Are teachers politically biased? (p.7)
Turn to politics to read about the political views and biases of Upper School faculty and see opinion polls.
March exams moved to Feb (p.5)
Casten Trips 2013 (p.5) The Casten trips during Spring Break of 2013 have been announced for students. Turn to News to view the details of the two trips.
Turn to News to see the new exam schedule.
November 2012 | Volume 114 Issue 4
the
Dial
voices.hackleyschool.org/dial/
Voice of the student body
Rumors to trash candy at Tuck result in talks dominiquealpuche & laurenfallon editor-in-chief and staff writer
87%
Do not think the Tuck should eliminate unhealthy food.
75%
Think the Tuck should add more variety to the food options. See Politics page for poll methodology.
For over a year, conversations concerning the quality and sustainability of the food offered in the Tuck Shop have surfaced. Discussions ranging from gossip in the halls between students to opinions raised by faculty members have culminated in rumors of action. Although no definitive plans for change have been made, conversations seem to be formalizing. Specifically, members of the Health and Wellness and HEAL clubs seem to be making this a focus in recent discussions. Sustainability Coordinator Anne Gatschet is supportive of students taking the lead in bringing this issue into the spotlight. “A broad based student initiative would be the most helpful at this point for bringing about dialogue,” she said. Supporting this opinion, many students have been vocal about the prospect of change. “It is great that the Tuck may possibly be changing to healthier options because it will give students the chance to make better and healthier decisions when having a snack,” said Gabby Urken, a member of the Health and Wellness club. Others students voice a conflicting opinion. “Kids enjoy the treats in the Tuck, and if people wanted a healthier option they could go to the lunchroom where fruits are always available,” sophomore Kierstin Chu said. Gabby’s brother, sophomore Grant Urken, feels that a balance would be best. “It would be nice to be able to grab a healthy snack before sports games and practices; however, I do enjoy the foods in the Tuck right now, so if there could be more of a variety between healthier and unhealthier foods in the Tuck that would be great.” The majority of students seem to share Grant’s sentiment for addition without
elimination. In a recent Dial poll, 87 percent of students expressed discontentment with the idea of removing the unhealthy food, but with this, 75 percent said they feel that the Tuck should increase the variety in what they offer. Mr. Van Leer, who has been working as a teacher at Hackley for 37 years, has seen many attempts that Hackley has tried to make towards healthier options. “There was an experiment in the lunchroom where Hackley tried changing to healthier alternatives; however, there was a ton of opposition from the students so the old food eventually came back. Sales will defiantly go down if the Tuck changes to healthier foods, but if kids figure out that the only thing there going to get from the Tuck is healthy items they’ll eat it.” Parents working at the tuck agree that there would probably be a financial impact if the tuck changed to healthier foods. “The candies, chips, and baked goods that we sell now are the kinds of foods that kids like to eat,” said one. With these ideas on people’s minds formalized discussions are being planned. “For students interested in food culture, the upcoming HEAL meeting on the evening of November 29th will be a fantastic opportunity to learn about what it means to buy and consume food in our society,” said Ms. Gatschet. A similar event will be held in January, when the HPA and HEAL will host a potluck dinner where the conversation can be continued. With efforts being made to bring together students, faculty, and parents, it seems that changes could be in the works for the Hackley Tuck Shop.
Seniors feel the pressure of preparing for life after Hackley allymueller feature editor
C
ollege represents a time of freedom, independence, and opportunities to experience new things. “I’m excited for college because of the freedom to do whatever I want and learn things I haven’t been able to in high school,” said senior Pietro Moran. However, seniors still have to go through the arduous process of finding the right school, filling out applications, and hoping that their hard work over the past three years pays off. The past four Hackley graduating classes have attended over 124 colleges and universities, so many different colleges appeal to different people. According to Co-director of College Counseling Peter Latson, some of the most common college search criteria includes majors, location, size, social scene, cost/financial aid program, campus culture, and extracurricular offerings. Further complicating the college process is the decision whether to apply early or not. Early Decision (ED) is a binding admissions process where those students sign a commitment to
attend the college if admitted, while Early Action (EA) is non-binding and those students do not have to commit, but can find out earlier. Most Hackley seniors apply EA or ED to at least one school; this decision is made either to help their chances in applying to several schools or to try to get into one’s dream college. “After a week or so, I realized that this school I am applying EA to was the only place I wanted to go. I just wanted to let them know by applying early that it is where I want to go,” said senior Travis Henry-Reid. For seniors, the whole college process can be very stressful. Senior Katie Maguire said, “The first trimester of senior year has been the hardest at Hackley by far!” However, students cite that college counseling has been extremely helpful, especially for those families who do not know much about the college process. Whether students apply early or not, each senior will find out at some point if their hard work has paid off. However, students will ultimately end up at a place that is a good fit for them.
Most popular colleges for the past 4 graduating classes
Colgate University
Vanderbilt University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
University of Pennsylvania
Columbia University
Information provided by College Counseling. Students who attended these schools in the past four years represent less than a quarter of all students.
2 | editorial
theDial
november
Tuck Shop should add new, healthy options The word ‘healthy’ doesn’t exactly come to mind when thinking about Hackley’s Tuck Shop. With Cheetos to the left, ramen noodles to the right, and all sorts of different candies and treatsin between, it can be difficult to find a nutritious option although they do exist. With food reform sweeping the nation, it has been clear that change was bound to come to the Hilltop, and some already has. Chicken patties were given a nutritious makeover, and pizza crust was changed from white to whole wheat. Although these changes were a step in the right direction, it seems that the Tuck has not followed suit. The Tuck provides much of Hackley’s junk food and sugar-filled baked goods, but it is time for change to come. The Tuck needs more healthy options, but students’ old favorites should not be replaced. Students want to be able to grab a healthy snack when in the mood, but also reach for a candy bar when looking for a little extra sugar. If Hackley adds nutritious options to the
Tuck, students will be given the chance to make healthier decisions, but will not be limited to certain types of food. Enhancing the Tuck with additional healthy alternatives would attract a new group of students, possibly leading to increased revenue. On the other hand, if the Tuck were to eliminate the student-loved junk food, it would lose the majority of its consumers, causing a major decrease in revenue that the Hackley Parents’ Association (HPA) uses to help fund student activities, such as the Upper School Coffeehouse and the three-on-three basketball tournament. There are a few steps that the HPA could take to impact the students and the choices they make at the Tuck. During this health revolution, some healthy snack options are becoming quite popular. Hummus has a long shelf life, and providing it would be a good choice for the HPA to make. The company Sabra offers a snack-sized portion of hummus with a few pretzels, which would be a perfect bite for a student
Senior Travis Henry-Reid buys a snack in the Tuck Shop. Many of the Tuck’s most popular options are unhealthy, and the Tuck could be enhanced by adding healthier alternatives. Photo by Xiaoling Keller.
on the go. The Tuck has been a long-lasting Hackley tradition, and it exists to allow students to grab a candy bar after a bad day, or spill the latest gossip over a bag of popcorn. The Tuck adds a unique touch to our school that many other high schools don’t have. By offering a relaxed environment
for students to escape the school’s rigorous academics, the Tuck serves as a stress reliever for students and a break from their busy lives. Dramatically changing the Tuck would negatively affect Hackley’s character; while healthy snacks should be added, they should not be in lieu of our not-so-healthy favorites.
ManontheStreet What should Hackley do with the 45 million dollars it received from the donated paintings? “Invest in some paintings” -Bryan Yu senior
“More opportunity for kids who need financial aid” -Lina Xing senior
dialstaff
“Redo the freshman hallway” -Raechelle Emanuel sophomore
“Make a new PAC” -Phil Yoo junior
Hackley School - 293 Bendict Ave., Tarrytown, NY - (914) 631 0128 - May 2012 - Vol. 113, No. 8 - www.hackleyschool.org
Editor-in-chief Asst. Managing Editor Politics Editor Science Editor Staff Artist dominiquealpuche isabellaberland gabbyoppenheim rebeccaslutsky mollykestenbaum Managing Editor Feature Editor Arts Editor Dial OnLine Editor melissawarshauer allymueller sarahbonanno paulathenastone Executive Editor Asst. Feature Editor Lifestyles Editor Technical Editor danielhoffman angelamauri carolinechmiel petergerma Design Editor News Editor Sports Editor Polling Editor Advisers paulrapisardi samheyward maxparauda harrisonwetzler jennielyons Coordinating Editors Editorial Editor Asst. Sports Editors Copy Editors annebudlong alexhersh nickhallock teddymiddleton annatskhovrebov rolandrizzi evanweisberg giannad’alessio
Policy
Opinions expressed in staff editorials reflect the majority view of The Dial Editorial Board. Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the author and do not represent the views of Hackley School, its administration or its staff. The Dial invites and encourages its readers to write letters to the editor or submit contributions. We reserve the right to edit any submission for clarity and brevity, and to correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation when necessary. We refuse to publish submissions which are unsigned, libelous, or plagiarized. Four hundred copies of each issue are distributed among the High School student body of about four hundred students and the faculty and staff. Letters and submissions can be emailed to dial@hackleyschool.org. The Dial is the official student newspaper of Hackley School.
theDial
november
How to spend the long December days carolinechmiel lifestyles editor As the days in December get longer, work gets harder and the weather gets colder, everyone needs a break! Whether it’s embracing the cold or enjoying cozy activities, this month has plenty to offer.
Ski
Already having brought a snow-filled Nor’easter, this winter is promising for skiers and snow boarders! Slopes are already opening, and many more opened over Thanksgiving. An easy Saturday could be spent heading to Thunder Ridge, in Patterson, New York, which is only 50 minutes from Hackley. This distance allows for a quick afternoon ski. Catamount in Egremont, Massachusetts offers better slopes and is only two hours from school. This mountain has better options for advanced skiers while still close to home. For a weekend getaway, beautiful ski resorts are still at your fingertips. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is three hours away, so it is the perfect distance for a weekend trip. This mountain has lots of slopes, beautiful views, great shops and cozy rooms. If willing to travel further, the experience gets better; Vermont provides more options. Stratton Mountain Resort has breathtaking slopes and an equally snow globe-like village. Great shopping, food and activities make the longer travel time worthwhile.
City
“It’s Christmas time in the city,” Bing Crosby famously sings in Silver Bells. The special feeling one gets walking though NYC during December is unforgettable. A simple way to catch the holiday spirit is walking by all of the window displays. Bergdorf ’s, Bendel’s, Macy’s, Barney’s, and Saks all display famous and signature windows with new twists every year. Not only are the decorations in the city beautiful, but the outdoors has much to offer. Ice-skating at Rockefeller Center seems picturesque, but the rink’s small size and extreme attraction to tourists makes this activity a hassle. The rink at Bryant Park offers a great
alternative. It is bigger and has a less “touristy” feel, and the architecture of this area provides more entertainment. The New York Public Library’s famous lions are next door and the rink has plenty of restaurants close by to grab a warm meal. If a strenuous December is taking a toll, then retail therapy may be necessary. Soho offers great shopping without overwhelming department stores. Boutiques are at every corner, and stylish people for inspiration are on every street. A fun place to stop after “shopping ‘til you drop” is Vosges Haute Chocolat on Spring Street. This hot cocoa boutique offers a cool place to get warm and refueled.
4
lifestyles | 3
releases you should hear
isabelhayward staff writer
After being slingshotted into the mainstream with hits like “Bounce,” “Feel So Close,” “We Found Love,” “Where have you been,” and “Let’s Go,” Calvin Harris returns with a 23 track album “18 Months.” The album ranges from big room house tracks like “Drinking from the Bottle” (featuring Tinnie Tempah) to fun bass-filled moombahton “Here 2 China” (featuring Dillon Francis and Diziee Rascal). The album features a taste of all genres of dance music, but feels rushed at times and only features seven non-single tracks. Rihanna released her seventh album, “Unapologetic,” on Nov. 19. “Diamonds”, the lead single of this album, has a slow tempo with simple, straightforward love song lyrics. The album has been quietly worked on through Def Jam Recordings. Rihanna has also announced her Diamonds World Tour, which begins March of next year.
Local
If staying close to home is a priority, there is still a lot to do. Hiking and climbing at Breakneck Mountain is a fun way to enjoy the winter season while staying close. “I love going hiking because it is great exercise, and I also get to enjoy the beautiful scenery,” junior Jill Dressler said. “When winter fully kicks in, I am still going to keep hiking because it will be prettier with snow!” Ice skating is fun wherever you are! Ebersole Ice Rink in White Plains is convenient for a quick afternoon break. If a stress-free afternoon or entire day to relax is necessary, then do not fret, there are many things to do. A simple manicure and pedicure with friends can take your mind off work and help get through the rest of December. “There is nothing more than a good manicure that relieves me of stress,” sophomore Andrea McCree said. “I love meeting for lunch and then getting my nails done with friends!” For the real pampering experience, some spas offer teen facials and sport massages. These truly help relieve visible and painful results of the cold, tiring winter. Park Avenue Medical Spa in Armonk is worth the price for either of these treatments. A day of rejuvenation can easily make all the difference in starting off the new trimester with strong grades.
“Halcyon,” English recording artist Ellie Goulding’s second album, was released Oct. 8. She collaborates with boyfriend and dubstep sensation Skrillex, creating a very electronic and poppy feel throughout the album. “Anything Could Happen,” her lead single for “Halcyon,” is catchy like a pop song with synth hooks and makes a great introduction to this high energy album. After making her debut with upbeat track, “Lights,” last year, Goulding is ready to give fans more.
“Koi No Yokan” is the seventh album of American alternative metal band, Deftones. Released on Nov. 12, the album’s opener, “Swerve City” sets a violent tone. But the moods vary throughout the rest of the album. In “Romantic Dreams,” the tempo is much slower and calmer, while “Leather” reveals the heavy metal side of the album. Overall, it is a textured and eclectic album.
Students wear on-trend outerwear this winter carolinechmiel lifestyles editor
Puffy, peacoat, fur, fleece, leather or trench— there are so many outerwear options this season. Winter is the season for layering, and a stylish jacket brings whatever is underneath to the next level. This season’s trends provide ways for anyone to express style with a new staple jacket. To the right, Hackley models show off many of these trends. Inexpensive scarves, gloves, and hats can easily make a simple old coat “on-trend.” These accessories in faux fur or neon designs instantly add style to any winter look. Fluffy hoods are cute and add functional details on many coats this season. “My hood keeps me warm, but also gives an adorable snow-bunny look to my jacket,” freshman Ally Petitti said. Until the weather gets too chilly, a common trend is to wear chunky sweaters with cute vests. Sophomore Serena Hernandez captures this preppy trend by pairing a quilted vest with a striped sweater. Leather will make a nice transition from fall to winter this season.With lots of layers on a freezing cold day, leather looks great, and it also adds an edgy feel to any winter outfit. Jackets that make a statement are always cool in the winter. Junior Sarah Walker wears a catlike coat everyday, showing that crazy jackets are also practical.
preppy
military
leather
quilted
serena hernandez ’15
ally petitti ’16
tyler curran ’15
amanda chung ’14
faux fur sarah walker ’14
4 | news
theDial
november
Top left: Camille Schmidt with elementary school students making decorated paper bags. Top Right: A school girl and Round Square students play jump rope after school. Photos courtesy of Camille Schmidt.
Round Square trip advances global awareness
samheyward news editor Juniors Rebkha Michael and Camille Schmidt touched down in South Africa and walked into a new world. Arriving in Nelspruit, they were surrounded with the sights and sounds of the city that would become their home for the next two weeks. The two quickly forged new relationships with students from other countries who spoke a multitude of languages. “We bonded over our similarities and laughed over our differences,” said Camille. “We chat with them practically every night on Facebook, and we miss them so much. I can’t wait until we see them again,” said Rebkha. This year’s Round Square trip took place in October, when over 400 students from 80 countries gathered to meet and share experiences. Round Square is a worldwide association of schools that share a commitment beyond academic excellence to personal development and responsibility. Round Square schools can be found in six of seven continents. After admission to the Round Square organization last year, Hackley got the opportunity to attend this international conference. The application process for students’ participation in the conference started last year, open to freshmen and sophomores, Camille and Rebkha were chosen. According to Camille, the purpose of the trip was to meet and make connections with people from all around the world. The theme of the conference was “No existence without co-existence,” focusing on the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. There were many different keynote speak-
ers whose topics ranged from family to the environment. “Learning something new about different peoples’ cultures really opened our eyes and made us feel appreciative of what we have back home,” said Camille. For both girls, the highlight of the trip was working with elementary schoolers. They brought supplies like magazines, glitter, glue and paper to make decorated paper bags for the children to hang in their homes The school that Rebkha worked at was impoverished. “After we finished the project we played sports, and they taught us how to dance,” said Rebkha. “Being with them for the day gave me a reality check.” As the total number of students was large, many of the activities were split up into smaller groups. Students from all around the world came together into smaller groups “We did a lot of ice breaker games,” said Camille, “We had to go up to a person we had never met and ask them what inspires them. It was a great way to get to know someone quickly.” Students ventured off campus to take part in many activities unique to South Africa. Rebkha and Camille went “Elephant Whispering” at a conservatory. The wounded elephants are taken there and trained through positive reinforcement. Their handlers spoke to them peacefully instead of commanding them as in a circus. Camille herself got up close and personal with an elephant. “It makes you feel so small,” she said. Rebkha and Camille, along with chaperones Classics teacher Adrienne Pierce and Assistant Headmaster Kevin Rea, visited the Nelson Mandela museum. “Its set-up was
News Bites
Raymond Renovation After two years of relative construction calm
around campus, plans have been presented to renovate Raymond Hall. The biggest change will occur when the connection between Raymond and Goodhue, closed during the reconstruction of Goodhue, will be opened to create an arched passage overlooking Akin common. A closed passage will be constructed above the opening to connect the two buildings. Classroom and office space will be reconfigured and the math and modern language hallways will be switched. Since the language classrooms have the most crossover with students from the middle school, relocating the language rooms will make travel for students and faculty easier. Changes in the pathways on Akin Common and the Quad are included in the plans. In addition, the building will be air conditioned. Money for renovations has been raised through
Camille and Rebkha went “Elephant Whispering” on a nature conservation. Wounded elephants are rehabilitated and trained through positive reinforcement to interact with visitors. Photo by Camille Schmidt.
so unique,” said Rebkha. “There was a black and white entrance and we each got assigned a role. As you walked through you got to see different people’s individual stories.” Rebkha added that the museum really taught her about apartheid and the racial hierarchy in South Africa. When driving around, Camille was struck by the country’s similarity to the American Midwest. “There were Toyota dealerships, supermarkets, burger joints, and gas stations.” But in the city there was a stark difference between the haves and the have-nots. “We visited a ‘village’ where some 2 million people were living on only a couple of acres in what are basically refrigerator boxes,” she said. “And right next to it were bright mansions, more
various campaigns. The current campaign is the Legacy Campaign, which may be extended to include renovation of Minot Savage Hall.
Donated Paintings
The sale of three paintings at Christie’s on Nov. 7 has added $45M to Hackley’s coffers. The paintings were bequeathed to Hackley by Ethel Strong Allen, widow of the late Herbert Allen Sr., founder of Allen & Co., a boutique New York investment firm. Several generations of Allens have attended Hackley and a portrait of Mr. Allen hangs in Allen Hall. The three paintings were auctioned for a total of $50,871,500, and after auction fees are deducted, school officials expect the final payment to the school for the three paintings to exceed $45M. “This truly is a transformative moment in the life of our school, and it is exciting to imagine how this gift will shape our school as it moves forward in the coming decades,” said Headmaster Walter Johnson.
extravagant and colorful than anything I’ve seen in the United States.” Both girls want to bring what they learned at the conference to the Hackley community. “It’s important for Hackley students to be global citizens,” said Camille. “We need to learn about other countries and respect their cultures. We can’t be so ethnocentric.” Fortunately, Hackley’s admission to Round Square means a possibility of a student exchange program between other Round Square schools. This program allows students to spend from three weeks to six months in a foreign school. “It is a truly incredible organization and will create many opportunities for students,” said Camille.
Girls’ Basketball The girls’ basketball team has been invited to partic-
ipate in the biggest basketball tournament held in this area. The best teams in the tri-state area compete in the 2012 holiday Slam Dunk Tournament that is held on Dec. 26-27 at the County Center. According to Athletics Director Jason Edwards, “this tournament is a big deal,” and he encourages anyone who is around to support the team by offering congratulations and attending the Dec. 26 game at 1 p.m.
Alona Scott Leaving School Director Alona Scott will be leaving Hack-
ley after six years. She will become head of the K- 8 Key School in Palo Alto,California. Ms. Scott became Middle School Director in 2007. Hackley will now be searching for a new Middle School Director.
theDial
news | 5
november
Another change made to the exam schedule sarahbonanno & samheyward arts editor and news editor
Exam week and review week: traditionally two weeks of constant meetings with teachers and last minute studying, will be broken up this year to include review/exam followed by review/exam. After changes in 2010 eliminated midterms and year-end exams and moved exams closer to spring break, review and exams will take place between Feb. 15 and March 1. While the specifics of the schedule, such as the order of the tests, are still being worked out, the basics have been planned. Review for the first two exam days will take place Friday and Tuesday for exams following on Wednesday and Thursday. Again on Friday and Monday, review sessions will be held for exams on Feb 26-Feb 28. Friday March 1 is reserved as a possible snow make-up day. Two review days will be solely devoted to the classes corresponding to the next two exams. For example, if the first two exams are English and Math, then the only two classes meeting during the first review days would be English and Math. The schedule allows for more weekends to be put in place between exams. The pattern then continues with two more review days before the final three exams. Upper School Director Andy King believes this change will be beneficial to all. “Using the old model, kids were always intellectually spent when taking the last exam,” he said. “This breaks up the pattern.” Exams now span two weeks with weekends in-between review days. “A lot of students use the weekend between exams on the March schedule to cram for the tests the next week,” he said. “Now there is time for more productive, personal studying time on the weekend done on your own.” Junior Peter Patapis thinks that this year he will be able to focus his energy on all the exams, rather than just the first two. “With
+ B
A
the old schedule, I would spend a lot of time studying for the first exam and the second exam on the Monday, and it was harder to study for other subjects,” Peter said. Science teacher Andrew Ying agrees with Peter and believes that one of the pros of the new exam schedule is that students can focus on fewer subjects at one time. However, Dr. Ying also said that the old exam schedule would prepare students for college more. “[The old exam schedule] is more akin to college exam schedules, with your exams in all of your classes during one week,” he said, “so having that sort of experience before entering college is valuable. It’s important to learn to manage your time and focus on different subjects at once,” he said. Because only the classes of the exams will be held on preceding review days, this leaves students with more free periods. Minors and classes without exams will be dropped. Mr. King hopes the periods will be productive; a time to have smaller review sessions with teachers or study independently. “This way, we have a structured time for review and free time to study,” he added. Senior Mae McColl said that this year, the change does not greatly affect her because she only has two exams. However, she also said, “I think I’ll put the same amount of work in. Hopefully it will be more effective now since I won’t be studying 12 subjects at once.” Peter likes that the new schedule guarantees enough time for each class, but is worried that he will get stressed because the process takes so long. “I don’t like that there’s so much time,” he said. Sophomore Amanda Flock shares Peter’s dislike of the drawn out schedule. She also doesn’t like that the exams were moved up two weeks. “Because the exams are starting earlier, we can’t enjoy President’s day weekend
with exams looming over our heads,” she said. Teachers also need to restructure their review periods this year. Junior Dean and English teacher Jenny Leffler said, “The review period in the old schedule was not particularly productive, and it did not feel like the best use of a pretty long span of time.” Math teacher Karen Casper disagrees. “One week of review is very important for math, and it will be difficult to fit a complete review into two days,” she said. Mr. King wants to put the focus on freshmen and sophomores to help get them into the schedule. So while upperclassmen will have more frees, there is a possibility of study halls for younger students. In years prior, the Upper School had both mid-terms in January and finals in June. This schedule was not a favorite of Mr. King’s as it allotted about 20 days to review and exams. In 2010, the March exam schedule was born, with exams during the first week of March and only a final exam for math. While this move to February came quickly after the change to March exams, Mr. King is happy with the switch. “I believe if the change is beneficial, there is no need to wait,” he said. Also, March exams were often hard on winter athletes, as the exam week coincided with their NYSAIS games. With the new schedule, games start after the exams. Peter swims for the Empire swim team outside of school. “This year, I can go to a meet for my team outside of school that Hackley kids have never been able to go to before.” he said. “But I’ll miss Easterns, an important swim meet for the team.” “This new schedule will take the stress of off everyone, but especially winter athletes,” Ms. Leffler said. “It will make it easier for them to continue some practices while exams are taking place.”
FEBRUARY EXAM SCHEDULE Trimester Ends
2/15
Review Weekend Weekend Holiday Review
2/16 2/17 2/18 2/19 2/20
Exams Exams
2/22
Review Weekend Weekend Review
2/21
C-
2/23 2/24 2/25 2/26 2/27 2/28
So what about March?
With all exams being completed in February, the schedule in March is wide open for two weeks before spring break. “The two weeks in March will give teachers time for more productive instruction and a more meaningful start to the third trimester,” said Upper School Director Andy King. Science teacher Andrew Ying is excited that the schedule was rearranged to allow for this extra time. “We can now cover an entire unit between exams and spring break...it’s great,” he said. Math teacher Karen Casper also appreciates the time before break. Last year, the math department created in-class and at-home projects for students. But now, they can continue teaching. Students don’t share their teachers’ enthusiasm for the extra week. “I don’t want to have more work to do right before spring break,” said sophomore Sabrina Ophir. Sophomore Kirsten Chu shared Sabrina’s sentiment. “I was looking forward to having a week of doing nothing,” she said.
2/14
Exam Exam Exam
3/01
Snow Make Up Day
3/04
Begin Trimester 3 (Day3)
Drawing by Molly Kestenbaum.
Students and faculty head abroad spring break AP Art Trip Paris, France March 15-22
Varsity Golf Trip Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Spring Break
samheyward news editor tudents have the opportunity to take French Exchange Trip part in two Casten trips this year, both Metz, France taking place over spring break. March 16-28 On the Rwanda trip, Middle School English teacher Cyndy Jean, Upper School science teacher Jason Gilley, and Lower School teacher Dawn Craner will be traveling with students to Kigali and Musha, Rwanda. Students will be working on projects related to technology, agriculture and the arts. Casten Trip On the Barcelona trip, Upper School Barcelona, Spain History teacher David Sykes, Spanish teacher Spring Break Margaret Randazzo and English teacher Brigid Moriarty will introduce students to the rich culture of the city. The trip includes a seven day homestay with a Spanish family for the the students to truely immerse themselves in Spanish culture. In addition, this year the French students will again have the opportunity to participate in the French Exchange Trip. From March 16 to March 28, students will explore the city of Metz, France, attending classes and visiting Casten Trip sites in the region. AP Studio Art students will Rwanda be travelling to Paris, France to learn about the March 16-26 city’s rich art history.
S
6 | science
theDial
november
How to stay in shape during the winter clairemeyer staff writer Hackley team sports are a great way to stay on top of your fitness. But whether or not you participate in a sport at Hackley, you can get into shape and keep fit on your own by starting an exercise program that includes either running on the treadmill or elliptical, biking or swimming. To maintain a healthy weight when exercising, it is also important to consume the right
amount of calories depending on your weight, height, and level of physical activity. Teens need to get at least 60 minutes of exercise everyday to stay fit and to reduce risks of developing diseases later in life, according to Nemours Center for Children’s Health Media. Knowing how many calories you burn during exercise will not only help you to assess your progress but may also motivate you to perform at increasingly higher levels.
swimming
stationary bike
During the summer, swimming is a way to cool off and have fun, but it can also be a high calorie-burning exercise. Additionally, because of water’s buoyancy, swimming can protect your bones and muscles from injury. Freestyle is the fastest stroke, and according to a report in the “Harvard Heart Letter,” swimming 1,500 yards (60 lengths in a 25-yard pool) freestyle for 30 minutes burns 400 calories if you weigh 155 pounds, 330 calories if you weigh 125 pounds, and 490 calories if you weigh 185 pounds. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, breaststroke is favorable if you want to rest your shoulders. Swimming 1500 yards of breaststroke for 30 minutes burns 370 calories if you weigh 155 pounds, 300 calories if you weigh 125 pounds, and 444 calories if you weigh 185 pounds. The total calories burned will depend on the type of stroke, and on one’s speed, gender, weight and skill.
While indoor cycling doesn’t exercise as many muscles in the body as does outdoor cycling, it has benefits. It is a cardiovascular exercise that can result in better sleep, weight loss and an increase in energy. Cycling is an exercise that gets the heart rate up. In addition, indoor bikes help strengthen the heart and help strengthen the hamstrings, glutes and quads. According to Harvard University, a person weighing 125 pounds can burn around 260 calories during 30 minutes of moderate cycling. A person weighing 155 pounds can burn around 325 calories. A person weighing 185 pounds can burn around 390 calories. When indoor cycling, your body stays in calorie-burning mode since it is an interval exercise, which alternates between high and low intensity levels. Attending a cycling class can help you burn more calories by being motivated by an instructor, and research shows that people who attend indoor cycling classes can burn 7.2 to 13.6 calories per minute.
elliptical
treadmill
Running on the elliptical during the winter is a great way to stay active while confined indoors. Elliptical trainers mimic the motion of jogging without the impact on the leg joints. The number of calories burned on an elliptical will depend on the intensity of your workout, how long you use the machine and on your weight. During a moderately challenging workout, a person who weighs 125 pounds would burn 322 calories working out for 30 minutes and 645 calories working out for 60 minutes. A person who weighs 150 pounds would burn 386 calories working out for 30 minutes and 773 in 60 minutes. A person who weighs 175 pounds would burn 451 calories in 30 minutes and 902 in 60 minutes. By increasing the tension on the machine, you can increase the calories you burn because your body is forced to work harder. You can also do interval training, which burns more calories. Along with most exercise machines, the elliptical is only as effective as you make it. It is important to challenge yourself in order to burn more calories and strengthen cardiovascular and muscular systems.
Whether you’re walking, jogging, running, or interval training, the treadmill is an ideal exercise machine that can help you burn calories quickly and easily. On a brisk walk with no incline, a 160 pound person walking at four mph for 30 minutes would burn about 145 calories, according to caloriesperhour.com. Someone who is new to the treadmill may want to start out with a brisk walk and no incline. If you’re looking to burn more calories while maintaining your walking pace, adding a slight incline can increase the calorie burn over the same amount of time. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more vigorous exercise, jogging or interval training burns more calories. A 160 pound person can burn about 367 calories by jogging at six mph for 30 minutes. Interval training consists of cycles of rest and work intervals. A 160 pound person doing interval training with a rest cycle at five mph and a work cycle at nine mph can burn about 423 calories in just 30 minutes, according to caloriesperhour.com. Sources: Livestrong.com, healthstatus.com, healthdiscovery.net
Is there any need for the new iPad mini? lizcurland staff writer
From the beginning, the iPad was designed to be something very capable and functional, and at the same time simple to use. Apple’s latest invention, the iPad mini, has the same usage and functions as the regular iPad, but in a substantially smaller size. At $329, the iPad mini is the cheapest iPad on the market. But still, some argue that this product does not fairly match its price. Junior Harry Wechsler said, “If you want an iPad, for the cheapest amount of money, then this is what people should get. If you’re looking to invest in an iOS product with the best features, this isn’t a very good starting point.” There are many differences between the new iPad mini and the previous iPad 2. One of the hardest challenges Apple faced was incorporating all the iPad’s amazing features into a much smaller device. The iPad mini display has the same resolution as the iPad 2, so all the apps and content look and act the same. At 7.9 inches, it is small enough to fit in one hand, but it is still large enough to give you the iPad experience. It weighs just 11 ounces, which is half the amount of the full-size iPad. It is just less than 8 inches long and 7.2 mm thin. However, the iPad Mini does not have a high definition Retina display. It has the standard iPad screen. The latest full size iPad has four times as many pixels. Compared to the iPad 3, the iPad mini’s screen looks rough and dull. It doesn’t have the same color-boosting technology as the full-size model. Freshman Sophie Slutsky says she will “hold off on purchasing this iPad mini, because next year Apple will probably release an improved version with a Retina display, and for $329 I wouldn’t want to upgrade again.” The iPad mini has a few new features added to the camera including uploading photos to social networking sites, or emailing/iMessaging photos and videos to friends and family. The iPad mini also has cameras on both the front and back with the ability to take photos and video, as well as to videoconference. “The Kindle Fire only has a front facing camera for videoconferencing, and the Nook doesn’t have a camera
at all,” says junior Charlie Pidoriano. Considering how quickly gigabytes get used up, Apple decided to increase storage options on the iPad mini to 64GB. “I have the Kindle Fire, which only has 16GB. So the growth in storage space is what makes the iPad mini appealing to me,” said freshman Emma Fetner. The new virtual keyboard is an entirely different experience from the regular iPad. Because of the weight, it can be held much more easily in one hand. You can type pretty quickly without having to hold the other edge or balance the iPad in your lap. Aley Longo said, “The Kindle Fire is heavier than the iPad mini and it can’t be held in one hand because it is too wide.” Siri on the iPad mini has improved as well. Some don’t instinctively think of using it to open apps, call people or search the web, but those who do will be satisfied with the improvements. Siri now can do much more, including booking reservations, getting sports scores and looking at schedules. Apple has fixed the WiFi on the iPad mini to 802.11a/b/ g/n, 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless capability and Bluetooth 4.0. Going onto networks is much faster in comparison to the regular iPad. The cellular iPad mini, has all of the same features, plus LTE connectivity. This enables people to have the fastest internet connection on any wireless device. The question is whether all of the iPad mini’s features are worth the $100 premium over the Kindle Fire ($199), Nook ($199) and Nexus 7 ($199). Serena Hernandez thinks “the iPad Mini outdoes the features of the Kindle Fire and the Nook, so it isn’t just for the buyer who wants the prettiest and thinnest.” The relationship between screen quality and app availability is what people look at when buying one of these products. The Nook is known to have the best screen and the fewest apps (10,000). The Kindle Fire has average access to apps (60,000), and a poor screen. The iPad mini has a poor screen, but an incredible amount of apps (275,000) and storage space. “People can get the Apple features and apps from the iPad mini, which is what most people crave in our
generation. People like the Apple experience, and for quality and quantity, it beats all the other hand held inventions.” Despite the competition from the Kindle, Nook and Nexus, as well as Apple’s negative publicity in the marketplace over the recent maps fiasco, Apple brand loyalty is still as strong as ever. The marketplace has devoted Apple users who perceive the iPad mini as a new and improved product over the iPad 2 despite the lack of Retina display.
theDial
politics | 7
november
Are teachers presenting political bias in class? jojomiller staff writer
F
rom the hallways to the dining hall, political discussions can be heard all around the Upper School. When the dialogue enters the classroom, teachers can express their opinions and influence the developing political beliefs of their students. While 53 percent of students believe their teachers are biased in their presentation, 47 percent disagree. “It is hard to decide my stance on policies when I only hear one side to the story. It feels like an attempt to make us all think Republicans are evil,” junior Katherine Sade said. Students often develop opinions based on what they learn in the classroom. If a topic is taught with an angle, it is easy for teachers to influence students without being aware of it. “I think it is only natural for someone to allow their beliefs to leak into their teaching, especially when discussing questionable topics,” junior Spencer Sohmer said.
“
Opinions are taught as facts.
~Katherine Sade
In junior and senior history classes, the curriculums are based on relatively recent events. Juniors study the 20th century, while some seniors choose to study government or economics. As discussion of “history” nears the present, “you can usually tell what the teacher’s political views are,” junior Cara Petrucci said. “Teachers give us opinion-based views on current topics. Opinions are taught as facts,” Katherine said. The minority believes that teachers’ personal opinions do not
bias their teaching. “They probably have very strong political views about the party or ideals they support, but I am sure they refrain from incorporating those views into their teaching styles,” senior Alex Katsihtis said. History teacher John Van Leer represents a teacher who, according to senior Dan Graap, “is a good example of a teacher who does not let his views affect a thing, while others are not.” Sophomore Dylan Garvey agrees. He believes that it is obvious who some teachers are voting for, “but they do not try to make students choose who they want to win. They will highlight the positives and negatives in both candidates.” “I believe that the majority of Hackley teachers are liberals,” junior Xan Jarecki said. “I say this because when political discussions arise in class, the teacher tends to lean more to the left in his or her opinions.” Psychologist Daniel Klein studied the political parties of teachers in New York and found that Democrat teachers in the social sciences and humanities outnumber Republican teachers by at least seven to one. Van Leer identifies himself as a Democrat and believes that political discussion is still necessary in the classroom to help students learn to share their views. “I think we can share them in response to student questions; however, I do not want the students to feel compelled to follow my political views. I share them in the context of why I believe in certain things,” Van Leer said. Spanish teacher Anne Gatschet believes it is important that students learn to think for themselves. Teachers should only teach students how to form their own reasonable opinions. “One of my dearly held ‘political views’ is that the freedom to express political views and the education to form them reasonably are fundamental to a just society,” she said.
Affirmative Action challenged in the Supreme Court jeffreyguzman staff writer
Four years ago, Abigail Fisher was excited about the possibility of attending the University of Texas but was left less than satisfied by the outcome. UT automatically accepts students in the top ten percent of state public schools. Abigail just missed the cut at 11 percent, but still applied with utmost confidence, only to be turned down. She believes this is because of the school’s use of Affirmative Action. Fisher’s case against UT has made its way to the national eye and has reached the gavel of the Supreme Court of the United States. Affirmative Action is the concept of having policies use race and ethnicity as holistic factors in deciding which students to admit on the premise that certain groups are underrepresented. It is possible that Affirmative Action may be deemed unconstitutional and in violation of Amendment XIV, which states, “No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.” Similar to most of the country, Hackley is divided in opinion on Affirmative Action. 47 percent of students do not support race-based Affirmative Action. Most believe diversity is necessary, but many are unsure of Affirmative Action’s fairness. History Department Chair William Davies considers Affirmative Action to be “the path to achieving diversity. A student body of mixed races, ethnicities, and socio-economic classes, helps students create and consider different perspectives, instead of just learning material on their own,” he said. Others disagree. “Although Affirmative Action has good intentions in wanting to create diversity, it belittles the merit of both minority and majority students by making race and ethnicity a deciding factor,” sophomore Sophia Bannister said. “Minority students would have to be proving themselves way too often, when comments like, ‘You only got here because of your race,’ arise.” Junior Meghan Philpott, who has begun the college process, is also fearful that both her race and sex may undermine her ability and limit her choices. “People tend to generalize and match socio-economic classes with race,” Philpott said. “I think race and socio-economic class should be completely separate, as there are white people who can be in the same boat as a poor black or Hispanic, and vice-versa.” According to the New York Times, UT has admitted to favoring wealthy minorities. In response to this, Philpott added, “If diversity is meant to create different perspectives, how will having a student body of the same class accomplish that? I think wealthy minorities are many times out of touch with their background, which does not create diversity.” Sophomore Jeremy Anderson agrees that socio-economic class should be a more important factor than race. “I think it’s outdated. The diversity goal has been reached,” he said. There is a general consensus that whichever way the currently divided court goes (there is only one undecided justice, Anthony Kennedy), the decision will not affect Hackley students. “Affirmative Action is not the overall factor that allows your entrance. It is somewhat of a tie breaker between students who have a similar academic standings,” Jeremy said. “Hackley offers so many advanced courses and extracurricular activities. It is an Ivy League school, so I think in the college process, Hackley students have a lot to show and be proud of. They should not be fearful of or reliant on Affirmative Action.”
53% think teachers are biased
8% think most teachers are Republicans
Methodology The poll was conducted on Thursday, Nov. 15, distributed through homerooms, and most of the results were collected within the next few days. The poll had 126 respondents, approximately one third of the student body. All grades were represented in this poll. This survey has a margin of error of ±7%.
Gov class predictions are as good as the pros’ heathervega staff writer
Prediction
State
Result
OH
FL
NH
W
hile Hackley students have debated about who “should” be elected president, the seniors in history teacher Mr. Van Leer’s class tried to determine who “would” be elected president. As in previous election predictions, Mr. Van Leer’s students achieved about 95% accuracy in the outcome of the elections, which compares favorably with national pollsters. The most difficult to predict were the swing states, and some of the students’ results were “impressive,” according to Mr. Van Leer. Alex Goddard was correct in his prediction for both Iowa and Ohio. Jon Jon Lucente accurately predicted Pennsylvania, and Stephanie Rubin got Wisconsin right. “She never wavered,” said Mr. Van Leer. Mr. Van Leer and his government class weren’t surprised with the outcome of the election. “I was surprised in their confidence that Obama would win,” said Mr. Van Leer. Stephanie said, “I wasn’t surprised that Obama won, but I was definitely shocked by the margin:” a 332 to 206 win in favor of President Obama. Each student was randomly assigned a state to follow during the election and made predictions on which way the state would vote.
“I had California and Missouri. Neither were swing states, so I predicted correctly. And I also wasn’t surprised with the result [of the election],” senior Dylan Ophir said. “Our class got two swing states wrong: Florida and New Hampshire.” Mr. Van Leer says the class was incorrect in predicting Colorado as well. “Gabby Urken had to call Florida, and no one was getting that right,” said Mr. Van Leer. Dan Grapp was assigned both Illinois and West Virginia, which he correctly predicted would go to Obama and Romney respectively. Dan does not believe that either candidate had what it takes to be president. He said, “Honestly, I think both candidates this year were not up to the level that we need.” Junior Meghan Philpott feels “much, much safer in Obama’s hands” in relation to social and economic policies. On the other hand, senior Dan Graap says, “I strongly disagree with the President’s vision of how large a role government should play in our lives.” “This year [the project] went beyond my wildest expectations,” said Mr. Van Leer. He will definitely continue to do this project, done back in 2008 and 2010 with great accuracy, in the future. “It’s always fun,” he said.
8 | arts
theDial
november
Musicians find excitement in practice and performance angelamauri assistant feature editor
I
t’s 3:05, and the end of the school day is finally here. While some students head off to sports or home, others continue to study outside of campus. For at least three students, this means extra hours of practice and performance on musical instruments. Senior Angelina Xing is dedicated to Hackley but also to playing the piano at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege. Junior Thomas Wolfgang has played different instruments, but he now focuses his musical talent on the oboe. Senior Kate Grusky devotes many hours outside of school to the bassoon. Angelina started playing the piano at the age of four, and has not stopped since. “I was basically jealous that my sister could play the piano! I actually remember banging on the keys to try and copy her,” she said. Thomas, who started with the piano when he was very little, said, “I don’t even remember when I started; my parents are both musicians so it was kind of their replacement for little league sports.” Hackley helped Kate decide byproviding a day where the students would go around the music department, listen, and play various instruments. Kate said, “The only one that excited me was the bassoon! It was so much fun to play, so I started to take lessons in fifth grade.” Time management is essential for all three of these students when it comes to practice. “If playing music is what you love, make time for it,” said Angelina. Angelina dedicates one to two hours each day to practicing the piano, and on Saturdays, she attends the Manhattan School of Music Precollege. “It’s got to be daily. You lose something if you skip a day,” said Angelina. She performs about 30 times each year, in classical recitals or at Coffeehouses. At the age of eight, Thomas was introduced to the oboe at the Interlochen Arts Camp. “Since then, it’s been a major part of my life,” said Thomas. He is a participant at the camp for seven weeks in the summer, which entails orchestra and chamber rehearsals daily and concerts weekly. “I now attend the Hoff-Barthelson Music School during the year, where I take lessons and participate in a chamber music group and a full orchestra,” he said.
“
Thomas continued, saying that he liked to spend at least an hour a day practicing the oboe. Kate attends several different events and camps to practice the bassoon. “Currently, I take private lessons outside of school and play for the Greater Westchester Youth Orchestra, which involves a two hour rehearsal once a week and three concerts a year,” she said. Kate also attended Camp Encore-Coda and the Interlochen Bassoon Institute in past summer seasons. “I am playing, whether in various ensembles, practicing, or in lessons, at least a few hours a week,” said Kate. She performs about nine times a year, with three concerts for orchestra, two for band, two for chamber ensemble, and two solo performances. The incentive behind their dedication resides in their profound love for music. “It’s simply the best outlet for emotional communication and expression,” said Angelina. “And performing? It’s just the most exciting thing ever. It’s a risk every time, in a good way.” Thomas said, “I love the music I play, and being able to incorporate my style and emotions into the piece is just the ~Angelina Xing greatest feeling ever.” “When I play, it makes me feel like a part of this beautiful music. I feel proud and excited when I am able to play something that can stir emotion in someone else,” said Kate. In terms of juggling music with the Hackley workload, Thomas said “Coffee helps get me through the day. It may be difficult, but it’s totally worth it.” Angelina said, “When you get to a certain point and achieve something with music, then others will turn to pay attention to you. In other words, it’s totally worth it.” Kate thinks that it is important to dedicate time to music. “You never know where it can lead you,” she said. “I fell in love with the bassoon and it has really opened my eyes. I appreciate music in a way I never expected to, and I have had the most amazing opportunities.” Angelina said that practice is about more than the notes. Like Kate, practicing helps her appreciate music in a new way. “[Practicing] is also patterns in music and insight into what the composer wanted to express.” “Most importantly,” Kate said, “I found something that I can really put my all into.”
And performing? It’s just the most exciting thing ever.
Tips from the music experts: Practicing can work wonders:
“Basically practice, practice, practice. You can’t get better if you don’t practice. Find a good teacher who actually plays your instrument and always prepare your assignments before the lessons.” -Thomas Wolfgang
Make time to find your weaknesses:
“Make the most of your time. If you are practicing an instrument, don’t practice the piece ten times from beginning to end, isolate the problem areas and perfect them. If you are studying, don’t study what you know well—focus on your weaknesses and fix them. Also, ask for help when you need it. Teachers, conductors, and coaches understand that you have other things going on, and are usually very willing to offer advice, assistance and guidance.” - Kate Grusky
Learn more than just the notes
“Don’t just give up because you don’t sound good! You can’t expect to sound good if you don’t work for it. Also, practicing is more about the process than the results, really! The things you learn in practicing should be more than the notes, but also patterns in music and insight into what the composer wanted to express.” - Angelina Xing
Drawing by Molly Kestenbaum
Chapel venue adds to success of The Crucible production samheyward news editor The feel of 17th century Salem was transported to Hackley when upper school students performed “The Crucible” last month. The choice to perform the play in the chapel was unorthodox, but truly evoked the feeling of a 17th century Salem courtroom. The heavy themes of the play—manipulation, betrayal, superstition and anger—were artfully handled by the cast. The action kicks off with Salem town children conjuring spirits with the slave Tituba. They are caught by Reverend Parris, played by senior Marcus Todd. From there the story immediately spirals. Accusations of witchcraft fly and innocent people are caught up in difficult situations. The real-life drama of the Salem witch trials played out in front of the audience. Although the Chapel is much smaller than the PAC, the actors used all the space well, walking through the audience. Seniors Nick Ambruz and Charlotte May gave wonderful performances as John and Elizabeth Proctor respectively. They played the couple who gets caught up in the Witch Trials because of their personal history with their former house servant, Abigail Williams. Elizabeth had fired her after she had an affair with John. Nick’s portrayal of an upstanding Puritan man who made mistakes
[From top to bottom]: Abigail Williams, played by junior Katie Mykrantz, plots her revenge on Elizabeth Procter, played by Charlotte May. In the dramatic and climatic court room, Hathorne, Danforthe, and Hale,played by Peter Germa, Jefferey Guzman, and Rafael Girardello attempt to discover the truth and who the Salem witches are when conflicting opinions arise. Photos by Chris Taggart.
Upcoming winter performances:
11/29/2012 12/11/2012 12/18/2012
US Jazz Combos Concert US Chamber Music Concert US Band, Chorus, Jazz Orchestra Concert
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
matched well with Charlotte’s porratyal of a wife betrayed and hurt by her husband. Their personal drama played out in the climactic courtroom scene. Junior Katie Mykrantz gave a fantastic performance as the conniving, manipulating Abigail. Abigail, an orphan and an outcast in Puritan society, accuses multiple women of witchcraft in an attempt for revenge. In the courtroom, she makes herself the victim when she is the true persecutor. Although only present in the second half of the play, sophomore Jeffrey Guzman was perfect as Deputy Governor Danforth. Commanding and strict during the trial, Jeffery was a force to be reckoned with. Junior Alessia Casale was excellent as the conflicted and easily manipulated Mary Warren. She was one of the girls in the forest with Abigail, Tituba and the rest. When the accusations of witchcraft start, Mary wants to tell the truth but is silenced by Abigail. When Mary becomes involved in the trial as an official of the court, the Proctors become very angry. In the courtroom, Mary tries to tell the truth, saying she knows the spirits aren’t true. Then, in an act of brilliance, Abigail and her friends begin screaming and accusing Mary of sending out her spirit. Alessia did wonders to show her hurt and betrayal.
Location: PAC Location: Allen Hall Location: PAC