September 2015 by Lightning Strike

LightningStrike Taking Miami-Dade by Storm

Dr. Michael M. Krop Sr. High • 1410 Countyline Road • Miami, Florida 33179

September 30 , 2015 • Issue 1 • Volume 18

Class sizes need amending Mikaela Mendez news editor

The increase in class sizes has been aided by an amendment to the original statute. Now a school can be labeled with the word “choice,” which means the average class size can be used instead of a class-by-class limit.

On the first day of school, Brian Litvinoff walked into his English 4 honors class with a smile on his face because he had Michael Kelly as his teacher. But his smile slowly faded. He could barely make it through rows of tightly packed desks to get to his seat. And when the lesson started, hearing Kelly over 44 students was harder than trying to get to his desk. “It was like anchovies in a can,” Litvinoff said. “Kelly still managed to maintain the noise level down for the most part, but that’s because he stated stern rules.” According to Kelly, having so many students in a class is a great disservice to the students. “It has become an example of warehouse education,” Kelly said. “Students are being stored in rooms and expected to learn.” And Kelly isn’t the only teacher to have over 25 students in a core class. Math teacher William Taillon has 38 students in his 4th period Algebra 1 class. The excess amount of students in math classes could be due to it being down one math teacher compared to last year. Being short one math teacher is a big concern to the math department. “The question is not whether we can find a qualified teacher, Stein said. “But rather we haven’t been given the permission to hire them.” According to The New York Times article, “Tight

Budgets Mean Squeeze in Classrooms,” published in 2011, millions of public school students are seeing class sizes swell because of budget costs and teacher layoffs. This is the first year in which Florida schools will not be fined for having more than 25 students per core class. The district expects schools to take the money they would pay for the fee and use it to pay teachers to open up an extra class. According to an article in the Miami Herald published in 2014 lawmakers cut the number of “core” classes covered by the class size limits by nearly twothirds four years ago. The Herald said the Florida Department of Education even gives districts guidance on how to circumvent the requirements in a class size. The classes that are included in the size amendment for core classes are regular and honors English one through four, Geometry, Algebra 1, Math for College Readiness, biology, U.S. History, World History and Economics. No new teachers have been hired, according to Harley, but extra teaching supplements for every core subject have been added. In a few weeks, Harley has a meeting with the District regarding budgets. If the District approves the new budget, there is a possibility more classes will be opening. “At this point, we did the best we could to level classes, but it does not accommodate every student’s schedule,” Harley said. “It is not as easy as people think.”

STANDARDIZED TESTING

New SAT format aids sophomores and below

Michael Katz opinion editor The current version of the SAT will be administered four more times, the last on January 23rd. The new test begins in March, and it is a different species, so listen up. Starting next March, aim for a 1600. There is, regrettably, no 800 point curve. The 800 point difference is due to the removal of the writing section from your overall score, which will now be comprised of two sections: Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math. The writing section of the new test is now optional – and highly recommended. The new test condenses the ten sections of the old into four. It will no longer test obscure vocabulary, but will ask students to define words based on how they are used in context. The test will also include more charts and

graphs, which means students will have to stay focused for a longer time period and work more efficiently in order to finish. However, there is no longer a ¼ point reduction for wrong answers. Students won’t waste time thinking about whether it is worth it to guess, and will have a 25 percent chance of getting credit for questions they did not get to. The new version will also incorporate excerpts from great texts such as the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, and will test comprehension by asking evidence-based questions. These problems ask a question about the text, followed by another question that asks which piece of evidence supports the previous answer, making it nearly impossible to get the second right if the first is wrong. The writing section is no walk

NEW EXAM 65 MINUTE 35 MINUTE

BY THE NUMBERs

52 QUESTION READING SECTION

50 MINUTE 25 MINUTE OPTIONAL ESSAY

• College misconceptions - page 7 • New teachers, new faces - page 13 • Corbin’s Critique: Maze Runner - page 14 •Captains speak out - page 17

Appreciating Ms. Baglos

20 QUESTION SECTION OF

SOURCES 1. Time Magazine, 2. Sat.Ivyglobal.com/news-vs-old in the park, either. Now twice as long (50 minutes), it asks students to read a passage and then explain how the author is persuading the audience. However, this is a welcome change for many. “You can’t

More inside:

• Music: The industry that rocked and rolled away - page 4

44 WRITING AND LANGUAGE SECTION

MK HS

Welcoming Dr. Harley

pages 10 -11

determine someone’s writing ability in 25 minutes on a random topic,” senior Noam Ben-David said . “It’s too formulaic.” Thanks to the changes, students will no longer have to worry about systematic scoring,

nor will they have to worry about how to study for the new format of the test. College Board recently partnered with Khan Academy, a free online learning site, in order to provide free online test prep. No longer will companies like ► story continues on page 3

News

tops Page 2

KROP’S

The Boys Golf team has had an impecable season so far by winning six games and losing none. Todd Thompkins’ AP Physics C (Physics with Calculus) had a 100% passing rate for 2015, the first time in Krop’s history. Senior Elias Rosenfeld was selected as a finalist for the Nordstrom Scholarship. It gives students ten thousand dollars for college out of 7,668 students only 53 finaled. Seniors Maxime Korner, Elias Rosenfeld, Mikaela Mendez, Sara Eghtessadi, Gabriel Shlain, Lital Hartzy, Youssra Yemmas, Maria Wang and Julien Saka semi-finaled for the Posse Foundation Scholarship. The Foundation’s partner colleges and universities award Posse Scholars four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships. Seniors Joss Gitlin and Noam Bendavid are semi-finalist for the National Merit Scholarship. It is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Senior Lily Gabay went to the USA Fencing National Championships for fencing in San Jose, California. Senior Karl Jeanty was offered Sports Scholarships due to his skill in Basketball. On September 21, PeaceJam attended the 34th International Peace Day celebration at Miami Botanical Gardens.

Compiled by Mikaela Mendez

The Lightning Strike Strike • September The Lightning • September2008 2015

From local to global: TALLAHASEE, FLORIDA: Lawmakers on the House Education Committee had very few criticisms to the new FSA testing system implemented just six months ago. This system would include tests in reading/language arts to test students’ progressiveness in their respective subjects. After a rocky start in its ﬁrst year, FSA testing looks to be continuing.

CALIFORNIA : Two northern California wildﬁres have tallied a total of just over 1000 homes destroyed in California and 250 more homes destroyed in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The California Department of Forestry has decreased the ﬁres but the number of homes burning is still counting, just at a slower rate.

HUNGARY, EUROPE : The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, has stated that that the border of several European countries is being threatened by the act of illegal immigration. This started during a week of intense diplomatic activity.

CANADA : Former Vice-President of FIFA, Jack Warner, has gone through United States extradition proceedings. This is because the United States, along with many other still standing FIFA ofﬁcials would like to charge Warner on corruption charges as he has accepted millions of dollars in bribes.

What’s going on around the world? BURKINA FASO, AFRICA: The Bolivian army has provided bakers, as they have gone on strike because the government has scraped subsidies for wheat ﬂour, with tens of thousands of bread rolls to sell at their store. The bakers were on a 48 hour strike and since the strike has ended, the bakers are back in their stores.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA : Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has decided to bring up the concerns of Israel of ISIS at Russia’s military build-up in Syria. Putin insured to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Russia will always be responsible in the Middle East. sources: CNN Miami Herald

Compiled by Ethan Curtis

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Tallahassee tests teacher’s limits Shoshana Sommer lifestyle editor Biology and Environmental science teacher Gary Feilich did not expect to be taking the ACT 43 years after high school. Feilich was not taking the test because he was having a mid- life crisis where he thought he was a seventeen year old, Feilich needs the test score to qualify as a recipient for a $10,000 bonus. To receive the bonus Feilich must be in the top 20 percentile. The pressure was on. Feilich was not thrilled when College Board did not keep the records of his original SAT score that would have qualiﬁed him for the bonus. “I was insulted that I had to retake the test to be considered exemplary,” Feilich said. My

track record of my students being successful, becoming doctors, and being good people should sufﬁce.” Once Feilich’s children found out he had to take the test, they registered him immediately. His colleagues thought he was nuts, but Feilich thought he might as well take a shot. Feilich was nervous and wished the test was as easy for him as it was for his daughter who got a 34 without even trying. “I wish I had her DNA, but then I remembered she had half of mine,” he said. The ACT was anything but easy; Feilich had not used “SOHCAHTOA” or any other high level math skills since 1968. “I teach Biology not Algebra 2,” Feilich said. As for the science section, Feilich knew the material

17 AGAIN: Advanced Placement science teacher Gary Feilich happily shows off his ACT Admission Ticket on September 12. He mastered the science section, but struggled with the math claiming he didn’t use SOHCAHTOA once.

almost too well and overthought all his answer choices which slowed him down. “I now have a greater appreciation for what my students go through,” Feilich said.

If Feilich gets the bonus he says it will be because of the encouragement he received from his students and throw all his classes’ pizza parties.

ACTIVITIES

Creative writing club may lead to revival of Ink Magazine Naela Foureau staff writer Before publication was cut short, Ink Magazine was a ﬁve time award-winning magazine that featured literature written by and for students founded by Jason Meyers, who is now a teacher at Miami Palmetto Senior High School. With new Creative Writing teaher Kirsis Padron, the literary magazine may be making a comeback. “It won’t be solely focused on poetry this year,” Padron said, “I would like to make the magazine more diverse.” The magazine will also take a different approach in the way it is structured by showcasing a broader spectrum of literary media to include more articles, photography and artwork. Writers for the new magazine will be welcomed with an open-door policy. “The only requirement is participation,” Padron said. Potential writers do not need a speciﬁc GPA or previous writing experience to join.

As of now, the only requirement for including a possible collaboration magazine submission is consistent with theatre students. According to attendance to the Creative Writing president of the Creative Writing Club’s meetings on the ﬁrst and third Club, senior Francesca Von Krauland, Padron Monday of every would like to month. conduct interactive “I am not AM NOT playwrights and looking for a write a play for Shakespeare, just LOOKING FOR A the Drama Club. an open-minded Members also member with SHAKESPEARE, hope to collaborate willingness to JUST AN OPENwith other school experiment with clubs. their writing.” MINDED With the new Padron said. MEMBER WITH Ink Magazine, “It’s a good Von Krauland and idea because if WILLINGNESS TO Vice President, someone has Dzidula an opinion but EXPERIMENT THEIR senior is scared to WRITING.” Boney hope to show it, another expose students –KIRSIS PADRON, person who uses to opportunities the magazine Ink Magazine sponsor to improve their to express that writing and meet same opinion can be their voice,” new people. Both Von Krauland freshman, Demi Williams said. and Boney aim to debunk the myth The club has several plans to that creative writing is “just poetry” expand the magazine’s inﬂuence, while proving how important it can

be to a school community. “We need it,” said principal Dr. Allison Harley, who was at Palmetto when their liter-ary magazine won the Gold and Silver Key awards through our old adviser. Harley believes that it enhances the atmosphere of the school and gives students a chance to participate. “A truly democratic school should have a literary magazine,” she said. Before publication can begin however, more students need to join the Creative Writ-ing Club. Students who are interested can attend the Creative Writing Club’s next meeting on September 21st in room 223-5, or email Padron if they would like to submit. Whether or not they are experienced in writing, students are encouraged to give the Creative Writing Club a try and submit for Ink Magazine. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, high school is the time to ﬁgure out who you are, so go for it,” Harley said.

News Page 3

The TheLightning LightningStrike Strike• •September September2012 2015 ► ‘SAT CHANGES’ Continued

Princeton Review or Kaplan have a monopoly on test prep, meaning that students of all economic levels have the same shot at succeeding because from now on, the free prep

may just be the best prep. With the 50 minute optional essay, the new test runs three hours 50 minutes, only ﬁve minutes longer than the old version. It begins with a 65-minute, 52-question reading section, followed by a 35-minute,

44 question Writing and Language section. Then comes the math, which begins with a 25-minute, 20 question section. The second section asks 38 questions in 55 minutes, and is the only section in which students can use calculators.

NATURAL DISASTER

Miami-Dade County Instills Values in Students

NEWS BRIEFS In the eye of a storm

Megan Orlanski co-online editor During the ﬁrst two weeks of the year, students took a seat in their classrooms and waited for the 7:20 a.m bell, shortly followed by Assistant Principal Daniel Ponkey’s announcement of the value of the day. “Good morning Lightning family,” Ponkey said as he started off with the countywide script. “Today is August 28th, 2015 and Values Matter today and every day at Krop.” These daily values are part of the new Values Matter program, initiated by Miami Dade County Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and is aimed to teach students how to become model citizens. “The climate of the school itself is going to change,” Ponkey said. “Hopefully we’ll see a reduction in indoor and outdoor suspensions.” The program was initiated this year due to the recent increase in suspensions among students and the program hopes to decrease this, especially with younger students. Principal Allison Harley said that the program hopes to focus on the human aspect of teaching, rather than only teaching what is on standardized tests. She says it is a change from the constant teaching of core subjects and a “mindshift” for administrators. “We’re growing you guys as human beings.” Harley said.

After warning of Hurricane Erica, in motion toward Miami, the city was hit with a severe thunderstorm on Wednesday, August 26. The afterschool thunderstorm was not only a surprise for students, but also a burden. “It was really hard to get to the bus stop,” Freshman Renzo Martinez said. “Everyone was acting crazy and I got soaking wet and really sick afterwards.” Students who usually go home through parent pick-up or stay after school were relocated in the auditorium. Although the scene was rather chaotic, administration with the help of Activities Director Michelle Russell and Principal Dr. Allison Harley handled the situation with care and organization. Hurricane Erica, which was supposed to hit Miami throughout the ﬁrst week of school, did not make an appearance. -Mila Sicorsky

NATURAL DISASTER

Food Trucks roll into student parking lot Alan Imar co-online editor

On the third day of school, when the lunch bell rang, the bright blue and yellow metal box on four wheels, also known as the Miami Dade County Public Schools’ food truck rolled through student parking lot gates. The initiative was developed by the Miami-Dade Schools district Department of Food and Nutrition to counteract the habit of teenagers to skip lunch. It does not accept cash, and requires students to have either free/reduced lunch or money

in their account. The food truck served a wide variety of tasty food such as chicken, tacos, hamburgers, watermelon and onion rings. “I remember seeing it parked in the student parking lot, and a crowd of students who were lined up waiting to eat,” said sophomore Nico Poj. “I would’ve gone, but I really didn’t want to wait in the long line.” Others feasted on the food truck’s goods like senior Anessa Chester, who said that she really liked the idea of a food truck coming to school because it gave students another lunch option, and

therefore it shortened the lunch lines in the cafeteria. Principal Dr. Allison Harley explained that to keep the truck running is expensive, and therefore the efﬁciency of the program and its goals remain in question. But, the idea of a food truck is trendy and fun. Sophomore Francky JeanLouis enjoyed a hamburger from the truck. “I liked the food served by the food truck a lot better than the food from the cafeteria because they served a wider variety of food,” he said. “I want to see it at school more often.”

Blood drive recieves outstanding suppport

Mayan Derhy

SAVING A LIFE: Senior Isaiah Rodriguez (left) and senior Lirhan Mizrahi (right) donate blood on Sep. 24 in hopes that their contribtution will help someone in need.

After recieving an award for collecting 291 pints of blood in the 20142015 school year, Krop had a reputation for the great support from the students and off the charts participation. In the mere two days that the blood truck came this year (from sep. 24-25) over 100 pints were collected.

-Mayan Derhy

Aventura Mall begins renovations 10

The proposed expansion for the Aventura Mall made in February by the Turnberry Associates – a real estate company who owns and administers the mall –will finish construction and the new northeast portion of the mall is set to open. According to Mall Directory of America, the Aventura Mall stands in 16th place as one of the largest malls with 2.7 million square feet of floor space. The mall will become larger by ongoing its over 300 retailers, and now $770 million which was refinanced $1.2 billion. The proposed expansion is being constructed in between Macy’s and the JCPenny department stores and will be composed of a new third level shopping center and parking lot. The new stores have not been announced yet, but there is speculation from bloggers like Prem Lee Barbosa, as to a possible expansion to the AMC Theatre or the Equinox Gym. Although online shopping has been lessening the number of customers in US malls, the Aventura Mall continues to provide a pronounced in-store experience through events and well-kempt facilities.

-Nicolas Chmielewski

Editorial Page 4

The Lightning Strike • September 2015

POLITICS

Vota tolerancia, no Trump: Vote toleration, not Trump IN MY OPINION

micaha gabriela cano

guest writer

Para ser honesta, Trump por sí mismo no me inquieta. A través de la historia han existido maníacos que han estado en contra de México. Pero, Trump es increíblemente popular, y esto sí es muy pavoroso para mí, y para muchos otros mexicanos-americanos. Hablando como una mexicana – americana, sus comentarios son ofensivos, y una agresión contra mi familia. Nosotros somos trabajadoras, gente humilde, y inocentes, no un problema para este pais. Tengo miedo que su xenofobia vaya a desencadenar una ola de xenofobia latente en el público . En el caso de Jorge Ramos, un reportero Méxicano naturalizado ciudadano Americano, esto ya empezó a suceder. Un partidario de Trump lo agredió afuera de la conferencia de Trump, gritándole “Regresa a México!”, una expresión reﬂejada en las palabras de Trump: “regresa a Univisión.” , la red hispana en los EEUU con la audiencia mas grande del pais. Este sentimiento de Trump sobre los mexicanos es peligroso por muchas razones, como los famosos “Zoot Suit Riots”, de los 60’s que resultaron con asaltos sobre los mexicanos- americanos. Desde el principio, Trump ha dicho que los mexicanos son todos unos “criminales y violadores”. Su solución es una deportación masiva y la construcción de

una “Gran Muralla” de 1,900 millas a lo largo de la frontera con México, pagada por el gobierno mexicano. Los comentarios de Trump no son verdaderos. Entre 1990 y 2013, la población de inmigrantes en los EEUU crecio de 7.9% a 13.1% de toda la población de los EEUU. El número de individuos indocumentados se triplico de 3.5 milliones hasta 11.2 millones. Entre estos años, la taza de criminalidad declinó en un 48% en los casos de robo, asaltos, asesinatos, y violaciones. El mismo tipo de crimen que Donald Trump acusó a los mexicanos-americanos haber cometido. No hay nada que hacer para convencer a Trump de su error. El es famoso por su falta de lástima en todo tipo de cosas, no solo immigracion pero tambien con las mujeres y otras minoridades. Pero las declaraciones de Trump son erróneas. Necesitamos mas educación acerca de las contribuciones de mexicanos – Americanos, por ejemplo, Cesar Chavez, un activista famoso por su métodos no violentos para ayudar a trabajadores agricolas, un mexicano-americano. Al otro extremo, parte de la población de los EEUU es mexicano-americano y ellos han ayudado la economia trabajando en muchas posiciones que no son tan atractívas como otras. Ellos siguen la ley y trabajan mucho, usualmente por menos del salario minimo. Mientras más temprano cambiémos nuestra forma de pensar colectiva, más pronto podremos efectuar un cambio positivo en la sociedad.

THE LIGHTNING STRIKE An NSPA All-American publication Winner of George H. Gallup Award NSPA Pacemaker Finalist An FSPA All-Florida publication Like us on Facebook Visit us online at www.lightningstrikenews.com

MAYAN DERHY, Editor-in-Chief JACOB SINGER, Managing Editor MIKAELA MENDEZ News Editor MICHAEL KATZ Opinion Editor NICOLAS CHMIELEWSKI Spread Editor MILA SICORSKY Feature Editor SOPHIE MUCHNICK Entertainment Editor SHOSHANA SOMMER Lifestyle Editor SUN COAST PRINTER Printer

ETHAN CURTIS Sports Editor DZIDULA BONEY Copy Editor CORBIN BOILES Co-Online Editor ALAN IMAR Co-Online Editor SEBASTIAN KUZAK Business Manager MARYKAY SULLIVAN Adviser

STAFF WRITERS NAELA FOREAU, NATHANIEL MANOR, MEGAN ORLANSKI, ALEJANDRO PRESCHEL AD POLICY The Lightning Strike solicits advertising but reserves the right to reject any material deemed libelous, disruptive, obscene or otherwise inappropriate.

EDITORIAL POLICY

The Lightning Strike is the student newspaper of Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School: 1410 Countyline Road, Miami, FL 33179; (305) 652-6808 Ext. 238. Opinions expressed in the editorial section do not reﬂect the viewpoints or ofﬁcial policies of the school. The Lightning Strike welcomes readers’ opinions on all topics. However, we will NOT print anonymous letters. Please keep letters under 150 words and saved to a computer if possible. The editor reserves the right to reject, edit and condense letters. All letters should be turned in to room 2-233.

Translation:

In all honesty, Donald Trump doesn’t startle me. Throughout history there have been countless radicals with negative opinions regarding Mexico. The issue with Trump is the mass support he has gained, for this startles not only me, but many Mexican-Americans. As a Mexican- American, Trump’s aggressive comments degrade my family. We are humble, hardworking, innocent people, not a shame to the US. I fear that his blatant xenophobia will give rise to a great wave of prejudice in the American public. In the case of Jorge Ramos, a Mexican-American reporter, this has already occurred. One of Trump’s supporters harassed Ramos outside of Trump’s press conference, yelling at him to “go back to Mexico.” Just minutes before, Trump had Ramos escorted out of his press conference, telling him to “go back to Univision,” an American broadcasting network in Spanish that boasts the largest audience of Spanish-speaking TV viewers in the US. Since the beginning of Trump’s campaign, he has constantly insulted the Mexican people, calling them “criminals and rapists.”

His solution to the so called ‘Mexican problem’ is a mass deportation of these individuals and the construction of a 1,900 mile-long wall, covering the US-Mexico Border, paid for by the Mexican government itself. However, the statistics tell a different story. Between 1990 and 2013, the immigrant population in the US grew from 7.9 percent of the total population to 13.1 percent, while the number of undocumented individuals tripled from 3.5 million to 11.2 million people. In that time, the crime rate dropped by 48 percent for crimes like rape, murder, robbery, and aggravated assault, the same crimes that Trump accused Mexican Americans of. There is nothing we can do to convince Trump of his errors. He is infamous for his lack of respect for immigrants, women and other minorities. However, his accusations are ﬂawed. We have to educate and inform people about the positive contributions that Mexicans have brought. They have contributed to society and the workforce just as any citizen would. They have helped the economy by taking jobs that others wouldn’t,and have become a necessary part of American society. Whether you like them or not, the least you can do is respect them.

DEAR READER, There are a million different ways I can write this letter. I could tell you about the 217,000 soldiers that were slaughtered in the American Revolution, or the African American children who were torn to shreds by dogs while fighting for their rights. I would even tell you about the time the Jewish people watched each other get blown to bits just because of their religious preference. But none of that seems to matter because we have bigger problems, like when Mr. Q is going to come around with bagels or if the newspaper we found on the floor still has the Power Smoothie coupon inside. As humans, we have an instinctive desire, almost as basic as the need to eat or drink, to feel free. It has been the cause of numerous atrocities, as well as the reason why some were able to survive them and live to tell the tale. Yet it seems as if the moment we achieve freedom, we stop caring for it – almost as if a switch inside of us, sealing the circuit which fueled our thirst for freedom, had been turned off. Like a new toy, our fascination with our unshackled wrists and formerly incarcerated vocal chords fades away faster than your memory of last night’s dreams. The saddest part, however, is how we have already become habituated to the apathy that saturates the air, intoxicating our essences. We, The Lightning Strike, have grown accustomed to, but not fond of, having to beg for letters from students to fill the space we deemed yours. The very thing millions have died fighting for, the very thing we are begging you to use is the very thing that you, our readers, seem not to care for – a voice. Talk is cheap. The true power of your voice comes with being able to use it to bring change. That’s what people have died fighting for, and that’s what we’re offering you. So if there’s something, anything, out there that inspires you to inspire others, come talk to us – because that’s our passion. We want you to be heard. If you speak, we’ll be your megaphone. And if you can’t think of anything, or you think this space we dedicate to you would be better filled with stories on Kim Kardashian or Kanye West, we won’t judge. Just write to us and let us know. Either way, feel free to enjoy a coupon to Power Smoothie or use the front page to dry your hands because paper towels are a luxury in our school’s restrooms. No matter what, this paper will always be for you. Sincerely,

The Lightning Strike Staff

Opinion

The Lightning Strike • September 2015 SATIRE

Page 5

POP CULTURE

Music: The industry that rocked and rolled away IN MY OPINION IN MY OPINION michael katz

opinion editor

A few weeks ago, I pulled into the McDonald’s drive-thru in the Skylake plaza at approximately 11:30 at night. I ordered a BBQ Ranch Burger, 10 chicken nuggets, an order of fries and three diabetes-inducing cookies. A meal ﬁt for a king, and it only cost me four dollars

Besides, running a nation can’t be that far off from running a restaurant chain; just keep the place clean, keep the people well fed and distract them with some music. It’s really not that hard. Some think that just because Kroc’s net worth was enough to buy 50,000,000,000 chicken nuggets, he doesn’t understand the hardships many American citizens endure. This guy has struggles of his own, like keeping his arm hair from getting caught in his Rolex or being

WE NEED A LEADER THAT GETS THE

MOST OUT OF EACH OF HIS COWS, A LEADER THAT SEES A NEED FOR SUPERSIZED BURGERS AND SEIZES THE OPPORTUNITY. WE NEED A BUSINESSMAN - AND A GOOD ONE, AT THAT.” and twenty-seven cents. The service was faster than any restaurant I’ve ever been to in my life, and I didn’t even have to leave a tip! Their calorie-to-dollar value is unparalleled – as I drove off with my 1,558 calorie meal, I couldn’t help but think how Ray Kroc, the owner of this wonderful restaurant chain, would make a wonderful president. When life gave Kroc artiﬁcial growth hormones, he made 99 cent hamburgers. And that’s exactly the kind of leader that America needs. We need a leader that gets the most out of each of his cows, a leader that sees a need for super-sized burgers and seizes the opportunity. We need a businessman – and a good one, at that. COMICS

crushed by his retirement fund – he’s human too. The facts are there – America’s future looks a lot brighter with businessmen in charge. Just think of the things we’d be able to accomplish: 99 cent burgers would make hunger a thing of the past, and unemployment rates would fall through the ﬂoor as the number of McDonald’s employees and aerobics instructors would grow faster than a colony of E. Coli on room temperature Canadian Beef. So, I have a message for all the politicians out there: Your time is over. The era of politicians has come to an end – it’s time for you to step down and let the pro’s do their job. Welcome to the golden age of businessmen…and Kanye West.

nathaniel manor

staff writer

In 1960, the music industry welcomed one of the most inﬂuential bands the world has ever seen. The Beatles took Rock n’ Roll and ﬂipped it upside down, inspiring artists for decades with a unique sound and songs about peace. But today, names such as Avicii, Fetty Wap and Justin Bieber seem to outshine The Beatles tenfold. Nearly 90 percent of today’s popular music is computer engineered. Twenty years ago, music had to be recorded and performed by artists. But the talent required to produce successful songs in the 1960s, 70’s and 80’s is no longer needed. Finding fame by auto-tuning your voice to unoriginal lyrics while playing them over a computer-generated tune is what the music industry has come to. If you need a songwriter, digitally engineered beats and auto-tune to make it to the radio, you’re not a true artist. Every generation has a different musical preference, but our generation seems to have lost its way. Artists used to express their feelings and tell stories within songs and their music provided an escape for fans going through rough times. It even served as a political platform, as demonstrated by Michael Jackson’s optimism in ‘Heal the World’ and Bob Marley’s yearning for individual rights in ‘Get Up, Stand Up’. Sadly, it has turned into an industry dominated by Hip-Hop, Rap, and EDM – music that is infamous for its similar sound, sampling, auto-tuned vocals and vulgarity. Lyrics, as a whole, seem utterly meaningless in comparison

to those of past artists. Remember the lyrics from political activist and musical genius, John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’? “Imagine there’s no countries, it isn’t hard to do / Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too / Imagine all the people, living life in peace.” Compare that to a lyric from renowned rapper Kanye West’s ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothing’. “So if the devil wear Prada / Adam, Eve wear nada / I’m in between, but way fresher.” The rap and hip-hop industry is plagued by vulgar language, the objectiﬁcation of women and references to sex, drugs and crime – not to mention the senseless lyrics. These songs are often heard by young children, exposing them to explicit themes while condoning crude and inappropriate behavior. Our standards of music quality have drastically diminished within the last two decades. A functional MRI (fMRI) study in 2011, proved that listening to songs repeatedly tricks your brain into liking them. Stations

are constantly play the same tunes, habituating us to these types of songs and encouraging artists to continue to produce music that would be a disgrace to the industry in the eyes of fans from decades ago. Unfortunately, many of the current artists that have remained true to their musical roots are practically unknown by the general public. There are some artists who still care about genuine, original music, such as Ed Sheeran and Adele, two artists who write their own music and stay away from computer engineered sounds. But as a whole, today’s music cannot compare to the impact that the artists and music of our parents’ generations had on the world. Unfortunately, if the music industry continues in its downward spiral, a few decades from now, revolutionaries in the industry such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley and Nirvana will have no place in a music lover’s head.

THE MUSIC INDUSTRY BY THE NUMBERS: Average number of curse words in rap songs:

Number of times each top 40 song is played daily:

Average vocabulary level of rap songs:

2nd grade

76%

Drop in record sales from 2000-2010

95%

of today’s Top 40 songs use auto-tune

77%

of today’s rap songs reference alcohol and drugs SOURCES

consequenceofsound.net, tankwire.com, abcnews.com, theguardian.com billboard.com

Feature Page 7

The Lightning Strike • September 2015 TRAVEL

Students abroad

Whether it was living in South America for a year, participating in a mission trip in Haiti or building homes in Nicaragua, students did big things on a big scale and brought them back home to share.

Student spends sophomore year in Argentina Alejandro Preschel staff writer Moving is always difﬁcult to do, especially when it’s to another country, but for Junior Tami Freiman, it was not only a major change, but an important learning experience. Freiman stepped out of her comfort zone and looked at the world with a new pair of eyes. Most importantly, she learned how to adapt to new situations and make the very best of them. Because of her dad’s work as an investor, Freiman had to leave Miami and live in Argentina for a year. Freiman said her goodbyes to life-long friends, left her school and her home and started fresh. Luckily, she had a friend in Buenos Aires who introduced her to her group of friends. “Friendships are more valued in Buenos Aires than in the States,” Freiman said. “I felt pretty welcome.” As she made new friends, Freiman stayed in touch with her old

ones, thanks to social media and occasional visits. She would regularly factetime, whatsapp and snapchat her friends, keeping up with the Miami drama. “Moving to Argentina showed me who my real friends are,” Freiman said. “Distance doesn’t get in the way of true friendship.” Living in Argentina obviously took some getting used to, but overall, the biggest change Tami experienced upon arriving to Argentina was the educational system. “To say I was shocked is not enough,” Freiman said. “Schools lacked overall competitiveness and students had little desire to learn.” Besides becoming more ﬂuent in Spanish, Tami experienced little academic improvement in the Argentinian school system. “There was little respect between the teachers and the students,” Freiman said. “Even for being one of the most appraised schools in the country, the studiousness of my school was noth-

ing compared to Krop’s.” Unlike in Argentina, college is a huge part of American culture and lifestyle. American high school students are constantly worrying about college because of cost, the experience, and most importantly, the change it brings to the lives of students. However, Argentinian colleges and universities set low standards for high school students. Because of this, Argentinian high school students don’t put nearly as much effort and time into the idea of college. According to nationmaster.org, 48% of students in Argentina achieve university-level education compared to the 72.6% of students in the United States. “Everyone ends up going to the same university.” Freiman said. “It doesn’t matter whether you were a top student or a slacker, everyone would end up in the same place.” At a more personal level, Tami’s move to Argentina taught her the importance of family. “I got a lot closer to my fami-

Alejandro Preschel

HARD AT WORK: junior Tami Freiman adjusts to life at Krop after moving back from Buenos Aires, Argentina where she lived for sophomore year.

ly,” Freiman said. “I wasn’t going out as much as I would in Miami, so I was able to be with them more often.” Moving to Argentina was difﬁcult for her family as well. But it was something they all went through, together. Most importantly, Freiman

learned not to worry too much about the small, insigniﬁcant problems but to focus on the bigger picture. “Things seem big in the moment, but in the scope of life they aren’t,” Freiman said. “I learned to be grateful for and appreciate what I have.”

Upperclassmen take community service to new level Sebastian Kuzak business manager Students spend nine and a half months waiting for a two and a half month break. Students travel, work or attend classes, and some took time from their break to help others. Junior Sabrina Dillon spent ten days in Haiti working through a mission trip in an orphanage. This was her second consecutive year working at the orphanage, and she returned to Haiti because she loved the experience. “Honestly, I really missed the kids,” Dillon said. “There is one boy named Chedlove who I saw both years, and he was one of the main reasons I decided to return.” Dillon found out about the trip through a Haitian member of her church who has led mission projects for years. She believed the mission would give her perspective on global issues.

Courtesy of Sabrina Dillon

Courtesy of Max Silverman

PLAY: Junior Sabrina Dillon plays with a child at a Haitian COMMITMENT: Senior Max Silverman (right) and his friend orphanage. She spent ten days there caring for the kids. hike in Nicaragua on their way to their service project.

While at the orphanage, Dillon did more than just play with the kids. She helped with their Bible studies and took care of the babies by feeding and changing them. Dillon would spend seven to eight hours a day at the orphanage playing with the kids. “It’s extremely rewarding

to see the smiles on their faces after having fun together,” Dillon said. Dillon also does community service in Miami, where once a month she feeds the homeless at Chapman Homeless Shelter. For the first time, senior Max Silverman spent two

weeks abroad in Grenada, Nicaragua where he built homes for underprivileged families. He decided to do something meaningful to put things in perspective for him. Silverman now knows how privileged he is. “I wanted to make a difference by seeing how other

people lived and helping those less fortunate than I am,” Silverman said. He used adobe, which is similar to mud, to build the homes. Adobe bricks are used in this region because they are cheaper and safer than real bricks if an earthquake were to occur, the collapse of the adobe is less hazardous than cement. Silverman also put up mosquito nets to help prevent the spread of Malaria in the region. The experience impacted him so profoundly that he said he would service in Africa next summer. “This was a learning experience for me, “Silverman said. “I witnessed things I had never before witnessed, so this trip will have a long lasting impact on my life.” Dillon and Silverman are just two people who dedicated their time to others. Community service is key-- not only for those in need, but for those who make a difference on others.

Feature Page 8

The Lightning Strike • September 2015

New teachers, new faces

We know what you’re all thinking: who are these new people roaming the halls? Loaded with passion and enthusiasm, these nine new teachers are ready to take on the year. compiled by Sophie Muchnick and Shoshana Sommers 1. Arturo Tenacio

Before teaching, macroeconomics and world culture geography teacher Arturo Tenacio worked a number of jobs from being a farmer to baking in his grandfather’s bakery. He believes that his many life experiences add richness to the classroom because it allows him to relate the lessons to the real world. “Everything in life teaches you a lesson,” Tenacio says. Tenacio teaches through examples and encourages students to participate in class discussions. “I want my students to be critical and independent thinkers,” he said. Outside of the classroom Tencio loves to play soccer and tennis. But he especially enjoys spending time with his family. The majority of Tenacio’s free time is dedicated to taking care of his daughter Lily who has special needs. Tenacio and his wife run a non-proﬁt charity called Lily’s Wellness that raises money for children with special needs.

2. Kirsis Padron

If it weren’t for coffee, English and creative writing teacher Kirsis Padron would have a hard time making it through the day. At the age of six, Padron left the Dominican Republic and moved to Florida. She went to college and got her degree in education and literature with a background in theatre. Padron loves writing and has said she has a natural calling for teaching. She is very accepting and feels comfortable with all sorts of people. “There are plenty of other jobs that pay way more, but teaching is what’s worth my time,” Padron said. “It’s what I do where I forget what time it is, where I forget to look at the clock, “Padron said. Although she is very dedicated to her job, she is also devoted to raising her daughter. Other than grading papers and spending time with her daughter, Padron enjoys writing children’s books and reading horror books, like “Alice in Wonderland” and “Frankenstein”. Padron enjoys creativity and embraces it. She considers herself very welcoming to everyone, whether they’re introverts, extroverts or anything in between.

5. Maria Amoedo

Algebra 1 and geometry teacher Maria Amoedo, has been teaching for 25 years at the middle school, high school and college level. Amoedo’s teaching style is constantly changing since she believes in approaching students individually and gearing her lessons towards the personality of her students.” I am a very hard worker and I never give-up,” Amoedo said. “I am always trying my best.” Ameodo is proud of her Cuban and Spanish heritage and spends the majority of her free time with her family whom she is very close with. “My family is my main priority,” Ameodo said. When Ameodo is not with her family she loves to cook, garden and travel. Ameodo embraces a healthy lifestyle by preparing nutritious meals such as dishes from Mediterranean cuisine. Her favorite places to travel include Spain, Italy and Greece where she can try new foods.

8. Debbie Anderson

3. Ashley Muzenberger

Physical science and chemistry teacher Ashley Muzenberger was once a kid who was almost left behind in high school. If it weren’t for her tutor who sat with her every day, she would have not made it to the next grade. The tutor got Muzenberger encouraged her to tutor other people with the same situation, leading Muzenberger to become a teacher. “There is always that one person that changes everything,” Muzenberger said. She has been passionate about science since the sixth grade, but high school was when Muzenberger found her true love, chemistry. “Science is in everyday life,” she said. “If you have someone that makes it fun it won’t be intimidating.” Muzenberger goes out of her way to eliminate the intimidating factor of chemistry. Her classroom is unique through her use of a game she calls ‘ticket time’. Anytime Muzenberger asks her students a question that requires critical thinking or referring to prior knowledge, the student with the correct answer will receive a rafﬂe ticket. Eventually these tickets can add up to a free homework pass or some type of academic prize. Muzenberger’s free time is rare because after being a teacher all day long, she attends school at night. But just like the rest of us, she loves Netﬂix and catching up on sleep.

6. Rossana Lopez

While waitressing in South Beach one day, Rossana Lopez ran into her old soccer coach. After chatting for a while, her coach said she wanted to retire and offered Lopez the job. Before she began coaching, Lopez studied criminal justice at Florida International University and planned on being a police officer until that fateful day on South Beach. “Coaching is the one way I get to interact with students and get to motivate them,” Lopez said. “I get to shape their minds and help them find a path, even after high school.” When Lopez isn’t coaching, she enjoys kayaking with her friends and eating at Yard Bird, her favorite restaurant. Lopez has always been an animal lover and has fostered four dogs and helped them find homes. After her dog Zion passed away from brain cancer, she felt like she really had to help other animals. “I walked through some shelters and followed some animal rescue accounts on Instagram,” Lopez said. “I just had to do something.”

English teacher Debbie Anderson believes that teaching is the foundation that helps produce outstanding individuals that make the world a richer place. Anderson originally studied international relations and political science at the University of Florida, Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University. Anderson wanted to join foreign relation services but she had a hard time with the English part of the test. She took more English classes to improve her skills and remained optimistic. After taking all the extra English classes and mastering her language skills, she began substituting and became a full time English teacher. “Teaching is the way I help my students effectively communicate, improve their reading comprehension and become better writers and citizens,” Anderson said. Anderson is Honduran and a Cayman islander and loves to embrace her cultural heritage. She enjoys eating sea turtles and iguanas, which is something she grew up doing and has stuck with her even when she moved to America at the age of ten.

4. Dr. Elton Lewis

When you walk into Dr. Elton Lewis’s language arts classroom and see ‘NO EXCEPTIONS’ and ‘NO EXCUSES’ highlighted red and bold on his walls, you know this class means business. Lewis grew up in Liberty City and went to North Miami Beach high school. He was a ‘band geek’ and played the trombone, ﬂute, piccolo and ensemble. For 12 years, Lewis has worked in Miami-Dade county schools. He believes his job is to make his students become better than they think they can be. Lewis got a full scholarship for undergraduate school at Florida State University. He studied education and got his PhD in sports medicine and kinesiology. Other than teaching, Lewis enjoys blogging about fantasy football, playing poker and traveling to New York, Las Vegas and New Orleans. When he’s not grading “Great Expectations” essays or reading bell works, Lewis is busy teaching Anatomy and Physiology 2 and Motor Behavior at Florida International University. He enjoys teaching language arts because it is subjective and there are so many ways in which passages, stories and poetry can be interpreted. “My classroom is my sanctuary,” Lewis said. “It’s where I relieve myself from problems and stress.”

7. Europa Bonetta

Europa Bonetta has been teaching Spanish for over 30 years. “My favorite part of teaching is being with the kids,” she said. She started teaching because she is in love with her language and Puerto Rican heritage. Bonetta would speak about the history of Puerto Rico for the entire class if time allotted. Just like a typical Puerto Rican Bonetta loves to watch novellas, or Spanish dramas, and cook Puerto Rican dishes such as arroz con frijoles, known as rice and beans. Bonetta is deﬁned by her positive outlook on life. She ﬁnds happiness in simple things such as spending time with her two daughters or getting lost in an interesting book.

9. Mary Blair

As long as you are dedicated and show enthusiasm and a true interest to learn, English teacher Mary Blair will help you ﬁnd a way to succeed. Before Blair started teaching 21 years ago, she worked in the fashion industry as a hair stylist and was mentored by the late Videl Sasson. He taught her the ‘science’ behind hairstyling. Blair had her own hair salon boutique and had clients like Jerry Springer. However, Blair decided to go back to school and became a specialist in reading. Differences in students’ learning abilities have fascinated Blair since her son needed special education. She is anxious to see students move through the educational system and loves to see them accomplish their goals. Her son inspired her to help students that have trouble in reading and writing, and she’ll do her absolute best to make sure her students succeed. “You never quit learning,” Blair said. “I try to point out my students’ gifts and show them they are more than just a test score.”

Feature

The Lightning Strike • September 2015

Page 9

TRANSITION

Freshmen adjust to Krop lifestyle Nathaniel Manor staff writer

Freshman year is one full of transitions in which students shape the path that they will go through in their high school career. Everyone has their own way of adjusting to Krop’s different rules and style. For some, its intimidating, for others, it’s a breeze. Highland Oaks Middle School (HOM):

Madison Fives already sees a big difference in academics at Krop then at HOM. She feels the curriculum is more challenging, and unlike in middle school, teachers don’t

hold your hand anymore. Fives also appreciates the Advanced Placement program. “I searched up the schools around me and the one with the best AP scores just so happened to be Krop,” Fives said. The high AP scores and diverse student body prompted Fives to choose Krop over a private school. As of Monday, September 28, Fives will be homeschooled. Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES):

For junior varsity football player Kevin Foo, the transition to high school has not been too difﬁcult. Knowing older Krop stu-

dents payed off for Foo, who used his relationships to get to class on time and learn the ins and outs of school. Educating him on the responsibilities of being a high school student, his older friends helped ease his transition. “Middle school teachers give less responsibility to students,” Foo said. “High school teachers give them a lot more trust.” Foo feels that ACES appropriately prepared him for high school, allowing for a smooth transition. Foo feels that ACES appropriately prepared him for high school, allowing for a smooth transition. Jacobson Sinai Academy:

Spending her entire life in private schools, Alexia Szkolnik was excited to start at a public high school. “I went to a small private school my whole life,” Szkolnik said. “I felt like I should try something new.” For her, the biggest difference between Sinai and Krop are the class sizes, which leads to less one-onone time between teachers and students. She also misses her middle school friends that continued on to other high schools, but she continues to make new friends at Krop, easing her transition. Aventura Waterways K-8 Center (AWK8):

Coming into Krop, Hera Soysal was surprised by the workload of her classes. “The workload is much tougher with less time to do it,” Soysal said. She says there are greater consequences for not completing assignments at Krop than those at AWK8, such as detentions and grade penalties. Along with our strong academics, Soysal chose to attend Krop in order to be in the Magnet program, which gives her a creative outlet to her intense classes. As she juggles her honors and gifted classes along with her involvement within the Magnet program, her academic life tends to become chaotic. Although Soysal feels her transition has been a bit hectic, she knows will become accustomed to life at Krop.

Page 10

The Lightning Strike • September 2015

Page 11

The Lightning Strike • September 2015

Since the opening of Krop in 1998, we have been privileged to have five wonderful principals, from our first principal Enid Weisman to our current one Allison Harley.

Krop

Administrative Director

Outgoing Trains

Freshman year I was

failing Algebra 2 and Ms.Baglos called my dad to talk to him. I was so suprised to see she cared that much, and she even had a meeting with him about my education.” –GAL MINTZ, senior

Ever since the sixth

grade Ms.Baglos has remembered me by name. It shocked me everytime all over again. She was too amazing.” –NATHAN LEWIS, senior

She was my older

sister’s principal and she has known my family for a while, so it was nice to be with someone I’ve known for a while, even indireectly.” –MAXIME KORNER, senior

George A. Nunez

Regional Superintendent South Central Regional Center

215 ST

Anyone who has attended an orientation with former Principal Dawn Baglos has felt her dominant presence in the auditorium as she described her expectations for her students, or as she called them, “her kids.” “I expect nothing short of excellence,” Baglos said. “That is the standard and nothing less.” Baglos, who was the principal of Krop from 2011 to 2015, didn’t always know she would end up working in the education system. When she attended college at the University of Florida, she went into the pre-medical program where she quickly realized she was uncomfortable with blood and would therefore not make it. She did notice, however, that she was always the one tutoring other students and helping them with their homework. Eventually, she discovered that education was her calling. “I feel like it was meant to be,” Baglos said. “Knowing that you are making a difference in students’ lives gives you the biggest satisfaction.” Baglos started her career in education as a sixth grade teacher at Biscayne Gardens Elementary. Three years later, John Hopkins University invited her to travel the country and teach other educators how to best improve their students’ reading skills. Then, in 2009, she became the principal at Krop’s feeder school Highland Oaks Middle (HOM) for two years before she was reassigned to Krop. This eased the transition of many of the incoming ninth graders, who felt that their former principal was accompanying them. “[Baglos] has been my principal since sixth grade,” senior Nathan Lewis said. “She always had such pride in her kids and it made me feel more comfortable knowing she’d still be with me through high school.” Though knowing most of the freshman and sophomore class from her time at HOM was already an ad-

33179

Regional Superintendent Regional Center III

“I’ve been working for Miami-Dade since I was six years old”

Nautilus Middle School

vantage, Baglos decided to take her relationship with the student body one step further. She made it her goal to learn each individual student by name, and even took the previous year’s yearbook home over the summer to review.

Miami Palmetto Senior High Principal

MKHS

Administrative Director for Ofﬁce of Labor Relations

Dawn Baglos “Learning names has to do with my belief that schools are about relationships,” Baglos said, “especially in a school like ours, where diversity has the ability to either divide or to serve as a uniting strength. I think knowing names helps develop those relationships.” In her effort to make every person in the school feel important, Baglos would check up on both the students and teachers in any way she could, including surprise visits in classrooms and attending almost every school event such as theatre productions and sports games. “I have worked for many principals before,” Silver Knight Coordinator Jean Rosenﬁeld said, “but never one like [Baglos] who went to every single activity. I don’t know how she ﬁt in a 24 hour day everything that she did.” Baglos’s unique qualities, from her positive energy to her high expectations of students, set her apart and resulted in her lasting impact on both the administration and student body. “Baglos truly cared for the students,” senior Nicole Capucci said. “She made it a point to make everyone feel appreciated in some way, and the school won’t be the same without her.”

Harley returns to her roots in north region

3 1 4 2 5

Baglos leaves tradition of excellence Mayan Derhy editor-in-chief

Central

Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center Assistant Principal

MAST at FIU Principal

Jacob Singer managing editor

Highland Oaks Middle School Principal Region Superintendent Northeast Miami-Dade Head of Dade Schools Human Resources

Greynolds Park Elementary School Principal

Parkway Middle School

Chairwoman of Aventura Hospital Trustees

Dr. Matthew Welker Aventura Mayor

New principal Dr. Allison Harley knows that Krop has a tradition of excellence and is aware of how well the Dawn Baglos administration upheld that tradition. But despite that, Harley is excited to preserve Krop’s excellence through her own brand of education. In order to understand who Harley is as an administrator and educator, one must be familiar her background. “I’ve been working for Miami-Dade County since I was ﬁve,” Harley said. While child labor laws may make that seem unfeasible, Harley began her career in the Miami-Dade County school district as a Kindergarten student and has since been a teacher and administrator at schools throughout the county. Harley became acquainted with Krop when it ﬁrst opened in 1998 while she was an assistant principal at one of its feeder schools, Highland Oaks Middle School. Harley admitted that she was intimidated by the high quality of education that Krop established in its infancy. Before coming to Krop, Harley was the principal of a successful Miami Palmetto High School. One factor that contributed to Harley’s decision to leave was the location of Krop. Krop belongs to the North Region of Miami-Dade County, and throughout her career, Harley has done a lot of administrative work in the region. Harley has been pleased with how the north region is run. Harley also lives in Broward and the shortened commute enables her to live a happier lifestyle. “I have a life out of school,” she said, “and I don’t enjoy

Enid Weisman

Incoming Trains

Allison Harley Highland Oaks Middle School Assistant Principal

spending my life driving back and forth from school. It reflects in my mood at work.” But Harley said she wouldn’t have come to the north region for any school. No, to Harley, Krop is a special school.As a longtime friend of former Krop principal Dawn Baglos, Harley has been well prepared for her new job. But make no mistake, Harley is her own person and has not let Baglos’s experiences, opinions and administrative style influence the type of principal Harley will be at Krop. “I’m not [Baglos], and I can’t be her,” Harley said. “I can only approach this job my way.” Harley doesn’t believe that this will have a positive or negative impact on the way the school is run, but it will be different than before. Seniors will now be able to wear a class shirt, a tradition Harley is bringing over from her old school. The shirt will be blue, the senior class color, and Harley hopes it will give students pride to be a part of something even if they aren’t in a club or on a team. While Harley is making some changes, she views her new job as a maintenance project. “When you come to a school like Krop, there’s not much to fix,” Harley said. “You can only hope to preserve a level of excellence.” Harley hopes to move some of the focus away from testing. “There is too much focus on academics and passing the test,” Harley said. She understands that testing and academics are an important part of school, but believes that the amount of testing is a problem and that molding students into respectable adults is her utmost priority. “When [students] leave Krop, I want to be happy with how they’ve grown as human beings,” Harley said.

An old adage says not to judge a book by its cover, but if one was to judge Dr. Allison Harley by her car, he or she would find her rather tough and muscular. Harley drives a black Ford Mustang that many of her students surely envy.

Harley wears high heels almost every day. Harley likes to stay fashionable and loves to wear a nice pair of shoes.

geek

squad Dr. Allison Harley realizes that she and other faculty members are technologically inept. In order to solve this problem, she is using the technological proﬁciency of her students. Harley is interested in developing an elective class, colloquially known as the “geek squad,” that enables students who are technologically savvy to mentor students and teachers who have difﬁculty with the area.

Entertainment Page 12

The Lightning Strike • September 2015

MOVIES

Lights, camera, Oscar! Corbin Boiles co-online editor The people are quieting, the lights are dimming, and the person at the front of the theater still won’t turn off their stupid phone. Still, as you sit back and focus your eyes, you smile, knowing you’re about to watch an Oscar-worthy ﬁlm. With Oscar Season about to start, here is a guide highlighting some of the must-sees ﬁlms and their chances of gaining some nominations.

Bridge of Spies

Synopsis: In the midst of the Cold War, the United States employs lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks) to negotiate the release of a ﬁghter pilot captured by the Soviet Union. Can A Spy Film Succeed? This movie has built-in credibility: written by Ethan and Joel Coen, writers and directors of Oscar-winning ﬁlms such as Fargo and Inside Llewyn Davis, directed by Academy-Award winning director Steven Spielberg (Jaws, Lincoln), starring acclaimed actor Tom Hanks (Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump). If the star power holds up, this could be a serious contender for Best Picture.

The Hateful Eight

Synopsis: In post-Civil War Wyoming, John “The Hangman” Ruth (Kurt Russell) is escorting fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to Red Rock to face justice for murder. However, after ending up stuck at a rest stop during a blizzard with six others, not all of them know if they’ll make it out alive. The latest ﬁlm in Quentin Tarantino’s list of masterpieces, this ﬁlm is surely one of the top

Bridge of Spies

Steve Jobs

MOVIES

Corbin’s Critique Corbin Boiles co-online editor

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials The Hateful Eight

Carol

MOVIES: Scenes from the four movies “Bridge of Spies”, “The hateful Eight”, “Steve Jobs” and “Carol”. Hopefully, these movies will win Oscars.

contenders of the season. With almost all of his ﬁlms having been nominated for Oscars, plus a cast of actors almost baiting for the award (Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth), this ﬁlm is sure to garner a number of nods.

Steve Jobs

Synopsis: Focusing on the man throughout three different historical product launches, this ﬁlm takes a look at Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender) through the moments he truly made a difference in the world. Biopics are huge draws to Oscar crowds, and with Jobs getting praised for both Fassbender’s exceptional portrayal of Steve Jobs and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s (The Social Network) sharp script, it’s almost impossible for Jobs not to get a nomination.

Carol

Synopsis: In 1950s New York, a young woman working for a department store (Rooney Mara) falls in love with Carol (Cate Blanchett), a wealthy older woman bound to a loveless marriage. As they grow closer,

the two women go on journeys of self-discovery as they realize their true feelings for one another.

And The Award Goes To…

This is a film that has been widely heralded as one to, if not win, then surely be nominated for Best Picture due to the standout performances of Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett. Should it be nominated, it would be yet another win for the LGBT community as it could prove that films that center on same-sex relationships can be more accepted on the silver screen. With a topic that hits close to home to eight million Americans, this film is almost guaranteed to be at the top of many Best Picture lists. With many of these films ready to shock you, excite you, or bring you to tears, this year’s Oscar Season is sure to contain everything necessary to bring quality to your eyes. Let’s just all hope that the guy in front will turn his phone off before the movie starts.

I liked The Maze Runner. What worked well within the film was that, since the characters were confined to the small scale of the maze, they were able to explore friendships and have realistic developments that translated through the screen. This made the film standout from the book-tofilm adaptations that litter the screen every year. Alas, the same cannot be said about its sequel, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials. Picking up after the first film, Thomas (Dylan O’Bryan) and the remaining Gladers are taken into a secret facility by Mr. Jenson (Aiden Gillen). However, realizing that their saviors are members of the World Catastrophe Killzone Division (WCKD - clever, right?), they head out into “The Scorch,” the remains of Earth after a solar flare. The characters go off into uncharted territory, aiming to escape from WCKD and hide from a new threat, the “Cranks.” This, however, is where everything starts to stumble. Most of the action scenes in the film grew to become formulaic after the first one, with the Gladers eluding their enemies as though it was a practiced routine. After running from a lightning storm into a warehouse filled with Cranks (zombies that are comically out of place) within two minutes of each other, I grew bored. The film also succumbs to the same trap many action films do: romance. With the introduction of Brenda (Rosa Salazar), romantic tension immediately falls in place. But the sad part is that there is no buildup. The moment Brenda, Thomas, and Teresa (Kaya

Scodelario) are in a scene together, the film tries to push a triangle that instead becomes a groan. The development between characters also takes a backseat to the action. Since the characters were confined to the Glades in the first film, there was much more room for interactions between this tight-knit group of teens. However, these developments are far and few throughout the movie, with

most of them being cut-off by action sequences. In spite of these drawbacks, the film does have its standout moments. The imagery and action are striking, the set pieces are visually stunning and the score ties both aspects together. Director Wes Ball, returning from the first film, draws out great performances from the cast, with Dylan O’Brian proving once again that he shouldn’t be confined to the small screen. In spite of these improvements, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials doesn’t deliver in the categories where the first film excelled. Let’s just hope that, come the inevitable conclusion, we’ll see the best film the series has to offer. Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials is now playing.

Entertainment

The Lightning Strike • September 2015

Page 13

TECHNOLOGY

Do you want to update? iPhone 6 and 6S now available for lease

Naela Foreau staff writer Apple Fanatics beware, the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus are set to be on the market on September 25th, coming with model updates and affordable “iPhone lease” opportunities. Although there will be some changes from previous phones, buyers shouldn’t expect to see any major alterations in both new models. But the new models will have better camera resolution. It will also include an addition of 3D touch, allowing users to drop pins in Apple Maps, quickly scroll and get faster notiﬁcation responses.

Both phones are larger and will weigh 11 percent more than the iPhone 6s. The 6S and 6S Plus will contain 2GB of Random Access Memory (RAM), allowing users to have more Safari tabs and background apps open before they’re forced to “force close” the apps or tabs. Following “Bendgate”, where according to Forbes. com, 180 iPhone 6 users posted photos of their bent iPhone 6 or 6 Plus to social media complaining about the phone’s weak framework, the new models in result were made 60 percent stronger using same aluminum used to make the sport edition of the Apple watch. For users worried about

prices of the new phones, some mobile carriers will now offer “low-cost options” for consumers, some with the ability to trade in your old phone for the new iPhone. The lease program isn’t for buyers unwilling to commit to a carrier for up to two years and. Critics have argued that leasing iPhones will end up being expensive as buying iPhones on retail price in the long run, and leasing with a carrier will force users to stick with that carrier. But those who have no use for their old phones or damage them often may ﬁnd the upgrade favorable. That being said, be on the lookout for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus to hit shelves on September 25th.

PHONE COMPANY OFFERS 20 payments of $32.50 to own iPhone, with annual iPhone upgrades.

“Upgrade Program”, where users pay $32.41 a month to buy an unlocked iPhone, users get a new phone annually.

Customers get a $200 gift card and $100 credit on their bill for trade of their old iPhone.

Customers exchange their old smartphones and pay $15 a month to lease a new iPhone for 18 months.

“iPhone Forever” plan gives yearly iPhone upgrades only to those who trade in their old smartphones. Customers will begin with a 16GB iPhone 6, and receive a seven dollar discount. Compiled by Naela Foureau

MUSIC

Fetty Wap on fast rise to top of charts

Jacob Singer managing editor “Yeah baby,” “1738” and “I’m like hey, what’s up, hello?” are just a few phrases that have become synonymous with rising hip-hop star Willie Maxwell, better known as Fetty Wap, this summer. But his unique voice, catchy beats and tremendous commercial success may be signs that Fetty Wap is more than just a summer fad. Fetty Wap’s most notable song, “Trap Queen,” was released in February of 2014, but despite being over a year old, both the song and Fetty Wap remained relatively unknown to the general public until a few months ago. Now, after becoming one of the summer’s most popular songs, “Trap Queen” has been played over 80 million times on SoundCloud and reached number 2 on the “Bill-

board Hot 100.” Though in its infancy, Fetty Wap’s career has been consistent, separating him from other successful artists who have come and gone. Fetty Wap became the ﬁrst artist to chart all of his ﬁrst four singles in the top ten of Billboard’s “Hot Rap Songs.” This success has outdone the beginnings of the careers of rappers like Jay-Z, Kanye West and Notorious B.I.G. This summer, Fetty Wap released the hit songs “My Way,” “679” and “Again” on his way to becoming one of the artists of the summer. Music stars Drake, Chris Brown and Taylor Swift collaborated with Fetty Wap, further emphasizing his own stardom. Fetty Wap’s success has not come without hardship and struggles. Now 24, Fetty Wap grew up in Paterson, NJ and de-

veloped glaucoma in both eyes. Because of this he lost his left eye, a disability that has been the butt of jokes that detract from his talent-ﬁlled music. Fetty Wap’s unique sound is partially inspired by Hatian culture, for which he shows deep appreciation and pride by often wearing the Haitian ﬂag. But Fetty Wap’s most unique trait may be his voice. Most in the music industry derive their success from having a perfect pitch and voice (be it naturally or with the help of a computer), but Fetty Wap disregards that notion. The beauty of Maxwell’s music comes from his vocal imperfections that feel raw and real, something his fans can connect with. Fetty Wap’s self-titled debut album was released on September 25. Critics gave the 20 song album positive reviews.

BOOKS AND MOVIES

Paper vs. the big screen of who is Gatsby. The movie attempted to do the same, but IN MY OPINION was lost in all the glitz and glamour of the 1920s. Critics, such as CNN critic Tom CharDzidula Boney copy editor ity, and audience members believe that all that glitter was With an average of 30 books just to distract viewers from a a year turned into movies, an poor understanding of the novinternal debate has sparked el and a lack of substance in the over which is better- the book movie. or the movie? Some movies On the other side of the differing from a book’s plot, spectrum, movies like The others sync perfectly with the Fault In Our Stars display a plot that someone could read strong understanding of the the book while watching the novel and with John Green’s movie and even movies some- help (score for author involvewhere in bement) depict tween the Hazel Grace two, there is Lancaster not clear anand Augusswer. tus Waters Even with and their VEN WITH the perfect adventures cast, crew in a way THE PERFECT and screen that is true writer, few to a reader’s CAST, CREW movies can version. The AND SCREEN hold a candle movie was to the books. so similar WRITER, For one that it was thing, the like reading FEW MOVIES book allows the book all the reader to CAN HOLD A over again from their with miCANDLE TO own undernor detail standing of changes. THE BOOK.” the plot and W h e n characters, the screen but the movwriting is ie just shows superb and someone else’s interpretation. the movie aligns itself with Some books, such as And the book, it still falls victim to Then There Were None by Ag- limited time. Movies typically atha Christie, can have multi- must tell their story in about ple remakes in television or in two hours, but books wander movies. But there is only one through the plot in hundreds, book, which is easier to cherish sometimes thousands of pagrather than 11 versions changed es. Movies can fall victim to based on social and regional showing too much. Books expectations. don’t tell every detail, leaving A passionate reader, when some things for the reader to face with the actors and the interpret. Movies sometimes scenery often arrive at the crip- overelaborate. pling disappointment that the So are the books better movie is hardly like the book. than the movie? Whether sidSometimes the movie gets lost ing with the belief that movies in translation or the screen take too much creative license writer just chopped up the or that books are outdone by plot and throw in random plot their cinematic counterparts, twists. the books have the advantage. Take the 2013 adaptation of Books allow imaginations to The Great Gatsby. The book, flow and are the template for by F. Scott Fitzgerald, held some of the greatest book-tomany captive with the mystery movie adaptations.

Lifestyle Page 14

The Lightning Strike • September

DIET

Trending healthy foods Six foods that should not just appear on your instagram feed Compiled by: Nathaniel Manor Shoshana Sommer

Chia Seeds

Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, grown in Mexico dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. The name “Chia” is appropriate since the seeds contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, ﬁber, antioxidants, and calcium. Chia seeds are commonly used in smoothies, crackers, salads and can even be made into puddings for an energy boost.

Avocado

Avocados are high in omega 3 fatty acids, the healthy type of fat. This fat lowers cholesterol and is heart healthy. An Avocado has about four grams of protein which is more than any other fruit and higher potassium content than a banana. Trendy avocado recipes include avocado spread, guacamole, sliced in sandwiches and even in face masks.

Kale

Kale is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, arugula and collard greens. Heart health, detoxing, bone health, skin health and cancer and diabetes prevention as among kale’s many beneﬁts. With just 33 calories per cup, kale is a popular diet food. It can help -weight loss and weight management because ﬁber helps to keep you fuller longer.

Acai Berries

The acai berry is an inchlong, reddish-purple fruit. It comes from the acai palm tree, which is native to Central and South America. The acai fruit pulp is richer in antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Antioxidants protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation. Acai berries are most popularly seen in Acai bowls, a thick version of a smoothie eaten with a spoon and topped with acces-

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sories such as coconut ﬂakes, granola, and bananas. Coconut Water.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is the liquid within a young, green coconut. It is known for its high amount of electrolytes along with hydrating and energizing properties. The drink has been known to aid the body with conditions such as hangovers, cancer, and kidney stones. With only 5.45 calories, 1.3 grams of sugar and 61 grams of potassium, coconut water makes for the perfect, nutrient-packed drink.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is a plant milk made from ground almonds. It contains fewer calories and less fat than cow’s milk. Depending on the brand of almond milk, most types will have higher levels of vitamins A, D, E, and B12. Boosting a lactose-free, dairy-free, and soy-free name in nature, almond milk makes for a nutritional milk alternative.

SATIRE

Do you even

Students are constantly judged by the amount of Advanced Placement courses they take Mila Sicorsky feature editor Everyone has insecurities. Some worry about their waistline, hair, feet, nails, eyebrows—you name it. Me? I obsess over how many AP courses I take. A couple of years back, my friend introduced me to this cool, new dating site. I’ve avoided dating (or any social interaction, really) since I began taking APs and they became a part of everyday conversation, but I thought, “Hey, why not?” So I signed up. The website (ﬁndAPerfectmatch.org) requested my name and age, a picture of myself and some interests; I was getting super pumped and thought I might actually get away with some dignity, until I saw the last box: “AP Courses.” I shuddered, and after intense deliberation, I decided to leave the box blank. A few months later, I met this pretty cool guy online (@ APLangIsMyThang123), and he asked me out. The night before the big day, my mind was clouded by loads of questions: “What shoes

will make me look like a 5?” “Does this lipstick scream ‘AP Biology’ or ‘Honors Biology’?” Needless to say, I was a nervous wreck. Finally, the time came, and I spotted my guy at a table inside the restaurant. Everything seemed to be going just great, we were laughing, smiling, I could really feel the connection kicking in-until he asked the dreaded question: “So, how many APs are you taking?” It was like I was Hannah Montana, cautiously revealing my true identity. Slowly, I took the invisible wig of falsiﬁcation off my head and with a gulp, blurted out: “One.” No, people, if you were in search of some Disney-kind-ofovercome-your-fears-inspirational story, this is not it. My date ran out of the restaurant and left me to contemplate what had just occurred. The moral of the story is clear: if you are an APhobic like me, refrain from using AP-oriented dating sites, like princetonreviewme.net or 5stepstoamatch.org. However, there are a few, more unknown websites, like J-Date or ChristianMingle, so you can try those out.

4 ways to improve your sleep

1. 2. 3. 4.

Temperature Temperature is one of the most crucial factors that will affect the quality of your sleep. Your sleep will be improved if your body temperature between 65 to 72 degrees. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleeping in a cooler temperature can improve your metabolic health, leading to a better night rest.

Position The sleeping position has a large impact on the quality of your sleep. Research suggests that sleeping on the left side can relive heartburn symptoms, while sleeping on your right worsen heartburn. According to Steven Park a clinical assistant director at New York medical college, this occurs because your sleep position affects the way your airway expands .The smaller your airway becomes, the more likely your body will gravitate on your stomach. Your body tends to naturally settle into a position where you sleep best. Basically, this means that you should sit back and let your body determine the position that is most comfortable.

Clothing Clothing is an unexpected factor. According to The National Sleep Foundation, the way your mattress, pillows, sheets and pajamas feel can prevent you from overheating, which will contribute to how you sleep. Stay away from any synthetic fabrics. Cotton fabrics are the best choice when trying to get a good night’s sleep.

Light Light plays a major role on the length of a person’s sleep. Sleeping with the light off helps increase the production of melatonin in your body. This means if you sleep with the lights on your melatonin production will be slowed and ultimately harder to fall asleep.

-Sasha Zahr

Lifestyle Page 15

The Lightning Strike • September FITNESS

Exercises that accommodate busy schedules Megan Orlanski staff writer Finding the time to stay fit while dealing with the stress of school can be difficult. So, here are five convenient exercises that allows students to be fit and have time to study

Wall Sits: Lean your back against the wall and spread your feet so that they are aligned with your hips. Then, lower your torso and hold a sitting or squat position for 30 seconds. Repeat this exercise four times to work out both your abs and thighs. Step Up: Stand facing

a sturdy surface, like a step, wall or bench. Then, with your right leg on the raised platform, lift the left leg until both legs are on the surface. Alternate

between your right and left legs as fast as you can for one minute. This exercise strengthens both your thighs and calves.

the mat for fifteen seconds. Switch to your left side and repeat for a total of two times on each side to strengthen your abs and biceps.

Triceps Dip: With your palms at the edge of a chair, bench or step with your legs raised your heels touching the ground, use your arms to slowly lower yourself until you are nearly touching the ground, then raise yourself back up and repeat twenty five times. This exercise will work out your upper arms and abs.

Plank Lift: Lie on your back and lift your legs a few inches off the ground. Hold this position for a few seconds then lift your upper body and stretch your arms to meet your feet. Repeat this exercise twenty times for an intense core workout. These exercises provide a fast and easy way to stay moving and in shape. For video tutorial on how to complete these exercises, watch the “Seven Minute Workout” on You Tube.

Side Plank: Lie your right side on a mat with your lower arms and feet touching the mat. Lift the rest o f your body off