The Classic newspaper Volume 14 Issue no. 1

.

,. '"l

•

vasctS ic 1

Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

Project Arts grant awakens activity in graphics studio

Mayoral campaign simulation to bring election to classroom

classes.

Lois Polansky, an artist who specializes in mixed media art, serves as Project Arts Coordinator. She helps integrate art into various curricula by utilizing the technology in the graphic arts studio. In addition, Project Arts will fund a theatrical performance and contribute_ toward the staffing of the new broadcast studio. : To get the Project Arts grant, a proposal was sent to the Queens Superintendent's Office. According to Lynne Greenfield, Assistant Principal of Humanities, "The Board of Education chose the recipients of the grant based on a needs assessment that we presented [through the proposal]." The grant is worth approximately $135,000 and is partially renewable for up to three years. In addition to Townsend Harris, 12 other high schools in Queens received a Project Arts grant, each of which was worth a different amount of money. The Board of Education plans to expand Project Arts to all the city's high schools within three years.

"There's a big push right now to restore funding for the arts.

Our school does provide access to the arts by required arts and music," said Ms. Greenfield. However, Project Arts Coordinator Lois Polansky works · b · h 1 + th on the computers in room 511. emg a sc oo tOr e Humanities, she City because they had previ- added, "there should be arts and ously been slashed by budget music and dance and drama cuts. The grant aims to revive pouring out of every classthe arts in schools by incorpo- room."

Continued on page 5 rating them into all subject

by Beth Citron The graphic arts studio, room 511, has finally come alive. Formerly used only for the publication of The Classic and the science magazine, Quantum Cat, the studio these days bustles with seniors clustered around computers, publishing their editions of Newsday, Parade, and the Queens Tribune for the mock mayoral simulation. Soon, students from all grades will utilize the facility for arts projects now being developed across the curriculum.

This new burst of activity in the graphic arts studio has been made possible by a Project Arts grant from the Board of Education. The board inaugurated Project Arts to augment arts programs throughout New York

Meet the Candidates page3

149-11 Melbourne Avenue. Flushing; NY 11367

by Jeannemarie Hendershot Streamers, balloons, and the cast of "Saturday Night Live" kicked-off the New York City mayoral campaign simulation on Wednesday, September 24 at a rally held in the courtyard.

Ruth Messinger and Rudolph Giuliani, played by seniors Ashika Jain and Matt Gottlieb, along with a plethora of interest groups, made speeches in order to gain support.

This year's simulation, the second in Harris history, will be enhanced by a $25,000 grant from Newsday. Political Science professor Michael Krasner from Queens College, who helped last year's Participatory Democracy classes stage a simulation presidential campaign, applied for the grant in order that this year's seniors might benefit in their enactment of the New York City mayoral race.

Saturday Night Live, Eyewitness News, 1010WINS, and many other radio and television

programs will be produced and broadcasted from the state-of-

teachers have been hired to work with students. Christo-

~

~ I.T.o ~

]

< £ 0

~ Rudy Guliani (Matt Gottlieb, right) and campaign adviser Dave Mizrachi confer about their plans for the rally.

the-art studio adjacent to room 511, with funding for teacher and student training provided by the grant. According to Participatory Democracy teacher · Anthony Scarnati, a large portion of the grant will be used to pay staff in room 511. Two

pher Clements will monitor the equipment for video production and editing. Radio broadcasting will be taken care of by Jeff Spurgeon, English teacher Judy Biener's husband, who works for radio station QXR 96.3.

Continued on page 3

College hosts Internet link

by Annette Orzechowski After two years of technical difficulties and financial setbacks, computers. around the ·school are now linked to the Internet and available for student use. Science teacher and Technology Coordinator Richard Tiffen collaborated with Queens College in establishing a connection to the Internet through a "host" computer on the campus.

"We had a network system and the whole school was wired, so all we needed was a way to connect [to the Internet]," said Mr.Tiffen.

Through the assistance of

New Staff ·pages 4-5

various grants and of College liaison Marvin Leiner, Mr. Tiffen obtained the aid of Queens College Educational Technology teacher Dan Brovey. "The stage was set, but the question was how to actually do it," said Mr.Tiffen.

A private Internet provider would have cost somewhere near $20,000. Gaining access through the Queens College network proved to be a thrifty alternative. Yet a problem remained. A cable was needed for the actual connection from the building to the campus. According to Mr. Tiffen, fate seemed to intervene in this situation.

Girls' Volleyball page 8

"I'd drive to school in the mornings and see the wires of the telephone cable dangling out," he said. "That cable was used during the building's construction and it turned out that it ran into the bowels of the [Queens College] science department building."

Overcoming the distance limitation of the cable, 300 meters, and meeting the need · for a router, which would connect the school's and campus' networks, constituted the final steps in the process. It turned out that , the router already in existence at the high school Continued on page 6

Freshmen .

Sports Stars page 8

2

Songs without lyrics dampen our spirits stay in their seats until whoever is dooming beat of pieces such as "March never forget how comforting "Manic speaking has finished his/her sentence, · to the Scaffold" by Hector Berlioz hyp- Monday" (by the Bangles) was after then tell us so. Like Pavlov's dog, we notize us into doing just that. Last year, . first band of Monday morning. To hear Mr. Carbone, tried to accommodate a song like that at the start of another can be trained.

Dr. Largmann said that the halls "re- everyone's tastes by playing everything long week made us feel good. The overfrom techno powering voice of a female opera singer to the Span- doesn't quite have the same effect. The ish salsa. "tone" of opera reverberates too loudly We don't in the hallways, sounding more like a want to banshee from the Irish moors than the eliminate refined singers whose artistry we're . classical meant to absorb.

Harrisites suffer from a very contamusic and ,. .\~l:: replace it gious disease called."stressed out." The il~"t:i with "our" music was definitely stress medication, music only, and the happy tunes that set us dancing :but a com- through the hallways were tremenj promise dously welcome after a grueling phys1 should be ics test or an English in-class essay. Just as we finally had school spirit and bemade.

The mu- gan to appreciate what set our school sic that was apart from others, the administration deplayed last cided that the music, which brought us so much joy, was inappropriate. Just ret e r m verberate with noise. Therefore, we evoked a certain light-heartedness in the member that if you notice the spirit is must be selective about the type of mu- students and eased much of the tension fading, all it would take is a little dose sic we play." He feels that the songs with caused by a regular day at Harris High of "our" music to get a smile back on lyrics were too loud and that the new (see June '97 issue of the Classic). We'll our faces. regulation not only eliminates the "noise" in the halls, but also raises the level of taste. "[The music] must accommodate the quality of life in the building," he said.

The quality of life in the building, This year, for the first time ever, the the inside because it is a main door in a however, calls for music that not only "rear" door which leads directly to the public building. Granted, these are perenlightens, but also awakens. Some Queens College campus is open fectly good reasons to have a security classical music does this, like Vivaldi's throughout the day. Extra funding from officer posted there, but it still doesn't "Four Seasons" and Tchaikovsky's the Board of Education has enabled explain why seniors should not use this "Nutcracker" and these are the type of Townsend Harris to hire an additional door. What difference could it make selections that should be played. But the security officer to monitor this exit which door seniors use? How is the However, it is off limits to students, even school any safer by their entering I leavseniors, who travel to and from Queens ing through the Melbourne Ave exit?

When some students tried to College c;m a regular basis.

MetroCard was made white to be. easily smuggle in friends on the last day of It would be very convenient for seby Alan Fu By this time, every student in the distinguishable from public cards and niors to utilize this door, instead of hav- school, the security officers easily New York City school system has expe- useless for adult thieves; also, the MTA ing to make the long trek around the picked them out of the milling crowds. rienced the latest invention in mass tran- promises to deactivate any stolen card Harris building. In some seniors' sched- The security officers know each within 24 hours. ules, these couple of extra minutes in student's face. Their eyes are so keen sit - the Student MetroCard. that there is no chance that a stranger The MetroCard cleariy fulfills the travel time are·crucial to punctuality.

In a joint venture between the Board Principal Malcolm Largmann said would go through a door unnoticed. of Education and the Metropolitan Tran- MTA's promise to provide easier transWe commend our security staff for sit Authority, the Student MetroCard portation for students, as stated in in- that the rule has always existed that visiwas first introduced to 25 high schools formation pamphlets that were ·distrib- tors and students may only enter and exit being so alert, but it just adds to the conin a four-month pilot program last uted to schools. The city benefits from through one door (the one which faces fusion of why seniors are instructed to March. Ultimately proving to be suc- the elimination of subway station atten- Melbourne Avenue). According to Dr. circle the Harris building instead of just cessful, the technology officially re- dants' involvement with students; while Largmann, every building should have entering through the rear.

We propose that the rear door be placed former transportation passes in students formerly had to be buzzed in one and only one entrance so that traffic at gates, they now only have to swipe made available to seniors. So how about can be clearly monitored. The rear door July. their MetroCards.

Both the city and it?

Give them a break and save them a Townsend Harris received its first flashould not be left unattended because it schools also benefit, since cards will be hike.

We're sure that no lives will be envoring of the Student MetroCard last does not close properly after someone June, participating in the pilot program; distributed every term instead of every· has exited, and cannot be locked from dangered because of it.

•· however, much controversy had already month; as a result, production costs deNatalka Palczynski Townsend Harris High School at Queens College arisen over the card before that time crease and school administrations re149~11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, N.Y. ll367 Editor-in-Chief throughout the school and the city. For ceive less work distributing the cards.

Readers are invited to submit letters to the Hope Villella Beth Citron Although the Student MetroCard ofexample, students, parents, and advocate editor. Letters should be placed in Ms. Cowen's News Editor Feature Editor mailbox in the general office. The Classic re~ groups alike voiced three major con- fers many benefits, some students may Kate Rube Erika Zwetkow serve the right to edit all letters. Letters must cerns: the number of rides on each card, still prefer the former transportation Photography Editor Sports Editor include name and official class. Names will be the hours of card usage, and the vulner- passes, mainly because of the unlimited withheld upon request.

Romina Perrone Jeannemarie Hendershot Business Manager Editor-at-Large ability of students to robbery. The Stu- rides each day. I, too, wouldn't mind dent MetroCard addresses these issues. having extra free rides for outside-ofNews Staff: Dominika Bednarska, Helen Haritos, Jenny Mandell, Mark Von Ohlen, Rebecca Silver First, each student gets three rides per school purposes, but in such a case, we Feature Staff: Bosede Adenekan, Afton BaiT, Andrew Goldberg, Karen Halperin, Christina Lesica, Elizabeth Mo, Stefan all must think of the greatergoodof our day, each with a free transfe. Second, Muehlbauer, Rebecca Munoz, Anette Orzechowski, Julia Perratore, Alexa Steinberg, Chia Jung Tsay, Maggie Yuan, Sara Yun city.

If all students are limited to three the cards may be used between 5:30 Sports Staff: Justin Fox, Mark Von Ohlen, Alexa Steinberg, Johnny Wong A.M. and 8:30 P.M. This provides any_ or four rides per day, the city's resources Photography Staff: Frank Chercna, Jason Freedman, Arielle Freeman, Mall Gottlieb, Sara Gross, Athena Ledakis, Millie Liu, Nancy Luo, Kimberly Lydtin •. Kathleen Maignan, Sofia Panagiotakis, Emilia Rackowicz, Lisa Schapira, Marco Trauzzi, Audley student with more than enough transpor- won't be abused and more space will be Wilson, Henry Wong, Jason Wu,Young Yoon tation and time, even if he or she has available on buses and subways for payArtists: Lucy Hong, Rachel Sperling, Chia Jung Tsai extracurricular activities. Finally, re- ing passengers, which benefits the city Principal - Dr. Malcolm Largmann Advisor - Jlsa Cowen garding student safety, the Student once again with more money.

Walking through the halls between bands this term might remind you of having dinner at a posh restaurant. Classical music including opera and other musical pieces that English teacher Michael Carbone considers "light and smooth" play during this three-minute pause while students exchange classes·.

The hip, rocking songs of the '90s that played in the spring term of '97 no longer meet the "songs without lyrics" requirement imposed this term.

Apparently, last term was a trial period to see how students and faculty would respond to the music. Some felt it was disruptive. During change-overs, it cut people off mid-sentence and according to Principal Malcolm Largmann, it was "very abrupt." The new music is meant to "set a tone" and to "ease" into the period.

English teacher Debra Michlewitz feels "classical music sets a nice tone ....

[Before] students used to focus on the music and not on class, but who could blame them? It was party music," she said.

The music was the type that could be heard on radio stations like ZIOO and 92.7 LIR, but it wasn't what one would consider "party" music. Just because the music was upbeat and lively, and was typically the type teenagers would listen to, doesn't mean that students couldn't settle down to work.

Once the music stopped and class started, students sat down and opened their notebooks, just as they had done wpen the bell system was in use. Furthermore, if teachers want students to

Metrocards simplify travel

1

The door is open, but you can't come in

The Classic

1997

Where they stand _on t~e issues: Mayoral Candidates' Perspectives Rudolph Giuliani

Issue

Education

Police Brutality

Economy

Crime

·

..

"~! J

Ruth Messinger

A strong critic of the way the Board of Education works, Mayor Giuliani is looking to replace it with a Commissioner of Education and representatives from each of the five boroughs. Giuliani would · also like to control the city school's budget and implement a program where school security officers are trained by the New York Police Department in order to make schools safer.

Messinger considers education a key issue in her campaign. She has made reduced class sizes and frozen college tuition rates an important part of her platform for mayor. In addition, graduate students who become NYC school teachers and instruct for five years will receive tuition loan forgiveness on their graduate school loans.

Mayor Giuliani has provided $1.5 million more to the independent agency · which investigates police misconduct, as well as increased its staff by 20 percent to deal with the problem of police brutality.

Messinger favors the creation of a civilian complaint board that will employ independent civilian investigators.

Complaints against police officers, either by a civilian or another officer, will be dealt with by the board.

Giuliani sees lowering taxes as a catalyst for encouraging economic growth. He supports permanently eliminating the sales tax on clothing, and would like to have many of the services currently provided by the city government privatized.

Messinger supports tax breaks for small businesses so that they can contribute to the economy. In addition, freezing tax rates to prevent hikes is part of Messinger's platform.

During his four years as mayor, Giuliani says, he did much to help cut down on NYC's crime. The overall crime rate is down 38 percent, dropping the city's ran.k from 88th to 136th in big city c,rime rates. Giuliani plans to continue his crimebusting, focusing on organized crime. He has begun investigations to reduce corruption in the Fulton Fish Market as well as in The Javits Center.

While Messinger was a City Council member on the Upper West Side in the 1980's,.she worked with the 20th and 24th precincts to develop a street narcotics enforcement unit. ~he plans to bring this experience to work with NYC police precincts to reduce crime even more.

. __ t::_o"'piled by Kate Rube

Refurbished floor glamorizes gym of Harris in 1984. Other features that were added were lines for sports, such as fencing

..._--~~~=~~:;~~~-· · -- -merly bare surface were some features to make the floor "more ornate," Assistant Prine cipal Malcolm Rossman said.

The school name was painted in maroon, along with "THHS'' in maroon with gold outlines in the center of the gym, and a maroon sketch of the schooli logo located out-of-bounds on the right with the dates of the opening of the original Harris in 1848 and then the reopening

...,.

-

... •

Sporting a new look, Harris' emblem is now centered on the gym floor with the dates of original Harris opening in 1848 and Harris' reopening in 1984.

markers. This floor design had been requested by Harry Rattien, Assistant Principal of Mathematics and Physical Education.

The new floor design resulted from a desire to "show school pride," as Wanda Nix, Dean and Athletic Director, put

it. "Everyone wanted this. We didn't have this [kind ofl input when the school was o~iginally built. We want people to know where they are," she explained.

"As a freshman, the first thing that I noticed was that we didn't have our school name on the baselire. Every school has that; it's about time ~e got it," said junior Vivian Chang thinks the gym is "unique and shows school spirit."

However, not everyone admires the new floor. Junior Wendy Sanchez complains that "the new floor design is confusing and gives me headaches while running around."

The repairs were supervised by the School Construction Au. thority. This organization allots money throughout the New York City school system for school renovations, additions, etc. "Townsend Harris did not have to pay for the damages directly," Mr. Rossman said.

3

Mayoral simulation brings election to classroom Continued from page 1 Project Arts coordinator Lois Polansky will also be assisting in the production of campaign media by helping students in print media roles with graphics design and layout.

Remaining money from the grant will be spent on printing costs, as well as payment for teachers who worked over the summer to develop the program. Hopefully, said Mr. Scarnati, another segment will be used to help students get involved with community outreach programs where they can infonri others about the real mayoral campaign. "This will mesh with the service requirement of Participatory Democracy classes," said Mr. Scarnati.

News day decided to give Harris the grant after a meeting last spring with Mr. Scarnati, Ms. Greenfield, Dr. Krasner, and Queens College liaison Marvin Leiner when a presentation of last year's mock election was shown. "Newsday was very impressed. They saw it as a way of getting themselves more involved in Queens; they are also known for supporting educational programs," said Mr. Scarnati.

The mock election is a hands-on way for students to learn about everythi~g that goes into a political campaign. Each class is assigned a role (e.g. hard media, interest groups), and within that class are subdivisions (Messinger's media consultant, Bronx Events Coordinator, etc.). Students campaign through signs in the hallways or advertisements in radio, television, or the printed media, but they must pay for them, using a system of allotted units, kept in check by the Student Leadership class, which is monitoring the election. On November 2, the entire school will have the chance to vote before or after school, or during lunchbands. Participatory Democracy students are graded on their workduringthe simulation, their only assignment until November..

Assigned roles in this simulation include the five boroughs; an array of special interest groups ranging from the Gay Men's Health Crisis to the Coalition for the Homeless; African-American, Latino, and Haitian ethnic interest groups; hard and soft media; and campaigns for mayor, comptroller, and public advocate.

All social studies classes will be assigned clipping projects to learn more about the campaigns and the media.

Mi?<er stirs up fun, makes profit too by·B05ede Adenekan The sound of laughter 1iil'led the Queens Co:Jtege Student Union·Building &S Plarrisites slipped on theirdanoing shoes to PAR-TBJS. .On Fritlay, September 26, Harris students of aU grades attenW 1ihe annual Mixer held after school. For five Elallars, the studen~ were provided with chit'S. punch, and a Elise jockey. · Although the DJ batt gotten stuck i'n · traffic, the dance went smootibly. ~y after the stu<tents entered, the dance'~­ hall was packe<l with ,roovin' teens. "I colilld hardly breathe,'' Franca Usa Falco, sophomore, said as she danGeEI. The smal:I floor was crammeEI with peaple. Few people remained seated; they coutd not r.esist the urge to dance. Teachers rocke€1 to the beat of the music. Principal Malcolm Largmann and Coordinator ofStudentActivities Odile Garcia were spotteE~ dancing. "This year, there was a wider variety ofmusic,'' sophomore Maureen Raphael noted, About six hundred tickets were sold, and a profit of $680 was made for the senior class, which sponsored the event umler the guidance of Senior Advisor Ellen Schwartz.

Sophomore Tashia Raymond won the raffle prize - a big, stuffeEI dog.

"When's the next dance?''asked freshman Karen Law as she headed aut of the SU building.

..

4

The Classic October 1997

~"\'S•UU~

I

c::,\'0.\\ €.nhances Family ~

.

.

~0 c:

e"'

j-

']

Lauraine Solarsh, principal's secretary

q/: cz<S> "'~

"0

a

~c:

.c: 0

"

0

c:

...,~

Fifteen additions, including teachers, an assistant princi~ .0 pal, aides, a security guard, and a secretary boost the Townsend £ .9 Harris staff to over 100, its largest size in the school's history .

0 .c: c.. since its reopening in 1984. A combination of factors, includ. ing retirements, grants (see page one), and a new Board of Robin Figelman, physical E<;fucation policy which shifts certain building assignments Ruth Cooperman, Hebrew education teacher to aides, accounts for the many new faces. from teachers teacher Humanities Department Victoria Adler visited Townsend Harris last year after honoring her grandfather and Harris alumnus, Irving Adler, as he was inducted into the Townsend Harris Hall of Fame. Shortly after, Ms. Adler submitted her resume. This year she comes to the school as an English teacher. "I love it here, I feel incredibly lucky to be teaching at this school," she said. "Teaching is the only job where I can do what I want to do."

Foreign Language Department Spanish teacher Suzanne Iordanou considered going into psychology or becoming a school counselor before she decided to become a teacher. She is intrigued by Spanish culture, languages, and anthropology. In addition to speaking Spanish, Ms. Iordanou is also fluent in Greek, French, Portuguese and English. She has taught in Francis Lewis High School and Jericho Elementary School. She jokingly said that one improvement she'd implement in the school would be to "make it seven days a we~k."

Formerly Cardozo High School's Assistant Principal of Foreign Languages, Ruth Cooperman comes to Townsend Harris as the new Hebrew teacher. She is also fluent in Spanish and French. She loves teaching because it gives her "the opportunity to help mold students." Ms. Cooperman tries to develop her students' oral fluency in Hebrew. She teaches them the "communicative approach as opposed to the old way [of conventional reading and writing methods]."

Science Department Biology teacher Rosemarie Eaton arrives at the same time as Brendan Curran, the new assistant principal for her department. (See article on facing page.) She has a Rosemarie Eaton, biology teacher Victoria Adler, English teacher degree in dental hygiene and health education, but decided to get her Masters in biology education. Ms. Eaton's favorite teaching method is "inquiry." "I love asking questions and hearing different ideas from the students," she said. Ms, Eaton thinks ~-----------. Harris students are "fabulous. They come in eager. They're ready to learn. They're enthusiastic and they're just great • • • 1 kids," she said. She hopes that her students will leave her class with a love for brology and "the interest in investigating other areas of science."

Elizabeth Crawford teaches a class in which students "explore natural phenomena through artistic means as well as other disciplines," she said. These other disciplines inae Continued on page 5 1l ;>,

i

J: ..,~

§ ~ bO § ~

;>,

.0

~

£

-a

0

0

"' c:

.c:

c..

]

u

-"'

£ ;>,

.0

i

Anita Maxwell, security officer Suzanne Iordanou, Spanish , teacher

Elizabeth Crawford, art I science teacher

' ". ·~p

-~

lh.."f"~

• · ~ iJ I.R.':~lllf(!J

-

. ·

The Classic

I October 1997

5 .·

Curran replaces Appel in science department

by Hope Villella class next term.' And I had to tell her, cally the amount of aerosols in the at"I know it's a huge challenge," said 'No.you're not."' In his I 0 years at Bronx mosphere." He also developed a set of Brendan Curran of his new job as As- Science, he had become close to people interactive web pages to provide background jnformation on sun sistant Principal of Science, "but I'm looking forward to it." Mr. Curran, the photometry.

Mr. Curran hopes to get successor to Susan Appel as chairman Townsend Harris students inof the science department, has crossed volved in studying climate borough lines into Queens after spendchange through his connection ing the past 10 years at the Bronx High School of Science. While at Bronx Sciwith the Goddard Institute. He usually uses satellite observaence he taught both physics and the senior astronomy elective besides running tions and computer models with his students in order to the school's planetarium. cm1duct research, but he exMr. Curran was attending a conferplained that now these things in Pennsylvania on using computence can be accessed over the ers to do physics, when he first heard of Internet. He plans on getting the job opening at Townsend Harris and students involved with re~earch was told that Principal Malcolm right from the school building.

Largmann wanted him to apply for the Some students may still have to position. He went for the interview and go to labs, he said, but many during Regents week in June, he learned will be able to work directly that he had gotten the job.

Science A.P. Brendan Curran helps his students with a from their own computer.

So far, he is impressed with physics experiment.

The change from Bronx SciTownsend Harris. "I like it a lot," he ence to Townsend Harris is a said. "The building is beautiful and clean. The students seem really moti- there and it was hard to leave them be- big one for Mr. Curran. "The biggest vated - really sharp - and the teachers hind. ''There's always a pang, a feeling difference is the size," he explained."One grade at Bronx Science was almost in the science department are really mo- of homesickness," he said.

During the past summer, Mr. Curran as big as this whole school." He added tivated and seem to care about the stuspent much of his time at the Goddard that in a large school it is much easier dents. I'm very happy."

Still, leaving Bronx Science was not Institute for Space Studies, which is lo- for students to fall through the cracks. easy for him. "I was sad," he said. "I cated above the coffee shop where many At Townsend Harris there is less room had plans with my students. I was re- scenes from the popular sitcom, Seinfeld, for that. Still, he feels that there is a posially looking forward to [the coming year are shot. At the Goddard Institute which tive side to teaching in a large school. at Bronx Science] andsaying I wasn't focuses on climate change research, he At Bronx Science there were more physgoing to be there, I felt bad." He told a worked on a project to develop a hand- ics teachers than all of the science teachstory about a girl he met on the subway. held sun photometer which, Mr. Curran ers at Townsend Harris and if he had dif"She asked, 'Are you Mr. Curran?' and explained, "can be used to retrieve in- . ficulty getting a concept across, he could said, 'I'm going to be in your astronomy formation about the atmosphere, specifi- ask other teachers how they presented

New staff enhances family Continued from page 4 elude science and literature. Ms. Crawford feels that her students obtain a "richer understanding of the subject matter" by combining disciplines.

"Great scientists and thinkers combine the playful and the imaginative with strong discipline ... in such a way that they neither get locked into their data and become inflexible, nor become flighty [because they concentrate so much on imagination that they disregard structure]." She is currently taking courses at the Pratt Institute to get her Masters in the fine arts.

Physical Education Department Robin Figelman joins the physical education department this year as a PE teacher as well as a coach for two junior varsity teams: softball and volleyball. Ms. Figelman was a student teacher here under Dean and PE instructor Wanda Nix. "She taught me a lot," Ms. Figelman said. "I realized, through her, that teaching was for me." Ms. Figelman was graduated from Queens College with a Masters Degree in PE. S,he says her classes differ from those of other PE teachers because "I teach [the students] not just the physical activity, but the science behind it." She hopes her students won't forget what she teaches them. "I want them to take what they learn here and use it later on in life," she said.

Support -Staff Anita Maxwell joins the staff as the

school's third security officer. Ms. Maxc well feels that many people misunderstand what a security officer is. "We're not really security guards," she said.

"We're peace officers." She explained that peace officers have more responsibilities and more power to make arrests.

With Harris' spotless record of school safety, Ms. Maxwell does not foresee any problems working here. "I hope to make a peaceful environment while I'm here and at the same time, blend in to make a pleasant stay," she said.

Principal Malcolm-Largmann's new secretary, Loraine Solarsh, who previously worked at Martin Van Buren High School, can not only be found in Dr. Largmann's office, but on the Queens College track as well. Ms. Solarsh loves to jog around the track in her spare time.

She is impressed with the "tight knit" family atmosphere of the school.

This year, seven new aides help the Harris community. Mirjana Lesica takes charge of bagel duties in place of former yearbook advisor Thomas Sweetin.

Maxine Kupersmith can be found lending a hand in Assistant Principal of Organization Malcolm Rossman's office.

Eva Figueroa, Pam DelVecchio, Josephine Lobrutto, Vivian Garvey, and Rosemarie VonOhlen all contribute to the staff's efficiency as well.

The following people contributed to this article: Karen Halperin, Maggie Yuan, and Sara Yun.

it so that the students would understand.

Though Townsend Harris is a Humanities school, Mr. Curran feels that the science department still plays an important role. Besides providing a good education for those students who will eventually pursue a career in science, he also believes "the [scientific] habit of mind - the demand for evidence - will serve students no matter what field they decide to pursue. This is a technological world and we live in a technological age. Technology is the application of science and everyone should understand the process of science," he said.

Aside from his duties as Assistant Principal, Mr. Curran will be teaching two sections of physics and a science research class. He is anxiou·s about the fact that he is taking over for Ms. Appel who has supervised the science department for the past 13 years. "I've heard what a great job she's done; I've seen what a great job she's done and I know I've got big shoes to fill," he said. He will be able to look to Ms. Appel for advice, though, on her bi-weekly visits to Townsend Harris when she will continue both to work with the Westinghouse class and serve as advisor to the Quantum Cat, the science magazine, as she had .done before her retirement in June.

As for his students, Mr. Curran invites them to join him on his journeys through the scientific world. He explains, "For me science is the big adventure for humankind and I want everyone to get on board."

Grant to integrate arts into all subjects areas Continued from page 1 "The grant has been designed as a support system for integrating arts into curriculum areas and so it has two major components," explained Ms. Greenfield. "One part enabled us to hire Ms. Polansky," she said, adding that the "other part of Project Arts has been designed to help us get our first big dramatic production. We hope to be able to buy stage materials, set decoration, and to fund a musical production."

"The purpose [of Project Arts] is to use the arts as a tool for integrating the various disciplines that are studied," said Ms. Polansky. Ms. Polansky already has several plans in the works, including a project with English teacher Victoria Adler's English 3 classes. In conjunction with their reading of S. T. Coleridge's "Kubla Khan," students will create notecards depicting their illusions and dreams and possibly sell them as a fundraiser. Ms. Polansky is also helping the seniors create various publications in the mock mayoral election.

"I am going to try to reach out to math and science too," Ms. Polansky said. She already plans to integrate the sciences into Project Arts by helping classes design hot air balloons for a fu-

ture science project. The balloons would be decorated so that there would be an aesthetic value to them as well as a practical use.

In addition, Ms. Polansky wants to involve the English, Social Studies, and Science departments in a unit of papermaking and book arts since she is a papermaker and book artist herself. In the science courses, students would "learn the physical component of how paper is made," she said. Then the image and text would be put tpgether to create a book with the student's own writing, which would be presented in a final, visual form. "I'll also be expanding the definition of collaterals [t.o in elude arts]," Ms. Polansky added.

The current art program will also benefit from Project Arts. Anthony Morales, art teacher, hopes to use the printmaking equipment that is currently dormant in the art studio. "We have two printing presses that we would consider having applied, with Ms. Polansky's assistance, to the creation of graphic designs, printmaking, book illustrations, redesigning of album covers and book covers," said Mr. Morales. He also plans to collaborate with Ms. Polansky on a long-term project.

Classic October 1997 The

6 Elton Joh,n memorializes 'Princess of hearts'

by Andrew Goldberg hounded you. All the papers had to say cided to record a piano and voice verTwo decades ago, pop star Elton John was that Marilyn was found in the nude." sion of his new tribute after hearing eulogized fallen icon Marilyn Monroe Conspicuously absent from the new ren- about Princess Diana's Trust which was with a sentimental song called ''Candle dition is any mention of the media. designed to carry on the charity work in the Wind." Now, he has re-worded With little time to rehearse with his for which Diana was known and was to his tribute to mourn someone more real back-up instrumentalists, Britain's be administered through Kensington to him - his frit<nd Princess Diana. It's famed "piano man,"· was forced to ac- Palace by her sister Sarah. hard to imagine a more moving memo- company his own voice. The griefBurning up the charts in Britain with rial to the "Princess of Hearts." stricken singer, with quivering fingers over 600,000 copies sold on its first day, new single of the "Ode to Diana" Sung at her funeral watched .by the and teary eyes, hadt() c:onsJqtin his" masses, John's "Ode to Diana" honors from called "Candle in the Wind" - has the life of the "people's princess." The tion,_ ..· arrived in the US after weeks of ·on problems. The song, which original song, co-written with Bernie.. c;to-sc;: "!Y·- -· <:nllri<P£1 advance orders of 1.5 million Tau pin in 1973 to off~~r~: _, .~~e:~·'' ·, :, ~ :··:,copies, was released on September 23 "Goodbye, to Norma J.ean [~1-o~r~~ J ' '' ·- ·to. an avid audience of American audireal name]," was,.r~*-~k~~~~~~~:::,;;;~·· The philanthropic pop star has a)two hours to~.tf1 .-far . . ~-!:~ .."·.··.··:.·.('' . .··' ·. •· ' ~ ~ · ·· ~ / "England's R'i: e,",r .' . ll'zziino<;f_ ·/ ··· announced that all proceeds from ·;1·:e ·· .

• ~-tne single will go to start the Princess Di~na. Fittingl¥;1h·e· r~y,~~/·.::·7 , )j.. .

a ,9Pa!'

>

;~ , ·

.

Iynes tell of a flo.· w .. e~;,;!lC"~"' ·. /1~"'(/ / wilted by the po~~J:,'Sh~al). denied. ThN~·a~~e · a: 'i \ · Jill woman .who was ':lh'e grace th~t placeq: ;it~.el( " .· where lives }V~~e i~ri(.>'· ,./ / ,· •.. . ,.. ··' ;1'1' . apart" U§j,Hg't~~?Sl:lme,~/ ·

;Jt!'

sombpdune~.bi.IJ ·n::fi.n~ .:

in~(th~ word~jiis~.ti~uts

before. the. ' ,-.fuii'~ra:I · at We~tmin~ter Abbey in London , J ohn elimi_'

and bitternessof nallyrics death i n l 962.·~se<;i' gy overdose.· John' larrlented : you died, oh t'he

.f,:' ~~ueens

College hosts Internet con·n ection

,,.,;

Continued from page 1 have been available to supervise, and it was the one required for such a connec- never became a priority for the school," tion. The acquisition of a "Tut repeater," said Mr. Tiffen. "If students really want purchased with a $2,000 donation from this, they are going to haveto speak up ·the Alumni Association, solved the cable through the student government," he distance problem and finalized the con- said. nection.

One concern about Internet access is "One of the greatest benefits [of the the types of sites that students can connet] will be the ability of our school to tact. Obscene sites pose a problem for publish documents produced in school schools with easy access to the Internet. to share with the student bod~, and the "In order for the school to have a guarantee that students are being held acto extend Diana's reign as world if we choose," said Mr. Tiffen.All students have subdirectories off countable [for their actions], students ambassador of good will. He deof their home directories called and parents are going to have.to sign a public.www., which is their link to the consent form with an Appropriate Use web. From here it is possible to make a Policy," said Mr. Tiffen. "Students are file called "index.html" in hypertext going to be trusted to use their judgmarkup language and create one's own ment." According to Mr. Tiffen, restricweb page. tion programs "The knowsuch as Cyber how of creatPatrol tend to ing · a web be a bit ridicupage has belous. For excome a basic ample, he - ski'll to all pointed out college stuthat by filterdents and our ing out all of students rethe sites conally do need taining the to become word "breast," comfortable students rewith it," said searching Founder and President of The Princeton Review breast cancer M r · Tiffen· Senlors Michael Marchione ancJ Adrian Kulpa access the Plans to in- web from the computerlab. would be decorporate nied access to those sites. No restrictions web publishing are already in the works have been placed on Internet usage; the for this year's election simulation and Appropriate Use Forms will be used as may become a part of the school cur- . the only restriction mechanisms. riculum.

"Students have to realize the quality "The idea of making Internet access of Internet sites," warned Mr. Tiffen. available to all rules out the idea of stu- "Just because it is there on the web does dents being technology haves and have not mean that its content is reliable." nots;' said Mr. Tiffen. ·Requests from teachers at Harris and Students who are not enrolled in educators abroad show wide interest in computer classes can work on the ma- working through the Net. Japanese chines in the library. Room 332, a teacher Hiroko Muchiniki would like former meeting room turned computer her students to correspond with peers in workroom, has become very popular Japan and Mr. Tiffen would like to inwith seniors seeking computers to work corporate a long-distance project into his on. Mr. Tiffen suggested that room 634, earth science classes. The environmenTHE available basically the entire day, could tal club, Students for the Preservation PRINCETON also be used by students · if proper su- of the Earth, ' has already engaged in REVIEW pervision were attainable. "No teachers Internet projects.

"5 reasons

why you should

take

my

course."

-john Katzman,

Diana Trust An intensely emotional live version of the original song "Candle in the Wind," a major hit when first released on John's "Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road" album, wa~ nominated for a Grammy in 1988. The similarly sentimental "Ode to Diana" is expected to outgross all other songs as the fastest selling single ever. It will be cherished by all who remember the charismatic princess.

But all those looking for an end to the saga of a woman connected to the real world of poverty and disease, as well as the fantasy world of pomp and circumstance, can rest assured. John says he will never again perform this satisfying tribute to a sensational star.

~

r

7 Cross Country running strong Luxury van replaces Boys' Team ior Anthony Prince, form the core of the team with their talent and drive. Schuh is looking to break former cross country runner Jose Melendez's record in the 3.1 mile race this year.

Melendez's record in the school, which he set last year, is 17:13, and Schuh has come as close as 17:35 in this 5 K race.

Competition-wise, Hanson is resolved to remain optimistic about the season. Last year, the boys' second place Queens finish surprised many, in what was one of their most successful seasons ever.

The "only way I can have a winning team ever again," said Hanson, "is if the team members train over the summer... It makes such a difference," he said, pointing out the runners who practiced during the vacation months. "No one wants to do it, but it's the only way to keep improving," he said.

by Justin Fox sidelined by a hamstring injury, Beating the teams you are was not able to run in the seasupposed to beat and succumb- son opener against Campus ing to the teams you are sup- Magnet or in the meet against posed to succumb to never Jamaica, but he is to compete made for surprising wins, but with the team against Van then again, it never made for Buren on October 7. "He is one surprising losses, either. "We're of our top players," Hanson going to lose to Magnet and said. "Hopefully he will be able Edison. And we're going to to play the rest of this season, beat Jamaica and Van Buren," but he has been missed."

Coach Keith Hanson predicted Although he wishes that of his Cross Country Boys' many of the juniors on this team. Sure enough, the boys • year's team had joined earlier lost to Magnet, one of the bet- on in high school, Hanson cited ter teams in their league, 24-35 several who, with training, (lower score wins) in their sea- could become key runners next son opener on September 23. year. Junior Michael Kim, who . Their victory over Jamaica (24- has been starting, "hasn't been 32) came just a few days later training long enough," said on September 30.

Hanson, "but nobody works The squad, because of in- harder..." Devon Skinner, anjury and dropped runners, may other junior, was also singled not have the year Coach out by Hanson as having the Hanson had originally antici- potential to become an excelpated, but can still pull off a lent runner. respectable record, he said.

Seniors Stephen Schuh and Starting junior Felipe Gomez, Alex Arriaga, along with jun-

Girls'Team Finishing in 12 of the top 15 spots in their first meet on September 17, the Girls' Cross Country team displayed the amount of talent from both veteran and new runners that has surfaced on the team. "We're expecting to fight for the championship once again," said Coach Joseph Horn, who saw his girls run themselves right into the city quarterfinals last year. · As a whole, Horn feels tha~ this year's squad is especially strong. Five starters from last

season's Queens championship team, seniors Lara Rios, Vicki Realmuto, and Sarah Sidar, along with juniors Heather Ibert and Tabitha Hsi, bring both ex- · perience and determination with their return this year. New runners such as Chanelle Pearson, Ilana Rossein, and Tallya Oberfield assure a strong team for the future, and add talent to the junior varsity squad, which is also in the hunt for a championship.

The team will have to face some tough opponents, though,

according to members of the _team. "While we definitely hope to reign as Queens champs, there will be heavy competition," Rios said. "Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Campus Magnet, and Forest Hills all have strong veterans," Horn added.

The girls will encounter all of these noted teamsat the Queens Championship on October 22. Their biggest meet, the City Champs, will take place just two weeks later on November 8 at Van Cortlandt.

-13-year-old vehicle

by Tabitha Hsi It has brought sports teams to meets, the band to perform~mces, and the math team to competitions, and after 13 years of serving the school, the "paddy wagon," (as it is called by its most adoring passengers) has been replaced.

Last year on Founder's Day, ·alumnus Joseph Flom provided

seat air conditioning, was finally purahased by Wanda Nix, athletic director for $23,760.

The color chosen was forest green because "we really didn't want red," said Mr. Rattien.

"We didn't wa:nt to look like a fire engine coming down the road," he explained. Yes, still some will miss the chipping gray matte painted exterior, the

'We didn't want to look like a fire engine coming down the _road'

Townsend Harris with the money to purchase a van. The delay in actually attaining the . vehicle was due to the lengthy process of applying for a special license necessary for school automobiles, which are insured by New York City. "It's self insured by the city. It is insured for any driver who is on the staff of Townsend Harris and is employed by the Board of Education," said Harry Rattein, Assistant Principal of Mathematics and Physical Education.

However, about three weeks ago, the sparkling new, IS-passenger forest green 1998 Ford Club van, equipped with front

brick red plastic seats, the large wheel, on the right side (that five people sat on at a time when there was no space available anywhere else), the strange wires that hung from a perforated and naked ceiling, the odd noises that were emitted from the engine, and the clanking of metal along the highway, but senior Kristin Candan is sure that "the nostalgia will wear away as the school travels to various sites with comfort and glamour."

The van has not arrived yet, though, because "we haven't yet paid for it and we don't have the license plates yet," Mr. Rattien said.

Challen.ging s_e_ aso-n:fo_reca.st for Bo-wling teams.

Boys overcoming od-ds

Gir,ls start off shaky

by Mark Von Ohlen Even with the loss of several seniors from last year and a lack of veteran bowlers, the Boys' Bowling team has managed to pull off two wins in their ftrst two games of the season. Winning their matches against Van Buren October 6th and John Adams on the 7th, the boys have so far overcome predictions that 1997 was to be a rebuilding year.

Defeating Adams was an incredible high for all team players: John Adams High School WQn frrst place in the di>vision for the last three years. ••A<tams is definitely the team to beat," said Coach Larry Ceraulo. Harris was able to defeat Adams last year, earning a tie for seeon€1 place. The team's playoff spot was taken by Edison, however, after their team beat Harris both times the teams squared off.

by Mark Von Ohlen After finishing 11 ~0 last season, the Girls' Varsity Bowling team has a tough year ahead of them. Their first game ended in a dose l-2 loss to Hillcrest High School, losing by only six pins in the third match. The girls compensated in their next match by beating Francis Lewis on October 8.

Kelly S:abbah led the way with a 146.

With the graduation of eight key players last June, coa-ch Ellen Schwartz's entire lineup for the A and B teams has changed, making for a chaHenging season. The team, composed of mostly sophomores and juniors, has virtually no experience.

The girls' loss on September 30 was the result of this lack of experience, said Schwartz, although she feels that they "could have bowled much better.~ . As we go on, we should

This year'·s goal is to make it to the playoffs, though this may prove difficult with a team of brand new bowlers. ''I need the younger players to step up this year.;• said Ceraulo, w,bo lost seven seniors from the boys' team last year.

The veterans are pressured to m-ove up tl\> ~he A team and replace the stars of the prior season.

In their match against Van Duren, junior Mark Von Ohlen, captain, bowled the highest score, a 204. Von Ohlen and freshman Chris Chu led the team to their victory over Adams by bowling a 231 and 2([)6, respectively.

Ceraulo has already spotted Michael Yirilli, a promising freshman to lead fhe B team and junior Scott Noriega. Along with returning sophomore Simon Huang, they will be expected to lead the team in years to come.

become more c-onfident and more consistent and we should ultimately win more games," she added.

Though tryouts have ended, the complete team structure bas not yet beel) finalized. The~ team, as of now, consists of Maria Cando, Christina Gechna, Tania Lee, and· Kelly Sabbah. Schwartz identified Sabbah as this year's key player, predicting she will have the highest average on the team. The average score of members of the A team is 120, but Sabbah has performed in the 130 range.

Despite the obstacles facing the team this year, Schwartz remains confident that the girls ean pult off a respectable record, buf as f:Or their otber competition, Schwartz said, "We don't know what they look like yet." The biggest obstacle to overcome during the ftrst few matches, she said, would be team members' nerves.

..

8

The Classic

1

October 1997

I

'"f

.,

Rising Stars: Up-and-coming Freshmen Athletes

Michael GiacopeBi Soccer coach James Murray has nothing but praise for bis new starting lelt wing. "'Mike is very quick has exceUent baH 0ontroJ skills," he said ...We'll be looking for him to cross passes from the left into the center to score." It was Mike who scored Harris' only goal in a game against Edison last Thesday, on a penalty kick.

ana

Angelo Marl11o Another starting freshman on the Boys' Soccer team, Angelo brings ''the experience and field awareness necessary to win games," accorcting to coach Murray. Murray has positioned him in the right midfield., and hopes that Angelo wi:}l have ample opportunities to score for the team tbis .season.

~~~'"'''~, '':.<;}\"~·(

Girls to volley for ~econd straight PSAL championship

by Kate Rube Losing is never easy, but to a team that has not lost a match, let alone a game, in league play in over two years, it can seem torturous. Their close loss (2-1) to Francis Lewis on September 26 left the Girls' Volleyball team stunned. Though the team was missing starting senior Janelle Iglesias, coach Wanda Nix attributed the loss to a general poor performance by the girls. "More disappointing than the loss itself was how we played;' said Nix. "We're going to have to play better if we're to make the playoffs."

After reaching the top, sometimes winning just isn't enough. With a crop of especially talented players, last year's team played through a season which culminated in a PSAL championship over Bronx Science, and it seems anything less this year would be a let down for the girls. Excepting their loss to Lewis, the team has won the rest of their games so far this year in a style reminiscent' of their 1996 climb to the top. Victories over Flushing, Bayside, Bryant, Hillcrest, and Newtown High Schools in September came easily, almost effortlessly for the girls. · Still, Nix is reluctant to place any predictions on the team for the season to come. Since practices began on the first day of school, the team has looked to refocus their energies and concentrate on upcoming games. "It's been hard to regain concentration after [winning the championship]," said Nix. "Skill wise, the team is capable, but volleyball is a mental game as well."

Their loss to Francis Lewis was clearly disappointing, but the team is determined to look ahead and not to dwell on past games. The girls will have to struggle against Lewis and Cardozo, another strong team in the league, for the two playoff spots

]c..

Flannery Stevens, sophomore, spikes one over the net at a September home game.

awarded to the teams with the best division record. Cardozo has "always had a strong team," said Nix, largely owing to their excellent junior varsity volleyball team program. Outside of their league, Bronx Science will look to be difficult competition again for the girls. "Any team right now could be tough for.us," Nix said. "We're capable of playing well, but the team is also capable of subpar games."

After the graduation of several key senior players last year, leadership on the team has shifted to senior captains

Kristin Candan and Annie Quinones.

The team will look to them for strength and to achieve the "mental toughness" Nix considers so essential to ·winning games.

The girls will have another chance against Francis Lewis next week, when the two league powerhouses face off again. Senior Christine Lee said that "Losing to them has made us even more motivated to win next time." There won't be .any major strategy changes, though, said Nix, "It will just ·be up to the girls if they want to win or not."

Soccer kicks off to successful start

Melani Sherman Melani's petite physique belies the powerful swimmer underneath. One of the new members of the Girls'Varsity Swim team, Melani a}so swims for an outside team; the Nu-Finmen Swim Club, in Hem;p stead, Long Island.

Though her strengths are in butterfly and the individual medley, coach James Jordan credits her with "being ·able to swim well in any event."

by Kate Rube With five new members joining an already experienced squad, Boys' Soccer coach James Murray hopes the team can keep the offensive-minded gameset that helped them to win their first match in seven years last season. "We don't have any first-time players this year, something which made it difficult in previous years to be competitive," Murray explained.

If their first few games are any indication of the year to come, the boys have what it takes to make this season their best ever. Though they lost to Edison 3-1, the team tied both Hillcrest and Francis Lewis.

Murray called their game against Hillcrest "dynamite."

The boys' battle against the former division A member was tough, with goalie John Premus, sophomore, making over 20 saves throughout the game. "Though they had more shot opportunities than we did;' said Murray, "we managed to take advantage of the opportunities we had to score." Charles Nixon scored Harris' only goal of the game, his third score

so far this season.

Of the freshmen, only Michael Giacopelli and AngeJo Marino will start initially. However, Murray expects the team will benefit from the talent of newcomers Ian Gelbwachs, Akin Laundry, and Gabriel Luber as well. Two startt;rs from last year's team are missing from this year's lineup. Junior Eric Welby is sidelined because of an injury, and senior Raoul Kim has not yet rejoined the team for medical reasons. Murray hopes to see them back on the field before the season is up. · After making headlines for their win against Adams High School last year, the team,went 1-0-2 at a preseason June tournament held at Cardozo High School, eclipsing previously poor records. Along with senior captain Michael Giacopelli, they will look to turn last season's ties into this season's wins against Beach Channel and Bayside high schools. "We have an excellent attitude on the team .... You never know, the playoffs may not be that far from reach," said Murray.