October Issue 2011

THE

lightningstr ke

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

October 31, 2011 • Issue 2 • Volume 14

TESTING

SALARY

EXAMS TAKE A NEW COURSE

By Javier Storch photo editor

As a result of a change in the Student Progression Plan, the 2011-2012 midterm and final exams have been eliminated.

By Ariana Rogers news editor

T

his year, all Miami-Dade students from middle and high schools are no longer required to take midterms or final exams. Instead teachers have the option to administer an assessment every quarter.

Last spring a committee of district administrators and principals discussed the option and included it in the Student Progression Plan which all students must follow from K-through grade 12 in order to graduate. The plan was approved by the school board on their Oct.19 meeting.

Principal Dawn Baglos explained that the policy was adopted to help reduce exam burdens for Advanced Placement students who test too often.

“What’s happening is kids take their AP exam in May

followed by final exams so they end up testing continually,” Baglos said.

To help lessen this weight, teachers can choose not to administer the test for those select students.

According to the Instruction Support Specialist Raquel Sotolongo the ultimate goal was to limit the test load for students in accelerated classes.

“We recognize the burden students take on when they have AP or accelerated classes, and we don’t want you to take the test without being given the opportunity to do well,” Sotolongo said.

The five point rule still applies, which means students will have to obtain at least five points in the second semester in order to pass annual courses in grades 9-12. Teachers can make assessments count for up to 5 percent of the student’s grade for that particular quarter if they choose to administer a summative test.

Some students are relieved that they no longer have to study for a test based entirely on a semester’s worth of information.

“I think it’s a good idea

PAGE 7

REVIEW

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Controversy surrounds teacher pay policy

because now I won’t have to spend my whole winter break studying for midterms, and I get to put more effort into the 9 weeks,” senior Aston Steele said.

However, other students fear this policy will make it harder for them to pass a class with the five point rule still in effect. But Sotolongo says that the change will be minimal.

“It shouldn’t be a problem because the assessments make up the same percentage of the students grade as midterms and finals would,” Sotolongo said.

In accordance with the elimination of midterms and finals, students are now required to take end-of-course exams (EOC) in Algebra 1, geometry and Biology 1. Scores will be comprised of 30 percent of student’s final grade. This year they need to pass the EOC exam to receive credit in the Algebra I course which has replaced the 10th grade Math FCAT. Next year as well students will have to pass the EOC exam to receive credit in geometry and biology.

Although, 10th graders no longer take FCAT Mathematics they will still have to take the FCAT Reading test to graduate.

Sophomore Raffi Sarmiento expected to practice playing an instrument or reading music notes for an hour. Instead, he receives reading packets included into his class time.

“This year, we’re getting packets of stories that aren’t too relevant to band and we still have to answer questions on comprehension, even though band is not a language arts class,” Sarmiento said.

The Lighting Strike surveyed non-language arts teachers and asked whether they incorporate reading related assignments into their curriculum because of the new teacher pay policy.

Of 45 the teachers responded; 33% of those answered, “yes.”

One teacher who did not give extra reading assignments said “Teachers should be measured by the performance of the students they teach.

Until such test are developed, it is totally unfair and wrong to

issue teacher merit pay.”

Principal Dawn Baglos feels that the new teacher pay policy doesn’t give teachers enough credit for what they do.

“I think teachers work really hard,” Baglos said.

“Their amount of effort isn’t nearly compensated for what they do.”

The new teacher pay policy evaluates educators from chemistry teachers to P.E. coaches on student overall FCAT scores. These scores will affect half of a teacher’s evaluation each year.

Some teachers have incorporated reading assignments which give students more work, like taking notes from textbooks in response to the new teacher pay policy.

Regardless, Baglos said that our school has always had a tradition of including reading across the curriculum. She also said that she encourages reading assignments in other classes besides language arts and has mentioned it to the faculty.

FUNRAISER

Teachers are dunked for a good cause

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JAVIER STORCH

DUNK N’ SUNK: Principal Dawn Baglos sits in a dunk tank during lunch while coach Elizabeth Morgan defends her from students attempt to make her fall into the water.

Other participants including math teacher Danac Lebron and Assistant Principal Francisco Garnica who volunteered to do their part in order to help raise money for United Way. Students paid a dollar for two and in attempted to make the teachers fall in the dunk tank. The event was created by SGA.

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Are feather extensions a result of animal abuse?

PAGE 14

.. .

More Inside: Football games sparks confrontation, page 17

Does Facebook cause depression?, page 15 Buttons: the latest trend, page 13

News

tops From local to global: Page 2

KROP’S

Senior Luis Biondolillo has been nominated for the Rudy Award which offers $25, 000 in academic scholarships to football players across the nation.

Hundreds are nominated by their coaches, parents and teammates for ability to inspire others.

Sophomore Javier Storch won a Certificate of Achievement in the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival.

Leilani Bruce and Adam Henderson were named Outstanding Participants in the National Achievement Scholarship Program.

The following students particpated in the Special Olympic Bowling Competion: 1st Place: Daniela Ben-Aire Sasha Cheyfitz Richard Guy Juan Ramirez Morgan Johatz 2nd Place: Alan Ogman 3rd Place: Amanda Lambert Devonte Leconte Anthony Martelles Louis Biondillio David Bennet Indiya Bailey Miguel Garacel

Compiled by Ariana Rogers

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

What’s going on around the world?

Kasangati, Uganda: Authorities arrested the leader of Uganda’s political opposition on Oct 31 while he was walking on the road with his supporters, a police spokeswoman said.

Miami: Barack Obama’s administration sought to block parts of South Carolina’s new immigration law, arguing that the federal government had authority over immigration matters.

Toronto, Ontario: The association representing Canada’s leading financial executives called upon the federal government to introduce a range of measures aimed at improving the economy.

Moscow: A court awarded two Russian families $100,000 each in compensation on from a maternity home that accidentally switched their daughters at birth.

United Nations: The United States is cutting funding to the U.N. education and science agency UNESCO after the agency voted to accept a Palestinian bid for full membership, the U.S. State Department said Oct 31.

Islamabad, Pakistan: An antigovernment rally in Lahore, led by the former cricket star Imran Khan, attracted a huge crowd estimated at more than 100,000 people on Oct 30.

Phoenix: Law enforcement authorities have arrested over 70 people in raids that dismantled a narcotics trafficking network suspected of smuggling nearly $2 billion worth of drugs through Arizona’s western desert.

Ercis, Turkey: The death toll from the earthquake in southeast Turkey rose to 596 on Oct 30, the day after authorities stopped searching for survivors and focused on helping thousands of homeless families in crisis.

C ancun , M exico: Hurricane Rina weakened to a tropical depression on Oct 28 after knocking out power and downing trees in some areas of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, but sparing the resort-studded region the major hurricane that many had feared.

Bangkok, Thailand: Hundreds of inmates were evacuated from prisons around Bangkok on Wednesday, and residents stocked up on food or made plans to leave the city as officials warned of severe flooding throughout much of the capital in the coming days.

Boston: Widespread power outages, transit delays and long lines at gas stations marked the start of challenging week for millions of residents of the Northeastern United States, where a freak October snowstorm dropped more than 2 feet of snow in some places.

Nairobi, Kenya: Two grenade blasts killed one person and wounded more than 20 in Nairobi on Oct 31, two days after the U.S. embassy warned of an imminent attack as Kenya fights Islamist rebels in Somalia. sources: CNN.com MSNBC.com Compiled by Sharon Sabbagh

FUNDING

Budget cuts cause school district to rethink calendar

By Sharon Sabbagh managing editor

In order to make up for holes in public schools’ budget, some school districts are cutting Fridays off of the schedule.

The National Conference of state Legislatures reports that more than 120 school districts in 21 states use the shortened four-day week schedule.

According to state law, students must be in class for 180 days. However, districts adopting the four-day schedule are still required to hold the same amount of hours in class time. Usually, this means tacking on an extra hour to the school day.

“Longer school days would definitely hurt students with jobs,” senior Alex Niles said.

“I teach guitar after school and get home pretty late. I

can’t imagine having to stay in school even longer.”

Some argue that if anything, school should be adding days to the school calendar, not removing them.

Students in the US go to school about 40 day less than students than China and Korea where the average school year in 220 days compared to the 180 day school years in the US. Pupils in these two countries often outperform American students on math, science and reading. Time Magazine reports that in 2006 the U.S ranked 21st in science literacy and 25th in math literacy out of 30 developed countries.

However, Deuel, a school district in South Dakota began operating on a four day school week in 2007 and has since experienced a decline in the district’s failure rate. Superintendent Dean

Christensen of the Deuel school district attributes this decline to the new schedule which he believes allots more time for teachers to plan their lessons and more time for students to study and receive tutoring.

Shutting down the schools and buses for this one extra day per week has also saved the district about $400,000.

Principal Dawn Baglos says that although she acknowledges the financial benefits of a fourday school week, she would also be concerned with how this type of schedule would affect student learning gains.

“My issue has to do with consistency and contact. I don’t know if those two things would be present given the three day weekend,” Baglos said.

John Schuster, Chief Communications Officer of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, says that Miami Dade

Public Schools’ budget has been cut by nearly $2 billion during the past three years, and dealing with reduced funding has been a challenge.

Schuster worries that the district’s funds will be further depleted next year with the elimination of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which provided federal stimulus dollars for education. He predicts that the 2012-2013 school year will be a particularly tough year in regards to finance.

“The district met this challenge by reducing central office costs by approximately 58 percent, as well as the imposition of a strict hiring freeze,” Schuster said. “ The four day work week has been considered for the school district in the past, but no action was taken to put the plan in place.”

POLITICS

Policy stirs disagreement amongst public

By Sara Alvarez staff writer

President Barack Obama made a bold statement on Sept.

20th, the day Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) was repealed.

“Patriotic Americans in uniform will no longer have to lie about who they are in order to serve the country they love,” the president said.

Since December of 1993, DADT was the official policy of the United States that prevented homosexuals from openly serving in the military on the grounds that it would provoke disorder and a lack of discipline.

After 18 years, gay and

lesbians are now permitted to serve. Shortly after the act was repealed, a Navy lieutenant and his partner exchanged vows in Vermont, where their marriage would be legal.

President Obama was passionate about abolishing DADT while Republicans like Rick Santorum were not so inclined.

If elected President, Santorum plans to reinstate DADT. “We executed a policy that I think was detrimental to everyone, including them in my opinion, because sex and sexual preference should not be an issue in the military, period,” Santorum said.

Supporters of DADT

believe that since homosexuals’ preference should not be an issue in the military, it is better if the whole idea is kept quiet.

When asked about the soldiers who have come out as a result of repealing DADT, Santorum said that he would “grandfather them in,” meaning that he would let them stay even though they had already been openly expressing their sexual preferences.

But, in a survey of over 100 experts from Australia, Canada, Israel, and the United Kingdom, the participants found that all agreed the decision to lift the ban on homosexuals had no impact on military performance, readiness, cohesion, or ability to recruit or retain soldiers.

nytimes.com

DON’T ASK DON’T TELL: President Obama signs a bill into law to repeal the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy on Dec. 22. Approximately 13,000 service members were discharged from the army in the 18 years the bill was in place.

News Page 3

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

News Briefs SPIRIT WEEK

Krop goes wild during pep-rally Krop’s spirit week was themed “Krop goes into the Jungle”

JAVIER STORCH

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE: Students crowd into the gym as they prepare for the pep-rally. The pep-rally was sold out and students enjoyed performances by the flagettes, cheerleaders, pep band, majorettes, dancers, and step squad. Although they lost the homecoming game 10 to 13 to North Miami the crowd was still supportive and full of school spirit.

COMPETITION

Fundraiser fosters competition among classes

ENROLLMENT

Enlistment falls among public schools

By Sara Alvarez staff writer Enrollment in South Florida’s public schools decreased this year because of increased enrollment in charter schools. The population of the students in charter schools has risen because of the number of parents who want their child in a charter school in hopes of a better education.

According to district enrollment figures, both MiamiDade and Broward saw the number of students enrolled in charter schools increase 6,000.

In addition, more than 4,000 did not return to public schools for the 2011-2012 school year because parents are now aware of alternative schooling options.

Since the first charter school was founded during the 1970s, almost 3,300 have opened across the country, serving over onemillion children nationwide.

This year alone Broward has added 10 new charters, giving the county a total of 68. MiamiDade added 11 new ones, for a total of 109 charters.

Charter schools differ from public schools because they operate under their own standards of conduct and rules

JAVIER STORCH

close to no high-risk, high-need or highly challenged students because they do not need to accept everyone, while most public schools do.

“It’s somewhat difficult to get into ACES since we have a low turnover rate and many students continue to the next grade, leaving little room for new students,” ACES registrar, Nicole Jacinthe said. “Aventura residents receive preference in the lottery, and they have a better chance of getting in than a non-resident.”

But as the school year continues, so does the controversy surrounding these schools.

“I like ACES because I feel that the students have more of an individualized education,” member of the School Advisory Committee Rica Tickner said. “I also thank that parents have a greater voice in a charter school like ACES.” President Obama supports charter schools and consequently has allocated five billion dollars of stimulus money to them.

However, because the establishment of these schools is fairly new, it is too early to tell whether they provide students with more opportunities and a better education than public schools.

Corrections from last issue News sectionIn the article “New academy provides alternative learning” it was stated that Dean Kaire wrote the story when it was actually staff writer Jared Schermer.

PENNY DRIVE: Students line up to contribute pennies for the United Way Penny Drive sponsored by SGA. The class that collects the most pennies wins points for their grade. Students can lower another grades score by placing any coin other than a penny into the other classes jar which will ultimately cause a dejection from their overall score. For example, if a nickle is placed in one of the jars then five points will be taken from their score.

depending on their specific charter.

Although both institutions are funded by tax dollars, charter schools are freed to establish their own methods of operation.

This is similar to private schools, which is why charter schools have become so appealing.

However, charter schools still have to adhere to public school standards regarding test scores and performance. In addition, charter schools generally offer a focused theme.

For example, Aventura Charter City of Excellence’s (ACES) theme is the living values.

A program that helps children and educators understand, develop and share values in daily life.

“Values, such as respect, honesty and love are something ACES teaches us starting at a very young age,” Jessica Brunstein, an eighth grader at ACES said. “Not only do we receive an education at this charter school, but we learn life lessons that we will carry with us throughout the future.

Originally, charter schools were created to educate lower income students who lived in inner city neighborhoods. They now accept less than 10 percent of low-income students and

Sports sectionIn the article “FHSAA implements new guidelines,” the reporter said Christopher Lazaar was in the hospital for two weeks, but he was actually out of school for two weeks.

Feature sectionPhotos of feeding South Florida credited to Prateek Sachdeva were taken by Jeniffer Thelusma.

Editorial Page 4

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

EDUCATION

College provides long-term opportunities for graduates IN MY OPINION gabriela mckenzie

co-sports editor

Each year high school students are forced to look inside themselves and answer a question that can change their future: Is college really worth it?

Although some feel that the cost is not worth the benefits, the long-term outcomes add up.

Obtaining a college education, either a two-year, four-year, or vocational school provides graduates with more career opportunities and higher incomes.

According to act.org, over the course of a lifetime the average person with a four-year college degree will earn nearly one million dollars more than the average high school graduate, and the average person with a two-year degree will earn nearly $340,000 more than a person with a high school diploma.

A recent study by the Pew Research Center called “Is College Worth It?” found that those who have a college degree believed that they make about $20,000 more per year than those who did not attain a college degree.

Even with the current squeeze on our economy, the increase of unemployment and the rise of college tuition, a majority of students still believe in the necessity to attain a degree.

This year the average U.S. college

debt has risen to $24,000, and the total debt is projected to pass one trillion this year. These numbers discourage students, coupled by stories about people striking it rich without having a college education like Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates.

Some also discourage the quest for a college education, like PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, who gives scholarships to promising young people to drop out of college and put their entrepreneurial skills to work.

But students fail to realize that their chances of “striking it rich” are low and that their only guarantee is a college education.

A college education may be expensive, but there are two magic words to cutting the cost of these institutions: financial aid. Grants are awarded based upon parent income or by applying for a scholarship.

President Barack Obama has set a goal for Americans to have the largest number of college graduates compared to other countries by the year 2020.

So far Obama has increased student aid and Pell grants, paving an easier road to a college education.

Another solution to keep college debts manageable is to make sure the loans can be repaid during the first year of work by going to a local or in-state college/university instead of taking the Ivy League route.

Overall, costs should be taken into account when determining a college of choice but should not be the deciding factor, because the value of an education is still priceless.

THE LIGHTNING STRIKE Visit us online at thelightningstrike.com

Eric eIdelstein, Editor-in-Chief SHARON SABBAGH, Managing Editor

ARIANA ROGERS News Editor SEBASTIAN ELEJALDE Opinion Editor TAYLOR SILVER Entertainment Editor CHRIS DOUGNAC MICHAEL BEHFAR Spread Editors LEIGH MARKOWITZ Feature Editor MADELINE gARFINKLE Science & Health Editor

Danielle mackson Business & Ad Editor GABRIELA MCKENZIE NATHALIE PRIETO Sports Editors ALEXIS FRANKEL CLARISSA BUCH Copy Editors JAVIER STORCH Photo & Web Editor MARYKAY SULLIVAN Advisor SUN Coast PRINTER Printer

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 disk if possible. The editors reserve the right to reject, edit and condense letters. All letters should be turned in to room 2-233.

CHRIS DOUGNAC

Letters Students should respect a doorway’s intended function Dear Students Who Insist On Standing In Front Of The Cafeteria Doors: We seem to be getting to know each other quite well as we continue to literally bump into each other every time I leave the cafeteria. Our exchanges are always quite lovelywhen the door crashes into you and your group of friends (or as many of you as I can hit with one push), the looks I am given makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

My apologies for the collisions. It is sometimes difficult to remember as I leave Krop’s facility of fine dining, that my exit is bound to come with a collision. But I will try to do better, and leave the cafeteria using an alternative method. Perhaps a hole through the floor, excavated with one of the “sporks” that you get with your lunch. Difficult, sure, but not nearly as difficult as it would be for you to find another place to stand. I will try to be more understanding in the future.

Maybe I am not giving you as much credit as you deserve. There are many possible reasons for you to want to stand in the way of everyone every day. Besides that of simply being obnoxious, of course. Maybe, you all have an affinity for the perfect blend of the smell of greasy pizza from the window adjacent to the doors and the sweaty teenager/decaying garbage aroma coming from the cafeteria?

Or maybe, it is a medical condition, soothed only by the routine open-close of the cafeteria doors against your backs? Perhaps, you are providing us with a great service, guarding the cafeteria from potentially dangerous situations? Our school’s very own protectors. In that case, we should all

be very thankful.

Whatever reason you have, Students Who Insist On Standing In Front Of The Cafeteria Doors, I’m sure that it is a good one, undeserving of my immense desire to hit you with the nearest heavy object. Upon feeling your death-like glares, I will try to control myself.

Lucia Pierson Grade 10

Teachers’ personal opinions do not belong in the classroom Impartial is defined as “not prejudiced; fair; unbiased." It seems that teachers have decided to simply ignore this definition and substitute their own. I am tired of being bombarded with their political views that often do not even have anything to do with class discussion. Though my opinions in those matters are fairly solidified already, the majority of my classmates take no interest in politics and must simply accept that what their teachers - people we rely on to learn and accept what they teach as valid - tell them.

Instructors do not seem to be aware of the impact that they truly have on their students. Even The Lightning Strike in the last issue had a column with five students' opinions regarding President Obama. The first three students cited were in support of the president, while the last two opposed him. Should there not have been an equal distribution of opinions, each intertwined with the other to produce a balanced viewpoint?

Andrea Plat Grade 12

If you are interested in writing a letter, send it to selejalde@yahoo. com.

Opinion

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The Lightning Strike • October 2011 CURRICULUM

Page 5

DOES SEX EDUCATION BELONG IN THE CLASSROOM

P R O IN MY OPINION taylor silver

entertainment editor

I turn on my computer and see a new celebrity has leaked a sex tape. I check my inbox and have yet another free porn subscription spam e-mail. That girl I had P.E. with in 9th grade has nude pictures that have just gone viral.

Living in this technological age, sex seems rampant and so is information about it. Adults seem to underestimate teenagers’ knowledge on the subject of sex and blindly implement sex education programs that are a waste of time and money.

A National Public Radio poll shows that 97 percent of Americans approve of teaching sex education in schools. Almost half of them believe that comprehensive sex ed – where abstinence is encouraged but information about condoms and birth control is also given – is the best choice.

Despite this evidence, promoting sex education classes has been attacked by parents and religious groups. But, as Healthy Teens campaign member Lilian A.

Tamayo said, “We cannot continue to deny Florida teens the education and information that is necessary for them to make healthy and safe decisions as they grow older.”

In my fifth grade year, sex education was covered in science class. Although our teacher presented it as an essential topic for 11-year old children, it can be argued that teaching sex ed at such a young age does almost nothing for a person’s understanding of premarital relations. We are too young and naïve before adolescence to comprehend the ways of the human body in such intimate detail. Even with all the innuendo in movies and on TV, we cannot assume that children in elementary school will learn as

much from the course as teenagers in high school.

Most of the Christian fundamentalists in the NPR survey felt that classes on sex ed and STDs can spark premature interest in student’s experimenting with one’s sexuality. They advise that to abstain from sex is the wisest option.

What religious groups do not understand is that sex education was implemented to prevent teen pregnancy. Since Florida has the sixth highest teen pregnancy rate and the second highest AIDS rate in the United States, comprehensive sex education courses are imperative.

The point is that it is illogical to expect pre-pubescent children to grasp sex education, but to deprive

Many schools in Florida subscribe to the abstinence-only philosophy that denounces premarital sex. Contraceptives are not even distributed let alone discussed.

As of 2006, Florida had the sixth highest teen pregnancy rate in the country, despite the fact that our state received the second largest amount of abstinence-only funding.

This paradigm is clearly flawed.

A more logical approach, if any, lies in comprehensive sex education, in which teenagers are taught birth control methods and how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases if and when they become sexually active.

Florida is one of 23 states that requires schools to teach sex-ed, yet each school operates differently

and there is no uniformity as far as curriculum goes. We should either scrap sex-ed altogether or rectify the system to further educate students.

Despite a 3 percent rise in teenage births from 2005 to 2006, the birth rate has fallen 19 percent as of last February. It is good news, of course, but no thanks to sex education. Awareness has been raised in part by MTV reality shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant, which highlights harsh realities as a result of unprotected sex.

In a New York Post article entitled “Why Today’s Sex Education Won’t Work,” physician Anne Nolte recognizes the futility of sex education in public schools.

“If we had the courage to look

honestly at teen pregnancy, we wouldn’t be satisfied with a mandate that does the equivalent of placing a tiny band-aid on a gushing artery,” Nolte said. “If we had the courage to admit that we don’t have a solution, we’d be unwilling to spend more money on an old model that has pretty much failed.”

I cannot even imagine being in a sex education class in high school. I would much rather get my information from “sexperts” in Seventeen Magazine or WebMD than some decrepit science teacher as they place a condom on a banana.

Our overwhelming access to educational resources would render sex education in public schools useless.

IN MY OPINION sebastian elejalde

opinion editor

FASHION

appropriately aged students vital information and guidance is just as detrimental to their physical and mental health. Today there is a wide variety of diseases like HIV and Chlamydia. Students must know what to expect so they can prevent it.

Comprehensive sex education, unlike the “abstinence-only” option, will help students make the right decisions about their sex lives. Evangelicals and conservative parents need to accept the changing social atmosphere of teenagers. They need to not believe that by the courses to be taught students are being led down a path to promiscuity, when the exact opposite is true.

C O N

Sagging pants do not hold up to standards IN MY OPINION nathalie prieto

co-sports editor

“Pants on the ground. Pants on the ground, looking like a fool with your pants on the ground,” sang Larry Platt at the infamous American idol audition.

Platt refers to the trend where males and even some females wear their pants way below their waist.

The style appears from school to the mall, as teenagers and adult males sag their pants to reveal their underwear.

The style began in prisons,

where inmates were given oversized pants to wear without belts. It was popularized in the 1990s by hip-hop artists like IceCube and Snoop Dogg. From there, it has spread.

“They’ve [Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg] bought the myth that sagging pants represents an offensive lifestyle which leads to destructive behavior,” Georgetown University sociology professor, Michael Eric Dyson said in an interview.

Males who choose to sag their pants might not realize that this “fashion” trend is distasteful to those who must look at an exposed derriere.

Some teenagers think it is

a way to express themselves, protesting that the color or pattern of their underwear is freedom of expression or creativity. But dance, art and music can show one’s creativity, not exposed underwear.

Saggy pants also cause problems between students and teachers who have the right to send the students to CSI until they comply with the school’s dress code.

French teacher Georges Lespérance also disapproves of the style and sees it not just as unsanitary but inelegant.

“Underwear is underwear, it should be worn under your clothes,” Lespérance said.

“My main issue is that it simply does not come across as professional,” Lespérance said. “We are professionals teaching young people how to be professional in- training, and so you should look the part as well as behave that way too.”

Besides, what is the point of wearing one’s pants below the waist if they have to walk uncomfortably to hold them up waddling like a penguin?

Males should reconsider the style since it can also be punishable.

Places like Opa-Locka, Florida have imposed a $250 fine or ten hours community for those

who sag their pants.

After the enactment of Senate Bill 228, consequences will be more widespread. The law requires school boards to ban clothes that show students’ underwear or body parts and impose punishments of in-school suspension.

The passing of this bill is a great milestone in the fight against indecency.

Even President Barack Obama addressed the issue as far back as in 2008.

“Brothers should pull up their pants,” Obama said.

“Some people might not want to see your underwear –and I’m one of them.”

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

Entertainment Page 7

CINEMA

Fort Laude rda l e I nt er nat io na l Film Festival i s a h a v e n f o r foreig n and in d epend ent fil ms

By Javier Storch photo and web editor Few places allow film buffs, filmmakers, and common moviegoers alike to come together in a hushed, dimly lit room to share a single cinematic experience.

The annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) is one of them.

FLIFF, founded in 1985, has attracted such talent as Martin Scorsese, Kevin Spacey, Michael Moore, Matt Damon, and Jane Lynch over past years. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest film festival in the world,

spanning a total of 22 days.

Film festivals are screenings of films over a few days or weeks. While not every festival compares to Cannes or Sundance, these events offer films that would not normally screen in major movie theaters.

FLIFF screens feature films, short films, and documentaries in a variety of genres and tastes.

The festival also screens the finalists from the international collegiate and high school film competition.

During some special events, filmmakers briefly introduce their film and lead a question and answer session after the

screening. Among this year’s special guests is Dennis Haysbert, the deep-voiced actor in the Allstate television commercials, who received a career achievement award for his acting.

FLIFF’s main screening location is the Cinema Paradiso Theater in Fort Lauderdale, but also includes the Muvico Pompano and the Sunrise Civic Theater.

The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival will take place this year from October 21 to November 11. To purchase tickets, view schedules and upcoming films, or for more information, visit FLIFF.com.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Take in the aroma at Aroma Espresso Bar IN MY OPINION sara alvarez

staff writer

Aroma Espresso Bar, located on Sunny Isles Boulevard, brings Israeli flavor with a South American twist to the heart and stomachs of Sunny Isles.

Although slightly pricey, the coffee alone makes the

visit worth every cent. Brewed fresh daily, the espresso and Iced Aroma are among the favorites.

Although the Iced Aroma is perhaps the best known drink among customers, other flavorful drinks include the chai latte and the Limonana.

The Limonana is a minty lemonade that is among the most popular refreshments in Israel. The recipe is very simple, and consists of lemons,

mint leaves, sugar, and ice.

For the sweet treats, the chocolate almond croissants are particularly delicious with just the perfect amount of chocolate and sugar; the dough is soft and moist as well. Also, the Rugelach, an Israeli pastry with chocolate swirled inside the dough, makes for a great side to an espresso.

You can always count on good service; the employees’ attitude encourages customers

to come back again and again.

The restaurant and unisex bathrooms are always spotless, and free parking on the second floor makes it easy to have a fast and enjoyable experience.

But with many pros, Aroma also has several cons. The restaurant is usually crowded, and seating is hard to find.

When ordering Shakshuka (eggs in tomato sauce), the eggs are not always cooked well enough, which makes the transparent

“Meat” Miami’s burger Meat

yolk visible at times. Also, the lettuce and tomatoes in the salads are not always fresh, and though the food is definitely edible, there is room for improvement.

Aroma Espresso Bar is a great place to grab a quick pastry or enjoy a variety of different forms of coffee, from hot espressos to iced aromas.

However, if interested in a filling meal, one may choose to look elsewhere.

joints

By Danielle Mackson business & ad editor Goodbye, Burger King. Hello, new burger joints. While two Aventura Burger King restaurants have recently closed, a crop of new burger restaurants have opened in the area. The loss of Burger King may not devastate meat enthusiasts with so many other burger joints in Miami. While hamburgers are just a meat patty and bread bun, there is a rich history to its even richer, juicy taste.

In the nineteenth century, German immigrants brought a dish called Hamburg Style Beef to the United States. The dish was a raw, chopped piece of beef and is the primitive ancestor to the modern burger.

Heavy Burger serves up its burgers with a side of classic rock.

The menu encompasses the rock theme with dishes like the Roadie Salad, the Fleetwood Mac (and Cheese), and the Motley Burger.

While it is famous for its big, juicy hamburgers, it is also known for its bustling karaoke nights and live musical performances. The restaurant also uses a build-yourown burger concept, in which customers can choose from a wide range of breads, toppings and sauce. Entrée prices range from $9 to $14.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries, located in the Aventura Mall, uses only the freshest ground beef for their burgers, and nothing is ever frozen. In fact, there are no freezers in any Five Guys locations. There are seventeen sauces and toppings to choose from on the menu, available at no additional cost.

Hot dogs also top off the menu for a true All-American experience, from Kosher style hot dogs to the not-so-kosher Bacon Cheese Dog. All hamburgers are in the $6 range.

Originating in California, the 8 Oz. Burger Bar is located on Alton Road in South Beach.

The place uses hormone-free beef from humanely raised cattle to cook the burger. All burgers are grilled to order over a wood-burning grill. There is a wide selection of options on the menu including lamb, bison, and standard beef burgers at prices ranging from $11 to $16.

Another branch of 8 Oz. Burger Bar is scheduled to open on Biscayne Boulevard and N.E. 148th Street.

5 Napkin Burger, with locations in New York City, Boston and Atlanta, recently opened its first Florida restaurant on Lincoln Road. It is a sit-down restaurant with a diverse menu. Starters include matzoh ball or French onion soup and deep fried pickles and pastrami. There is also a variety of sushi maki rolls to satisfy both meat lovers and fish eaters. A unique assortment of shakes including s’mores and salted caramel complete the menu.

Burger prices range from $9 for a ten ounce beef burger to $20 for a one pound burger for two.

Entertainment Page 8

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

SUB-CULTURES

Confusion over Hipster and Swag culture IN MY OPINION christian dougnac

co-spread editor

In a pair of oversized non-prescription glasses, a flannel shirt, and red skinny jeans, a rebellious teenager emerges from the shadows and into the sunlight of the lunch patio. Is this character a “hipster” or a “swag master?”

The styles are so similar that most can not tell. Those who follow the “hipster” or “swag” cultures share the common goal of absolute individuality.

Swag. Rapid succession of the word echoes throughout the halls as groups of “individuals” call and respond to each other with their dress and attitude.

However, the kids nowadays are not talking about swag, the traditional festival

wreath adopted as a popular architectural decoration.

“Swag” as a sub-culture is focused on proving one’s swagger and is a direct response that parallels the “hipster” culture.

Although both are similar aesthetically, the difference lies in their titles: The “hipster” label has been imposed by society while the “swag” sub-culture is autoimposed by its members.

A hipster will never admit to being a hipster, while those with swag will assume their “swag master” title with pride.

Despite their quick draw, the message of the sub-culture is unclear, even to its members.

When asked what swag is, most students

could not give a consistent answer.

Some tried to differentiate “real swag” from “fake swag,” while others referred to some omnipotent being that held all the “swag” in the world.

Similarly, the birth of the hipster subculture in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s has led to confusion about the term.

The word originates from the description of those who did not

dance at concerts, but only moved their hips. In a popular Youtube video, Jack White, the lead singer of the rock band The White Stripes, accuses hipsters of the “mortal sin” of standing in place a rock concert.

Although popular clothing retailers American Apparel and Urban Outfitters have been around decades before the “hipster” term had any weight, they too have jumped on the bandwagon.

Their mainstream exploitation of the term has lead to its convoluted definition.

For example, some claim that Urban Outfitters appeals more to the “casual hipster” while American Apparel is for the “urban hipster,” despite the word “urban” being in the former’s brand name.

Perhaps there should be a hipster convention where a charter can be drawn to

organize the sub-culture’s agenda for the coming year.

And perhaps there can be a school club called “The Future Swagmasters of America” (Copyright to Chris Dougnac).

What I have come to realize, as others should, is that both sub-cultures are very similar to the oyster plant.

Foreign to our tropical Floridian climate, the invasive oyster plants thrive like weeds, killing out all native plants with a “search and destroy” mentality.

Their sharp thorn-like leaves are able to break skin and their ominous green and purple patterns often scare away small children.

Despite this, they are still beautiful plants. I have allowed them to take over my front lawn – hipsters, “swag masters,” and oyster plants alike – being the lively, exotic, and colorful creatures they are.

CHRIS DOUGNAC

ALBUM REVIEW

David Guetta creates predictable pop tunes

By Matthew Isenberg guest writer David Guetta is the reigning champion of radio right now.

He has over 43 million fans on Facebook, has co-produced the top selling digital song of all time, and has been placed in the top ten of DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs list for three consecutive years. He can only come down from his position as the king of electronica music, and with the release of his latest album Nothing But The Beat, that is exactly what he has done.

Guetta blasts the same beats on this album that every pop song has used for the past decade. His songs

lack the emotion and passion that fellow musicians Tiësto and Armin Van Buuren exude. His guest appearances fall flat, except for a few shining moments from rap superstars Nicki Minaj (“Where Them Girls At,” “Turn Me On”), Ludacris (“Little Bad Girl”) and Chris Brown (“I Can Only Imagine”), with stereotypical lyrics about love and partying that have been heard over and over again.

It is not awful for pop or dance music by any means, it is just the repetition of manufactured radio beats that makes the album unoriginal and forgettable.

The deluxe edition, on the other hand, comes packed with

juicy instrumental tracks that are bursting with a rich, colorful feel that can easily compete with other house music legends like Daft Punk and Carl Cox. His collaborations with fellow producers Afrojack, whom Guetta discovered, and Avicii are magical and flow brilliantly together. The flavorful beats have all different kinds of sounds and complexities within them, almost making up completely for the disappointing first disc.

If only they were released separately, then we would not have to pay more just so that we don’t get a mediocre edition of what could have been a fantastic electronica album.

November Playlist Songs October by Broken Bells Broken Bells

Burn It All by The Dean’s List The Drive-In Mixtape

Money by The Drums Portamento

5 O’Clock by T-Pain, Wiz Khalifa and Lily Allen Revolver

Paradise by Coldplay Mylo Xyloto

FOOD

Sushi rolls into Krop

By Alexis Frankel copy editor

Sushi Maki offers our school a new spin on lunch.

Instead of mystery meat and greasy pizza, three types of sushi rolls have been added for only three dollars for six pieces. It seems like a steal.

From a quick glance the Cali-Ocho roll appears to be delicious and freshly rolled, that is until you take a bite. After a bite of imitation crab wrapped in seaweed and rice topped with sweet plantain, it can be described as unappetizing at best.

How could Sushi Maki, a great restaurant, put crustacean and

fruit together, let alone sell it to thousands of students at school?

My conclusion was that this particular sushi roll was a fluke and the others could not be as “eccentric.” I decided to give Sushi Maki another try.

The Veggie roll consists of carrots, cucumber, sweet potato, kampyo (a mix between melon and squash) and sesame seeds.

While the carrot is overwhelming and it is still questionable what kampyo is, it was far better than its fishy plantain alternative.

Moving onto the Sweet and Salmon roll, let’s just say salmon was never meant to be sweet. This sushi roll contains of grilled salmon,

sweet plantain, cream cheese and sesame seeds.

Although Sushi Maki serves these three sushi rolls at the shack by the cafeteria every lunch, none are offered at any of their restaurants. If the restaurants will not offer the products they sell at our school, they should not sell them to our students.

While the new addition to the lunch menu is an excellent attempt to get students to eat healthier, Sushi Maki’s poor choice of ingredients destroys this great idea.

These strange sushi rolls have me saying, “Sayonara,” to Sushi Maki and heading over to the cafeteria lunch line.

Girls Fall Like Dominoes by Nicki Minaj Pink Friday

Shake It Out by Florence and the Machine Ceremonials

In The Dark by DEV The Night the Sun Came Up

Profound by Skizzy Mars Profound - Single

This Pain by Deaf Poets This Pain - Single

Compiled by Clarissa Buch and Taylor Silver Graphic by Sharon Sabbagh

JOIN YOUR

Parent Benefits: Information about important issues affecting your child Volunteer opportunities Invitation to all PTSA meetings Assistance from experienced parent-members

Student Benefits: Annual Student Lunch One free practice SAT or ACT test Volunteer opportunities Representation at PTSA meetings Opportunity to apply to PTSA scholarships Student prizes

Teacher Benefits: Departmental and teacher’s grant “Welcome Back” breakfast Teacher prizes Holiday Lunch FCAT breakfast “Teacher Appreciation” lunch Special price membership fee

SAVE THE DATE: PRESENTING THE 1ST COMMUNITY-WIDE Krop Market place at Highland Oaks Middle School Nov. 6 Community Forum for Public Education Nov. 8 Krop PTSA general meeting in the Media Center Nov. 16

$50 per space and keep your profit For more information please contact: Zena Gruda: (305) 215 9137 Anny Vainstein: (305) 788 0721

Page 10

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

ART

By Michael Behfar co-spread editor Art magnet students face new obstacles this year in the form of budget cuts and bell schedule changes.

When a school’s budget is cut, the arts are the first thing to go. Lack of funding for 2011 has directly affected the art students because they no longer have the materials to create their pieces.

“In ceramics we're extremely low on clay and glaze, keeping us from going above and beyond

with our creations,” sophomore Diane Amaya said. “We’re not being as creative as we could be.”

Art teacher Ernesto Montes said that the art magnet is running on surplus materials and donations from students and administration.

Ceramics and pottery teacher William Kidd said education is not as well funded as it was four years ago. In his 25 years of teaching, he said these last three years have limited the students to creating smaller pieces due to lack of materials.

Kidd can’t afford to buy as much clay, and some glaze colors are too expensive.

Students are limited to one-foot tall vases, and yellow glaze is out of the class’s price range.

In addition to the lack of funding, the hour long class schedule cuts down the amount of time the students have in class. Montes said that between explaining assignments at the beginning of class and lecturing, there is no time left to work.

Despite the shortage of supplies and time, the students still manage to create

modern dance students have participated in district, regional and local performances.

The dance magnet program was initially composed of three levels.

The beginner levels, reserved for freshmen who have not fully developed their technique, provide foundation training in ballet and modern dance. Sophomores and juniors are in the intermediate classes while seniors advance to the Repertory level – the highest level in the program which focuses on the performance aspect. The students in this

level work with guest artists choreographing different styles for them to perform in their Repertory Showcase at the end of the school year.

With recent budget cuts, all of Pierre’s classes have been combined into two levels ninth graders being placed with intermediate students.

Despite the forced financial compromise, Pierre remains positive by emphasizing individual development.

“Techniques can be taught,” Pierre said, “but I can’t teach a student to be an artist.”

DANCE

By Sebastian Elejalde opinion editor

Throughout her seven-year professional career, artistic director of the dance magnet program, Bernadette Pierre performed and toured with several dance companies within the United States, as well as Puerto Rico, Canada, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique and the Bahamas, before joining Krop in its opening year, 1999.

Since her formation of the dance program at the S.T.A.R. Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts, Pierre’s ballet/

presentation pieces.

Student creations will be on display in Ink magazine and at Visions, an all magnet show which will take place in Dec. The class also hopes to display pieces at the Body Exhibition at the Hollywood Art and Culture Center in Nov. on through mid Dec. Department chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Mirtha Funcia said “The art students have proven that they can overcome obstacles that stand between them and their creations.”

MAGNETIC AESTHETIC: Abov ficial logo design, minus the larg Jessica Vachon, it will be printed

All sides of the S.T.A.R. meet in the mid

By Natalie Prieto sports editor The Students Training in the Arts Repertory (S.T.A.R.) magnet program allow students to unlock their creative capabilities and gain experience for the future.

For the first time in the magnet program, an end of the year interdisciplinary show will feature magnet students across strands working together. An interdisciplinary system is a program that combines multiple academic fields and incorporates

Sights of the Gallery

them into one, unified system.

Funcia plans to utilize this method and create a large show with the dance, drama, art and music programs.

Recently, the interdisciplinary system has been used by professional artists like choreographer Merce Cunningham and artist Daniel Arshm. Their collaboration showcased a merging of dance, acting, visual art, and music as well.

Drama magnet student, senior Melissa King sees the possibilities of the new concept.

Students speak out about positive changes in magnet classes.

“With the high price of photo paper, I make an effort not to waste any. It makes me reach for perfection the first time I print a photo.”

Maya Yosub, 11th grade

“I had to overcome my sh personality. Through ar I expressed myself to the world. This expression pushed me to become mor assertive when i had to defend my artwork again criticism.”

Katie Lobuzova, 12th grade

The Lightning Strike •October 2011

Page 11

DRAMA

By Gabriela McKenzie co-sports editor

Outside of the drama room in building three, students may hear the sounds of “shake it lose” activities, Thai Chi, and “Judy Improvisation” exercises.

These drills are the work of drama department head K. Stewartson and her magnet students warming up for drama class.

Over the past two years, changes have been implemented towards the drama department.

With budget cuts, drama has fewer theatre performances and supplies from previous years, which has forced Stewartson to work around these challenges.

ve is the magnet programs ofge magnet. Created by senior d on T-shirts for fund-raising.

ddle to put on an interdisciplinary show “It will allow me to venture out and discover other talents that may be resting in me, ready to be brought out by other students,” King said. “It will encourage us as students to step out of the confines of our strands to create new relationships.”

Funcia also aspires to increase the presence of the S.T.A.R academy in school.

“Some kids don’t know about the magnet program and it’s really unfortunate.” Funcia said.

Magnet Visual artist Sabrina

hy rt, e

n

re

nst

Yagman, junior shares the same view.

“There are so many talented students in the school that have been overlooked by our student population,” Yagman said.

Principal Dawn Baglos encourages the S.T.A.R. program and wants to make sure that the academy prevails through the current economic downturn.

“I am a huge proponent of the arts,” Baglos said. “There is a population who come to school just for the arts.”

“Due to some of the mics being old, we can’t really depend on the sound system in our class.

It’s forced us to become louder and more presentable. The drama students stand out from the crowd like never before” Freddy Rodruigez, 11th grade

Stewartson, who has taken on the role as department chair for drama when Larry Davidson retired, has different teaching techniques and views for her drama students.

“Ms. Stewartson is a very skilled and animated teacher who brings a great light to the drama room,” senior drama student Curtis Holland said. “I enjoy the practices that she uses to help us hone our theatrical skills, from writing analyses of our characters in scenes to pretending to be wax sculptures.”

Stewartson assigns her students more text work and hopes they learn the technical aspects of acting by studying classical theatre.

“Learning so we can better understand theatre techniques is

important in drama,” Stewartson said. “Students should be offered better reading material such as Death of a Salesman or Hamlet.”

It takes the dedication and determination of the talented students to help make the magnet program shine.

Drama students will compete in the fall, perform in Visions, a showcase between individual magnet programs in December, and are considering a spring show for the coming year.

“Though we have fewer performances, the quality and organization of our shows has improved,” junior drama student Tiffany Clare said. “We would not be able to achieve this if we didn’t have Ms. Stewartson as a teacher because she has back tracked our entire education to

find our mistakes, and correct them.”

Principal Dawn Baglos sees the need for the arts, and is willing to make the proper changes needed to head magnet programs in a positive direction.

Baglos believes increasing enrollment in magnet and increasing magnet opportunities are some ways we can possibly help these programs become really successful.

Overall, Stewartson hopes to help the drama department grow and help her students reach a better place.

“I see our skills growing because we can always be at a better place,” Stewartson said. “But then again, I’m an overachiever, but so are a lot of the students.”

By Clarissa Buch copy editor

funding by eight percent across the board, returning the district to 2001 funding levels.

“When I started at Krop six years ago, I had a professional pianist here about 10 hours a week to work with rehearsals, coach our pianists and play for soloists for contest and college auditions,” music teacher Dr. Gary Keating said.

Because of the cuts, there will be fewer performances and competitions, less money for instrument repairs, smaller number of classes offered, leaving to pay for busses and field trips. In addition, preparation for student’s college auditions have become more difficult according to the music teachers.

“The biggest issue is not having an accompanist for both the choruses and soloists, especially preparing for college auditions,” Keating said.

Band director, Bringle Cidel, stated that in the past, students would receive music scholarships because they were able to be

challenged. However, because regular, honors and AP classes have been made into one class, meaning certain classes might not be taught on as high of a level compared to previous years.

Therefore, students might not be as prepared for college auditions.

But, the budget cuts do not stop these musicians from following their dreams, according to Cidel and Keating. Students and teachers have gone above and beyond to keep the music alive. Students put in extra effort and teachers put in more time.

“We have to do more bake sales and fundraises, but we have a lot of help from our booster club,” junior Carolina Guitierrez said. “It’s all worth it though because it allows us to still travel to performances and do what we love.”

The program still plans to take part in orchestra performances and events this upcoming year.

“We are working on the December concert, our festival music for March, the UM Invitational Choral Festival in February and our upcoming concert tour to NYC.” Keating said.

MUSIC

The bell rings for second period. Regular, honors and AP music students gather in Mr. Cidel’s room and wait for him to begin. But due to the continuous loss of funds in the program, changes have been made to overcome their challenges.

In MiamiDade schools, the state has cut

“Practice makes perfect. The task of creating a ceramic piece takes great concentration and a lot of tender care. I haven’t been able to complete this piece due to one of Mr. Kidd’s kiln being out of commission. But, I always make sure to let my imagination run wild.”

Michaelle Jacques.

12th grade

Feature

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

Page 12

SELF EXPRESSION

By Dean Kaire staff writer

Junior Naadir Williams is no ordinary student.

Although he does his homework and goes to class, he is also a music artist. Williams, who goes by the name of “Kam C,” is a rapper who hopes to make it big time.

Williams released an official

mixtape that has gotten over 1,000 views on the website, datpiff.com, a major mixtape website.

“My ambitions are to not only be looked at as a rapper but as an artist.” Williams said.

“Many people look down upon the rap genre and I plan to change that.”

Williams has a strong passion for music and shows it through his music.

He does not want to be

: The next big thing? viewed as just an ordinary rapper, and portrays that through his music.

“I want to create a new sound that hasn’t been heard before,” Williams said.

Williams began listening to rap music at a young age and was influenced by artists such as Michael Jackson, James Brown, Notorious B.I.G., Kanye West, and Ludacris. He began rapping in elementary school and recorded his first

songs in sixth grade.

“The most challenging thing about rapping has to be how you deliver your lyrics, keeping a flow with the beat, and making sure the music is appealing,” Williams said.

“Many people can write a lyric and rap a song, but making sure that your verse keeps a good cadence, and making sure it sounds appealing is where the challenge comes in.”

Williams hopes that his

work ethic, determination, and creativity will get him signed as an official music artist despite his age.

“In my eyes you’re never too young to do anything,” Williams said. “I’m facing and will be facing challenges because of my age but they’re not challenges I can’t get past.”

To date, Williams has been in the music game for almost eleven years.

Unconventional piercings gain popularity BODY ART

By Alexis Frankel co-copy editor

From tribal members of Africa to the punks of the ‘80s, unconventional piercings have always been on the scene. But more than ever, they have made their way on to the bodies and faces of students.

One piercing trend that has become popular is “stretching.”

Teenagers insert their ear lobes with conical rods, called tapers, along with plugs and gauges. Each comes in varying sizes depending on how large one wants to expand their ear lobes.

“I got gauges because I began looking more into my background of African culture,” junior India Ferguson said. “In

Africa gauges are symbolic and traditional, which means a lot to me.”

Sophomore Caroline Rabbat has nine ear piercings, and until recently, a lower frenulum piercing. These are located on the web below the tongue and above the top set of teeth.

“I think these piercings are fun to play with when you’re bored, but you can rip it out if you do it too much,” Rabbat said.

Boredom seems to be a major factor for students who try unconventional piercings.

Junior Thaiza Sereijo sports an anti-eyebrow and lower lip piercing. Her anti-eyebrow piercing is located on the surface of her upper cheek.

“When I’m bored I’ll just look at piercings and try them out,” Sereijo said. “I’ll keep

GARNICA

says the darndest things “I don’t want to see you again, not even in a portrait.”

When asked where he is from: “I am a citizen of the world.”

“Sorry doesn’t cut it. If I was driving, ran you over, and got out of the car and said ‘sorry,’ you’d still be dead.”

When reprimading a student: “You are a piece of meat with eyes. I might as well sell you at publix.”

them in if I like them.”

Since professionals must have parental consent to pierce teenagers, students often resort to piercing themselves or having other students do it for them.

However, according to a survey in the British Medical Journal almost a third of amateur piercings of 16 to 24 year olds resulted in complications, half which needed medical attention.

“There is a risk of serious infections and keloids with unprofessional piercings,” assistant manager of Claire’s, Britney Tiling said. “At Claire’s we give procedures that they need to follow up so it won’t get infected.”

Despite the risks, students prefer to get piercings done by amateurs.

“It’s less expensive, and the unprofessional piercer that pierced me knew what she was doing. If she didn’t know how to do it, she wouldn’t have done it,” sophomore Jonathan Lang said. “She used to do a web piercing, but she had problems screwing [the ball which connects the piercing] in so she stopped.”

Triple-tongue-pierced Lang loves the look of unconventional piercings, which is why he indulges in them. His hips, belly button, nipples and face don several done by both unprofessional piercers and himself.

While critics of nonmainstream piercings see them as mutilations, students feel the trend will not be going out of style anytime soon.

With the rate that

unconventional piercings are popping up, they will not be so uncommon for much longer.

ALEXIS FRANKEL

INDIVIDUALISM: Junior Thaiza Sereijo pierces herself when she is bored. She once popped a vain while doing one of her piercings.

DRUGS

Prescriptions for psychotropic medicine given to teenagers are higher than expected

By Sebastian Elejalde opinion editor Senior Arianne De-Yurre was diagnosed with chronic anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder in the seventh grade. A year later she was given a prescription for antidepressants that she said worsened her condition.

“You feel like a zombie,” De-Yurre said. “It’s difficult to maintain friendships. One month you won’t even say a word, the following month you’re on a different prescription and you’re flying off the walls.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, psychotropic or psychoactive drugs are the most commonly prescribed medication for teenagers under 19 years old. As a result, high school students like De-Yurre have had negative experiences with the antidepressants and stimulants provided to them by their doctors.

In a study by Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

and Mental Health, in the United States the use of psychoactive medication was three times higher than in Germany and the Netherlands.

The 6.7 percent of teenagers who are prescribed these drugs receive them for anxiety, depression, and bipolar disease.

Side effects of psychotropic drugs include heart problems, growth suppression, psychosis, and decreased blood flow to the brain. In one case in Florida, 12-year old foster child Denis Matez died due to lethal overmedication from mood stabilizers and antidepressants.

In her persistent struggle with her emotional problems, De-Yurre said that antidepressants, barbiturates, and tranquilizers have had only a negative impact.

“Medicine can only go so far, and ultimately the only one who can help me with my anxiety and depression is myself,” De-Yurre said.

Feature Page 13

The Lightning Strike • October 2011 FACULTY

Meet Lazo the librarian

By Fenica Pierre staff writer

MICHAEL BEHFAR

He always demands a library pass, makes sure every student has an ID, and is available for anyone who needs him.

J o r g e Lazo’s career as a librarian b e g a n during his second year

of college when he changed career paths and later graduated with a double major in history and education.

He started his career as a social studies teacher at G.W Carver Middle when a friend suggested that he consider a career as a librarian because of his love for books and computers.

Lazo enjoys what he does, but feels the downside to his position is the limited budget and resources he is forced to work with.

“Normally, every year you would order new books, but right now it is kind of stale,” Lazo said.

The newest books are about three years old, and Lazo is unable to renew magazine subscriptions.

Lazo compares his position to running a business.

“You have to take care of inventory, promote yourself and take care of money,” Lazo said.

His hard work is appreciated by the students.

“He is strict, but it’s

a positive thing because sometimes the students in the school create a disturbances but he is still able to keep the library as the quietest place in the whole school,” senior Joseph Herman said.

The peaceful environment is used by students who need to complete assignments, virtual school, study, or read.

“It gives you a chance to do things you can not at home, especially for kids who don’t have a computer or printer,” junior Bithja Previlon said.

GRAPHICS

Button craze brought to Krop

By Eric Eidelstein editor-in-chief At the beginning of the school year, graphics teacher Robert Hemp had his students create buttons as an assignment.

But, he had no idea that this Photoshop activity would morph into button mania.

Once the designs are on Photoshop, students use a button-making machine that Hemp keeps in his classroom to print buttons with images, such as a waffle smothered in jelly and butter.

Sophomore Michelle Krigsfeld helped start the button fad when she introduced her Bill Cosby-faced pins.

Krigsfeld has been a fan of Cosby since she was little and decided to reintroduce her idol to student’s who were not alive at the height of Cosby’s popularity. “ I googled pictures of him and

found one that I thought totally suited him and it was a happy picture so I thought, ‘Why not?’ and I just put it on a button,” Krigsfeld said.

Other students have followed Krigsfeld’s lead and have created their own pins.

Senior Terrence Brown wears 11 different pins on his ID lanyard and has no plans to stop.

“I’m trying to fill up my whole neck and book bag with them,” Brown said.

Some popular ones include “Like a Boss,” a pin supporting breast cancer awareness, and a “SWAG” pin (see SWAG pg 8).

Awareness pins like the “Save the Boob Dude” have also become prevalent.

For example, Invisible Children, a new school club that raises money to liberate child soldiers in Uganda, is taking advantage of the pin popularity.

“I’m now making a pin for the club to spread awareness and help recruit members,” Krigsfeld said.

Toad Eyes, a local band, has also enlisted the help of Hemp’s students to create pins of their logo.

For Krigsfeld, however, the Cosby craze will not just stop with the buttons.

“I actually made a Bill Cosby shirt for myself, because shirts are way more time-consuming, and since I wanted to make a mass production, I decided to do buttons,” Krigsfeld said.

“But who knows what will happen in the future.”

ERIC EIDELSTEIN

CREATIVITY: Senior Terrance Brown displays his collection of buttons. He used pins as part of his campaign for homecoming king.

Metal buttons were first mass produced by William McKinley in his 1896 presidential campaign. Other presidential candidates have followed suit.

ERIC EIDELSTEIN

CREATIVITY: Students create individual designs for buttons. This machine was used by students in Robert Hemp’s graphics class.

Feature

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

Page 14

Students buy into the feather hair extension craze unaware of the animal abuse behind it

By Alexis Frankel co-copy editor A new “feather craze” has hit the school, but it comes at a cost.

Feather hair extensions that can be clipped in at salons or hair accessory boutiques in the mall are bought from chicken farms that use harsh measures to obtain feathers.

According Keegan Baur, a journalist for the organization People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), roosters are specially bred and genetically

altered and slaughtered for their plumage. But after being made into extensions, the feathers can only be worn for two to three months.

Although the production of feather extensions involves

animal cruelty, students who wear them like senior Taylor Torano, are often unaware of the process.

“No, I didn’t know about i t

because salons don’t care to explain to their buyers what’s really going on, since they want a profit,” said Torano who sports multi-colored extensions she purchased from the salon Cool Cuts 4 Kids.

Even some big buyers of feather extensions are oblivious to the inhumane process chickens go through for the cost of fashion.

“I don’t know if they are cruelty-free, personally,” comanager of Cool Cuts 4 Kids, Maggie Sarner said. “I mean, I hope they are.”

To avoid the inhumane treatment toward chickens that are plucked for plumage, students should buy synthetic or crueltyfree feather extensions. Companies such as Fine Feathered Heads offer extensions that do not involve animal abuse.

“Because we’re unwilling

to compromise our values and ethics, we work exclusively with Whiting Farms where the roosters are treated ethically—and where we can obtain the highest quality feathers found anywhere in the world,” company owner Taryn Sargent said. “Other farms in the industry may employ less than humane treatment and living standards for their livestock.”

Synthetic feather extensions can be bought on online stores like Etsy and Lockstarz at $10 for a pack of ten. Also, a synthetic doit-yourself tutorial is available on the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) site.

Parents transition into the 21st century by means of the text Text message conversation between sophomore Yana Minyazova and her mother: Mom: Yana: Mom: Yana:

Why are there so many kids with shirts from that college?

What college?

Hollister. It’s in California.

Wow! Mom, Hollister is a clothing line.

Text message conversation between senior Alanna Sapporito and her father: Alanna: Dad I am busy, ttyl Dad: What does ttyl mean?

Alanna: Talk to you later.

Dad: No one talks to me now. What does it mean?

Text message conversation between junior Taylor James and her mother: Mom: Can you stop singing about your problems?

Taylor: Why? Mom: Because your life is not an episode of Glee.

Want to ADVERTISE?

Contact us Room 2233 (305) 652 6808 ext.238

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

Science & Health Page 15

HEALTH

Poor posture is detrimental to

By Blake Mars staff writer Sophomore Christina Infante graces the stage, as well as the halls, with perfect posture as the voice of her Magnet dance instructor haunts her with the words: “stand up straight.”

“Poor posture is just as important in life as it is while dancing,” Infante said. “Not only is it more attractive and respectful, but it can prevent back pain in the future.”

Poor posture is extremely common, but often overlooked; not because people do not care, but because they are not accustomed to it.

When one’s heels, knees, pelvis, and neck are aligned on top of each other, the body can move more efficiently, carry heavier loads, and the risk of injury is decreased. These are indications or proper posture.

However, behind the wheel of a car or slumped in front of the computer, people will most likely drop their chin, tilt their head forward, and round their shoulders.

“Slouched shoulders can result in a wide variety of symptoms including pain, restriction of motion, and structural misalignment, which harms daily function,” said

Craig Cohen, physical therapist and owner of Integrated Physical Therapy.

According to a United States study, teenagers that slump down and hunch their shoulders is the reason why 56 percent of teenage spines are deformed.

Additionally, poor posture can add ten pounds to a person’s appearance.

“Tight hip flexors, which are caused by poor posture, force the hips to tilt forward,” Cohen said. “This often leads to the appearance of the ‘belly or pooch’ – even on lean people.”

By stretching the hip flexors, the abs and pelvis become

strengthened, thus allowing a person to stand taller and have a thinner appearance.

Cohen also explained that poor posture may affect one’s mental health in that it can diminish confidence and selfesteem.

“Good posture shows confidence, which could be important in finding a job or doing well in the future,” junior Fernanda Izola said.

While sitting at their

students desks at school, many students appear to have a loss of vitality and poise due to slouched shoulders.

By keeping shoulders back and a head held high, a person will make a positive impression and feel more confident as well.

It is not a simple task to change poor postural habits, nor will changes come quickly. However, if proper posture is consistently practiced, it will become easier to “stand up straight” and the benefits will be well worth the effort.

SOCIAL NETWORK

Is depression based on likes ?

By Danielle Mackson business & ad editor Facebook may be one of the most revolutionary inventions of our generation, but it does have a dark side.

“Facebook depression” develops when teens and preteens spend a great deal of time on social media sites, and begin to exhibit classic signs of depression, according to a recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The majority of children under 18 with Facebook accounts report logging in over ten times a day. And with so much time spent on Facebook, the risk of social isolation increases.

There are many aspects of Facebook which teens may find to be depressing, according to Dr. Gwenn O’Keefe, a pediatrician and lead author of new AAP social media guidelines. Trolling through status updates can make kids

with low self-esteem feel worse about themselves and can make them more susceptible to cyber bullying.

Constant status updates of peers that share exciting activities can upset a teen with a non-existent social life or poor self-esteem.

Users who upload pictures of smiling friends at football games or the mall, for example, can cause others to feel as if they do not measure up. The website can be viewed as one

big popularity contest; a race to get more “likes” on a photo or a status, or more Facebook friends.

The AAP guidelines urge parents to speak to their children about the online world and to be aware of the possibility of Facebook depression.

Despite concerns about Facebook depression, some psychologists who have studied online social networking believe that the benefits of Facebook outweigh the risks. The website is a way to connect with friends and family and to exchange ideas.

“Although I do think it’s possible for some teens to become Facebook depressed, it is a great way for me to keep in contact with family and friends who live outside of the United States,” sophomore Edouardo Vitale said. “If it wasn’t for Facebook, I probably wouldn’t communicate with them on a regular basis.”

GENETICS

Cats lend a helping paw

By Courtney Goodstein staff writer

As scientists try to find a cure for diseases such as AIDS, they have begun to experiment with new methods such as genetically engineered kittens.

Genetic engineering is a process of altering genes of a cell to allow them to perform certain functions.

Today, AIDS is commonly found in humans and cats. Scientists are hoping that by genetically engineering kittens, they can discover a cure for Feline AIDS, and in the future, a cure for humans.

“Feline immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) causes AIDS with loss

of infection fighting T-cells much like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) does in people, and cats get sick from virtually the same AIDS-defining opportunistic infections as humans who have untreated HIV,” said researcher Eric Poeschla, a molecular biologist and infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.

The concept of genetically engineering cats is a new experiment and has never been tried by scientists before. The process begins when scientists inject a monkey gene, which allows the cats to fight the feline virus, as well as a jellyfish gene, which allow the cats to glow

in the dark and easily find cells.

Finally, the genes are put into an embryo and placed inside a female cat.

The experiment has both negative and positive responses.

Luciana Rodriguez, junior, believes that it is great that scientists are finding a cure for Feline AIDS which will hopefully help find a cure for HIV. Sophomore Yana Minyazova, believes it is not morally acceptable for scientists to perform this experiment.

Though the experiment has not shown any promising results, scientists remain optimistic that one day a cure will be found for AIDS.

By the numbers 22% of teens log 57% of people onto a social media talk to people more website more than online than they do in person. ten times a day.

28%

750

71.2%

48%

million of people w e re check Facebook picture s before they get out of uploaded over New Years weekend. bed in the morning. of young of the United States web Americans said they audience is on Face- find out about the news through Facebook. book.

Science & Health

Don’t eat this, eat that Page 16

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

Smoothie King Cranberry

The Cheesecake Factory

California Pizza Kitchen

T.G.I. Friday’s Captain Morgan

Applebee’s

Supreme (40 oz.)

1,108 calories

Herb Crusted Filet of Salmon 1,400 calories

Full Waldorf Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing 1,347 calories

Caribbean Chicken Sandwich 1,250 calories

Sizzling Skillet Steak Fajitas 1,410 calories

Instead try: Blueberry Heaven (20 oz.)

325 calories

Instead try: SkinnyLicious Herb Crusted Salmon 570 calories

Instead try: Field Greens Salad with Grilled Shrimp (Half) 498 calories

Instead try: Jack Daniel’s Chicken with Broccoli and Fruit Cup 630 calories

Instead try: Asiago Peppercorn Steak 380 calories

Shape-ups or fake ups?

Compiled by Madeline Garfinkle

By Leigh Markowitz feature editor

Sneakers that advertise the benefits of exercise without the hassle may be too good to be true.

Sketchers “Shape-ups” and Reebok “Easy Tones” are among the types of shoes meant to assist people with fitness.

Shape-ups have a curved underside which, according to advertisements, is designed to force the muscles in one’s legs and lower back to work while walking.

The soles of “Shape-ups” are meant to improve posture and absorb shock to reduce lower back and knee pain.

However, David Cremer, Md., does not think such features cause

improvement in posture or relieve pain.

“The curve would prevent you from ever planting your foot, causing your center of gravity to always be moving forward,” Cremer said. “This would not allow back muscles to relax because you would constantly be having to adjust to a new center of gravity.”

Social studies teacher Faith Turk was initially skeptical as to the truth behind these shoes.

“I had to buy them for myself to see how they worked, and now I have three pairs,” Turk said.

Turk tried other brands but maintained that “Shape-ups” were the most comfortable and had the greatest impact on her posture.

“As a teacher when you’re on your feet a lot, they are very

comfortable and when I walk I feel the difference in my posture,” Turk said.

Not all opinions of shape-ups were positive.

Senior Aubrey Steiger purchased a pair of shape-ups because of their comfort, but felt no difference in her posture or leg strength after she wore them.

“I bought them for comfort, not to improve my strength, which they didn’t help with anyway,” Steiger said.

The Reebok brand was another of these sneakers Turk tried before she settled on “Shape-ups.”

Advertisements say that Reebok’s “Easy Tones” have two air pods in their soles, one under the toe, the other under

the heel. The “micro-instability” caused by these air pods causes muscles in one’s butt and legs to work.

Turk was less than pleased. “They were not comfortable at all,” she said.

:

http://www.heavyburger.com

Sports Page 17

The Lightning Strike • October 2011 ALTERCATION

GAME SPARKS

Athletes of the month

VARSITY

CONFRONTATION

By Dean Kaire staff writer Football is a tough game to play with all the rules and regulations implemented, but on Sept. 15, the fans at the Krop and South Dade game witnessed two players that went beyond the rules of the physical game.

In a loss to South Dade in their fourth game of the season, senior Toren Palmer got into an altercation with a player from South Dade.

According to Palmer, he and the player from South Dade taunted one another for the duration of the game.

At the end of a physical play, the other player hit Palmer in the back of the helmet, which caused him to retaliate.

The two pushed one another and both delivered punches. The brawl was then broken up by the referees.

“I was upset because [Palmer] brought the team’s spirit down,” junior Toro Nelson said.

Due to the fight, Palmer’s football season is practically

“Sportsmanship is key, it’s more important than winning.”

-Dawn Baglos, principal

over. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has implemented a six week football suspension for Palmer, who will not be able to return until the season closer against Miami Norland on Nov. 10.

Although the punishment is a six week suspension it could have been much worse, since Krop is on athletic probation.

Principal Dawn Baglos was disappointed when she first heard the news about the fight.

“Sportsmanship is key, it’s more important than winning,” Baglos said.

Baglos explained her thoughts on the situation to the team and has also spoken to Palmer several times since the incident.

However, she said that a major improvement has been made in the football team’s sportsmanship, and she referred to them as “an incredible group of kids.”

But the team plays through the setback.

“It brought down the team and we lost a good player, but we still are striving for success,” sophomore Alex Froimzon said.

Mariana Ruiz 12th grade

Senior Mariana Ruiz, has been selected as the varsity athlete of the month.

Ruiz, who is the girls’ varsity volleyball captain and plays setter position, has been chosen based upon her work ethic and dedication everyday to the team.

“She leads by example,” head volleyball coach Julie Priester said. “Through the ups and downs of our games, she has a steady performance.”

Photo by Nathalie Prieto

JUNIOR VARSITY In her second year as part of the junior varsity volleyball team, Brittney Milo has been selected as athlete of the month.

Milo is team captain and showed consistency through all her games. She worked hard and demonstrated leadership skills throughout the season.

“Everyday I look forward to practices and games,” Milo said.

“Along with playing my best, I try to pump up the team as best as I can.”

Photo by Javier Storch

Brittney Milo 10th grade

Compiled by Gabriela McKenzie and Nathalie Prieto

DISTRICTS

Students dive their way to regionals # 19 Girls 100 Yard Back

# 1 Girls 200 Yard Relay

#6 Boys 200 Yard IM

# 15 Girls 500 Yard Free

# 2 Boys 200 Yard Relay

# 7 Girls 50 Yard Free

# 16 Boys 500 Yard Free

# 3 Girls 200 Yard Free

# 8 Boys 50 Yard Free

# 17 Girls 200 Yard Relay # 21 Girls 100 Yard Breast Overall Boys Rank

# 13 Girls 100 Yard Free

# 18 Boys 200 Yard Relay # 23 Girls 400 Yard Relay

third place: • Leah Behar, 12th • Shira Lossos, 11th • Marina Riberio, 12th • Sydney Vigille, 9th

sixth place: • Adam Tzur, 11th • Eden Sharabi, 12th • Jackie Lew, 12th • Benjamin Mandowsky, 12th fourth place: • Leah Behar, 12th fifth place: • Jade Lubie, 10th

# 5 Girls 200 Yard IM third place: • Sydney Vigille, 9th sixth place: • Daniella Torres, 11th

fifth place: • Izaak Lustgarten, 12th

fourth place: • Shira Lossos, 11th fifth place: • Marina Ribeiro, 12th sixth place: • Michelle Jaques, 12th first place: • Nicolas Coard, 11th

fourth place: • Shira Lossos, 11th fifth place: • Marina Ribeiro, 12th

third place: • Leah Behar, 12th sixth place: • Danna Metz, 12th seventh place: • Staci Marbin, 12th

eight place: • Eden Sharabi, 12th

fifth place: • Jade Lubie, 10th

# 20 Boys 100 Yard Back first place: • Nicolas Coard, 11th

second place: • Sydney Vigille, 9th • Jade Lubie, 10th • Marina Ribeiro, 12th • Shira Lossos, 11th

first place: • Sydney Vigille, 9th

second place: • Nicolas Coard, 11th • Samuel Akinin, 12th • Izaak Lustgarten, 12th • Benjamin Mandowsky, 12th

fourth place: • Daniella Torres, 11th • Leah Behar, 12th • Jade Lubie,10th • Michelle Jaques, 12th

# 24 Boys 400 Yard Relay sixth place: • Samuel Akinin, 12th • Adam Tzur, 11th • Nicolas Coard, 11th • Izaak Lustgarten, 12th

Overall Girls Rank Through 24 events: • MKHS, second place

Through 24 events: • MKHS, sixth place

Compiled by Gabriela Mckenzie and Dean Kaire based on the 2011 FHSAA District 11 girls and boys swim team roster.

ALL STYLES WELCOME If you’re thinking about colleges, think about this: one of the most exhilarating, inspiring, and international colleges in the country is right here in South Florida. (Lynn students come from 77 countries and 44 states.)

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23 majors and 10 specializations, including: Business Management Psychology Communication, Media and Politics Biology

To see Lynn for yourself, come to one of our Open House events or schedule a personalized visit when it’s more convenient. You’ll find all the details online.

Sports and Recreation Management

If you’d like to speak to someone in admission, call 561.237.7545. We’d love to talk to you!

Fashion Marketing

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Elementary Education International Business

lynn.edu/ visit

Lynn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability and/or age in administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and /or other schooladministered programs. Lynn University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; phone number: 404-679-4500) for questions about the accreditation of Lynn University.

Fun and Games Page 19

The Lightning Strike • October 2011

SUDOKU PUZZLE

MICHAEL BEHFAR

FALL WORDSEARCH

Christian Dougnac

English teacher Michael Kelly celebrates Halloween with senior Joshua Brinsley. Kelly dressed up as the Scream.

Javier Storch

Senior Victoria Unger shows her Halloween spirit coming to school in costume. Unger dressed in her homemade astronaut costume complete with a fuel pack .

Halloween Jokes and Riddles 1. What do you call a witch’s garage?

2. What do goblins and ghosts drink when they’re hot and thirsty on Halloween?

3. What is a Mummie’s favorite type of music?

4. Where does a ghost go on Saturday night?

7. Why did the Vampire read the Wall Street Journal?

8. What kind of makeup do ghosts wear?

ACORN AUTUMN CORN CRISP FEAST

9. Who was the most famous French skeleton?

10. What do you get when you cross a black cat with a lemon.

5. What did the skeleton say to the vampire?

11. What is a witch’s favorite subject in school?

6. Why didn’t the skeleton dance at the party?

12. Why do ghosts like to ride elevators?

13. The one who makes it sells it.

The one who buys it doesn’t use it.

The one who’s using it doesn’t know he’s using it.

What is it?

HARVEST LEAVES LEFTOVERS NOVEMBER PUMPKIN

SQUASH STUFFING THANKSGIVING TREES TURKEY

Answers: 1) A broom closet. 2) Ghoul-aid. 3) A wrap. 4) Anywhere where he can boo-gie. 5)You suck. 6) He had no body to dance with. 7) He heard it had great circulation. 8) Mas-scare-a. 9)Napoleon bone-apart. 10) sour-puss. 11) Spelling. 12) It raises their spirits. 13. Coffin.

N O V E M B E R Tuesday

Monday

2

Wednesday

3

Thursday

Friday

4

THIS DAY

IN HISTORY: 2008

Barack Obama Wins Presidential Election

7-11

11

NATI NAL

VETERANS DAY

RECYCLING WEEK

PERFORMANCE IN BANK ATLANTIC CENTER AND AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA

22

21

16

17

18

23

24

25

HAPPY THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE IN SUN LIFE STADIUM

28

THIS DAY

IN HISTORY: 1964

29

30

The unmanned Mariner 4 mission to Mars is launched from Cape Kennedy.

KROP:

NO SCHOOL

Stop by the Library to check out

on display all month!

Through the lens

JAVIER STORCH

SURPRISE: Principal Dawn Baglos sits at her desk after coworkers filled her office with balloons. Her birthday was the object of much enthusiasm from co-workers.

JAVIER STORCH

VICTORIOUS: Junior Luis Rendon celebrates his new position as the school’s mascot, Lightning Man. Three other students competed for this position.

JAVIER STORCH JAVIER STORCH

MONKEY BUSINESS: Senior Michael Gulliksen (right) and Junior Luis Serna (left) show their school spirit at the jungle theme homecoming pep rally. Many students dressed in jungle theme during homecoming week.