Club Special by The Newtonite

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Newtonite

◆ Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012 • Volume 91, Club Special

theNewtonite.com

Non-profit org. US postage paid Newton, Mass. Permit no. 55337

Newton North High School, 457 Walnut St., Newtonville, Mass. 02460

Club Day displays vibrant student life MALINI GANDHI Famous for its screaming students stationed at tables overflowing with colorful posters and candy, Club Day is not only a fun, energy-filled event, but it also plays an essential role in helping students become involved in activities, according to science teacher Michael Hazeltine, who oversees all clubs at this school. According to Hazeltine, Club Day has been a revered tradition at this school “for as long as I can remember.” The event consists of dozens of tables set up by student clubs in a mismatch fashion throughout the cafeteria. Hazeltine noted that the event benefits experienced older students involved in clubs as well as freshmen. “Club Day allows upperclassmen to showcase what they have been doing and to demonstrate the amazing activity that is going on every afternoon at North,” he said. “On the flip side, freshmen are exposed to the huge number of wonderful opportunities offered here.” Many upperclassmen officers of student groups find Club Day to be a vital part of their organizations and have creative ways to advertise their groups. Senior Eli Sadovnik, the chief technical officer of the Ligerbots, this school and South’s robotics team, said that Club Day allows Ligerbots’ leaders to “engage with a wider prospective audience and obtain lots of recruits.” The Ligerbots traditionally don red

Jay Feinstein

Forehand flick: Sophomore Alex Gekas practices Ultimate at Cabot Elementary School. Ultimate is one of the clubs presenting at Club Day.

and orange tie-dye shirts and parade around the cafeteria with their robot. And giant robots are just the beginning. The cafeteria is filled with other creative, unconventional student displays during Club Day. Sadovnik cited the music blaring from the Defense of the Ancients club’s video game screens and the steaming liquid nitrogen ice cream at the science team’s table as highlights, while junior Eliana Gevelber noted a dance group she observed breakdancing. The energy-packed atmosphere of Club Day is a particular draw for students looking to get involved in activites. Sophomore Sammi Giang said that attending Club Day last year as a freshman gave her a taste for the wide variety of options at this school. “The event is very exciting, and is really good for freshmen trying to find out what they are interested in. The hectic, energy-filled atmosphere of the event literally pushes you into each table,” Giang said. Guidance department head Beth Swederskas also emphasized Club Day’s role in allowing students to pursue opportunities. “Because Newton North has so many clubs and organizations to offer, Club Day is a great way for students to find out about clubs and talk to people involved in the clubs at the same time,” said Swederskas.

Extracurricular activity fees lower budget gap HILARY BRUMBERG Since the day a slightly shorter and more impressionable version of junior Amiya Seligman entered this school two years ago, she has been drilled with one of this school’s most common maxims: “Try new things. Get involved. Make the most of the opportunities here.” And she has. Seligman has risen through the ranks of Model United Nations and is now an under-secretary general. She is also an active member of the girls’ Ultimate Frisbee team. However, along with all other students who participate in clubs, Seligman is now required to pay $125 to participate in Model U.N. and Ultimate. “It seems unfair to push students to try new things, while placing a price behind it,” Seligman said. Two years ago, the School Committee was facing a $4 million budget deficit, so

it added fees for participation in schoolsponsored non-athletic extracurricular activities, according to Sandra Guryan, deputy superintendent and chief administrative officer. Involvement in unlimited clubs costs $125 and participation in drama productions costs $150 per show, depending on the student’s role. At the first or second meeting of clubs this fall, advisers will hand out notices from the Newton Public Schools notifying students and parents of the fees and explaining how to pay them, according to Cindy Bergan, assistant superintendent for secondary education and special programs. Students can pay the fees online, by mail or in person at the NPS’ Office of Business and Finance. Fee waivers can be attained at the Office of Business and Finance. Club advisers will send rosters to

science teacher Michael Hazeltine, who oversees clubs at this school, and he will send them to the Office of Business and Finance in November. Then, the Office of Business and Finance will use the club rosters to keep track of who has paid and follow up with the students who have not paid, Bergan explained. Bergan does not anticipate any resistance to the activity fee. “People pay,” she said. “It’s not really an issue.” Last school year was the first year student activity fees were collected from students, and significantly fewer fees were collected than the district had estimated. It was estimated that 2,000 students would pay the fee last year, but the fee was collected from only 282 high school students. Guryan attributes the gap between the estimate and reality to students adjust-

ing to paying the fees and a miscount of the number of high school students who participate in clubs. Due to “tighter controls of fee collection,” it is estimated that 810 students between the two Newton high schools will pay the fee this year, generating $101,250 for the NPS, according to Guryan. This account will go toward paying the stipends of club advisers. Hazeltine explained that the student activity fee is counter-productive for many clubs. For example, Orange Shield, whose sole mission is community service and fund raising, is subjected to the fee, Hazeltine said. “As a group, they raise less money per student than they would pay in the activity fee,” he said. “It would do more good to disband the club and have the parents donate the money to a local charity.”

Students share passions GLORIA LI AND PERRIN STEIN Club Day is a time for students to showcase their passion for the clubs they lead. Through energy and excitement, students convey what makes the clubs they participate in special.

symposium Officers of clubs reflect on how participating in clubs has shaped their high school experience. Senior Maggie Amatucci said she began participating in Italian club when, as a freshman, she went to a meeting with a friend. “Italian club is the only club I have participated in because there is a great group of people involved, and I had a lot of fun, so I wanted to devote my time to it,” she said. Senior Zach Rosenof devotes his time to the science team, to the tennis team and to the debate club. All three of these clubs have shaped his high school experience, he said.

In the debate club, Rosenof said he has “learned to think in a whole new and better way. By arguing both sides of each argument, I learn that no issues are black and white and that opinions mean nothing.” Last year, juniors Paulina Rozenberg and Jenny Cronin started Fashion for a Cause. Through the club, Rozenberg said she is able to combine her interests. “I don’t think there is anything I love more than the art of fashion, except maybe being able to help others do something I love,” she said. When she auditioned for Forté her freshman year, senior Katherine Swager said she had no idea that eventually she would become the director. Swager said that through Forté, she has been able to improve her singing and make new friends. “It’s really nice to belong to something,” she said. Through participation in clubs, students explore interests and discover new passions, which they showcase at Club Day.

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Maliha Ali

Discussion: Juniors Emmett McClearly, Paulina Rozenberg and Katie Bubelo examine photographs during a meeting of Fasion for a Cause.

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2 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012

This special is a guide to clubs and organizations at this school. Today during X-block, various clubs and organizations participate in club day in the cafeteria. Here you can read more about the various clubs and organizations at this school. All new clubs that registered after Friday are not included in this special. Jay Feinstein

Asian Culture Club: Senior Winnie Chen and junior Sam Su, officers of the Asian Culture club, prepare for Club Day and for the rest school year.

Animal Rights Club What: Students brainstorm and participate in volunteer-based projects. When: Fridays after school in 324. Goal: “To enrich the lives of animals through various projects, such as volunteering and awareness campaigns,” said sophomore Sarina Wolfe, an officer. Officers: Wolfe and sophomore Melissa Mark. Adviser: History teacher Leah Morelli. ––PERRIN STEIN

Art Club What: Students experiment with a variety of types of art. When: Thursday X-blocks in 129. Goal: “We want to encourage students to explore their creativity and provide the tools for them to do so,” said senior Ellen Adams, an officer. Officers: Adams and seniors Julie Joyce and Izzy Rosenblatt. Adviser: Art teacher Shannon Slattery. ––RACHEL STURGES

Asian Culture Club What: Students celebrate Asian culture through food and entertainment. When: Monday X-blocks in the international café. Goal: “To promote cultural acceptance and to provide a safe and welcoming place for people to learn about Asian culture,” said senior Jamie Chan, an officer. Officers: Chan, seniors Winnie Chen, Jonny Long and Joie Tsang and juniors Calvin Kwong and Sam Su. Advisers: English teachers Charlene Beh and Michele Leong. ––MERIEL HENNESSEY

Athletes Serving the Community What: Students volunteer for organizations such as the Special Olympics and Christmas in the City. When: Time and location vary based on the event. There are no regular meetings. Goal: “To give students who are crunched for time an opportunity to volunteer and

give back to the community. However, everybody can help out as much as they want because we volunteer at around 22 different events each year,” said senior Kris Labovitch, the president. Adviser: Parent Kim Boucher. ––ELENA SCHWARTZ

Officers: Safran and vice presidents Shelly Altman, Madison Beatrice, John Hogan, Ryan Lucken and Kristian Sumner. Advisers: English teachers Maureen Kavanaugh and Mary Palisoul. ––SEAN VASQUEZ-SOLIS

Badminton Club

Class of 2014

What: Members work to improve their badminton skills. When: Monday and Thursday X-blocks in the SOA. Goal: “To spread badminton as a sport,” said senior Xinyin Zhu, an officer. Officers: Zhu and junior Karen Fan. Adviser: Math teacher Derek Hogan. ––PERRIN STEIN

What: President and officers plan events and raise money for the Class of 2014. When: Thursdays before school in the cafeteria. Goal: “To raise money for and plan the junior prom,” said Lizzie Reid, the class president. Officers: Reid and vice presidents Jack Boucher, Ben Galgano, Caroline LaFleche, Jared Perlo and Emma Tavolieri. Adviser: Science teacher Jodie Cohen. ––JONNY CURHAN

Black Leadership Advisory Council What: Students of color and allies share experience and discuss stereotypes. When: Monday X-blocks in 350. Goal: “To encourage black students to get involved in their community and break racial barriers,” said freshman Saria White, a member. Officers: To be determined. Adviser: English teacher Peter Goddard. ––CAMILLE BOWMAN

Book Club What: Students read and discuss books of all genres. When: Once a month in the Library Learning Commons. Goal: “To encourage members to read and discuss books, while also having fun and making new friends,” said sophomore Annie Shriver, an officer. Officers: Shriver and sophomores Kavish Gandhi and Daniel Ruttenburg. Adviser: Librarian Donna Johns. ––RACHEL SHNITMAN

Class of 2013 What: Students plan events, such as senior prom, for the Class of 2013. When: To be determined. Goal: “To unite the class,” said Mike Safran, the president.

Class of 2015 What: Students plan and raise money for prom and other class events. When: D-blocks during second lunch in the Beals House office. Goal: “To make sure our class leaves a positive impact on our school,” said Liv Berlin, a vice president. Officers: Berlin, president Maddie Irwin and vice presidents Micah Cawthorne, Bali Connors and Maddie Maloney. Advisers:Television production aide Amanda Mazzola and history teacher David Bedar. ––JAY FEINSTEIN

Class of 2016 What: President and officers plan events and fundraise for the Class of 2016. When: To be determined. Goal: “To make sure freshmen get to know the school and each other and to raise money for class events and activities,” said pilot aide Michelle Kennedy. Officers: Class elections are Tuesday, Oct. 9. Advisers: Kennedy and Pilot aide Liz Rosen. ––PETER SHEEN

Newtonite Photography editors — Maliha Ali, Nina Kaplan Production manager — Jordan Robins Advertising managers —Naomi Cherenson, Philippine Kugener Business manager — Philippine Kugener Circulation manager — Eyob Gizachew Online editors — Alex Feit, Nicky Kaufman, Alex Potter Advisers — Tom Fabian, Derek Knapp, Amanda Mazzola Production adviser — Tom Donnellan Publications adviser –– Kate Shaughnessy News staff — Jared Perlo

What: Read, draw and discuss manga cartoons and Japanese culture. When: Monday X-blocks and Fridays after school in 363. Goal: “To expose members to the world of manga, its art style and Japanese culture,” said junior Kelly Zhang, an officer. Officers: Zhang and junior Zachary Wolyniec. Adviser: English teacher Wendy Richardson. ––HILARY BRUMBERG

Computer Club What: Students collaborate, learn and share computer graphics. When: X-blocks in 138A. Goal: “To have a cool and fun place for people to learn about computer graphics,” said senior Benji Smith, the officer. Adviser: Robotics and engineering teacher Scott Rosenhahn. ––HILARY BRUMBERG

Cooking Club What: Students learn how to cook and promote healthy eating habits. When: Thursday X-blocks in A103. Goal: “To teach high schoolers not only about cooking, but also managing a budget and other valuable real life skills in a fun and happy environment,” said special education teacher Lisa Goldthwaite, the adviser. Officers: Phillip Jasset ’12 and Jennifer Lehman ’12. ––MADDIE GRISWOLD

Creative Writing Club What: Students use prompts and activities to improve their writing skills. When: Wednesdays after school in 368. Goal: “To offer a relaxed space where student writers can grow creatively,” said sophomore Molly Dalzell, an officer. Officers: Dalzell, junior Lauren Roskosz and sophomore Leah Budson. Adviser: English teacher Maureen Kavanaugh. —DOUGLAS ABRAMS

Letter

The Newtonite, founded in 1922, is the official news source of Newton North High School, 457 Walnut St., Newtonville, Mass. 02460. Editors in chief — Hilary Brumberg, Jay Feinstein, Perrin Stein News editor — Amanda Hills Sports editors — Ryan Condon, Jacob Schwartz Arts editors — Leah Budson, Peter Diamond Features editors — Malini Gandhi, Gloria Li, Julia Oran Freelance editors — Douglas Abrams, David Kwartler Opinion editor — Connor Vasu Talk of the Tiger editor — Julia Moss Associate editors –– Samantha Libraty, Kristian Lundberg

Comic and Manga Club

Features staff — Isatou Marenah Sports staff — Sam Jones, Jonny Levenfeld, Liam Wilcox-Warren Opinion staff — Asya Grozdanova, Bennett Kaplan, Cyrus Vaghar Talk of the Tiger staff –– Charles Attisano, Eli Bock, Rosanna Gessel-Larson, Rachel Kronberg, Carina Wallack Art staff — Artem Aleksanyan Arielle Conti, Izzy Rosenblatt Photography staff –– Yarden Gavish, Rosanna Gessel-Larson, Amelia Goldstein, Lizzie Kenslea, Madeleine Lundberg, Lizzie McCarty

The Newtonite staff does all the reporting and photography to post content daily to its website, theNewtonite.com. Sign up for the Newtonite’s bimonthly email newsletter on its website at http://thenewtonite.com/newsletter/. In addition to this print club special, the Newtonite will publish a print special at the end of semester I and a print graduation special. To place an advertisement in the online or print version of the Newtonite or to contact us by phone, please call 617-559-6273. Readers can also reach us at thenewtonite@gmail.com or at http://thenewtonite.com/contact.

Readers are invited to submit guest articles and letters to the editor. Letters and columns should be put in the Newtonite box in the main office or emailed to thenewtonite@gmail.com. In addition, readers are invited to comment on articles posted to our website, theNewtonite.com. If readers are interested in contributing to the Newtonite on a regular basis, they are invited to start a blog. Applications can be obtained in 273. The Newtonite reserves the right to edit all letters, columns and blogs, which must have the writer ’s name, class and homeroom. The Newtonite serves as a forum for student opinion.

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Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012

Dance Club: Twisted Rumor What: Students gather to learn different styles of dance, including belly dancing, Latin and ballroom dancing. When: Monday and Thursday X-blocks in the dance studio. Goal: “To inspire more people to dance and speak their mind in the way that they move,” said senior Milena Petkova, the officer. Adviser: English language learners teacher Deborah José. ––TYLLA CAMPBELL

Debate Team What: Students prepare for local and national debate tournaments. When: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in 270. Goal: “To improve results from last year and maybe win a national tournament,” said senior Jordan Ecker, an officer. Officers: Ecker and senior Zach Rosenof. Adviser: English teacher Tom Fabian. ––ISAIAH BLAKELY

Dreamfar High School Marathon Team What: Students prepare for the Providence Marathon, which is held annually in May. When: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays after school in 345 and Saturday mornings at Brookline. Goal: “To have everyone involved in the program complete the Providence Marathon,” said senior Meagen King, the officer. Advisers: English teacher Maureen Kavanaugh and special education teacher Drew Pierce. ––JACOB GURVIS

Dungeons and Dragons What: Students play Dungeons and Dragons, a roleplaying game involving challenges dictated by the Dungeon Master. When: Thursday X-blocks in 415. Goal: “To give students a fun way to escape from their school lives,” said junior Misha Goncharuk, the officer. Adviser: Science teacher Jo-Ann Purdy. ––PERRIN STEIN

Environmental Club What: Students work on projects to help the environment and talk about environmental issues. When: Mondays and Wednesdays after school in a room to be determined. Goal: “We’re basically just trying to raise awareness about the environment throughout the school,” said senior Victoria Holland, an officer. Officers: Holland and senior Jay Feinstein. Adviser: To be determined. ––KIRK STUART

Fashion for a Cause What: Prepare for and put on an annual fashion show to raise money for various charities. When: Monday X-blocks in 428.

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 3

Goal: “To have a creative fashion outlet, to have fun and to raise money for worthwhile charities,” said junior Jenny Cronin, an officer. Officers: Cronin and juniors Katie Bubelo, Jason Lob, Paroma Mallick and Paulina Rozenberg. Adviser: Science teacher Shu-Yee Chen. ––HILARY BRUMBERG

Fencing Club What: Students learn to fence. When: Wednesdays after school in the cafeteria. Goal: “To try to teach kids about fencing because it is an underrated sport, and we want more people to know about it,” said sophomore Aris Bandercool, the officer. Adviser: Latin teacher Elise Goodman Tuchmayer. ––ANDREW MANNIX

Fiction Club What: Students read books, watch movies and discuss literature and pop culture. When: Monday X-blocks in 312. Goal: “To use the discussion of relevant social issues as a jumping off point to encourage social activism,” said junior Gina Ferolito, an officer. Officers: Ferolito and juniors Adina Kruskal and Liza Layer. Adviser: History teacher David Bedar. ––LEAH BUDSON

Film Club What: Students watch and discuss films. When: Fridays after school in a location to be determined. Goal: “To explore the schematic elements of films, to understand what the film is trying to suggest and why the film was made,” said senior Owen Weitzman, an officer. Officers: Weitzman, senior Alec MapesFrances and junior Emmett McCleary. Adviser: English teacher Neil Giordano. ––ADAM RABINOWITZ

Forté What: Students sing together and prepare for concerts in this all-female a capella group. When: Sunday nights from 7 to 9 at a member’s house. Goal: “To bring girls, who may not know each other, together to make beautiful music with our voices and make new friends,” said senior Lexi Dissanayake, an officer. Officers: Dissanayake and seniors Kira Liu and Katherine Swager. Adviser: Fine Arts department head Todd Young. ––MAX KOZLOV

French Club What: Students practice French, watch French movies, eat French food and have fun getting to know other French students. When: Monday X-blocks in 267. Goal: “To create a safe environment where people can explore French culture

Jay Feinstein

Future Business Leaders of America: Senior Frank Donato, an officer, brainstorms ways to raise money during a meeting Thursday X-block. without too much of a time commitment,” said senior Lynn Chou, an officer. Officers: Chou and senior Audrey Derobert Adviser: French Teacher Suzanne Putzeys. ––PERRIN STEIN

Friday Afternoon Culture Society What: Students eat pizza and watch the previous night’s episode of “The Office.” When: Fridays during third lunch in classroom A of the Library Learning Commons. Goal: “To entertain students,” said junior Henry DeGroot, an officer. Officers: DeGroot and junior Max Brandl. Adviser: Librarian and English teacher Kevin McGrath. ––PERRIN STEIN

Future Business Leaders of America What: Students split into groups with different tasks, including marketing, financing and finding sponsors for events. When: X-blocks in 319. Goal: “To create and execute business plans for different types of fundraisers or community service events with students learning through experience instead of from a book,” said senior Frank Donato, an officer. Officers: Donato and senior Adrian Alonso-Tavera. Adviser: Business teacher Robert Kane. ––LEAH BUDSON

Future Doctors and Nurses of America

Gloria Li

Debate: Senior Zach Rosenof, an officer of the debate club, prepares arguments for a debate topic Tuesday, Sept. 11 in 270.

What: Students visit hospitals, fundraise for toy drives and listen to guest speakers from the medical field. When: Thursday X-blocks in 213. Goal: “To put students interested in going into the medical field on the right track for medical school,” said junior Melisa Joseph, an officer.

Officers: Joseph, junior Rachel Ng and freshman Gina Joseph. Adviser: Special education teacher Jane Kenslea. ––DAVID KWARTLER

Gay-Straight Alliance What: Students discuss current issues as well as personal topics in a safe, accepting environment of all genders and sexualities and organize activism events. When: Thursday X-blocks in 242. Goal: “We want people to understand that the GSA is not just for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer and asexual, but for anybody who is willing to learn, be supportive and have fun,” said senior Amelia Goldstein, an officer. Officers: Goldstein and sophomore Leah Budson. Adviser: Spanish teacher Daniel Fabrizio. ––BELLA RAO

Girls Ultimate Frisbee What: Students practice Ultimate Frisbee and compete against other schools in the area. When: Every day after school on the multi-purpose field starting in March. Goal: “To create a friendly, nice atmosphere for playing a fun sport,” said junior Pascale Froehlich, an officer. Officers: Froehlich, senior Yarden Gavish and junior Philippine Kugener. Advisers: Science teacher Matt Anderson. ––HILARY BRUMBERG

Greengineering Club What: Students work to find new solutions to world issues. When: Fridays after school in 148. Goal: “To introduce students to sustainability in a way to foster independent research and initiative,” said senior Benji Smith, the officer. Advisers: Science teacher Matt Anderson and English teacher Steve Chinosi. ––JACKSON WADE

4 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

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y, Sept. 27, 2012

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 5

What: Students work in freshman homerooms, assisting teachers, answering questions about the school and facilitating community-building activities. When: During semester I, guidance aides attend freshman homerooms Tuesdays and Thursdays. In Term III, guidance aides go to their assigned freshman homeroom Tuesdays. In Term IV, guidance aides do not attend freshman homerooms. Goal: “To help freshmen transition into the new school with help from older students who already went through the same thing,” said senior Ezekial Francisco, a current member. Requirements: In the spring, students interested in becoming guidance aides for the following fall must fill out an application. Adviser: Guidance counselor Christine Potter. ––RACHEL STURGES

Math Team What: Students practice math problems and concepts for competitions. When: Wednesdays after school in 465. Goal: “To celebrate the love of mathematics,” said senior Christina Chen, the officer. Adviser: Math teacher Elisse Ghitelman. ––KHLOE WEBB

Melocotones What: Students improve their singing abilities through singing a capella. When: Saturdays at a time and in a location to be determined. Goal: “Everyone in Melocotones should have fun singing and sounding good while also meeting new people, challenging themselves by trying new things and stretching their comfort zone because that is something I think is important for any human, no matter what age,” said senior Samantha Chan, an officer. Officers: Chan and senior Tara Cabache. Adviser: Fine and performing arts department head Todd Young. ––MAX KOZLOV

Help the Homeless Club What: Students provide meals and other supplies to people in need. When: To be determined in 249. Goal: “To bring necessities to people in need,” said senior Anna Golin. Officers: Golin and senior Alicia Santiago. Adviser: Spanish teacher Marla Glaskin. ––MERIEL HENNESSEY

Mentors in Violence Prevention

Hiking Club

H.O.P.E Club What: Students learn about and raise awareness for teen issues. When: Wednesdays after school in the college and career center. Goal: “To raise awareness for teen issues, to help the community in any way we can and to help make North a more informed and welcoming environment,” said senior Jen DelGrande, an officer. Officers: DelGrande and senior Lynn Chou Adviser: Guidance counselor Kyra Bateman. ––LINNEA HARTWICK

House Management What: Students set up and run ticket sales for Theatre Ink productions. When: Students meet an hour before each show begins. Goal: “To make sure everyone is happy

Nitkin, an officer. Officers: Nitkin, senior Eli Sadovnik and South senior Leanora McVittie. Adviser: South science department Charles Hurwitz. ––PETER SHEEN

Guidance Aides

What: Students hike, kayak and snorkel in local areas. When: Students meet at the theatre entrance on some weekend mornings and travel by bus to various outdoor activities. Goal: “To provide opportunities for students to get out on the trail,” said junior Jesse Metzger. Officers: Metzger and junior Eliana Gevelber. Adviser: Science teacher Ann Dannenberg. ––ELENA SCHWARTZ

What: Members discuss issues such as sexual harassment, gender stereotypes and bullying. When: Thursday X-blocks in 350. Goal: “To spread awareness of these subjects to the school community,” said senior Andy Frank, an officer. Officers: Frank and seniors Michael Denaro and Frank Donato. Adviser: English teacher Janice Miller. ––DAVID KWARTLER Gloria Li

Model United Nations: Junior Riley Heiman, an under secretary general, welcomes new members to the club and introduces the first topic of dicussion. and comfortable and that the show runs smoothly,” said junior Joyani Ghosh, a student producer. Officers: Ghosh, seniors Kyle Hartman and Shereen Sodder and junior Sarah Nemetz. Adviser: Theatre Ink director Adam Brown. ––RACHEL SHNITMAN

Improv Club What: Students participate in games to strengthen their improv skills. When: Monday and Thursday X-blocks in the little theatre. Goal: “We are helping kids, in any setting, be more confident with thinking on their feet,” said senior Nick Rodriguez, an officer. Officers: Rodriguez, senior Sam Raby and

sophomore Elena Rodriguez. Advisers: Theatre Ink director Adam Brown and Holly Tarnower ’07. ––CAMILLE BOWMAN

Italian Club What: Students talk about Italian culture, cook food, watch movies and listen to Italian music. When: Thursday X-blocks in 256. Goal: “To expose students to Italian culture through discussions and food,” said senior Eliana Accomazzi, an officer. Officers: Accomazzi and seniors Maggie Amatucci and Emma Schertz. Adviser: Italian teacher Maria ProcopioDemas. ––SEAN VASQUEZ-SOLIS

Japanese Film and Anime Club What: Students watch Japanese movies and television shows and fundraise for a trip to the annual Anime Boston convention. When: Tuesday until 4 and Thursday Xblocks in 363. Goal: “To watch anime and to share it with anyone who wants to watch with us,” said junior Eric Halin, an officer. Officers: Halin and junior Ned Martenis Adviser: English teacher Wendy Richardson. ––HILARY BRUMBERG

Jewish Student Union What: Students learn about Judaism and Jewish culture through games, discussions and food. When: Monday X-blocks in a location to be determined. Goal: “To have a place to bring Jewish teens together,” said senior Caroline Nunberg, an officer. Officers: Nunberg and senior Jordan Robins. Adviser: To be determined. ––JONNY CURHAN

Ligerbots Team

Nina Kaplan

Guidance Aides: Junior Maeve Greeley assists a freshman homeroom teacher during Tuesday and Thursday homeroom and serves as a mentor to freshmen.

What: Students from this school and South work to construct a robot for the FIRST Robotics Competition. When: Thursdays after X-block until 5 in 128. Goal: “Each year, we compete in a different challenge created by FIRST against teams from around the world,” said senior Evan

Microcredit Club What: Students raise money through bake and craft sales and then loan the money they raise to entrepreneurs in third-world countries. When: Every other Monday X-block in the college and career center. Goal: “To get the student body excited about and involved in our efforts so that we can continue to be of aid to entrepreneurs with our generous loans,” said senior Danielle Handler, an officer. Officers: Handler and sophomore Anna Ellison. Adviser: History and social sciences teacher Ty Vignone. ––LEAH BUDSON

Mock Trial What: Students act as lawyers and witnesses in mock cases against other schools. When: Wednesday nights in a location to be determined. Goal: “To have fun debating as lawyers and acting as witnesses, while learning about the procedures of real-life court trials,” said sophomore SeungWan Kang. Officers: Kang and junior Sasha Kliger. Adviser: History teacher John Fitzgerald. ––LEAH BUDSON

Model United Nations What: Students represent United Nations member states to debate current and historical issues. Students delegates attend conferences in which they debate against students from other high schools. When: Thursdays from 5 to 6 in the film lecture hall. Goal: “To have a successful conference season and to really get new members involved in club meetings,” said senior Sejal Vallabh, the secretary general. Officers: Vallabh and seniors Gloria Li and juniors Amiya Seligman and Riley Heiman are the under-secretary generals. Adviser: History teacher Gregory Drake. ––BELLA RAO

Newtonian What: Students create this school’s yearbook, which includes photos of students, faculty and the community. Goal: “To produce a yearbook that all of the Newton North community can enjoy,” said television production aide Amanda Mazzola, the adviser. When: Tuesdays third lunch and Thursday X-blocks. Officers: To be determined. ––ISAIAH BLAKELY

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6 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012

Newtonite What: Students produce this school’s official daily online news source and create three print specials annually. Goal: “To serve as a forum for student opinion, to inform the school community about events and programs at this school and to entertain our readers,” said senior Jay Feinstein, an editor in chief. Officers: Feinstein and seniors Hilary Brumberg and Perrin Stein are editors in chief. Advisers: English teachers Tom Fabian and Derek Knapp and television production aide Amanda Mazzola. ––NAOMI CHERENSON

Nicaragua Club What: Students think of ways to serve the community of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. When: Monday X-blocks in 266. Goal: “To serve the community of San Juan de Sur,” said senior Christine Raymond, an officer. Officers: Raymond and seniors Caroline Noble and Bella Rao. Adviser: French teacher Fiona Blyth. ––TYLLA CAMPBELL

Northern Lights What: Students sing a capella music and prepare sets for concerts and competitions. When: Sunday nights from 7 to 9 at a member’s house. Goal: “To make people feel like their ears are full of rainbows and smiles,” said senior Madeline Murphy, an officer. Officers: Murphy and senior Sam McCall. Adviser: Guidance counsler Matthew Ford. –JAY FEINSTEIN

Nutrition Club What: Students organize events, such as healthy cooking demostrations and nutrition fairs, in order to educate the local community about nutrition-related topics. When: Meetings vary depending on members’ schedules. Goal: “To spread the benefits of healthful, conscious eating to our high school and the greater Newton community,” said senior Ari Appel, an officer. Officers: Appel and senior Lynn Chou.

Maliha Ali

Northern Lights: Seniors Madeline Murphy, Andy Frank and Eliza Burr warm up before auditions begin. Adviser: French teacher Margot Murphy. –PERRIN STEIN

PAWS Mediation What: Peer Mediators are trained students and faculty who help mediate conflicts that arise between students and/or faculty. When: Twice a term during X-block at a time and date to be determined. Frequency varies based on mediations. Goal: “To help students and faculty strengthen their ability to be effective mediators and help students work out difficult situations when they arise,”

said guidance counselor Kyra Bateman, an adviser. Officers: To be determined. Advisers: Bateman and guidance counselor Belma Johnson. ––JACOB GURVIS

an officer. Officers: Frank and seniors Xavier Cullere, Alex Marzilli and Andrew Xue. Adviser: English teacher Maureen Kavanaugh. —PERRIN STEIN

Peer Mentoring

Science Team

What: Students serve as school ambassadors to guide new and visiting students around the school. When: To be determined. Goal: “To help new and visiting students feel comfortable and welcome,” said guidance counselor Kyra Bateman, the adviser. ––KIRK STUART

What: Students work together to prepare for various science competitions. When: Wednesdays after school in a location to be determined. There is an informational meeting Wednesday after school in 473. Goal: “To create interest and passion about science outside of the classroom,” said senior Giri Anand, the vice president. Officers: Anand and senior Gloria Li, the president. Adviser: Science department head Amy Winston. ––MAX KOZLOV

Peer Tutoring What: Upperclassmen tutor underclassmen in a specific subject. When: Students participate during their free blocks or study halls. Goal: “To give the tutees more confidence and the ability to succeed in what they do,” said junior Dan Elson-Rooney, a peer tutor. Requirements: Tutors must apply and complete training. Advisers: Math teachers Karly Burke and Melissa Rice. ––ADAM RABINOWITZ

Poetry Club What: A relaxed environment for students to write poetry and work on a blog. When: Tuesdays after school in 363. Goal: “To create a fun, relaxed club where students can explore and write poetry,” said sophomore Molly Dalzell, an officer. Officers: Dalzell and sophomore Leah Budson. Adviser: English teacher Maureen Kavanaugh. ––PETER DIAMOND

Sailing Team What: Students compete in sailing races against other high schools. When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays after school in the spring at Community Boating in Boston. Goal: “To keep up the good work and sail fast,” said senior Anna Golin, a captain. Officers: Golin and senior Eve Szerlip are captains. Adviser: History department head Jonathan Bassett. ––JAY FEINSTEIN

Save the Congo Club Jay Feinstein

Theatre Ink Costumes: Junior Sophie Sokolov reviews costumes ideas for “Rumors,” which goes up Thursday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Nov. 3.

What: Student raise funds to aid the Congolese people. When: Monday X-blocks in 364. Goal: “To raise awareness and educate others about the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said senior Andy Frank,

SciINIT Club What: Students travel to nearby elementary schools to teach kids about science through demonstrations and hands-on activities, including baking soda volcanoes and potato batteries. When: There is an informational meeting Wednesday after school in 425. Future meeting locations and times will be determined then. Goal: “To give everyone in the community the opportunity to experience and learn science in a fun way,” said junior Ying Gao. Officers: Gao and senior Gloria Li. Adviser: To be determined. ––PERRIN STEIN

Skateboard Club What: Students share their passion for skateboarding, learn to skate and design and build their own skateboard decks and graphics. When: Thursday X-blocks in 124. Goal: “To have fun and to get creative,” said junior Josh Gluck, an officer. Officers: Gluck and junior Dylan AnselKelly. Adviser: Art and photography teacher Tom MacIntyre —PERRIN STEIN

Ski and Snowboard Club What: Students go on weekend trips to ski and snowboarding resorts. When: There are two annual trips, usually in January and February. Goal: “To get as many kids as possible because the more kids the better the trip,” said senior Michael Denaro. Adviser: Special education teacher Stephen Hess. ––ANDREW MANNIX

special

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 7

Songwriting Club What: Students create, revise and discuss their original songs. When: Thursday X-blocks in the Library Learning Commons. Goal: “To introduce new members to the art of songwriting and to become familiar with common song structures, different styles of lyricism and learn basic music theory,” said junior Sam Mayer, the officer. Adviser: Chief innovation officer Steven Chinosi. ––PERRIN STEIN

Squash Club What: Students learn squash with the help of a professional coach and will eventually compete against other schools. When: Times depend on court availability but will usually be at 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. during the school week at the Harvard Murr Center. Goals: “To have enough participation and interest that we will be able to become a sport in a couple years,” said sophomore Fiona Ross. Officers: Ross and sophomore Taylor Lord. Adviser: To be determined. ––PERRIN STEIN

Stage Crew What: Students are responsible for the design and execution of the sound, set and lights for all Theatre Ink productions. When: Every day after school in 185. Goal: “To provide the technical aspects that are necessary to support the vision of a show, as well as to provide its members with an opportunity to get involved in theatre and learn about the field of technical theatre,” said senior Amalia Sweet, a student technical director. Officers: Sweet and junior Max Proskauer. Adviser: Intro to Technical Theatre teacher Michael Barrington-Haber. ––CHARLIE RAO

Students For Joe Kennedy What: Students volunteer for Joe Kennedy, a congressional candidate in Massachusetts’ Fourth District. When: To be determined. Goals: “To organize Newton North volunteers for Joe and to help Joe win his election,” said junior Henry DeGroot, an officer. Officers: DeGroot and seniors Jordan Ecker and Kristian Lundberg. Adviser: History and social sciences teacher Ty Vignone. ––JACOB SCHWARTZ

Team P.A.C.T. What: Students raise money for cancer research foundations. When: Thursdays X-block in 458. Goal: “To raise money for cancer research and raise awareness of cancer,” said senior Kristian Sumner, an officer. Officers: Sumner and junior Amber Poirer. Adviser: Science teacher Brian Gagne. ––DAVID KWARTLER

Television and Film Production Club What: Produce monthly episodes of Tiger Tube to be aired on NewTV. When: Every day after school in 260 and 262. Goal: “To learn about film production and eventually produce one episode of Tiger Tube a month,” said senior Johnny Medlar, the officer. Adviser: English teacher Neil Giordano. ––HILARY BRUMBERG

Theatre Ink What: Students work to produce 12-13 theatre productions annually. When: Every day after school in the little theatre and the auditorium. Goal: “Theatre Ink is a teaching and working theatre whose goal is to put on a good show and give opportunity to people who are interested,” said senior Sam Raby, a student director. Adviser: Theatre Ink director Adam Brown. ––MAX KOZLOV

Theater Ink Costumes What: Students design and create all the clothing that appears in each Theatre Ink production.

Jay Feinstein

Tutors in Action: Sophomores Lucine Boloyon and Kimberly Ng, officers of Tutors in Action, prepare for Club Day. When: Every day after school from 5 to 6. Goal: “To create beautiful, authentic costumes and to foster an environment of learning,” said junior Sophie Sokolov, the officer. Adviser: Costumes coordinator Ruth Talvaccia. —DOUGLAS ABRAMS

Theories Club What: Students discuss ethical dilemmas that currently affect the world. When: Thursday X-blocks in 364. Goal: “To explore issues facing our world,” said senior Andy Frank, an officer. Officers: Frank and seniors Xavier Cullere and Andrew Xue. Adviser: English teacher Maureen Kavanaugh. ––PERRIN STEIN

Thoughtprints What: Students produce an annual art and literature magazine, consisting of student creative writing, art, photography and music. When: Sunday nights from 7 to 9 at editors’ houses. Goal: “To showcase student talent and artwork for the school, parents and the community,” said senior Sophie Kaplan, an editor-in-chief. Officers: Kaplan and senior Malini Gandhi are editors-in-chief. Adviser: English teacher Neil Giordano. ––KHLOE WEBB

Ultimate Frisbee What: Students practice and compete in Ultimate Frisbee matches. When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday after school at Cabot Elementary School in the fall. Every day after school at Burr Elementary School in the spring. Goal: “To give students the opportunity to learn Ultimate Frisbee and to play competitively,” said senior Alec Zabrecky, an officer. Officers: Zabrecky and senior Nick Roberts. Adviser: Science teacher Matt Anderson. ––JACKSON WADE

Up Close: Local Government What: Students meet and discuss local issues that interest them. When: Bimonthly meetings at a time and location to be determined. Goals: “To provide a club for busy students interested in and passionate about local affairs,” said junior Steven Kelly, an officer. Officers: Kelly and junior Russel Petry. Adviser: History and social sciences

teacher Ty Vignone. ––PERRIN STEIN

Yako Connections What: Students write letters to, raise money for and send supplies to students who attend the Yako school in Burkino Faso. When: Once a month in 266. Goals: “To help kids in Burkina Faso and to open students’ eyes to other places in the world,” said French teacher Fiona Blyth, the adviser. Officers: To be determined. ––LEAH BUDSON

Young Libertarians Club What: Students discuss aspects of libertarianism. When: Wednesdays after school in 270. Goals: “To help provide an open forum for student debate on current events and to converse about modern libertarian thought,” said junior Riley Heiman, an officer. Officers: Heiman and junior Alex Feit. Adviser: English teacher Tom Fabian. —PERRIN STEIN

Tiger Tube What: Students make videos for sporting and theatre events, the school community and the Tiger Tube channel. When: Every day after school in 260 and 262. Goal: “To use film production as a medium for student expression,” said senior Johnny Medlar, the officer. Adviser: English teacher Neil Giordano. —DOUGLAS ABRAMS

Tutors in Action What: Members tutor fifth graders at Cabot Elementary School, focusing on helping students with math homework. When: Mondays from 3 to 4 at Cabot. Goal: “To help the students with their homework in a way that they will understand,” said sophomore Kimberly Ng, an officer. Officers: Ng and sophomore Lucine Bolyan. Adviser: Guidance counselor Darby Verre. ––DAVID KWARTLER

Gloria Li

Science Team: Sophomore Luke Fisher practices buzzing for an upcoming competition during a meeting Saturday, Sept. 15.