The Voice Of Vanguard High School
The Vanguardian Volume 1, Issue 2
November 15, 2007
Vanguard Passes With Flying Colors
By Dalia C.
The Chancellor’s Office - November 2, 2007 -- In a long-anticipated announcement, Chancellor Joel Klein gave all NYC Public Schools their grade. Each school received the grade A through F, based on three factors. So the big question is, what grade did Vanguard get? Principal Louis Delgado proudly informed the Vanguardian that our school received a B+, just barely missing an A. “We missed it because they give more credit to schools who give five or six regents exams, when we only give two.” Louis continued, saying, “I enjoyed reading the fact that teachers, parents and students have high expectations and high standards. We had the highest score out of all the 450 New York City High Schools in that area.” In fact, as part of the learning environment survey, which makes up 15% of the grade, no high school in the city got a better grade than we did. Before the grade was released, the Vanguard community was worried about the grade we might get. 11 th grader Anthony Davis stated, “I don’t want the school to close down because it’s been a good experience for me and I would like other students to experience it too.” Dario Dorilus, a 9th grader, was concerned that Vanguard might shut down and he might not graduate from here. Coincidentally, Dario guessed our grade before it was released. “Vanguard deserves a B, this is a good school. I see a lot of opportunities for me here. I really like this school and I want to graduate from here.” Vanguard scored solidly in the three factors the Department of Education used. First is School Environment, meaning the safety of students and how often parents communicate with teachers. Second is student performance, which is measured by graduation rates. Third and last is Student Progress. This shows how much improvement each student makes measured by scores on the Regents, PSATs and how many classes they passed. Schools that earned the grade D and F could be shut down. Schools that get the grade C three times in a row can also be shut down because of lack of improvement. When asked why she thought Vanguard would get a high grade, Maggie Lum, 9 th Grade Humanities teacher, said, “We have great leadership and a thoughtful, hardworking faculty. I like the survey Mayor Bloomberg created because they gave the teachers an idea about where we need to improve based on what the students and parents are saying.” Principal Louis Delgado is determined to get an A next year. “I’m not satisfied [with a B+]. We are always trying to improve in what we are doing.” Meanwhile, everyone should feel proud of our success.
Vanguardian Staff Editorial Board Dalia Cornejal Stacy Fernandez Angii Marte Contributors Hava Cukovic Naquan Dodd Photography Hector Seda
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1. Bill As Austin Powers
Favorite Costumes! 2
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2. Ana as a Fairy 3. Chastity as a Pirate
Check Out More Costumes In The Back Of This Issue!!!
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THE VANGUARDIAN
V O LU M E 1 , I S S U E 2
What’s Happening at Vanguard? Join the SLT! Be a leader in your community and build your resume at the same time! Applications available in Room 405B
Family Conferences Friday November 16th. Students must attend with Parent or Guardian. 8 AM - 5 PM
Interview With Devin E.
Step Team! Meets Tuesdays and Thursday from 3:15 to 4:45 In the Dance Room.
By Angii M.
This issue the Vanguardian interviewed Senior Devin Edwards. You might see him in the hallways or even know him by name. He has done art in Carol’s room, the school store, and even the girls bathroom. Here are some things about him that you might not have known.
Which field do you like the most? I like ladies fashion better because you can do crazy things. I made shirts for girls before. I used things like Spray Paint Stenciling, Silk Screen, Markers, Sewing, and Painting. What do you want people to know about you? Art and the visual world and imagination control my life and affect me as an individual. What is something you would like to accomplish in life?
A piece from Devin’s collection How many pieces do you have to choose for your portfolio? It depends on the school [that I’m applying to, every school has different requirements].
Devin holding one of his pieces. He also made his own shirt.
What do you like most about being a senior?
When did you first get into art?
I like the freedom and the amount of support we get [from teachers].
In 7 grade art class we learned about graffiti and attempted it in class. th
What types of art do you do?
What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
What advice do you have for young artists on the rise? Have fun! Look at everything from 20 different angles if possible. Don’t take anything at face value. It makes you a better person. Special Quote from Devin “NYC Forever!” You can still see Devin’s Art Show on
I stole a golf cart once and drove around November 15 -16 in the downstairs art galCalifornia for a while then put the cart back lery, behind the auditorium.. Contact Carol later on.
Abstract, fashion design, logo and media, textile and surface. People could check out some of my work in What do you plan on doing after high Carol’s Room. school? Are you making a portfolio?
After college I want to make a Multimedia clothing company called Mouth 2 Mouth. It’s going to have crazy designs.
I want to go to an art college for multiple degrees in different fields like graphic deYeah I am and it’s been hard, since I sign, Media, Textile Surface, and Fashion. do a lot of art, it’s hard to choose between all my pieces.
for details.
V O LU M E 1 , I S S U E 2
THE VANGUARDIAN
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Fights Are Old News...Grow Up
Op-Ed By Stacy F.
We hope you enjoyed the first issue of The Vanguardian. We also appreciate your feedback which has proven most helpful in creating a paper that interests you all. We are truly grateful to those of you who are taking Cristal’s advice and using the announcements for your own benefit. In this issue we want to address the pros and cons of our readers’ request for us to report about the fights that go on in our school. One of the reasons the editorial board would want to report on fighting amongst students in our school is because such news tends to attract an enormous number of curious readers. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a confrontation here and there? We often take pleasure in seeing other lives in chaos; it makes us feel like our lives aren’t so bad. Another reason is that we need to be honest about what happens at Vanguard. No school is perfect and we should be prepared for conflicts to arise. Perhaps if we shout out the students who are fighting, they might feel ashamed or embarrassed and this might decrease the number of fights that occur. This can also lead to self reflection. If Vanguard students reflect on the personal damage fighting causes they will realize just how senseless it is. While there are many reasons to report on fights, there are just as many arguments against it. When visitors from out of state and from colleges come to look at the Julia Richman Complex, we want them to feel safe, secure and welcome, rather than leave with the idea that Vanguard isn’t a safe environment. If we report the disagreements among students in Vanguard, we are promoting our own downfall because visitors will see the nonsense that goes on and they will most likely come to the conclusion that Vanguard isn’t a respectable or serious school. We don’t want to give the Department of Education more reasons to close down JREC. Another problem is that some students in the Vanguard community might begin to create additional confrontation, including the nonsense gossip, which happens regardless of whether there is a fight or not. On top of all that is the fact that it is an invasion of people’s privacy. Some people like their business to be discrete. In truth, stories of arguments and fights in the Vanguard community grab students’ curiosity. However, while these stories catch our eye, for the reasons mentioned above we have decided not to add them to the paper. The surveys show that there were quite a few of you who were excited to see these fights posted up but the cons have outweighed the pros.
Cristal’s Corner
Where Teenz Can Be Themselves
What do you do when you love someone but you’re not sure if they love you back? Ms. China Town
I really like someone who is the same sex as me. I don’t know how to get her attention. I see her everyday but I don’t know her. Secret Lover Girl
Hey Ms. China Town, I know how you feel, I’ve been through this before. But you have to think to yourself, do you really love this person? Sometimes it feels like love but it might be something so much different. Do you know this person inside and out? Get to know this person’s real side and see if the love is still there. If you do know everything about them, then that means you guys have to be close. Open up to them and tell them how you feel. Don’t hold back because you know what they say, “Timing is everything”. This is so true.
Open up to them and
tell them how you feel.
Dear Secret Lover Girl , (I love this name)
Get to know this girl like a friend first.
This is the worst part because getting a person’s attention is the hardest thing to do. I think you should get to know this girl like a friend first. After you really connect with her tell her that you like her. Don’t be afraid to let her know your feelings. Be straight up with her and let her know the truth about yourself. Don’t be in a rush to make someone your partner. Taking it slow is a good way to start off a relationship. You might even find yourself a good friend.
Thanks For The Questions! Good Luck! XOXO Cristal*
Halloween @ Vanguard
The Vanguardian hosted our very first Halloween contest! From fairies to devils, goddesses to ring masters, Vanguard got into the Halloween spirit. People took their pictures acting as their characters. The Vanguardian has chosen its top 3 costumes. (Shown in front) 1. Bill Klann dressed as Austin Powers 2. Ana Montano dressed as a Fairy 3. Chastity Morales dressed as a Pirate Rania as an 80’s Chick Fendi as a Rock Star Beatriz as a French Maid Irene as a Bumble Bee Taliek as Neyo Madeline & Zoraida as Devils Erika as a Psychopath Justin as a Hit Man Student teacher Karen as a Witch Chasity & Anthony as Convicts Seary as Aphrodite the Goddess Thays as a Ring Master, celebrating her 17th birthday! Story By Hava Cukovic
I am Running… I am running to a new year And I am letting go… I am letting go of her I am letting go of a meaningless chase Letting her tear me down as I attempt to build her up I am letting go of the rope that once tied us together The thread that once intertwined our hearts I am letting go of piercing love and dull words I am letting go of her hand, for we can no longer walk side by side Now it is a foot race and I refuse to let her catch up I am letting go of promises I am letting go of “I love you’s” I am letting go of her And in doing so… I am letting go of my better half I let go because I love her I let go because I care I let go because I must… I am running to a new year And I am letting go Poem By Nay Smiles (Naquan Dodd)