Jacob Schlessel Portfolio 2016 by Jessica Samons

Jacob Schlessel

Portfolio Project 2015-2016

Jacob Schlessel

Copy Editor

October 18, 2015

Jacob Schlessel

Portfolio - Resume

OBJECTIVE To make a high quality school newspaper in a timely fashion with little to no errors. EDUCATION - Completed 6 years at Coral Reef Elementary School - Currently attending Bak Middle of the Arts for Communications EXPERIENCE - Aug. 2014-2015 Intro to Journalism REFERENCES - Jessica Samons, Portfolio Newspaper adviser HONORS, AWARDS AND MEMBERSHIPS - Honor roll 2014-2015 - Member of the Portfolio Newspaper 2015-2016 - Co-founder of the debate club at Coral Reef Elementary School 2013-2014

Kenny McCraney Director of Miami Heat team services

Portfolio - Cover Letter

6115 Branchwood Dr West Palm Beach, FL 33467 561-777-5979

Dear Mr. McCraney, I am writing on my interest of working for this great club. It is an honor to even have my letter read. If hired, I believe I would be a valuable asset serving as the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawyer in negotiating contracts, and any other various jobs requiring my service. I believe my skills would prove to be helpful in the off-season when contract signing is critical and the team is under pressure. I could also help set up endorsements and sponsorships for not only the team collectively, but the players as individuals. I am aware you hold yourself to a high standard, and I personally hold myself to a high standard too. I believe I can exceed expectations and contribute to the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-being and success as well as take care of issues requiring my skill sets. Serving on the newspaper as copy-editor, I have always made sure my job was successfully completed and that no errors were present when the final publi-cation of the newspaper was printed. I have also learned how to effectively com-municate with others, as well as how to write influentially and fluently. I feel that if I was selected I would prove a highly valuable asset to the team and players. I feel I could take off the stress of contract signings, endorsement deals, and public appearances. Sincerely yours, Jacob Schlessel

Jacob Schlessel

Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor

Copy Editor

In the first issue, I did not have a layout to edit. I shadowed Carlos as he worked on the Features section of the newspaper. This helped me very much and I learned a lot about InDesign and pretty much learned the ropes of how the newspaper functioned and how to manage my time effectively to have my articles done in time. During the first issue, I undertook two articles, one being a quiz, and the other being a Boy’s baseball article in which I had photos assigned to me. This was my first experience with photo-taking, and I believe my photos were pretty good, considering it was my first time. The second issue was much more difficult for me. Both of my articles were late, and I struggled to make a page. The two articles I wrote were an article on the SGA election, and a poll on favorite Star Wars movie. It was difficult for me, but I also feel it was necessary in order to improve my journalistic skills. I now understood the responsibility of being able to manage a page while still writing articles in a timely fashion. It came as a reality check for me. The third issue went much smoother for me. I was able to have all my articles on time, and my page was completed on time as well. While my page was still sub-par, it was a big improvement from the

last issue. As the year progressed, my work went uphill. The fourth issue consisted of me undertaking an article with a photo about girls’ basketball. I also wrote a technology article about the WaveWrecker, a surfing body suit. In the fifth issue, I did not have as many jobs. I only had to type up Letters to the Editors and I had an article on healthy choices in the cafeteria. This article required me to schedule a meeting with Mr. Gold, our cafeteria manager, which was a little difficult. I also had to interview a few students about the article.

Portfolio - Essay

When first receiving news of being accepted into Bak Middle School of the Arts, I knew that I wanted to write in one way or another, whether it be creative writing or news writing. When I received the form to select my courses for the 2014/2015 school year, the Intro to Journalism course stood out to me and made it as one of my top selected classes for my sixth grade year. After taking that class, I knew I wanted to write for the school newspaper. Writing for the newspaper proved to be very beneficial for my journalistic skills. I enhanced my photography skills, which improved a lot since last year. I also became fluent in InDesign, which will be very helpful in future life. During the first issue, my articles were both late, and poor quality. During the sixth issue, I had finished one of my articles early and my other article was on time. My weekly grade for the first issue wavered between a “C” and a “B”. Towards the second half of the year, I received many high “B”s and low “A”s.

In the sixth and final issue, story ideas were running low, and it was difficult to think of things to make the last issue extra special. Eventually, we decided on a spread that showed the sixth graders giving tips to the future students, the seventh graders being interviewed about how seventh grade was (which I wrote) and an article about the eighth graders moving on to high school. I had to take photos of and interview about six seventh graders. I also had to write a technology article about the FlyBoard Air, a new advancement in transportation. In my opinion this was a valuable class to take because it enhanced my journalistic abilities and skills. What I have learned is that time is one of the most important parts of producing a publication. In issue two, I had bad time-management. As the year progressed, my time-managing skills increased as well.

Jacob Schlessel

Copy Editor Page 6 Sports & Clubs

The Portfolio October 2015

Copy Editor

Features

Page 7

The Portfolio - December 2015

Page 11

Trump continues to lead in polls School elects new SGA committee

By: Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor ith the grass freshly cut, the baselines repainted, and the clay freshly laid, the boys were anxious to get the season started. “Everybody has their own skill, we’re all talented in a different area, one person might be more talented in another area so we have a mix,” Daniel Park eighth grade pitcher said. The boys’ ﬁrst game resulted in a blowout with a score of 11-2 over JFK, but then fell short against Duncan, losing 0-2, and then losing 2-8 against Jupiter. “We always got next game is what I tell them,” Gary Williams, coach of the baseball team said. Despite the loss, Williams felt the team was ready for the season ahead, and was conﬁdent they would achieve success. “We are on par for more success than last year,” Williams said. The boys were shaking off the loss and were well-prepared for next game. “It’s a hard sport. There’s a lot of failure in the game. In order to be good at this sport, you have to accept failure,” Park said. The team, however, felt there was more to the sport then just winning. “It’s outside the world of academics. Kids are coming because they like the

sport, and you get to experience that with them,” Williams said. The baseball team had their work cut out for them and knew what they needed to polish up. “I feel we have good hitters and outfielders, but we should work on pitching, in order to get the inning over faster,” Nolan Anschuetz, seventh second baseman major said. Although some of the players had superstitions, such as Anschuetz, who would not touch the baseline in order to not mess it up, Williams did not believe in luck. “As a science teacher, I don’t buy into luck,” Williams said. One of the things the team had going for them was their chemistry. “We’re all really good friends and we all help each other out,” Nicolas Buitrago, seventh grade first baseman said. The team will play a minimum of 10 games in the regular season, half of those being played at Bak. The five opponents the team faces this season are JFK, Duncan, Howell Watkins, and Independence. The team had built around the idea that communication is key and they needed to talk to each other during games to keep each other up to speed. “A team can’t function without communication, especially in baseball.

Photo by Jacob Schlessel

Daniel Park pitches against JFK in the ﬁrst game of the season. Park has been playing baseball since the third grade.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, and Jeb Bush spar early in the GOP debate at the inch of inbaseline painted,Calif., and last Working together, that’s the keyReagan to lastLibrary Simi Valley, on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. (Robert Gauthier/ Los Angeles Times/ ounce of clay laid, the team was ready baseball,” Park said. TNS) As the last blade of grass was cut, for the challenges ahead.

By Luke Stone

Douglas Battle, eighth grade social everyone thought he would receive the nomination and now he is struggling,” ith still over one year until Back in June 2015, before Donald Battle said. “When I [got] to finals, I was so By Ervin Williams the 2016 presidential Trump launched his campaign, former In fact, one candidate ahead of him excited because this was my first time Technology Editor election,andbusiness Florida governor John Ellis “Jeb” Bush was his protégé Senator Marco Rubio, I loved themogul piece I was uring the summer, the Bak at Nationals speech and debate team doing,” Milani Gosman, eighth grade Donald Trump and neurosurgeon Dr. was leading the polls with 23 percent Florida’s former Speaker of the House attended the Nationals in communications major said. Ben CarsonLindsey were inSuncine, the lead ninth of thegrade of the vote, according to NBC News. of Representatives while Bush was in Dallas, Texas. International Bachelorette at Speech and Debate Nationals allowed Republican presidential primary. student Now, in their latest poll from Oct. 15, office as governor. Currently, Rubio is students to compete against students Suncoast, had a different perspective. “I would“I not I amthat impressed Bush was polling at eight percent. polling at 13 percent, third best among around the nation. wassay happy my duowith went 2015, to “Nationals was a place where Trump’ you quarterfi nals but I wanted s numbers as much as I itamto go “[Based on the resources he has], Republican candidates. could see how others did their pieces farther,” Suncine said. “This year I fact thatthanhisInumbers Jeb Bush should be winning this “Rubio is going to benefit a lot as the and change your way of speakingsurprised to felt by lessthe prepared did last year, but I am gladfor I got awesome become better,” Richard Leonard, have stayed thisstillhigh thisthislong,” primary. Before Trump entered, field starts to thin because he is a good,

Co-Editor-In-Chief in Dallas studies teacher said. Speech and Debate team goes to Nationals

I feel this is my best work of all of the issues. The article in my opinion was well-written, and I am very proud of the photo I took. The photo shows Daniel Park, the starting pitcher for the team winding up. The photo was pretty difficult to capture, as it took some effort in order to be let into the dugout where I had the best angle. The article was fairly easy to write, but it required me to schedule a lot of interviews in Famous Trump Democratic candidates go head order to obtain quotes. I learned about photo composition to head in upcoming elections and how to fit everyone’s busy schedule into mine. Quotes

Photo by Ervin Williams

The speech and debate club at the Sheraton in Dallas Texas, after the award ceremony on June 16-20, 2015. “Speech and debate is another way for me to speak about things that I feel strongly about,” Richard Leonard, former eighth grade communications major said.

ninth grade, communications major at experience.” Dreyfoos said. For students to advance in competition Though speech and debate was mostly there were five preliminary rounds then for competition, it had a different quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. One student, Gosman received sixth meaning for some. “Speech and debate has allowed me place in Humorous Interpretation Gosman said, “The best part of the to express myself through the pieces I select and the types of voices I use,” trip was not getting recognized for the awards Lakum or competing, but spending Grace Wodar, former sixth gradeBy Anushka communications major said. time with your friends and getting Lily to Gumbinner Editor who share your same know others Nationals created an array ofEntertainment Photo Editor for speech and debate. emotions. Herepassion are the top five funniest

remarks that Trump has made while

Speech and Debate Nationals Participants - Summer 2015 promoting his campaign. Student Congress:

Oral Interpretation:

Public Forum:

Duo Interpretation:

Lindsey Spruce Michael Bole Lindsay Suncine

Ervin Williams Mara Vaknin Kevin Ahern Camilla Olivari

Finnley Senese Adeeb Rashid Richard Leonard Michael Rafoul Amanda Vanner Madaleine Rubin

Ervin Williams Lindsay Suncine Kevin Ahern Kyle Ahern Humorous Interpretation: Milani Gosman

Original Oratory: Zachary Jacobson Kristina Robinette

Impromptu/Declamation: 1. “Sorry losers and haters, but Ervin Williams

my I.Q. is one of the highest— and you all know it! Please don’t feel so stupid or insecure. It’s not your fault.” 2. (www.telegraph.co.uk) 3. “Well, yes, I’ve fired a lot of people. Generally I like other people to fire, because it’s always a lousy task.” (www.brainyquote.com) 4. “You know the funny thing is, I don’t get along with rich

“Every day Americans need a champion. And I want to be that s current President Barack champion,” Clinton said according to Obama’s term comes to an the New York Times. “So I’m hitting end, democratic candidates the road to earn your vote — because Hillary Clinton, Lawrence Lessig, it’s your time. And I hope you’ll join Martin O’Malley, and Bernie Sanders me on this journey.” are looking to take his place in 2016. Current Vermont senator, Sanders, “I think that the elections are more announced his running for president exciting and close than last time, but on April 30, 2015. Sanders was named there are candidates that are worse a “Top 20 US Progressive,” according this year. You really have both sides of to “The New Statesman,” a magazine the spectrum,” based in the United Alex Robinson, Kingdom. eighth grade They could lead us to “In terms of Hillary, vocal major said. I respect her. I’ve

“

solid Republican candidate. I think his senate voting record is going to hurt him a bit because he has missed key votes, but because he has new, fresh ideas and governmental experience will help him in the polls,” Battle said. So far, Trump and Bush have engaged in several arguments, most of them revolving around Bush’s brother, former President George W. Bush. The most recent of Trump’s attacks on Bush were about the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Trump said in an interview with Bloomberg TV, “When you talk about George Bush, I mean, say what you want, the World Trade Center came down during his time.” W Bush perceived the quote as a suggestion that his brother was responsible for the attacks. Jeb Bush took to Twitter to criticize Trump’s remarks, saying, “How pathetic of Donald Trump to criticize the president for 9/11. We were attacked and my brother kept us safe.” Battle said that while Trump may be leading in the polls, he may not win enough primaries to secure his party’s presidential nomination at their national convention next July.

Portfolio -Reflection #2

Portfolio - Reflection #1

Boys baseball season kicks off with win 11-2

By Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor

ith the new school year starting, a new Student Government Association (SGA) committee has been elected. Voting took place Oct. 27. Kevin Ray, newly elected SGA president said, “I want to be able to just get the kids ideas and what they want.” With 19 total students competing for seats on the committee, only 14 won seats. The four presidential candidates were Luke Stone, Jaylen Sanders, Kevin Ray, and Camila Fred. Ray ended up winning the presidential seat. “I was really excited, and just happy my hard work paid off,” Ray said. Part of Ray’s goals are to “bring back snack shack” which he stated in his speech. He also wants what the kids want, and has the idea to make a suggestion box where students can provide their input. “I want to make it a better school year, because the school year should be fun. People shouldn’t be dreading going to school,” Ray said. Popularity and bias play a big role

Photo courtesy of Shannon Owens

Eighth grade band major Kevin Ray records his SGA campaign speech. “I know most people think these elections are popularity contests,” Ray said. “ And while I may not be the most popular candidate I am the most experienced.”

in determining who will be the next president, which some may see as unfair. Some see elections as popularity contests, while others believe there was much more to it then how well known the candidates were. “Popularity can definitely have an effect on the election because you’re obviously going to vote for who you’re friends with, but it depends on your character and the type of person you are,” Eddie Diaz, seventh grade visual major said.

Becoming president was a big responsibility when it came to appealing to student’s suggestions and hopes, but all seats on the committee played a big role in decisions effecting the school. “Everyone is elected for a reason, and without one position, SGA as a whole could not function successfully,” Nikita Tanguturi, SGA secretary said. Students were hopeful the committee would make good changes to the school, and make

school generally more enjoyable. Diaz said, “Basically I look for a strong person to represent us and that can handle the hard decisions, someone that can give us what we want,” With the new SGA committee elected, and students’ voices heard, now only time will tell if changes take place.

get representatives actively involved in serving the community. “My goal is for SGA to get our representatives involved in community service,” Fiore said, “One of the things I had in mind was a holiday book drive.” Campbell’s goal for SGA revolved

and the recorded speeches. These are the elected Student Government officials for the 2016 school year.

History, tradition SGA elected This was my least favorite piece ofdrives work. I learned that I had to manage time better in order to finish today’smystudent government officials By Jordan Taylor By Luke Stone further improve everything. If I could this article, I would important SGA is to students. Website Editor Co-Editor-In-Chief “I think thatorder SGA is important reinterview and get better quotes to improve s the votes were counted, two because itin gives students a sort of buy- With the recent Student Government elections starting on Oct. 26, dozen students sat anxiously in into the school. I also thinkpertaining that it the flow of this article. The feelings I have to in their classes over several should give students school pride and candidates campaigned as much as they could to tell the student days to see if allthat of their hard work that is parton this article are regret I rushed this articlebodywhen if I of why I got involved,” to vote for them. They used campaigning had paid off and if they Campbell said. strategies like putting up posters, took my time itwould could have beenFiorea saidlot better. be a Bak Student Government her goal for SGA was to expressed their ideas to get votes

Association [SGA] representative. In the United States, student government began after college students across the country started to feel that they should have a say in the parts of college life that had an effect on them the most, according to faqs. org.

Secretary: Nikita Tanguturi Treasurer: Ben Gao

Jacob Schlessel

Copy Editor

This, in my opinion, was my best photo of the year. It has very good composition and a center of visual interest. It captures action which in my opinion makes it a very attractive photo, as it shows the seconds before a pitch is thrown. The file name is baseball.jpg

Portfolio - Reflection #3

Jacob Schlessel

This next photo I took was for a pro-con article. But it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the content of the photo that made me like it so much, it was the way the photo was placed on the layout. It made it look like they were looking at their respesctive articles, facing away from each other made it look like an argument (which it sort of was) on the page. The photo is saved under pro-con_cob.jpg

Jacob Schlessel

This photo shows a dancer performing an African piece. It was taken the week before Winter Break, when a lot of performances took place. The composition is good, as the dancer takes up the whole frame. Like my first photo, it captures action, which I really like. It contains a little repetition, as there are two other dancers in the background that fill the remainder of the frame. The photo is saved under African_dancer01.jpg

Copy Editor

Portfolio - Reflection #4

Portfolio - Reflection #3

Copy Editor

This school year, I served as Copy Editor on the 2016 Portfolio Newspaper staff. This job required me to be proficient in almost every cateogry of journalism, because there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always copy to edit. I wrote articles, managed a page, edited copy and pages, took photos, and interviewed. I was an asset, in my opinion, to the staff because of my skills in order to do so. In order to complete these tasks, it required that I not only did work after school at home, but it also required that I stayed on campus after school in order to fulfill photo-taking oppurtunities. While starting off slow, I was able to recover my year and utilize my skills in order to help complete all of the issues and tasks required of me. An achievement I am really proud of obtaining is placing Excellent in the JEA awards for sports writing. This required me to stay after school in order to interview. Had I not, I would not have won this award. Another specific example would be when I stayed after for a boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baseball article. In order to write this article, I stayed after because the package required a photo to go along with the artic;e.

Jacob Schlessel

Copy Editor

A. Some problems I faced this issue was time management. This was one of the leading things that caused me to falter in my work effort and quality. I was sometimes not able to manage my time effectively which would eliminate necessary time in order to complete all of my tasks. This would then require me to cram the rest of my articles, making them rushed and not complete to the level of effort that the y could have been had I not procrastinate. B. What I learned from these are that in order to complete all of my assignments, I would have to do them as soon as possible, allowing me the time needed to write quality articles with lots of effort and time put into them. In order to not have these problems arise again, I would need to begin working on my assignments as soon as they were assigned. C. In the beginning of the year, I feel I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t handle it well. But towrads the last half of the year, I feel I completely turned my work ethic around and I was able to attribute to the staff.

Area #1: Succefully meeting all deadlines/ adding to the efficiency of the team

Portfolio - Reflection #6

Portfolio - Reflection #5

Jacob Schlessel

The first area I am addressing is Succesfully meeting all deadlines/adding to the efficiency of the team. In the first two issues, I did not contribute much to the staff. For the rest of the issues, I was able to contribute my skills to the team and meet deadlines. Area #2: Writing correct, engaging captions. The second area I am addressing is writing captions. I at first had no expierience writing captions. I later fixed this area by writing captions, and relearning the correct format of intriguing quotes. Area #3: Taking story-telling photos/considering photo composition The third area I will address is photo-taking. At first, my photo skills were sub-par, but as the year progressed, I was able to find success in my photo taking. This was at first a difficulty for me, but soon became a valuable skill and asset in later issues.

Jacob Schlessel

Features

The Portfolio - October 2015

Carlos Trivino

us aspects of hem enjoy coming

entertain her students ke sure everyone is

“I show students un by acting a elling stories nce relates

Copy Editor

What kind of learner are you?

Take the

QUIZ

By Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor 1) In class do you mostly: A) Doodle B) Talk C) Tap your foot or pencil 2) How do you study best A) Read B) Be quizzed vocally C) Write out the study material 3) In class are you the one who: A) Observes rather than acts B) Likes to answer questions a lot C) If called to answer a question, will use their hands to speak 4) When you memorize things do you: A) Memorize by seeing pictures and visible things B) Memorize by steps in a sequence C) Memorize by touching and feeling 5) Are you the type of reader who: A) Likes books with lots of words B) Only enjoys reading when a

book is being read to them C) Likes books with puzzles 6) When you are trying to figure out how to spell a word do you A) Spell it out and see if it sounds correct B) Write what you think it is to see if it looks correct C) Write in the air with your finger 7) When trying to decide what you want for dinner at a restaurant A) Read the names of the food and decide if they sound appealing from the description B) Ask people around you what they’re getting C) Point to the different foods and decide whether or not you want them If you answered mostly A’s then you are primarily a Visual Learner If you answered mostly B’s then you are primarily an Auditory Learner if you answered mostly C’s then you are primarily a Kinesthetic Learner

Sports & Clubs By: Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor ith the grass freshly cut, the baselines repainted, and the clay freshly laid, the boys were anxious to get the season started. “Everybody has their own skill, we’re all talented in a different area, one person might be more talented in another area so we have a mix,” Daniel Park eighth grade pitcher said. The boys’ ﬁrst game resulted in a blowout with a score of 11-2 over JFK, but then fell short against Duncan, losing 0-2, and then losing 2-8 against Jupiter. “We always got next game is what I tell them,” Gary Williams, coach of the baseball team said. Despite the loss, Williams felt the team was ready for the season ahead, and was conﬁdent they would achieve success. “We are on par for more success than last year,” Williams said. The boys were shaking off the loss and were well-prepared for next game. “It’s a hard sport. There’s a lot of failure in the game. In order to be good at this sport, you have to accept failure,” Park said. The team, however, felt there was more to the sport then just winning. “It’s outside the world of academics. Kids are coming because they like the

Page 11

Photo by Jacob Schlessel

Daniel Park pitches against JFK in the ﬁrst game of the season. Park has been playing baseball since the third grade.

Working together, that’s the key to baseball,” Park said. As the last blade of grass was cut,

last inch of baseline painted, and last ounce of clay laid, the team was ready for the challenges ahead.

Speech and Debate team goes to Nationals in Dallas By Ervin Williams Technology Editor uring the summer, the Bak speech and debate team attended the Nationals in Dallas, Texas. Speech and Debate Nationals allowed students to compete against students around the nation. “Nationals was a place where you could see how others did their pieces and change your way of speaking to become better,” Richard Leonard, ninth grade, communications major at Dreyfoos said. Though speech and debate was mostly for competition, it had a different meaning for some. “Speech and debate has allowed me to express myself through the pieces I select and the types of voices I use,” Grace Wodar, former sixth grade communications major said. Nationals created an array of emotions.

“When I [got] to finals, I was so excited because this was my first time at Nationals and I loved the piece I was doing,” Milani Gosman, eighth grade communications major said. Lindsey Suncine, ninth grade International Bachelorette student at Suncoast, had a different perspective. “I was happy that my duo went to quarterfinals but I wanted it to go farther,” Suncine said. “This year I felt less prepared than I did last year, but I am still glad I got this awesome experience.” For students to advance in competition there were five preliminary rounds then quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. One student, Gosman received sixth place in Humorous Interpretation Gosman said, “The best part of the trip was not getting recognized for the awards or competing, but spending time with your friends and getting to know others who share your same passion for speech and debate.

I wrote the article and took the photo for boy’s baseball

Photo by Ervin Williams

Speech and Debate Nationals Participants - Summer 2015 Student Congress:

Oral Interpretation:

Public Forum:

Duo Interpretation:

Impromptu/Declamation:

Lindsey Spruce Michael Bole Lindsay Suncine

Ervin Williams Mara Vaknin Kevin Ahern Camilla Olivari

Finnley Senese Adeeb Rashid Richard Leonard Michael Rafoul Amanda Vanner Madaleine Rubin

Ervin Williams Lindsay Suncine Kevin Ahern Kyle Ahern Humorous Interpretation: Milani Gosman

Ervin Williams

Study tips and tricks

I wrote an inter-active quiz determining what kind of learner students were

The Portfolio October 2015

Boys baseball season kicks off with win 11-2

Portfolio - Clips - Issue1

ents

Page 9

Original Oratory:

Zachary Jacobson Kristina Robinette

Jacob Schlessel

Jacob Schlessel By Jordan Taylor

Copy Editor Opinion

Website Editor

Page 3

The Portfolio December 2015

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 2

By Valentina Gomez Arts and Academics Editor

ash decisions on politics, chaos in the economy, a fallout in education, and a drastic change in the environment are just a few potential possibilities if students do not care about the upcoming presidential elections. In order for our country’s safety to be secured, teenaged students in middle school through high school should pay attention and keep up with the elections in America. Once we grow up, some of us will go on to become part of one of the branches in government. Middle school will be able to vote by age 18 in the 2020 elections. According to Carl Azuz from CNN, just because topics like the economy are difficult to understand, does not mean we should not pay attention. In fact, we must understand the past errors so we will not repeat them again in the future. Dear Editors, I want to commend you on the first issue of “The Portfolio”. The student-related articles and schoolbased subjects make the paper easy to read and relevant. The technology section is my personal favorite because it keeps me informed of new discoveries. The fact that the paper is created

Ask Astra

Dear Astra, I’m moving during the school year. I was wondering what I should do for the remainder of time while I’m still at the school before I leave for Colorado. Do you have any tips for moving or what I should do before I leave? Sincerely, Travel Tips Dear Travel Tips, I would suggest making friends that you can keep in touch with along the way. Make sure to focus on succeeding both athletically and artistically. Most importantly, be sure to enjoy the rest of your time at Bak. Sincerely, Astra

According to lhslance.org, the average teenage student could not name four out of the field of 22 candidates. Teenagers believe that their opinion makes no difference, so why care at all. On the contrary, just because students cannot vote does not mean they should not care. “Every decision that is made by politicians, whether it be on the national level or the local level are going to affect you, and what the future of this country is like,” Myrna Whitworth, the Chairwoman of the Fredrick County Democrats, from an interview by The Lance, said. Those who educate themselves and will better understand how the elections work. Joey Lynn, Hough Chairwoman of the Frederick County Republican Central Committee, in an interview said, “Do your own research. Don’t listen to what others have to say. Don’t follow the crowd. Be a leader.”

Letters to the Editor

able to tell it apart from other papers and know it was written by kids. Of and put together by my peers motivates Dear Editors, course, everyone makes mistakes, me to want to read it even more. One Overall, I thought the newspaper was but all you have to do is fix them. I day, I actually hope to possibly be excellent. The articles were well-written think that in the end, compared to involved with this project and be a part and were interesting. I found it very how amazing the paper looked, the of “The Portfolio staff. fun to read. I was shocked by how well mistakes were not as big of a deal as the staff did on this issue. The photos everyone made them seem. Sincerely, looked great and the layout design was fun, creative, and professional. If I saw Sincerely, Alexander Jones this paper on the streets, I would not be Brianna Angiolillo

Dear Astra, This is my first year at Bak and I want to join clubs and programs here, but I don’t understand how you can get the flyers! What’s your tip to getting all the flyers and joining on time? Is it too late? Sincerely, Confused Club Dear Confused Club, The best way to stay organized is to pay attention to the announcements. You can always check Edline or ask the teacher sponsor for more information. You should also write due dates in your planner if you need to remember. Sincerely, Astra Dear Astra, I feel as though some of my teachers feel as if I am a “troublemaker”, which I do not think I am. How should I fix this problem? Sincerely, Soy Guapo Dear Soy Guapo, Make sure that you are focused in class and that you aren’t goofing off. Listen to your teacher whenever he/she is talking, and be a model student. Most likely, if you improve the quality of your work, then your impression on your teacher should fix itself. Sincerely, Astra

This was my first attempt at designing a page.

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 2

Why students should care about elections

beans and straw wrappers on the floor, but the service was good other than their side conversations about personal issues. I loved the red and green holiday cup, and the drink was a light caramel color. It smelled like nutmeg and other spices which was a good cover for the bland drink taste. There were not enough pumpkin flavors and the coffee overpowered the fall taste. I gave Starbucks two out of five stars. Dunkin Donuts was another favorite for the Pumpkin Spice Latte. They really overdid it with the sweetness, but the drink reminded me of fall with its

Copy Editor

hen the sweaters came out, so did America’s favorite seasonal drink, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I went to a few places and tried to find the best one. The first place I visited was Starbucks, which sold over 200 million of Pumpkin Spice Lattes every year during this season. Starbucks was one of the first stores to offer the Pumpkin Spice Latte, and it did not hold up to my high expectations. When I walked in, there were coffee

subtle hints of pumpkin ﬂavor. The drink needed more spice and it smelled terrible, like pumpkins that have sat out in the sun for too long. But, it tasted better than Starbuck’s, so I gave Dunkin Donuts three out of ﬁve stars. 7Eleven surprised me when I found out that they sold the Pumpkin Spice Latte. It smelled fantastic, just like pumpkin and spice. It was pretty clean for a gas station, but the drink was premade and I had to pour it in the cup myself. Other than that, it was not bad. There was a good mix of spices, but there was too much milk

Star Wars movies rated by Bak students

By Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor

Episode I: “The Phantom Menace”: 26 Episode VI: Return of the Jedi: 10 Overall, Episode I , “The Phantom Episode II: “Attack of the Clones”: 0 Menace,” came out on top with 26 Episode III: “Revenge of the Sith”: 6 ixty people were asked what votes. Episode V, “The Empire Strikes their favorite Star Wars movie Episode IV: “A New Hope”: 0 Back,” was a close second with 18 was. 20 students of each grade Episode V: “The Empire Strikes Back”: votes, and the Episode VI, “Return of were surveyed. Of the 60 people, 30 the Jedi,” came third with a total of 10 18 were girls and 30 were boys. votes.

‘The Martian’ movie exceeds expectations

For this copy, I interviewed students Taking place on Mars,30 astronaut Mark floating through space, and everyone Watney (Matt Damon) was trapped on was gripping the sides of their seats about their favoreite movie in the Star Wars thinking, “Will he be saved or will he the red planet after a fierce sandstorm forced his crew to abort the mission – keep floating?” franchise, Deadline.com said that “The without him.

Since it took close to four years to Martian”, which returned to the top of go from Mars to Earth, Watney’s crew international and domestic box office could not come back for him. His food in its fourth weekend, was within supplies were limited, and he had to shouting distance of $400 million worldwide with find a way to grow $385.66M. The 20th plants on a planet It had an amazing plot Century Fox picture’s where nothing foreign cume was grew. Fortunately, that had the audience $218.47 million and Watney was a domestic comes to NASA botanist, so on the edge of their $166.19 million. he was sure he can seats until the very This movie is PGcould up with a 13 for some strong way to grow food. end.” language, graphic Director Ridley Scott really proved that he was one images, and brief nudity. Overall, I give The Martian a four “The Martian.” (20th Century Fox) of the best sci-fi movie directors with this film. The digital technology and a half out of five stars because USA features were perfect, not too grand or even though it had an amazing plot MOMS CSM MOVIE REVIEW THE overdone, and the scenes were visually that had the audience on the edge of MARTIAN 1 MCT appealing, as Mars had never been their seats until the very end, it still recreated so realistically. The movie bore resemblance to previous movies By Anushka Lakum holds the audience’s interest because which had similar storylines. Entertainment Editor the action and focus is always on the he Martian,” a sci-fi movie, main character. came out Oct. 2. This film, One of the most suspenseful scenes directed by Ridley Scott, was was when Commander Lewis was based on the novel by Andy Weir. trying to catch Mark while he was

“

that made it taste odd. The sweetness was good for me, but might have been too much for other people. I gave 7Eleven three out of five stars Panera Bread’s Pumpkin Spice Latte definitely was my favorite. The service was great, the store was clean, and the latte was flavorful. The coffee taste was well-defined, and it blended well with the other fall flavors. The golden color of the drink with spices that floated on top told me that it was fresh. There could have been more pumpkin flavor though. I gave Panera Bread four out of five stars

Make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte

By Madaleine Rubin Co-Editor In Chief With fall in full swing, CNBC News Channel projected the popular pumpkin spice latte drink to generate $361,000 from its buyers this year. However, many people have continually searched for a way to enjoy their favorite fall drink without the expense. This pumpkin spice latte recipe is perfect to make at home! Ingredients: 1. One cup milk

2. Two tablespoons pure pumpkin puree 3. One tbls sugar

4. One-fourth teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

5. One-fourth tsp pure vanilla extract

6. One-fourth cup hot espresso or strong brewed coffee

7. Sweetened whipped cream, for serving. Directions: Combine the milk pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla in a medium microwave safe bowl, cover the bow with plastic wrap and vent with a smal hole. Microwave until the milk is hot one to two minutes. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is foamy, about 30 seconds. Pour the espresso or coffee into a mug and add the foamed milk Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com

Art by Angela Yan

Jacob Schlessel

Copy Editor

Copy Editor Opinion

Features

ues to lead in polls

Bush spar early in the GOP debate at the 2015. (Robert Gauthier/ Los Angeles Times/

de social everyone thought he would receive the nomination and now he is struggling,” Battle said. In fact, one candidate ahead of him was his protégé Senator Marco Rubio, Florida’s former Speaker of the House of Representatives while Bush was in office as governor. Currently, Rubio is polling at 13 percent, third best among Republican candidates. “Rubio is going to benefit a lot as the field starts to thin because he is a good,

e Donald gn, former Jeb” Bush 3 percent BC News. m Oct. 15, ht percent. s he has], ning this entered,

candidates go head upcoming elections

“Every day Americans need a champion. And I want to be that nt Barack champion,” Clinton said according to mes to an the New York Times. “So I’m hitting candidates the road to earn your vote — because e Lessig, it’s your time. And I hope you’ll join e Sanders me on this journey.” n 2016. Current Vermont senator, Sanders, are more announced his running for president time, but on April 30, 2015. Sanders was named are worse a “Top 20 US Progressive,” according h sides of to “The New Statesman,” a magazine based in the United Kingdom. “In terms of Hillary, could lead us to s or put us behind I respect her. I’ve known her. I like her. goals for our So I’m not running y.” to attack Hillary Clinton. I’m running ehind her to talk about the issues that impact the 8. working class of this country and the ur country middle class,” Sanders said according ead us to to the Huffington Post. our goals Other candidates Lessig and O’Malley n Owens, decided to run after Clinton and . Sanders. Their polls are about one to of State, two percent who plan to vote for them. first lady, Owens said, “This election has been April 12, a whole lot more exciting than it has president been in the past which is a good thing y election because more people will be part of rding to the process.

Page 7

The Portfolio - December 2015

School elects new SGA committee By Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor

Photo courtesy of Shannon Owens

History, tradition drives today’s student government By Luke Stone Co-Editor-In-Chief s the votes were counted, two dozen students sat anxiously in their classes over several days to see if all of their hard work campaigning had paid off and if they would be a Bak Student Government Association [SGA] representative. In the United States, student government began after college students across the country started to feel that they should have a say in the parts of college life that had an effect on them the most, according to faqs. org. “In this country, the idea of student government has been around for a while,” Debra Fiore, eighth grade social studies teacher and SGA co-sponsor said. “I was a student government representative when I was in middle school.” Much like early American student governments, Sharon Campbell, eighth grade social studies teacher and cosponsor wanted SGA to allow the student body to speak their mind. “[The purpose of SGA is to] allow our student representatives to get involved with changing our school and to give the student body a way for their voices to be heard,” Campbell said. Campbell also spoke of how

important SGA is to students. “I think that SGA is important because it gives students a sort of buyin into the school. I also think that it should give students school pride and that is part of why I got involved,” Campbell said. Fiore said her goal for SGA was to get representatives actively involved in serving the community. “My goal is for SGA to get our representatives involved in community service,” Fiore said, “One of the things I had in mind was a holiday book drive.” Campbell’s goal for SGA revolved around the student body’s attitude toward school. “My goal is for SGA to make students here be happy to come to school,” Campbell said. “I want the students to view coming to school as a privilege, rather than viewing school as a chore.” Campbell, a first-time SGA sponsor stated that the students were one of the best aspects of the club. “I have really enjoyed being a sponsor so far,” Campbell said, “We have a great group [of students] so far. We [Fiore and myself] enjoy this group so much that we wish there was enough room for them all to be a part of SGA.”

I wrote an article covering the SGA election process.

SGA elected officials

By Jordan Taylor Website Editor

With the recent Student Government elections starting on Oct. 26, candidates campaigned as much as they could to tell the student body to vote for them. They used strategies like putting up posters, expressed their ideas to get votes and the recorded speeches. These are the elected Student Government officials for the 2016 school year. Secretary: Nikita Tanguturi Treasurer: Ben Gao Historian: Sam Rosenkranz Sixth grade Senators: Se’Maj Griffin, Ava Murray and Olivia Arnold Seventh grade Senators: Ainhoa Bezerra-Gastesi, Alexandra Watson and Juan Plaza Eighth grade Senators: Shaina Franks, Jaylen Sanders and Camila Fred Vice President: Ervin Williams President: Kevin Ray

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 3

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 2

Pro: Syrian Refugees will benefit America

“H

By Anushka Lakum Entertainment Editor any things are going on in Syria. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria group, otherwise known as ISIS, has been terrorizing the people there. Syrian refugees should be allowed into the United States. America has to try to help in any way that we can, as Germany has let in more than 800,000 refugees, and if the U.S. has only let in over a thousand, there’s a problem. As part of the United Nations, we as a whole should work together to help evacuate refugees and giving them a safe place to live. Humanitarianism is a very simple concept to follow. An article written by America’s Commissioner for National Interests states that some of our national interests are discouraging massive human rights violations in foreign countries, which we are failing to do. The opposing side may say that a terrorist could pose as a refugee. But, not all Syrians are terrorists. In San Bernardino, the main shooter was born in the U.S. and worked for the county. The refugees should not be blamed if the terrorist is a native. That is our problem, not theirs. On the security issue, a media release indicated that the American SAFE Act would strengthen the screening process by including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. It is our responsibility as a human community, not national communities, to care for those who are most in need. In this case, it is the refugees.

Dear Astra, Some of the teachers grade really hard. How will I get A’s or B’s if they are grading me so hard? I’m getting C’s and lower. Sincerely, Tyler Backus Dear Tyler Backus, If you know how hard the teachers grade, try and be aware of the kind of work they are expecting so that you can meet their standards. Allot special time just for their work so that you can complete it to the best of your ability. Hope this helps! Sincerely, Astra

Dear Editors, This edition of “The Portfolio” was absolutely fantastic. I found it entertaining and informative, with very few errors. Keep up the good work! Sincerely, Jarom Gordon

Page 3

The Portfolio February 2016

Con: Refugees create national security risk

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“To

”

Con

Pro Anushka Lakum

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Nikita Tanguturi

Malik Saleh, a 14-year-old Syrian refugee who dropped out of school, sits with fellow refugee Mohanned Jneed, 35 who will mentor him through a Mercy Corps program in Marfraq, Jordan. (Hal Bernton/The Seattle Times/TNS)

Ask Astra

By Nikita Tanguturi Business Manager efugees. One of the most debated topics in the past year. As the Syrian civil war continues, the global community has started to take notice. The United States is in no condition to take in refugees. After all, the two major factors that are included are social acceptance and money, in a nation where we have neither. If we look back at the end of 2015, refugees sought asylum mostly in Europe. According to Bloomsberg Business, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s approval rating dropped to the lowest in almost four years in a monthly poll that suggested voters’ welcome for hundreds of thousands of refugees is exhausted. In an article by CNN, they stated that “More than half the nation’s governors -- 27 states -- say they oppose letting Syrian refugees into their states.” This is also due to the imminent threat of terrorism that comes with letting in foreign asylum seekers without knowing their ties to terrorist groups like ISIS. . In a poll published online by Daily Caller, it showed that at least thirteen percent of refugees had somewhat positive views of ISIS, (Islamist State of Iraq and Syria) the terrorist group behind recent attacks such as the one in France. Until we can properly conduct background checks on refugees, they should not be allowed to enter the United States.

Dear Astra, My backpack is so heavy because I always carry at least one textbook. What should I do? Sincerely, Apple Pie

Dear Astra, How do I stay conﬁdent throughout the school year if a big test might be coming up? From, Ant dude

Dear Astra, I am going on a holiday trip over winter break and I am going to be having a lot of fun. But I will need to keep studying for school. Can you give me any tips on what I should do over break? Thank you, Shaquisha27

Dear Apple Pie, Try to make time every day to get to your locker! If you need to bring the textbook home, make sure you know that most of the textbooks are online, so you don’t have to bring the hard copy home and strain your back. Sincerely, Astra

Dear Ant dude, In order to stay conﬁdent, you have to prepare for the test so that you are sure you will succeed. When a big test is coming up, make a study guide if the teacher doesn’t give one out, and refer to it before the test. Sincerely, Astra

Dear Shaquisha27, Before you go on your trip, make a list of everything to do over break for school. Enjoy your vacation, take some school work with you, and when you get back, check off items completed on your list before school starts. Sincerely, Astra

Dear Editors, I am referring to the ﬁrst and second issue. Both were well written and the format was amazing. Awesome job! When I showed my mom the ﬁrst issue she asked me if I was sure this was my schools newspaper or if it was a professional one! Keep up the good work! Sincerely, Victoria Rosenthal

“The Portfolio” welcomes both letters to the Editor and Ask Astra submissions. If you are looking for advice, write your problem and deliver it to Ms. Samons’ room, 4-152, in the communications wing. If submitting under a pseudonym, make sure to print your real name on the top of the paper. The staff welcomes submissions from any grade and major, and at any time.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editors, I love your newest newspaper. It inspires me to become a journalist. I love the way each story is conveyed, grabbing the reader’s attention. Some day I hope I can be part of the staff! Sincerely, Ben Shainman

For issue three, I created this spread for the Opinion section. I am very proud of this spread, as I really enjoy the look of the pro-con section.

The students] got to freely express selves when they were doing the k drawing,” Karima Cromer, eighth e visual major said. The visual arts Artsgiving ormances included the chalk ing and a darkroom tour.

said, ‘Oh, my god! That is so cool!’” Montesinos said. Many students thought Artsgiving was an effective way to showcase the different arts areas. Cromer said, “With Artsgiving, you could see all kinds of performances.”

stage theater during Artsgiving. “[The cast] worked pretty hard. They did best in the end. Once they had costumes and were performing with lighting and sound, it was then that it clicked for them,” Nicolas Santana, theater teacher, said.

Jacob Schlessel

they make a lottery. Francesca Delguzzi, seventh grade communications major, said, “It was suspenseful and it caught you by surprise but it was also really sad.”

Jacob Schlessel

eparate instruments, one major: Students represent music Copy Editor

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 3

Photo by Jessica Samons

and already performed it in an earlier performance. The other we played for the first time for an audience. It was really good practice for us,” Janice Hu, seventh grade band major said. Most students thought being able to perform in front of their peers was beneficial. “When we perform, you are under more pressure so you get to see what actual mistakes there are. I want to see how I play under pressure and what I need to improve on,” Jason Ibalerrosa, seventh grade piano major, said. As the concert finished, the performers took their bow, walking off the stage with the audience clapping.

tudents chant for their favorite team at annual FSU-UF Pep Rally

uke Stone Editor-In-Chief tudents sat anxiously in their eighth period classes as the clock slowly inched closer to 2:45 p.m. h would signal the start of the al pep rally in anticipation of the

Florida State vs. Florida football rivalry game. “I always enjoy bringing the entire school together for this pep rally. I love to see the pride students have in the schools,” Shannon Owens, communications teacher said.

As more and more students walked into the courtyard, students supporting both sides began to cheer for their school. “My favorite part of the pep rally is when the faculty starts the cheers and chants on the megaphone,” Owens

I took this photo of an African dancer during ArtsGiving, when a lot of different departments showcased what they have been learning.

Copy Editor Photo by Jessica Samons

Seventh grade dance major, Nathalie Garcia performs a West African dance piece for Bak’s Annual Artsgiving.

which included live drummers who By Jacob Schlessel “originated from Guinea,” Jessica Copy Editor ak’s second annual Artsgiving Widder, eighth grade communications showcased the arts with various major said. “Your movements correspond performances. The dancers had with drums. The drums tell you what a number of showcases, from African movement to perform,” Widder said. dance to classic and modern pieces. Dance majors were not the only ones “One jazz piece and two modern pieces who performed, as were performed,” non-majors who Holland Schiller, chose to take dance The drums tell you dance teacher said. class performed as The performances what to perform.” well. Some found it were shown in the a challenge to focus dance studios. One with a crowd of fellow students, while of the classes was Repertory class. said. On the Saturday following the pep “Basically the Repertory class presented others found it enjoyable. Ashley Tabachnick, seventh grade rally, Florida and Florida State had their choreographic etudes that were learned th Wade dance major said, “I enjoyed 60 all-time meeting. After a game in from guest choreographers,” Schiller performing in Artsgiving because it where Florida’s offense struggled, the said. Seminoles prevailed 27-2. Another part of the performances was fun to perform in front of my included an African Dance piece friends.”

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 3

By Nikita Tanguturi Business Manager uning their instruments, reviewing their pieces, music majors were prepared for the chance to represent their department in the schools second annual Artsgiving. Seventh grade band major, Aidan Taylor, said, “Performing gives me a sense of excitement playing music which I love.” The music department performed series of concerts, featuring vocal, band, strings, and piano. “For Artsgiving, we [band] played two pieces. We worked on one of them around the beginning of the year,

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Degrees of freedom for hand and leg movement

Jacob Schlessel $250,000

is the amount of money universities were paid to make algorithms for the robot

is the amount of tasks it can do in less than one hour

By Jordan Taylor Website Editor ational Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) will hold a Space Robotics Challenge to decide whose robot would lead the future deep space mission to Mars; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University or Northeastern University. The universities were challenged to create robots that can help or even replace humans in “extreme space” missions. Russ Tedrake from MIT

Copy Editor

Photo by ibtimes.co.uk

MIT robot, Valkyrie, was created originally for disaster-relief maneuvers but now plans on going into space.

and his team developed algorithms for the robot, enabling it to do different challenges. According to the article provided by MIT, NASA gave MIT a humanoid robot to develop software for

future space mission provided by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. NASA was interested in humanoid robots because they can go into space and complete missions that would be dangerous if done by humans.

into NASA’s Space Robotics Challenge, according to ibtimes.co. NASA originally invented R5, and it was designed to be as dexterous as a human. It comes with arms, hands, a pelvis and legs with different degrees of freedom; meaning how free the robot is to move. The main hardware is ready, but more advanced software is still needed which will be supplied by MIT or Northeastern University after the research period is over in two years. “Rather than risking people’s lives on a planet that has hostile conditions unsuitable to human life, NASA wants autonomous robots to carry out missions and experiments on the red planet and see how they get on, and later assist us once humans arrive,” according to the website ibtimes. co, Mary-Ann Russon said. NASA’s competition was inspired by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Robotics Challenge. NASA is hoping for R5 to travel in deep space by the time the two year time period is over. These robots were used for new technology that could change the world of science.

Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor Page 3

The Portfolio March 2016

Letters to the Editor

Photo by washington.edu

Researchers at UW were able to charge a small camera enough to take a photo every 35 minutes.

devices,” Vamsi Talla, a UW electrical engineering doctoral student, according to washington.edu said. The device, dubbed “PoWiFi” standing for “power over Wi-Fi” takes the small amount of power that WiFi routers already put out, and turns it into energy that can power devices. PoWiFi is still in the testing phases, UW conducted a small trial run, placing the device in six homes. The results showed that users typically did not notice a slower Wi-Fi when using PoWiFi to charge their devices. “[PoWiFi] doesn’t degrade the quality of your Wi-Fi signals while it’s powering devices,” Talla said on the UW’s website. UW had high hopes for the new device, and thinks it can have a national impact. Talla said, “Although initial experiments harvested relatively small amounts of power, the UW team believes there is opportunity to make the PoWiFi system more efficient and robust.”

By Ashley Kulberg Photo Editor efore 2015, the idea of sneakers that lace automatically would have been only imaginable in movies. However, Nike has made it possible with their limited edition Nike Mags. When “Back to the Future Part II” was released in 1989, Nike was asked to create technology for the film, such as the power lacing shoe. As the years went on, the company made this dream their reality. In 2011, 1500 pairs of the sneakers were auctioned. The proceeds were donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s disease research. However, the pairs were only for show and did not have power lacing features, according to nicekicks.com. “The enthusiasm this project ignited, and the funds and awareness the shoes generated for Parkinson’s research, are both humbling and inspiring,” Fox said in an interview with solecollector.com The Nike Mags had LED lights. A white Nike logo appeared on their

strap, according to gizmodo.com. They were close to an exact model of the sneaker that was showed in the movie, with a few minor tweaks. Parker said, “We started creating something for fiction and we turned it into fact, inventing a new technology that will benefit all athletes.”

photo by mashable.com

In 2011, when the Nike Mags prototypes were first released, the average cost of a pair on eBay was approximately $16 thousand. The cost of the fully-functioning shoes, which are expected to be released in early 2016, are predicted to be close to double.

The last thing I did for issue three is write a technology article. It was on the PoWifi which charges devices via WiFI.

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 4

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 3

New technology powered by Wifi Nike makes self tying shoes real

By Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor new device created by the University of Washington (UW) utilizes the power that Wi-Fi routers put out and uses it to charge devices. “For the first time, we’ve shown that you can use Wi-Fi devices to power the sensors in cameras and other

Opinion Dear Editor, This edition of “The Portfolio” was great, especially the mods. I liked the reviews on “The Force Awakens,” and the topics were mostly relevant to the student body. I think all of the wellchosen words in the features section were a bit overwhelming and that you could have done a cleaner job on layer masking some of the pictures. Sincerely, James Walter

Cartoon by Angela Yan

Arts education essential to success in academics

motivated, did better on standardized By Jordan Taylor tests, and improved their social skills Website Editor than students who had no access to any states and districts were the arts. The PowerPoint said high required to provide some school students that took arts classes sort of arts instruction, had higher math and verbal SAT scores according to artsusa.org. Some schools than students who took no arts classes. unfortunately do not of comprehensive In a national study using a federal arts program and students do not database of more than 25 thousand get the arts education they need along with the “core academic Arts education played a very subjects.” According to a important role in students’ lives. PowerPoint by nasaa- Americans have supported having arts.org, in the No Child Left Behind Act, this in every school around the known as the NCLB, country the arts shared an equal billing with reading, math, science, and middle and high school students, the other disciplines as “core academic University of California researchers subjects,” which could contribute to found that kids with higher arts improved student learning outcomes,” involvement reported less boredom In a 2002 report by Arts Education in school and participated in more Partnership, students who received community service than students with more arts education were more

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Ask Astra

Dear Astra, Teachers don’t explain what to do sometimes, so how do I prevent that D or F if they don’t tell me what to do? Love, Lox Girl 04

lower arts involvement. A new Harris poll revealed that 93 percent of Americans believed the arts were necessary in order to provide a well-rounded organization, 86% agree an arts education encourages and assists in the improvement of a child’s attitudes toward school, 83% believe that arts education helps teach children to communicate effectively with adults and peers and 79% agree incorporating the arts into education is the ﬁrst step in adding back what’s missing in public education today, according to artsusa.org. Arts education played a very important role in students’ lives. Americans have supported having this in every school around the country based on the Harris poll, adding to the academic classes given to the students. It has shown to increase standardized test scores, improved social skills and helped students be more aware and open to learning in school.

Dear Bob, If you have a ton of homework, the bus rides to and from school are a good time to get it done. If you don’t have homework or would rather do it at home, you can listen to music or just talk to your friends! Sincerely, Astra

Dear Lox Girl 04, If a teacher doesn’t give clear directions, don’t be afraid to ask Dear Astra, questions! Hopefully the teacher will I am getting a lot of homework. answer with the information you need! Now my binder is disorganized, and Sincerely, my backpack is a mess. How do you Astra think I can manage my homework and organize my supplies? Dear Astra, From, Cartoon by Angela Yan I have a really long bus ride to and Need advice? Looking for help? Then from school. How can I make the Bob the Builder Ask Astra. Drop off your letters most of the time I spend on the bus? to Ms. Samons’ room 4-152 in the Sincerely, Communications Wing. All letters Bob must be signed, but you can request to use a pseudonym to protect your privacy.

Dear Editor, I thought this issue of “The Portfolio” was excellent! It was very fun and interesting to read. I cannot recall any mistakes that I found. This is my favorite issue for sure and I deﬁnitely think that it was the best. I especially loved the features section, it was very fun and I loved how you guys spiced things up this issue! Overall you guys did great and keep up the good work!! Sincerely, Brianna Angiolillo Dear Editor, Wow! I just really love reading “The Portfolio!” It has amazing quality and gives the latest news in school, as well as in the world. I read it over and over having many favorites! I love “The Portfolio!” From, Athena Choi Dear Editor, I think you guys went all out on this issue and it was your best one yet. Actually, I feel like you guys put so much effort in to this issue and it shows in your awesome writing and pictures. To me, the highlights were the winter pep rally and spotlight on George Zhou, these were the bet articles and most fun to read. Sincerely, Thomas Ashley Dear Bob the Builder, Neatly organize everything you need in a new binder with a tab for each class. Separate binders for each day help a lot, so if you want to keep everything neat, this is a good idea. Sincerely, Astra Dear Astra, I get a lot of homework and I don’t like staying up all night to do it. What is the fastest way I can get it all done? Sincerely, Bobsburgers2 Dear Bobsburgers2, Try to get some homework done during any extra time you have in class. Otherwise, spend some time on your ride to and from school doing work Sincerely, Astra

This is my third attempt at a page I incorporated a lot of Letters to the Editors and Ask Astra because there was only one other article assigned to my page.

Career Rushing Touchdowns: 18 Career Interceptions: 251

“There are two while the big drones parts in what I repair them too. The second cost thousands of do with drones. part is selling them and dollars due to the The ﬁrst part is also using them for aerial amount of pieces Two possessions later, with the score that I build them purposes.” and the motors. still 16-10, the Panthers were looking for the go ahead score. With 4:04 to to what people Some military go, Miller came up big again, forcing order and I repair drones are millions his second fumble of the game that them too. The second part is selling of dollars,” Cantor said. put the Broncos in the drivers’ seat. Photo by Sreenidbi Nidamanur them and also using them for aerial Cantor loves building drones because Then, several plays later, the Broncos David Cantor, sixth grade science teacher, builds drones in his free sealed the game when running back purposes,” Cantor said. it’s a ‘good escape if you’re having a time. “I enjoy building drones because it passes time, keeps me busy, CJ Anderson found his way into the Cantor had gotten the idea to start bad day.’ and is a good escape,” Cantor said. end zone for the final touchdown. The exploring drones from a student who Cantor said, “When you have the Sreenidhi Nidamanur in addition to teaching. Panthers tried to battleBy back, but were chose the drone for their “Invention goggles on and you’re ﬂying the drone, Sports emerged Editor unsuccessful. The Broncos “I enjoy building drones because it Super Bowl Champions, winning it’s amazing because it’s in a bird’s ixth 24grade science teacher, David gives you a cool feeling, but sometimes Convention” project. 10. “A few years ago, one student did perspective. It’s very peaceful and Cantor, has a side hobby of it’s a challenge,” Cantor said. It was a quiet night for Broncos a science project on drones and it relaxing.” creating Drones are formally known as quarterback Peyton Manning, who only drones and selling them Career Rushing Touchdowns: 43 Career Interceptions: 64

Jacob Schlessel

By Luke Stone Co-Editor-In-Chief fter lengthy pregame festivities, a football game finally broke out in Santa Clara, Calif., between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. The game got off to a slow start with only three points through the first four and a half minutes of action on a 34 yard field goal from Broncos kicker Brandon McManus. Then, the Broncos struck for their first touchdown of the game after linebacker Von Miller broke into the backfield and forced a fumble, which was recovered by Malik Jackson in the end zone. “In all honesty, we came into the game wanting to play our defense,” Miller said after the game, according to ESPN, “We knew if we were to

forces Carolina Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton to throw a pass away under pressure during the second half on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, at Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta JournalConstitution/TNS).

be consistent and play our style of defense, we’d come out on top.” The Broncos defense came to play on Super Bowl Sunday, holding the Panthers to 315 yards of offense. During the regular season, the Panthers averaged 367 yards of offense. “They just played better than us. I do not know what you want me to say. They made more plays than us, and that is what it comes down to,” Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said in his postgame press conference. After more than a quarter of being shutout, the Panthers offense finally got on the board when running back Jonathan Stewart leaped over his offensive linemen and flew into the end zone. At halftime, the Broncos led 13-7. For some fans, halftime was the high

point of the game in a star studded show that featured Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé. Although the third quarter was the lowest scoring, there were still significant plays. Carolina had multiple scoring chances in the quarter, but failed to capitalize on them. On their first drive of the half, the Panthers got to the Broncos’ 26 yard line and was forced to kick. They sent out kicker Graham Gano who missed from 44 yards out. Then, on the next possession, Carolina got to the Broncos’ 28 yard line when Newton threw his first and only interception. The score at the end of the third was 16-7 in Denver’s favor. Early in the fourth, the Panthers put the game within a touchdown on a Gano field goal that made the score 16-10 with just over ten minutes left.

Copy Editor

Jacob Schlessel

S0 to 100 real quick: StoreDot

had 141 passing yards in what many thought was the final game of his career. “I feel very, very grateful,” Manning said. “Obviously, it is very special to cap it off with a win.”

Copy Editor

basketball team said. The season began Feb. 10 against when they crushed Jupiter Middle School 33-43. Bak’s second game ended in a close one against Independence, losing 30-34 in overtime. The team is hoping to pick up right where they ended last season, with a big target on their back from other hopeful teams as the defending champs. “We have some tough competition from other teams, we’ll have to work hard together and execute the way Coach Haney wants us to,” Bella Martinez, eighth grade communications major said. With most of the team leaving Bak last year as eighth graders, the current eighth graders will take on the role Photo by Ervin Wiliams of team leaders and plan on showing Eighth graders Nashani Gilbert-Taylor and Cora Gilbert try to save the the new team members the way, and ball against an Independence Middle opponent. The girls went on to teaching them the keys to success. lose the game in overtime, 30-34. “We have a lot of returning veterans By Jacob Schlessel year, the plan is no different. that will be able to help communicate Copy Editor “We are trying to repeat as county to the rookies,” Nashani Gilbertteam is working hard on bringing ast year, the girls’ basketball champions. We only get better every Taylor, eighth grade point guard said. home another banner to hang in the team went 9-1 and won the day. We want to hang another banner,” In last year’s season, Duncan was decorated gym. county championship. This Ericka Haney, coach of the girls arguably Bak’s biggest rival, and the last

For this article, I interviewed and kept track of scores, but had Ervin take photos for me.

In the past year StoreDot raised $42 million for reﬁning their technology. They hope to start advancing the technology to quickly charge electric and hybrid cars.

By Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor magine soaring on the waves like Poseidon, boogie boarding without the board, charging waves like never before. This is what the new WaveWrecker promises. The WaveWrecker was created by Nick Gadler, a water sports enthusiast and entrepreneur who thought there was more to body surfing then what was available. His new body suit allows for more buoyant floating and better wave catching experiences. The suit offers two sizes, kids and adults. The adult size retails online for $400 and the kid’s size retails online for $300. The suit “incorporates flexible and buoyant, super-durable, closed-cell

foam,” according to the WaveWrecker’s website, which allows for more waves rode without wipe-outs and provide for a smoother experience when on the water. Normally avid body boarders use swimming fins to increase speed, but the WaveWrecker features 11 built-in fins, not requiring additional purchase. Chris Weiss, a writer for gizmag.com, reviewed the WaveWrecker as taking away the “free, simple attraction of diving into the ocean and catching a wave without spending hundreds on boards, fins and other equipment.” The WaveWrecker is perfect for thrill seekers, people that want a new twist on watersports, and those who are willing to spend the money.

conventional charger would. However, the downside to this is that they require specially designed connectors, and any charger faster than the 20x requires signiﬁcant modiﬁcations to the user’s phone. The models themselves are as big as a standard laptop charger. The charger relies on organic amino acids called peptides. When these link together they form proteins, making peptides popular amongst body builders. However, these proteins are put to use in a very different way in order to effectively reduce the charging time. When connected to a smartphone’s battery, the amino acids are set in motion, producing the shortened charging period. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot predicts that by 2017, the company should have their special chargers on store shelves. Myersdorf recognized that the solution being proposed by their company has its limitations. With the smartphone world quickly switching to reversible connectors such as the new USB-C and apples lightning cable, the chargers require a special one. Myersdorf said in an interview with CNN, “They [phone manufacturers] Photo Courtesy of Nick Gadler can implement it however they want, WaveWrecker launched a Kickstarter that allowed users to preorder but I need 20 pins [a larger phone the suit. The Kickstarter currently has $7,000 out of the set goal of port] to do it.”

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 4

offers lightning fast charging can respectively charge a smartphone Girls’ basketball team hopes to repeat last year’s season 20, 100, or 200 times as fast as a By Carlos Trivino Features Editor team they had to face before becoming ith each new generation the champs. “Everybody is a rival, nothing of is smartphone becoming increasingly more compact guaranteed. Normally, Duncan is in our division and usually our lightweight toughest and one major factor is competitor,” Haney said. greatly affected, battery life. Bak’s third game was played against Duncan in which theyAccording lost 21-48to All Business the average despite a solid effort all around. The time to charge a smartphone fully is girls played against HL around Watkins where two hours. StoreDot an Israeli they won, improving their record to founded company plans to do this in 2-2 off of a 17-27 performance. All under of Bak’s basketball games beginaatminute. 4:30 after school. With new faces joining unveiled at Microsoft’s Originally the team, working as a team is a big Think Next Conference in 2014, the part of any team’s chances of success. company has since then been working “The team chemistry is good because we have a solid foundation on ways of charging larger batteries in that is coming back from last year’s the least time possible. championship team. I think that they Currently, StoreDot is testing are teaching the newer players our design variants for its philosophy of winning,”three Haneydifferent said. With the new basketball season chargers, 20x, 100x, and 200x models. underway, the Bak girls’ Like basketball the names suggest, these chargers

New body surfing suit creates innovative way to catch waves

$10,000. The suits were set to ship in March 2016.

To tally off issue four, I wrote an article on a body surfing suit that enabled surfers to basically “stand” on water.

Jacob Schlessel

Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor

Copy Editor The Portfolio April 2016

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 5

Excessive profanity may lead to violence, aggression

By Jarom Gordon Guest Reporter urse words ﬁrst appeared on ﬁlm in the year 1939 in “Gone with the Wind.” In 2013, “The Wolf of Wall Street” came out with 798 swear words, an increase of 500 percent in 74 years. However, the overuse of vulgar language is not exclusive to movies and television. Out of 10 students surveyed at Bak MSOA, all 10 reported hearing profanity on a daily basis. Swearing is a growing problem in our society. To stop this language epidemic, we need to replace our crude and profane words with clean and uplifting ones. In an effort to understand how swearing provokes a strong response in individuals, neuroscientists looked to the brain for answers. A study conducted by Harvard University in 2014 found that “a small part of the brain called the amygdala is highly active when exposed to threatening words…Amygdala activity in particular is correlated with negative emotional associations. Stimulating the amygdala can cause aggressiveness and panic attacks, while destroying the amygdala can cause unusual placidness or fearlessness.” What this means is that when we swear or are exposed to swearing, we become more aggressive and panicky. We will not be able to make the clearest decisions possible or have as many friends if we have these characteristics. According to a recent poll conducted by careerbuilder.com, 81 percent of employers believe that swearing in the workplace makes employees seem unprofessional. 54 percent believe that swearing makes employees seem “unintelligent.” These statistics boldly

Letters to the Editor Dear Editors, As usual, the newspaper was incredible and I liked that you did a 16 page edition. The Trump cartoon was great and I love all of the side bars you did. However, on the primaries article you put the words too close to the pictures and your masking on photos was a bit blocky. I also liked the Feature section and how you formatted it to be symmetrical in a way. On the contrary, the Wave Wrecker, Busch Gardens, and some of the face pictures were blurry. Sincerely, James Walter

proclaim that using profanity does not make one seem mature or cool. Rather, quite the opposite. Swearing makes people look unprofessional, immature, and uneducated. Some may argue that profanity lets people express their strong emotions without using violence. However, according to a study by Brigham Young University, using swear words is closely related to how violent and aggressive people are in their interactions with others. The main reason that people use bad language is to express themselves or emphasize a point. But if “expressing yourself ” means violence and aggression, it is clear that this form of language is not the best way to communicate feelings or emotions. Although profanity is spreading rapidly through society, there are ways to stop it. One thing that cannot fail to eradicate profanity from our lives is to simply avoid being exposed to it. Travis Wright, Assistant Professor of Multicultural Education and Childhood Studies at the University of Wisconsin, said that “If children are not exposed to profanity, they will not begin using it. Although television, cartoons, and the world at large are full of curse words, children are most likely to hear adult language at home.” People need to tell those in their families not to swear around them, or anywhere for that matter, so that they resist the effects of profanity in their lives. Another thing that is proven to minimize the use of profanity in our society is to ﬁnd a recreational activity to enjoy. Wright stated that “if a child swears only when frustrated, he may not have another way to express himself. Suggesting more acceptable language or providing more constructive ou tlets for his frustration will redirect the behavior. And cursing should diminish.” This activity could be learning a musical instrument, playing a sport, or learning some other new skill. If people could ﬁnd better things to do than utter obscenities, this world would be a much better place.

Dear Editor, We enjoy reading the Portfolio newspaper, especially as communications majors, but in the fourth issue we were insulted. In the article titled, “Fashion ﬂops list” animal’s tails and ears were identiﬁed as a fashion style. In fact these items are an expression of self for us therians and should not be considered as a trend. Our spiritual and psychological connection to animals is channeled through our attire. If you want nformation on therians or therianthropy, please see us directly. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Elena Snyder and Arielle Molina

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Reading provides benefits for students

By Bella Velez Guest Reporter o, please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw the TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall.” Roald Dahl, famous author said. According to The Atlantic, eight percent of Americans did not read a book in 1978. This percentile has tripled since then as twenty-three percent of Americans did not read a book, an e-book, or listen to an audiobook in 2014. TV and the Internet have turned American culture into a post-literate scrubland full of cat GIFs and reality TV spin offs, slowly causing the good old fashioned book to disappear. Without question, the American bookworm is a rarer species than two or three decades ago, when we did not enjoy today’s abundance of highly distracting gadgets. But those who do still indulge themselves in a nice book have found they greatly benefit from it. The first time I opened a book, I found the magic in the world. Students discover they have wings when they open a book, wings that take them on a thousand journeys. Now in middle school, I have found that reading has benefitted me in many ways, and it can benefit others too, both academically and personally. Reading provides mental stimulation. Keeping the brain active can help prevent brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. According to Real Simple, those who engage their brains through activities such as reading, chess, or puzzles could be 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who spend their down time on less stimulating activities. Like any other muscle in the body,

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the brain must be exercised to keep it strong. Doing puzzles and playing games such as chess have also been found to be helpful with cognitive stimulation. Reading helps students expand their vocabulary and improve their writing skills. With the exposure to different types of literature, students come in contact with different writing styles and techniques. Also, authors use a wide variety of new words that will inevitably make their way into student’s everyday vocabulary. According to Life Hack, being articulate and well-spoken is a great help in school, and when students know that they can speak to teachers with self-confidence can be an enormous boost to their self-esteem. The only downside is that students may not know how to pronounce a word. Until recently, I did not know that “colonel” was pronounced “kernel”. Lastly, reading can improve focus, concentration, and memory. According to Life Hack, in a single five-minute span, the average person will divide their time between working on a task, checking their email, chatting with a couple of people, keeping an eye on social media, monitoring their smartphone, and interacting with coworkers. This type of ADHD-like behavior causes stress levels to rise, and lowers our productivity. A book can change all of that. When a student reads, they immerse themselves in a book and the rest of the world falls away. Also having to read and remember all the characters, plots, and twists improves a student’s memory. According to Real Simple, every new memory forges new synapses (brain pathways) and strengthens existing ones, which assists in short-term memory recall as well as stabilizing moods. There was a genre for every literate person on the planet, and whether a student’s tastes lie in, poetry, fashion magazines, biographies, young adult books, self-help guides, or romance novels, there’s something out there to capture their curiosity and imagination. Students should take a moment to step away from their electronics, crack open a book, and replenish their souls. Dear Astra, I have A-lunch some days and when I get on the bus late that day I am starving. I cannot go to the vending machine because the line is too long and I will miss my bus. How can I not be hungry on the bus? Sincerely, The starving superhero Dear The starving superhero, On the days when you have A-lunch, pack extra snacks in your lunchbox specifically for the bus. This way, you will have some extra food to snack on during the ride home. Hope this helps! Sincerely, Astra

For this issue, I was tasked with incorporating two guest columns that took up a lot more space then I originally planned for. I also took headshots of the two writers.

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Portfolio - Clips - Issue 5

Opinion

Features

The Portfolio April 2016

Cafeteria offers healthy choices for students

A healthy meal includes all five of the food categories, grains, protein, fruit, milk and vegetables. “We exceed and meet the standards put out by the district,” Gold said.

By Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor

“A lot of students don’t always make the healthy decisions, but there are a lot to choose from,” ome students like Nashani Robert Gold, cafeteria manager said. Gilbert-Taylor know that eating The lunch menu consists of many healthy keeps the human body healthy options that some students fail strong. to consider. “I like eating healthy because it makes “We have five combos, fruit, milk, me feel good and I like taking good vegetable, protein, and bread. At least care of my body,” Gilbert-Taylor said. three of those have to be eaten for it to

be considered a meal,” Gold said. The school’s lunch follows the district guidelines. The guidelines for a meal according to the Palm Beach County district website are as following: 1) Calories from total fat will not exceed 30 percent, saturated fat not to exceed 10 percent. 2) A various selection of fresh fruit and cupped fruit (containing only natural juices or light syrup). 3) Offer a selection of vegetables and salad options to include locally grown produce. 4) A variety of low fat and fat free milk choices. 5) Whole wheat and whole grain bread choices. 6) Offer 100 percent fruit juice which is fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Gold said, “It’s important to have a nutritious menu and that’s why we offer free breakfast.”

For issue five, I wrote a Features article on Breakfastfood improves health,the allows the healthy choices cafeteria offers. for more energy throughout day The most difficult part of this article was scheduling an oppointment with the cafeteria manager, due to both of our busy schedules. By Carlos Trivino Features Editor

rom kick-starting metabolism to helping burn calories throughout the day, breakfast keeps the body up and running properly. Originating in the mid 1400’s the word breakfast literally meant “to break the fast of the night prior,” according to the Oxford English dictionary. In order for the positive effects include having more energy of a healthy breakfast to take throughout the day, regulated effect, one should eat within two blood sugar levels. Research also hours of waking up. According to indicated that breakfast enhanced the National Health Service, doing memory, attention, the speed of this results in “long term health processing information, reasoning, benefits. It can reduce obesity, high creativity, learning, and verbal blood pressure, heart disease and abilities. diabetes.” Glucose levels rise, and the In teens, the recommended pancreas produces insulin to shuttle amount of calories to maintain the glucose into cells, where it is their weight is approximately used for energy. Research found 2,000. A healthy breakfast can that keeping glucose and insulin help provide about 20 through 30 in the right balance has important percent of those. effects on metabolism and health. “After a healthy breakfast your A study conducted by the National Purchase Diary (NPD) blood sugar increases a little bit, group found that about 31 million but it will take a while for your Americans (around 10 percent of body to absorb it,” Eric Rimm, the population) skip breakfast. A professor of epidemiology and recent Harvard study showed that nutrition at the Harvard School people ages 45 through 82 who of Public Health in Boston, said skipped breakfast were 25 percent on consumerreports.org. “So you more likely to experience a heart might not be hungry for lunch for attack. five hours.” Other positive health benefits

Weekly Healthy Living nutrition graphic: A light, healthy breakfast of 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber may help discourage overeating at lunch

Who would you want to be next president?

44%

Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton

28%

Democrat Bernie Sanders currently trails Clinton by 774 delegates. A random sampling of 18 students from all three grades both male and female were surveyed about which candidate they wanted to win the election. Hillary Clinton had the most votes with eight. Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders tied, both receiving five votes.

(Left to right): Brandon Lee, Isabella Caldwell, Anamaria Navarrete, Lauren-Alexis Herba

LOL: Texting has no effect on grammar By Ashley Kulberg Photo Editor ver the years, some have thought of texting as the destruction of language, however recent studies have proven that this type of shorthand has no long term effect on grammar. The average teen sends over 3,300 texts every month, according to mashable.com. This number increases by a substantial amount every year, however students’ performance on spelling and grammar tests has not decreased. According to a study done by the Nuffield Foundation, grammar violations through text messaging do not carry over into either written or spoken English. The IQs of those who made frequent errors whilst texting were approximately the same as those who did not. Many types of shorthand are apparent in text messages. Teenagers may use acronyms frequently in their conversations. These allow for ideas to be shared more effortlessly than they

Graphic by Angela Yan

would be by spelling the individual words out. Some may say that texting makes teens use more slang in their everyday lives. However, according to sapub.org, slang via text or SMS can affect students positively, if they are using it for important academic messages. Acronyms such as BTW or incorrect spellings such as “w-u-d” instead of “would” in text messages does not have any affect on grammar.

Substitutes should earn rewards, appreciation for hard work

By Sreenidhi Nidamanur Sports Editor ubstitutes are often underappreciated by students, staff, and parents. At times, they are disrespected and looked down upon. Most substitutes do everything they can to help students learn and understand the lesson, but rarely get anything in return. According to southcoasttoday.com, Beatrice Melvin, substitute in New Bedford, said, “I often do not get a ‘thank you’ from the principal. I am constantly reminded that I’m nothing when I know how much of a difference I made in the lives of students and their parents.” Disrespect from students can cause low self-esteem for the substitutes as some students do not even bother to listen or take note of the information that the substitute is giving out. However, some people view respect as something deserved. “It all gets down to the climate of respect and everybody earns the respect they deserve and if they don’t deserve it, they don’t get it,” Richard Tozzie, substitute in Florida, said. Students sometimes take advantage of substitutes by being dishonest. Classroom management techniques do not factor into substitute teaching,

Dear Astra, I have lots of afterschool activities and I get a lot of homework. How can I be in a quiet environment while I’m doing my work? Sincerely, Beach Boy Dear Beach Boy, I would suggest trying to get as much homework as possible done in class and on the way to and from school so that you can minimize the amount you have to do at and after extracurricular activities. Try to get to afterschool activities early so that you can bring some work with you and start a few minutes before other people arrive or you have to begin. Hopefully this will help you balance your school work and extracurricular activties. Sincerely, Astra

Dear Astra, I am having trouble staying focused when I do my homework and I sometimes procrastinate. Do you have any suggestions? because students have the assumption Sincerely, that the substitutes are powerless UnfocusedStar against them. “I remember having four different Dear UnfocusedStar, classes that took advantage of me Try to think about all of the while the teacher was gone,” Celeste things that distract you from Colliton, substitute in Florida, said. Exceptional substitutes should be doing your homework and then recognized at the end of the year, at a try to eliminate them from your ceremony, with certificates and awards workspace. If your phone was for all the hard work and time they put distracting you, then you would in. They should be acknowledged by put it in another room so that the staff and students with a substitute you wouldn’t feel so tempted to appreciation week each year where check it every few minutes. Hope they get to know the substitutes more. this helps! Students need to be more respectful to Sincerely, substitutes and realize they are doing Astra an important job. Dear Editor, Letters to the Editors I loved your latest issue! It was Dear Editor, Dear Editor, really well put together and it I always look forward to the I LOVE reading the Portfolio <3 has events that you could really newspaper because it is so <3. I yell “Yes!” when a new one relate to. Overall, I think the whole professional! Keep up the great comes out. Keep on doing what staff did a great job putting the work. you do! newspaper together. Sincerely, Love, Sincerely, Ashlie Cubas Olivia Antonello Arnold This person needs to learn to put their name AND pseudonym on their paper.

For my last spread, I wanted to make it different. I decided to incorporate a lot of graphics and photos to allow breathing space between articles. I also took the headshots for the two columns.

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Looking FORWARD to next year

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S Republican front-runner Donald Trump

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Portfolio - Clips - Issue 6

On the Road to the White House...

The Portfolio May 2016

Copy Editor

Have fun, but do not let your grades drop. Make sure to know who your real friends are and make the most out of your last year at Bak because it will fly by, Amanda Cohen, eighth grade visual major said.

“

Opinion

Copy Editor

Jacob Schlessel

“

Have fun and Make sure to that you can d of the year li magnet coordin

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Stay on top of be a lot going o your time co grade really is manage your t get the most o eighth grade hi

Sixt

1) Being able to sit outside at lunch 2) Going to Rapids Water Park 3) Going to Busch Gardens 4) Being the “oldest”

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Jacob Schlessel

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Do your work and, even though it may be hard, try your best and be determined, Joshua Wood, eighth grade theater major said.

Don’t be afraid here is really teachers are n your work, F grade vocal m

5) Eighth grade privilege 6) Winning the grade level pep rally. 7) High school acceptance letters 8) Eighth grade dance

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I really think your major an your dreams grade theater

(Left to right): Adam Goldstick, Lauren Mule, Isabella Ramirez, Emma Garret

For the Features section, I took the photo pictured above of the “stuck in the middle” seventh graders. I also interviewed and obtained the quotes pictured above.

Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor

Portfolio - Clips - Issue 6

Page 12

The Portfolio May 2016

Technology

New Flyboard Air breaks world records

Photo courtesy of uncrate.com

Zapata Racing CEO Franky Zapata takes the new FlyBoard Air out, revealing it to the public for the ﬁrst time with a 10 minute ﬂight.

By Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor n the summer of 2015, selfbalancing boards took the market by storm. Many consumers were

unhappy with this product, as these boards falsely claimed themselves to be “hoverboards.” Zapata Racing may

By Sreenidhi Nidamanur Sports Editor amsung recently joined forces with the amusement park, Six Flags, to increase the thrill factor of rides using virtual reality headsets. The New Revolution Virtual Reality Coasters, powered by Oculus, have 360-degree views at 55 miles per hour. They allow thrill-seekers to experience a whole new dimension with synchronized action to the roller coaster. According to usatoday.com, the ability to precisely track the motion of train is critical and the virtual reality (VR) headset is equipped with controllers to fire simulated guns. These are the world’s first giant loops in Texas, Georgia, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and Quebec. This loop is 90 feet high and 45 feet in diameter with 3,457 feet of steel track. According to sixflags.com, riders must be 48 inches tall and at least 13 years of age. With its debut on March 26, the

roller coaster allowed the riders to experience a futuristic fighter plane battle. Riders save the planet from an alien annihilation at New Revolution, while the Superman VR experience recruited passengers to help fight the villain, Lex Luthor. According to fortune.com, Brett Petit, senior vice president of marketing for Six Flags said, “The possibilities are almost endless when you consider all of the different concepts and themed worlds that can be created—we can now provide experiences you can only do in a virtual world, like the ability to fly alongside Superman, be the co-pilot of a jet fighter and save the planet, or explore outer space.” Samsung is now the official technology partner of Six Flags as the headsets are compatible with Samsung’s latest devices including the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. “The expertise and hardware that Samsung provides with the Gear VR and their partnership with Oculus, is really what took this to the next level

have the answer to these disappointed shoppers. Ranging from a hefty price of about $3,000 to $9,000, the FlyBoard Air is the next advancement in technology. First releasing the $6,600 water FlyBoard, Zapata Racing looked to take a more futuristic, gravity defying, land-based version of the original. A video uploaded on April 9 by the official YouTube account of Zapata Racing depicted Franky Zapata, CEO of Zapata Racing using the FlyBoard Air to fly at an approximate speed of 34 mph for three minutes and fifty-five seconds. While trying to keep quiet on most of the stats about the FlyBoard Air, they did claim that the board can reach heights of up to 10 thousand feet, can reach a top speed of 93 mph and can currently fly for up to 10 minutes. On April 30, Franky Zapata was

cited for breaking the world record of longest ﬂight by a hoverboard, crushing the old record which was 905 feet by 6,483 feet. (His record was 7,388 feet). Many skeptics of the FlyBoard Air claim that the video was rigged with ropes or chains. In 2014, a company named Funny or Die released a video of various actors depicted riding a hoverboard. The video drew a lot of attention. The makers of the video later admitted that the video was faked and there was no hoverboard, and it caused an uproar on social media. With new technology bring revealed every day, the FlyBoard Air especially sticks out for being ahead of its time. Zapata Racing currently offers six different models of both water jetpacks and hoverboards on their website If money was not a problem, the FlyBoard Air may soon be the new favorite for commuter travel.

INew virtual reality rollercoasters bring enjoyment to thrill-seekers S

For my last work of the year, I wrote an article on a new advancement in transportation technology: the FlyBoard Air.

Photo courtesy of theverge.com

New virtual reality roller coasters allow thrill-seekers to experience an alien annihilation as well as a Superman experience. Virtual reality headsets enhance the journey of the roller coasters by allowing the passengers to ﬁre virtual weapons.

and made virtual reality on a roller coaster possible,” Petit said. According to usatoday.com, when there is disconnect between what a person sees on VR goggles and what their bodies are physically experiencing, it can lead to queasiness. However,

these VR rollercoasters are in sync with the movement of the roller coaster.

Petit said, “The company has been exploring VR for years, but now the technology exists to deliver the types of one-of-a-kind experiences it was looking for.”

Microsoft creates new program to write captions for photos By Carlos Trivino Features Editor ore than 40 years after it was founded, Microsoft continued to roll out and

which are resources and tools used to create applications. The CaptionBot uses three API’s. A Computer vision API to process and categorize visual data, Emotion API to analyze facial

Microsoft include their “How Old Do I Look?”, “Are You Twins?”, “My Moustache”, “What Dog?”, and “Celebs Like Me.”