2014springroar

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Issue No. 3

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Spring 2014

Q U A R T E R L Y

Creative Arts And Writing Club Present: Issue No. 3 of The West Hollow Quarterly

“R ar” Advisors:

Mrs. Elisa Brosnan

Sarrosick

Mrs. Kim

Spirit Month: World Language Week!

By Melissa Schwab-­‐Grade 8

A very special Gracias to Mrs. Lan3er for all of her help and informa3on

In celebration of the wonderful month of March, West Hollow held spirit days every Friday. In the beginning of the month there was World Language Week, a time to celebrate the languages taught at our school and other languages around the world. Each day was dedicated to a specific language, culminating in a celebration of all languages and cultures on Friday, March 7th, West Hollow’s International Day.

World Language Week Monday 3/3 Mandarin Chinese Tuesday 3/4 Italian Wednesday 3/5 French Thursday 3/6 Spanish Friday 3/7 InternaDonal Day Specific language days started with morning announcements by eighth graders in their foreign language and in English, followed by a song in that language between Advisory and 1st period. At lunch there was a movie shown with English subtitles. Monday was Mulan in Mandarin Chinese, followed by Shrek in Italian on Tuesday, Ratatoullie in French on Wednesday, and Finding Nemo in Spanish on Thursday.

In Extended Advisory on Thursday we learned about Timothy Doner, a polyglot (someone who speaks many languages).

After school on Thursday there were many activities to do: watch Despicable Me 2 in Spanish with Ms. Wagner and Ms. Haggerty, recreate famous works of art with Ms. Beatty and Ms. Lecamus, or take Salsa lessons from Mrs. Lantier and Ms. Mills.

To close out the week, International Day was celebrated on Friday. On International Day, students were encouraged to celebrate their language and culture. West Hollow students and faculty wore the colors of the languages they studied or spoke. Some even wore the jerseys of their favorite international team to demonstrate enthusiasm for the diversity of world cultures.

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Frozen’s Popularity Here to Stay

By Rhea Mayall-­‐Grade 8

Frozen, the latest Disney musical movie, is not only for little children but also for teens.

Here at West Hollow, many students cite Frozen as their current favorite Dilm, and judging by the popularity of its hit, Oscar-­‐winning song “Let It Go,” it will likely remain at the top of everyone’s list for quite a while.

While you might think Frozen is a “baby” movie, it teaches a very important lesson: even though siblings may Dight, you can always count on them for love. "She's my sister," Anna says on her way out the castle door, "she would never hurt me."

Frozen is a movie that teaches girls you don’t need a man’s love, you need the love of your sibling(s). When they were young girls, sisters Anna and Elsa were joyous playmates and inseparable friends. But Elsa's special power, which gives her the ability to turn anything to ice and snow in a Dlash, soon comes back to haunt her when she accidentally zaps her sister. Elsa's parents lock her away and close down the castle, which devastates the younger Anna.

Ultimately, the story settles on Anna's efforts to retrieve her sister and restore order to the kingdom. Anna loves her older sister Diercely, and for years she's been puzzled and hurt by Elsa's chilly distance. Elsa loves Anna just as much—which is why she's kept such a chilly distance. Elsa sacriDiced her own happiness, in a way, to keep the people she loves safe.

The characters in this Dilm don’t need a “true love’s kiss”; they need a sister’s love and a single tear. While big animated movies may be under pressure to teach kids the "right" lessons, Frozen instead focuses on gorgeous animation and catchy songs to remind us of the importance of family.

Fr o

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By S ara

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Chu -Gr ade 7

Art Work By: Rhea Mayall-Grade 8 2

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Fire Safety Tips Art Work By: Shreya Krishnan-Grade 7

By Brooke Megale Grade 8

The house I recently moved out of in Melville went on Dire and caused a lot of damage. I wasn’t there for this thank goodness. The new people that moved in were heartbroken. They loved this house just as much as my family did. All of us were so upset when this happened. So I want you to know some Dire safety tips in case you and your family are in a Dire situation.

• Do you know your Dire department’s phone number? You probably don’t. Calling 911 is the way we were taught, but there is an even faster way. If you call your Dire department directly, you will be saving steps, and in a Dire every second matters.

• Heat Sensors-­‐ Do you have heat sensors in your house? Heat sensors are placed in the attic in place of or in addition to smoke detectors. Smoke detectors get dusty in the attic and can go off if there isn’t a Dire. Heat sensors go off if there is a drastic change in temperature.

• If you are cooking and you have a grease Dire how do you put it out? You might think throwing water on it will put the Dire out, but you are supposed to cover it with a lid to smother the Dlames.

• Halogen lights can be a Dire hazard. Many homes have halogen lights throughout. Make sure they are not in low ceiling areas and keep drapes away from them. Always shut them off when you leave your home.

• In the winter months rodents can cause Dires. Rodents in an attempt to enter your home, go in your walls and can nibble on wires causing them to spark and start a Dire. It is a good idea to have the wires checked.

I hope these tips are helpful! Spring is here and it’s a good time to check the battery in your smoke detectors. Find out more information at !iresafetytips.com

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Finals - What To Do

By Cayla De Siver Grade 7

Before you know it, final exam season will be upon us all! Here are some tips and web resources that can help you do your best.

Studying • • • • • • • • • • • •

Schedule time to study; avoid making many plans during the weeks or days that you are preparing for finals. That way you have more time to review.

Attend teachers’ extra help sessions.

You don’t have to have to make equal study times for each of your classes; focus harder on the more difficult ones, but still review the easier ones, too.

Try to figure out what will be on the test, and focus on that more.

Break up your time studying and even your study locations.

Take breaks to regain your focus.

Keep your notes organized.

Rewriting your notes neater or making a study sheet will help you retain memory of what you learn through writing instead of just skimming over.

Keep rewarding yourself every time you finish a topic. This keeps you motivated and alert.

Try to teach what you have learned out loud.

Relate things that you learned to what you know so you remember it better. Often using something funny makes it stick in your brain more.

Try to eat healthy and get plenty of sleep during this time so your mind is fresh and ready for the test.

Taking the test • •

• •

Always read carefully and plan your time! Pace yourself as well Unsure of an answer? ◦ Use process of elimination to narrow down answer choices ◦ If two answers are opposites - usually one is correct ◦ If a part of the statement is false the answer is false Check over your answers if you have time Only change answers you may have misread- stick with your gut.

Helpful Study Tips on the Web

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Test Taking Strategies - All types of questions

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8 Study Tips - Finals

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WOLVIE CARTOON

BY CASEY CHUNG-Grade 8

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Tai Chi

By Jiachen Lee-Grade 7

Not many people here at West Hollow know about Tai chi. Many people who know what it is think it’s a sport that is only done by the elderly because of the slow movements. However, Tai chi can also be done by young people. In fact, there are many difficult moves that require a lot of strength since the movements are slow.

Tai Chi is practiced for health benefits and for self defense. It is a form of Chinese martial arts. Tai chi requires strength as well as patience and memorization. Tai chi helps concentration and helps people stay calm and focused and helps in dealing with tension and stress. Using Tai chi as martial art is very challenging because in order to use Tai chi in combat, an understanding of the movements is necessary and requires a lot of training. Tai chi has been around for hundreds of years. It has been practiced in many places and is sometimes classified with Wushu which is a type of Chinese kung fu.

The Tai chi world champion, Sitan Chen, lives right here on Long Island.

He travels to many places with the goal of promoting Tai chi. He is known as the Prince of Tai chi with a total of 32 gold medals in national and international competitions. He is also the chairman of America Taiji Health Qigong corporation. Sitan Chen started Tai chi when he was only six, proving that children as well as adults can participate in Tai chi. In fact, he teaches many children here at West Hollow, including me, both Tai Chi and Wushu.

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By Jiachen Lee Grade 7 This March, many musicians from West Hollow participated in SCMEA. SCMEA is a festival that occurs once a year. There, people in the band, orchestra, and chorus from all over Suffolk county make music together. There were about 25 schools that participated in the event. The musicians were selected based on their NYSSMA score. It’s a great experience to be able to make music with different people who share the same love of music as you do. It’s also a great place to make new friends that have similar interests. There are three rehearsals that are about five hours long. It seems like a long time, but time flies when you are having fun.

Even though there are only three group rehearsals, by the end of the third rehearsal, it sounds like the performers have been playing together for a long time.

This year, the rehearsals were held at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School in the Deer Park School District. The concert took place at Saint Anthony’s High School. The whole school was really big, so naturally, the stage was big as well. The orchestra went first starting off with the Star Spangled Banner. They then played four other songs that varied in ISSUE NO. 3

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theme. After that, the chorus sang five songs beautifully and then the band played four awesome songs.

It felt amazing to be on stage with so many people watching. It also felt really amazing to be able to make music in a large group, working together to make beautiful music when you’ve only met the people in the three rehearsals.

What Is NYSSMA All About?

West Hollow’s Musicians Practice and Perform!

By Janna Zilkha-Grade 7

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is an instrument to play (or a song to sing). Next, you need a solo to practice and learn for the festival. NYSSMA usually happens in May or June every year. There are 3 components of NYSSMA solos. Musicians are assigned a room, where a judge asks to hear three or more scales (depending on the level) and the solo that’s been practiced. Finally, the judge gives musicians a little selection of unseen music to play. This is called sight reading, and for many students, it’s the most nerve-wracking, difficult portion of the festival.

After a few weeks, student performers receive their scores along with a ribbon representing achievement. For most people, the score is out of 28, but students who perform at a level 5 or higher are scored out of 100.

NYSSMA may seem scary, but once you feel like you have practiced enough and you have self confidence, the festival will be no problem.

A lot of West Hollow students participate in the NYSSMA festival in the Spring.

However, not many people actually know what it is.

NYSSMA stands for New York State School Music Association.

Participants in the NYSSMA festival have their music performance assessed and critiqued by an instructor who doesn’t know them. It’s a great opportunity to practice, perform, and learn.

To participate in the festival, the first thing you need 7

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Rising Stars By: Sophia Clark-Grade 7

I am a part of the school club, Rising Stars. Rising Stars is a club that tries to help make the community a better place. In the month of February, which was Black History Month, we went to the elementary schools and read the children books about famous African-Americans.

Before we read the books, we asked the children if they knew anything about the person they were going to learn about. Many children were correct with a generic answer. Other children got people confused and mistook George Washington Carver for George Washington.

After we finished reading the books to the children, they got a full understanding and a more detailed description of that person. The 1st and 2nd graders enjoyed us reading to them and they liked learning about new people. It also made me feel good to be able to help younger children learn more about African-Americans.

Accessory Day at West Hollow

By Sara Chu- Grade 7 Accessory day was one of the the days during spirit week. Students were allowed to wear any accessories they wanted to school. Some people wore necklaces and others wore hats and stick on mustaches!

It was a fun day altogether. However, it wasn't the only event during spirit month. There was also West Hollow's celebration of St.Patrick's day, where students and staff wore green.

People wore morph suits and plain green shirts too. The events were all very fun but spirit month was coming to an end. The school ended spirit month with pajama day and a pep rally. The 6th grade had to wear red, 7th wore black, and 8th grade wore blue. The pep rally featured routines from West Hollow's kickline team and cheerleaders. An academic game was played in the auditorium as well. Students answered trivia questions and participated in physical games and challenges. Spirit month brought excitement to the month of March!

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C u l t u r e C o r n e r T h e a t e r R e v i e w B y

Av a M a n e r i G r a d e 7

I was so excited when I found out that one of my favorite childhood movies was going to be featured on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre. My mom surprised me with tickets right after winter break and I couldn’t wait to see how the story by Roald Dahl would come to life on stage.

Matilda the Musical was entertaining for both children and adults. I think my mom may have even liked it more than I did. The show begins with the song, “Miracle” where kids sing about how their parents treat them like princes and princesses. Poor Matilda, who is the only non-bratty kid of the bunch, has awful parents who are cruel and mean. They even refer to her as a boy rather than a girl! Matilda is extremely smart and loves to read anything that she can get her hands on, but her parents could care less and think reading is a waste of time. The show takes us on Matilda’s imaginative journey to find a better life with people who understand and care for her.

The scrabble board set is colorful and creative. The scenes revolve between Matilda’s home where her lazy and stupid brother never moves from his recliner, to Matilda’s school, where Ms. Trunchbull steals the scenes by punishing the kids with outrageous demands. In one scene, she forces an overweight boy who stole a piece of her cake to eat the rest of the enormous cake. In later scenes the set changes to Ms. Honey’s little home. Ms. Honey becomes Matilda’s protector and eventually her guardian. My favorite scene, which is also the famous scene in the commercials, is “Revolting Children.” In this scene we all root for the children who stand up to bullies in the catchiest of songs.

I recommend Matilda to anybody who loves the story of an underdog. The children’s performances are outstanding and characters such as Ms.Trunchbull provide comedy and laughter. The costumes,performances and music make this the perfect musical for theatergoers of all ages.

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Inspiring Interview with a Paralympic Medalist

By Stevie Paige Martin- Grade 7 Steve Serio is a 2-time Paralympic Medalist from Carle Place, Long Island. He has won a bronze medal in London and a silver medal in Beijing playing for the United States Paralympic team. On team USA, his jersey was number was #11. On his professional team with Germany, RSV Lahn-Dill, he is #16.

Steve first started playing wheelchair basketball when he was 12. He originally played with The Greater Long Island Wheelchair Athletic Club, on the kids’ team, The Lightning. When Steve was 15 a bunch of the players from the older team, called The Long Island Express, invited him to come play with them. Steve became so good at the sport, he ended up playing for both teams.

I know Steve through my dad, who was one of the people who asked him to join the adult team. Steve is a very close family friend of mine, and I was extremely lucky that he was able to get my family tickets to see him win bronze in the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London.

I recently asked Steve some questions via email, since he’s in Germany right now playing professionally. West Hollow students can definitely be inspired by him!

Q: A:

How long have you been playing basketball?

I have been playing for 10 years.

Art Work By: Matthew Rubenfeld Grade 7

Q: How long have you been playing professionally for Germany?

A: This is my third year playing professionally in Germany.

Q: What's it like to play with a different country?

A: Playing in a different country has its ups and downs. On one hand it's an amazing experience to meet new people, learn a new language and adapt to a new culture. However, it's sometimes hard to be away from friends and family for 10 months out of the year.

Q: What made you want to go to the Paralympics?

A: Playing in the Paralympics has been a dream of mine since I started playing. There is no greater feeling to represent your country while competing at the highest level our sport can offer.

Q: How committed are you to playing basketball?

A: Well, since I moved away from the people I love most I would say that I'm pretty committed at this point in my life.

One day when I am finished playing I hope to live closer to my family, but for now, this is where I should be to train.

Q: How does your Paralympic training differ from usual training?

A: There aren't many differences from my paralympic training vs. my training here. The goal is to train at a high level each day. So I guess if I train at a "paralympic" level every day it will help me with not only Team USA but also my team in Germany.

Q: What was it like to go to the Paralympics?

A: Going to the Paralympics is unlike any other feeling. To walk into opening ceremonies wearing our country’s letters makes an athlete feel so proud and honored to be an American. That single feeling is the reason I work hard every day here.

Q: How hard are the Paralympic competitions compared to your everyday games?

A: Playing in the Paralympics is the most difficult competition I have ever played in. Every player is highly skilled and in great shape. Teams play together and everyone fights hard to win a gold medal.

Q: How popular are disabled sports in Europe compared to in the United States?

A: The Paralympics and disabled sports are more popular here in Europe. Our sport is looked at as an actual sport here, rather than a rehabilitation activity in the States. I think the reason is because we have so many sports in the US, so there isn't a huge market for wheelchair basketball. In Europe, there is less competition so our sport can thrive.

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Interview with Jose Reyes By: Paige Elberg Grade 7

1) How old were you when you started playing baseball?

1) 7 2) Did you always know you would be famous?

2) No when I was 15.

3) How old were you when you joined the major league baseball team and what was the team?

3) 19 and Mets 4) Did you audition?

4) Yes. At 16.

5) How does it feel to be a role model?

5) It feels good to have people look up to you.

GOT ART?

By: Abby Clay-Grade

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FENCING

By Sanam Muhayya-Grade 7

What is Fencing?

Fencing is one of the original 9 sports played at the modern day Olympic Games. The sport originated in Athens, Greece, way back in 1896. It started as an aristocratic sport, but today, almost anyone can play it!

The sport incorporates many different techniques, such as strength, coordination, and especially timing. It is one of the not-so common sports played, but still played all around the globe.

Equipment Fencing may look scary to play because of the swords, but it’s not. Everyone must wear special gear and equipment in order to play. A chest protector and plastron are used to protect the chest and arms. You also have to wear a special jacket that provides extra protection. Along with that, one must wear a lamé, which is an electrical vest that’s used to define the scoring area. Fencing is also separated into 3 different weapons: foil, epee, and saber. Fencers are placed into a specific weapon group based on the way that they move and act.

How to Play Fencing is played and scored in different ways based on what weapon group you are in. For example, if you are a foil, your target areas are the shoulder and/or bottom of the lamé, but if you are a saber or epee, the target area is different. One can only play against someone in their own weapon group, because of the different rules. Games are usually played up to 5 points, but in a professional tournament, there are games up to 15 points.

My Experience in Fencing I have been fencing for about a year and a half for the H3 (Half Hollow Hills) Fencing Club. To be honest, at first, I thought that it was too tough because of all the rules and equipment, but later on I got the hang of it. I enjoy fencing in tournaments and competing with different fencers around the region. I have learned that fencing is not just about body conditioning, but using your mind just as much!

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SUNGLASSES

by Caroline Johnson Grade 8 I know you love me, the way you carry me around with you all the time. I change your perspective on things, and show a new world with different light. I change it to a soft rose color to lessen the harsh things in life. I love the way you place me on the bridge of your nose. It’s the same familiar curve every day. And sometimes when you move I fall off. I feel every single goose bump and hair. I know you. And sometimes, I live among the bristles of your hair.There I see higher and from where nothing really Vivamus pulvinar, purus ultricies ultrices ullamcorper, dolor goes. I love it. Every single bit of it. How I get to change my environment each day, diam euismod vel consectetuer eros mi sit amet lorem. from barren land to nisl, a black jungle entangled in your branches.

Even when I feel like you’ve forgotten me, you always find me. I am an eternal — Quisque Massa part of your life. We share a bond no one knows. When you look at me with your eyes, I see every dark speck, like an ink blot among a deep green ocean, filled with only love. You light up when you see me, and the corners of your lips always curve the slightest. I thought it would never end.

But now I see, you’re spending less time with me. I sit on a shelf among dust particles and forgotten rings embedded with red gems and emerald, and mangled bracelets. They look so spectacular. Filled with a fire but a dull one. Like coal burning ever so slightly; burning with a stubborn fire that refuses to go out. As if they are holding on to something like a memory that keeps them going. When you find me now, you look at me with a careless disgust. I feel like you’re about to pick me up, and place me on the bridge of your nose. Your hand is so close, I can see every callous and line. I feel an invisible force of heat energy... but your hand stops with an abrupt halt, and you slowly draw it back to your side. I see those green eyes squint in disgust, and your nose cringe violently again in my head. Just when you’re about to turn around , I catch a glint of a gray frame with a shimmer of glass, and the plasticy shininess of brand new sunglasses, dangling from the center of your shirt.

And I sit there, again, among your shelf filled with dust among the forgotten things. The things you once loved.

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“R ar�

Writers and Illustrators Staff: Sara Chu grade 7 Casey Chung grade 8 Sophia Clark grade 7 Abby Clay grade 6 Cayla DeSiver grade 7 Paige Elberg grade 7 Caroline Johnson grade 8 Shreya Krishnan grade 7 Jiachen Lee grade 7 Ava Maneri grade 7 Stevie Paige Martin grade 7 Rhea Mayall grade 8 Brooke Megale grade 8 Sanam Muhayya grade 7 Matthew Rubenfeld grade 7 Melissa Schwab grade 8 Janna Zilkha grade 7