The Merionite- June 2010

The Merionite June 8, 2010

Volume 81, Issue 7

JV softball gone in the wind Wenwen Yang

Class of 2011

It all seems like a part of a dramatic soap opera. A team split in so many ways that it ultimately shattered. The girls’ JV softball team, once destined for a potentially great season, is now merely a memory of the past.

It all started when many juniors, who compose most of the team, promptly quit due to various reasons. The sophomores who did not continue to play only worsened the situation.

The team responded to the departures by attempting to recruit underclassmen.

This, however, failed. The tension peaked when the question concerning the

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

Changes to grading policy spark debate

Grading: Following exhuastive public discourse, the new grading policy will be enacted for the 2010-2011 school year.

Maya Afilalo students on the cusp of receiving the next letter grade.

Class of 2012

Despite much controversy, changes regarding grading policy in LMSD will go into effect next year. Under the new system, final grades will be calculated by percent, as opposed to the current Quality Point Average (QPA) system. The new system will follow the same ranges for grades, and grades will continue to show up as only a letter on a student’s final transcript. Additionally, B+, C+, and D+ grades will be added to distinguish

“The proposed changes will enable us to implement practices that ensure a fair, accurate and consistent grading system,” read a letter sent to parents last summer.

The results of a survey conducted by the District last year showed a majority of parents and teachers voting for the new system. However, the survey also showed that students opposed

See GRADING, page 3

See SOFTBALL, page 15

Teachers phoning home from work Jake Wellens

Class of 2011 During PSSA testing this past April, my thoughts were interrupted by the tiny anthem of a cell phone’s ring. Every proctor had been stressing ad nauseam how important it was that our cell phones be turned off and stored out of sight, so I expected nothing short of an execution as I looked up and followed my ears to the source of the metallic symphony that then filled the otherwise silent testing room.

The owner of the phone was not reprimanded. Her phone was not confiscated.

She simply got up, walked into the hallway, answered the call, let the conversation run its course, returned to the room and sat down at her desk. Fortunately for the owner of this phone, the cell phone policy is only enforced upon students, which she is not. She is a teacher, and she was the proctor of my PSSA testing room.

This may come as a surprise, but if you are a student at Lower Merion, it probably doesn’t. I’ve seen about half of my current teachers answer a cell phone at least once this year (some more frequently than others).

When I brought this up at the lunch table,

See CELL PHONES, page 7

LM body art

Photo Courtesy of LMHS/Graphic by Noah Zuares/staff

LM is revitalized thanks to the new building, which will afford many comforts that the current (older) building lacks.

New school expected to please New LM: The new building will provide a myriad of amenities, pushing LM further into the 21st century.

Eric Cohn

Class of 2012 As the new school enters the final stages of construction, many students are growing increasingly interested in the new features it will have to offer. Fortunately, the school’s advanced equipment and state of the art design will satisfy and even exceed LM’s high expectations.

The quality of classrooms will improve drastically in the new school. The new building’s eight bio-chem labs will be provided with fume hoods, which will allow students to safely view their experiments under the hood. Additionally, a greenhouse will provide new opportunities for science electives and will help expand the AP Environmental Science program. The new building will also have a large group instruction room, in which classes

will combine to view presentations about colleges or from guest speakers.

One of the main aims of the new school was to provide plenty of space for teachers and for students.

“Only two from each of the major departments [will be sharing rooms],” explained Assistant Principal Scott Kilpatrick, “[which should only last] until we work out redistricting. Going into the second year of redistricting, our staffing is not balanced yet.”

Above all, the installment of air-conditioning may most affect the students’ day-to-day lives. Now, students can sit comfortably in their classes well into the summer, no longer burdened by intense heat.

See NEW SCHOOL, page 2

District hit with discrimination suit District Sued: Former Harriton substitute sues the District, claiming that she was not hired due to her age and race.

Ian Cohn

Emily Shepard

Class of 2011 Tattooing and piercing have been practiced by countless cultures worldwide for centuries. Despite some prevailing stigmas surrounding these practices, the art continues to be prevalent in, and even highly important to many cultures, including our own. I’ve always found body art to be a highly intimate and unique art form.

Class of 2012

In May, LMSD was hit with yet another lawsuit. Court papers were filed on behalf of Besslindora Goree, a 47-year old African American woman who claimed that the District refused to hire her based on her race and age. According to her lawyers, a Caucasian woman, aged 26-27, was hired instead of Goree, and had much less experience than the 47-year old educator.

Court documents state that Goree was informed by LMSD that if she moved from Florida for a long-term substitute position, she would receive long-term, tenure-

track employment with the District by the next year. Goree’s lawyers stated that despite her outstanding credentials, Goree was not hired for a full-time teaching position. They believe that this decision was made as a result of Goree’s race and age.

Goree taught at Harriton in the fall of 2008 as a long-term substitute. According to Goree’s attorneys, while teaching at Harriton she introduced the Penn State-Harriton dual enrollment program, which enables students attending the high school to acquire up to 13 college credits from the university.

In the spring of 2009 Goree applied for a full-time teaching job, but did not obtain the position. Instead, a younger, Caucasian

teacher was hired. Goree then decided to file a lawsuit against the District, believing that she was not hired based on her race and age, considering her superb qualifications.

“Ms. Goree…worked at a number of after-school activities, was well liked by her colleagues, students and parents, and was better qualified than her younger Caucasian replacement,” read a statement released by Goree’s attorneys.

The District affirms that Goree was not fired, and instead claims that the one-year contract with the District was simply not renewed.

“The facts are straightforward and unmistakable: she applied for and was hired as a one-year high school substitute teacher;

See LAWSUIT, page 2

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June 8, 2010

NEWS

The Merionite

District faces new lawsuit Students bid farewell to school laptops From LAWSUIT, page 1

not subsequently offered another position within the District,” read District solicitor Ken Roos’ statement.

“She was not ‘recruited’ for the temporary position nor ever promised long-term employment; she applied, went through the regular application/screening process, and was hired for a one-year term. During her time at the school, she was treated… without regard to her age or race as she alleges.”

Superintendent Chris McGinley said that the idea for a dual-enrollment program had been brought up in District meetings long before Goree began teaching.

After hearing that she had been let go, Goree and many parents attended a School Board meeting to complain. The Board, however, did not change its decision.

Despite Goree’s allegations, the District states that they take special initiatives to hire racial minorities, and have been doing so for many years.

“The school district actively recruits teacher candidates using a variety of recruitment strategies.

Minorities are underrepresented on our teaching staff when compared to the student population so we

would like to increase the number of minority teachers,” said Director of Human Resources for the District Marty Yoder.

“Some of our recruitment strategies target minority teachers. This initiative is part of the efforts to close the achievement gap… [The District has] broadened our recruitment efforts to target minority teachers because they are underrepresented in our applicant pool. We increased the number of recruitment fairs we have attended and also increased our outreach efforts to publicize position vacancies.

This year we held the Open House Recruitment Event on May 12th so that we could spend more time with candidates we met at the various recruitment fairs we attended. We have received positive feedback about our recruitment efforts” Yoder explained that even with these efforts to target minority teachers, the District would continue “to hire the best candidates from the available pool of candidates.”

Goree seeks compensation for loss of income and benefits, as well as damages for her emotional distress and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and reinstatement by the District.

Photo by Leah Rosenbloom/Staff

The science labs will contain fume hoods, which will alllow students to safely view experiments under the hood. Additionally, improved spaces will be provided for Tech Ed. and Family and Consumer Science.

Aziz Kamoun

Class of 2012

As usual, another school year is quickly coming to a close. Something entirely new at LM is also about to end, although only for the summer. Students of all grades will be required to hand in their Districtowned laptops to the technology department in June, thereby concluding the first year of the one-to-one district initiative at LM. Beginning on Monday June 14th, the first day of finals week, students may turn in their laptops.

Throughout the rest of week, any student whose finals do not require their laptop may submit their MacBook computer in the Tech Center from 7:00 am to 2:15 pm.

To help ease the process, a special advisory period will be held immediately after the first final exam testing period of Friday June 18th to accommodate students whose final exams require their laptops.

Before this particular laptop collection, advisory teachers will run through a checklist of items with each student; the checklist includes the laptop, the laptop case, its char-

ger, and both plug adapters. All laptop collection during the special advisory period will take place in advisory homerooms.

Following their senior project presentations, all seniors will have to return their laptops to the school.

Students are encouraged to save any files or data they would like to keep on another computer, because

Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff most student files and settings on the laptops will be deleted.

In the weeks prior to laptop collection, students should prepare themselves to turn in their computers.

“Students with any laptops that require repair should be reporting to the Tech Center now to have these repairs made,” said Building Level Technnical support person Dave Feight. “When their laptop is turned in, the machine will be given an inspection to check to make sure the machine is operating and free of any accidental damage.”

In addition to damaged laptops,

Photo by Leah Rosenbloom/Staff

The courtyard will be surrounded by the building’s walls. When the project is completed in 2011, the courtyard will contain tables just outside the cafeteria so students can dine outside.

another important laptop issue has recently arisen, and has even been addressed in advisory and over the loudspeaker. The problem is the removal of the LMSD barcoded stickers from school-issued laptops.

“As students enter the Tech Center, and as I see the laptops in use in classrooms, I have noticed many students missing their district issued labels,” said Feight. “The labels are vital to ensuring the students have the correct machines and avoiding confusion for those students that may privately own Macintosh Computers at the home.

The machines are district property and the labels contain a barcode scan of the serial number and the District assigned computer name.”

The Technology Department later issued a statement saying that students can replace their LMSD stickers at the Tech Center.

Feight offered additional resources for anyone seeking further explanation of procedures as well.

“All information regarding the collection of laptops and returning procedures has been sent out to families via a letter by the Lower Merion High School Administration,” said Feight. “Information regarding the one-to-one district initiative is available on our website.”

So, after ten months of using their laptops for work, social networking, and consuming media among other things, students will have to part with their beloved loaned laptops.

Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff

LM will see the return of the pool, a feature which has long been missed by students, who have endured two pool-less years in the current building.

New building promises vast improvements in all areas of school life From NEW SCHOOL, page 1 Improvements on the new school are not limited to the classroom. The black box theater will provide new opportunities for the arts. The main stage will be set up so that scenery and equipment can be easily lifted up and out of sight during a scene change. Additionally, the school will have an auxiliary gym that can be used for wrestling, aerobics, and other activities.

One feature that students have long been hoping for is student parking.

“There will be parking for students at the new school,” said Director of Operations Pat Guinnane. “The plan from the beginning was to have some student parking.”

“There will be a limited amount of spaces, and we [still] have to figure out how we’re going to assign them,” added Kilpatrick.

When the project is completely finished in 2011, an enclosed courtyard will contain tables just outside the cafeteria so students can eat outside. In the meantime, students can enjoy the school’s enhanced cafeteria.

“The serving area will be three times the size of what we currently have,” said Kilpatrick. “We will [also] be keeping the tradition of the senior section.”

The nature of these additions makes it clear that students were kept in mind during the planning the new school. Many improvements were made primarily to in-

crease student comfort.

“The school will have…much wider hallways than most parts of the existing school,” said Guinnane. “Therefore, it should be easier to get around between classes. There will [also] be new lockers— sized to hold a backpack.”

The school was also designed to be more environmentally friendly. The use of waterless toilets and motion-activated lights will help reduce LM’s waste of water and electricity. Additionally, all spaces in the new building, especially the library and cafeteria, will constantly be bathed in sunlight, which will stream in through the school’s many windows.

Even so, there is still significant work

to be done after migration into the new school is complete.

“One thing to keep in mind is that after [the] move-this summer, the project will continue for about another 18 months as the old school buildings are taken down… and much site work [is being] done,” explained Guinnane. “The parking on Arnold Field will remain until next summer, when it will be taken up and returned to playing fields.”

Even though the construction is not yet complete, students and staff can expect a satisfying and enjoyable experience inhabiting the new school.

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June 8, 2010

The Merionite NEWS LMSD receives government grant to expand “green” bus fleet Maya Afilalo

Class of 2012

In an effort to “go green,” LMSD’s bus fleet will become more environmentally friendly, upon the announcement that the District will receive $315,000 to purchase new alternatively fueled buses. The money will come from the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant, which will provide a total of $8 million to similar projects in Pennsylvania. LMSD will receive more money from the grant than any other district.

LMSD has a history of being environmentally conscious, especially with regards to its bus system.

“Through the years we have been aggressive in pursuing grants to help with the construction of fueling infrastructure and the purchase of buses,” said Supervisor of Transportation Mike Andre.

LMSD began using alternatively fueled buses in 1995, and became the first school district in Pennsylvania to use buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). The District currently runs the largest CNG-fueled bus fleet on the east coast and was described by the US Department of

Energy as “Pennsylvania’s primary success story for alternative fuels.”

The money from the grant will be used to replace nine of the first generation CNG buses that have been in use for 14 years with newer models. The new buses will go into use in August.

Currently, LMSD operates 61 buses and five maintenance vans that run on CNG, and has two CNG fueling stations. The District estimates that this saved one million gallons of diesel fuel to date. This number will increase, as the new buses are projected to save the District more than 22,000 gallons of conventional liquid fuels each year.

Even though CNG does emit some greenhouse gases, it is much cleaner than traditional fuels such as gasoline or diesel.

“Natural gas is an inherently cleaner fuel than diesel or gasoline,” said Andre.

“The [grant] projects promote cleaner transportation through the production and use of alternative fu-

Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff els such as biodiesel, natural gas and electricity, and create infrastructure that will allow more Pennsylvanians to make fuel saving vehicles a part of their daily lives,” said Governor Edward Rendell, who announced the $8 million investment on April 7.

Grading policy to take effect next year From GRADING, page 1 the new system by slightly more than a 2:1 ratio.

“Why make the school experience even more unpleasant?

Students are already working very hard and we all put a lot of pressure on ourselves,” said sophomore Allison Wahrman.

“The new system will make school more about grades than the learning experience.”

Conversely, history teacher Jeff Cahill voiced his support for the new system.

“I think it is a fairer system. … This new system would hold students accountable [for their grades],” he said.

The switch to the use of percentages is the final step in a two-stage process of changing the grading system. The first step went into effect this year, and simply entailed removing the ‘E’ grade.

“I think the [QPA] grading system is abysmal,” said math teacher Diane Sweeney. “[The grading system] is finally fair.”

The new system will keep the current midterm and final weights as 9 percent and 11 percent respectively. The minimum grade a student can receive for the first two quarters and midterm is a 56 percent, which gives students a chance to recover from any poor grades received at the beginning of the year.

“For students who start the year with a really low F, it is harder for them to find the motivation to improve. However if a 56 percent is the threshold grade for an F, the student may find that motivation to work at improving their grades,” said 10th grade assistant principal Wagner Marseille.

School board policy calls for grading practices to go under “continual renewal and revision,” according to a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document released by the District. This is why the QPA system was initially taken under evaluation, and ultimately replaced by the percentage system.

“The new system is fairer, though teachers may have to be more generous with the points they give—with essays especially—because a lower grade may bring down the final grade,” said history teacher Mark Levy.

Parents also expressed concern over current and future grading practices. “[I am] not seeing a thorough approach to aligning grading with other public high schools

in the area – 90-100, for example, for an A, which is Conestoga, a well-regarded public high school. If we are not aligning with other public schools in our area in the 90-100, 80-89, and so on categories for A,B, etc. then I don’t think we are being comprehensive in our grading policy changes,” said one mother of a junior at Harriton, who preferred to remain anonymous.

Various measures are being taken to prepare teachers and administrators for the policy change.

“As a part of the process to effectively implement the new grading procedures, the principals have been working with each of the department chairs and staff to outline grading processes and expectations for next year,” stated Director of Curriculum Services Steve Barbato. “Students will also receive information on the new grading procedures during the advisory periods prior to the end of the school year.”

With the beginning of the next school year, a new column will be added to PowerSchool, which gives a view of what a student’s final grade will be, considering his or her current grades.

The possibility of “grandfathering” current high school students into the current system did arise. However, the administration decided against this option.

“This conclusion was reached after careful consideration of viable options and is in keeping with our beliefs and the consensus of the grading committee that this is best for all students,” explained Barbato.

At one parent meeting, data was presented that indicated when current grades were recalculated under the new system, 47 percent of GPAs decreased. However, according to Technology Supervisor Jason Hilt, who conducted the calculations, this is inaccurate.

“The data was presented with the understanding that taking historical grades earned in one system, applying a new grading procedure, and then comparing the two would not be a valid comparison,” explained Hilt. “At the joint HSA meeting held May 18, a true apples to apples comparison was provided and the data revealed no unusual upward or downward trend in GPAs for students using the new system.”

Regardless of controversy, accuracy, and everything in between, students and teachers should expect definite changes to grading policy in the year to come.

Although this seems like a positive step for the District, some think that the District could do even more to protect the environment.

“This will definitely save money and [reduce the] environmental footprint on the part of the District,” said sophomore Josh Hoffman. “I should point out that there are a few ways that the District buses could be emitting less without having to spend any money to get the buses.” Hoffman suggested that instead of idling in the bus circle in the afternoon, buses should be turned off until departure.

For buses that currently use diesel fuel, the District plans to start using biodiesel, a combination of conventional diesel and vegetable oil.

“As part of the LMHS construction project our diesel underground storage tank is being replaced this summer. When it reopens in late August we expect to begin using biodiesel,” explained Andre. “The funds will help us to continue to do what’s right for our environment and community.”

At any rate, the grant will help protect and conserve the environment.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Nearly a year and a half after being filed, a ruling is finally made on Doe vs. LMSD redistricting case After a long and grueling trial, Judge Michael Baylson decided that race did in fact play a role in the redistricting process. However, it has not yet been decided whether it was illegal for the District to consider race when making the plan.

“The process of redistricting repeatedly embraced the goal of achieving racial parity between the two high schools,” wrote Baylson.

“The plaintiffs are very pleased that the judge has agreed with them and the core of their argument that race was a motivating factor in the redistricting process,” said the plaintiffs’ spokesman James Herbert.

Despite the ruling, the District defended its actions and explained the reasoning behind the plan “It is our belief … that the School Board and Administration demonstrated a genuine commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities to every student; preserving historic, district-wide school feeder patterns; and meeting the District mandate to equalize enrollment at both newly-constructed high schools,” said District spokesman Doug Young.

“The plaintiffs have never alleged that the District’s use of race was motivated by a desire to harm the AfricanAmerican community,” stated Herbert.

Baylson determined that the Board of Education was unaware that the administration used race as a factor when planning redistricting. He also said that the five “nonnegotiables” that the District had put forth were legal and non-discriminatory. These “non-negotiables” were the core parts of the District’s redistricting agenda, and a requirement for any proposed redistricting plan.

The two sides will argue their case as to whether the District’s actions were legal in a hearing set for June 9.

A few weeks after this, Baylson will issue his final decision.

If the District wins the case, the legal proceedings will end unless the plaintiffs file an appeal. If Baylson rules on the side of the plaintiffs, the next step in the proceedings is to determine what relief they are entitled to. If they win, the plaintiffs seek a choice between the two schools for their children and attorney’s fees.

--Maya Afilalo, ‘12

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June 8, 2010

NEWS The Merionite A letter from your 2010- Teachers pack up, prepare to relocate Ian Cohn 2011 school president Hello LM Students,

Things are going to be a lot different next year. Yeah, well, we keep hearing that. Truth is: things have been changing for a while. The LM that I experienced as a freshman is worlds different than the LM that I have experienced this year.

The student body was vibrant and dynamic; the school culture was thriving and engaging. It seemed that few people felt muted or timid; the presence of so many unique and ambitious individuals was liberating.

I felt unafraid to be myself, to go to student government meetings, to say “hi” to upperclassmen in the halls, or to approach student government officers when I had an idea. When I saw another student’s artwork hanging in the halls, I wasn’t afraid to compliment him or her when I saw the person later— even if I didn’t know the student, even if I hadn’t spoken to him or her before.

When a senior boy basketball player played an awesome game, I saw TSA freshmen members complimenting him in the halls, while he was smiling and thanking them for coming out to see him play. My dream and my intention is to revitalize this spirit at LM. I know that it might seem an improbable goal, but I believe that if we Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff set high goals, we will make incredible achievements. And so, kids of LM, I implore you: come talk to me. Talk to me about your weekend, your problems, and your ideas. Talk to me; talk to my fellow officers; talk to upperclassmen, to kids in your grade that you don’t know, introduce yourself, make connections, smile at people in the halls. Be that freshman that compliments the towering basketball player; be the basketball player that smiles and says thanks. Be yourself next year, and don’t be afraid. Never think of yourself as better than another student; never, ever think of yourself as less than another student. The new building is your new building, so make your mark. There might be things about the new school that you take issue with—in fact, I’m sure there will be. But, I promise you this: the spirit of the student body will not be one of them; the way that we treat one another will be nothing short of compassionate and respectful. I promise you this: smile at me, and I’ll smile back.

Your Student Government President, Shira Barlas

most of them will be transferred over to the new school.

Many other teachers also must worry about the With the school year coming to a close, teachers transfer of materials and often useless or obsolete must prepare for migration into a new building, objects are thrown away. The LM music department and therefore into new classrooms. To ease the must deal with the transfer of musical instruments, process, many teachers are trying to take as little as well as other departmental items such as sheet as they can to the new school; many old items are music, trophies from music festivals, and music being thrown or given away. Teachers will begin stands. moving this summer.

“We’re actually keeping a large chunk of the “There is a moving company that is…starting stuff we use day-to-day; we’re transporting the the major moves in late July,” said LM principal entire sheet music library…[and] all of the schoolSean Hughes. owned instruments,” said music teacher Aaron One group of teachers that is having a par- Datsko. “We’ll be disposing of a lot of items that are ticularly difficult no longer usetime in the movful, outdated, ing process is the or just plain chemistry teachbroken. With ers, who must the building worry about being close to the transfer of 50 years old, expensive, and there’s a lot of sometimes danjunk that acgerous, chemicumulates in a cal equipment. room the size However, many of the band of the chemistry room.” teachers will be The new throwing away Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff building will old or useless lab materials, which will make this offer many task easier. other benefits for teachers. The staff looks forward “Besides any personal items such as notebooks, to new classrooms for reasons spanning from brand unit lesson plans and demonstration materials, we new, state-of-the art teaching materials to simply a have to move all the glassware, chemicals and lab more comfortable teaching environment. Science equipment,” said chemistry teacher Patrick Cronin. teachers will acquire fully functional lab equipment, “Examples of things that will be discarded include: alongside large classrooms to accommodate more old and broken equipment, and old chemicals that expansive lab tables. are spoiled or have clumped together. The chemiThough many teachers will lose both materials cals will be removed and discarded properly by an and a familiar environment by leaving the current approved hazardous waste company.”

LM building, the new school will be filled with the However, disposal of lab equipment will only latest teaching materials and will feel like home in occur for a small portion of the materials, and no time.

Class of 2012

Retiring teachers offer reflections and advice as school year concludes Zack Schlosberg

planning their retirement for at least a year in adClass of 2012 vance, “In terms of the school district, they just have There comes a time in every school year when stu- to put in writing to us that they would like to retire dents must say goodbye to their retiring teachers. This on a certain date. We would like sixty days notice.” year, two teachers are leaving the LM family: ceramics PSERS suggests a couple of actions should be takexpert Kay Moon and Spanish teacher Maryflor Betegh. en 6-9 months in advance. Retirees are encouraged However, while the process may be sad for the LM to schedule a Retirement Exit Counseling session. community, it can also be laborious for the teachers. “[This is] where they actually talk to you and ex“[The process is] long and tedious,” said Betegh, plain what each option means,” explained Swindell. “[with] too many In the last 1-6 months before forms to fill retirement, it is recommended out and meetthat the retiree go to the Retireings to attend as ment Exit Counseling session and you exit LM.” submit his or her application and “There are a forms to PSERS. It is an extenlot of decisions sive eight-page application, ento make and pacompassing items such as genper work to do,” eral information to more specific, agreed Moon. nitty-gritty payment information.

The Public Steering away from the actual School Employretirement process, Moon remiees’ Retirement nisced about some of her fondest System, PSmoments ERS, suggests LM. Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff at that the prospec“Each Ceramics teacher Kay Moon is retiring this year. tive retiree begin year when the retirement process at least 9-12 months prior we have our annual LMHS to retirement. There are a number of things they are Art Show, I have taken advised to do at that time, including attending a great pride in looking back “Foundations For Your Future” meeting, which, ac- at that particular year and cording to the PSERS website, is “designed to give seeing the wonderful work public school employees an overview of their re- all of our art students have tirement benefits [and] will help [them] begin to created,” reflected Moon. plan for [their] retirement early in [their] career.”

In addition, Moon It is also recommended that impending retirees noted that her most trearequest a PSERS retirement estimate, consult with a sured moments were those financial advisor or planner, and contact the Social in which students exSecurity Administration regarding their benefits, all perienced true growth. within 9-12 of months of their impending retirement. “[I will miss] the moDeborah Swindell, the Assistant Director of Hu- ments when students demman Resources in Lower Merion School District , onstrate and express how helps to handle the retirement process for employ- excited they are about ees. She says that, although the retiree should be what they have learned

and are creating,” said Moon. “[Although I] will [least] miss… getting up so early in the morning.”

Although saddened about leaving the teaching world, Moon is “very excited about concentrating more on [her] own ceramic art work.” She also plans to do more traveling with her husband after she retires.

Betegh also has things to look forward to post-LM, including “[visiting her] daughters, one in Florida and one in Hew Hampshire,” and hopes to “travel to countries that [she has] always wanted to go to.”

Moon expressed one matter about which she is gravely disappointed: “I am saddened and disturbed that after my 11 years of building the LMHS Ceramic program to one of the best high school programs around, that the District is not hiring a teacher to replace my position. I don’t understand why the District would not hire a replacement teacher for Ceramics which has been the most requested art class by LMHS students.”

Whatever is in store for the Ceramics Department, which has found its lifeblood cut maddeningly short, and whatever is in store for these two women, one thing is for certain: they will be sorely missed.

June 8, 2010

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The Merionite EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL/LETTERS

MAP: pointing in different directions

The United States is nearly two years removed from the election of its first AfricanAmerican president, a moment in time as important for politics as it was for race relations.

Some posited that Barack Obama’s victory would stand as the seminal moment in a newly post-racial society. Reality writes a different story, however, a story overwhelmingly evident here at Lower Merion. Buried under the avalanche of laptop news lies the Doe v. LMSD lawsuit, which alleges that the District unlawfully considered race when planning redistricting over a year ago. More recently, a Harriton teacher under a one-year contract as a long-term substitute sued the District, accusing it of age and race discrimination when her contract was not renewed, and a post for which she had applied was given to a younger, white female.

The purpose of this editorial is not to comment on the specifics of any pending lawsuit or to suggest that the District is guilty of the objects of these accusations. But it would be naïve to entirely dismiss the lawsuits, because if nothing else, they are indicative of the racial tensions that unfortunately linger in our district. No, the hallways aren’t segregated and, yes, equal opportunity is afforded to all students to take the classes they want to and join the clubs that interest them. Theoretically, we are integrated. But in actuality, an implicit segregation exists. Minorities, specifically African-Americans and Hispanics, are severely underrepresented in honors and AP classes at LM. This is the most discouraging indication of our race-related shortcomings because statistically, genetically and practically, there is no reasonable explanation for this phenomenon. The culprit seems to be a culture of insouciance, especially among students, underscored by a habit to see the problem and shrug and to maintain things the way they are simply because that’s the way things are.

To this end, we herald the Minority Achievement Program (MAP), whose primary goal is to encourage minority students to enroll in honors and other advanced classes. This objective is noble, well intentioned and commendable; it intends to help minority students reorient their thinking and educational goals, and to stem the tide of the aforementioned culture that is all too pervasive. But we question MAP’s second proposal, which aims to create exclusive advisories solely of MAP students, nearly all of whom would be African-American. This clustering approach appears counterproductive and counterintuitive. The program’s first initiative is largely an integrative and equalizing measure; combining it with a proposal that by definition segregates can only be described as illogical. What racially isolated advisories would accomplish remains unclear. MAP ostensibly wants to combine these individual objectives, perhaps believing that the propositions are dependent upon one another.

They are not. MAP can hold meetings and focus groups with its students, who can receive advice and extra support relevant to the new classes they may be taking. But to separate MAP students in a year-long advisory would send a message seemingly contradicting MAP’s mission; it would appear that grouping each ethnicity would be an ineffective response to the de facto grouping that already exists. It lends itself to a convenient retreat to the status quo, which is to say it precludes true and wholesome integration, presumably one of MAP’s main purposes.

It is undeniable that racial equality at Lower Merion is yet unrealized. We are not close enough to the integration, the true integration, which everyone deserves and would benefit from. MAP’s primary goal would certainly help to bridge this gap, but we are concerned by the latter of its two plans-- segregated advisories. These would do little to help race relations at Lower Merion and would, instead, lead the school into further officiated segregation.

Unsigned editorial on this page reflects the general opinion of student editors, not the views of individuals.

The Merionite Editors-in-Chief

Conor Ferguson, ’11 Leah Rosenbloom, ’11

Managing Editor

Matt Rublin, ’11

News Editors

Maya Afilalo, ’12 Eric Cohn, ’12 Ian Cohn, ’12

Op-Ed Editors

Features Editors

Arts & Entertainment Editors

Avi Chatterjee, ’11 Jess Lebow, ’11 Jake Wellens, ’11 Elizabeth Dunoff, ’11 Lisa Li, ’11 Danielle Moskow, ’11 Emily Shepard, ’11 Han Tran, ’11

Sports Editors Danny Kane, ’12 Wenwen Yang, ’11 Layout/Web Editor Jake Delman, ’11 Photo Editor Madeline Berger, ’11 Copy Editor Dann Weitz, ’11 Business Manager Andrew Sy, ’11 Richie Weker, ’11 Advisor Mr. Chad Henneberry Business Advisor Mr. Sean Flynn

The editors believe all facts presented in the newspaper to be accurate. The paper acknowledges that mistakes are possible and welcomes questions as to accuracy. Inquiries regarding accuracy should be directed to the editors of the paper. Editors can be contacted via e-mail at merionite@gmail.com or in Room 116. To represent all viewpoints in the school community, The Merionite welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters can be sent via e-mail or dropped off outside the Merionite office. The Merionite reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for length or clarity.

Letters to the Editor

Free speech: if not here, where?

Dear Merionite, A while back, a classmate and I had an idea for a Merionite article: we would spend the day at Harriton and compare the two schools. As we were planning, I implied that the schools are not exactly equal. And therein lies my mistake.I was called out of class and told that I had done something wrong. Apparently, my insinuation of inequity between Harriton and LM could be used against us in a redistricting lawsuit. Even something as small as my saying that students at LM often skip advisory—a completely fair assessment—could be used in court.

I understand the tough times our district is going through; multiple lawsuits can’t be easy. Tough times do not, however, give anyone the right to treat students as they have been treated. In the age of Doe v. LMSD and Robbins v. LMSD, the administration has become hypersensitive. The gag order surrounding the webcam case applies only to staff. Students can—and should—still have the opportunity to voice their opinions about anything and everything regarding their education.

I don’t understand why, after writing this letter, the Merionite told me that it didn’t need it anymore because “the administration wants to stay away from redistricting.” I was even threatened with the possibility of not being able to write for the Merionite anymore. The Pennsylvania Code says, “School officials may not censor or restrict material simply because it is critical of the school or its administration.”

This is what I have a problem with: in class, teachers tell me to follow my passion.They say, if you want to change the world, you have to fight for what’s right. The administration is sending the opposite message by censoring student opinion.

The irony of the matter is, I’m for our redistricting plan. Harriton and LM are both amazing schools. Why won’t you let me say that?

Sincerely,

Sarah Zimmerman

Class of 2011

6

June 8, 2010

OPINIONS

The Merionite

Question of the Month

What do you think of the new grading policy (percentage based final grades) ?

it’s a good thing.

“I’veI think never liked hearing stu-

dents say “it doesn’t matter if I get a B this quarter” or “it doesn’t matter what I get on the final.” Also, it will make it more fair for the students who always end up right on the border.

“

”

- Nora Christman, Physics Teacher

“

It is awful. It is hugely detrimental to anyone who doesn’t do as well on tests (finals and midterm); if a student were to get a 92% every quarter and on the midterm, and got an 87% on the final, they would have a B for the year under the new grading system, (that is mathematically correct- I calculated.)

If a student gets to a point where what they get on the final does not matter due to the grades they got in the previous marking periods, they deserve that grade, whether it be an A, B, or F. The only reason they want to change it is because Power-School naturally does it by percentage and the district tech people are too lazy to override that setting, which is the one thing the district asks them to do over the summer.

-Jake Ochroch

Class of ’12

“

Parts of it don’t seem to make sense, considering the substantial change is the calculating of the final year grade by number. They have also designated a 3.3 GPA average to a B+, but they didn’t explain how the letter that the 89-91 earns is actually incorporated into the final grade as well. The 3.3 GPA attached to the B+ means nothing.

- Matt Siegel, ’12

“

”“

”

I think the new system is a better system to motivate and challenge the students do their best all year as well as to prepare them for the college grading system.

- Myra Rios, Spanish Teacher

It’s a shame that next year’s grading policy will be based on percentages. Grades will now take even more precedent over knowledge as kids will merely care about the high percentage grade. I’ll be a senior though, so I don’t really care.

- Jesse Cohen, ’11

It’s an absolute paradigm shift in the way we are evaluated. A much stronger emphasis will be placed upon the midterms and finals, which I don’t like because that means that they are taking away the value of the students’ quarter performance: [something I believe to be] more indicative of the students’ caliber than two big tests, which are a much more narrow way of evaluating someone.

”

”

” Technological progression leading to moral regression Art by Jess LeBow/Staff

- Nick Normile, ‘11

Jess

Lebow

Class of 2011

The progression of technology through the past two centuries has been undeniably remarkable. Over the last 150 years, with the inventions

from the Industrial Revolution, and modern technological cornerstones like the computer, television, and cell phone, society has undergone significant transformation. Amidst all of this growth, however, technology’s original and most fundamental purpose, to promote and facilitate the progression and evolution of civilization, seems to have often been forgotten.

To accommodate World War I, war technology was revolutionized in the beginning of the 20th century. Casualties skyrocketed to approximately 3,880,500 with the invention of blimps, trench warfare, armored tanks, machine guns, mustard gas and submarine warfare. World War I is commonly known as a war of attrition- a term referring to the victory of whichever power can sustain more casualties. Later, in World War II, the arms race greatly escalated with the detonation of two atomic bombs. Then, during the guerilla war in Vietnam, military tactics acclimated to new levels of vulgarity with the use of napalm (flesh burning gas) and carpet-bombing. Since these wars, war technology has progressed yet further, or, as the case may be, regressed to unprecedented levels of barbarism and destruction.

As society modernizes, we continue to gain more knowledge, and typically, we are able to refine our technology. The more we advance technologically, however, the more destructive and harmful war becomes. . New technology has also caused a moralistic regression, because it has removed us from the destruction we cause and the totality of this destruction.

As technology facilitates our isolation from one another and from the violence of war, it enables us to discount the humanity in the enemy. To lose the ability to recognize humanity is to approach thoughtless, unlimited warfare.

We often associate this potentially conscienceless destruction with uncivilized peoples. We consider cavemen primitive for their inability to aptly communicate and their “kill or be killed” survival mentality, yet we hardly practice the civilized manner that many preach of avoiding violence at all costs. We ostracize murderers from our individual societies and contest the death sentence yet we commemorate those who murder the “enemy.” Isn’t this counter-intuitive? The work of geniuses such as Einstein is abused when used to enact mass destruction. Mass murder through brute force hardly reflects the establishment and modernization of a 21st century world power.

While I admit that it is impossible, and in most cases, unfavorable, to limit the progression of science and technology, it isn’t entirely unthinkable to look for reform in military strategy and interactions between nations. Organizations such as the League of Nations and the UN were created to diminish violence and unnecessary murder; how, then, we can define necessary murder? Is violence ever imperative? It’s discouraging to think that with all of our education and professed civility, we can

determine that attrition may be the most effective method of solving a dispute. Based on precedent, violence has, admittedly, been used to incite change but is it ever the only way? Is violence ever an acceptable method of enforcing the will of a nation? If so, when?

Though these questions have been contemplated for years, concrete answers have not yet been found and, to regale these questions on the morality of war was not the intention of this article—I trust that you have considered and discussed them before. My point was to link these age-old questions to my original thesis on technology; while we may not be able to

Murder is irreversible whether or not it is done for a noble cause, so let us consider the overarching effects of technological warfare.

Upon fair, logical contemplation, the images of extensive violence, skin-melting napalm, explosive atomic bombs and disabling mustard gas descending on the citizens of any nation certainly seems barbaric.

We must not allow ourselves to be emotionally removed from the destruction done under our country’s name- under our name. Instead, we should play an active part in determining the acceptable use of majorly destructive, irre-

Art by Liora Ostroff/ Staff concretely condemn or advocate for war, we can potentially limit our capability for excessive destruction. We need to assume responsibility for our actions and, as the violence involved in our wars is forever disputed, we need to emplace a buffer for potential mistakes.

versibly damaging weapons. When we can recognize and clearly define the correct and incorrect use of large-scale weaponry, then and only then can we justly identify as civilized and responsible members of a global community.

June 8, 2010

7

From Cell Phones, page 1

Class of 2011

out their phones during class.

In classrooms of the second type, the cell each of my friends nominated a different phone policy need not be enforced – it is just reteacher for the prize of “most notorious cell phone spected as an unspoken courtesy between student user.” (Don’t even get me started on subs.) and teacher. In many classrooms of this category, the teacher is both truly captivating and well respected, rarely failing to engage the students’ attention for long periods – keeping students mentally stimulated is both the most effective and the healthiest way to prevent them from falling into the texting abyss. Cell phone use is therefore rarely a problem in such classrooms, and a simple “put that away” tends to suffice when it does become problematic.

Classrooms of the first type, in which stuWhat teachers don’t want you to know is that dents must pick up their cell phones at the end of not every cell phone call is an emergency. Somethe day if they are spotted using them, are largely times they get calls from friends, telemarketers, or unsuccessful and unnecessarily oppressive, espefamily members who forgot it was the middle of cially when the teacher takes calls during class. a school day – just like the rest of us. While I do Nothing fosters disobedience like unfairly harsh believe that teachers should be permitted to use rule and hypocritical rule-makers. cell phones during class to handle urgent matters, So what can be done to remedy the cell phone it doesn’t seem fair or logical that they can pause debacle?

I do not believe any official policy their class to answer any call that comes their way. changes are necWhen a student stops essary; what is paying attention to necessary, howengage in a text conever, is a dose of versation under the perspective. We, table, he or she is both students temporarily distractand staff, should ing two people from all strive for that academic instruction: second type of him or her self, along classroom, where with the other half order is kept inof the conversation. tact by respect When a teacher stops and interest inteaching altogether, it stead of rule and deprives every single Art by Zach Ostrum/Staff punishment. student in the room of academic instruction. It If teachers are more conscious of their own cell would certainly not be wise to allow every student phone use, they will be less likely to take as many to use his or her cell phone all day, nor would it be calls and less likely to punish students for acting wise to confiscate teachers’phones – even though similarly. the distraction caused by a teacher’s phone call We must never forget our primary purposes is often more widespread and complete than that at Lower Merion High School. For staff, it is to caused by a student’s. This issue doesn’t need to educate, and for students, it is to become educated. be viewed in such extremes, but we must consider We learned how to follow rules blindly in elementhe ways in which student and teacher cell phone tary school, but now that we are in high school, use is dealt with. we have reached a point at which we can detect Each classroom’s policy on student cell phone hypocrisy and illogicality in policy, and can make use varies slightly, but falls into one of two general the choice whether or not to obey it. With this in categories. In one category, the rules are to be mind, the “pick it up at the end of the day” policy adhered to strictly and without exception. A cell must fade out of existence, and cell phone use by phone is seen and it is confiscated - a consequence staff and students will naturally and healthily fall that relies mostly on the embarrassment from to tolerable levels. public humiliation to deter students from pulling

Jake

Wellens

OPINIONS

It’s Tea Time As Barack Obama and the Democratic Congress continue to push their agenda before the November mid-term elections, the Tea Par-

Han

Class of 2011

The Merionite Teachers take the call, students take the fall

Tran

ty is simultaneously gaining both momentum and criticism. Many people have labeled members of the Tea Party movement as racists who can’t stand the idea of a black president. Liberals have derided Tea Partiers as “teabaggers.”

While the Tea Party Movement is far from perfect, I believe that it will help bring necessary change to Washington D.C. in the form of fiscal conservatism and limited government.

Let me begin my tirade with a simple question. Should the rich be giving their money to help the poor? Absolutely. People have a personal obligation to help out their fellow citizens. However, it is wrong for the federal government to attempt to coerce the rich into giving a portion of their income to welfare programs. Unless someone gains his income through stealing, the income that he makes is his own legitimate property, the benefit of his own hard work. The government has no right to play Robin Hood by stealing one person’s money and giving it to someone else. If I work hard to earn my living, why should I be legally indebted to share the rewards of my work with someone else? That’s like saying that I should let people cheat off of me to “level the playing field.” As Abraham Lincoln said, “You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot help the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.”

But won’t the rich keep their money if we don’t force them to give it up? Well, perhaps.

But no matter how much we may despise a rich man for not giving his money to the poor, in the end, it’s his money that he earned, and we have no right to tell him what he can or can’t do with it. If politicians want more assistance for the poor, maybe they should contribute their own money to help them out. Ultimately, it’s

wrong for politicians to give what isn’t theirs to somebody else.

But even if you don’t buy my conception of property rights, the question remains: do such overt giveaways from the government really help the poor? The Webcamgate scandal has proven that a bloated bureaucracy will make inept, foolish, and ineffective decisions. If, for example, we nationalize healthcare, the quality of healthcare will worsen: Americans will be fraught with long waiting periods, costs will go up and competent doctors will be hard to find.

Not only will the quality of healthcare decline, but also the opportunity to benefit from lifelong welfare will create a vicious cycle of dependence and poverty. There are some things, however, that the government can do to help those in need. One is to cut taxes not only for the rich, but also for the poor and the middle

Art by Zach Ostrum/Staff class. These tax cuts will prompt businesses to invest more capital, and will thus cause businesses to expand, which will in turn create more job opportunities.

It is for these reasons that I support the Tea Party in their movement to stop the foolish and illogical Robin Hood mentality that seems to exist in the minds of many lawmakers in Washington D.C. If the Tea Party’s momentum continues, I believe that politicians will eventually get the point that America does not want a bloated “nanny state” government to manage our lives. Already, the Tea Party movement has succeeded in electing Scott Brown to the Senate, defeating Robert Bennett in the Utah Republican Primaries, and getting Rand Paul to win the Republican nomination for Kentucky’s Senate seat. Provided the worst of the Tea Party doesn’t take control of the Tea Party Movement, I’m excited to see the change that the Tea Party Movement will bring to Washington D.C.

Our Administration: The Biggest Adversary to Advisory

Jake

Class of 2011

In 2007, Philadelphia Magazine named Lower Merion School District the top overall district. Remarkably, LMSD students

Delman

spent less time in school than did most other public school students across the commonwealth while achieving this feat.

Apparently our state government resisted this efficiency, so it instructed the LMSD to add ten minutes to the school day in all Elementary, Middle, and High schools. Born from this edict was the daily advisory period—theoretically a very good thing.

The problem is that the “daily advisory period” does not actually occur every school day. In the month of April, advisory was cancelled more times than it wasn’t.

In May, it was cancelled more than seven

times. more constructive things that they could be It seems to me that the administration doing. When the administration feels there dislikes the advisory period. They have is an important issue to be discussed put it on hiatus multiple times, perwith full homerooms, it can order haps due to frustration- which I can all students to their adviunderstand -when they see students sories for that particuhanging out in hallways, or leaving lar “A” day. the premises altogether.

AdmittedStill, isn’t the administration ly, some students at least partly to blame for student have not held up indifference? Advisory is not liketheir end of the ly to be respected by students if bargain; some the administration does not take students neglectit seriously. It is evident in the ed, for instance, excessive cancellations that the to sign up online administration does not curlast year, and rently take advisory seriously. rarely showed Not only does the administraup to advisory tion need to reconsider its criteria at all this year. for cancelling advisory, but it also Because of these students, the needs to revisit the necessity of the administration has frequently threatened “A” Day “Connections” Advisory. to get rid of advisory all together.

The infamous “A” day is a waste For the sake of problem solvof time when there is nothing speing, it seems useful to divide these cific for advisors to discuss delinquent students into two with their students. There Art by Zach Ostrum/Staff main groups. The first group is no reason to keep students cooped up in would be made up of those who don’t want their advisor’s classroom when there are to be in school, and generally disrespect

the educational process in every way possible; advisory is not the only period they skip. The second group, made up of students who do attend regular classes; they just don’t see the point of advisory. As far as I am concerned, the first group is a lost cause. The second group, however, has potential.

Perhaps if the administration decided to take advisory as seriously as they take other periods of the day, some of these problems could be solved. For starters, they could reinstitute the online sign-up system with the option of a default signup. And if the system they use doesn’t support that, they can find a new system!

Once that step is completed and the archaic passes are eliminated, they can reconsider the criterion they use to determine when advisory will be cancelled or not. After that, and once the student body has seen that their administration is giving the advisory period the respect that it deserves, they can start seriously cracking down on those who do not cooperate. However, I sincerely believe that there will be very few delinquents once these reforms are implemented.

Y O U R U LT I M AT E S U M M E R B U R G E R SIZZLING SUMMER FASHION

Nick Normile

Beef: Grinding your own is preferable, but most people will never do that. I suggest you buy your meat from Whole Foods. I trust their meat over that of Genuardi’s or Acme’s any day. Go for a 80:20 meat to fat ratio for nice, moist burgers.

Cheese: I love bleu cheese on burgers, but it’s not worth trying to convince people of bleu cheese’s greatness. It just wouldn’t work.

As an alternative I like Gruyere on a burger. It’s a good melting cheese and has a distinct flavor—but one that’s not overwhelming.

Sharp cheddar is another good option.

Bun: I can’t stand plain white bread rolls. They’re boring and unsubstantial and I don’t like eating plain white bread. I much prefer potato rolls, which have a nice flavor, and an even better cushy texture. As for crusty rolls, I like them on sandwiches, but for burgers pillowy buns are preferable.

Class of 2011

Burgers, beach, bikinis; those three words represent summer for me. But with the many barbeques that I am bound to attend, it’s all too easy to get bored of burgers. Even if you only attend a few barbeques, burgers can be boring. It’s important to get the most out of each burger, which is why I try to make every one count. A plain burger on a white roll is boring and insufficient; my burger has to be decked out. With the right add-ons, a hamburger can go from just a burger to the ultimate delicacy.

A Lemony Indulgence

Leah Rosenbloom

Summer Fruit Lemonade: As the sizzling summer heat crashes down upon us, LMers are desperately trying to cling to any source of refreshment they can find.

Search no more, lovely students: The Merionite has a solution for your sweltering problems: Drinks!

Ingredients and Materials: Clear glass Blender Ice cubes Fresh lemons (if these aren’t available, you can use frozen concentrate or lemon extract) Fresh strawberries Fresh raspberries Fresh grapefruit Lime extract

Other Condiments: I love caramelized onions on a burger. They add a complex sweetness that works well with the meat and is also a nice counterpart to the cheese.

Sauce: I’m not a huge fan of ketchup on my burgers.

I prefer this simple tangy sauce that is just a combination of mayonnaise, mustard, honey and Worcestershire. It’s not gross. It’s actually quite good.

Seriously, try it.

Extras: Bacon. Maybe it’s excessive, but last time I checked, bacon could do no harm.

So if you’re going to eat a burger make it count. Break away from the boring burgers and go for something more substantial.

Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff

With summer right around the corner, now is the time for a warm weather fashion update.

No longer are you confined to following the dress code or wearing shoes that can handle LM’s endless staircases. However, just because you will no longer see all your classmates everyday does not give you an excuse to look frumpy. Keep cool, both literally and figuratively with The Merionite’s guide to summer clothing.

To keep your math class crushes dreaming of you all summer long, don’t let your fashion sense slump as low as your fourth quarter grades. Casual white t-shirts can be dressed up with long layered necklaces; but for a real lasting impression you can make a statement and wear a jumpsuit on the last day.

Once the final bell rings on the 18th, its time to change into your swimsuit for a dip in the pool. Swimsuit picking is mostly about fit. No matter how great ruffled bandeau tops look on petite girls, they just won’t be flattering on larger busts. Curvy girls should look for a suit with halter straps to provide proper support. For colors, choose small floral prints, subtle metallics, or anything turquoise. Avoid large florals, unless

you want to look like your grandmother’s bedspread; and American Apparel swimsuits, unless you want to look like your number belongs on Texts From Last Night. One-piece swimsuits are coming back; you never have to worry about showing too much skin for a family beach day in a suit that came right out of The Notebook.

Think of evening parties as an opportunity to show off your best features.

Love your shoulders?

Summer evenings practically beg for strapless dresses– just don’t forget to douse yourself with bug spray. If you have an hourglass figure, stay far away from skirts with rows of ruffles: you’ll just end up looking like a jellyfish. Try a high-waist skirt instead.

After the sun sets, temperatures will (thankfully) drop, so bring along a cute cardigan when you go out for the night– there is nothing more annoying than goose bumps in July.

This summer put a little effort into experimenting with your clothing choices. You might surprise yourself by finding a new style that really works for you, or (even better) avoiding yourself some embarrassment come fall by deciding that rompers just look like droopy diapers on you.

So, use these tips to look as hot as the temperature outside, and enjoy every day that doesn’t have to be spent wandering LM’s crowded halls.

of essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy.

tion, eating plenty of fiber promotes a healthy digestive system. In other words, it relieves constipation.

Vitamin C is essential in boosting system and thereby increasing your stress and infections. Great sources C include summer fruits and vegas tomatoes, mangoes, and peppers.

If you are traveling, pack a bag for a better selection of foods instead of being limited to the choices at convenience stores and fast food restaurants. In addition to feeling better and lighter, you will also save yourself some cash.

Elizabeth Dunoff

Class of 2011

Hot Weather, Hot Clothes

Decide how much strawberry lemonade you want by filling the desired container threequarters full with water. Squeeze enough lemon juice to flavor the water to your liking, and add sugar accordingly. Put the lemonade into the blender and add at least fifteen ice cubes.

Blend on high until most of the ice is shredded, then add in as many cut strawberries, raspberries, grapefruit segments, or drops of lime extract as you’d like. Blend the mixture on low or medium, just until the drink turns pink. If you like your fruit completely liquefied, continue to blend until the mixture is smooth. If not, you’re done! Pour your delicious, fruity lemonade into a glass; either on the rocks or straight up.

Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy in the Heat

Photo courtesy of Beth Retro

For some spice, add a few sprigs of fresh mint: either blend them in at the beginning, or sprinkle them on top of the finished product.

Lychee fruit, which is found in every grocery store in Chinatown, can also be a nice touch.

Blended mango is also delicious in lemonade—feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits!

No matter your summer plans, these drinks are sure to refresh and replenish you. So dig out your blender, crack a tray of ice cubes, and go create some killer party treats!

Summer is the time to enjoy being outside and feeling revitalized after a whole year of school. Many people find that they feel healthier and more vibrant during this season. It’s important to stay healthy over the summer in order to feel energized and to make the most of the precious 10 weeks of vacation. Here are 10 fun and easy ways to keep well during the summer months:

1.

Stay

hydrated

Drink plenty of fresh, clean water to stay hydrated during the warm summer weather.

When it’s warm outside, our body perspires

heavily and looses fluids at a much faster rate.

Remember to drink fresh water often, even if you might not feel thirsty, in order to replenish lost fluids and hydrate your body.

Aim for about Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff 8 cups of water a day.

2.

Eat lots of fresh fruits

Summer is marked with the availability of delicious fruits such as mango, berries, and avocado, so have a feast on these delectable delights while they are aplenty. These fruits are rich sources

your immune resistance to of vitamin etables such

3. Load up on vitamin C

4. Eat

your

oranges

Incorpo- rate foods that are high in beta-carotene into your diet to help prevent sunburn. Foods that are rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, apricots and sweet peppers (orange food) can help protect your skin against sun damage. An extra bonus- eating a lot of orange food slowly turns the skin orange…a natural tan?

5.

Watch

your

portion

sizes

With summer bbqs and picnics, it’s easy to get carried away eating. One way to manage portion sizes is to use smaller plates and bowls. For example, fill a small plate with chips instead of eating right out of the packet.

6.

Eat

high

fiber

foods

Fruits, vegetables and whole grains, all foods high in fiber, fill you up without adding calories. In addi-

7.

Plan

8.

Cut

and

pack

down

on

ahead

salt

Limit high-sodium foods like hotdogs and chips, which can cause water retention and affect your blood pressure.

9.

Lower

your

sugar

consumption

We all know that sugar rots our teeth, but did you also know that sugary foods are loaded with calories which, when converted, produce heat? So instead of feeling refreshed after eating ice cream, you end up feeling hot which is definitely not comfortable during summer.

10.

Keep

your

cool!!!

The summer weather is in itself already very warm so don’t make it warmer with your flaredup emotions. Try to stay cool and fresh physically, mentally and emotionally. Don’t let anything ruffle you. Smile, relax, and give yourself a break. After all, summer is a season of sun and fun.

Photo courtesy of Scott Cheloha

Whatchu Doin’ This Summer?

Danielle Moskow

Class of 2011

Ahhh… smell that freshly mown grass? Hear that sizzle from your neighbor’s grill? Feel that sunlight on your bare legs?

All the signs point to only one conclusion: finally, summer is here.

Now the only question is, how are you going to be spending it?

While the rest of us are at home, struggling to combat summer boredom, some LM kids are taking full advantage of what summer has to offer by going off on great adventures.

Junior Lauren Zelouf will be traveling to Peru for a month, through the Putney Student Travel Program. The program includes teaching English, helping toPhoto by Madeline Berger/Staff build a school, learning weaving techniques, and more; all in the beautiful town of Ollantaytambo. In this town, there is no electricity or running water, so Lauren and her group of fifteen will have to get used to very different living conditions. On the weekends, the group will leave their village and go on adventures, such as climbing the ancient Incan estate of Machu Picchu. “I’m really excited,” explained Zelouf. However, she’s also a bit apprehensive, because “its also the first time my twin sister, Rachel, and I are separated.”

Juniors aren’t the only ones travelling far away. Sophomores Grace DuFresne, Paige Henderson, and Jacek Kacarow will be traveling to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji for twenty-two days. They’re going as “student ambassadors” for the People to People Program. They’ll be visiting famous sites, such as the Sydney Opera House, as well as more obscure ones, such as small Maori tribal centers. In addition, they will experience the Great Barrier Reef, holding koalas in the wild, learning to play cricket at the vast Sydney Cricket Ground, and living like the locals during a home-stay in New Zealand.

While most students are sweating in the summer heat, freshmen Alex Fuchs and Jake Berkowitz will be bundling up to hit the snowy slopes. They found a teen tour that will take them snowboarding in southwest Canada, where the average summer temperature is around 50 degrees. “It should be fun!” Fuchs exclaimed.

Any of these unique experiences catch your eye?

There are sure to be even more interesting ones running next summer. You’ll definitely find a summer program that floats your boat; whether you’re into climbing Incan ruins like Lauren, watching toilets flush the other way around like Grace, Paige, and Jacek, getting air on Canadian slopes like Jake and Alex, I promise there is a trip for you. So go on, enjoy your summer adventures whatever they may be, and we’ll see you next fall when you write about them for The Merionite!

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June 8, 2010

FEATURES

The Merionite

Goodbye, Old Building

In 1884, Lower Merion High School was founded on Ardmore Avenue, after consolidating the high schools of Merion Square, Bryn Mawr, and Ardmore. In 1910, after a fire destroyed the school, a new school was built. The new limestone and granite school was built in a new location, where it remains today: Montogomery Avenue. In 1926, two wings were added onto both sides of the building, doubling the school’s size. In 1932, the administration building was constructed, followed by the tech building. In 1951, the caferteria was finally added. By 1957, enrollment shot up to 1,663 students in tenth, eleventh, and twelth grades, so it was time to build a new school. In 1964, the “new” building was completed, although various parts of the old building remained intact. Now it is 2010, and shortly all of this building, aside from the administration office (for historical purposes) will be torn down for good.As we pack up our bags and move the remaining bits of this school over to the new one, we should take time to commemorate this building, and all that it has provided for past generations.

g my way around LM. It’s “I’m going to miss knowin out like which bathrooms taken a while to figure things are cold, and which route work, which water fountains the third floor to the baseis the quickest to walk from e t all out again when I com ment. I’ll have to figure tha to visit!”

‘10 -Anna Menaged, Class of

t “My class was the firs ing ild to enjoy the new bu fall when it opened in the ber em of 1964. I clearly rem im jor that one of the ma s wa it t provements was tha ant me air-conditioned which the no more sweating during l oo sch hot May and June months.”

–Mark Weinstein, class

“I will defin itely miss th e d y sf u n c ti o n a l g ir l’s b a th rooms and th eir broken to ilets and seeing a sign on top of the toilet sa ying ‘please lift up to flush.’

Also I will m iss the interestin g graffiti on the walls of the st alls for exam ple the hot lists and the rand o m poetry.”

-Julie Tran, class of ‘11

High School in 1939 of ‘67 “The hardest thing was trying to get from the top floor into the tech building for art or crafts.

I was always afraid that I would be late for class. As my mother often substituted at the school, I had to be careful, and ran like the dickens to get there.

There was no elevator to speak of; if you broke your leg, you had to negotiate the crowded stairs with crutches, in addition to schoolbooks.”

School day ends, 1950s –Caryl P. Weiss, Class of ‘69 conversalobby full of m u ri o it d au ber a light ber the . I can remem , noisy, ls “I can remem ci en p g n li ed and scribb ge in a crowd Front of School 1927 tions, music, our only refu ace that as sp ed al rv rs se ea at er a reh b em filled room th as m w re n It g.

I wouldn’t be surprised if there are many ilding. I ca from nothin and busy bu theater grow f o s rk o w alumni who come by to visit before these s saw countles d.” se is m e b l il buildings are torn down. The very walls hold w our home-it f ‘07 o ss la C , o our dreams, heartaches and triumphs in them.” g -Ben Stan “I will miss sit-Jenny Sakano, Class of ‘86 ting in the hallways during my frees and watching mice run across the halls.”

-Julie Prizer, Class of ‘11 “This has been my home for the majority of my career- it’s like I’m moving out of the house that I grew up in.” - Sean Hughes, Principal

Construction 1965

Front of school 1934

n I didn’t have a “I remember whe 8 orked in room 32 classroom but I w of o tw t assroom bu which was not a cl r he er, Latin teac fices.” -Jill Alexand

re three “So my li for the enti n o ti c ttle memo ru st ry to share der con lockers. N raduated in n g u I s re a w fo e g b o in d t d is a e o il h nly are the u g is b n in ’ fi w lm e ly e h re ‘n a n rw b L e e y painted w bout the band s ion mural, as ov nd wa w “The th a ss l] o re b o ith a M g u h l t ro o sc p th o ey held all sch n in was super s in high my stuff. M aestro the constructio entire high e y in th years [I wa m f c r o o n n fo ss v o n e la ti y real lock nient (one sitio and c and once in recollec er year it was was in tran ngoing construction, t n 1965. My th la p . e o d l b e a n c a c the 3rd floo sement) so repla into my litt e physi re g past o e th in w lk r s se a I u m ju w a o c s st e y b le band loc shoved eve ld ro alwa ker. I know rything same, usin ear as the o ms.” . We were y e c n to e r ri a e e p y High School Side View1966 m x g th o e an nged new classro ingras, Class of ‘65 orchestra ro e o-so-convenient lo y people did the duling cha almost all G d c room sche a o e ation of th h m v a e a D w s – r o ut litt e band/ books, sne ior yea are of a new buildakers, etc.” le stow-a-way places By my sen “My memories of LMHS fo ese r extra Th . wn -Talia Gott be torn do esman, Cla ing, not one that needs to e lik e ss eon of ‘10 es for som of course were ancient tim band) zz (ja nd ba ge sta at gre you. We had a st leader ever, Dr. Herback then and the greate “One of the funniest experiencyears young and still man C. Giersch, now 95 es I had at LM was in the Archery kicking.”

Class which was held in the base- Dan Nahom, Class of ‘76 ment in a dark, dank room with no windows. Our teacher gave us a short lesson on how to hold and release the arrow and chose me to go first. I promptly stood up, aimed at the target and shot out the only light blub in the room, which was bare and hanging down from Architect’s drawing of 1964 building the ceiling. That was the end of Lower Merion 1927 archery class that day.”

–Lois Ehly Miller, Class of ‘52 “My favo rite place t straight through I started in LM w room, the rain wen s’s m going the ia ill a cW s M r. d D efin “In just couldn’t bear re when lessons a Construction 1964 those plaster tiles I was abo itely the pool. y, da nd contin e ne O . ng ili ce ut three fo to the ued that rger. I will miss th school. W r swim all the w fell on Maddy Be d an hen I actu e ag m “I have tremendously fond memories of my da er a at y through the w ally went apart.”

I felt welc middle to L the building falling ome. It w time as a student in this building. I was sorry to daily excitement of as a pretty M, it was the first only abou place s of ‘11 unique po t fo see my old wrestling room get torn down along -Talia Baurer, Clas ol in that a separate ur feet deep, it had it w no blocks pool for d with the Annex.”

All photos courtesy of , and there as iving.”-C hris Row w a s Glenn Brooks, Chemistry teacher e, class o Lower Merion School District f ‘09

June 8, 2010

11

The Merionite Several LM Artistic Accomplishments

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The following LM students had their artwork From LM body art, page 1 ger.’” The poem that Kyra mentions jewelry expert, feels passionately is an extended metaphor with which about the value of self-adornment. selected for exhibition at the Pennsylvania State If art is considered self-expression, she closely identifies. The entire tattoo With probing questions, Mrs. AckEducation Association Touch The Future Art Exhi- then semi-permanent or permanent art was done in one session and took three erman leads her students to recognize bition that is worn on the body is surely an hours. Her second tattoo, which took

Ceramics: senior Jennifer Jovinelly, sophomore Cameron expression of an especially meaningful just an hour, is a dandelion that takes King, freshman Dan Clark, junior Caroline Kocent, and sopho- sentiment. Though I have yet to decide up a 5x2 area on her upper left arm. more Yebin Lee. if I am bold enough to make such an The dandelion has two seeds being expression of my own, I was lucky to carried by away the wind, symbolizing Color and Charcoal Drawings: senior Hanna Wil- enough to speak to various LM stu- two wishes. Kyra’s sister has the same liams, senior Jenny Ma, senior Matina Granieri, and senior dents who have. Their insights were tattoo in a different place; for her, the Amanda Lewis. wise and thoughtful, and have abso- tattoo symbolizes both her bond lutely served to broaden and diversify with her sister, and their shared Printmaking: sophomore Desmond Ellis and senior my feelings on the topic. tendency to make wishes.

Beatrice Abbott.

Senior Rachel Deery, who is about Alex Cope, again from the to graduate, has a magnolia tree on her senior class, has a LM SocJewelry: senior Claudia Bokulich, senior Olivia Burns, upper back; more specifically, it is the cer tattoo on his arm.Alex’s senior Jordan Cooper, junior Raina Haas, junior Walker Mills, magnolia tree that was in the backyard attitude on getting a tattoo is junior Jen Ruckenstein, senior Elese Swift, junior Julia Vresi- of her childhood home in Roxborough. both practical and smart. “As lovic, senior Dominique Wright, and senior Carmelle Yaari.

The tree has her dad’s initials in the long as I’m getting a tattoo of trunk, who passed away when she something that my feelings Painting and 2D Mixed Media: senior Renée Ragwan, was in second grade. Rachel also has will never change about, I hunior Halle Turner, hunior Liora Ostruff, and junior Zach deer antlers on her ankle for her name, have no worries or regrets.

Deery. She thinks that she will most My experience with Lower Congratulations to sophomore Desmond Ellis for winlikely get more tattoos. I really appreci- Merion Soccer was very ning the first prize in Printmaking! ated what Rachel had to say about the important to me through- Photo courtesy of Kyra Bergen Lee Shore process of getting a tattoo, and I found out all four years of high Senior Kyra Bergen Lee Shore got that her feelings on body art in general school, and considering that both of her tattoos done by Shawn Dubin of Moo Tattoo to be quite wise. “I think that tattoos I will never again play soccer can be a beautiful thing. It is truly an for Lower Merion, my feelart of the body. Yes, sometimes you’ll ings towards it will never change.” that self-adornment is instinctual to Piercings are not permanent in the humans; we have been doing it since Congratulations to Junior Claire Cochrane, Sophomore Eric see a tattoo and think to yourself, Cohn, Senior Talia Gottesman, Junior Elizabeth Phillipson- ‘Wow, that’s really stupid and ugly. same way that tattoos are, but they still very early in our history. Much as Weiner, Sophomore Will Tobias, Senior Kate Werder, and Senior Why would someone get that?’ The represent a long-term commitment, the instinct to create external art feels truth is that, to that person, it means and are a form of self-adornment intrinsic to many people, the instinct Yueyi Zhou for making PMEA District Band! something that you to use body art as a vehicle for selfCongratulations to Senior Sarah Badin, Senior Matt Ciarprobably just don’t expression feels equally fundamental rochi, Senior Rachel Deery, Junior Sarah Kozak, Sophomore understand.” Adto many.

Danielle Muse, and Sophomore Mara Pliskin for making PMEA vice Rachel has to “I always ask my students in the District Chorus! share with anyone beginning of a metal arts course: Why who is considering do people have the urge to decorate Congratulations to junior Stephen Allen, sophomore Eric getting a tattoo: “A themselves? The ensuring converCohn, junior Aaron Freedman, senior Momo Nakagawa, tattoo is a lifetime sation centers around self-identity, sophomore Abigail Schmidt, sophomore Will Tobias, freshman commitment. Think self-expression, and around body art Thomas Vernier, and senior Yueyi Zhou for making PMEA carefully before getand jewelry that mark an occasion, District Orchestra! ting one. Also, mine symbolize an event, person, or partook two hours to ticular culture. Jewelry can be passed Congratulations to sophomore Eric Cohn and sophomore get. Make sure you down from generation to generation; Will Tobias for making PMEA Region Band! can handle the pain, mother and daughter can get matchbecause it’s paining piercings; jewelry can be worn for Congratulations to junior Sarah Kozak for making PMEA ful.” ceremonial purposes. Often, a story Region Chorus!

Kyra Bergen Lee is attached to the piece of ornamenShore, also a senior tation – it was given by a friend; it Congratulations to sophomore Eric Cohn, junior Aaron this year, has two symbolizes a family member.” Being Freedman, and sophomore Will Tobias for making PMEA tattoos as well. Both compelled to design, choose, or creRegion Orchestra! done by the same ate art that is to be worn on the body Congratulations to sophomore Eric Cohn and junior Aaron artist, Shawn Dubin is to engage in an ancient and highly Freedman for making PMEA All-State of Moo Tattoo on personal art form. “As an art form,” Orchestra!

South Street. Both Ms. Ackerman comments, “jewelry Congratulations to sophomore Will Tobias for making are done entirely in and self ornamentation are displayed PMEA All-State Band! grey and black, but on the body and so the body becomes with lots of tonal the gallery. Each piece of personal Congratulations to junior Han Tran for making PMEA variation, and Kyra adornment is enhanced by its wearer.

All-State Jazz Band!

Photo courtesy of Sarah Kozak . . though perhaps a simple design on loves them both. She had the Congratulations to LM Orchestra for winning a Superior first of the two done just Senior Rachel Deery has a tattoo of a tree paper, self-adornment art of all forms Rating, Best Viola Section Award, Best Bass Sec- a few days after turning with her father’s initials in the trunk - a comes alive with the movement of tion Award, Best Brass Section Award, and a Best 18, and like Rachel’s, the tribute to him, as he passed away. the body and the personality of the Percussion Award at Council Rock South High School tattoo is in part representawearer.”

Orchestra Festival! tive of a lost family member. “It’s on that represent something about the The wonderful insights that were Congratulations to sophomore Christine Emery for winning my upper back, between my shoulder individual and express it to the world. shared with me while I conducted a Best Soloist award at Council Rock South High School blades, and about a 5x5 square. My Rowan MacFarlane, a sophomore this research for this article are symptomgreat-grandmother was a china painter year at LM, has both her nose and her atic of the thoughtful and artistically Orchestra Festival! and before she died she pained me a lip pierced. She spent about a year ad- rich culture that we have at LM.The Congratulations to the LM Jazz Band for making Yankee portrait of a tiger face. I was really miring nose piercings and considering creative ways that Lower Merion have Division at Cavalcade of Bands Jazz Band Championships: close with her, and she and I are a lot getting one of her own. When her mom used their bodies to express themelves the highest division of all! alike, so the fact that she painted it is offered to get the piercing with along are reflective of their inventive personCongratulations to the LM Jazz Band for winning a Supereally important. My artist did a stellar with her, she grew more compelled, alities. Next time you find yourself rior Award and for winning a Best Rhythm Section job of copying the painting exactly; its and she then decided to actually get it noticing a fellow student’s piercing or Award at Cavalcade of Bands Jazz Band Championships! crazy accurate. Also, tigers themselves done. Rowan feels that no one should tattoo, ask him or her why they got it are important to me- I was obsessed be stopped from getting a piercing that and what it means to them. Consider Congratulations to the LM Jazz Band for winning a Superior with them when I was younger, and they want. “It’s their body, let them use getting your own! I’m sure you will I’ve been fascinated by them since. it to express what they want!” find their answers inspiring!

Award at every Jazz Band festival they went to!

Underneath the tiger is the first stanza Similarly, Mrs. Harriet Ackerman, of William Blake’s poem, ‘The Ty- LM’s metal arts teacher and resident

LM Music Department Accomplishments

12

June 8, 2010

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Aces of The Arts Philly Summer Concerts Lineup Aviva Mann - Class of 2013

Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff What arts do you do on a regular basis?

I am always doing some form of art! This includes art classes in school; singing in Ace Harmony; playing guitar; taking pictures with friends; and other random hobbies like creating iMovies, cutting up magazines, cooking dinner, or sewing new things out of old clothes.

How did you get involved in the arts, and what advice do you have to other artists?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been involved in the arts. I’ve tried to perform as much as possible and take classes. My advice to other artists is to not be worried when something doesn’t turn out right. Once you have an idea, just go with it.

What’s your favorite quote?

“Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things.”- Edgar Degas Do you have any artistic plans for the summer, and if so, what are they?

This summer I plan on enjoying my last summer at Camp Timber Tops. I’m sure I will do some Tye-dying there and more singing of course. I also plan on taking lots and lots of pictures!

Leo Koorhan - Class of 2012

They’re sure to play at least one Class of 2011 or two songs off their renowned newest album Joy. One of the best perks of living in • June 30th and July 1st – a town nestled right outside one of Dave Matthews Band – Known for the world’s major cities is that tour- feel-good, lengthy improvisational ing musicians are certain to want to renditions of their songs, as well as come to our city to take part in the for the hype that their annual summer music scene here. The Philly 2010 tours generate, DMB is sure to desummer concert lineup is especially liver, yet again, an awesome show. dynamic and extraordinary. Some of • July 11th – Jack Johnson – the highlights are listed below accord- Touring with his newest album To the ing to venue; try to make it to at least Sea, Jack Johnson is sure to perform one live show this summer! in the style that dedicated fans have The Mann Center come to expect from him – soft-rock, • June 27th – Passion Pit with acoustic, soothing.

Tokyo Police Club – Following the • July 30th – John Mayer release of their debut album Manners, Multi-platinum, Grammy-award Passion Pit’s characteristic kalei- winning, heartthrob. Emphasis on doscope songscapes have secured the heartthrob. them a well-deserved and eager • August 3rd – Green Day with following.

Special Guest AFI - Though best • July 10th and 11th – Fur- known for their 2004 album Amerither – Phil Lesh and Bob Weir of can Idiot, Grammy-award winning The Grateful Dead have reunited American rock trio Green Day reone more to create Furthur. They’re leased an album titled “21st Century certain to deliver a mindblowing Breakdown” in 2009. show – complete with characteristic • August 5th – Kings of Leon improvisations and lovingly recrafted Kings of Leon is a platinum-selling Grateful Dead classics.

American “alternative” rock band, • August 15th – MGMT – This with an arena – rock sound. They Grammy-nominated, Brooklyn based are best known for their singles “Use band is best known for their hits “Kids” and “Electric Feel” off their Somebody,” “Sex on Fire,” and debut album Oracular Spectacular. “Notion.”

• August 6th – KISS – KISS is a They recently released a second album titled Congratulations. hard rock, Brooklyn-based American • September 15 – CAKE – Best band that has been head-banging known for their hit “Short Skirt Long since the early seventies.

Jacket,” CAKE is an often snarky and The Electric satirical, always unique alternative Factory rock favorite.

•July 21st – SOJA – Soldiers • August 19th – Pavement – Following years of speculation, veteran of Jah Army is an American reggae indie rock band Pavement is returning band that’s been active since the late to the stage with a world tour. nineties. They’ve played frequently The Susquehanna in Philadelphia in recent years, Bank Center mostly opening for better known • June 24th and 25th – Phish – bands.

Phish is noted for their superextended • July 24th – Deadmau5 – Progrooves and improvisational creativnounced “dead mouse,” and actually ity, as well as their devoted fan base.

Emily Shepard

named Joel Zimmerman, Deadmau5 is an progressive house /neo-trance, electronic producer based in Canada - sure to be an exciting and progressive.

The TLA

• September 14th – Broken Social Scene – An indie-rock musical collective, including as many as nineteen and as few as six members, Broken Social Scene is characterized by a dynamic and varied musical style – including guitars, woodwinds, horns, and violins to create an often highly unconventional musical struture.

• July 13th - 311 with the Offspring and Pepper – 311 is alrock/ ska punk,/ jazz fusion; they have a Sublime/Slightly Stoopid-esque vibe to them.

• July 17th – Sublime with Rome, Matisyahu, and The Dirty Heads – Sublime, the legendary Long Beach based, ska-punk, alternative rock band, was officially disbanded following the tragic death of their lead singer, Bradley Nowell. They are now touring once again with all of their original members and a new lead singer, Rome Ramirez. They’ve already played a Philly show once this year and it was awesome. Matisyahu is an American Hasidic Jewish reggae musician. He found God at the age of 14 on a mushroom trip. Nuff said? Inventive, funky, totally one of a kind.

• July 24th – O.A.R. with Citizen Cope – Of a Revolution, or O.A.R., is a pop-rock American band with a huge college following. Citizen Cope is the pseudonym of the dreadlocked, alt-rock/ folk-rock musician Clarence Greenwood. If you’re not sure who he is, you’ve probably heard his song “Let the Drummer Kick.”

He’s definitely feel-good music; the crowd should be pretty fun and the atmosphere pretty relaxed.

Photos by Madeline Berger/Staff What arts do you do on a regular basis?

Usually Play rehearsal. When I’m not doing that? Ace Harmony.

When I’m not doing that? Homework. Priorities man, priorities.

How did you get involved in the arts, and what advice do you have to other artists?

I got interested in the arts in 6th grade, when I tried out for the play just because I thought it was cliché. Who thought the show, “The Ice Wolf” would change anyone’s life? My advice to other artists? Bring a pencil, but don’t keep it in your pocket. Be fearless, you have nothing to lose on the stage, and try to NOT get kicked in the face.

What’s your favorite quote?

“The only reason that you’re conscious right now is because I don’t want to carry you!” - Jack Bauer Do you have any artistic plans for the summer, and if so, what are they?

Upper Darby Summer Stage. Come and see the shows! There are 6 total and they all are so much fun.

Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff

Summer concert-goers enjoy a live concert by a local band in the great outdoors.

June 8, 2010

13

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The best thrift shops in Philly

Emily Shepard

Class of 2011

Tired of seeing girls and boy alike dressed in monotonously similar, formulaic outfits doubtlessly purchased at Urban Outfitters, and designed to look authentically vintage while costing an exorbitant sum of money, I decided to find and expose the best thrift and vintage shops of our lovely city. Philadelphia is brimming with them. I enlisted the aid of my fashion-forward friend, who also happens to be a licensed driver, and we set out to find which of the stores on our list proved most fruitful.

The first place we went was the Roxborough Salvation Army. It’s pretty much in everyone’s backyard, so it’s a lot more convenient that needing to head into the city. The Salvation Army is thrift shopping at its absolute finest. While vintage shops in the city sort through and pick out the best of their donated clothing, often seeking out collectors to compile the best stock of clothes from yesteryear, the Salvation Army pretty much throws everything they get on hangers and puts it out on the floor. If there aren’t noticeable blood or fetal fluid stains, the Salvation Army will take it. They don’t wash their clothes; you have to do that when you get home. Garments are organized by size and color.

If you’re looking for a red shirt for a pirate costume, or a bunch of white t-shirts to tie dye, Salvation Army is always your most expedient option. If you aren’t looking for something specific, you’re left to explore the typically massive quasi-warehouse stores, sifting through endless clothes that were purchased at Gap in the late nineties, seeking out a somehow interesting or eye-catching piece. The hunt is fundamental to the experience. Finding something that you love is amazingly rewarding, and in most cases it will cost you about three or four dollars. More often that not, however, you will find something really funky that you don’t necessarily love, but can definitely find a time and place to wear (if only to illicit scandalized looks.) The Salvation Army is the only place that I feel totally justified in buying weird, random stuff, just for the hell of it, cause it’s always so damn cheap. You can also find furniture, albums, chipped Christmas mugs, lamps, absurd wedding dresses, long patterned skirts, and lots of big t-shirts to sleep in.

Salvation Army purchases are near certain to inspire some bit of creativity. You might find a dress that you and twelve friends could fit inside, but that is made beautiful fabric, and feel compelled to hack it up and make something

new. Or maybe even to take it in 20 sizes.

The first shop that we went to into the city was called Sazz Vintage, in old city on the 100 block of North Third. I told the woman at the desk that I was writing an article for my school newspaper, and she told me to make sure that I describe the store as “vintage” – not thrift. To her credit, she spends hours sifting through old clothes, and had a pretty sweet collection. Garments were labeled by era and dated back to the 1950s. The store was perfectly cluttered – in just such a way

Vintage where we were listening to Janis Joplin, the Beatles, the Talking Heads, the Four Tops; Vagabond was playing Death Cab for Cutie. For all intents and purposes, it was a small non-commercial Urban Outfitters, with a boutique atmosphere. There were runway pieces, handmade pieces, lots of hand knits, and some actual vintage pieces. Accordingly, there was also a pretty wide range of prices, from the $20 dollar area to upwards of $70.The staff was friendly enough, but we didn’t find anything we really liked, and the shop seemed geared towards a slightly older crown. However, if you are not yet ready to forsake your UrbanOutfitters tendencies, but don’t want to be wearing the same shirt as 6 other kids again, you should check out Vagabond.

The next place we went to was Philly Aids Thrift, which is on Bainbridge, just south of South Street. The shop was formed in reaction to the burgeoning AIDS epidemic and donates the vast majority of their proceeds, typically over $100,000 a year, to help out Philadelphians with HIV/ AIDS. The story is ridiculously cluttered, and you never know what you’re going to find when you head in there. I’ve found bizarre, tattered paperbacks from the 40s, floral suitcases, jewelry of all sorts, and tons of clothing. Some people are inclined to find the store overpriced, given its lack of order and the often absurd nature of its merchandise, but its important to keep in mind that all the money goes to a really important charity. If you’re Photo by Emily Shepard/staff still feeling like a cheapskate, however, you should check out Philly Aids Thrift that it was never boring; we went through with no intention to buy. It’s really fun to jewelry, scarves, sunglasses, dresses, blouses, hunt through their quirky knick-knacks. bathing suits and a lot more. There were also The last place we visited was the Second collectors items – authentic Grateful Dead Mile Thrift Shop, or rather the Second Mile and Rolling Stones tour shirts from way back Thift Shops, because there are three of them. in the day. Old school music was playing They’re located on South 45th Street, and are from the store-owner’s iPod to foster the right committed to “recycling things to redeem atmosphere. She had banging taste in music, people.” The Second Mile centers help reand my friend and I were jamming during our hab drug attics and the homeless, give them a whole visit. My friend tried on a floor length place to work and live, and get them back on dress that looked right out of Woodstock. The their feet. The first of the stores is clothes; the fly in the ointment: It cost sixty dollars. Sazz second is furniture and home furnishings; the Vintage definitely does not have Salvation third is everything random that exists in this Army prices. In the end, I bought threadbare world that someone once owned, and someyellow shirt from a 1960s demonstration that one might want. We didn’t have time to really reads “Civil Disobedience is Civil Defense” explore Second Mile, which is a shame, cause for 12 dollars, and my friend got a quasi- I’m sure we would have found all sorts of stuff ethnic-hippie patterned shirt for 16 dollars. that we would’ve wanted for no good reason.

Unlike the Salvation Army, all the garments Second Mile is like the Salvation Army – in the store had been washed. I would defi- thrifting in its most raw and challenging form. nitely recommend checking this place out. If you’re ever nearby, or have a car and time The next shop that we headed to was to kill, Second Mile promises an adventure. called Vagabond, and also in Old City, at 37 Check out one of these or one of the N. 3rd Street. I didn’t like it, and we didn’t many other thrift shops that Philly is home stay for longer. We’d just come from Sazz to! Get funky with your style for cheap.

Entertain Yourself on the Internet without Reading Top 100 Lists on Facebook!

(Oh the 21st Century!)

1.Find your House on Google Earth - Extensive aerial photography conducted by Google teams allows you to get a detailed bird’s eye view of your city, and then to zoom in on your neighborhood, your street, and your house. You yourself may have even been caught by Google cams!

2. Go on Pandora – type in your favorite song or band and start streaming radio that is tailored to your musical preference.

3. Go on Freerice.com – enhance your vocabulary while accumulating rice that is automatically donated to impoverished, third-world citizens. Save a life and hop a few hundred points on your SATs! 4. Find an overseas penpal – maybe you’ll fall in love!

5. Go to Youtube, and Search Miss Teen South Carolina – watch her explain that Americans are ignorant because “I personally believe, well, that, uh, some people out there, in our, uh nation . . . don’t have maps and uh, I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and the Iraq, and everywhere like there such as, and I believe that they should…” It only gets funnier.

6. Go to theonion.com for some top-notch political/social satire.

7. Watch “David after Dentist” on Youtube… again and again.

8. Do some in-depth readings on Sasquatch and UFO sightings, conspiracy theories, and government cover-ups. Become a believer.

9. Learn how to do some sick techno dance moves by watching Youtube tutorials. Wow your friends at the next big bash.

10. Google your teachers. Rumor has it, there is a little known, less that PG article about Mrs.----(For the Continuation of the Article and the Complete List, go to themerionite.com!)

-Emily Shepard

Taylor Swift: A feminist heroine or nightmare?

E. Dunoff/E. Shepard

Class of 2011

Taylor Swift. For millions of girls across the country, she’s an idol. With her perfect curls, creamy porcelain skin, and her dreamy blue eyes, she embodies the ideal of Anglo-Saxon beauty. Parents too, adore her. Unlike other teenage stars, Swift has managed to avoid making scandalous tabloid headlines. While her friend Miley Cyrus gets news item after news item for inappropriate behavior– racist photos, dancing on poles, grinding with grown men– Swift’s articles tend to be about her awards, her music, and her concerts. And unlike other blonde starlets, such as Paris Hilton or Heidi Montag, Swift actually has

talent. She writes or co-writes all of her songs, plays the guitar, and spent years playing at country fairs throughout Pennsylvania before making it big.

Despite all her accomplishments, there is one issue that has not yet been decided: Is Taylor Swift a feminist darling, or a feminist nightmare? The blogosphere has been abuzz– and aTwitter– trying to classify Swift. Is she a darling because she has power as an artist by writing all her own music? Or a nightmare because she embodies the virgin/whore dichotomy that feminism rallies against? Is she a good example of a female artist who has managed to make it big without exploiting her sexuality?

Or is she vapid and shallow, only writing about boys and fairytales; strongly

reinforcing traditional gender roles?

In February, soon after Swift’s VMA award controversy, a writer named Marie Lynn Bernard, known online as “Riese,” published an article explaining why Swift is offensive to feminists.

Her main criticisms of Swift include her inane lyrics, her childlike image, her boring melodies, her skewed view of high school, and her girl-bashing videos. Now, of course, Swift isn’t the only pop artist who is guilty of these offenses; Justin Bieber is even more clueless about teenage relationships than she is. However, Riese holds Taylor to a higher standard: because she is female, and because she is an adult. Riese asserts that Swift’s lyrics serve to characterize teenage girls as mindlessly

obsessed with and dependent upon the validation of boys. Controversy lingers.

Taylor Swift isn’t a feminist hero; she’s not a feminist nightmare either.

She is one of the few highly successful women in the contemporary pop music world that doesn’t exploit her sexually or her body to achieve fame. Her statements about the nature of teenage girls might be a bit archaic and certainly belittling, but she isn’t obliged to create art that is contrary to how she really feels. If that is who Taylor Swift is, critics should just let her be. Ultimately, it is the decision of American girls how to interpret and act upon the messages they recieve from the media and popular art scene.

To suggest that they are unable to do so - that is the the true feminist nightmare.

14

June 8, 2010

SPORTS LM’s Top 10 Sports Achievements of ’09-’10 The Merionite

Sports Staff

Class of 2011-2012

To mark the completion of the athletic year, The Merionite has once again compiled a list of the top ten sporting achievements for 2009-2010. These accomplishments are a testament to the exemplary athletics reputation LM has established, and we take pride in congratulating this year’s individuals and teams for all of their successes. These feats have been selected in no particular order based soley upon merit and do not represent any partiality on the part of the Sports Editors of The Merionite.

also won their third consecutive title as Central League Champions. At season’s end, the Aces were ranked fifth in the Southeast Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Poll.

Girls’ Lacrosse finishes a greatly improved season

Girl’s Crew Lightweight 4 wins First Place at Stotesbury Regatta Girl’s Crew outperformed any and all expectations this year at Stotesbury Regatta, one of the most prestigious events in the land. The lightweight team, consisting of Julia Policastro, Emily Durante, Rachael Bowen, Ellen Urheim, and Frances Loeb, took first place, a victory that is symbolic of the fast-rising program and the success they’ve recently enjoyed.

Boys’ Cross Country completes another successful season

Alex Liu and Greg Jarmas qualify for states in golf Lower Merion golfers Alex Liu and Greg Jarmas made the Girls’ and Boys’ State Golf Tournaments, respectively, this year. Liu finished 11th, highest among all Sophomores, and Jarmas finished second, the best finish by a LM golfer since former PGA Tour golfer Jay Sigel won states in 1960.

Last year the girls’ lacrosse team finished with a disappointing 3-15 record.

Determined not to repeat the misfortunes of the previous season, the team stepped their collective game up and showed marked improvement throughout the season. They ended with a far more respectable 8-10 record.

Despite the loss of last year’s talented senior class, Boys’ Cross Country had yet another successful campaign this year, finishing 8th in the PIAA District One Championships. In addition, runners Michael McGowan and Kyle Ingerman qualified for the state tournament.

Four LMHS Wrestlers advance from Sectionals; Team wins Interboro Invitational title LM’s wrestling team experienced an exceptionally successful year, including capturing the Interboro Invitational Team title. This feat was well deserved as the Aces outdid their opponents by a large margin. Every team member earned at least one victory with the majority placing fourth or higher. To top this off, members Cody Kaplan, Zeke Zimmer, Eli Zimmer, and Darryl Seligman advanced from sectionals to the District One South Wrestling Championships.

Photo Courtesy of GAP

Greg Jarmas chips his way to becoming the best LM golfer in 50 years.

Jordan Wolf dominates while leading Boys’ Lacrosse to State Tournament.

The Boys Lacrosse team welcomed a surge of talent this year, talent that helped the team to qualify for the PIAA state tournament. They are the only boys’ team at LM to have qualified for a state tournament this year. All the while, star attackman Jordan Wolf also broke a school assist record previously set by professional lacrosse player John Christmas Girls Track Shatters Records during Succesful Season

Photo Courtesy of Rachel Dolezal

Jordan Wolf ‘s outstanding season led Boy’s Lacrosse to the State Tournament.

Boys Soccer Wins Central League (again) As has become the norm here at LM, Boys’ Soccer had an extremely successful season. Not only did the team defeat St. Benedict’s Prep, which at the time was ranked number two nationally, they

Photo Courtesy of Sandra Hoopes

Sophomore Eliana Yankelev hurdles her way to the 100m record.

The Girls’ Track team recently capped off yet another incredibly successful season, highlighted by a host of major accomplishments.. The most incredible of these achievements were the breaking of a ten-year record and a sixyear record at the District One Championships. With a time of 2:19.96, Laura Peterson beat the ten-year-old 800 meter run record of 2:22.7. Eliana Yankelev broke the six-year-old 100 meter high hurdle record, previously 15.4 with a time of 15.1 seconds. Peterson and Yankelev broke each of their own records three times, underscoring their true talent.

Lady Baba wins 1st at States’ for the 2nd year in a row.

Led by seniors Hannah GarPhoto Courtesy of Leaguelineup.com field and Emily Eisner, the Girls Ul- Football celebrates after beating Radnor timate team took first place at states for the 1st time in 10 years. for the second year in a row. In the humid, ninety degree weather in Pitts- two teams have squared off in an annual burgh, “Lady Baba” trumped all and rivalry game, thus making it the longest continued its championship legacy from running public high school football rivallast year. ry in the country. For ten straight years, LM had been on the losing side of the Football beats Radnor game. On Saturday November 14, lead The rivalry between Radnor and LM by three passing touchdowns by Conor football seems to have existed since the Foote, LM’s football team finally beat dawn of time. Every year since 1897, the Radnor’ 20-7 after ten years of losses.

June 8, 2010

15

SPORTS

The Merionite Boys’ soccer scores a goal with new coach

Danny Kane

JV softball gone in the wind From Softball, page 1

hear that Fadely was resigning, we knew that we would have to play next season actual existence of the JV team came regardless of who our coach is.” Also, into play. This emotional rollercoaster After eight very successful seasons, despite Fadely being widely respected further depleted the numbers of the already Boys’ Soccer coach Jon Fadely an- by his players, several members of the small team, making it harder for the rest to nounced his resignation this offseason team appear to be looking forward to argue for the continuance of the team. in order to take over as LM’s Assistant a change in pace. Junior Mark Krantz It came to a point when the Varsity Athletic Director next year. This left said, “He gives the program a breath coach Dave Stein decided to bench the LM looking for a new soccer coach, of fresh air that will help us down the remaining JV players, telling them that and after several months, LM road.” they were welcome to stay but there was selected Nicholas Severini,

While Severini has already disno guarantee for their chance in the spotan LM Spanish teacher and tinguished himself as a very solid coach light.

In general, there were also various head boys’ soccer coach in his time at Plymouth-Whitemarsh, his disagreements between Coach David at Plymouth-Whitemarsh players are also very impressed with his Stein and the athletes.

Coach Stein was High School, whose 10-5-2 credentials as a player, which include “astonished that they all came one right record last season was the being an All-State player at Haverford after another.” However, when asked if best season in 15 years.

High School, and playing professionhe believed the team’s status was affecting Severini said that while it ally in Spain and Argentina. Rosenfeld the Varsity team, he replied was difficult to leave the was looking forward to learning from, “Not at all. They were on JV for a surging Plymouth-Whitemarsh “A coach that has played at the highest reason.”

His attitude towards the JV playprogram, he took the LM job levels of soccer and knows what we ers, in the end, contributed heavily to the because he wanted to coach need to do as a team to play at that disintegration and eventual nonexistence where he teaches and also, level.” of the team. “looks forward to the chalWhile Jon Fadely’s Rachel Maniloff, one of the last players lenge of continuing the legacy mark on LM Soccer is to quit the JV team revealed that initially of such a historic program.” one that will last for that the coach told them that they needed at Whenever a coach leaves a very long time, the least four more a team, especially one as sucteam players to show cessful as Fadely, it hits both now up if there was Nicholas Severini parties hard. From a coaching has no to be a JV team. standpoint, Fadely expressed choice but - All State Player at Haverford High That number that that it will be difficult to simto move School then progresply be an observer of the sively grew as Photo by Madeline Berger/Staff Four year player at University of team, saying, “It’s not gomore and more ing to be a great feeling— Pennsylvania Coach Severini looks to take players left. DeI’m anticipating a little emptiBoys Soccer job head-on.

Played professionally in Spain and mand could not ness inside watching them from be met so the JV Argentina the stands” on without him, and The feeling is also very difficult for with Nicholas Sev- - Head Coach at Plymouth-Whitemarsh team was forced to break up. the players to swallow. Junior Michael erini, LM may have High School from 2008-2009 Lemonick said that, “I will certainly a coach who will A ray of light - LM Spanish Teacher miss Coach Fadely, who was not only a not only continue shone through soccer coach to me but also a mentor.” Fadely’s legacy but the dark clouds Still, the team hopes to remain dedicated also take the prow h e n C oach and focused. As Junior Garrett Baker put gram to remarkable Bomze was given the option of having the it, “Though it was a shock for all of us to new heights.

Class of 2012

Freshman Natalie Agoos My name is Natalie Agoos. I play soccer all year round for the Aces and I also play for my club team.

In the winter and spring I run track.

My hobbies include biking, magnets, cooking, hanging with Scout, and climbing trees. My favorite TV show is It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and in my free time I explore the neighborhood park.

LM team practice with the Harriton team.

This seemed like a perfect opportunity for the remaining loyalists to the JV team.

Unfortunately, this plan eventually fell through as news reached the coach Bomze of the District failure to provide buses to transport the students from LM to Harriton.

There would have been low-key practices without any game commitments. Some of those who had quit due to their lack of time could have gone to these practices.

“I’m frustrated and disappointed that JV softball didn’t work out because we had potential for a great season,” stated Rachel Maniloff. “It was unfortunate that the fate of the team lay in the hands of the unmotivated few.”

“It all depends on the eighth graders for next year’s team. I’m also hoping that next year, people will evaluate their priorities in the beginning of the season so that they won’t get everyone else thrown out of the bus halfway through the season” Maniloff replied when asked what she thought about the potential of a recurrence of this year’s situation.

Luckily, some of the former JV girls are getting a second chance on the Varsity team. Halle Turner is one of these girls.

However, although Turner is back on the field, she states that she feels the team dynamic was definitely negatively affected by the breakup.

“There has definitely been less team support, less spirit because of the split.”

While Turner lucked out, the other former team members were not as lucky. Unlike Turner, they did not have the chance to dip their toes back into softball.

Hopefully, next year will be different.

Perhaps the team will be more successful in recruiting students or perhaps a fresh batch of freshmen will be enough to get the team back on its feet. At the moment, the future of the team lies in the motivation of students, not its coaches.

Sophomore Peter Siciliano

Junior Helen DeHaven

Senior Ahmad Zachary

I have played Varsity Baseball for the past two years and have helped the team this year to achieve its third winning season in the last 50 years. Although I started at first base this year, I look to move to third or shortstop next season. I have also been a part of the basketball program for the last two seasons and was on the JV team this year.

I’m Helen DeHaven - but my friends call me Tzoey, Elly Boom, Chicken, H Mama, and Bush Wild.

I have been on the varsity lacrosse team since freshman year. This year, I was voted captain along with Sarah Spector and Ali Toll. I enjoy eating ice cream for breakfast, playing Nintendo 64, and bareback riding.

My name is Ahmad Zachary, I am the captain of the boys’ lacrosse team. People might call me a Lax Bro but, this is simply because I live to lax and I lax to live. In my spare time I like to rip twine with my wand. When I’m not shredding the net, I’m usually hanging out and talking to chicks. I love chicks and listening to my ipod right before games.

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