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Issue No. 2
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WINTER 2014
Q U A R T E R L Y
Creative Arts And Writing Club Present: Issue No. 2 of
HIGHLIGHTS OF SECOND ISSUE:
The West Hollow Quarterly
NJHS
“R ar” Advisors: !
Mrs. Elisa Brosnan
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Mrs. Kim Sarrosick
Irving Roth Visits West Hollow Wolverminion Toy Drive Review of Zinburger Worlds AIDS Day Art Display At Starbucks Art Contest Winners....
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR IRVING ROTH VISITS WEST HOLLOW By Caroline Johnson-Grade 8 In December, eighth graders attended a moving assembly featuring Holocaust survivor Irving Roth, a Jewish man who had a perfectly normal life until his teenage years. He was born in Czechoslovakia in 1929, and lived with his older brother, parents and grandparents, until the German army marched in and changed everything. They passed laws forbidding Jews entry to parks, playgrounds, libraries, and even schools. When Jews were sent to concentration camps and killed, Mr. Roth lost his grandparents, his aunt, his cousin and even his own brother. As a teenager, he was held in concentration camps at Auchwitz and Buchenwald. Mr. Roth’s visit to West Hollow coincided with the movie premiere of the bestselling novel, The Book Thief. The novel, by Markus Zusak, tells the story of a young girl through the eyes of Death in Nazi Germany. The girl, Liesel, discovers her love for books and learns how to read them with a young Jewish man who hides in their basement. The novel teaches readers that with a book, the world can become so much better, even in the worst of times. Irving Roth, too, observed kindness among the midst of hatred. His parents survived because a woman acted against evil and hid his parents in her small apartment. Mr. Roth looked at us and told us one thing I will never forget: "When you see evil, fight it, and act kind." This statement, although so simple, carries a strong message and a moral that will never die. ISSUE NO. 2
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NJHS? What’s This? By Melissa Schwab-‐Grade 8
Have you heard of NJHS? Maybe you have older siblings who were a part of it, or you heard some eighth graders complaining about how they have to do so much work for this mystery organizaGon. If you’re not in this club, you may have lots of quesGons about how you can get in and why you’d want to. Here’s what you need to know: NaGonal Junior Honor Society (NJHS for short) is a school club that requires you to help your community while maintaining a 93 cumulaGve average. Members complete four hours of community service and hand in the hours at monthly meeGngs. NJHS is a fun way to do things with your friends and other kids in your grade while also helping your community. As the name implies, it’s an honor to be asked to join, because you’ve achieved success in school. If you are a seventh grader interested in NJHS, you must have a combined average of 93 for both first and second quarter. Once you have this average, you’ll receive an applicaGon packet with detailed informaGon. One of the major requirements for acceptance to NJHS is to be involved in two acGviGes, in school or outside of school, and to accumulate at least 10 hours of community service from the first day of school to the due date of the paperwork. “Oh no,” you may say, “this sounds like so much work!” If you started early, you might have all your hours done. But even if you procrasGnate, you have two or three months to get your paperwork in; definitely enough Gme to complete your community service – just DON’T wait unGl a week before the paperwork is due to complete your hours! CompleGng 10 hours of service is actually enjoyable; it’s a great way to help your community and get involved! You don’t have to do it all at once and there are many ways to get these necessary hours. The public library hosts monthly volunteer programs and there are service opportuniGes here at school or at your church or temple. As a general rule, pay a]enGon to the morning announcements to know when meeGngs are and check the NJHS eboard. If this doesn’t answer all your quesGons, you can email the two advisors, Mr. Iconis (piconis@hhh.k12.ny.us) or Mrs. Donovan (cdonovan@hhh.k12.ny.us).
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Studio at Starbucks By Rhea Mayall Grade 8 During the week of December 15th, Mrs. Brosnan’s Studio in Art students had the opportunity to showcase their artwork at the Starbucks coffee shop on Rte 110 in Melville. “It’s important for the community to see our work because residents need to realize how important the arts are,” said Mrs. Brosnan. As a part of the 2013-2014 studio in art class, I feel proud of what we have accomplished so far this year. Our teacher really pushes us, which is what gets us to greatness! Click here to see a video of Mrs. Brosnan’s Studio In Art Students with their work at Starbucks Rt. 110! https://docs.google.com/file/d/ 0B7eWAPZD9aLGY09HS1B5amJval U/edit?pli=1 ISSUE N0. 2
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West Hollow’s Wolverminion Toy Drive By: Jiachen Lee-Grade 7 Did you donate anything to West Hollow’s Wolverminion Toy Drive? If you did, you helped Santa give needy children toys and helped others experience a better holiday season. West Hollow’s annual toy drive started five years ago. This year, by December 13th, about 650 toys were donated with a little help from the Wolverminion. The Wolverminion was a minion from “Despicable Me” with some Wolverine features. He was the Mascot of the Toy Drive. About 350 of the toys were donated to the Sunshine Toy Drive. In addition to the Sunshine Toy Drive, West Hollow also donated toys to United Skates Of America, Junior ROTC, and Little Flower. West Hollow also had an advisory session on philanthropy. Philanthropy is the act of giving time or money to help others who may be less fortunate. Philanthropists expect nothing in return for their kindness and generosity. There are many ways to demonstrate philanthropy, and one way is to participate in toy drives to donate items to charity. Sadly, some Long Islanders live in poverty and are unable to pay for their necessities. That means that many families couldn’t afford toys for their children for the holidays. Giving to people has many benefits. One is the satisfaction you feel that you made a difference in someone’s life. In addition, you helped out someone in need. Next time you get an opportunity to give to others, be sure to try and donate something. It could be as simple canned food or even a few cents. Little things could add up; therefore, everything counts towards making a difference. ISSUE NO. 2
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West Hollow Students Danny Connell (grade 7) and Casey Chung (Studio in Art-Grade 8)
Win 35th Annual Kidsday Contest By Sara Chu and Chloe Abosch Grade 7
World AIDS Day By Brooke Megale Grade 8 December 1st was World AIDS Day. It’s a day for the world to unite against this disease and show support for the people who are HIV positive and for those who have passed away from this disease. About 35 million people are living with HIV/ AIDS. Unlike cancer and other diseases, people who are HIV positive usually keep it to themselves, making their daily struggle harder. Medicine has come a long way, but we still need to raise money to find a cure. Last May, my family and friends walked in the NYC AIDS Walk. The team raised over 6 thousand dollars. The total raised was $5,504,281. The only way to prevent yourself from becoming HIV positive is to know the facts. A great website to learn how to protect yourself and learn more about this growing disease is called HIV aware or www.HIVaware.org. You can also donate to the AIDS walk at www.AIDSwalk.net. Please help donate and maybe we can find a cure for HIV/ AIDS! 4
This year was the 35th year of the Kidsday art contest! The two winners from our school were Danny Connell and Casey Chung. All students up to age 16 could submit their art and compete against others in their age group. The categories for submission included: animals, cartoons, getting along, music, portraits, and sports. Artwork was judged by reporters and the best Kidsday artists. Winners in each age group won a Kidsday t-shirt and the chance to have their artwork appear in Kidsday.
Danny Connell
Casey Chung ISSUE NO. 2
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Artwork by Matt Rubenfeld Grade 7
Zinburger I have recently visited the new restaurant, Zinburger, in the Walt Whitman Mall. The atmosphere is nice and they play upbeat music. First, I would order one of the sides as an appetizer. I got the onion rings and they were delicious! Their choices of burgers are good and they have selections for everyone, whether you’re vegetarian or if you just like a plain burger. Even if you don’t like the choices of burger combinations they have, you can make your own burger! They have a lot of toppings to choose from to put on your burger from avocado to fried eggs to their famous chili. Their burger buns are lightly toasted and taste like they’re dunked in butter, but it actually tastes good. My favorite burger there is the kobe burger. It is a burger made with kobe beef topped with cheddar cheese, mushrooms, and mayo. To finish it off, you have to have a milkshake. They have all different kinds. My favorite is the cookies & cream shake, which is vanilla ice cream and Oreos blended together. This place is delicious and if you haven’t been here, you need to get here because I would absolutely go back there again without a doubt.
My Ariana Grande Experience By Paige Elberg-Grade 7 ROAR staff member Paige Elberg got a chance to meet pop singer Ariana Grande at her Holiday Party on Nov. 17th at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. “I waited on line for four hours and that’s where the story begins.... SO many people were rushing towards the stage trying to get a selfie from her. Ariana sang ‘Last Christmas,’ and answered questions from her fans (‘Araianators’). When asked what ‘bibble’ tastes like, she replied, ‘it’s just popcorn with chocolate and sprinkles.’”
By: Sophia Clark Grade 7
ISSUE NO. 2
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A Story by Janna Zilkha Grade 7 As Ms. Davis was handing back the graded tests to the students, Anya Morris got very nervous. She was hoping to get a good grade on this test because if not, her mom was going to take away her Ipad for a month! As the test landed on Anya’s desk face down, she snuck a peek at it. “Oh no,” she muttered to herself. When the bell rang, Anya sighed and walk out the door. Her best friend Sally saw that she was really sad, so she tried to comfort her. “What's wrong?” she asked. Anya told her about how she couldn’t get another bad grade on a test and she just got this one back today and it wasn’t so fantastic. “What am I going to do?” Anya asked Sally. “My mom is going to be really upset.” “Why don’t you go speak to the guidance counselor?” Sally said. “He won't be able to tutor you, but he can give you advice on better study skills.” “Fine,” replied Anya. “I’ll talk with him during lunch.” “So Anya,” said Mr. Bleu, the guidance counselor, “What seems to be the problem?” Anya told him her problem. “So here’s my question” she added, “I realize that I do not have good study habits. I was wondering if you had any tips for me?” “Well I need to know something first. What do you do to study right now?” he replied. “I just read over the notes that we have taken on the unit,” Anya said. “Then I see your problem. You need to study better than that. How about instead of reading over the notes, you look at some notes with questions and answers on them. Cover the answers, and see what you do and don’t know. Then look to see if there are any quizzes you took that are on this unit. You can do the same thing with those,” Mr. Bleu suggested. “That is really usefull! Thank you so much Mr. Bleu!” exclaimed Anya. “You are very welcome” he said. “ Now, when is your next test?” “Tomorrow!” she replied. “Then you better get studying. Come back to me when you get the test back,” he said, as Anya left. After class the next day, Anya met up with Sally. “ So, how did the test go?” she asked. “I think really well!” Anya responded excitedly. “Ms. Davis said she’ll post the grades on the parent portal later today. I’m going to look when I get home!” “That is great! Text me when you get the grade!” Sally said. “I have to go. Bye!” When Anya got home, she went directly onto the parent portal. As she clicked Ms. Davis’s class, she began to get very nervous. When she clicked on her test, the grade popped up. She squealed in delight! Sally got a text from Anya. It read, “I GOT THE TEST SCORE BACK! I GOT A 98!!!! THANKS TO YOU AND MR. BLEU, I CAN TURN MY GRADES AROUND!” 6
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Advice Column by Haylie Serlin-‐Grade 7
CAMP: Start Your Research Now By Cayla De Siver-Grade 7
Even though it might seem early to think about your summer plans, this is the time to sign up to make the best camp memories happen. The camp experience is amazing. Whether it’s day camp or sleepaway, a few
Dear ROAR Advice, I'm in a big fight with my friend. I know he was wrong to have been mean to me, but I hate fighIng with him. What should I do? Sincerely,
weeks or the entire summer, the possibilities for your
Hurt & Confused
best summer yet should be researched NOW!
The Columnist’s Response:
•
Sleepaway - All the following are co-ed, have a choice of 7 weeks, are in New York, and include sports and arts activities: ◦
Camps Baco & Che-Na-Wah
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Camp Echo
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Iroquois Springs - Rock Hill, New York Summer Camp
◦ •
Camp Schodack
You should try and tell your friend what he did, and point out how it hurt your feelings. Use “I” statements (“I felt __________ when you _____________”). Hopefully he will apologize and your friendship can benefit from the honest communicaGon. It doesn’t hurt to apologize yourself just in case you were in the wrong as well! Good luck!
Day Camp - All the following offer co-ed day camps on Long Island: ◦
Crestwood Day Camp
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Driftwood Day Camp
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Future Stars Summer Camp
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Kenwal Day Camp - Teens
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Park Shore Day Camp
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Usdan Arts Center
Summer Camp Specialist is a great, free camp referral service. They will help you find what you are looking for. ISSUE NO. 2
Art work by: Shreya Krishnan grade 7 7
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WOLVIE CARTOON BY CASEY CHUNG Grade 8
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Reading Suggestions By Paige Elberg-‐Grade 7
Members of the ROAR staff were polled on their current favorite books. Whether you’re looking for a book to curl up with this winter, bring to the beach over February break, or need an independent read for class, here’s what we recommend: The Book Thief, (Markus Zusak): “Death himself narrates this World War II-‐era story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken to live in Molching, Germany, with a foster family in a working-‐class neighborhood of tough kids, acid-‐tongued mothers, and loving fathers who earn their living by the work of their hands. The child arrives having just stolen her Rirst bookâ €“although she has not yet learned how to read–and her foster father uses it... to lull her to sleep when shes roused by regular nightmares about her younger brother’s death. Across the ensuing years of the late 1930s and into the 1940s, Liesel collects more stolen books as well as a peculiar set of friends: the boy Rudy, the Jewish refugee Max, the mayor’s reclusive wife, and especially her foster parents. Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward” (source: School Library Journal). ***See Caroline Johnson’s article about Holocaust Survivor Irving Roth’s visit to West Hollow for more on this book, now a major motion picture**
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Divergent series (Veronica Roth): “In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into Rive factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue-‐-‐Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selRless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-‐year-‐olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is-‐-‐she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.” (source: Amazon.com).
The Giver (Lois Lowry): “In a world with no poverty, no crime, no sickness and no unemployment, and where every family is happy, 12-‐year-‐old Jonas is chosen to be the community's Receiver of Memories. Under the tutelage of the Elders and an old man known as the Giver, he discovers the disturbing truth about his utopian world and struggles against the weight of its hypocrisy. With echoes of Brave New World, in this 1994 Newbery Medal winner, Lowry examines the idea that people might freely choose to give up their humanity in order to create a more stable society.” (source: Amazon.com).
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The Grimm Sisters series (Michael Buckley): “In book one of this bestselling series, sisters Sabrina and Daphne are sent to live with their mysterious grandmother, Relda Grimm. The sisters learn they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm, whose famous book of fairy tales is actually a collection of case Riles. The girls are the latest in a long line of fairy-‐tale detectives, and their new hometown is Rilled with Everafters (as magical folks like to be called)—some good and some very, very bad. When a mysterious Everafter sets a giant loose on the town, it’s up to the Sisters Grimm to save the day...” (source: bn.com).
Wonder (R.J. Palacio): “August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?” (source: goodreads.com).
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Uilled with lollipops and sweet Sweet Eats NYC Restaurant review-‐ The Sugar liquid. My only disappointing Factory and Max Brenner’s surprise was the size of the NYC Sugar Factory American Brasserie 46 Gansevoort St. Sugar Factory. Thankfully, we New York, NY 10014 made reservations months in advance because the Ava Maneri-‐Grade 7 restaurant is quite small. Considering that we were a Red velvet pancakes for group of 16 girls and 16 moms, breakfast? Nutella crepes for the service was very good. Our lunch? King Kong sundae for waiter, Austin, was quick, dinner? The Sugar Factory has helpful and friendly. I would got it all! The Sugar Factory is recommend this restaurant for located in the Meatpacking its tasty drinks and delicious district of NYC at 46 desserts, but the food is just Gansevoort St. There is also a mediocre. While I’m glad I location in Las Vegas. It is experienced it, I am in no rush known for its candy themed to return. food. The most popular treat at On the other hand, if I the Sugar Factory is its could eat at Max Brenner’s “Goblet.” This is a fruit drink of everyday, I would. Max melon, coconut and pineapple Brenner’s is a chocolate juices topped off with three themed restaurant with twisted lollipops. locations in Boston, Las Vegas, The Sugar Factory is also Philadelphia, New York City, known for pancakes, wafUles Australia, the Philippines, and inventive desserts. The Singapore, Israel and Japan. pancakes and wafUles are We ate at their Union Square covered in chocolate syrup, location located at 841 candy toppings and whipped Broadway, New York. Many cream. The desserts are tourists come to this outrageous, too. My Uirst restaurant for the s’mores experience at the Sugar pizza, decadent hot chocolate, Factory was over winter break chocolate syringe, O.M.G and it didn’t disappoint. I met chocolate chip cookies, sixteen of my camps friends chocolate fondue, and the for a reunion lunch and I had a chocolate syringe, a huge blast at the Sugar Factory! We plastic medicine syringe Uilled ordered a variety of different with liquid chocolate. Max sugary drinks. Some shared Brenner’s also has a full Reese’s peanut butter blends breakfast, lunch and dinner and others sipped huge goblets menu. Many of the dishes come with hidden chocolate ISSUE NO. 2
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surprises, like white chocolate dipping sauce. Max Brenner’s is a great place to have a party or hang out with friends since the restaurant is quite spacious. Max Brenner’s is designed for those chocolate lovers out there! Max Brenner’s was built by Max, a man known for his bald head. In 1996, the business began as a small shop in Israel selling homemade chocolate. Eventually, the restaurant expanded and now there are locations all over the world. My winter break vacation was Uilled with sweet NYC experiences and great times spent with friends. Max Brenner’s and Sugar Factory are unique restaurant experiences perfect for celebrating special occasions. With an upcoming February break and Valentine’s Day just around the corner, why not take your sweetheart to one of those sweet spots?!
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Writers and Illustrators Staff: Chloe Abosch grade 7 Sarah Abrams grade 6 Sara Chu grade 7 Casey Chung grade 8 Sophia Clark grade 7 Cayla DeSiver grade 7 Paige Elberg grade 7 Caroline Johnson grade 8 Shreya Krishnan grade 7 Jiachen Lee grade 7 Ava Maneri grade 7 Rhea Mayall grade 8 Brooke Megale grade 8 Matthew Rubenfeld grade 7 Melissa Schwab grade 8 Haylie Serlin grade 7 Janna Zilkha grade 7