The Muse: October Issue by The Muse at Dreyfoos

e h T

Alexander W. Dreyfoos

School of

the Arts Volume 9 issue 1 october 2011

Fighting For a seat The impacts of the Class Size Amendment and larger classes Pages 16-17

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Table of Contents

TABLE

The Muse Year’s Resolution

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

op/ed

Importance of a productive summer

In the competitive realm of college admissions, summer vacation becomes an invaluable time to get a leg up.

Photo/Illustration by Nicole Hamilton

This illustration exemplifies an overcrowded classroom. This school year there are 57 classes with 30 or more students, a 78 percent increase from last year.

News

The Doctor is in; Meet the new principal

There is more than meets the eye with Dreyfoos’ new principal Dr. Susan Atherley.

Features

Facebook Productivity

Teachers and students are using Facebook groups to create an educational online community. This helps the students find out more about class information and missing work.

Sports

Nowak serves up the volleyball team

Communications senior Charlotte Nowak’s dream for a Dreyfoos volleyball team is a reality.

Arts

Dreyfoos’ Got Talent

Learn about two students’ firsthand experiences of competing on live television for “America’s Got Talent.”

For more Museworthy stories visit:

Photo by Nicole Hamilton

Editors-in-Chief Samantha Bilton (left) and Audrey Green dressed up for the first Senior Day of the year, where seniors dressed as senior citizens. The Senior Class Council gave crowns to all seniors during lunch.

entertainment

Toddlers and Tiaras

The hit TV show has received negative feedback for its racy content.

themuseatdreyfoos.com

At some point most of us have probably been asked the inevitable question: “What did you do at school today?” Maybe, tired from a long day, you have responded “nothing” on occasion. Nothing? You literally sat at a desk breathing? Something had to have occurred. As we leave behind the first quarter, our lives have been changed in one way or another. Whether your class sizes are bigger, you have picked up a new subject, or joined a new club; your life has been altered somehow in the past nine weeks. We have a “New Year’s” resolution for you. We encourage you to share what you are up to with others; tell your parents, tell your teachers, tell your friends, tell a Muse staffer. Who says a New Year’s resolution has to take place on the first day of a new school year? (Make sure to check out the ‘Muse Libs’ where you can write a story of your own, pg. 15). We challenge you to make

this “Muse Year’s” resolution. As part of your Muse Year’s resolution try to attend as many school events as possible. The Arts Preview highlights some important event dates for this year (pg. 22-23). Try something new like the D-box experience in the CityPlace theater (pg. 12). Join a new club or read about the new ones created this year (pg. 13). Over the past nine weeks, this publication has made some changes too. Normally, parents are apprehensive when their child goes online; however, for The Muse we couldn’t be more excited. You can visit “themuseatdreyfoos.com” and find an up-to-date version of the school calendar, personal columns and other features and photos that don’t get printed in the magazine. If you tell your parents there is nothing going on at school, you clearly have not checked out this great resource. Good luck with your resolutions, we can’t wait to hear from you. g

Please recycle

The Muse

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Staff Editorial

Guidance points you in the right direction

When it comes to college help, counselors are guiders not givers by MuseStaff

tudents have this strange idea that guidance counselors are here for them and only them. With 1,298 students and only four counselors, what makes you so special? Nowadays, it seems like getting a counselor’s attention is as hard as winning the lottery. Students must first initiate contact with their counselor and sign up for an appointment pass. “It is a common misconception that guidance counselors close their doors and put their feet up after meeting with a student,” said assistant principal and former guidance counselor George Miller. “Somehow people don’t understand how hard it is to be a counselor.” In addition to advising students, counselors answer non-stop e-mails and phone calls; attend meetings with other school officials and contact colleges and organizations around the country. “[Guidance counselors] should inform you on what you need to do to get into a good college,” dance junior Sara Franco said. “I feel like I never get informed with anything. You can never get a meeting with [guidance]; things don’t get done how they’re supposed to.” Many students share Franco’s view; however, the official jobs of guidance counselors are: to visit classrooms, counsel on college admissions, inform about financial aid, conduct individual counseling sessions and senior credit checks, assist with letters of recommendations, hold parent conferences, and discuss transcript updates, according to the Guidance Assignments guidelines. “I feel that students think we only deal with college and academic issues,” Guidance Coordinator Tara Robinson said. “When our door is closed it’s because we have a student or parent in our office. We deal with individual issues, which could be an array of things, including family issues.” In terms of college applications, a counselor’s role is to assist students with their college choices, according to Ms. Robinson. “We provide students with tools, such as College Board,” Ms. Robinson said. “Students need to be encouraged to find the best [college] environment for them. In the end,

it’s up to you.” “It was 10 percent paper work and 90 Guidance counselors go beyond their job percent student contact,” Mr. Miller said. descriptions to help students. But is there “Now it’s the opposite.” enough time to juggle all these individual If you find yourself solely occupied with issues on a student-to-student basis? college admissions, then you might want to “They make sure try an alternative we’re on the right course route. Students, like for college and getting communications all of our graduation senior Pamela Mora, requirements,” dance who wish to have junior Deanna Bologna one-on-one attention said. “But it’s hard for in the admissions people to get meetings process, have turned with them because they’re -Assistant Principal George Miller to outside help like usually so busy.” the tutoring center College “emergencies” are not at the Score At The Top. top of guidance’s priorities. After attending “The guidance counselors at Dreyfoos seminars with college representatives, it make sure you’re on track for graduation,” is recommended that students contact Mora said. their regional admissions officers with any “Score At The Top is everything else. It’s

‘Somehow students don’t understand how hard it is to be a counselor.’

Illustration by Oscar Carl

questions or issues that they have about the admissions process, according to guidance counselor Laura Tomasello. “The clipboard system that is posted [in student services], I pull every day,” Ms. Tomasello said. “I prioritize [meetings] based on what is listed on the sheet. For example, personal problems I always prioritize first.” However, it’s not a perfect process. For example, the appointment passes still say “Mr. Urso” on them—someone who left two years ago. The main problem associated with the counselors is the way the profession has changed in the computer age.

everything from college resumes to high school classes to when you should write your Common Application.” If you find yourself sitting at home wondering how to get into college, please, give guidance a break. They are not here to apply to college for you, and they’re certainly not here to tell you what to do. If you want an all-exclusive, personal helper, feel free to seek outside help. Remember that guidance is the backbone of the school, and without them we can’t operate. g

The Muse October 2011

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op/ed

The importance of a productive summer Commentary by JenniferYoon

hile enjoying a summer exploring the various regions of Germany, keyboard junior Eunice Chun also found time to develop her piano skills by attending a music camp where she practiced piano four hours every day. Besides providing a time to work on tans, summer vacation gives students a chance to build up their college resumes. Summer allows for travel, attending summer programs or volunteering at a community organization like Chun did. “Colleges and universities are looking for the well-rounded student,” guidance counselor Tara Robinson said. “Students excel academically as referenced on their transcripts, but colleges and universities also want to know the personal attributes of the student that can be beneficial to their school. They also want to know what life experiences have made an integral impact on the student’s academic and personal development.” A summer filled with working, studying and volunteering may not sound appealing,

but it does not mean that students need to give up their two months of relaxation and fun. According to Michelle Hernandez, a former Duke University admissions officer who wrote “A is for Admission: The Insider’s Guide to

said. “Contrary to what people may think, a tremendous amount of weight is given to the responsibility of having a job, even if you are not very involved in high school,” Hernandez said. “If you held down a 20-hour-a -week job and did a few high school activities, you would be seen in a very positive light. In fact, this has the additional benefit of making you look less sheltered.” Picking up a sport or finding a hobby also can contribute to a meaningful summer. Overall, colleges want to see that students are making an effort to shape themselves into well-rounded, diversified people. “[Colleges] want to see that you’re attempting to better yourself in some way, whether it’s academically, intrinsically, physically, etcetera,” band alumnus, and last year’s valedictorian, Max Scheiber said. Illustration by Oscar Carl What students do with their Getting into the Ivy League and Other Top summers ultimately is up to them, but making Colleges,” top-tier universities are more wise decisions will help them in the long run. interested in a student’s activities outside of Productive summers will not only benefit class, such as a summer job or internship. students’ learning experiences in high school, “Colleges look to see what excites or but they also will be beneficial to their future motivates students and not necessarily what education as college students and to their particular talents they have,” Hernandez careers. g

Adventures of a blond boy in Japan Hundreds of hands reach out to touch or shoo away rare head of hair Column by MaxFields

hen I was four years old, I lived in Japan. At that point I had fairly blond hair covering my entire head. As I came to find out, in Japan, blond hair is quite a rarity. In the Japanese culture there are two thoughts about the rarely Photo by Dana Miller seen hair color that I ran into. The majority of Japanese people think that blond hair is special and brings good luck. To absorb the luck of my bright, blond hair, they had to touch it. So, they touched my hair—a lot. Being only four years old, I was very confused at this touching. My parents couldn’t do anything about it because it was impossible to avoid. Every time I would go out, I had to prepare for the onslaught of hands bluntly touching my hair, sometimes choosing not to let go. Soon, I became paranoid, and was afraid to go outside

without head protection. I would have to reaction. It was not until an old, fragile throw on a hat and tuck my hair under it, but Japanese lady threw me out of her store while no matter how much I tried, it never worked. cursing that my mom decided that the antique The other perspective of blond hair is not shops may not have been the best place for as kind. Some believe that blond hair me. I never left the ‘It was not until an old, is evil and brings bad luck. This belief city again. fragile Japanese lady was far more common in rural towns When we moved than in the city. Luckily for me, I to London, I was threw me out of her store lived in the city and was used to surprised to have while cursing that my being treated as hair royalty. But, that people not touching was all about to change. My mother my hair. It took me mom decided that the decided to go antique shopping and a while to get used antique shops may not brought me along. Since most of the to the lack of hairhave been the best place to-hand contact, but antique shops were found outside of the city, in the rural outskirts, I ran I came around to it. for me.’ into the people who didn’t find my Even today, I still hair color so lucky. When people laid their have some nightmares of those days when eyes on my hair they would react with faces thousands of hands chased me. of disgust and walk around me, even avoiding What I took away from this experience is eye contact. They treated me like some vile that there are many different cultures in the creation that did not deserve to live or be in world. Sometimes, you will find some that are their presence. As we went from shop to shop, not suited for you. Last but not least, wear more people would run away from me or a hat in Japan if you’re blond. It is for this curse me out in Japanese. Many, however, just reason that I don’t like it when people touch tried to ignore me, and this was my preferred my hair. Thank you, Japan. g

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op/ed

Extra! Extra! Does anyone even care?

Survey suggests global awareness among students on the decline attention to world news. n Sept. 17, I participated in a “Students may often think that events in Congressional debate tournament. One of other countries are beyond the scope of their the topics being debated was a bill proposing world, so it has no impact on their lives,” to create a federal holiday to honor the social studies teacher Richard Gallo said. victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. A girl from another school stood up to speak affirmatively of the bill, and in her speech stated that the terrorists involved in 9/11 were from Iraq and Pakistan. It was then that I questioned whether students are educated about world news. Dreyfoos students seem to have a decreased concern about current events around the world. In a survey of 167 students, 32 percent could not correctly identify London as the European city that recently experienced riots. Thirty Illustration by Oscar Carl percent could not match Muammar Gaddafi to the country he is from—Libya. However, the world is interconnected in Thirty-four percent could not identify Sudan many ways. The conflict in the Arab Spring as the African country experiencing genocide. caused gas prices to increase more than ever Forty-eight percent of students could not before. When Japan was hit by an earthquake, identify the Washington Monument as the auto part factories were forced to shut down, national building damaged during a recent impacting the auto industry in the United earthquake. Ironically, 60 percent of the States. surveyed students claimed that they pay “I was lecturing the other day in a political Commentary by AubreyLevin

science class when I started asking questions about opinions on recent current events,” Dr. Duane Gundrum, professor at Grand Rapids Community College, said. “In a class of about 40 students, I was lucky to have two or three of them actually know what was going on at any one time.” Keeping up with world news will allow you to understand how it may be impacting your local community, and it will increase your knowledge about state, national and international issues. While you do homework, change the TV channel to CNN and let it play in the background. After checking your e-mail, scan over a few headlines in the news section. Download the USA Today iPod application and briefly explore for updates before heading to bed. By taking the initiative to do these few, simple steps, you are guaranteed to sound more intellectual in everyday conversations. And, before speaking about 9/11, please know that the terrorists (excluding one) were from Saudi Arabia—a simple fact that an alarming 74 percent of surveyed students did not know, even 10 years later. g

College: the dream, the goal, the monster Commentary by HunterTruman

he college application process: a time for personal reflection, a time to show the world of academia just how ready you are. It’s a chance—okay, for the most part, it’s a chance to bang your head against a wall, savagely curse at computer screens and pray to the gods of Big Words and Procrastination that they will have your back when you need it most. The frenzy begins around sophomore year, when you begin receiving thousands of junk emails and postcards from every random, podunk school in the country (“We at the Southeast Idaho Institute of Technology and Basket Weaving are impressed with your academic performance and want to cordially invite you to an open house, etc.”). At some point, however, you must begin narrowing down your options. What you

need is a good ole campus tour, where a professional guide gives you a proper viewing of all the world class amenities your dream university has to offer, like running water, bunk beds and curtains. Before you know it, you’re a senior—time to start applying to schools. Maybe you should apply early decision to schools A, B and C, but remember that schools D, E and F have rolling admissions, and school G needs a portfolio. Oh, but wait, school A’s decision is binding, school C’s deadline is about to pass and apparently school B doesn’t want to see you apply early decision to any other school because that Illustration by Oscar Carl really hurts their feelings. Suddenly, the simple process of applying to college, especially if you’re looking for the tiptop schools, just became some sort of weird, vaguely defined game.

Now your schools are picked and it’s time for application fees! This is the part where you pay a school $75 for the privilege of maybe, if you’re lucky, paying them an additional $100,000 or more in the next four years. But, you made it through—your college applications are finished, and you’ve been accepted into your dream school (I knew you had it in you). Mom and Dad sure are proud. So sit back, relax and eat some Doritos, because the rest of your senior year will be a walk in the park. Well, not exactly. Now a whole new, fun game begins called “Can I Afford the School I Got Into.” So, polish your essay writing skills, because it’s time to get some scholarships. But we do all this for a reason, a wonderful reason. The prospects of going to college, of gaining independence, of choosing our path of study and beginning the steps to adulthood far outweigh the minor inconveniences of a tedious and arduous application process. So we seniors may complain, we may stress out, we may grow weary of everyone asking us “what school are you going to?” But after all that, when we really think about it, most of us are just a bunch of kids—bubbling with excitement for what lies in the future. g The Muse October 2011

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news

The doctor is in; meet the new principal Dr. Susan Atherley comes to Dreyfoos from Spanish River

LIVES by EstherMendoza and FrancescaOtero-Vargas

ven though most would not admit it, many Dreyfoos students still cling to that pet, toy, stuffed animal or special blanket that played a significant role in their childhood. For Dreyfoos’ new principal Dr. Susan Atherley, it was her Raggedy Ann doll. “When I was a little kid, one of the most important things to me was my Raggedy Ann doll,” Dr. Atherley said. “[I remember] I lost her once, and I couldn’t find her. She [ended up being in] the closet but I was sad and worried [that I had lost her]. I just wanted her to be safe.” Dr. Atherley has been known to treat her students and faculty with that same level of care. “She was great. She gave us a lot of freedom and always listened to people,” said Ira Sollad, Assistant Principal at Spanish River High School. “She was always very open-minded and her door was always open to teachers and students. She cared about the kids and the teachers and she always did what was best.” However, Dr. Atherley has not always wanted to be a principal. When she was younger she dreamt about being a singer or a dancer. During high school, Dr. Atherley aspired to be a dentist, but when she did not get into school for dentistry, she decided to go into education. “I have been a chemistry teacher, I’ve worked in guidance, and I’ve been an assistant principal and a principal,” Dr. Atherley said. “I still teach at Nova Southeastern University.” Despite her prior teaching experiences, Dr. Atherley was still surprised at the teaching Photo by Aubrey Levin styles employed at Dreyfoos. The teachers try Dr. Susan Atherley sits in her new office as principal of Dreyfoos, transitioning from Spanish River High School.“The Dreyfoos environment embraces growth and change and I think Dr. Atherley was seen as an opportunity for the same,” communications teacher Ancil Deluz said. to incorporate the arts into their classroom lessons and assignments. “I expect her to guide teachers and or studying or doing academics. I went to one “I always dreamed students and to support teachers and social studies classroom about coming to students in what they already do. It’s such a and they were serving Dreyfoos because good, well-running school, I think she’s just different types of food I knew it was very going to make it run better,” English teacher and all of a sudden they unique. I really love the Valerie Bauer said. were serving me Chinese culture of this school. Dr. Atherley has great plans to improve food one minute and There is a real love for Dreyfoos. She is very committed to the school some other kind of food learning here in your and all it has to offer. the next minute and I arts and academics and “If there was anything I would look to just didn’t expect that to -English teacher Valerie Bauer take place.” I think the culture here change it would be the technology we’re is one that doesn’t exist using; I would like to try to make it more Not only have in too many places,” Dr. Atherley said. “I love advanced and try to take us to the next level,” teachers been welcoming Dr. Atherley with how I can go into some classes and kids are Dr. Atherley said. g open arms, but students have also been dancing for an hour and a half or performing adjusting to the change.

‘It’s such a good, wellrunning school. I think she’s just going to make it run better,’

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NEWS

Moustafa receives $10,000 scholarship

the

S F E I R B te-size,

of bi ories n o i t c e l a col teworthy st no

Second annual Halloween Dance planned for Oct. 28 by FrancescaOtero-Vargas

n Friday Oct. 28 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Dreyfoos will be hosting its second annual Halloween Dance. Tickets are $10 and will be sold in the cafeteria from Oct. 17 through Oct. 26. Students should keep in mind that no tickets will be sold at the door. “Students can bring outside guests as long as they are a Palm Beach County student,” social studies teacher Thomas West said. “When they buy a ticket, they will give us the name and school the guest attends, and then administration will run their discipline record.” This dance is sponsored by the social studies department and the proceeds will go towards the enrichment of their AP classes, supplies that the district does not provide and anything that might arise as a department need throughout the year. g

Photo by Audrey Green

Band senior Zachariah Moustafa was caught off guard in third period when Nordstrom representative Chrystal Lux presented him with a cash merit scholarship of $10,000 and an Apple MacBook Air. He entered the contest prior along with 1,300 other applicants in the south-regional area. “I had absolutely no idea that they would go through that much effort to surprise me,” Moustafa said.

Art school rises above all others by FrancescaOtero-Vargas

espite falling FCAT scores throughout the district, Dreyfoos has managed to rise above the rest and make learning gains in the reading, math, science and writing sections of the FCAT. “We have the highest FCAT scores in the district,” Assistant Principal George Miller said. “The FCAT is important because it determines the school’s letter grade, but more

importantly [the district knows] that their teachers are on the right track and that their students are being successful.” The biggest area of concern of the FCAT is the reading scores of students in grades nine and ten, according to The Palm Beach Post. Last year, the school district’s proficiency, or skill level of student’s, dropped to 50 percent for freshmen and 43 percent for sophomores. g

Alumni donate socks across the states Freshman student council winners

by Francesca Otero-Vargas

hen students get ready for school in the morning, they do not really think about how lucky they are to have socks on their feet. Socks are the least donated item for people who are struggling in the current U.S. economy; people who are homeless are able to get most clothing items through donations, except socks. Over the summer, former Dreyfoos communications majors Joey Poach and Daniel Satinoff participated in the No Nonsense Socks for America project. The Socks for America project committed to donate 1 million pairs of socks to people in need across the U.S. “I wanted to participate in the

program because I saw it as an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone all while exploring the country I live in and getting to help others. My dreams were surpassed greatly by the realities of the things I saw and the people I met,” Poach said. “Daniel Satinoff and myself travled from: Colorado Springs, to Denver, to Taos, N.M., to Bentonville, Ark., to Oklahoma City, Okla., to Dallas, Tex., to Wichita Falls, Tex. and then back up to Denver, Colo.” Both film students, Poach and Satinoff, shot a documentary while they were on the road filming tons of footage and documenting the stories and lives of the people who volunteer their time and work to helping others. g

Photo by Aubrey Levin

Co-Presidents: Maria Grosso (middle) & Haley Lickstein (3rd from right) Co-Vice Presidents: Shane Meyers (not pictured) & Courtney Sheehan (not pictured) Co-Recording Secretaries: Jordan Cramer (3rd from left) & Madeleine Fitzgerald (2nd from left) Co-Corresponding Secretaries: Taylor Hendricks (left) & Claudia Zamora (not pictured) Treasurer: Felipe Bomeny (not pictured) Co-Historians: Morgaan Jessell (2nd from right) & Remi Lederman (right)

The Muse October 2011

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news

More than just teachers: meet five new faces by TessSaperstein

Lisa Beckel

ooks can be deceiving. Lisa Beckel is about 5 feet 3 inches tall, wears flowery dresses and before she came to Dreyfoos as a math teacher, she engineered government fighter Photo by Alex Lopez aircrafts. Lisa Beckel teaches her students “I was an engineering assistant. I using real world applications.

Anuska Larkin

nuska Larkin was able to find her career path as a chemistry teacher by combining the two things she was best at. Her knack for science and love for helping others were the qualities she needed most. “I was good at math and science and I was also always really good at helping others,” Ms. Larkin said. “I was the one that everyone came to to ask for tutoring. I always liked to help others learn.” After completing her internship at Dreyfoos

ran engine simulations [for Pratt & Whitney],” Ms. Beckel said. “They do engines for F-22s and F-16s. It was after getting my computer degree and working at Pratt that I decided I really wanted to teach.” She uses her experiences to

last year, she was invited to come back and teach her own class. “I really liked the experience here. [The students] are amazing, so I decided to stay,” Ms. Larkin said. Ms. Larkin loves science because it is connected to a wide variety of topics. “Understanding science makes a person able to make better decisions overall,” Ms. Larkin said. “It is a way of understanding everything around us.” g

Anna Tabernilla

nna Tabernilla decided to teach at Dreyfoos because of convenience. After 12 years of teaching at Forest Hill and Park Vista, she came to Dreyfoos to teach chemistry. “It was a shorter drive,” Ms. Tabernilla said. Contrary to popular belief, not all teachers were born to love their subject. “I didn’t like chemistry in high school,” Ms. Tabernilla said.

Over time, Ms. Tabernilla grew to enjoy chemistry and the many different aspects of science. “[Science] is always changing. There [are] always new things being added to it,” Ms. Tabernilla said. She encourages students to go beyond class and learn about science on their own. “The teacher is just a vehicle for information,” Tabernilla said. g

Christine Tieche

hristine Tieche is a student at heart. school so she could share her knowledge After graduating from Dreyfoos in 2002 with her students. as a communications major, “I thought it would be a great she was invited to come back next step in my life to come and teach film and television back and share my love of film production. and television with the next “I remember being a student generation,” Ms. Tieche said. here and loving every minute,” Since she was young, Ms. Ms. Tieche said. “There wasn’t Tieche wanted to make films and Photo by Alex Lopez Some of Christine Tieche’s another school where I could at Dreyfoos she was given that coworkers were her have made films like I have here.” current opportunity. teachers nine years ago. She first came to Dreyfoos “As a filmmaker, I like to because she wanted to learn how to make entertain,” Ms. Tieche said. “You help people films. This year, Ms. Tieche came back to escape their reality with film.” g

Where were you on 9/11? Just after the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, faculty describes where they were when it happened. Compiled by KyleBell

communicate to her students how math skills will be useful in the future. “I feel I bring a sense of the real world to teaching because I know what it is like to be successful in the real world,” Ms. Beckel said. g

Photo by Alex Lopez

William Wood teaches biology and anatomy and physiology. “I’m a science guy,” Mr. Wood said.“It was always my favorite class every single year.”

William Wood

eachers can completely change a student’s school year. While passionate and interactive teachers can make their students interested, a strict and apathetic one can have the opposite effect. After going through school and having different teachers, William Wood decided to go into the profession himself. “I want to be like my great teachers and I want to change what my worst teachers were doing,” Mr. Wood said. Mr. Wood tries to convey his love of science to his students. Whether it is through experiments or other interactive activities, he always wants to keep students involved. “Great teachers [make] a big difference. They [make] the stuff enjoyable and don’t just give you PowerPoint notes,” Mr. Wood said. After teaching in New York, Mr. Wood is excited to be at Dreyfoos. He has never taught at a magnet school before and is enjoying the experience. “I’m really lucky and fortunate to be here. I’m so grateful that I got this opportunity,” Wood said. “I’m making the most of it.” g

“I was standing here in the lobby watching TV, and as I was standing there, the second plane hit the second tower.” Photo by Alex Lopez

Lynn Berryman

Student Service Secretary

Photo by Alex Lopez

Richard Gallo

Social Studies Teacher

“I was teaching in North Broward [Preparatory School], I heard about it from the students who had their phones on, we turned on the TV and watched the events.”

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NEWS

Kanu broke Palm Beach School segregation barriers around the entrance of the school to watch ew people can say they’ve had a direct the two students arrive. part in freeing the “I wasn’t really worried, nor community from the shackles anxious, but just poised and ready for of segregation, but one what I would encounter in terms of teacher at Dreyfoos can. On making sure I did my best,” Ms. Kanu Sept. 11, 1961, English teacher said. Theresa Kanu entered She was not allowed to take band Lake Worth High School, or PE. Administration was not sure becoming the first Africanif she could be kept safe in those American to enter a formerly classes, according to Ms. Kanu. The segregated high school in second year however, Ms. Kanu Palm Beach County. This was allowed to take band class and, past Sept. 11 marked the 50th as a result of her taking that class, anniversary of her integration something traumatic happened. Photo courtesy of Theresa Kanu of Palm Beach County Ms. Kanu and her white Ms. Kanu poses in her high school Schools. bandmates took a trip to Phipps Park yearbook photo. Ms. Kanu was escorted to so that they could have a picnic on Lake Worth High School by public authorities the beach, which was segregated at the time. on the morning of her first day attending Within a few minutes, police began to gather high school. Police and FBI personnel were around the beach; Ms. Kanu was told that she stationed on campus. Crowds gathered would have to leave. by KyleBell

“By the time we got to the top of the dune area, there were so many police cars there to pick me up, one little girl, because I was black and on Phipps Park,” Ms. Kanu said. She was taken to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, where the police chief interrogated her, saying that he “had to put others off the beach like [her] before,” and that he could put her in jail. The community became outraged at such a blatant expression of racism, especially against such a young girl. A march was organized in Phipps Park, and within a year, the police chief lost his job. “As a result of the March on Phipps Park, the beaches of Palm Beach County became desegregated,” Ms. Kanu said. “Prior to that, we had to go all the way to Jupiter to go to the beach, it was known as The Black Beach.” Throughout her education in Lake Worth High School, Ms. Kanu provided a new and positive example for the future of Palm Beach County Schools. g

Eight of 12 Posse Scholarship nominees become semifinalists E by TessSaperstein

ighty teenagers, 12 of them Dreyfoos students, are packed together in a room and they are all chasing imaginary chickens; they are not hallucinating, and none of them are on drugs. These teenagers are some of the highest achieving students in Florida, and they are all attending an interview for the Posse Scholarship. The Posse Foundation was founded in 1989 and targets “public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes,” according to the foundation’s website. By having an unorthodox interview, the foundation is able to observe the creativity the applicants have and the leadership roles they take on. “My interview was very unusual,” said band senior and Posse Scholarship semifinalist Simone Romear. “We broke into groups and made a structure out of tape and straws. We were competing to see which group could make the tallest structure, but we

Photo by Alex Lopez

Lisa Friedman English Teacher

could only use one hand.” The finalists who win the scholarship will Twelve Dreyfoos students were nominated receive full tuition towards any of the to attend the preliminary interview in foundation’s partner schools. These include Miami. They Vanderbilt participated in University; many activities University of while being Pennsylvania; observed by University judges. of California, “For the Berkeley and first activity, we many others. were required The Photo by Tess Saperstein to scream as Foundation has Vocal senior Chrislyn Laurore, visual senior Oscar Carl, band senior Simone Romear loud as we and visual senior Kathleen Wang are four of this year’s Posse Scholarship nominees. revolutionized the (Not pictured: communications senior Samantha Bilton, visual senior Brenden Diaz, interview process. could,” said theatre senior Sarah Baldinger, communications senior Donald Meyers) visual senior Instead of sitting at and semifinalist Brenden Diaz. “They also had a table and being asked standard questions, us walk like divas, traverse an imaginary jelly the Posse Foundation focuses on the like floor and pretend we were chasing an students’ ability to take on leadership roles. imaginary chicken.” “The technique they used is employed The winners are chosen in groups of 10 to derive leaders with an inherent ability students or “posses.” Eight of Dreyfoos’ 12 to succeed and communicate effectively, nominees were selected as semifinalists. The accentuating these traits that traditional tests semifinalists will find out in late December would miss,” Diaz said. g whether or not they are chosen as finalists.

“As a New Yorker, I felt almost like I was watching a “Terminator” film. I had been in the towers before as a kid, my grandma’s birthday party was held at [the] Windows of the World restuarant.”

“I guess I was in shock, at first I didn’t want to believe it was a terrorist [attack]. I wanted to believe that it was just an accident.” Photo by Alex Lopez

Traci Whalen Math Teacher

The Muse October 2011

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Dermatology Associates, P.A. Joshua M. Berlin, M.D. Brett S. Dock. M.D. Mark R. Gardner, M.D. J. John Goodman, M.D. Howard A. Green, M.D.

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10 The Muse October 2011 Master Layout Issue One.indd 10

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Features

Schroeder hits a few speed bumps Commentary by MackSchroeder

drive my mom’s Toyota Highlander Hybrid. I sometimes drive at 15 mph on 40 mph roads. I was forced to take driving lessons even after I got my license. I have yet to cover myself under an insurance policy, and I recently drove on the wrong side of the road while carrying two passengers. Despite all of these driving faux pas, I would still consider myself a decent automobilist. While the car I drive is more suited for a PTA mom going to pick up her five kids from aftercare, I still manage to get the most out of its excellent gas mileage and average stereo system. It gets roughly 33 miles per gallon, allowing me to keep rolling with my homies without worrying about running on empty. If you ever catch me cruising with my swag crew on my way to Urban Outfitters or LA Fitness, the fact that all my friends are flailing around like high voltage rag dolls will probably not be the thing that grabs your attention. Rather, you’ll be surprised to observe that the entire car is vibrating from the filthy dubstep that is blasting on full bass. You may be thinking that by listening to music this loud I am not practicing safe driving techniques, but rest assured ladies and gentlemen, I make it a priority to keep both myself and my peers safe and secure while driving my soccer mom SUV. And since my driving parameters only extend a mere five miles from my house, you won’t

see any screaming 17-yearold boys barrel rolling off the expressway anytime soon. Usually when a teenager is driving around with his friends, the passengers remind him to stop driving recklessly and slow down. Contrary to these careless adolescents, my driving usually garners a response like “Bro, you know there’s a speed limit to how slow you can go too?” The only thing I feel slightly guilty about is how many of my pals I’ve sent to the chiropractor by slamming on the breaks to stop at a yellow light that I could have clearly made. But which Illustration by Oscar Carl would you choose: a less than 1 percent chance of getting in a minor car accident or a possible displaced disc in your neck? I’d take the displaced disc. One great advantage about driving your mom’s car is that fact that all of its components are full of surprises that could’ve only been left by a woman in her early 50s. Nothing beats driving down the road in the worst of moods and accidentally hitting the play button on the steering wheel to release a strange country-like feminist folk mix on max volume. My friend even had the privilege of helping herself to a leftover bag of almonds she found in the CD box. While it’s safe to say that I don’t drive as angrily as Nicolas Cage, I can’t deny that cruising in mommy’s car is a blast. Maybe one day I’ll be that irresponsible stunt racer in that sexy Ferrari Enzo, but if life is a highway, I guess I’m just stuck in a little traffic. g

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Features

D-box theater seats bring 4-D experience to CityPlace By JosieRusso

unfights and explosions flash across the screen as sounds boom throughout the auditorium. The seat rocks and moves as the action unfolds. This is not a ride at a theme park; this is the D-box motion code theater seats at the Muvico Parisian 20 in CityPlace. “The seats add to the overall experience of the movie, making you feel as if you’re in the action and part of the movie,” said Don Edwards Jr., the marketing manager of Muvico Theaters. “Surround sound lets you hear the action; D-box lets you feel it. Personally, I really enjoy subtlety of the system and the motion, which adds to the enjoyment of the movie.” The movement of the seats is directed by the sounds of the film. When there is dialogue, the seats are still. However, the seats jostle at explosions in the movie and gunshots result in a short, backward motion. “D-box is a fun new way to experience a movie, which allows you to feel more in touch with the film,” vocal sophomore Morgan O’Gorman said. The seats were first introduced by D-box Technologies in 2009. After making a deal with Muvico in 2010, the Quebec based

company expanded the seats into the United States. The seats at the Parisian 20 were installed before the summer of 2011. “Muvico has always tried to be at the forefront of theater technology,” Mr. Edwards said. “In striving to offer unique amenities to enhance the theater experience, Touch Screensigning with D-box Adjustable levels of motion effects technologies was a logical choice to offer something new and exciting.” Only 50 theaters in the United States are equipped with the system. The Moving seatWide range of Parisian 20 is the motion effects only theater in Palm Beach County to offer it. “The Muvico Parisian Theater is located in the heart of CityPlace in West Palm Beach,” Mr. Edwards said. “The theater already showcased an IMAX theater and all Sony 4K Digital Projection, the Muvi-Bar and a lavish décor. Adding a unique amenity like D-box to Muvico Parisian 20 just helped to add to everything that theater has to offer.”

In order to prevent people from sneaking into the film, only the amount of seats paid for during the select Vibrating Headrest- showing will move to the Enhancing movie movie. In addition to the experience normal charge for the movie, there is an $8 surcharge for the D-box seats. Cup holder“If you want Classic to go for the extra movie experience, then it’s worth it,” O’Gorman said. According to regional managing director Mike Stover, the trial system has been working well and drawing in people each weekend. Muvico Graphic by Kyle Bell is planning to install more systems in the circuit, making the experience more available. “At Muvico we continuously try to offer more than just the typical movie experience to our guests,” Mr. Edwards said. “By incorporating unique amenities like the D-box motion chairs, we try to make the movie night a true and unforgettable experience.” g

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Features

THE CLUBS ARE ALL RIGHT

Photo by Audrey Green

more cool clubs by DanaMiller

Painting for Families Mission statement: Help less-fortunate, deprived and underprivileged families through painting. Founders: Photo by Audrey Green Visual senior Visual seniors Hamilton Lopez (left) and Marcio Do advertise Painting for Families, Joey Parrella and visual junior a community service club for artists, at Club Rush. Nic Rabinowitz. “We plan to eventually team up with Key Club, Habitat for Humanity and Paint Your Hearts Out to do bigger projects,” Parrella said.

Godric’s Hollow Mission statement: Show how even though series is over, Harry Potter will live on forever.

Photo by Audrey Green

Godric’s Hallow members band senior Annika Wittbold and keyboard junior Parker Holloway recruit new members at Club Rush. Club activities include wand duels, Quidditch matches and a Triwizard Tournament.

Founder: Communications junior Brooke Walling. “[The Triwizard Tournament] will be based off the facts from Harry Potter: there will be three players and one ‘accidental’ [player],” said Walling.

During Club Rush on Sept. 14, vocal freshman Jessica Homarsky (left) and digital media freshman Meave Headstrom (right) inform students about the Forgotten Soldiers Club.

Lack of restrictions allow for increased club variety by CamilleSanches

ith few club regulations, students can create clubs like “I Love the 80s” and the Mythology club. Compared to other schools in the county, making a schoolsponsored club is simple. According to Assistant Principle George Miller, there are just two steps. First, the student must find an on-campus teacher to sponsor the club. Then, the teacher notifies Mr. Miller so he can make sure that the club is safe. Because the process is so straightforward, many new clubs join Club Rush each year. One successful new club with over 180 sign-ups is the Bro Club. “We’re a legitimate club fostering brotherhood and guidance amongst the student body- that’s all you need,” said communications senior and co-founder of the club Nathan Ward. The club process is a little different from other schools like Suncoast , where the Bro Club would not be possible. “We have a club application form that asks for the club name, the mission and purpose and the school sponsor,” Suncoast

Assistant Principal Jana Hartley said. “After the paper work is filled out, it first goes to the assistant principal of student activities to make sure there isn’t anything missing from the form, and then the club needs to get approved by the principal. Once the club is approved, the school sponsor is notified and the club can begin meeting.”

‘Some clubs have more merit than others, but you don’t tell people that they can’t meet. Who has the right to do that?’ -Assistant Principal George Miller Although many clubs choose to support a cause, they are not required to have a mission statement, or even benefit the school community. “We don’t stand in the way of students creating clubs. Some clubs have more merit than others, but you don’t tell people that they can’t meet. Who has the right to do that?” Mr. Miller said. “Just because the school doesn’t agree with a club, it doesn’t mean you can’t have it.” g

The Bro Club

Mission statement: Promote brotherhood and support for students through team-building activities and community service. Females welcome. Founders: Communications seniors Nathan Weinbaum, Javy Mora, Nathan Ward, Marco Dumancas, Will Miranda, Cody Coven and Jeremiah Romano and digital media senior Jonathan Josephs. The Muse October 2011

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Features

An online school community

How students stay connected after the final bell by TimothyDiTocco

unique approach to the worldwide web has sprung up. Instead of trying to remember everything that happened in class, students create and join groups for their classes on Facebook. This helps them find class information and upcoming assignments from their classmates. Many students find it a drag to write down and remember everything their teachers want them to know for class. It is also equally as difficult for teachers to get a hold of their students for last minute updates. Edline was created to relieve these particular problems; unfortunately, some students do not really find it that useful. “Most of the time, Edline is easy for me to use,” visual sophomore Jordan Lane-Palmer said. “But it does not make it an easy place for students to stay up to date at all. Teachers always forget to update it and I rarely use it.” Even though some students find Facebook very helpful compared to Edline, many students still feel like even Facebook carries these flaws. “I could see Facebook being used once in a while or as a backup, but no one should use it as much as they do,” theatre freshman Dustin Thompson said. “I use Edline all the

Photo by Aubrey Levin

Students use Facebook groups and pages to stay connected outside of school.

time, but if my teacher doesn’t update it, then I’ll use Facebook to chat with friends on what I missed.” Still, students continue to use Facebook to help them stay on track and, it is safe to say, as an even more productive alternative to Edline. “Facebook is essential to stay up to date and connected in my classes and in school clubs,” communications junior Natasha Scruggs said. “Edline is not really updated regularly and Facebook is just so convenient for me to use, especially as the leader of the First Priority club at Dreyfoos.” Dreyfoos is not only the high school

students who have started to use Facebook like this. For example, the students at Arizona State University recently launched “ASU on Facebook”. This lets the university use social networking to connect and engage with its students. The university’s own newspaper, The State Press, quoted one of its education advisors about what led the university students to create this innovation. “The Facebook application was adopted primarily as a means of integrating students socially into ASU activities,” said Lisa McIntyre, who works on the project on behalf of the Provost’s office. “They can see and choose activities that interest them, get to know classmates, associate with students with common interests and form common geographic areas. Students can even begin interaction with fellow incoming freshmen prior to arriving at ASU.” Despite school’s challenging nature, Facebook allows students to stay connected even after the bell. More often than not, Facebook is something that allows students that extra push that gets them through their classes and the school year. As long as school exists, a strong online school community will too. g

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hopped in the _____________ and headed to Dreyfoos. I walked by Freshman Hill (mode of transportation)

and spotted a ____________. I ran away screaming into first period and saw more (noun)

_______________ . ___________ came to see why I was screaming and we both _________ (plural noun)

(Teacher)

(verb)

to Building (num. We then ran into (Assistant Principal), and we got yelled at for running (number)

(Assistant Princial)

in the hallway! (Same teacher) and I then decided to fight the (plural nddoun) our(Same Teacher)

(plural noun)

selves. We grabbed (nounsdsds) from the theatre department and stalked our prey. We (plural noun) (adverbddd the wild beasts and we verbverfdddb (number of them. There was still one (verb)

“

Compiled by MikeshiaLewin

“

QUEEN

(verb)

(number)

left: the Queen! She was as __________ as a ________________ and as ________fff_ as a (adjective) (noun) (adjective) _______f___! We were shaking in our (pluraoun)when the Queen suddenly darted down (plural noun) (noun)

the stairs of the Building 2 basement. Since that day, all of the students, including myself and (teacher name), avoid that building because we know what lives down there, and it (Same Teacher) isn’t (adjectivddddd. g (adjective)

A new frozen treat is taking over the dessert scene

“Our yogurt is creamier and we clean our royotopia offers 12 all-natural frozen yogurt machines regularly so everything pretty much flavors and 40 toppings at just 46 cents tastes perfect.” an ounce. A few miles away, Yo Lé offers the The concept of self-serve frozen yogurt is same amount of flavors and 36 toppings at a relatively new and phenomenon that many the unbeatable price of 45 cents an ounce. of these froyo locations are using to attract The frozen yogurt boom has hit almost every customers. At around 46 cents an ounce, you area of Palm Beach County and competition is can go froyo-crazy with as many different fierce. flavors and toppings as you desire from a “I feel like these frozen yogurt places just selection of yogurt-making machines. appeared out of nowhere,” communications “I’ve seen yogurts that are 20 ounces,” sophomore Randen Lubart said. “The said Ariel Greenhouse, an employee at variety just astounds me.” Froyotopia. “[They were] filled to the top o From Boynton to Boca Raton, froyo with gummy bears and marshmallow F r yFr stores include Eco Yogurt Lounge, o F r sauce.” o y o Fr o y F Tasti D-Lite, Yogurt FroyoFro y o F r Some students found that F oy o y Emporium, Orange Leaf and many froyo stores have trouble FroFyrooFyrooFyro o r F oy Froyo o Go Yo. In Royal Palm there r r keeping this system organized F F Froyo is Froyolicious, and from and clean depending on the Wellington to Delray you can amount of business. find Freshberry and La Frozen “[Froyo] is good but it depends Yogurt as well as another Orange on when you go,” theatre senior Graphic by Kyle Bell Madeleine Kaye said. “If you go on Leaf location. Each froyo store differs in price, nutrition and flavor variety. Go Yo, for a Friday, the toppings are everywhere and example, ensures that their yogurt is clean and it’s disgusting. But if you go on a Sunday fresh. afternoon, you feel like you’re in Froyo “[The yogurt] is not a mix that we make at Heaven.” the store. It’s actually made at a dairy [plant],” While having the customer serve and said Tom Chambers, the manager of Go Yo. customize their own yogurt from these By MackSchroeder

o r F r oy F rFFrro y y

r o Fr roFroyoy oF

o r Fr o y o F Fr o y o y o o F royo Fro y o y

Fr o

r ooy F r

Carlino 281 -2531 io.com

Features

machines has worked for many businesses, some froyo locations are against this type of self-serve marketing. Places like Yogurt Emporium, Freshberry, and Tasti D-Lite sell their products by small, medium and large sizes. “We’ve been around for 25 years,” said Marty Martin, the owner of Yogurt Emporium. “We’ve had steady customers and we’ve never had to advertise.” Some self-serve locations like Red Mango and Eco Yogurt Lounge believe the health benefits of their yogurt are worth a higher price. At 49 cents an ounce, Red Mango assures that their froyo contains no artificial sweeteners and is more natural than the competition’s. At 47 cents an ounce, Eco Yogurt Lounge sells yogurt with many organic supplements. “All our products are sweetened with agave and there’s Echinacea in our chocolate flavor,” said Brandon, an employee at Eco Yogurt Lounge. “You can even order our yogurt with extra calcium and vegetable protein.” Unless you are in the middle of the Sahara, you can rest assured that there is froyo within a few miles. So grab your cup and get froyo-ed up. g

Chef John Carlino (561) 281 -2531 http://cooksstudio.com

An Interactive Culinary Experience in Palm Beach Gardens

Cooking Demonstrations Hands -On Cooking Classes Chef's Tables Dinners Corporate Team Building Kool Kids Cooking Classes & Parties The Muse October 2011

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Chef John Carlino (561) 281 -2531 http://cooksstudio.com

10/20/2011 2:51:25 PM

Cover Story

class size

disParity

Despite the Class Size Amendment in full effect, the number of classes with 30 or more students has increased.

we’re being presented with is a plan where we While there is no limit to the number of hen foreign language teacher Barbara flood certain areas with larger classes in order students allowed in non-core classes, school Smith returned to her classroom in not to flood other areas.” administrators have made an effort not to August, she struggled to set up her room. Dreyfoos was one of few schools in the exceed 35 students per class. Still, some With 34 student desks to accommodate the county to be in full compliance with teachers feel that even a class of 35 30-plus students in each of her Spanish II, III state class size laws from the takes its toll. and IV classes, she was faced with the highest outset. About 11,000 classes “Everything’s different because enrollment she had ever had in her 32 years of throughout the Palm Beach I have so many faces. Just teaching Spanish. County School District were out learning their names, getting “Instead of 25 students, or 24, or even 20, of compliance at the beginning to know them, getting to know I’m looking at 34, 35,” Ms. Smith said. “It’s of the school year, said district their needs, grading papers, Classes out of 25:1 pretty much instead of teaching five classes, Chief Financial Officer Mike having kids going to the board, compliance I’m teaching seven.” Burke. On Oct. 14, that number the logistics of the class, just me Ms. Smith is one of many teachers affected dropped to zero as the district going up and down the rows, it’s by the State Legislature’s recent removal of reached 100 percent compliance. a good thing that I’m thin,” Ms. Smith AP and foreign language classes from the said. “You’re a foreign language teacher, you Is Big Really That Bad? list of “core-curricula courses” that must want to speak as much as you can, you want adhere to the 25-student class size cap. to interact with as many students as you can. Students taking many AP classes— Meanwhile, most regular and honors classes But even I am not superwoman.” predominantly juniors and seniors—are more are considered core and cannot exceed 25 Others, like social studies teacher likely to feel the effects of the larger classes. students, creating a large disparity in class Sara Stout, feel that while delivering the But are these classes too big? And is big sizes throughout the school. curriculum may be the same, the impact of a necessarily bad? Compared to last year, the number of big class is felt in other ways. A recent survey conducted by The Muse classes at Dreyfoos with 30 or more “I think there’s more of an intimidation illustrated a wide range of student opinions. students increased by 78 percent, factor with larger classes,” said Ms. Stout, Of 110 juniors and seniors polled who from 32 classes last year to 57 who teaches three AP US History classes. are enrolled in at least one AP now. Nonetheless, out of the “For some of the kids that are not extroverts, class, 55 percent were happy school’s 389 class periods, they seem to remain quieter for longer and let with the size of their classes. more than two-thirds have others take the reign.” And of more than 300 25 or fewer students. Some are finding that larger classes are students across all grade This raises a compelling not much of an issue, and in some cases even levels, 48 percent said they question: Is the Class favorable. felt larger classes negatively Size Amendment, passed “I find that it’s in a sense better than impact their learning INCREASE by Florida voters in 2002, teaching a smaller class at that level because experience. in number of classes with accomplishing its goal of I get diverse opinions and questions,” said “I think that since we’re 30+ students smaller classes? And is it fair math teacher Olive Bryan, who teaches three in an AP class we’re capable that the State has permitted some AP Calculus classes. of being mature about it,” said classes to be bigger, just to keep other Social studies teacher Jeffrey Stohr, communications senior Liz Chapman, “core courses” smaller? who teaches two sections of AP US History, who is taking four AP classes. “But I still feel “The people spoke and said they want believes the school is up for the challenge. it is more difficult to learn the material when their students to have lower class sizes,” “If you’re going to put 35 or 45 kids in a there’s so many people in the class.” science dean Stephen Anand said. “What class, it better be AP kids,” Mr. Stohr said. by DanielMilstein

78%

Graphics by Nicole Hamilton

16 The Muse October 2011 Master Layout Issue One.indd 16

52%

Do larger classes negatively impact your learning experience?

BY THE NUMBERS

48 %

15-35 71% range of academic class sizes

of students are happy with the size of their classes

10/20/2011 2:51:26 PM

Cover Story

classes WITH 30 or more students

# of classes

“The kids here at Dreyfoos can handle 35 kids, the teachers = one class last year here can handle 35 = one class this year kids. The kids here tend to be here to learn.” While some claim that the larger AP classes prepare students for what they will experience in college, others are concerned with the limitations of physical Graphic by Rachel Anderson The graphic shows the class-size distribution of the classes with over 30 students. These numbers classroom space. “These rooms are include six art classes with over 38 students, such as vocal ensemble, orchestra and band. equip teachers with the tools required to be not designed to hold 35, successful in a class of any size,” Ms. Edwards 40 people,” math dean Patrick Marshall said. said. “Adaptability is key.” “If they want larger classes, they should have Ultimately, it seems there is no simple them in lecture halls, where students would answer. Regardless of preference, everyone be taking normal college classes.” seems resolved to make the best of the Perhaps the most prominent issue of situation. the debate over large classes is one-on-one “I make it manage, which I think most teacher-student interaction. teachers will, even in a class of 35,” said “The challenge comes when you have to Mr. Marshall, who teaches an Advanced Topics math class of 29. “They’re going to try to do the best possible they can.”

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38+ class size (# of students)

Class Size: The Bottom Line Despite the significant increase in classes with over 30 students, these classes represent less than 14 percent of classes schoolwide, whereas the vast majority—72 percent—have 25 or fewer students. “I think in the long run, it Photo by Alex Lopez Social studies teacher Gary Bicker instructs his AP Human Geography class of 35 depends on the teachers and the students. There are 57 class periods with 30 or more students this year. students, whatever the system is, to make it work,” Assistant Principal George help people individually, so you have to be Miller said. “That’s all we can do right now.” creative in trying to figure out a way that you In the first year that the Class Size have time to do that, maybe by giving group Amendment is being fully implemented in work or something similar, because it takes a all Palm Beach County schools, Dreyfoos is long time to meet with people,” said English doing its best to keep the size of art classes teacher Theresa Beermann, who teaches two down while balancing out the size of academic AP English Literature classes. classes—and remain in full 25-to-one An American Educational Research compliance. Association report concluded that “teachers “I just have to commend your scheduling in small classes pay greater attention to guy, the principal that’s down there,” each pupil.” But it said that “there is no district CFO Mike Burke said. Mr. Miller is experimental research suggesting that any benefits are realized by subtracting only a few responsible for creating the school’s master schedule. children from a larger class.” Most students are content with the According to social studies teacher situation, as 238 of the 333 students surveyed, Danielle Edwards, who holds a master’s or 71 percent, said that overall they are happy degree in educational psychology and teaches with the size of their classes. five AP Psychology classes, class size does “Educational policy is a pendulum, and it not matter as long as teachers are prepared to swings to extremes,” Ms. Edwards said. “And deal with it. you have to weather the storm the best you “We get this impression that small class can and stick with it.” g size is going to fix everything, when in fact the best way to improve education is to

Florida Virtual School becomes graduation requirement by KellyBerger

taring glassy-eyed at the spinning wait-cursor on a computer screen has replaced keeping vigil over the ticking classroom wall clock for more students than ever this year as they enroll in online courses through the Florida Virtual School (FLVS). Beginning with this year’s freshman Class of 2015, all students will be required to take an online course in order to graduate from high school under the Digital Learning Now Act. “We feel this legislation will increase options for Florida students while furthering our commitment of keeping the student at the center of every decision we make,” said Julie Young, President and CEO of FLVS. However, not all students agree that a required online course is beneficial.

‘It keeps art and academic classes low, but on the flip side it can eventually cause teachers to lose their jobs because it may lead to more students taking an FLVS class instead of taking the course in school.’ -Assistant Principal George Miller “I feel it should be optional to take an online course. I think that teachers are a great way of learning new things because sometimes it’s hard to comprehend things on your own,” theatre freshman Olivia DeiCicchi said. “I have to take an online P.E. class, but I chose not to take an online Spanish class because it’s a totally different language and I think it would be difficult for myself to learn from someone who’s on a computer.” Nonetheless, FLVS provides a solution to meeting state-mandated class size limits, especially as the Digital Learning Now Act is put into effect. But while it helps to keep class sizes down, it could eventually lead to teacher lay-offs. “FLVS is going to be twofold here at Dreyfoos,” Assistant Principal George Miller said. “It keeps art and academic classes low, but on the flip side it can eventually cause teachers to lose their jobs because it may lead to more students taking an FLVS class instead of taking the course in school.” g The Muse October 2011

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Sports

Nowak serves up new volleyball team JAGUAR PROFILE

squad. However, they still face the wo years seemingly uphill battle of the odds ago, the against sports teams at Dreyfoos gym was succeeding. Nevertheless, Nowak empty during and the rest of the team are the fall sports determined to do whatever they can season. There to keep improving. were no “She has improved tremendously practices, no over the past three weeks,” volleyball Photo by Dana Miller meetings and coach Ruby Hernandez said. no games until basketball season “Charlotte’s always like ‘One more started along with the other winter coach. Last one coach.’ Then it’s 20 sports. This year, for the first time, minutes later and I’m like ‘Charlotte, a recognized team will fill the space I’ve got to go home.’ Because of that, that once, not long ago, stood empty. she [and the whole team] have been In just two years, the girls’ improving rapidly. volleyball team has gone from an Nowak began playing volleyball idea to a reality. Spearheading the six years ago, partly because she idea was communications senior fit the volleyball player profile, and Charlotte Nowak. “[Nowak] was the person who took the initiative,” said keyboard senior and co-senior captain of the volleyball team Ashleigh McDougal. “She asked about the -Keyboard senior Ashleigh McDougal process for starting a team, searched for someone to coach us and was the partly to maintain an active lifestyle. main communicator between Mr. “I’m tall. Currently 6 feet tall,” Webb and the team throughout the Nowak said. “In middle school process. She was very persistent.” people would ask me ‘Do you play In her sophomore year, Nowak volleyball?’ and I would say no. and friends came up with the idea I decided in the 7th grade that I during lunch. Initially they went to should be active, so rather than Mr. Webb and asked what had to be sitting on the couch eating potato done to start a volleyball team. chips, I figured it was better to play “We were told that we had to volleyball.” have a year of intramurals first,” Due to her height, Nowak’s Nowak said. “We begged people to position is front and center. Her sign up. Whether they had played main job is blocking her opponents’ before, hadn’t played before, were shots. bad at volleyball, or didn’t want to “It’s amazing for someone who sign up at all, we told them to put is playing organized volleyball for their name on the sheet, just so we the first time to have three to four would have enough people on the blocks per game,” Ms. Hernandez sheet.” said. Last year, they still weren’t Not only is Nowak considered considered an actual team, even an amazing player, she is also after their one year of required known as a great teammate, and an intramurals. The team wasn’t put inspirational leader and captain. in a district, and didn’t have a “She is so motivating,” McDougal schedule, so to practice they had said. “She is always the one to tell to ask teams to come scrimmage you it’s ok when you mess up. She them. This season, for the first has the ability to liven up the team. time, the girls will occupy the gym If Charlotte’s there, the entire team for the fall season as a recognized functions so much better.” g by KevinLevine

Nowak has organized Dreyfoos’ first ever volleyball team

‘She has the ability to liven up the team. If Charlotte’s there, the entire team functions so much better.’

Photo by Alex Lopez

“This year was pretty bumpy, being the first year,” Nowak said. “But, with time comes improvement, and I’m excited to hear about the future success of Dreyfoos volleyball.” Nowak will graduate with the Class of 2012, leaving the girls volleyball team to current and future students.

Photo by Alex Lopez

Nowak tosses up the volleyball, serving to the opposing team, Oxbridge Academy, during a home game at Dreyfoos. The Jaguars won. Nowak’s main position is at the front of the court, blocking opponents’ shots.

“This year we finally got official jerseys,” Nowak said. “Before the team competed, we competed in warm-up shirts.”

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Sports

Alumnus’ shirt design still undefeated

‘04 graduate Steve Hamilton’s economics project lives on not only serve as an inside joke but proceeds hey are everywhere. Everyone is wearing from their sales have also greatly supported them: friends, classmates and even the Save the Arts Foundation. teachers. They have become a symbol of “Last year alone we sold at least 300 shirts, Dreyfoos. The item in question is none other which is about $3,000 and all of that money than the “Still Undefeated” football shirts. The reason the shirts do so well is because there is no team, which is what makes our school unique. What most people do not know is that the shirt is seven years old and began as an idea for Dreyfoos alumnus Steve Hamilton’s school project. “[Dreyfoos’ undefeated football team] had been a joke between my friends and me since freshman year,” Mr. Hamilton said. “When I went on [a] college tour to Flagler College, I saw a Flagler College undefeated shirt and thought our school should have that too. I didn’t know that it was going to be a big hit. Once I got my first batch of shirts they started to sell like crazy and then kids started to wear them and more people wanted them until I sold out.” There were many complicated steps in creating the popular shirts. Social studies Photo courtesy of Steve Hamilton teacher Tom West, Mr. Hamilton’s economics “I had no idea that [the shirts] would become what they are teacher, helped Mr. Hamilton to develop and today, but I am sure proud that it did,” Mr. Hamilton said. facilitate the production of the shirts. “He handled it pretty much on his own, with a directly to Project Graduation,” ‘When I went on [a] college tour goes little bit of secretary Lynn Berryman said. “We to Flagler College, I saw a Flagler offered them last year at orientation, input from me. We concerts and other College undefeated shirt and discussed school-related thought our school should have functions. I have how he could take kids come up to that too. I didn’t know it was it from me all the time going to be a big hit.’ concept to and ask for me to a final product,” Mr. West said. “It included buy the shirts. If I had five to six complicated steps from finding the the product, I could sell price of buying the raw materials, the costs to hundreds of them.” ship the shirts, design, color scheme, and the Last year was one price it would be sold at.” of the most profitable. The shirts have certainly become wellWhile the shirts have known. With the popularity of the shirts come not gone on sale yet this benefits for the Dreyfoos community. They school year, the future By MaxFields

looks bright for the sales of the shirts. The shirts are seven years old, but most students still love the joke. “I think the joke plays an important role for [Dreyfoos students]. I love the joke and so do all of my friends,” band sophomore Nick Bimonte said. “[The shirts] I think are a sign of school spirit, but instead in a form of a team it is in a form of a shirt.” g

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The Muse October 2011

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Sports

Synchronized winning by ElizabethLane

Photo courtesy of Madison Delgado

Dance senior Madison Delgado performs a solo piece. In order for her hair and make-up to stay put, she must apply Knox gelatin to her hair and wear waterproof make-up.

n perfect unison, a group of girls glide and dive through the water, surrounded by spectators, all holding their breath in admiration. The girls’ movements are fluid and timed flawlessly. They are all adorned in vibrant makeup and sequined swimsuits. This is a typical water show for synchronized swimming. These elaborate underwater dances take traditional performing arts to an entirely new level. “Common misconceptions are that we float around in the water and dive in sideways,” dance senior Madison Delgado said. “A lot of people think it’s an easy sport but it’s actually the opposite--it’s extremely hard and demanding.” Delgado has been doing synchronized swimming for 11 years. She swims for an elite team in Arizona and must travel there every other weekend to train with them. “Usually, for the first two hours of practice, we swim laps and do a workout,” Delgado said. “Then, we swim through our routines a bunch of times to get used to them and to have more endurance.” Theatre sophomore Melisa Perez has been doing synchronized swimming for four years for the Palm Beach Coralytes. She knows of the rigors of being a synchronized swimmer. “Although [synchronized swimming]

may appear to be more of an art, I would consider it more of a sport,” Perez said. “It takes a lot of strength and you have to be physically fit.” Synchronized swimming meets can last from one day to a week long. There are four different areas that the swimmers can compete in: solo, duet, trio and team. The swimmers can compete in up to three events. The routines are judged on the level of difficulty, artistic impression and synchronization. “The meets can be chaotic and stressful, but are rewarding at the end of the day,” Perez said. Synchronized swimming is not only physically demanding for the swimmers, but is also time consuming for their parents. Melisa Perez’s mother, Carol Perez, is very involved in her daughter’s sport. “I attend all her swim meets and participate in the fundraisers,” Ms. Perez said. “It’s exciting to see [Melisa] compete and work so hard while doing something she loves.” The strenuous efforts of the swimmers and everyone involved collide to create an extraordinary expression of skill in a hybrid of dance, gymnastics and swimming. Synchronized swimming is graceful while still being competitive, making for a sport unlike any other. g

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Sports

Inside Athletics: A column

by RachelAnderson

Don’t be deceived by my washboard abs or glowing tan: I’m not an athlete. I’m a journalist. Few people other than the athletes themselves know what goes on in our school athletics, so I am trying out all the varsity sports and relating my experiences directly to you. Rachel points to her ball in the lake on the third hole at the Presidents Country Club in West Palm Beach, where the girls golf team practices.

During a scrimmage game, Rachel collides with “Wombat” teammate vocal junior Carly Hodge while they both attempt to return the serve. In the weeks before school, the girls volleyball team held workouts twice a day for tryouts.

Hitting just under par I

t turns out Sperrys and khakis don’t make a golf player. Nor do a visor and sunglasses for that matter. Of course, I learned this the hard way. For the first few holes, I caddied for the girls golfers, but the jargon confused me. Why was everyone talking about sandwiches? I thought that maybe that’s what made the golf bags so heavy, but then I learned the coach was talking about a sand wedge, not a BLT.

Can you survive volleyball tryouts?

unny hops and inchworms may not sound like the bane of all evil, but these harmlesssounding exercises are brutal Give these drills a try to see if you’d survive girls volleyball tryouts.

Photo by Daniel Milstein

‘Why was everyone talking about sandwiches? I learned the coach was talking about a sand wedge, not a BLT.’ I found raking sand traps to be more enjoyable since it didn’t involve confusing club names. Admittedly, it was frustrating to rake my footprints, as well as my photographer’s, while leaving the bunker. At the start of the third hole, I took my first swing from the tee. This was actually my second swing, since my first completely missed the ball and left a massive hole in the grass. Instead of sailing over the water trap, my ball plunged into the lake. That’s when I decided putting was more my style. Despite the shaky start, by the last hole I was able to land on the fringe of the green with an iron. When the lucky streak ended, I learned that when all else fails, just shout “Fore!” g

Photo by Daniel Milstein

During the 200-meter Individual Medley repeats, Rachel resorts to freestyle after difficulties with butterfly and backstroke.

Fish out of water N othing quite matches the discomfort of goggles, swim caps and spandex. Strap a tight band to your head and you’ll get an idea of how I felt during the 90-minute swim practice. When I removed my goggles after 2,400 meters of intense swimming, I had a nice pair of raccoon eyes indented on my face. Most people can’t run a mile, let alone swim a mile. The swim team workout was a mile and a half. I should have watched some videos on proper stroke mechanics or lane etiquette; my technique was akin to that of an epileptic squirrel. Even as an amateur triathlete,

my thighs burned and my feet cramped by the time I finished the 200-meter warm-up. Luckily, the splashing hid my frantic gasps for breath. No amount of endurance running could have prepared me for the 200-meter individual medley repeats: 50-meter butterfly, 50-meter backstroke, 50-meter breaststroke, 50-meter freestyle, ad nauseum. After I collided with the same girl in my lane for the third time, I was ready to throw in the towel – except then I wouldn’t be able to dry myself. Though I may not be meant for the water, at least there’s hope for dry land conditioning. g

Inchworm: Begin in push-up position. Do a push-up. Walk your feet to your hands until you are touching your toes. Walk your hands forward away from your feet until you’re back in push-up position. Do a pushup and begin again. Bunny hops: Stand with your feet together; they should remain together for the entire exercise. Place your hands on your head as if you were doing a sit-up. Without using your hands or separating your feet, bend your knees and jump as far as you can in front of you. Repeat until your legs fall off. I-love-me: Sit with your arms crossed against your chest as if hugging yourself. Lean back your upper body, keeping your legs on the floor so that your body forms a V. Twist your upper body side-to-side as fast as possible. Continue for 60 seconds. Plank: Start in push-up position. Cup hands together. Hold this position for 60 seconds, keeping back straight and rear low.

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Arts

Arts Preview by SamanthaBilton and JensenTate

Get ready for some important events you don’t want to miss this year.

Visual ARTS and Digital Media Summer works showcased

fter the Summer Visual and Digital Showcase, students prepared for competitions and working with guest artists Didier William and Lesley Smith. “I am particularly excited about the individual shows and the shows outside,” visual arts dean Jennifer Gifford said. g

Photo by Alex Lopez

Colleen Hargaden places her work in a portfolio to submit to summer programs and colleges.

October So Far Showcase October AP Drawing Showcase November 9-12 New York Trip April 11 Spring Show May 19 Senior Exhibition

Photo by Alex Lopez

Visual sophomore Quenten Kadlec works on molding clay noses for a piece for class.

Theatre department re-vamps a classic play Theatre

Communications

Photo by Dana Miller

Students like communications seniors Jake Meyer (left) and Jarett Rockwerk (right) in TV Production now pre-record the morning announcements as class is moved from first and second period to sixth and seventh period.

TV starts production

n preparation for competitions like the Palm Beach Film Festival and the National Scholastic Press Association, TV production students are creating news packages and preparing for the daily shows. “Look out for our Halloween episode,” television production teacher Christine Tieche said. “It will air at the end of October.” g October 28-30 Blue Key Speech and Debate Tournament November 12 Debate Tournament November 17-20 National Scholastic Press Association High School Journalism Convention December 10 Debate Tournament January 14 Debate Tournament February 11 Debate Tournament March 31 Debate Tournament April 5 Communications Showcase April 20 Film Festival

November 3-6 “On the Threshold of a Midsummer Night’s Dream” January 28 Concert for the Arts February 17-19 Theatre Show February 23-26 Theatre Show March 30 Underclass Acting Showcase May 1 Senior Showcase

hen it comes to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, which opens Nov. 3, there is more that goes into it than what is seen on stage. Behind the scenes the students build the set, sew the costumes, memorize lines and participate in intense rehearsals. “We’re creating our own version of the play by Shakespeare,” theatre dean Beverly Blanchette said. “It’s never been done before. [We’re] creating our own musical.” g

Build crew works behind the scenes to help put on the department’s shows.

V0cal

Photo by Alex Lopez

Vocal department busy with concerts

December 17 Holiday Choral Concert March 13 Choral/Orchestra Concert March 30 Pops Concert May 11 Concert

Photo by Dana Miller

he vocal department had their first concert of the year on Oct. 10. Vocal students are preparing for the Holiday Choral concert and the Prism concert. “We just finished auditions for All State, the Florida American Choral Directors Association and the National American Choral Directors Association,” vocal senior Chrislyn Laurore said. “Twenty students have made it into the Florida American Choral Directors Association and we find out about Nationals on Nov. 1.” g

Vocal majors perform songs in a variety of different languages. They must practice pronunciation as well as singing technique.

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Arts Dance majors perfect their flexibility to master the techniques needed for their performance.

Dance Dancing into the 20112012 school year

ance students have been working to perfect choreography for upcoming shows. “I am always excited about our concerts, particularly the fall and spring shows,” dance dean Jan Hanniford said. “We have wonderful choreographers.” g November 17-20 Fall Concert April 9-14 Spring Concert May 4 Senior Concert Photo by Dana Miller

STRINGS

band A busy season to come

ll-County and All-State auditions and Music Performance Assessments (MPAs) have been top priorities for band students. During MPAs, school bands are judged for their musical abilities like technique. g

Photo by Dana Miller

Members of the orchestra communicate with their instruments to keep their harmony.

Philharmonic concert underway

Photo by Kloee Ciuperger

Band sophomore Adesh Balraj plays the trumpet in band class. the jazz band is composed of students playing a diverse selection of instruments ranging from the piano to bongos.

n Sept. 27, the strings students participated in the Philharmonic concert that featured “Rodeo” by American composer Aaron Copland. Students are preparing for their chamber concert on Oct. 25, which will feature music composed by Leonard Bernstein. “We have been working on ‘West Side Story’ and ‘The Cowboy,’” strings freshman Vincent Moore said. “These pieces will be featured in our Philharmonic concert on Nov. 29.” g October 25 Chamber Concert November 17 String Orchestra Concert November 29 Philharmonic Orchestra Concert February 22 Philharmonic Orchestra Concert March 1 Philharmonic Orchestra Concert April 11 Strings Orchestra Concert April 26 Philharmonic Orchestra Concert

November 8 Jazz Band Concert November 9 Winds Recital December 8-9 Prism Concert February 21 Concert April 25 Jazz Concert May 1 Senior Showcase May 10 Chamber Winds Recital May 18 Concert

Keyboard Piano recitals galore

he keyboard department had their first performance on Oct. 14. Students are currently working with guest artists and preparing for upcoming piano recitals. “The keyboard department has already started preparing for the Prism Concert,” music dean Stefanie Katz Shear said. “We are also working on studio classes and we have a few guest artists coming to work with the students.” g

Photo by Alex Lopez

Keyboard junior Ben Batalla practices a piece for an upcoming concert.

January 27 Klavier Piano Recital February 17 Piano Recital March 9 Klavier Piano Recital April 13 Piano Recital Pianoforte April 23 Klavier Piano Recital May 4 Klavier Piano Recital The Muse October 2011

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Arts Theatre juniors (from left) Chase Franks, Robert Cohen, and Stoan Maslev work on sets for upcoming shows.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A THEATRE STUDENT by KloeeCiuperger

Hairy Details

he Black Box Theater is packed. Disgruntled students leave Building 7, disappointed that they didn’t make it in time to grab a seat to one of the department’s most anticipated shows. The Hairy Details improvisational troupe has definitely gained a fan base in the student body. “It’s major anxiety when you first start but as the [show] goes on you get very comfy and it feels fantastic,” theatre junior Joseph Dardano said. Dardano has auditioned for the past two years to be a part of the troupe. In his junior year, he finally made it. He improved his improvisational skills by doing standup comedy at local venues. The performers are confident and trained to be put on the spot, but they have had their share of embarrassing moments. “The most embarrassing thing is when you go up and tell a joke that seems funny in your head but when you go to say it, it’s awkward and no one laughs,” Dardano said. Students can catch a Hairy Details show on most Fridays during lunch in the Black Box Theater, if they hurry for a seat.

Musical Theatre

veryone can sing. This is the motto of Musical Theatre – a class every student is required to take if they want to be a part of the department’s performance. Whether they can barely hold a tune or belt out “Good Morning Baltimore” with the ease of Aretha Franklin, students work together to develop or advance their skills. “Everyone can basically sing,” theatre junior Melina Brown said. “Eventually they make it so you don’t sound terrible.”

Photo by Dana Miller

Photo by Josie Russo

Photo by Alex Lopez

Belting out musical theatre songs, theatre juniors Myranda Tarr, Taylor Dykstra, Marianna Babiolakis and Alexandra Carter practice for their class performances in the halls.

Brown is among the many theatre students who learned to hone their singing ability. Aside from singing, the class teaches dance techniques. To some, dancing comes as a challenge.

‘Everyone can basically sing. Eventually they make it so you don’t sound terrible.’ -theatre junior Melina Brown

“One time I had a partner dance and the boy forgot his whole part, so I had to do pretty much the whole dance by myself, which was awkward when it came to the lifts and turns,” Brown said. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to the outgoing students of the theatre department. Paired with raw talent, they are required to take difficult classes that force even the most confident performers to step outside of their comfort zone.

Theatre sophomores Chris Carianna and Antonio Chico are two of the Hairy Details performers. Their improv jokes and skits attract full houses at every performance.

Costuming

ewing machines hum in harmony as students fit mannequins with carefully constructed pieces of art. Behind the scenes, some theatre majors are busy with needles and thread creating the ornate costumes for the department’s shows. “It’s time consuming,” theatre senior Daireny Portal said. “It doesn’t take a day to make a costume.” Amongst build crew and the performance track, there exists the costume crew, made up of students who make a majority of the attire for the productions. The costuming class teaches students basic techniques for building costumes from scratch. Students often use delicate toilet paper as their cloth. “Last year two other students and I were working on a dress made out of toilet paper for a couple of weeks. [One day we came back to class] and found it was completely destroyed,” Portal said. The costuming department has hundreds of costumes in storage and continues to work long hours to produce even more. g

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Arts

Summer Creativity shines on the new school year Students display their summer-inspired works in the annual art show by ValeriaRivadeneira Boston and I was amazed by the way the n Sept. 7, the visual building overflowed Boston Bridge looked,” Roque said. with over 600 students, parents and Roque illustrated the Boston Bridge art advocates who wished to see the visual by making a Hockney portrait, where she department’s Summer digitally combined Show. The show many photographs featured at least one into one. piece of art created by “I’ve been coming each visual and digital to this show for four media student over the years and I’m always summer. Inspiration blown away by the came from various talent,” visual senior places such as summer Gaetano Icangelo said. travels or adventures. “In my opinion, more “I wanted to capture than half of the pieces all sides of Peru. The could be in a gallery.” Christians to the Icangelo was left, the poor people one among many to the right and the who showed up to travelers walking up appreciate the talent Photo by Alexandra Lopez the mountain,” said of both departments. Visual senior Valerie Nelson displayed these two paintings in the Summer Show. digital media sophomore “You can see how [the Arianna Leon. “I wanted to students] improve over the incorporate the many aspects of the country years,” visual sophomore Rodrigo Ruiz said. into one image.” “The art just gets better and better. They’re While Leon visited Peru over the summer, always challenging themselves.” digital media junior Angie Roque found The students, who had to put herself taken away in Massachusetts. approximately 10-20 hours into each work “Over the summer I took a road trip to of art, were graded based on ambition, risk,

completion, pushing materials, technique, documentation and craftsmanship. Projects such as sculptures, photographs, prints, videos, installations and paintings were just some of the various types of projects students were allowed to do. Visual junior Angela Monserrate, for example, painted a self-portrait and drew herself as a tree using watercolors. “I drew this because I was inspired by the fact that people are like trees. They appear to all be the same, but deep down they’re all different,” Monserrate said. Visual Dean Jennifer Gifford was content with the turn-out and impressed by the growth of her students’ art. “The show was fun, almost like an extravaganza,” said Gifford. “I’m always intrigued to see the kind of work they do over the summer when they have more time than they regularly would at school.” Ms. Gifford was also chosen by Principal Dr. Susan Atherley to pick out a few paintings that are now displayed in Dr. Atherley’s office. “It was my first show, and frankly, I didn’t know what to expect. It turned out to be much more than I expected,” Dr. Atherley said. “It was simply extraordinary.” g

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10887 N. Military Trail, Suite 6 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 34410 P 561. 622.2815 F 561.622.3231 www.joannegreendds.com dr.green@joannegreenedds.com The Muse October 2011

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Arts

Students by day, reality stars by night by ElizabethLane his past summer, dance juniors Jenna Francis and Sean Joaseus were fortunate enough to be part of a reality TV show. They danced in a national competition that was broadcast live on the show “America’s Got Talent.” “Competing on America’s Got Talent was a great experience,” Francis said. “I’m so

Photo courtesy of Jenna Francis

As dance partners, Francis and Joaseus had to support each other throughout their journey, on stage and off.

thankful for the amazing opportunity given to of its diverse cultural background, the crew me by my dance instructors Manny and Lory is versatile and embraces various styles of Castro.” dance. The dance crew that Francis and Joaseus “We are all really close and we look after are in, The Miami All Stars, made it to the each other as if we were a family,” Joaseus top 10 after one of their most acclaimed said. performances. They received a standing While on the show, Francis, Joaseus and ovation from all three of the judges. the Miami All Stars were able to travel from “[The most profound moment coast to coast. They went to was] when we were standing on Atlanta, GA; Las Vegas, NV and stage for our second result show Los Angeles, CA. after Feel the Swing and our “[Being on the show] was like name was called to advance to the an escape from reality,” Joaseus next round,” Francis said. “The said. “Now that I’m off the show, feeling of being on the stage at it’s bittersweet. I missed my that moment was indescribable. friends plus I needed to start We knew that America had voted focusing on college, but at the us through to the top 10.” same time I really liked L.A.” The Miami All Stars were Their journey spanned from eliminated the following round, the end of May to mid-September, after more than three vigorous but its effects are everlasting. Photo courtesy of Jenna Francis From the experience, Francis and months of being on the show. Francis and Joaseus, along with Despite this, they were ecstatic to their dance team the Miami All Joaseus have not only improved Stars, made it all the way into have made it as far as they did. in their dancing and strengthened the top 10. It was a bittersweet “I was very proud [of their moment for those who tuned in to bonds between members of their accomplishments on the show],” support their classmates. crew, but have also learned many dance teacher Ronda Johnson said. “It’s pretty valuable life lessons. amazing giving them instructions in class, “I have learned how important it is to then to see them performing on TV.” cherish every moment and not live passively,” The Miami All Stars is a group of dancers Francis said. “You have to experience ranging from ages 13 to 43. The group is based everything to its fullest with no regrets.” g in Miami and was formed in 2003. As a result

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Arts

Students raise the curtain at the theatre

Four theatre students get a chance to call the shots in a professional production By MikeshiaLewin

ver the summer, four Dreyfoos students took their art to the next level when they participated in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre production of the “Good Times Are Killing Me”, a coming-of-age story set in the 1960s civil rights movement. Theatre seniors James Nathan and Alexandria Welsh, theatre junior Brenna Safer, and theatre freshman Chelsea Grosbeck, got a chance to work in a professional theatre. There they were able to work alongside qualified mentors who helped them properly utilize their skill. “It’s really special, mostly because it’s working with kids to show them what the professional experience of doing a real show is,” Photo by Daniel Milstein production manager Clayton Theatre senior Alexandria Welsh and theatre freshman Chelsea Grosbeck make last minute arrangement for “The Good Times Are Killling Me.” Phillips said. “It’s not just fun, Theatre junior getting up on the stage. You have a lot of time that has to be put Brenna Safer in, research has to be done. You have a lot of hours that you’re not gets hands-on with the set of even aware of that have to be taken care of.” The Good Times At the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, the students were able to get a Are Killing Me. She was the sense of what theatre out of Dreyfoos is like. set designer “I’ve learned a lot,” Welsh said. “At school it’s a little bit more for the theatre production. “I sheltered. If I don’t do something it’s okay, but here it’s a lot more would like to on your game. I learned that I have to be a lot more prepared.” do this in my career. I don’t Working in the certified theatre, the students were able to really care gauge whether or not they wanted to continue a career in theatre. what I do, I just want to be in “I’m deciding if I want theatre. I will ‘At school it’s a little bit to major in [theatre] in do anything.” college or not,” Welsh more sheltered. If I don’t do said. “But if I go into something it’s okay, but here theatre, I’d want to be a it’s a lot more on your game. I stage manager.” learned that I have to be a lot However, not all of the students that participated more prepared. ‘ in the show found that they wanted to continue theatre after Dreyfoos. “Last year, I considered pursuing a career as a theatre technician, specifically as a carpenter and tech director, but my thoughts have shifted,” Nathan said. “As I worked more and more [as a carpenter and tech director], I began to realize that as much as I enjoyed carpentry, it’s too physically demanding and not financially rewarding enough for me to consider as a lifelong career.” In the end they all chose different paths. Despite their decisions, they still acquired useful knowledge from their experience. “It’s a lot of work just being the assistant,” Grosbeck said. “I have a lot of respect for people that put on the shows that I’m in; what they’re doing for us. I’m very honored to be a part of this.” g Photo by Daniel Milstein The Muse October 2011

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Entertainment

! Gabi COHEN

“Suburban Home” by Descendents is the perfect anthem for any angsty, non-conformist teen. It makes fun of conventional Photo by New Alliance Records America and living by the standards of “The Man.” The best part is that it’s just really sarcastic; up the punx.

Maggie PATTERSON

To me, the longer a song is, the better. But for the past two weeks, the song “Attractive Today”, by Motion City Soundtrack, Photo by Epitaph Records has been stuck in my head. All 102 seconds of it. I think a change might be happening.

Laura PITTS

As the fall is approaching, as well as college application deadlines, I find myself more and more stressed Photo by A&M/Octane Records each day. To get me through the weeks of work, I like listen to Maroon 5’s “Misery.” It is often found at the background of me doing homework, driving to school or while exercising.

What’s Hot by MaggiePatterson

Tantalizing tidbits from the world of entertainment.

Terrible toddlers cause controversy

TLC’s hit show creates worries about child sexualization and self esteem by LauraPitts

ith the spray tans, fake teeth, hair extensions, false eyelashes and glitzy outfits, it’s hard not to marvel at the toddler-sized beauty pageant contestants featured on TLC’s hit show “Toddlers & Tiaras.” Photos by TLC Maddy Jackson, left, and Paisley Dickey, right, have raised concerns about Episodes, on the psychological effects of child beauty pagents. Wednesdays at saying: “It doesn’t matter Another mother, Wendy 10 p.m, follow if you can breathe or not! Dickey, dressed her 3-yearabout three different It only matters if you look old in a costume depicting contestants through their beautiful!” The corset Julia Roberts’ character in pageant preparation. The seemed to work, though: “Pretty Woman,” who was crown-driven mothers her daughter went on to a prostitute. The young girl want nothing more than to win Grand Supreme. was in the scandalous attire, have the Ultimate Grand The ever increasing light down to the vinyl kneeSupreme title awarded to shed onto the once hidden high boots and blonde wig their child. But what is the world of glitz pageants has during a celebrity-wear part price of these 3-year-olds parents trying to get their of a competition. Dickey flaunting their bodies? children to take home the was quick to defend herself, The mothers of these crown. Parents are trying however, when she received children have overto live a glamorous life negative feedback, according sexualized their young through their children, to the Entertainment girls by dressing them up replacing teddy bears and Weekly website. in controversial outfits for dolls for hair extensions “I thought it was real the competitions. Lindsay and fake tans. cute to do Julia [Roberts,]” Jackson dressed her Many viewers, however, Dickey said. “She’s 3; if she daughter, Maddy, as Dolly have been criticizing the was 10 I never would have Parton during an outfit show. considered this. But as of choice segment. The A decade ago, parents young as she is, I thought it costume included padded worried about their teen was very comical.” C-cup false breasts and daughters coming home As addicting as the show padded buttocks, which the from the mall with hipis, each episode should 4-year-old flaunted across riders. Now parents have make viewers relieved the stage. to combat marketing forces that their childhood was An 11-year-old girl was that are telling their thirdnot corrupted with years featured on the Sept. 14 graders they need to have a of tedious talent routines, episode; her mother was padded push-up bikini top,” racy costumes and extreme shown forcing her into CNN writer Melissa Henson parent coaching. g a corset while in tears. said on the CNN website. The cameras caught her

REVIEW

Kutcher and Sheen at Emmys

‘Lion King’ re-released in 3-D

harlie Sheen tweeted photos of himself and Ashton Kutcher together at the Emmy Awards. “Giving the new kid a little advice..!,” Sheen wrote. Kutcher has replaced Sheen as the star of CBS’s Photo by Walt Disney Co. Photo by Sheen Two and Half Men, the season After the Lion King’s release17 years This photo was tweeted by Charlie ago, it returned to theaters in 3-D Sheen, left. It shows him and Ashton premiere of which garnered Kutcher mid-conversation. 27.7 million viewers.

“T

he Lion King 3-D”, a technologically enhanced version of the 1994 hit, led the box office its premiere weekend, making $29.3 million. Its success could signal a new market for re-releases of classic Disney movies.

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Entertainment

Tall Oaks takes root and spreads locally

Bernardeau and Bennett perform soulful music in local venues as an original teen duo by MaggiePatterson

tudents packed a coffee shop on a Saturday night, spread over couches and folding chairs. Theatre senior Zoe Bernardeau and visual senior Andy Bennett played a ukulele and a glockenspiel while they sang to the crowd. This was a concert for Tall Oaks, a punk-folk duo from Dreyfoos. Tall Oaks formed in August 2010 when Bernardeau and Bennett first collaborated. Bernardeau had been writing lyrics, and Bennett had experience recording songs. Tall Oaks has been performing locally since the summer of 2010, in small venues around West Palm Beach. “Sometimes we’ll be up on stage, and he’ll sort of get into the zone,” Bernardeau said of Bennett. “When that happens, I get into the zone too and it just goes. He brings me into the zone. But when I’m solo, I don’t go into the zone as much.” Dreyfoos itself has impacted Tall Oaks. Without the school, the duo’s music career might have taken a different direction. “I feel like Dreyfoos has really changed

our sound because we wouldn’t have a band Bernardeau. “It’s mainly about the lyrics. At without it.” a big concert some guy will do an awesome Their method of songwriting is as guitar riff and everyone will freak out, but our easygoing as their music is mainly about the music. lyrics and how you feel “We usually during the songs.” write songs Tall Oaks relies on separately,” said word-of-mouth to spread Bernardeau. recognition of their “Sometimes we band, using Facebook come together, I’ll to advertise events and play something on new songs. Through a guitar, and he’ll this, they have created say ‘I like that,’ and a community of fans at we build off it. It’s Photo by Maggie Patterson Dreyfoos. random. I like the “I’ve known Zoe Theatre senior Zoe Bernardeau and visual senior Andy Bennett perform at Harold’s Coffee Lounge. They’re in the band Tall Oaks since 10th grade,” said randomness of it. and perform locally around West Palm Beach. Sometimes I’ll come communications senior up with a verse or Megan Wheeler. “I really two, and just write off of that.” appreciate her writing. Most of the band’s Their music is soulful, described by songs are lyric-based more than sound-based, Bennett as similar to “the soundtrack from so you can see how good she is.” Juno.” To hear Tall Oaks’ songs, visit their website “Our music really isn’t the kind that you at TallOaks.Bandcamp.com. g play in a big stadium full of people,” said

Website does not click emotionally with viewers Emotional Bag Check website falls short of visitors’ expectations by GabiCohen

ife is hard as a teen living in suburban America. Your parents just don’t get you, math is really hard and the girl you like thinks you’re totally lame. Luckily, in today’s society, everyone’s problems can be solved with music. Emotional Bag Check refers to itself as a “secret music site” where you can complain about your issues and receive music to help you cope. Alternatively, if you are feeling great, you can read someone else’s problems and send them music to cheer them up. The best part is that it is 100 percent anonymous, so you can read about someone else’s predicament and send them an irrelevant electro-house song with no consequences. They vary from small problems, like feeling bad about stepping on a spider, to

more important problems, like your girlfriend being mad at you for forgetting her birthday. Interestingly, nearly every problem seems to deal with a couple and either their tragic breakup or unrequited love. This website teaches the user that the majority of problems they will encounter in their lifetime will have to do with something you can read about in a teen novel. If the complaints on this website are an accurate portrayal of the problems in the world, about a lot of issues can be solved by listening to “Love Stinks” by The J. Geils Band. Listening to “Heartless” by Kanye West can solve the rest. Of course, since you can send your problems in to the site, people can send you music as well. Had a bad day? If you do feel comfortable enough sending your issues into the vast unknown, go for it. Feel free to type

Renée Zellweger involved in car accident

Photo by People

Renée Zellweger is seen involved in a minor car accident. There were no injuries.

enée Zellweger, star of “Bridget Jones’ Diary” and “Chicago,” was driving her BMW when she was hit by a car making an illegal U-turn in Beverley Hills. Neither driver was injured, and the damage to the cars was minor. Police said Zellweger was “polite and sincere.” This is Zellweger’s second accident in two years. The actress’ representative had no comment.

out every detail of your most recent predicament and wait for a reply. Just do not expect a therapeutic song to be sent to you for at least another month. There is low traffic to the site, and most people just like to use it to vent about their own problems instead of choosing the option to help someone else. If you are really having issues, going to this site would probably just make you more frustrated. Talk it out with a buddy instead. They would probably be more helpful than Emotional Bag Check, which is a sad excuse for a replacement therapist. g

WEBSITE REVIEW

John Mayer sick; cancels tour

Photo by Star Pulse

John Mayer contracted a vocal cord disease. He calls the disease a “temporary setback.”

ohn Mayer has cancelled his latest tour and due to a throat disease. He contracted granuloma, a disease caused by irritation of the vocal chords. On his blog, he wrote that his latest album, “Born and Raised,” was “complete as far as music recording, song selection and in some cases mixing, but because of this condition [he] couldn’t finish singing on several of the tracks.”

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Entertainment

‘Drive’ takes viewers for a wild ride

Ryan Gosling stars in one of the most anticipated movies of the season by LauraPitts

pening the weekend of Sept. 16, the movie “Drive” hit theaters with positive reviews. With a profit of over $11.3 million, “Drive” was the third best movie in the box office after “The Lion King (in 3D)” and “Contagion.” Director Nicolas Winding Refn took audiences for a ride with a film full of automobiles, the mafia and grisly scenes. Ryan Gosling, who stars as the character called Driver, had audiences buckling up to witness his risky job as a stunt driver. At night, Driver is a getaway car driver, helping criminals get away from their crimes, on tough circumstances. Never helping the same criminals twice, Driver only

MOVIE

REVIEW

allows five minutes for the customers and charges a predetermined fee. The plot takes a sharp turn when Driver becomes infatuated with his neighbor, Irene (Carey Mulligan,) while her husband is in jail for relations to the mafia. Driver’s tough façade is broken while Irene brings out his softer side. However, Irene’s husband (Oscar Isaac,)

Driver accepts the challenge. Through a series of unfortunate events, Driver is forced to protect Irene and her son from the ones out to hurt them, compelling him to kill a person. This film appeals to all Photo by Fandango kinds of movie “Drive” received a profit of over $11.3 million in its first weekend, realeasing goers; from the mid-September in theaters across the car fanatic to the nation. action seeker to the romantic, so they should look forward to a bumpy ride when they go to see “Drive.” g

‘Director Nicolas Winding Refn took audiences for a ride with a film full of automobiles, the mafia and grisly scenes.’ also known as Standard, is soon released from jail and needs Driver’s help—a getaway car for money. To help out Irene,

Red Hot Chili Peppers release red, hot new album Tenth studio album “I’m With You” satisfies audiences with new band lineup is the first they’ve recorded since former ven after 28 years, guitarist John Frusciante left the band the L.A.-based in 2009 (for the second time). He band The Red Hot Chili was replaced by Josh Klinghoffer, Peppers is still in the but that’s the problem. Klinghoffer game. After career-long merely substitutes for Frusciante run-ins with drugs, death without adding anything of his own, and dropouts, their except for maybe a more melodic and tenth album, “I’m With tame sound, which is a change from You,” fulfills the high Frusciante’s usual power chords. expectations Klinghoffer of Chili is still Peppers fans, who have waited a talented five years since the release replacement, which of their last album, “Stadium is apparent in Arcadium.” his performance “I’m With You” opens with on tracks like a mess of drums and guitars “Goodbye Hooray.” getting in tune. “Monarchy of “I’m With Roses” sounds lost, even as lead You” sounds singer Anthony Kiedis’s muffled, slightly foreign yet distinctive voice attempts and un-Chili to rescue the song. It’s not until Peppers-esque bassist Flea’s 1970s reminiscent until “Ethiopia,” disco beat comes in at the chorus which is the fourth Photo by Warner Bros. that the song seems to have track on the album. “I’m With You” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers was released on August 29 in the United States. It is their Again, Flea opens the any direction. The second track, first studio album since 2006. “Factory of Faith,” also relies song, which makes heavily on a distinct bass line. it sound promising. It doesn’t fail to satisfy as drummer Chad Smith joins in. Eventually, Flea’s bass playing combined with Kiedis’ Klinghoffer and Kiedis jump in to create a voice is the spine of the whole album, which by GabiCohen

ALBUM

REVIEW

pleasing, but somewhat disorganized tune. Their leading single, “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie,” sounds cacophonic in the beginning, but as the song goes on it becomes a beautifully composed piece, complete with just the right amount of cowbell. Unsettling beginnings seem to characterize the album, but the Chili Peppers always pull it together just in time. Despite iffy beginnings, as the album progresses, they revert to their funky, head-bobbing beats and Kiedis returns to making sporadic and seemingly random noises (which is clearly seen on “Look Around”) like he did back in the day. The Red Hot Chili Peppers hit a variety of genres in one album, from blues to funk to rock, but they are still able to keep it together in a bass- and vocal-driven record. “I’m With You” shows that the Chili Peppers still have the talent and ability to continue making albums, even with multiple members being almost 50. g

‘Unsettling beginnings seem to characterize the album, but the Chili Peppers always pull it together just in time.’

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Staff list

The Muse staff Editors-In-Chief Executive Editor Managing Editor Managing Content & Style Editor Assistant Managing Editors Op/Ed Editor Op/Ed Staff News Editor News Staff Features Editor Features Staff Head Columnists Sports Editor Sports Staff Arts Editor Arts Staff Entertainment Editor Entertainment Staff Business Managers Business Staff Photo Editor Copy Editors Senior Layout Editor Assistant Layout Editor Graphics Editor Website Editors Cartoonists Adviser

About The Muse

Samantha Bilton, Audrey Green Rachel Anderson Alex Rehberg Daniel Milstein Kelly Berger, Shawna Bilton, Dominique McKenzie Adriana Rahrig Aubrey Levin, Hunter Truman, Jennifer Yoon Francesa Otero-Vargas Kyle Bell, Esther Mendoza, Dana Miller, Tess Saperstein Mack Schroeder Timothy DiTocco, Josie Russo, Camille Sanchez Mack Schroeder, Hunter Truman Josie Graham Angelic Edery, Max Fields, Kevin Levine Kloee Ciuperger Elizabeth Lane, Valeria Rivadeneira, Mikeshia Lewin, Jensen Tate Laura Pitts Gabi Cohen, Maggie Patterson Tijienene Gordon, Emily Lane Enrique Orosco Alexandra Lopez Savannah Artusi, Jillian Adams Nicole Hamilton Angelica Moreno Alec Zisson Max Fields and Josie Russo Oscar Carl Stephen Moore

The Muse is a national awardwinning newsmagazine. The publication has won numerous awards from the National Scholastic Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. This publication, and all six issues produced, is completely funded and created by its staff, advertisers and donors. Over 1,300 students and a multitude of in-state and out-ofstate subscribers receive copies of the magazine annually. All aspects of the magazine from the cover to the exposure on the back page are written and designed by the students. There are 42 staffers, grades 10-12, from the Communications Department (and a cartoonist from the Visual Department) who work during and after school to make this publication possible. We would like to thank School of the Arts Foundation board members Lisa Marie Browne, Ralph Guild and Donald Silpe for contributing generously to the 2011-2012 issues of The Muse. Your donations are greatly appreciated by everyone on this staff. g

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Editorial Policy The Muse is a student publication produced by Journalism IV, V and VI classes at Alexander W. Dreyfoos, -School of the Arts. Opinion is limited to editorials and columns. We welcome and will print letters to the editors, which should be submitted to the Pressroom (1-305). We reserve the right to edit letters for grammar and space restrictions and will publish no letters that are libelous or defamatory to any staff, students or members of the community. We also accept guest editorials, although we reserve the right to edit or to decline at our discretion.

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Dreyfoos School of the Arts 501 South Sapodilla Avenue West Palm Beach, FL, 33401 or call (561) 805.6252 The Muse October 2011

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exposure

Savannah Skoran

Photo by Dana Miller

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his piece, an acrylic painting that was arranged to look like a puzzle, was created by visual senior Savannah Skoran. Skoran attended a college summer program in Tuscany, Italy for the Maryland Institue College of Art. There, she spent three weeks painting the

landscape. Skoran plans to major in architecture and become an engineer; she hopes to use art to develop buildings that cut down on space and are environmentally friendly. Skoran has been influenced by her fellow artists and classmates to work hard

and be creative. “[Going to an art school] definitely inspires me. Being around so many talented people who all love what they do gives me such a great feeling,” Skoran said. “We’re a family and you can’t get that kind of feeling anywhere else.” g

10/20/2011 2:53:11 PM