Wizard of Oz Is a Triumph! by ZOE GONZALEZ Now What’S the Fifth Grade Show?- Choosing the Parts

SPRING 2020

Wizard of Oz is a Triumph! BY ZOE GONZALEZ Now what’s the Fifth Grade show?- choosing the parts. then everybody Flash! Rainbow lights! Whoo! So, every year in spring, the Fourth starts working REALLY hard to put Loud cheering! Ohhh. wait….you Graders all come together, and with it together. don’t know what this is, do you? But Ms. Golub, Ms. Sarah, and Ms. you should know! I mean it IS the Wurman choose a show they think Then comes the show! According Fifth Grade show! And in this case, suits the students. When everybody to Ms. Sarah, at first, it was really it’s the Wizard of Oz! comes back in the Fall, they start hard to choose who should be who, but then it was kind of obvious who should be what characters. They knew what they were doing because the show was really good.

Wait...it was not good. It was...GREAT!

Also according to Ms. Sarah, re- hearsals were not that hard, consid- ering that every Fifth Grader was dedicated to the show. And when I say “dedicated,” I mean four days a week, for five months—all of it after-school practice! Incredible! And Ms. Sarah also said that she had never seen Fifth Graders be so amazing at their show.

And in case you’re wondering, for any aspiring actor or actress, here’s some advice from Ms. Sarah: “As an actor or actress, you need to be good at acting, dancing and sing- ing—or at least try hard to be good at them.”

In summary, we at PS11 Post want to congratulate everyone who was in the show and everyone who worked PHOTO BY PS11 POST TEAM hard to put it together.

1 SPRING 2020 Behind the Scenes at the Wizard of Oz BY GIANNA PIREZ-READER To get a better idea of what actually goes on behind the scenes, Have you ever wondered what I did an interview with my friend happens backstage during PS11 Scarlett R., a Fourth Grader. She shows? It takes tons of hard-work- was also one of the people that got ing people! Every year, Ms. Golub, picked to work backstage, working Ms. Sarah, and Ms. Wurman gather in makeup. I wanted to know what all Fifth Graders and decide which happened in makeup because I was of them can take part in the show. not working with her to see what happened. So I decided to interview Often the show is based on a her for the PS11 Post so I could find movie or musical. This year was out what was happening and share the Wizard of Oz. But Ms. Golub, with readers. Ms. Sarah, and Ms. Wurman aren’t done picking people yet…….they PS11 Post: What was the hardest have to also pick people to work thing in makeup? backstage. They don’t pick Fifth Graders to work backstage, they Scarlett: Putting primer on and pick Fourth Graders to work back- then the glitter on the eyes. The glit- stage! And in fact I was one of the ter would go everywhere and the PHOTO BY PS11 POST TEAM people that worked backstage in primer was hard to put on. Scarlett: Yes. Because their the Wizard of Oz, and I am going scenes were happening while put- to tell you the secrets and mistakes PS11 Post: Did you have to rush be- ting on makeup. that happened backstage. tween scenes? continued on page 4 Our Beloved Chickens BY HARRY LUCAS also teaches cooking at the PS11 afterschool. She was kind Live chickens are not something enough to answer some ques- you typically see on a New York City tions for me. street. This is yet another reason that makes PS11 unique: the chicken coop PS11 Post: What are your favour- in the yard! But what do you really ite things about chickens? know about our chickens? You might think the chickens in the PS11 yard Ms. Debbie: I like that they like are just there to look at, but they are me! Also, they make my life easier more than that! They give us food— by providing me with fresh eggs. eggs to be exact. PS11 Post: What kinds of things (Fun fact: they lay 6 eggs a day, so have you done to improve the coop? that means 2-3 dozen eggs a week. Bet you didn’t know that!) Ms. Debbie: We put in a new roof, got new nesting boxes and in- Ms. Debbie is the person who stalled a better watering system

takes care of the chickens; she continued on page 11 PHOTO BY PS11 POST TEAM

2 SPRING 2020

in the school (rare) or other relatives read a book to the class from behind a We Love the Library! curtain, and the kids try to guess who it is by asking yes or no questions. Unfortunately we often don’t get to book-shop after, but we still have fun. In a survey of 56 students from different grades, 19 people said Mystery Reader was their favorite activity and the other 37 chose borrowing books as their favorite.

I also asked some kids across grades, “On a rating from 1 to 10, how would you rate the library?” There were many positive responses. Elena, in Third Grade, said, “10 out of 10 because it is the only time that kids keep quiet.” Raphael, a kindergartner, also gave it a ten “because it is really nice and I get to read very quietly,” as did Second Grader Ahren “because I like all the books.” Fourth Grader Grey gave the library a more conservative score of 7/10 but did note “there are PHOTO BY BRENDAN LI BY BRENDAN LI lots of good books.” big large windows. When you walk Have you ever stopped a minute by, there is almost always a class Some people don’t always have a to really think about the library? in there. There’s always something great time in the library. A First Grad- There it is, filled with books and ta- going on! er named Ever gave it a 5 “because bles. Personally I think the library I can’t find books that I like.” Fifth is a very fun place if you love read- Now, you might wonder: how did Grader Alikhan gave it a 7 because he ing. But I began to wonder what those books get there in the first place? loves books, doesn’t always find what other adults and students at PS11 The library gets its books in two ways: he wants, and can only visit the library think about the library. It seems buying them and receiving donations once a week. Others agree that the li- that some people are totally satis- from people. Here’s another fun fact: brary time is too short and they don’t fied with it while others have some the library for this school has been have time to pick a book. As you can observations about it. To get to the around for such a long time that some see, there is a lot more to the library bottom of this question I asked li- of the librarians don’t even know when than you might think: lots of opinions brarians, students and teachers it was started! and experiences. Personally, I’d give from the school questions and got the library a 9—only missing a full some answers and very interesting Now onto a topic that is a favorite 10 because sometimes I can’t find my perspectives on the library. for some, and not so great for others. favorite books. Drumroll please … I’m talking about You might wonder how the teach- Just in case you don’t know, here the “Mystery Reader”!! For those of ers view the library. I asked a Fourth are some basic facts about the li- you not familiar with this activity, Grade teacher, Ms. Reichelt about brary: it is located on the fourth Mystery Reader happens when a class what changes she would make to the floor—room 408— and has yellow returns 100 books. On the next library library, and she said, “I would like walls, wooden chairs, tables and visit, parents (usually), older siblings continued on next page

3 SPRING 2020

We Love the Library continued The PS11 Post and How It Works to see more diverse selections of books, especially non-fiction. Also, BY MARC SLOANE ing a couple of years ago and said we could have student recommenda- Do you know what you are “Is there any parent out there who tions. I think we can recognize books holding (or reading)? It’s the PS11 could take this on? If we can’t find that many people don’t know about Post, a newspaper about PS11 and someone it will have to close!” So by having a section for those books what’s happening in the neighbor- I stuck up my hand. on a shelf.” hood! Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes Eli K., a student journalist who I also asked Ms. Reichelt how at the PS11 Post? Because in this has worked on two editions told many times she would want to go to article, you will find out! me “Once I got into the flow of the library with the class in one week. doing it was fine”. Maya K., a vol- She said, “One time is sufficient. But I got an interview with several unteer parent who has also worked they should have open library times people—kids and grown-ups— on the last two editions (as a vol- where you can sign up and go if you involved with the newspaper. I unteer and coach) said that jour- needed to.” wrote this artcile because I want- nalism is a big part of her life. ed to give you, the reader, an in- She was a freelance journalist for What about the librarians? How do side scoop! 8 years, with articles appearing in they experience the library? To an- the New York Times, Village Voice swer this question I caught up with a When I asked “why did you join and other publications. librarian named Monica. She said, “I the newspaper” I was surprised to really enjoy coming and volunteering find the people I asked had very I asked each of my interview- at the library. I really like seeing what different answers. Bruno Kava- ees for one word that they thought books kids like to read.” Not surpris- nagh (volunteer parent who helps summed up the paper. Bruno (par- ingly, many parents of PS11 students to run the newspaper) told me he, ent editor) said: “Chaos!” Maya volunteer for the job of being a librar- has worked with the PS11 Post for (parent coach) said “Illuminat- ian. They take time to sort through, two years. “For many years the ing!” Eli (Fourth Grader student shelve, and check out countless books newspaper was run by a fantastic journalist) said: “Exciting!” for students; they also help students PS11 parent called Marliece.. (In find books they like. We should be fact it was founded by her son!) So there you have it. The PS11 grateful to all the librarians for mak- Her children were getting older Post is a great experience for ev- ing our library such a wonderful (and two of them had left PS11) so eryone involved, students and place. So don’t forget to thank them she got on stage at a PTA meet- grown-ups alike! for everything they do!

Behind the Scenes continued Scarlett: The munchkins and the work on the show. But I was very PS11 Post: What was the most fun jitterbugs, because you just had to worried something was going to you had putting on makeup? put natural makeup on them like, go wrong. blush and lipstick. Scarlett: Putting on the blush. When working backstage it PS11 Post: Who was your favorite also takes teamwork, you have PS11 Post: What person was the character in the Wizard of Oz? to work with other people to get hardest to do? everything running well and Scarlett: Dorothy, because she danced smoothly. And—hey Third Grad- Scarlett: The witch, because we really well and she was my favorite. ers!— if you are reading this I had to put green everywhere. think that you should work back- My personal experience work- stage for the Fifth Grade show PS11 Post: What person was the ing backstage showed me how next year! I bet you will have easiest to do? much time and effort it took to tons of fun doing it!

4 SPRING 2020 The Ups and Downs of Journalism Third Grader Carlota Gumucio inter- to leave the country because they [the views noted journalist Rafael Gumucio. Chilean Supreme Court] were going to put her to jail. Because we work on a newspaper, the PS11 Post, it seemed appropriate to But jail isn’t the only danger; some interview an actual journalist, who has people get killed. In certain countries worked for real-life newspapers and oth- reporters have gotten killed for telling er media, like radio and television too. true things that some people don’t want to reveal. In Mexico and Russia, for ex- Rafael Gumucio is a journalist with ample, this has happened. 31 years of experience. He is 50 years old, has lived in four different coun- But journalism can also be fun. For tries and speaks Spanish, French and example, reporters sometimes get to PHOTO BY CARLOTA GUMUCIO English, and he understands Portu- travel to different and exotic parts of the when you have information, you have guese and Italian. (Full disclosure: Ra- world. Rafael went on a military plane to organize it depending on what the fael Gumucio is my father. to Haiti, in order to cover the situation readers want, but also what you’re in- after an earthquake struck. And he terested in telling or questions that you According to Rafael, “journalism is went to the birthday party of the Bolivi- want answers to. not that hard for me because it is a pas- an president, Evo Morales, interviewed sion.” He became a journalist because him and partied with him until really I asked Rafael where he works, of his love for writing. He wanted to late at night. He has also interviewed and he told me journalists often work write novels, but often people don’t the actor from the movie Coco, Gael in big offices but after he gathers get paid to write novels. “I wanted to García Bernal, and the first woman his info and does his interviews he get paid for my writing, so I became president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, works in his bed in his pyjamas on a journalist and I realized that I really who is now the United Nations High Saturdays and Sundays! liked knowing about people, talking to Commissioner for Human Rights. people, listening to people and finding In summary the job of the journalist out about what happens in their lives.” As a journalist you get the chance is important because it helps you get to interview all sorts of people, from information. In the 1900s and before For people who like talking a lot it presidents and movie stars to really nor- you didn’t have smartphones so this can be a really fun profession but it mal people. Like people that you see on type of journalist that works for a radio, can also be dangerous. For example, streets. (Or your mom and your dad— print newspaper, books and magazines one time, Rafael went to jail for a but if you interview a family member were the only sources of information night because he said negative things this needs to be disclosed, like I did.) and news. Nowadays we get most of about the President of the Supreme our information from our phones or Court of Chile, who had been part Journalism is a lot of work. To make devices. But radios and newspapers are of the dictatorship in Chile. That was an article, you gather information (by still important, because not everything some serious trouble. reading things in books, magazines, you find on the internet is true. But if it newspapers and the internet) or you comes from a radio station or a newspa- Alejandra Matus, another journalist can gather your information through per that has been around for a long time, from Chile, wrote a book called La his- your interview and ask people some or that gives you information directly toria negra de la justicia chilena (“The interesting questions that you would from real people, you may be able to dark story of justice in Chile”). She had like to know answers to. And then trust that information more.

PS11 is a school that celebrates people of all cultures and backgrounds. Each edition, we’ll be writing one of our articles in both Spanish and English. Many of us at PS11 (24%) come from homes where Spanish is spoken. In future editions, we’ll also have articles in other languages spoken by students and teachers at PS11. Contact us if you’d like to see (or write!) an article in your language.

5 SPRING 2020 Los Altos y Bajos de ser Periodista Carlota Gumucio entrevista al La historia negra de la justicia chilena, periodista Rafael Gumucio. y tuvo que irse de Chile porque la Corte Suprema quiso meterla en la cárcel. Ya que trabajamos en un periódico, el PS11 Post, nos pareció apropiado La cárcel no es el único riesgo que entrevistar a un periodista profesional, corren los reporteros. En algunos alguien que ha trabajado para periódi- países han matado a periodistas por cos de grandes y otros medios como la decir verdades que algunas personas radio y la televisión. no quieren publicar. En México y Ru- sia, por ejemplo, esto ha pasado. Rafael Gumucio es un periodista con PHOTO BY CARLOTA GUMUCIO 31 años de experiencia. Tiene 50 años Pero el periodismo también puede Luego, cuando ya tienes toda la infor- y ha vivido en cuatro países. Habla es- ser entretenido. Por ejemplo, los re- mación, debes organizarla según lo pañol, francés e inglés, y entiende por- porteros a veces viajan a lugares exóti- que tus lectores querrán leer pero tam- tugués e italiano. Nota al lector: Rafael cos del mundo. Una vez Rafael viajó bién según lo que te interesa contar, las Gumucio es mi papá. en un avión militar a Haití, para cubrir preguntas que tú quieres contestar. la situación del país después de un ter- Según Rafael, “el periodismo no me remoto. Y asistió al cumpleaños del Le pregunté a Rafael dónde hace su cuesta mucho porque es una pasión”. entonces presidente de Bolivia, Evo trabajo. Me dijo que los periodistas mu- Decidió ser periodista porque le en- Morales. Entrevistió a Morales y estu- chas veces trabajan en oficinas grandes, canta escribir. Siempre quiso escribir vo en la fiesta con él hasta muy tarde. pero él no: después de juntar toda su in- novelas, pero no es frecuente que te También ha entrevistado al actor de la formación, se mete en la cama y trabaja paguen por hacer novelas. película Coco, Gael García Bernal, y la en pijama los sábados y domingos! primera presidenta de Chile, Michelle “Quería que me pagaran por escribir, Bachelet, ahora la Alta Comisionada En resumen, el trabajo del periodista así que me hice periodista y me di cuen- de las Naciones Unidas para los Dere- es importante porque te ayudan a in- ta de que me encantaba aprender cosas chos Humanos. formarte. En el siglo pasado y antes, de la gente, hablar con ellos, escucharles no había smartphones así que los pe- y saber qué les pasa en sus vidas”. Como periodista puedes entrevistar riodistas que trabajaban para la radio, a todo tipo de gente, desde presidentes un periódico impreso, libros o revistas Para la gente que le gusta mucho y estrellas de cine hasta gente muy eran las únicas fuentes de información hablar puede ser un oficio muy diver- “normal”. Como, por ejemplo, gente que teníamos. Hoy en día nos infor- tido pero también puede ser peligro- que ves en la calle (O tu mamá o papá, mamos principalmente de nuestros so. Por ejemplo, una vez, Rafael pasó pero si entrevistas a un pariente debes teléfonos u otros dispositivos. Pero las una noche en la cárcel porque dijo co- informar a tus lectores, como hice yo). radios y los periódicos siguen siendo sas negativas sobre el Presidente de la importantes porque no todo lo que en- Corte Suprema de Chile, un señor que El periodismo implica mucho traba- cuentras en Internet es cierto. Si viene había participado en la dictadura en jo. Para hacer un artículo hay que re- de un canal de radio o un periódico que Chile algunos años antes. Ahí sí que se copilar información (leyendo cosas en existe desde hace mucho tiempo, o que metió en problemas. libros, revistas, periódicos e Internet) o te proporciona información que viene puedes juntar tu información a través directamente de la boca de la gente, La periodista Alejandra Matus, tam- de entrevistas, y preguntar cosas inte- puedes confiar más en la veracidad de bién de Chile, escribió un libro llamado resantes que te provocan curiosidad. esa información.

PS11 es una escuela que celebra a personas de todas las culturas y orígenes. Cada edición, estaremos escribiendo uno de nuestros artículos tanto en español como en inglés. Muchos de nosotros en PS11 (24%) procedemos de hogares donde se habla español. En futuras ediciones, tendremos también artículos en otros idiomas hablados por estudiantes y maestros en PS11. Contáctenos si desea ver (¡o escribir!) un artículo en su idioma.

6 SPRING 2020 Diana the Fencer BY INDIRA RAPARTHI [Editor’s note: Since this article went to press, the Tokyo Olympics of 2020 have been postponed by one year.]

The Olympics are coming up, and I thought you would be interested in learning about a new sport. It’s not basketball, it’s not running. Morehouse. Diana is a very pleas- ILLUSTRATION BY INDIRA RAPARTHI It’s...fencing. ant person and coach and is great at Coach Diana: I came to the US in teaching kids. She also works very 2016 to study English. Fencing is an old medieval sport hard on her own fencing since she that started in Spain in the 15th centu- actively competes in tournaments. PS11 Post: How much do you prac- ry. Before it became a sport, whenev- tice everyday? er people had a problem they would PS11 Post: Why did you start fencing? settle over a duel or a sword fight. In Coach Diana: Fencing is a very the middle of the 17th century people Coach Diana: Although many tough sport and to be good at it you loved it so much that they wanted to kids start fencing very young now at have to practice a lot. I try to practice duel each other even when they did 6 years or even less, I only started to about 4 hours a day for 3 to 4 times not want to fight and hurt each oth- fence when I was 11 years old. My un- a week er—and so fencing became a sport. cle was a fencing coach and I loved to watch others learning from him and PS11 Post: What advice do you The goal of fencing is to hit the started to learn from him because, have for people interested in fencing? opponent’s targets. There are three while it is so much fun to watch, it’s types of swords, Sabre, Epee, and even more fun to do yourself. Coach Diana: Since it is a difficult Foil. The first modern Olympic sport many people quit after trying it Games were held in Athens in 1896 PS11 Post: Why do you like fenc- only a few times. So my advice is that and—guess what?—fencing was of- ing so much? you should not give up. ficially a part of those Olympics. Coach Diana: I like fencing be- PS11 Post: Has fencing taught you Coach Diana Hoyos is a Colombi- cause it is a lot of fun and you have any life lessons? an fencer who won a major fencing to use both your body and mind to be tournament, called the Awar Cup. good at it Coach Diana: Yes, fencing has Diana is a passionate up-and-com- taught me many lessons like being ing young coach with many of her PS11 Post: Is fencing popular in disciplined, to be a fighter, to never students earning numerous regional Colombia, your home country? give up and to make smart decisions. and national medals. She was a multiple Pan American Championship Coach Diana: Unfortunately no, As you see, fencing is not as medalist and multiple time world not really—fencing is not popular in easy as it looks. You cannot just go team and Pan American team mem- Colombia or Latin America. Fencing “Bam! Bam! I won!” It requires a ber for Colombia. is not seen as a sport for everyone— lot of strength and discipline. Maybe it’s something the very rich did or it is next summer, you could watch the I met her at the Tim Morehouse used as training in the military. Olympics or you could try a fencing Fencing club on the Upper West Side class. I am sure you will find it chal- where she is a coach. The club is PS11 Post: Why and when did you lenging—but remember you need to run by Olympic Silver Medalist Tim come to the USA? stick with it!

7 SPRING 2020 Fridays for Future BY ELIZA SCHWARTZ wanted people, government offi- Did you know that according to cials in particular, to get up and the United Nations, we have 10 years start caring about the world’s cli- to prevent the worst climate effects? mate problem. She started skipping All because of one girl, many people school every Friday in protest and, around the world are now fighting thanks to Greta, Fridays for Future for the climate showing their respect is now a worldwide movement and to the earth by skipping school on the reason these people were pro- Fridays and calling the movement testing at City Hall on a rainy, grim Fridays for Future . Friday, March 6.

Fridays for Future is a movement I went over and talked to the pro- of kids around the world who care testers. One of them was Alejandro about their lives in the future. It is Vasquez who thinks Fridays for PHOTO BY ELIZA SCHWARTZ also a way to get people to know Future is a movement that inspires and care that the world’s sea levels teens and young people in general Pilot Roberts, agreed: ‘’I’m here and temperatures are rising . to take action on our climate. This because climate change is a super is important, he says, “Because we big and important topic that is often It all started with Greta Thunberg, are the future and we are the ones overlooked by a lot of authority fig- now seventeen (she was 13 when who will have to see what it will be ures” she said. she started Fridays for Future): she like.” One of his fellow protesters, continued on page 13 OPINION: Wake up to Climate Change BY MILO OLIM that exist in close proximity to our Radioactive waste comes from nu- homes. In Miami-Dade County, clear power generation, applications Everyone knows that climate Florida, the water levels have ris- of nuclear fission, or nuclear technol- change is bad because animals en 8 inches since 1950 because of ogy, such as research and medicine. such as monkeys, turtles, dolphins, the melting glaciers. And that is It is hazardous to most forms of life, whales, tigers, and more lose their where Miami is. Floods could be as well as the environment, and is homes and, shockingly, die. That imminent. This is one of the many regulated by government agencies is, as far as I’ve noticed, all most results of climate change. Cities on in order to protect our wellbeing and kids know. Same with me, till I got hills would become trendy because the natural world we live in. bored, flicked on the laptop, and did the ones by the sea would be gone! some research. I saw it as my duty to This would even happen in our large Another aspect of climate change educate those around me about the community of NYC. is the effect on trees and other wild- information that I learned. Pay close life. In the Amazon, South Ameri- attention, because this is important. That is one part of climate change. ca, there are 390 billion trees. That, Pollution is another factor of cli- you may think, is your supply of air. What I learned is this: Climate mate change. This problem can But actually, not a breath leaves the change is when oil and other fossil mean death for animals like turtles, Amazon. The animals suck up all fuels go into the sky and trap heat in from eating plastic. Some compa- the air. And now, the Amazon is the sky, which heats up the glaciers nies dump nuclear waste in rivers, burning. Most of our air comes from up and down in the poles, which affecting our drinking water. This strange little microscopic things makes the water level rise, and caus- is called radioactive waste—waste called plankton. Take two breaths. es us to worry about the watersheds that contains radioactive material. continued on page 11

8 SPRING 2020 OPINION PIECE: The Rights of Children Nate Appelbaum questions the refusal Children of New York. Rebecca first who got pregnant (for example) as a of the U.S Government to sign the U.N. learned about the convention while result of human trafficking depends Convention on the Rights of the Child working on a death penalty case for on the laws in that particular State.” a 16-year-old who had commited a Several hundred children and their brutal murder. Broadcasting the convention families want a better life in Amer- ica. The Trump administration says Kids at the border I asked Rebecca: “What do you think no. They wanted to escape to Amer- kids my age can do to help get the U.S. ica from Mexico and other Central I asked Rebecca: What do you think to sign the convention and help kids at American countries for better jobs and about the issue of kids trapped at the the border (and kids in general?)” steady pay but our president doesn’t border? want to let them in. She responded: “Do what you are She responded: “I think it is horrific doing! Your asking questions, getting The U.N. adopted a treaty called and a crime against humanity that all information and sharing information “Convention on the Rights of the people are unable to seek refuge in the is so valuable on educating everyone Child” so that all the countries that U.S. It is particularly inhumane when on what is happening. You have the signed it would treat the children the children are separated from their right and ability to call politicians and way it says on the document. The U.S. families at the border. What lessons lawmakers. Make clear that laws pro- is the only country not to sign the trea- are we teaching about our country tecting children are important to you.” ty. So you might wonder “Why haven’t that children and families must live we signed it?” In 1990 George H.W. as they are at the border rather than As a follow-up I asked her: How can Bush was president and chose not to obtain the freedom, safety and refuge we make sure that everyone knows sign it. that they are seeking?” about the convention? She said that individual stories are very import- All the hundreds of children that are Child rights laws ant and if people know about all the refugees and stuck in detention cen- depressing things that are going on ters just for wanting a better life could I asked her what she thought about at the border people will be inspired be released and enter the U.S. if our the existing child rights laws and she to take action. She said that ways to government agreed to sign the treaty. replied: “I think it depends on the take action are talking to politicians type of law. For example, children (e-mail, letters, calling) and telling the Recently I watched some of the de- have constitutional rights to due press. “The press is very powerful” bates between the Democtratic candi- process (a fair hearing before a right she said. dates for the nomination to be president is taken away) but that right to due (and the ones I didn’t watch myself, my process is limiting in a school set- There are still kids trapped at the parents told me about). I noticed that ting, and even more limited in the border and still kids in detention cen- in not ONE of the debates was this context of asylum and immigration ters. As kids ourselves ,we need to tell convention so much as mentioned. proceedings. Likewise, children politicians and lawmakers about what With this in mind, I tried (many times) have the right to free speech, which is happening. to talk to a presidential campaign but is more limited in a school setting they didn’t reply. (Including that when (e.g., you can’t use the notorious ‘F After reading this article, I hope I sent a letter to the Bernie Sanders word’ freely!) It also depends on you didn’t say “Oh,that’s too bad,” campaign: they sent back a book but which State’s laws you’re talking and go on with your life. I could have didn’t answer my questions directly.) about. For example, although human written about anything that I wanted and child trafficking laws are Feder- but I chose to write about something I then talked to Rebecca Shore, Di- al law as (meaning they apply to the that will get you thinking, something rector of Litigations for Advocates for whole country) the right of the child that will make you act. I hope you do.

9 SPRING 2020

PS11 Post: Do you celebrate any- A Dog’s Life in Chelsea thing with your dog?

Paul Johansen: Every time I walk in the apartment, I feel like it is a celebration because he is so happy.

Herb Westphalen: Yes, we watched the Oscars together and he wore a very fancy bowtie. And for New Year’s Eve, we open up a bottle of champagne. Of course, he doesn’t drink the real champagne but he’s got a special kind. We celebrate lots of stuff together and every year we celebrate his birthday.

PS11 Post: How does your dog feel about being in Chelsea?

PHOTO BY PS11 POST TEAM BY OLIVER STURMAN Paul Johansen: Well, my dog was used to running in a big park and we For this article, I started out with a Herb Westphalen: Yes I can, espe- have not been in Chelsea that long so plan to interview dogs in Chelsea. But cially when he’s being silly. I think he is adjusting, but I think he it did not work out because I couldn’t loves to smell the streets of Chelsea understand them for some odd reason. PS11 Post: Does your dog have a that he never got to smell before and I So I interviewed Chelsea dog owners friend that is a dog? think he is pretty happy about it. instead. I asked the dog owners questions about how well they know their Paul Johansen: Right now no. Herb Westphalen: Ludwig loves dog and what their life is like living But he is looking to make friends wherever he goes. But Chelsea in par- together in Chelsea with their dog. in Chelsea. I am his friend even ticular is a lot of fun because the streets though I am not a dog. are interesting, with a lot of shops. He I interviewed two Chelsea dog own- knows how to avoid where the vet is ers, Paul Johansen and Herb Westpha- Herb Westphalen: Yes, he has a lot because he doesn’t like going to the vet len. Paul is the owner of Petey, a Lab- of friends who are dogs. so he likes to walk around it. He loves rador and PitBull mix who recently to go to the West Side Highway to the moved to Chelsea. Herb is a long-time PS11 Post: Do you have a good rela- piers. He also likes to go to the park Chelsea resident who owns Ludwig, tionship with your dog? sometimes in the summer where he an Anatolian Shepherd and Whippet splashes around. So he likes it! mix who is nearly ten years old. Paul Johansen: I think I have a good relationship with my dog. Based on Paul and Herb’s answers, I PS11 Post: Do you think you under- think dogs and dog owners can understand your dog? Herb Westphalen: I do, yes— stand each other pretty well and have a such a good relationship.. My good relationship with each other, like Paul Johansen: Wow, interesting boy understands me. I can say celebrating with each other. Also, hav- quesiton! I sometimes think I can the simplest things and he knows ing friends is very important whether understand my dog but usually I can- what I’m saying and he does ev- you’re a dog or a person. Everyone not understand my dog or what he is erything I ask him to. He’s a very wants a friend. Living in Chelsea is thinking at all. good boy. awesome as a dog or a dog owner!

10 SPRING 2020

Our Beloved Chickens continued Abandoned bikes in NYC PS11 Post: Can you tell us the breed names of the chickens in the coop, and BY ARIA HALL AND DANIEL HALL ally something called a derelict bi- some interesting facts? cycle removal program. And Dina Have you ever seen abandoned told us that the derelict bicycle re- Ms. Debbie: We have one chick- chained up bikes on the street? moval program is where DSNY re- en that’s from a breed called “ Eas- moves all the bikes that are crushed ter Egger”; we have three from the Here’s another question for you, and unusable and that are chained “Dominique” breed; we have one why are they there? to public property like parking me- “Australop” and one “Fayoumi.” ters, street lights, street signs, and Well that’s a question we ask our- city-owned bike racks. And an interesting fact is they recognize selves. We thought a good idea was faces and voices and that they make dif- to ask the sanitation department Dina said that the bicycles have ferent noises for different reasons . (DSNY), about the problem. to have two or more characteristics to actually be removed. First, they PS11 Post: Do they sleep? If so, for need to be missing essential parts how long? like handlebars, wheels and brakes. Secondly, at least 50% of the bike Ms. Debbie: They go to bed when the has to be rusted. sun goes down and wake up when the sun rises. In this picture this bike is rusted, it has been there for sometime, PS11 Post: How long have there been it has lost some parts, it’s crushed chickens at PS11? and destroyed and yet it hasn’t even been tagged! Ms. Debbie: The coop and chickens have been here for 11 years. Why? Well we think that it’s because nobody has reported it. Be- PS11 Post: What do they eat? What cause according to the Sanitation are their favourite foods? Department they only tag a bike if someone makes a complaint. So if Ms. Debbie: They eat grain and their you see an abandoned bike that needs favourite foods are peanuts, pumpkin, to be removed, contact the DSNY! squash, lettuce, and tomato. PHOTO BY PS11 POST TEAM So we conducted an online inter- In conclusion this has been PS11 Post: Are they good for view with Dina from the Depart- a great adventure figuring out the environment? ment of Sanitation of New York what DSNY does about these (DSNY). It turns out there is actu- abandoned bicycles. Ms. Debbie: YES! They are good for the environment and they help keep the Wake up to Climate Change continued So, you have learned a bit about school green by supplying us eggs to eat. One... Two. One of those breaths climate change and the effects on was from trees and one was from animals and people, and I hope this Overall, the chickens are an amaz- plankton. But anyway, there are 139 motivates you to help change a few ing part of our school and make PS11 acres of trees cut down each minute. things in your lives, such as saying no different from many other elementary Now, this isn’t only bad because of to plastic bags, turning off the lights schools in New York City. Maybe the the air destruction, it’s bad because when you leave, and taking shorter next time you go out to the yard consid- of the animals that die when their showers, and think about other ways er saying “hi” to the chickens—after all habitat is destroyed. you can contribute to sustainability. they are really AMAZING creatures.

11 SPRING 2020

be able to pull off what is recycled Keeping New York City Clean rather than what is just garbage.” Eli Kremen Davis and Hudson Son- founded in 1881. It’s been around nenstein investigate the story behind for a long time. It is a branch of the The second most important part the folks who work every day to clear Department of Health. of the job, said Eddie, is snow re- our streets of garbage and recycling moval. When it snows, every single Eddie has been working at the collection truck is converted into a Have you ever seen trash flying Sanitation Department for 3½ years. snow removal truck. All the trash everywhere? Have you ever thought He said it’s a long process to be- trucks also get snow plows attached about where that trash goes? Have come a sanitation worker. It takes a to them. The City goes from hav- you ever wondered what it is like to few years—you have to take a writing a fleet of garbage trucks to a be a sanitation worker? ten test, and when he took his test, fleet of plows. 70,000 other people took the test! Based on how well you do on the According to Eddie, being a san- test, they give you a number, they itation worker is really dangerous. put everyone’s name on a list. Out “When you pick up a bag, you don’t of 70,000 he was 551, and that was know if there are sharp objects in it, with a perfect score. He said, “It’s you can get cut, you’re exposed to harder to get hired by the Sanita- different chemicals,” he said. Driv- tion Department than it is to get into ing the truck is also very dangerous. Harvard, statistically.” Eddie said that driving a street So you take a written test, and a sweeper is more dangerous than physical test. It’s very labor inten- driving a garbage truck! We asked sive, you have to lift a lot of weight. if he drove a street sweeper. He said, “I have done it and I don’t Eddie said one of the hardest parts like it. They’re very difficult vehi- about the job is getting in and out of cles to drive. They’re like tanks. the truck so many times a day. “To They’re full of water—they hold a make it easier on us and to make it lot of gallons of water inside of a easier for the people on the street, big tank so they’re unstable. If you we keep our doors open. It keeps us drive a regular car it’s very diffi- from opening our doors and maybe cult from driving a street sweeper. PHOTO BY PS11 POST TEAM hitting someone. In summer it’s a The steering wheel is in the mid- Well we wondered about that too! nice way to keep the truck cool.” dle of the car—you’re naturally So we interviewed Eddie Marrero. just drifting to one side. Nobody He is a New York City sanitation Some people think that there is likes you when you drive those worker. He told us that the main fo- only one truck route, but there are things because they have to move cus of the Department of Sanitation actually three. Eddie said, “We have their cars. You’re honking at a lot is to make sure that there isn’t gar- three different types of collection of people and they’re not too hap- bage on the street that would lead to routes: garbage, metal and glass, py to see you.” disease and a smelly, yucky city. and paper. Nothing gets mixed. For your building, each different item Also trash isn’t always small things According to City Limits, New would get picked up by a different like cups, food or paper. Eddie told York City has the most trash of any truck. Garbage goes to the garbage us “You see everything. People love other city in the world. New York dump, paper goes to the paper, met- to see garbage trucks crush things, City throws out 33 million tons of al and glass are all recycled. Gar- whatever it is. People throw out fur- garbage per year. The New York bage doesn’t get recycled. If it were niture, sinks and toilets.” City Sanitation Department was all on the same truck we wouldn’t continued on next page

12 SPRING 2020

Fridays for the Future continued If you want to participate , but your Keeping NYC Clean continued Not all of the protesters were high parents won’t let you skip school on Eddie has also picked up things schoolers; some were in elementa- Fridays, here are a few easy things you that turned out not to be trash! For ry school—and some were even se- can do to help. Throw away less trash example, once he collected a suitcase nior citizens. One ten year old named by asking your parents to buy reusable of expensive photography equip- Zayne Cowie said “Climate change is grocery bags, recycle as much as you ment which the owner had misplaced the worst thing since the extinction of can, especially at school, and don’t use and came to claim just before it was the dinosaurs!‘’ one-time plastic water bottles . crushed! Another time a lady rescued her wedding dress. Alejandro Vasquez was wear- DON’T FORGET! Earth Day is ing pants that he had painted pic- April 22! It’s the 50th Anniversary of Eddie says: “It’s the most fun job I’ve tures on with environment-related Earth Day so there will be a big protest ever had in my life. People always say themes such as an earth on fire and in New York City. You can find details it’s the 13th grade. It’s a lot of fun!” the words “we are rising”. He also online and maybe you can come. had 41 hand-painted tally marks. If the Sanitation Department I asked him what they were there [Editor’s note: Due to Covid-19 the wasn’t here the city would just be for and he said “These represent status of the Earth Day protests is un- a pile of trash. So clean up your the weeks I’ve been striking. This known—although not officially cancelled garbage—it will help the sanitation week is week 41!’’ the protest is highly unlikely to take place.] department do their job!

FUN FACTS Geography Rocks! North America: BY AVERY BALLANTYNE AND Canada: Has the longest coast- WILLIAM GOLDSMAN We asked a former UN translator if the people from different coun- line of any country 125, 567 miles tries argued a lot and she said: “Yes United States of America: Did Learning about all of the coun- they argued a lot, but not in the way you know there no official language? And that over 700 lan- tries is important—and it is inter- that I might argue with you or your guages are spoken? esting to learn the relationships parents, if we disagreed on the sub- Mexico: Has 68 official languages between the countries, facts about ject. The UN is mostly made up of Panama: The only place in the them, and why it is important to career diplomats. So everyone al- world that the sun sets in, and ris- have countries. ways tried to be polite and cordial. es out of, the same ocean—spe- In other words diplomatically. They cifically the Atlantic Ocean It is important to have countries certainly had their disagreements, because of religion, language, and but sometimes they would be so po- South America: politics. Every country has its own lite to each other you wouldn’t know Brazil: The only country in people and unique beauty. Some they disagreed. And sometimes they South America in which Porte- countries split up from others be- would disagree in voluble or even geuse is the official language cause of religion, culture or be- hostile ways. It’s impossible to agree Argentina: In 2001, Argentina cause of different political views. on every policy matter, but the goal had 5 presidents in 10 days An example of this is when Korea is hopefully to always find a way Chile: The Andes mountain split into northern communist Ko- that it’s fair for everyone.” range covers 80% of Chile’s land rea, and southern demoratic Korea. Bolivia: 40% of all animals and plant life in the world can be This has happened to many coun- In conclusion, all countries of found here tries around the world—like mus- the world have so many cool won- Guyana: Home to one of the lim Pakistan and majority-Hindu ders and facts. Trust us it is really world’s largest gold mines India is another example. It has powerful and exciting to dig deeper Uruguay: Was the first country been happening since the start of into our amazing world, and ponder to give a laptop for free to every empires and still continues today. what facts you can find! school child

13 SPRING 2020 Our City’s Seaside Secrets: Orchard Beach & City Island BY DAVID BERKEBILE

Have you heard of City Island? Or Orchard Beach? At least one of those? If you haven’t, read up because this article will provide you with some useful information!

Orchard Beach is at the tip of the Bronx. It is a little hard to get to, but, it’s totally worth it. You may not believe me, so I’ll give you some reasons.

Orchard Beach is very small. It’s 1.1 miles long. It’s SO small but it still has six tennis courts, six basketball courts and six handball courts! But that’s not all it has: it has a beach PHOTO BY DAVID BERKBILE as nice as Coney Island but a lot less You might be hungry after a few cream sundaes, root beer floats, pie crowded. On an average summer hours at the beach. Well, City Island à la mode, and more! day, it has one third as many people takes care of that. City Island proba- as Coney island! bly has the best seafood in all of New If you’re looking for one last thing York. City Island has places such as to do, I would recommend stopping Orchard Beach has everything City Island Lobster House, Seafood by Jack’s Bait and Tackle. The shop that Coney Island has (except for the City, Artie’s Steak and Seafood, opens up at 5:oo a.m. Even if you rides). Believe me, it is fun. The good Sammy’s Fish Box, Johnny’s Reef don’t buy anything, it’s fun to just thing is whether you like swimming, and many more. go inside the store—plus the own- sports, or just having plain old fun, ers are so nice. John, the owner of Orchard Beach will be there for you! But the one I would recommend is Jack’s Bait and Tackle, was born on Orchard Beach is probably one of the City Island Lobster House. Probably Orchard Beach. He grew up on City oldest beaches in NYC; it was estab- rated one of the best seafood restau- Island and still lives there today. lished in 1936! That’s 84 years ago! rants in NYC. It has an astonishing That makes John a “clam digger”, That just shows that Orchard Beach lobster roll that you would DIE for, which is someone who’s been there has been doing very well. they also have probably THE best all his life. A “muscle sucker” is shrimp I’ve ever tasted. someone who moved there because I think I’ve told you enough about of how nice it was. Orchard Beach, so now let’s get crack- But wait... we forgot to mention ing as I tell you about City Island. City the dessert!!! Stop by the City Is- I hope this article has given you Island is around a 15 to 30 minute land Diner or Lickety Split. It’s an idea for the summer—you have a walk from Orchard Beach. I know on the middle road and just a few good reason to get yourself a root beer that might seem like a lot, but if you blocks down from City Island Lob- float. And, who knows, you might do the walk you’ll see it’s not that far. ster House. City Island Diner has ice even end up as a muscle sucker!