The Courier Volume 91, Number 1 White Plains, New York 10605 november 2014

Highlands Welcomes New Assistant Acclaimed Author Principal Visits Highlands

Nikolas O’Hanlon at Fredrick Douglass Academy. Mr. Gleason has lots of good ideas for This year Highlands is happy to Highlands. His lifelong goal is to Liliana A. Wray your lives. He says this because he welcome a new member to our admin- make the world a better place, to live used to brag about writing a book, but istration, Mr. Gleason. He serves as a happy life, and hopefully look back On October 14, 2014 the author of probably never would have if it wasn’t assistant principal, and has lots to of- and see that he’s added happiness to the widely known “Drums, Girls, and for Emily, a student he taught. He was fer our school. Mr. Gleason was inter- people’s lives. At Highlands he said Dangerous Pie” came to Highlands to in his 11th year of teaching when he met viewed by our staff reporter. that he wants to help continue the talk to us about dreams. I know most her. She was the girl who would burst I asked Mr. Gleason about his life great traditions in our building: mak- people thought he would talk to us out laughing for no reason at all. So he before he started work as an assistant ing sure students feel challenged, sup- about writing the book and all that blamed the girl next to her naturally, principal. Mr. Gleason shared that he ported, and happy during their time at boring stuff. Instead, he taught a life who seems an awful lot like Renee Al- wanted to be a marine biologist when Highlands. Mr. Gleason also wants to lesson. You guys probably thought berts, the amazing girl character. She he was younger, partly because he help students fi nd something they are “Yay, that’s totally better than a boring would roll her eyes, fl ip her hair, and loves the water. He went to Colorado interested in, such as classes or clubs. speech about writing a book.” Without say, “GOD!” He tried everything, but College in Colorado Springs, where Mr. Gleason has a very high opinion of being sarcastic here, it kind of was. He her friendship powers kept getting in he participated on the college lacrosse Highlands and really likes being here. taught us fi rst to be a happy grown-up. the way. Until one day, Mr. Sonnen- team. After college he also taught stu- He believes that both the teachers and He said, “I should have learned that in blick was going to get his daily candy dents in the History Bowl, was a leader students are very hard-working. middle school, but I didn’t. I learned bar. It was being sold to raise money in the ski club, and even coached some I asked Mr. Gleason what his fa- that when I was already an adult.” So for Emily’s little brother who had can- basketball. He enjoys sports in general vorite things are. He said his favorite if anyone was wondering, that’s why cer. Mr. Sonnenblick didn’t know that and has also played soccer and basket- subject was Social Studies and his fa- he taught us that. Emily’s brother had cancer, and it was ball. vorite vacation trip would be to take He then went on to explain what quite a shock. This was much like Jef- Before coming to Highlands, Mr. a sailboat trip from the US to Turks & led up to him writing “Drums, Girls, frey, the main character’s younger Gleason was an assistant principal Caicos and back. and Dangerous Pie”. He started by brother. So Mr. Sonnenblick decided In conclusion, Mr. telling us all the problems he had as a to write a book for Emily. Gleason’s messages kid. This included being hyperactive He says there will always be an in- are: “Try many differ- and tapping on everything, and so he ner voice that tells us we can’t do any- ent activities and clubs; decided to take drum lessons. Also as thing. We have to ignore that voice and try to fi nd your pas- a kid, he would constantly make jokes. keep going. After reading the book, sion which can include This makes Steven, the main character, Emily’s family loved it. That gave Mr. clubs, classes or other hilarious. Sonnenblick the courage to write more activities; and with Mr. Sonnenblick stated that if we books. He ended by telling us, to do hard work and persis- have a dream, we should start it right what you love and use it to help other tence you can do any- now, not after you watch TV, or play people. thing you imagine.” video games, or whatever you do with New Plague Strikes

Bethsie Brice urine, or sweat of an infected person and soiled linen used by a patient. Ebola, a deadly and contagious If you have a cut or touch your face disease has now spread from West while your hand is contaminated, this Smart Schools Bond Brings Tech Africa to the United States, Germany, can also lead to infection. The virus can France, England, Norway, and north- also pass through mucus membranes Money to District ern parts of Africa. For those who are such as the mouth and nose. It can also Caitlin Daronco schools and preparing for online test- wondering, Ebola is a deadly fi lovirus, be transmitted by objects like needles ing. which means that it inserts its genes and syringes that have been contami- New York State will be writ- A report by the state commission into a human’s genes to cause physi- nated by a victim of Ebola, or even ing a check to the White Plains City says the bond project is supposed to cal problems. It is marked by fever and contaminated animals. Ebola cannot School District for $1.7 million to up- pay for four main categories: equip- severe internal bleeding and spread be transmitted through air, food, or grade technology, thanks to the Smart ment such as whiteboards and com- through contact with infected bodily water. Schools Bond Act that was passed by puters, internet connectivity, high-tech fl uids. If you have Ebola you may have There are chances that there may voters in the November elections. A security, or facility renovations for not realized it at fi rst. The fi rst signs of be some people that have Ebola and total of 2 billion dollars will be di- prekindergarten programs. Schools Ebola are a fever involving a headache, carry it unknowingly. The scanners at vided up among 700 school districts can also use the money for profession- joint and muscle pain, a sore throat an airport only check body tempera- in the state. The Smart Schools Bond al development or Internet connectiv- and severe muscle weakness. ture so they cannot check if a person Act “will provide funds to do several ity for community projects that affect The history of Ebola is that on Oc- has Ebola or not. Although, if some- things to upgrade our use of technolo- public libraries and students’ homes. tober 13, 1976, 38 years ago, Frederick one’s body temperature is high, they gy across the school district. The gov- Each school district will have to draft A. Murphy, a CDC virologist (a per- must take a test to see if they have ernor indicated they will try to get the their tech wish lists and they will have son who studies viruses) and expert Ebola. money to schools this year,” said Tim to get community input. Then it will in photographing viruses peered into There are ways people can avoid Connors, White Plains City School be up to the New York State Review a microscope and saw an Ebola virus Ebola. There is no vaccine, but you can District superintendent. So what will Board to approve each school district’s for the fi rst time. avoid places where Ebola is found. The White Plains do with our share of the plan. Some ways Ebola can be transmit- most important thing is to go to your money? Mr. Connors says the top of ted are by physical contact with bodily doctor if you think you have symp- the list will include Wi-Fi in all the fl uids, such as blood, saliva, stool, toms of Ebola. Page 2 The Courier The Courier Page 3 News & Features

New NY Bridge: She Is Malala Futuristic Meets Function Lucas Konarski

M a l a l a Yousafzai is now the youngest No- bel Peace Prize winner in history. She is only sev- enteen years old and is considered a hero for many kids and adults all around the world. It is her unstop- pable strength which many ad- gunmen boarded her school bus and mire. She fights nonstop for the educa- fired a shot at the left side of Malala’s tion of girls. She was born on July 12, head. She was transferred to England 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan. for her treatment, and in March of 2013 Malala started this movement she was able to get back to school in in September 2008, after the Taliban Birmingham, England. Nikolas O’Hanlon tors (TZC), but many other companies attacked a girl’s school. She gave a After the attack, many people all are involved in the project. All of the speech in Peshawar, Pakistan, and in around the world started supporting On October 10th, Brian Conybeare materials for the bridge are sourced 2009, Malala began blogging about her and her campaign. She still contin- came to Highlands and presented in- and produced in the United States. In how life is with the threats from the ued fighting for her causes and wrote formation to students and staff about order to keep trucks off of local roads Taliban to stop her education. She her biography, “I am Malala”. She was the new Tappan Zee Bridge, which during construction, two floating con- tried to hide her identity, but at the end nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in will be renamed the New NY Bridge. crete plants have been built right in the of that year, her true identity was re- 2013, but didn’t win that year. She was It’s one of the most expensive projects middle of the Hudson River. vealed. After that, Malala kept giving again nominated in 2014, and shared in the nation’s history. The construction company is pay- out speeches about a woman’s right to the Peace Prize with Indian activist The new bridge, which crosses the ing attention to the sturgeon and pere- an education, and she won Pakistan’s Kailash Satyarthi, who fights for chil- Hudson River between Westchester grine falcons that could become extinct National Youth Peace Prize in 2011. dren’s rights. But unfortunately, she is and Rockland Counties, will be ready if the construction company wasn’t be- When Malala was 14, the Tal- still considered a target for the Taliban. in 2018. It will have 8 lanes, a shoulder, ing careful. Bubble curtains are being iban threatened to kill her, but her Malala is an inspiring role-model for four emergency/breakdown lanes, a used to protect the endangered stur- family had thought that these peo- young women around the world. state of the art traffic monitoring sys- geon from the noise of the machines. ple wouldn’t kill a child. But this all tem, and a commuter bus lane. Unlike Nest boxes are in action to save the en- changed when, on October 9, 2012 the current bridge, the new bridge will dangered peregrine falcons and give have two separate spans. A nice fea- them a place to raise their offspring. ture on the westbound Westchester The I Lift NY Supercrane will help span will be a pedestrian walking and in construction of the new Tappan Zee Terror Strikes Iraq biking path with scenic overlooks. The Bridge. The crane traveled a 6,000 mile bridge will cost $3.9 billion to build journey from San Francisco to New and it will be 3 miles long. York, through the Panama Canal. Its Planning for repairing the Tappan boom arm is as tall as the Statue of Lib- and Syria Zee Bridge started in 1999, but it was erty, which is 328 feet high. not until 2011 that plans were estab- The New NY Bridge will hopeful- Lucas Konarski for some extremist groups. ISIS wants lished. Starting in October 2011, there ly help some of the traffic and safety to create an Islamic state across the was a design-build legislation enact- issues we see with the current bridge. By now, you have probably heard countries of Iraq and Syria. ment, and a simultaneous environmen- It will also provide pedestrians and about ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and ISIS can be traced back to the tal review. A project labor agreement bikers with a unique way to experi- Syria. Other people may also translate Al Qaeda In Iraq organization, also was entered into with construction ence the Hudson River. I’m looking this to, the Islamic State of Iraq and known as AQI, which was led by Abu groups, and pre-construction activities forward to driving across it! al-Sham. They are a terrorist group Musab al-Zarqawi. He was responsible started – all with community involve- with a huge military system they use for many bombings and kidnappings ment. The bridge was designed and to terrorize citizens all over Iraq, Syria, in Iraq. He was killed by an American will be built by Tappan Zee Construc- and possibly the whole world. They airstrike in 2006. After he fell, another execute, torture and humiliate citizens man, Abu Du’a, took his position. The who have different religions and be- Al Qaeda In Iraq organization became liefs in that area, and video tape them less powerful after a war against an al- to share the video with the world. liance of some tribes in Iraq, supported They have also killed many other peo- by the US. But the AQI organization ple who were in Syria, including James came back to power in 2011. After a Foley, an American journalist working Syrian conflict, the AQI organization for the Global Post to cover the recent moved from Iraq to Syria. By 2013, af- events. ISIS now has control of many ter gaining their power in Syria, they cities in Iraq, Syria and other places have changed their name to ISIS. in the area. ISIS has over 30 thousand fighters. Over 15 thousand foreign people have traveled to Syria to fight

Students listen to Mr. Conybeare’s presentation Page 2 The Courier The Courier Page 3 Editorial Ask Tigress How to Save a Nation In the past few years, gun violence a violent past or who have committed down. However, America is a clear has been a big problem in America. an act of violence simply should not be outlier in gun violence compared to People, even mentally unstable in- allowed to have guns. They could eas- other countries. It has far more gun dividuals, have easy access to auto- ily commit crimes or kill others with deaths and shootings than other coun- matic and semi-automatic machine little to no regard for themselves or tries. The Southeast is also an outlier guns. Originally, people wished to said others. The actual second amend- from the rest of the United States. Most own guns to protect themselves. Okay, ment, quoted, is, “A well regulated gun deaths occur in states with little fair enough. However, they are to be militia, being necessary to the security to no regulations. For example, Cali- owned responsibly and kept away of a free state, the right of the people fornia has more people than any other from children. This is not always the to keep and bear arms shall not be state (38,340,000 people), but has usu- case, and examples are all around. infringed.” This means, in layman’s ally less than 5 gun deaths per 100,000 Children are killed or injured in ac- terms, that the civilians of the United people. However, Alaska, with only

cidents constantly, and sometimes States may at times have had to de- 735,000 people, has 15-20 gun deaths School Troubles Hey Tigress, I have been having some adults are too. This is a growing is- fend themselves against Britain if they per 100,000 people. (Gun death info major school troubles and I really sue, and when there is a request to at had tried to take back the colonies, from Washington Post and Wikipedia need your help. Everything I do just least regulate these dangerous weap- and therefore, in case a military force for populations of states.) Approxi- doesn’t seem good enough for these ons, many conservative Americans needed to be organized quickly, peo- mately 289 people are shot every day teachers and I am just going to faint take it as a push to ban guns. In my ple who would have helped fight the in the U.S. on average. 86 of them die, from all the work. Homework feels opinion, guns should be banned com- British off would have been allowed to including 30 murders, 53 suicides, 2 like a bull, and I am the fighter on the pletely. However, the reality is that keep guns in their homes. It has noth- accidents, and 1 police intervention. floor. Please help me! guns will never go away. It will not ing to do with personal self-defense as (From the Brady Campaign to End happen, at least in our lifetimes. In opposed to defending the nation, or Gun Violence, forwarded by NBC addition, many individuals state that “God-given rights”. It just means that News.) Dear School Troubles, I know where you are coming from. it is their “God-given right” to own civilians may be called upon to fight in In conclusion, guns are a national Last year I was getting five F’s, and guns. No matter what your beliefs the military. The founding fathers did problem and something needs to be that was during the first quarter. Just are, they are irrelevant in our society, not foresee weapons capable of firing done. The facts are there. They aren’t take a deep breath and tackle that which has a separation of church and once per second or that people would made up, and are very real for fami- bull. Ask a teacher if you can go to state. This means, quite simply, that make things up about the issue. lies and friends of those who lost their them during lunch to work on make- religion has absolutely nothing to do Here are some facts. Since 1982, 61 lives due to the stunning amount of up assignments. Or, you can ask your with democracy, and in acts or discus- shooting sprees have occurred in the guns in this country and the miniscule parents for a tutor. That would surely sions of politics, it is an invalid argu- United States in 30 different states. 49 amount of regulation. People are killed help. Don’t worry, you’re a star! ment. Therefore, people who claim of those 61 shootings involved weap- all the time. Those people had lives, that God gives them the right to own ons obtained illegally. Of the 11 worst families, and friends just like you. This guns are simply using religion as an shootings in American history, 5 of nation is a troubled one, and it needs Parent Pish-Posh Hi Tigress, I have a problem. My par- excuse. Guns are also available to men- them occurred after 2007. Shootings to be saved. ents are fighting a lot and are getting tally unstable individuals, or those cat- in America peaked in the late 1970’s ready to have a divorce. I want ev- egorized as insane. People who have to early 1980’s, but have since gone eryone to be happy, but I wish things were the way they used to be. Do you have anything that can help? Do you like to write? Do you enjoy taking Dear Parent Pish-Posh, I can tell you are very sweet, and pictures? Contribute to The Courier! See don’t deserve going through this. No one does. And you love your parents, so talk to them. I am sure they would Ms. Miller, room 141, to join! appreciate you talking to them. Or you can go up to your room and lis- ten to music. Don’t worry. Things are going to get brighter. Trust me.

THE COURIER Fitting In Hi! I really need help with something. White Plains Middle School I need to fit in. I don’t have a group of friends to hang out with during EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF lunch, and so far my social status is at a big 0. Please help this monster in the Editor-in-Chief crowd get by! Daniel DeGenaro Dear Fitting In, for some extremist groups. ISIS wants Don’t talk like that! It is so stupid to create an Islamic state across the Webmaster Photography Editors Sports Editor to have a popular group, the nerds, Ms. Goudreau Isabelle Levine open countries of Iraq and Syria. jocks, so don’t even bother! One day Aine Nicholson ISIS can be traced back to the soon, you will find a super cool friend Al Qaeda In Iraq organization, also who will let you join their group. Just known as AQI, which was led by Abu Copyeditor Office Manager Managing Editor be your super awesome self and you Daniel DeGenaro Ms. Miller open Musab al-Zarqawi. He was responsible will be fine. for many bombings and kidnappings in Iraq. He was killed by an American Insecure in the Rain airstrike in 2006. After he fell, another Layout Editor Circulation Editors Associate Editors Hello Tigress, I have really low self- Nikolas O’Hanlon open man, Abu Du’a, took his position. The Liliana Wray esteem. Is something wrong with me? Al Qaeda In Iraq organization became Austin Antico For starters, my hair is way too thick less powerful after a war against an al- and stringy, I have pimples all around liance of some tribes in Iraq, supported Staff and Contributors my face, I am too short, and I am only by the US. But the AQI organization Nikolas O’Hanlon, Caitlin Daronco, Richard Daronco, Hannah Cheitel, Luucas Konarski, Shannon Rodgers, Finn just getting started! I guess this is just came back to power in 2011. After a O’Callaghan, Bethsie Brice, Liliana Wray, Jared Villa, Austin Antico my life, and you probably can’t even Syrian conflict, the AQI organization do anything about it. moved from Iraq to Syria. By 2013, af- Advisor ter gaining their power in Syria, they Rachel Miller Dear Insecure in the Rain, have changed their name to ISIS. You don’t believe in me? Well, you Editorial Policy should! You are beautiful no matter Editorials reflect the opinion of the editorial board and, unless otherwise noted, are written by members of what, want to know why? Because the staff. The editorial board solicits responsible commentaries and letters-to-the-editor, but reserves the right to you’re you! Everyone is insecure. edit for style, grammar, or space limitations. Letters and commentaries containing obscenity or libelous comments And I hate to say it, but it’s called will not be published. All letters must be signed or they will not be published, however your name can be hormones. Pimples start coming up withheld upon request. and you just want to cry. Plus, most of this is in your head. Just use a little Layout Help face wash and get a new hair dresser. Phyllis DeGenaro Don’t be a rainy person! Page 4 The Courier The Courier Page 5 Page 4 The Courier The Courier Page 5 Page 6 The Courier The Courier Page 7 Reviews The Maze Runner Guardians of the Galaxy

Nikolas O’Hanlon In the beginning of the movie Peter Finn O’Callaghan yourself saying that the book is better. What group is strong, powerful, Quill’s (who becomes Star Lord) mom Much like the Harry Potter series, most nature friendly and zoo friendly and dies of cancer and he runs out of the The Maze Runner, directed by Wes agree that the books are better but the saves the universe? Guardians of the hospital only to be picked up by this Ball, is a movie about a boy named movies are a close second. If you have Galaxy, that’s who! black-marketing Thomas who was sent into a place that not read the book, I suggest reading The name of the alien that can con- people call the Glade. The Glade is a it first, and then watching the movie. movie is Guardians trol his wand with large square of vegetation in the mid- Don’t feel of the Galaxy. The his mind. 26 years dle of an enormous maze that changes pressured characters are Tho- later Peter is steal- every night. The maze is inhabited by to read ran (the most pow- ing a valuable ball creatures the people of the Glade call the book erful being in the (called a rune ball, “Grievers.” The Grievers kill any of b e f o r e galaxy, who also which is really the the people they find. Runners that go the movie is the adoptive fa- power core) from into the maze search for a way out, but is out of ther of Gamora and this abandoned they haven’t found one yet. Ever since theaters. Nebula.), Ronan the planet. Then Rocket Thomas came, weird things have hap- I didn’t Accuser, Nebula a and Groot try to pened. In my opinion, this was the best read the highly experienced capture and collect movie I’ve ever seen. It was thrilling, book, but assassin, Gamora the bounty on the riveting, and makes you want to watch I enjoyed also a highly expe- rune ball. The po- more. it just as rienced assassin, lice capture all of “It was action-packed, suspense- much as if Groot a walking them in the scuffle ful, and had great character develop- I had read tree, Rocket a cy- and then they all ment. The overall plot was amazing,” it. I think that it’s safe to say that this borg raccoon that go to jail. They all says one viewer. movie is very captivating and has a carries around a team up to escape. “It was exciting and mysterious new surprise at every turn. big rocket gun, Star While that happens from the very beginning,” said another This is a fantasy, science- Lord a crossbreed between a human Drax joins the team. Then they fly to a viewer. This movie is rated PG-13, and fiction, action, and mystery movie. If and an alien and Drax the Destroyer planet called “Knowhere” to trade the for a good reason. It may appeal to us you’re not into that kind of stuff and (an alien that is enraged about Ronan rune for something else less danger- in middle school, but I don’t recom- like watching movies more like Di- killing his wife and children). ous. Ronan chases them to the planet. mend it to anyone at least below fifth ary of a Wimpy Kid, then this isn’t The stars of this fantastic show are There Ronan’s ship crashes. In the bat- grade. They may be scared by it or re- the movie for you. If you like to watch Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel and Bradley tle the Guardians fight Ronan and bat- peat some sketchy language. Overall I movies more like Percy Jackson and the Cooper. One of Star Lord’s biggest en- tle for control of the rune ball. The fate believe it was truly a great movie. Olympians and The Hunger Games, emies is Ronan the Accuser who wants of the universe is in the balance. The The Maze Runner has an incredible then I recommend watching this. My to get a device called “the power core” beginning of the movie is very emo- plot twist that will make you sit on the rating is a five out of five stars must- which is so powerful it could obliter- tional because Peter Quill’s mom dies.The Incredible Roaring edge of your seat. Many people who see, which is rare for critics to say. I ate all life in the galaxy. The genres are Nearly halfway into the movie it’s very have seen the movie will agree that it suggest going down to the movies, action, adventure and sci-fi. The box exciting and tense because Rocket is was fast-paced but had enough to keep grabbing some popcorn, and watching office total was about $170,000,000. helping them escape prison. The end-Tigers you feeling interested. If you have al- the next showing of The Maze Runner. Let’s put our hands together for the ing is super exciting. You should defi- ready read the book, you might find fabulous job that James Gunn did on nitely see this movie! directing this movie. Among the Sleep 7th Grade Has a Blast at Bear Mountain Shannon Rogers and learned about all of the different Danny DeGenaro also acts as a light in-game which is ac- species of stuffed rodents and insects tivated by pressing ‘Q’. The child is put On October 10th, 2014 some that made most people jump! They A m o n g to bed, and awakes seventh grade students at Highlands saw paintings that had been about the the Sleep is a to find the bear in spent their day at Bear Mountain State Revolutionary War, showing how the survival-horror the washing machine. Park. Once teams 7B, 7C, and 7D ar- people’s lives were affected during the game developed He rescues it, and rived at the park, they spent the day deadly war, and they also had statues by Krillbite Stu- they proceed on an dios. The story is adventure through played through four different areas, from a first-person the first two having Jared Villa point-of-view. The only jump scares and story begins with the second two hav- Many people worry about ani- the playable char- ing monsters which mals being extinct, but do they worry acter, a two-year- can attack the player. about tigers being extinct? I personally old boy, sitting at The areas seem to be think that tigers are the most amazing the dinner table figments of the child’s creatures living. That’s my personal while his mother finishes icing a birth- imagination, and crossovers between opinion. What they don’t know is that day cake as it is his second birthday. reality and his perception of places he’s they are harming the earth by elimi- Then, there is a knock at the door. A been. The player must complete vari- nating creatures that don’t deserve learning literature, observing animals of some important people that were stranger has come to the house, leav- ous puzzles to progress, while evading to be eliminated. Furthermore, many and listening to some rich history that soldiers during that time. Students ing a gift, which turns out to be a teddy monsters by staying quiet and hidden. other animals need tigers to survive. occurred during the Revolutionary met a historian who taught them a lot bear, and the mother proceeds to put the This game is short, and takes only a few Also, people bring tigers into zoos. Are War. about the Battle of Fort Montgomery; child in his playpen while she answers hours to complete, but it is very realistic they helping them or are they harming Bear Mountain is a very special his presentation included the outfits the telephone. Here, the character plays and thrilling. Among the Sleep isn’t them? place, meaning that it only has animals they wore, the weapons they used, the through a tutorial and learns basic much publicized, but it is incredibly fun Many people just see hunting in their zoo that were abandoned, in- war plans they made and much more! movements. The teddy bear appears and I would recommend it to anyone as a sport. When people hunt tigers, jured and could not survive, or were Finally, to end their day they sat down to be alive in the child’s eyes. The bear who likes to be scared. they don’t know that first, they are born into captivity. A lot of students and had lunch with their friends anddestroying the food chain, and sec- saw eagles, birds, insects and other teachers overlooking the beautiful lake ond they are eliminating tigers from amazing sights that they would not typ- that is in Bear Mountain State Park. the world. According to pudang.tri- ically see. Everybody was very excited Bear Mountain recently held an pod.com, “100 years ago, there were Have an opinion? Want to to see two big bears climbing around Oktober Fest to the public, so that you 100,000 tigers in the wild. Today there their home and playing around. They could have stopped by and learned are as few as 3,200.” The main cause had a bear specialist telling them facts about German culture. They had food,of the extinction is illegal hunting for share it? Write a review for about the bears, and even a bear skull drink and entertainment as well. Themedicinal trade. People are hunting for to teach them about the bear head. On day at Bear Mountain State Park was the magnificent furs of tigers for wall their way through the park, students an amazing educational experience yet hangings, rugs, and fur coats. Those The Courier! stopped into multiple museums to see loads of fun for everyone who partici-are less important now to trade mar- statues, paintings and different dis- pated! keting. The poacher’s targets today are plays. For example, they were showed Page 6 The Courier The Courier Page 7 The Year of the Bee Falcons Take Flight

Caitlin Daronco bee sting while running in a marathon with his daughter a few weeks later. Chances are if you have not been Many local schools had multiple stung by a bee in the last few months nests with hundreds of foragers of five then you probably have an anecdotal different species and this seemed to story about an unusual encounter with be universal among schools and local a bee. This was a banner year for yellow communities, according to Dr. Gagl- jackets and many schools in the region off-Kaufmann. She went on to clarify had to deal with multiple nests accord- that the offending insects were yellow ing to Dr. Jody Gagloff-Kaufmann, jackets and not bees. “In our educators’ coordinator of the New York State experiences, there seem to have been IPM program at Cornell University. a lot of yellow jacket issues this year, “Schools have very difficult challenges both at schools and everywhere else. when dealing with late-season yellow There is no particular reason or good jackets. The yellow jackets come from explanation for this, except that all nests located on neighboring private populations of living organisms have property and because there hasn’t up and down numbers. “This is prob- been a hard freeze yet, we are seeing ably an up year for yellow jackets,” Dr. the leftovers from deteriorating nests Gagloff-Kaufmann said. that haven’t died yet,” Dr. Gagloff- So what can schools do to not at- Kaufmann said. She described the bees tract bees? Dr. Gagloff-Kauffmann as “hungry and hostile.” suggests that the best a school can do is Highlands Middle School had its clean up food trash immediately, like own encounter with these hungry and drink containers. Parents and teams hostile bees. A total of twenty-one stu- also play a role here, too. Everyone dents were stung, some multiple times needs to be conscious of the food and Richard Daronco and creating a safe new home for them when they went outside for gym on a drinks that attract yellow jackets, and The best real estate in New on the new span as part of the project’s beautiful fall day. The students were keep them away from them. York for the endangered peregrine fal- unprecedented environmental protec- returning from gym class when the While just about everyone I know con is on top of the Tappan Zee Bridge. tions,” said Brian Conybeare, special bees surrounded the students, accord- (even my dog) was stung by a bee this It will cost big bucks to move the birds advisor to the Governor on the new ing to Ernest Spatafore, Principal of fall, the good news is that the colonies when the new bridge is built. Even bridge project. The nest is vacant right Highlands Middle School. He said the will dissipate as the cold weather sets though the present nest is a simple now because the birds fly to warmer students did not provoke the attack. in. While the experts call this year a wooden box located on the top of the places. When they return in the spring, All the students went to the nurse and banner year for bees, they agree it was main span truss on the north side of the you will be able to watch their every none had allergic reactions to the sting. unusual and chances are next year current bridge, the cost will be approx- move. Mr. Spatafore was also the victim of a won’t be as bad. imately $100,000 to relocate the three Falcon facts: falcon chicks born in the bridge nest The falcons like high places, such in 2013. On most days you can spy as bridges and skyscrapers, because The Incredible Roaring on Skylar, Shea, and Nina because the it gives them a good vantage point to Thruway Authority has installed a live spot their next meal. camera which monitors every moment When they are in a controlled dive, Tigers of the falcons’ day. “While the young- peregrine falcons can reach speeds of est falcons may have ‘flown the coop’ up to 200 miles an hour as they hunt this year, we are committed to protect- for prey, generally birds. ing these incredible endangered birds

O P X S C F H P B A Y Q W W Z W F U C E A V C N F E J G P Y Q M G M R L N Q O O K G N E D X U B V P F P U D O R G I C Q C B E R I K B P J T U Q V Z S P S J T U P I X A B T X I J Y T S E V A E L N N A Z K G S M S J O B D N F E S L B D S O C Jared Villa bones and other parts of the body. Z B D T M H E A W L U Q K J K In addition, another reason A S X U V W B C L U K V N I Q Many people worry about ani- that tigers are becoming extinct is pol- I S T W O M R H S L O V A E M mals being extinct, but do they worry lution. Pollution is a bad side-effect about tigers being extinct? I personally of the way people live today. When L U A L K L M E C D N A H X Y think that tigers are the most amazing people create pollution, they probably A Q L I H D J O Q A B S T X L creatures living. That’s my personal know that they are hurting the earth N A I F S C A R E C R O W K A opinion. What they don’t know is that and the animals living on it, but they they are harming the earth by elimi- just don’t care. Many living things H U B D G D F E A S T L F T O nating creatures that don’t deserve breathe in the polluted air that can to be eliminated. Furthermore, many either kill them as it is doing already APPLES other animals need tigers to survive. to too many animals such as tigers, or Also, people bring tigers into zoos. Are it can make them very sick. Pollution AUTUMN they helping them or are they harming can enter many things such as soil and FALL them? natural water systems. That can affect FEAST Many people just see hunting animals in many ways. They could be as a sport. When people hunt tigers, drinking contaminated water without FOOTBALL they don’t know that first, they are knowing. HALLOWEEN destroying the food chain, and sec- In conclusion, the most amaz- HARVEST ond they are eliminating tigers from ing creatures living are becoming ex- the world. According to pudang.tri- tinct in the most horrible ways. We LEAVES pod.com, “100 years ago, there were need to start taking care of our beau- PUMPKINS 100,000 tigers in the wild. Today there tiful planet in order for us and our SCARECROW are as few as 3,200.” The main cause beautiful animals to survive. We need of the extinction is illegal hunting for them as much as they need us, so don’t THANKSGIVING medicinal trade. People are hunting for ruin the opportunity to have majestic TURKEY the magnificent furs of tigers for wall creatures on our planet. That’s why ti- hangings, rugs, and fur coats. Those gers are becoming extinct and why we are less important now to trade mar- should do our part to help them sur- keting. The poacher’s targets today are vive. Page 8 The Courier Sports Desk The Faces Behind the Highland Continues Net Liliana A. Wray like communicating as a team. They to Dominate Boys also like how fun it is to play, fun to As you all know, there is a girls’ hang out with teammates, and be ac- volleyball team, and the girls on the tive. They also love Ms. Sette. She’s volleyball team play games against a coach that stays positive no matter Soccer other schools. But how much do you what and always encourages you. She really know about girls’ volleyball and makes volleyball really fun. In fact the the girls who play it? Girls’ volleyball players had such a fun time this sea- is very upbeat and happy. You can just son that they said they will continue walk into the room and feel the happy, to play it. Gabby said, “Don’t give up energetic vibe, coming from the coach on things you like.” Andrea said, “Try to the players and then to you. The girls things you like.” During a practice can talk to their coach, Ms. Sette, about game I interviewed Coach Sette. She anything, not just volleyball. The girls decided to coach volleyball because start each practice with their warm-up. she didn’t learn how until she was Half of the girls line up outside the pe- older and totally fell in love with it. rimeter of the gym, and the other half Coach Sette said she keeps the players on the inside of the gym. Then they run positive with a good attitude because along the gym, and when they pass if the players are upset they won’t do each other they high-five. Then Ms. as well. She also told me that some of Sette turns on music and the girls do her best coaches were always positive. ballerina twirls to get their legs ready. She added that volleyball is a fun sport After that they get themselves in lines you can play almost anywhere and and take turns passing and hitting anytime. Everyone can play volleyball, Richard Daronco when this group moves to White Plains the ball over the net. While they were or any sport for that matter, if you put High School next year,” Caceres said. th practicing I interviewed 2 8 graders in the effort. For the second year in a row, the The team was coached this year th and 2 7 graders. They said that they Highlands boys’ modified soccer team by Damien King, a technology teacher has enjoyed an undefeated season and at Highlands. “Remaining undefeated the top-notch level of play has caught this season was fantastic but even more the attention of the entire community. inspiring was the boys’ commitment Girls Soccer Goes for “The White Plains team was awesome,” towards working to grow and get bet- said John McCormick, the coach of the ter from one practice session and game Mamaroneck Middle School team. to the next. I am looking forward to the Goal “They are the best I have seen in some seeing these boys becoming great JV time. Dynamic payers, great speed and and Varsity players in the near future,” excellent vision,” McCormick said. Coach King said. Historically, White Plains and Mama- Jack Gigli, the White Plains High roneck have been competitive rivals on School Varsity coach, made it a point both the JV and Varsity level and now to catch a few of the modified games. the Highlands team has raised the ex- He thought the team was “very bal- pectations for the years to come. anced” and was impressed by the way “I was impressed how the White they moved the ball. “They covered Plains team played,” said George Ca- the field well and every position had ceres, president of White Plains Youth skilled players. I was very impressed Soccer who has coached most of the with the talent and I am looking for boys since they started playing travel great things in the future,” Coach Gigli soccer in 2nd grade. “I see a great future said. Derek Jeter Goes out with a Bang

Austin Antico On the field, Derek has provided his team five World Series rings (1996, Derek Jeter, born on June 26th, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009) and 5 silver 1976, is a baseball player out of Cen- slugger (best hitter) awards. He played Caitlin Daronco Francisco was especially pleased with tral High School (Kalamazoo, MI) and shortstop and was an outstanding the final game of the season against was in the MLB (Major League Base- fielder. He has four gold gloves (best There was one New York State Ursuline. “The girls put it all together. ball) for 20 years. He has always been fielder) awards. He was drafted in Olympic Development player, four The passing and defense was great to a key part of his team, the New York 1992 in the first round by the Yankees. Pre-Elite Club National League players watch,” Coach Francisco said. He is Yankees, both on and off the field. From there on he has brought the team , two National Premier League players looking forward to next year with a First, off the field, Derek has a to a new standard, wining 5 champi- and several Regional Premier League lot of excitement for the returning 7th foundation called The Turn 2 Founda- onships in the next 20 years. Derek has and travel soccer players who all came graders because he said that they re- tion. “Turn 2’s mission is to create and changed the way Yankee fans view together to form this year’s modified ally enjoy playing soccer and are mo- support programs and activities that their team and Jeter will always be re- girls soccer team. The focus for Coach tivated to be the best they can be. “I motivate young people to turn away membered. Leandro Francisco was not on winning want to wish the 8th graders great from drugs and alcohol and “Turn 2” Over the past year, all 32 teams of every game but rather to have the girls success ahead of them and they will healthy lifestyles” says Jeter. “Turn the MLB have commemorated him by play together as one team and by the be missed,” Coach said. It was truly 2’s goal is to see the children of these offering gifts of their appreciation to end of the season that goal was cer- a successful season for the Highlands programs grow safely and successfully Jeter. Gifts ranged from the Boston Red tainly achieved. “The girls this year girls on every level, because ultimately into adulthood and become the lead- Sox giving him a piece of the Green worked hard and in every game they success comes through the hard work ers of tomorrow.” Jeter, who sees the Monster (The famous wall at Fenway demonstrated a greater understanding and dedication of all players. streets of the Bronx all the time, has Park in Boston), to Bud Selig(The MLB of each other and their ability to play as witnessed the effects of the alcohol and Commissioner) giving him the Historic a team,” Coach Francisco said. Coach drug misuse. The Turn 2 Foundation Achievement Award. Derek Jeter will strives to create “signature programs” always be remembered for his contri- to guide children each day toward butions to the sport and to the world healthy lifestyles while reinforcing the in general. avoidance of drugs and alcohol. Der- ek’s organization helps to raise aware- ness in children that good choices must be practiced daily.