The Penguin Press Number 2 aas.point@gmail.com
24th October, 2011
Cyprus - Sun, Sand and Science - Kayla Fahy
Activities
Sports
A
Arts
Features
Editorials
lthough we Seniors have been settled back into the wonderful daily routine of IB life for two weeks now, the memories of Cyprus are as fresh in our minds as if we had just landed at Sheremetyevo Airport last night. Arriving just after the first storm in five months, we had the most beautiful weather imaginable. The sun shone bright overhead, sending us the magnificent UV rays we needed to tan our skin to perfection. The accommodations were great, albeit not what everyone had expected. Peppered throughout the village, it could take anywhere from a few steps to several minutes of walking to get to our nearest neighbor’s
house. Toilet paper didn’t flush, shower water wasn’t always heated, some rooms couldn’t fit suitcases and people at the same time, but they grew to be our little homes while we were on the island. However, it was not all fun and games. Upon arrival for the natural sciences group, there was a stream study of life in the different parts of a small stream – a good 45 minute hike from the village. While we were out collecting our specimens, studying them under microscopes, and writing up our labs, the physical sciences group arrived just in time for dinner at the local Taverna. Day 2 for the natural sciences (1 for the physicals) was the whole reason we
1
were in Cyprus in the first place – to do our Group 4 project. While some groups’ experiments were a blissful success, other groups weren’t as lucky. However, we all managed to make it through and do those experiments, even if that meant adjusting them to the conditions we were in. When finished with the labs, we had free time to roam around the city, take pictures, and relax in the sun until dinnertime. The rest of the days went by fairly quickly; the natural sciences did labs with tidal zones while the physicals did energy and pH labs, we went to the beach for an afternoon, a nearby town for dinner, spent a several hours at a water park, and simply took on the
Cyprian lifestyle for a few more days. The grade also managed to get themselves into a couple’s wedding album!! (Congrats to Robin and Lily for catching the bouquet!) Overall, it was an amazing experience, very different from anything I, personally, have had the opportunity to do. Now, we look forward to less than 200 days until exams start, and approximately 220 days until the day we’ve all been waiting for – graduation. Although Cyprus has come and gone, we can’t let its warm memory fade into the back during these cold times. We can do this, class of 2012!
Finally, Model United Nations Has Begun! - Ji-Ye Yoon
W
hile students are loaded with their academic work, the chilliness of the weather has marked the beginning of the fall season of after-school activities. Unlike other years, this year seemed to be the year for MUN
– Model United Nations. We received the news just previous week that AAS was finally accepted to the BEIMUN in Beijing. Some may ask; What is MUN? MUN is a conference in which groups of young people gather together, representing various countries, to
discuss and negotiate with each other on global issues. This is about meeting a wide range of people from other schools around the world committed to solving global problems. Basically, it is about putting oneself in other people’s
shoes and seeing the world from different perspectives. This involves the use of a wide array of skills in order to research and to speak in public. Thus, research is a valuable tool. Also, having the confidence to speak about a wide range of global issues from a particular per-
spective is essential. Seeing this on paper may sound easy. However, don’t underestimate. It is challenging and will be a lot of work. Yet, once one has participated, he/ she will feel that he/ she will always want to do so again. One will begin to enjoy to face these challenges, and soon find oneself being an active participant at several different conferences. AAS is a growing community internally and externally. It is also expanding and developing in its MUN program; now, we have 4 conferences being attended, which are BEIMUN – the most recent addition, PAMUN, BISMUN, and HELIMUN – expanding from Europe, now towards Asia. Though MUN only had been introduced to our school few years back, our MUN program is set on a solid track and it is evident that
there are further developments that can be made. There are many more that people that can get themselves involved. It presents great opportunities to
in December, has already begun. However, don’t think that it is too late to join our MUN program. BEIMUN is coming up and will start very
grow and develop as global citizens, which contributes to a great learning atmosphere at school. PAMUN, which is held in Paris
soon, as will BISMUN and HELIMUN. So, stay updated to the news, and come, join us. All are welcome!
break. Let’s hope the team can figure out another way so that the
entire team can race together, and see how their hard work and
Series of Unfortunate Events for the Cross Country Team - Hanne Staertzel
T
his year’s cross country team is facing quite a dilemma concerning their CEESA meet. As for the previous years, all CEESA tournaments usually made its way around the corner during the second week of November. Yet this year, the cross country tournament will take place one week earlier. Although this may seem as not a great dif-
ference, yet for those students counting down the days until November break… Bingo! The first week of November is an all school break but not for the other CEESA schools. Seeing as the Cross country tournament will be smack in the middle of this break, runners with prior plans to go on a nice tropical trip away from the freezing, awaiting winter,
may not take part in the race. Not only is the fact that students cannot part take in this events due to family obligations, some students have registered for the SAT the Saturday of the race. Although you may think this is a coincidence that will only happen this year, according to the schedule, next year’s CEESA race will once again be during our November
2
Steve Jobs Lives On Through His Creations - Elan Code
S
teve Jobs died six weeks after resigning as CEO of Apple
Inc. on wwOctober 5 at age 56 due to pancreatic cancer. Jobs lead an extremely successful life as an inventor and entrepreneur; he was most well
known for being the co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Jobs, along with the other co-founders, designed and marketed one of the first successful personal computers, later named the Macintosh in the 1980’s. Later, the iPod, iPhone, and iPad were developed from 2004 onwards. Nowadays, it is difficult to go a day without seeing an Apple product. In this way, Steve Jobs lives on through the products
he invented and developed. The success of Apple is exemplified through AAS: almost 90% of high school students own at least one Apple product. Steve Job’s creations have dramatically improved how the world communicates information and consumes content in the Digital Age.
Knitting Frenzy - Sasha Parodi tern, you design the creation – all by using only two magical words. Knit. Pearl.
Its slightly addicting
A
Winter creations
ttention please! The knitting frenzy has spread to AAS. Every Monday after school a group of dedicated knitters, experienced and new, come together to make the world a better place by creating hats for infants in Africa, whilst relaxing from the stress and trials of school and being creative at the same time. Sound like fun? YOU could become one of us. Come to Ms. Robertson’s room 40
3
FIND OUT, Monday after school, from 3:45 to 4:45. Still not convinced? Want to know more about knitting? Read on. “Knit-pearl-knit-pearlknit-pearl-knit-pearl…” in the world of knitting these words are as common as the usual Hello. With just these two words you can describe a whole creation, whether it be a hat, scarf, sweater, mittens - anything. You set the style, you set the pat-
Knitting has been a part of the lives of people for an incredibly long time. Originating in the Middle East and Egypt in the 11th to 14th centuries CE, the art of needles and thread has spread across the world and is now a popular pastime by many. Relatively easy to learn and extremely relaxing, knitting allows anyone to release their creativity in a useful and highly rewarding way. So please come and donate only an hour of your time to knitting a hat. I promise you, there will be no regrets. Come to the knitting side. Discover your creative potential.
Teacher Band
- Annie May
R
umors have been going around school about a rock band consisting of AAS teachers. Theres nothing
more to say than: It’s true! After interviewing Mr.Pickering, high school Social Studies teacher who plays in the band, everything
became much clearer. The band joined together around February/March 2011 and it consists of seven teachers altogether. Most teach in elementary and middle school, with Mr.Pickering being the only high school teacher. Some of the other teachers include: Mr. King on lead vocals, Mr. Marks on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Ms.Fox on keyboards and vocals. Mr.Pickering plays rhythm guitar and sings as well. Mr. Pickering described how the band came
together to rehearse in Mrs.Wanamaker’s band room, but they had found it hard to set up the equipment each time and then put it away. Now, they actually have a rehearsal studio which makes it more convenient and fun to rehearse. The band has a list of 20 songs, which are covers ranging from the 60s to fairly new songs. Mr.Pickering’s explanation of this is “we want the audience to know their music and to be able to dance”. Speaking of audience, the band has already played two gigs. One
at AAS director Mr. Alexanders farewell party, and one at the welcome barbecue for teachers at the beginning of this school year. Unfortunately, students have not gotten a chance to see the band play, but Mr. Pickering spilled that there is a chance they will be playing at the High School Prom this year! So don’t put this new band at the back of your mind, because you just might be seeing them around Moscow’s many music venues in the near future.
atmosphere. This pormotes increased levels of global awarness. Learning outcomes include: Ultimately, the program will extend to nonschool-based groups such as Prokovsky residents and the hospital patients of (insert hospital here) by February of 2012 as a part of the “Breathe Deeply” campaign.
strengths and areas for growth
CAS Satire Breathe Deeply - Xenia Rakovshik This CAS project is centered on student-led breathing tutorials for all students of the high school and members of the high-school staff. Three times a week, a group of chosen students will lead a 10-minute breathing exercise that will help participants clear their minds and work to improve their overall mood and productivity level.Leaders of this group: (Name I), (Name II), and (Name III), have already taken a summer course at the (Insert generic mind/ body/soul center here) that have certified them as being able to teach others the basic principles of proper breathing in order to improve clarity of thought processes and relief of stress. The seminar will take place three times a
week about thirty-five minutes into the lunch period in the fifth floor area. Participants in the seminar will learn the following basic steps to independent breathing practices: Finding your own rhythm in your breath Remembering to breathe Using breathbe more aware of their ing techniques to lower own personal state of heart rate being, but also the environment around then, Participants will be a feat that is proving required to rate stress more challenging as levels on a scale of modern life becomes 1-10 (1 being the calmincreasingly hectic and est) both before and demanding. after the exercises to rate the effectiveness Improvements in of said exercises and breathing rates will give leading members also increase carbona chance to reflect upon what kind of improve- diozide output from ments could be made to the resipiratory system, better accommodate the thus allowing the foliage around said indineeds of the subjects. By participating in the vidual to grown and campaign, individuals realease increased levels of oxygen into the will learn to not only
4
Learning outcomes include: Increased awareness of
Undertaking new challenges Planned and initiated activities Working collaboratively with others Show perseverance and commitment Consider ethical implications Develop new skills
High School Stockholm Syndrome David Awtrey - Science Department - Xenia Rakovshik checked out, failed a class or two and had to finish in the summer. His younger brother was even more talented. I could see what was coming and actually helped him finish school after grade 11. He went to university a year early. I know this odd, but I feel like it was one of the best things I have ever done for a student. You are quite open about your past history with cancer. How has the experience contributed on your perspective on life today? “That 70’s Show got the hair right.” David Awtrey
W
done differently havhere did you at- ing the experience as a tend high school? teacher you have now, as a student then? Public school in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Big list. Learned a lanclass of ‘81. I think guage or five. Paid atthere were 600 people tention. I just did not in my graduating class. seem to make the connection between school How would your and the rest of my life teachers describe you until university. I think as a student? I could always recognize the teachers who Well, I thought I was had the gift of passion bright and endlessly en- about their subject mattertaining. (I still do). I ter, and I learned a lot. guess it depends on the But I was always afraid teacher. My biology to fail at anything. I teacher is one of the rea- would challenge myself sons I entered this pro- in arts, literature and fession. He wanted us music. I was missing a to realize our potential creative outlet and love because he saw things the discipline and self we might not have reflection required of seen in ourselves. My performers. Oh, I would chemistry teacher on definitely have asked the other hand, thought out Janet Craig in grade I was hopeless. Hon- 9 too. estly, I thought the same of him. So, maybe: What did you want to bright, sarcastic, under become upon leaving achieving, but full of high school? potential. I wanted to become as What would you have far away from home as
possible. Rumour has it that you are married to Ms. McPherson. Is this true, and if so, where did you meet? Let’s have a scandalous rumor if we’re to have one. Mr. A and I were married last summer in New York State. Actually, my wife is Peggy Smith, Director of Curriculum. We met teaching at the same school in Wisconsin 19 years ago. If you ask me we met playing darts in a bar after school, but don’t tell her that. Often in class you mention past students who exhibited certain strange behaviors. What is one of your favorite stories to tell?
Illness takes your daily life from you. The little routines and worries are gone and you can’t imagine how wonderful it is to care about normal things until they are missing. Actually, I have always been pretty happy to be alive. It made me less bothered by little things. I was in isolation for 22 days. I will never forget the feel of the breeze on my skin the day I left the hospital.
Alfred Russel Wallace He walked the Amazon basin for four years in the mid 1800’s. He was a brilliant biologist, tough as nails and more than a bit crazy. He saw things that will never exist again and was truly doing work in remote places. At one point he was robbed and abandoned by his native guides and left to die. He made his way to a settlement, somehow got new clothes and set off again. The experience warranted two sentences in one of his books. I just cannot imagine that life so I would choose a good day on his voyage. If you could change one thing about the AAS high school what would it be?
I’d love to see us all have what I didn’t, the connection of learning to our lives. We need to appreciate and take advantage of what we have here at AAS. The What do you believe power of education and to be the most interest- thinking for yourself is ing aspect of biology? the one thing no one can take away from you. Why? Biodiversity. Living things are fascinating. (Even nonhuman ones) From coral reefs, to rainforest trails, to deserts, to tundra, I would go anywhere to see new life or intact ecosystems. We know so little about the complexities; it is just endlessly amazing to me.
We had a valedictorian that did not graduate. We declared valedictorian for scholarship purposes after the first If you could take the semester. He won, place of any scientist
5
on a particular day, whom would you pick, when, and why?
Do you have any advice for current high school students? Be who you are. As Kurt Vonnegut said: “We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.”
TV Shows - Alexander Rakovshik
House - Season Eight
H
ouse (Hugh Laurie) returns with his 8th season running, starting off with his lifestyle of the prison. If you have not watched season 7 of House, we watched him destroying his ex-girlfriend, Cuddy’s (Lisa Edelstein), car. We now drop in with his current
How I Met Your Mother - Season Seven
life in prison where he has sort of rubbed in with the wrong crowd, and currently waiting to be released. With all new cases and an allnew team, House tries to cope with his new life and get back on his feet in his overconfident and persistent manner.
Back with all new laughs, Ted Moseby and the rest of the gang is back with the 7th season of How I Met Your Mother. We start off with Marshall and Lily finding out that they are going to have a baby, as well as that someday in the future, the all playboy and no work Barney is getting married! Back in present time, it appears that Robin still has feelings for Barney left over, but Barney has
fallen for Nora. Ted is now the architect of the new Goliath National Bank HQ building, but still is searching for the perfect one. As the story of how Ted met his soul mate continues, more adventures and laughs unravel along the way.
out the adventures and secrets of the elegant Pan Am stewardess’. The characters consist of: Laura (Margot Robbie), a runaway bride who fled from her own wedding so that she could travel the world, her older sister Kate Pan Am - Season (Kelli Garner), who apparently has joined the Cold War of informaOne tion retrieval, Colette (Karine Vanasse), who can be considered as the French flirt, and finally Maggie (Christina Ricci), the lady who takes charge with a little fun at the side. Within this TV-show, you may find out that the beautiThe new TV-show that ful stewardesses of Pan shows all the lifestyles, Am may not all be what adventures, and romanc- seems to the eye. es of the Pan American Airways stewardesses. Based on the year of 1927, this shows brings
Book Review - Alices Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - Christine Church October Concerts
D
elve into a world of complete nonsense where nothing is impossible. Join stubborn little Alice on her adventures where she meets the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and many other characters that are utterly mad. Curiosity leads poor Alice into trouble. One fall down the rabbit hole and she is in deep trouble. She dives into the mysterious ways of Wonderland, only to lose herself completely. She loses her identity and her way back home. She needs to find her way back, but how? That is the
question. Nothing goes - Alisa Ruzavina her way here, all goes the Queen’s ways. One little white rabbit in a waistcoat causes Alice huge problems, she can’t find her way from Wonderland back home.
Will she ever find her way back? Or will her curiosity have finally roc-Rock Festival, gotten the best of her, 22nd October, Izvestiya and will she be stuck in Hall - One of the bigWonderland forever? gest Russian underground rock festivals, Croc Rock is only getting bigger with every year. This time the headliners will be one of the most famous American punk-rock bands - Good Charlotte. As well if you love to explore new still undiscovered indie rock, this
might be a good choice the true lovers of goodfor you as there to be quality music. expected a lot of new Russian talents, most of which actually sing in English.
K
6
HushPuppies, 27th October, B2 Club - A beautiful French garage rock band, straight from Paris is going to perform their most well-known tracks inspired by the sixties, like “You’re Gonna” and “Say yeah!”, for
Zaz, 31st October, Crocus City Hall - Another French artist, an unforgettable jazz and soul singer Zaz, with a voice of Edith Piaf and with a quirky rebellious attitude at the same time, will make your Halloween a night to remember.
Horoscopes - Sophi Loge
L
you a lot more work, but you are no stranger to effort, either the physical or mental kind.
IBRA: Look out for your own interests and pay no attention to those who say you should be helping them more. It means they cannot be bothered to make an effort for themselves.
CANCER: You may have to get tough with someone you are close with, but if you don’t they will most likely make a mess of something that affects you directly.
SCORPIO: You may be tempted to give up on something that seems to be taking up your time and energy, but if you stop now you will regret it later, so keep going. SAGITTARIUS: There is a danger that you might spread yourself too thin, so be mindful help. of what you are doing and only do more if it is AQUARIUS: Steer absolutely necessary. clear of other people’s battles. You cannot CAPRICORN: You are change other people, remarkably ambitious at you can only live well the moment, and that’s and be a good example. no bad thing, but you won’t be able to reach PISCES: Luck is cercertain targets without tainly smiling on you,
so if you have been thinking of taking a risk of some sort maybe now is the time.
LEO: Try not to get so close to something you are working on that you lose your sense of perspective. Remember, often a small deviation in the way you do things can lead to huge changTAURUS: Times may es over time. be hectic but no way can you slow down because VIRGO: Don’t limit there is still a lot to be yourself in any way, done. There is no limit shape or form. Creativeto what you can accom- ly and artistically you plish, don’t limit your will be on top of your vision. game, so do something
ARIES: If you have fallen out with a partner, colleague, loved one or friend, your first priority truly extraordinary. is to get back on good GEMINI: You will get terms with them. an offer that could bring
Crossword Puzzle - Kristina Pham This puzzle is not just any puzzle. The first five words that catch your eye, says a lot about you. Ready set go!
Sudoku Puzzle
7
Spirit Week Schedule - Xenia Rakovshik
T
his week the highschool has been given the oppoortunity to abondon their everyday attire in exchange for some truly inspired and
Monday, 24th October - Pajama Day Late to school due to anxiety ridden, earlymorning descions over your wardrobe choices? Today’s the day to leave the distress behind. Get out of bed (perhaps take a shower), and step your slipper clad feet upon the linoleum of the hallway. School’s never been this confortable
in some case, peculiar ensembles. The annual spirit week is a chance for each grade to earn some spirit points that will go towards a game of in-school laser tag
whilst allowing participants to ignore their inhibitions and release their inner child. Don’t miss out!
Tuesday, 25th October - Cross Dressing Day For those of you have wanted to show up those girls walking on stilts, here’s your chance. Challenge gender roles or simply get ridiculous on cross-dressing day.
Wednesday, 26th October - Pop Culture Day Embody the style of your favorite artists, musicisans or even come to school as inspiring actors, cartoon characters, and media moguls. Today’s the day to express your appreciation for some of the most iconic individuals in history.
Thursday, 27th October - Nerd versus Jock Day Brains or brawl? You decide. Whether you be a muscular athlete or brilliant lab rat, both can find their niche within the confines of these brick walls.
Yoga Classes
after break, yoga classes are scheduled to take place in Mr.A’s classroom. However, input is needed by participants as to whether they’d rather participate in said activity before school (starting at 7:30) or during Lunch period. Please e-mail your preference to aas.point@ gmail.com
Announcements, questions, concernts, comments? Send your input to aas.point@ gmail.com to advertise lost items, surveys and reccomendations to get the word around.
Advertising CAS Activities
Have a great idea for a CAS activity but lack the resources and man power to realize it? Advertise your project in the school newspaper. Simply contact us at aas.point@gmail.com with your proposal and we’ll put it into out publication. Here’s to a successful IB carreer.
Sittin in class six to seven hours a day can cause some serious msucle cramps and back pains. Yoga, even for 15-30 minutes per day can help alleviate some of that stress and help in allowing you to do the vest you can do in day to day activities. Starting on the monday
8
This space could be yours.
Friday, 28th October - Halloween Celebration Last day before break, and your last chance to exoricse whatever demon lies within. Come as creature, foul, fluffy, or simply freakish.