such Good Cause campus a memorable event. By Kelly Marx By Lucas Konarski Mr. Cradle and Mrs. Tuck, our Highlands veterans. The Community Service Club is Mrs. Friedman invited a “colonial excited to begin! Our first project we time woman” to teach her students worked hard on was raising money by about colonial jobs, clothing, music and Highlands Welcomes New making Rainbow Loom bracelets for instruments during her Social Studies Pets Alive in Elmsford. We made many classes on November 23rd. She started Student Prevention Counselor bracelets in the styles of single, triple, by explaining how music was impor- By Rebecca Sparer and fishtail. We sold them on November tant to entertain, to make someone feel 13th, 14th and 15th. The prices for the happy, to tell a story, to spread informa- Ms. Walline is the Student Prevention Coordinator bracelets varied from $1.00 to $1.50. We tion, to help people while they hunt for at White Plains Middle School. She meets with 7th and 8th proudly raised $127.50. Pets Alive was whales, and even to command an army. graders and talks to them about making healthy choices happy to accept our donations. Cur- After that, the guest speaker played and how to deal with peer related stress and family is- rently we are creating locker magnets some songs as examples for us to hear. sues. If students ever need to talk, she’s always there to that will be sold at lunch. All proceeds Then, she started explaining the type listen. “It’s good for the students to know that there’s will be donated to the Ecumenical Food of clothing children and adults used always someone they can talk to if they’re ever stressed or Pantry of White Plains. We also are to wear during colonial times (people overwhelmed with anything”, says Ms. Walline. “It’s my planning a “Caps for Cancer” drive; for only changed once a week!). Later, she first year at Highlands, but I love it here. It’s great helping every 1000 water bottle caps collected, showed us some examples of profes- kids enjoy going to school,” according to Ms. Walline. a solider will be able to undergo 1 hour sional and homemade instruments like She formed “Girl Talk”, a great new program for girls of chemotherapy, free of charge. a guitar, mountain dulcimer, and ham- to increase their confidence and talk about peer related Please listen to the announcements mered dulcimer: the instrument that issues. The group of high school and middle school girls meets every other week and look for signs about the ways you led to the creation of the piano. It was on Wednesdays after school. See Ms. Walline for details, questions, or concerns can help the Community Service Club. so much fun to re-live history! in room 157a (in the PPS suite).