The Phoenix 2015-2016 Issue 4

A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Issue 4 • December 2015 / 5776

Security Concerns Alter Talmud and Halakhah Finals to be Given Back to Back Chesed Mission

By Estelle Saad

By Diana Hoffstein

Contributing Writer

Junior Editor

Every January Rabbi Besser takes a select group of juniors and seniors to Israel for Chesed Mission, but the current spate of violence in Israel has given many parents and students cause for concern about this year’s trip. As a result, Rabbi Besser has made several changes to the itinerary and other details of the trip for this year.

For the past few months Israeli citizens have been attacked by their neighbors, with reports of stabbings and car rammings coming almost daily. Many Israelis, especially in Jerusalem, have been

staying home more often out of fear of what may happen to them as they walk through town.

On Chesed Mission, students are able to support their fellow Jews. Whether it be at hospitals or army bases, Yeshivah of Flatbush students are there to help. However, many parents and students are worried about the safety of the students on the trip. Many of the students have been to Israel before, but for some it is their first time and they don’t know what to expect.

Despite students’ concerns, most of

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Students donate their time on last year’s Chesed Mission

New Teacher Spotlight: Rabbi Tokayer

By Mary Jajati Sophomore Editor

Despite teaching high school for the first time in a while, Rabbi Etan Tokayer

In This Issue Religion: Does leadership require confidence? Page 3

The announcement that the Talmud and Halakhah finals are being given on the same day to juniors and seniors has gotten a mixed response from students.

Ms. Zaltzman, head of the Halakhah department, said that the actual Talmud and Halakhah finals are not changing from what they usually are, but they are being given one after another on the same day.

“Don’t sacrifice one for the other,” Ms. Zaltzman advises students. “Both [subjects] have to be studied well. It is not about the length of the final. It’s about the content. Just because Halakhah class meets only twice or three times a week does not mean it’s a joke, and it is not more relaxed then other subjects. Prepare ahead of time, and get a good night’s sleep beforehand.”

As for the Talmud final, “It’s basically going to be the same, but with a little more emphasis on the text,” Talmud department chair Rabbi Prag said. He suggests that students use both the actual Gemara text and their notes to study for the final.

Rumors that the two finals have been combined are not exactly accurate. The Talmud final will be handed out first, and when students are finished they will receive the Halakhah final. Students will re-

is enjoying his time at Yeshivah of Flatbush as a Talmud teacher to 9th and 10th grade girls. He says, “I have an exceptional group of students, who often anticipate the very questions and answers of the great Rabbis of the Gemara whose concepts and ideas we study.”

Rabbi Tokayer started his childhood in Wilmington, North Carolina, but soon moved to the then-small community of West Orange, New Jersey. In West Orange the number of religious families was so few that “the Rabbi would call my father before Shabbat to make sure there was a minyan on Friday night.”

Rabbi Tokayer graduated from the Jewish Educational Center (JEC) in Eliz-

abeth, NJ, and started his career by teaching for several years at Bat Torah Academy and at Torah Academy of Bergen County.

He eventually moved to Brooklyn, where he currently serves as the Rabbi of Kingsway Jewish Center in addition to teaching part-time at Flatbush. He says he accepted his job at Flatbush partly because he understands that teaching Torah to young people is a great joy and a special responsibility, but also because he was told that Flatbush students take their studies seriously and that the school has great “ruach.” So when Flatbush invited him to join the faculty, Rabbi Tokayer saw it as an opportunity “I couldn’t pass

Current Events: Brazil baffled by birth defects Page 4

Ask Merle: Turnstile jumping and triple lunch Page 6

ceive two hours in total to take both tests.

Rabbi Prag said that the school is making this change to benefit the students, based on the belief that this change will make studying easier for students. The change will also give students an extra day of vacation.

Many students, however, are concerned over this change. Junior Esther Levy said that “they are really making things inconvenient for us because we have to study so much information in a short amount of time.” Levy is in Talmud Beit Midrash, and says that it is “absurd for them to think that they are going to give us two hours to finish both Gemara and Halakhah finals,” adding that she doesn’t usually have enough time to finish just the Talmud final in the usual one and a half hours previously given.

Another student who wished to remain anonymous said that he is failing both subjects and has no idea what he is going to do about the finals.

Others are more optimistic about the conjoined finals. Junior Jane Zakay said she is “very happy to get out of school a day early. These finals are not bad, and I think this new system is going to work out great.”

up.”

With his three kids and his wife, who happens to be a Flatbush graduate and the Assistant Principal at Magen David High School, Rabbi Tokayer likes to spend his continued on page 2

Fashion: Ms. Weinstock gets married, looks fabulous Page 7 www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 1

Alumnus Profile: Bradley Hecker (’14)

Meet a Flatbush Family

Bert, Shirley, and David Dweck

By Moses Bakst

By Mimi Lazerowitz

Contributing Writer

Junior Editor

September 17 was a very important day for Bradley Hecker, Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School graduate, class of 2014. On that day, Hecker entered the New York Military Reserves. He was sworn in at JFK Airport, in the building where Operation Empire Shield, a mission to protect airports from terrorism, is based. However, before Hecker could be sworn in, he had to complete rigorous training at Camp Smith, a military training site in New York.

At Camp Smith, Hecker went through Initial Entry Training (IET), also known as basic training, as well as a program called CONTOMS (Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support). IET started at 4 a.m. and continued until 10 p.m. These training programs are designed to “try to break you down and turn you into more than just a civilian,” Hecker explained. One intense part of his training was when he was put through a gas chamber; he described this experience as one in which “your body loses control.”

Hecker shared a funny story that happened during his IET. Since Camp Smith had such dangerous conditions, with temperatures even reaching 105°F, trainees had to help carry around huge water coolers called “water buffalos” wherever they went, in order to hand out water to any officers who would pass by. Hecker’s sergeant knew that he was doing well in his training, so he gave Hecker the jug of water to hold.

The sergeant then purposely stole the water jug from Hecker and blamed Bradley for losing it; everyone had a lot of fun torturing Hecker, and all he could do was stand calmly and answer back as intimidating men surrounded him and asked him countless questions. When Hecker finally got the

water cooler back, he had to carry it during the rest of the training. He even received the nickname “Waterboy,” inspired by the Adam Sandler movie, and every time someone said the word “Gatorade” he had to reply with a shout of “H2O is better!”

For his final assignment, which started at 8 p.m. and continued until 9 a.m. the next day, Hecker had to enter a burn-house, which is a building that firefighters typically use to train. He had to climb up five flights of stairs in the pitch-black building, where there potentially could be shooters, and carry hostages and injured civilians to safety.

At one point, tear gas was unleashed, and Hecker had to put on a mask while simultaneously trying to rescue the civilians.

Hecker said that, although he doesn’t have the highest possible training because he works with medicine and logistics rather than combat, he still feels that this experience has transformed him. He currently works as an EMT for New York City and attends Kingsborough Community College.

He plans on transferring to a different school soon to study criminal justice.

Hecker feels that Flatbush prepared him for his training and has contributed to his successes by teaching him determination, hard work, and perseverance. He said, “Flatbush is the first of many challenges life throws at you. Everyone is challenged at different times in different ways. I know that I would rather attempt something and fail than not try.”

Bert and Shirley Dweck, both in class 4-T, have been together in high school since day one. But when their brother David, now in class 1-S, joined the mix, things got even more interesting than they already were.

The two seniors have been very unified throughout high school. They are not very competitive with each other, often helping each other catch up on schoolwork after senioritis hits, or helping each other when it comes to money for lunch.

They both have been helping their brother David transition into high school. According to David, the transition had been smooth because of his siblings. They told him which teachers they

liked and what to do to get on their good side, warned him to not go to the roof in search of a tennis court, and got him some lunch from Avenue J, as he can’t go out until springtime. Along with that, they gave him the classic, but always important advice: in Bert’s words, “Don’t slack off freshman year.”

The Dwecks have their similarities and differences, as do all families. Bert and David both like to play sports, while Shirley is more into arts-based activities. They have normal family arguments about conflicts of interests, like when Bert and David want to watch a game on TV but Shirley would rather watch something else. Overall, however, they regard themselves as being very close to one another.

All three of them agree that they are lucky to have their siblings alongside them in their journey through high school. Shirley said that she feels lucky to “be with them at home and in school,” and that it makes school “fun and exciting.” Although David sometimes feels like he’s in their shadows, as every student with older siblings does, he knows that he is lucky to have not one, but two people who are helping him succeed in high school.

Rabbi Tokayer... continued from front page

summers in a secluded place where he can enjoy time with his family and the feeling of being anonymous. “One of the joys and challenges of being a community Rabbi is often knowing people almost wherever I go,” he said.

Rabbi Tokayer’s hobbies include being an amateur chef at home. He’s also interested in American and Jewish history and, in particular, where the two intersect. For example, he says, “Did you know that George Washington credited the Revolution’s success in large mea-

sure to the efforts of a Jewish American named Hayim Solomon?”

In the classroom, Rabbi Tokayer tries to challenge his students to think and raise questions rather than passively receive the information that is being taught. Outside the classroom he was especially intrigued by this year’s Hebrew play, “The Lion King.” “I was impressed with how the students were able to perform in Hebrew,” he said. “It was great to see one of my students, Aida Hasson … shine outside the classroom.”

Student Survey

How are you planning to spend Winter Break?

Staying home Israel Chesed Mission STEM trip Florida Aruba Caribbean Caribbean (not Aruba) Mexico Skiing Europe Other U.S. travel Other

31 12.9% 24 10% 24 10% 5 2.1% 32 13.3% 20 8.3% 31 12.9% 27 11.3% 11 4.6% 2 0.8% 9 3.8% 24 10%

The Phoenix Staff Editor-in-Chief: Michelle Harari Managing Editor: Miriam Zenilman Senior Editor: Gabriel Vizgan School News Editor: Gabrielle Cohen Religion Editor: Sarah Torgueman Entertainment Editor: Daniella Babaee Music Editor: Esty Fromer Sports Editor: Albert Dweck Fun and Games Editor: Merle Dweck Standard of Fabulous Editors: Sylvia Ashkenazie, Aida Hasson Web Editor: Joey Baum Junior Editors: David Azrak, Diana Hoffstein, Mimi Lazerowitz, Naomi Sanders, Jane Zakay Sophomore Editors: Daliah Ben-Ari, Mary Jajati

240 responses

High School Administration Rabbi Raymond Harari Head of School Rabbi Ronald Levy Principal Ms. Jill W. Sanders Associate Principal Director of Admissions Ms. Sari Bacon Associate Principal Rabbi Joseph Beyda Assistant Principal

Design: Therese Berkowitz Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter

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D’var Torah: YOF Leadership & Students Confidence Attend

By Sarah Torgueman Religion Editor

Sefer Shemot unfolds with this week’s Parashat Shemot. The generation of Yosef and his brothers is gone; the Jewish people continue to live in Egypt, and a new leader of the Jewish people is born in their midst.

This week’s parasha tells the story of the birth of Moshe Rabbeinu and his early life as he grows up in Egypt, flees to Midyan, and comes back to Egypt.

After all of Yosef ’s generation died, a new Pharaoh arose in Egypt with a negative attitude toward the Jewish people. Pharaoh sees that the Jews are multiplying rapidly and producing strong offspring. Consequently, he issues slave decrees against the Jews, forcing them to work. Later on, according to the Midrash, Pharaoh heard from his magician consultants that the redeemer of the Jewish people from Egypt would be a male. For this reason, Pharaoh sought to kill all newborn Jewish males by throwing them into the Nile River. Ultimately, this causes Moshe to grow up in the Pharoah’s palace.

Meanwhile, the Jews are being oppressed as slaves by the Egyptians. The parasha mentions a scene when Moshe in is Egypt and sees an Egyptian fighting with a Jew. Moshe intervenes by murdering the Egyptian. Here it’s evident that Moshe feels sympathetic toward others when he witnesses a wrongdoing, He becomes a man of action. Later, he sees a Jew fighting with another Jew and intervenes once again.

Before the news reaches Pharaoh, Moshe flees Egypt to Midyan. He marries Tzipora, a native Midyanite, and has a baby named Gershom. Moshe is shepherding his fatherin-law, Yitro’s flocks when he sees the famous Burning Bush. In this iconic scene, Hashem commands Moshe to return to Egypt to speak to Pharaoh to save the Jews from their oppression in Egypt and lead Bnei Yisrael to the land of milk and honey, Eretz Yisrael. Moshe is nervous to speak to Pharaoh and protests his assigned mission. Hashem lifts Moshe’s confidence and assigns Aharon, Moshe’s brother, to be his spokesperson when he confronts Pharaoh.

Moshe Rabbeinu was not a perfect man.

The Torah explains the details of his life to teach us to live our lives like Moshe Rabbeinu. He went from being a fugitive to a man who confronted his past and returned to Egypt. Despite his lack of confidence, he prevailed and spoke to Pharaoh with the help of his brother, Aharon.

Throughout the parasha, the importance of confidence and leadership is displayed. Miriam approaches Bat Pharaoh to offer help to her newborn brother, Moshe.

When he witnesses violence in Egypt, Moshe takes action. Finally, Moshe works up the confidence to confront Pharaoh to stop enslaving the Jews and let them go.

Confidence is essential to be an effective and successful leader. Moshe becomes the leader of the Jewish people as he continues to build his trust and emunah in Hashem.

AIPAC Seminar

By Sylvia Ashkenazie

lege campuses, how to form a group on school campuses to organize and initiate programs and engage students about problems going on in Israel today, and how to distribute tasks and responsibilities in these groups.

One tool Torgueman found to be extremely helpful was the involvement of other students in Israeli issues. “Points don’t stay proven and battles don’t stay won. The goal of our advocacy is to engage, not argue,” she explained.

One major point that was repeatedly stressed at the conference was that everyone and anyone can make a dif-

ference. It doesn’t matter if you are a Republican or Democrat, a parent or a student; everyone has the power to help Israel.

Shalom and Torgueman hope that they can use this new piece of information to their advantage when they head back down to Washington to talk to our country’s senators.

The seminar also helped Shalom and Torgueman develop new ideas to improve the pro-Israel atmosphere and strengthen the Israel Activism commission in the Yeshivah.

SOF Editor

Israel Activism commissioners Sarah Torgueman and Morris Shalom recently spent several days in Washington D.C. at the AIPAC Saban Leadership Seminar to learn more about how we can support Israel and becme better informed. From Sunday, December 20 to Wednesday, December 23, Torgueman and Shalom attended various sessions in which they learned about effective strategies and gathered important information to help them support Israel.

The AIPAC Saban Leadership Seminar consisted of 400 college students and 50 high school students. “I was able to look at Israel advocacy from the perspective of students who face anti-Zionism, BDS (Boycott, Divest, and Sanction), and SJP (Students for Justice in Palestine) on a constant basis and have fought it head on,” Shalom said. “They prepared me better for what I have to face next year on the college campus.”

Not only did our head commissioners learn from the leaders at this seminar, but also they learned from fellow students who are currently going through what most Jewish college students must face on campus. Some sessions that Torgueman and Shalom attended focused on how to approach anti-Semitism on high school or col-

Torgueman and Shalom in Washington with YOF alumnus Andrew Hersh (left)

Behind The Booth at the Hebrew Play

By David Azrak Junior Editor

Before I drone on and on about the collective efforts of the entire AV squad both in the booth and backstage, an honorable mention to the entire cast and everyone who helped make the first Hebrew premiere of The Lion King such a success. From the art department, to costume design, to our own Dr. Gerber’s expertly written translation, and of course the relentless attention to detail of play coordinator/director/manager of all things, Sally Shatzkes. Rant over, now on to the actual story.

As a fully participating member of the AV squad I was behind the camera, ensuring all actors were properly in frame and adjusting camera angles and zoom levels to offer the most dynamic shots. To my right was Joey Berkovitz, focusing on spotlight and spotlight

From left to right: Azrak, Berkovitz, and Baum

tracking with scenes containing three or fewer actors for a more dramatic effect.

Sonny Setton was behind the stage controlling sound, along with Abie Madeb operating the smoke machine during the particularly creepy scenes. Last but not least, we had Michael Chakkalo and AV head Joey Baum running lighting and sound, respectively, from the control booth.

So how did it go?

“It was really stressful because at first nothing was working the way it should and virtually nothing went as planned,” Berkowitz said. “But at the end we managed to provide a wonderful production.

Also I hate the new mics … a lot.”

The Hebrew play was the first opportunity for our new AV recruits to shadow us and learn the ins and outs of each facet of AV, Ms. Shatzkes was also speaking to each of us through headsets so we could properly adjust sound volumes and lighting intensity without making it too noticeable. All in all, despite stressful hiccups like those new mics not working properly and various obstructions to the camera, we still managed to complement the fantastic production even when we weren’t operating at 100%, which Joey would swiftly come in to fix, as always.

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Spanish Heritage Trip Takes Shape

Will Brazil Ban Babies?

By Daliah Ben-Ari Sophomore Editor

By Michelle Harari

Despite rumors that this year’s Spanish Heritage trip was being canceled, the Yeshivah of Flatbush’s annual trip to Spain and Gibraltar, exploring the roots of our Jewsih heritage, is still on schedule.

The week-long trip to Spain is organized by Jewish History department chair Ms. Wielgus, along with Sheila Schwebel, the owner of Tourrific Tours, a travel agency that specializes in organizing kosher tours around the world. The trip is scheduled for the week of February 28 through March 6 and is open to all seniors, though only 30 students will be selected. Its focus, as usual, will be on exploring the fascinating story of Sephardic Jewry.

“The purpose of Heritage is to get the students connected to their roots and learn about the triumph and tragedy of Sephardic Jewry,” said Ms. Wielgus. It’s also a way for Flatbush students to experience first-hand contemporary Spanish culture, and to put all the Spanish they’ve learned to good use.

Editor-in-Chief

Blazing Deals Closing Temporarily

By Esther Levy Contributing Writer

Blazing Deals, the store on Avenue J that many students and teachers depend upon for inexpensive goods of all kinds, will be closing shortly for renovations, store manager Deepak reported.

Deepak, who asked that his last name not be used, said the store will spend the next 6–8 weeks selling off its current merchandise and will then begin a 2–3 week renovation period. Another employee, Freddy, explained that the renovation will include completely revamping the shelving and the registers, as well as improving the quality of merchandise available.

Students and faculty tour Spain in 2014

This year’s trip includes plans to visit eye-opening cultural locations in cities across Spain, including Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada, and Medinat Azarah.

Participants also will see a newly excavated medieval palace complex, hike the Antequera mountain range, visit the Rock of Gibraltar, and be able to personally interact with the famous apes of Gibraltar. Shabbat will be spent with the Jewish community in Gibraltar.

This will be the program’s third year.

The first year, attendees visited Spain and Portugal, and the second year was spent visiting Spain and Gibraltar.

Recent terrorist attacks in Europe caused a small scare among students about the trip being canceled. Other schools such as Magen David have can-

celed their own Spanish Heritage trips, though Magen David is reportedly considering rescheduling its trip. However, Ms. Wielgus said she didn’t even think of canceling. Instead she approached this hurdle with a “wait and see” type of attitude, especially since there was an overwhelming amount of interest from students. However, she assures all concerned that tight security is arranged for the span of the trip.

One unusual change for this year is that Ms. Wielgus will not be chaperoning the trip, as she is planning to take a trip of her own to Israel to meet her newborn grandchild. Faculty members chaperoning this trip are Rabbi Beyda and Ms. Bloom.

Blazing Deals first announced its renovation by plastering its front window with an array of signs reading “Renovation Sale,” “Inventory Close Out,” and “Everything Must Go.” The signs can be seen from several classrooms in the school, including room 312, where a distraught junior, Sara Shtaynberger, was one of several students worried about what to do during the store’s brief absence. “What am I going to do?” Shtaynberger asked, explaining that sometimes when the vending machines just won’t cut it, during her short AP Biology break she’ll “quickly run to Blazing Deals to get snacks” thoughthis is not in line with school regulations.

Classmate Ralph Lati was also saddened to see the signs, exclaiming, “I’m gonna cry!” Lati also remarked that while he may feel sad at the absence of his go to store he is excited for the renovation, saying, “It is excellent! Good for them. I’m happy for them.”

Rabbi Lubner, the Co-Chairman of the Science Department remarked, “I don’t tend to frequent these types of stores.” However, his co-Chair, Dr. Fruchter, mentioned that Blazing Deals is a

convenient place to purchase last-minute lab supplies. “There are probably other places on Avenue J we can get from, it’ll just take a minute longer,” Dr. Fruchter explained.

Assistant Principal Rabbi Beyda recounted a time when he was teaching the laws of Kashrut and needed “pots and pans to explain what we were learning” and was able to run over to buy some at Blazing Deals.

Students have been known to shop in Blazing Deals for items as varied as winter gear, school supplies, and Chanukah gifts. Junior Naomi Sanders commented, “For secret Maccabee I bought presents at Blazing Deals—they had everything.

That’s the place.” Junior Raymond Betesh said the store is closing at a good time.

Shopping there, he said, is “beginningof-the-year stuff.”

However, several students mentioned that Blazing Deals has been a savior during Color War. Junior Hannah Wade mentioned that last spring she finally found black markers for her team’s banner at Blazing Deals after searching everywhere else on J. The renovations are expected to be completed before Color War, but the timing still has junior Suzy Mosseri a little worried. Mosseri described how helpful Blazing Deals is during finals, “Like oh my G-d I need pencils—let me run out 10 minutes before the final and get” (also not in line with school regualtions).

Those looking for a blazing deal on random items such as colored popsicle sticks, sewing needles, chocolate-covered rice cakes, wrapping paper, or potted plants can still find them at deeper discounts than usual, but not for much longer.

A recent surge of newborn microcephaly, a neurological disorder that can result in incomplete brain development, has Brazilian medics advising locals to stay away from getting pregnant.

More than 2,400 suspected cases of microcephaly have been reported this year in 20 Brazilian states, after 147 cases last year. Doctors are investigating 29 related infant deaths, as microcephaly may not only result in abnormal head size or damaged brain activity, but in early death. Consequently, six states in Brazil have declared a state of emergency this month.

When the cases of microcephaly started to soar last month, doctors noticed that they coincided with the appearance of the Zika virus in Brazil. They soon discovered that most of the affected mothers reported having Zika-like symptoms during early pregnancy: mild fever, rash, and headaches.

On November 28, Brazil’s Health Ministry announced that during an autopsy it had found the Zika virus in a baby born with microcephaly, establishing a link between the two.

Doctors now advise families to hold off on pregnancies, as a case of microcephaly may not be detected until the later months of the pregnancy. The mosquito-related disease is on the rise, which can possibly mean microcephaly is as well.

Zika fever was first discovered in Uganda in the 1940s and has since become endemic in parts of Africa. It also spread to the South Pacific and areas of Asia, and most recently to Latin America. This mosquito thrives in mainly tropical climates. As for the United States, it is only found in small numbers in Texas, Florida and Hawaii.

The mosquito was detected in Brazil early this year. Some doctors believe tourists from Asia or the South Pacific introduced it during the 2014 World Cup. As for the upcoming 2016 Olympics, to be hosted in Rio de Janeiro, officials said they have already made more than 9 million house visits to eradicate the stagnant pools used as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and are monitoring 391 pregnant women who are suspected of having Zika infections.

While it may take up to years to fully discover whether the mosquitoes are to blame, doctors are officially telling their patients to avoid or delay getting pregnant.

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Are Honors Students Treated Differently?

By Estelle Saad Contributing Writer

One common belief among many Flatbush students is that students in honors classes get various privileges that other students do not receive.

Principal Rabbi Levy says this is not the case. “If there are (any privileges given to honor students), it is unintended.

The advantage is that they are in a more serious, focused environment,” Rabbi Levy explained.

The Phoenix polled 60 students, of which 59 said they believe that there are honors privileges, although some didn’t have any proof to back up their claim. A closer examination reveals that, although honors students are often more likely to participate in various programs, there are few programs and rights granted just to honors students. “Honors students tend to be the ones who volunteer for the extracurricular or voluntary programs,” Rabbi Levy said, “and because of that they are more likely to be members of Archon.

In regards to Arista, we don’t look at what class you are coming from, as long as you have the required average. Also likely to run [for elected positions] are students who want leadership positions and have pushed themselves for four years. They tend to be honors students. Is anything limited to those students? Absolutely not.”

Many students complain that honors Chesed Mission... continued from front page

students usually are the leaders of clubs and commissions, but club leadership is not limited by class; rather it is limited to the people who commit to the activities, who, again, often tend to be honors students.

Many of the students polled cited favoritism from teachers as another perk of being in honors. Specifically, students in heterogeneous classes often complain that their teachers compare them to the honors classes, and that teachers trust honors students much more. Former honors student Nathan Mosseri said he has seen favoritism of honors students firsthand. “Teachers love them. They treat them so much better,” he said. However, Rabbi Levy and many of the teachers deny this claim.

“It depends on their experiences in the classroom,” Rabbi Levy said.

Ms. Bloom, chair of the English de-

honors and nonhonors experience, all agreed that teachers treat honors students very differently than they treat nonhonors students.

It’s not just teachers who see honors students differently. A major advantage of being in honors is the way you are looked at by colleges. College Guidance Counselor Ms. Natov said, “The more selective colleges look at rigor. Honors students’ programs tend to be more rigorous than non-honors courses and that may likely factor into a college admissions decision.”

When asked if the college guidance department spends more time helping honors students than nonhonors students, Ms. Natov answered that “the College Guidance Department does not favor anyone, and all students get the same attention and time they need.” She said that the amount of time the counselors spend with students is simply based on

“how many and what kinds of applications they have,” In general, honors students tend to have many more complex college application essays to write, which take up more time.

The rigor that colleges like to see is often showcased through Advanced Placement (AP) classes. At Flatbush, some classes are reserved for honors students, including AP Literature for seniors and AP Language and AP Calculus for juniors. Ms. Bloom, who teaches both AP Language and Literature, says that this requirement is “definitely an honors privilege,” but that the reason these classes are not offered to everyone is due to schedul-

ing issues, as well.

Scheduling is a big factor in the differences between the classes, as well.

Because some honors students take advanced math, they have double lunch twice a week, and members of the honors classes who take regular math get late minyan one day a week. This process is the most convenient way to allow students to have the ability to take advanced math classes.

One persistent complaint from students who are not in honors is that honors classes have a gym period in their schedule while the rest of the students have to schedule gym on their own. Rabbi Levy said that this was actually meant to be a perk for nonhonors students, not the other way around.

“At one point every class had one period of gym in their schedule, but once we saw that the (trigonometry) math course was becoming more and more difficult, we decided we wanted to help the kids get through the math regent, so we replaced the (non-honors classes’) gym period with an extra math period,” Rabbi Levy said. The honors class kept their scheduled gym period only because the administration felt that they did not need the extra period of trigonometry.

Similarly, honors students have fewer periods of Regents biology, chemistry, integrated algebra, and geometry than nonhonors students, which many honors students see as a disadvantage because they feel like they could benefit from the extra class time.

All in all, there are certainly advantages to being in the honors classes, yet honors students receive few built in privileges from the school. Honors student Morris Mamiye said that “since we are taking upon ourselves and are committed to harder courses and much more work, we honestly deserve to be rewarded with the few privileges that we do have.”

course of action, but many others have been issuing lunch holds to unauthorized riders.

Another teacher said, “I have given out lunch holds, and since we have enforced this rule, I have noticed that fewer students without passes are taking the elevator.”

Several students corroborated the teachers’ impressions, admitting that they’ve cut down on their unauthorized elevator use because of the risk of punishment. Junior Sarah Shayo is one of those students. “Ever since I got a lunch hold, I never go on the elevator anymore,” she said.

Some students who need the elevator and have valid passes expressed relief at the decrease in stowaways, explaining that students getting caught without passes takes time and causes legitimate pass-holders to be late to class.

“Almost every time I go in the elevator there are people without elevator passes in there who don’t even need it,” sophomore Sarah Cohen said. “They take the elevator to go up one flight and it’s really annoying, and on top of that the elevator is extremely slow, so because of them I’m late to class all the time.”

Sophomore Jack Benun, who also rides the elevator with a valid pass, expressed similar annoyance at the students who try to ride without passes. “You’re just embarrassing yourself in front of the other people there and affecting all the other kids in the elevator by making them late.”

The new enforcement aims to eliminate such problems, and appears to be making progress.

he never considered cancelling the trip.

“I would never cancel as long as there are children willing to go,” he said. There are more than 50 students who are more than

willing to go, which means Chesed Mission stays on the agenda, especially in Israel’s time of need.

One persistent complaint from students who are not in honors is that honors classes have a gym period in their schedule while the rest of the students have to schedule gym on their own. Rabbi Levy said that this was actually meant to be a perk for nonhonors students, not the other way around. partment, confirmed that teachers have a different teaching method for honors classes, which allows them to “take things into a different depth.”

Being in honors “is not only about your grades. It’s also about how you behave,” Rabbi Levy says. Teachers tend to trust honors students because they expect the best from them, which can be problematic for honors students as well. “They expect so much from us, (and there is a lot of) extra pressure,” said junior Diana Hoffstein, who spent two years in heterogeneous classes before joining honors this year.

Out of 20 students who had both the

Unauthorized Elevator Use Going Down

them said that they would never let their fear cause them to miss out on this opportunity. Madelyne Deutsch, junior, said: “I do various chesed acts daily, but nothing will compare to what we will be doing on Chesed Mission.”

Several students said their parents are worried but respect their decision to go

By Jane Zakay on the trip. “I will never avoid Israel even when it’s in its toughest times,” junior Jane Junior Editor Zakay admitted. Most people would run Several students have learned the hard away from the conflict but the students at way that a new rule instituted this year Yeshivah of Flatbush want to be there and penalizes students who ride the elevator supoort their brothers and sisters. without elevator passes by requiring them Rabbi Besser’s response to the conto serve a lunch hold. cerns of students and their parents is that, According to teachers and grade advibecause of what is going on in Israel there sors, this rule has resulted in a noticeable is no more crucial time to go and help. decrease in the number of students riding However, he said that he is making the elevator without passes. some adjustments to the trip to ensure “It started out as a big problem but the safety of all participants. Rabbi Bessover the past few weeks the amount of er said he is “extremely respectful to the lunch holds being handed out has gone concerns of the parents, and of course this from three a day to three a week,” said Ms. trip is being changed a bit.” He said that about ninety percent of the trip is going to Goldberg, the junior grade advisor. be the same as it is every year. However, Until recently, teachers who found unthis year’s group will not be going to Kever authorized students in the elevator simply Rachel, nor will they be going to the Kotel kicked them out with no real consequencon Friday night or to Machane Yehudah. es. Some teachers are still following that Additionally, Rabbi Besser will be with the students at all times, and an armed guard py with the changes but they ultimately will accompany the group at every mo- agreed that safety trumps every other conment. cern.

Some of the students were unhapDespite the risks, Rabbi Besser said

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Entertainment Book Review: Queen Victoria’s Mysterious Daughter: A Biography of Princess Louise

Music Review: Cage the Elephant

By Esther Levy Contributing Writer

Tell Me I’m Pretty

By Esty Fromer Music Editor

Tell Me I’m Pretty is the Kentucky-based indie alternative band’s fifth album. This album still provides vibes like their most famous song, “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” and provides the impression that the band is the offspring of the Beatles. Each song’s theme grows more in-depth as the track progresses, imprinting the words and tunes into your mind. Their

Ask Merle

By Merle Dweck

sound may be mellow, but lyrics like “Has melancholy taken you for good, I’d save you if I could” are contrasted by more upbeat thoughts such as “I know tomorrow we may have a grace, but as for right now where’s the party at; we’ll stay up all night waiting for the sun to shine.” The album and its contrasting themes will leave you with a smile on your face.

plain sight. Well, not the teachers, but yours. You’ll find your phone marriage transformed into one of longing looks and fleeting glances.

Always, Merle

Fun and Games Editor

Dear Merle, Merle, What are the odds I will get caught How can I best sneak my fone in class? jumping the turnstile on J? Swiper no swiping Daredevil

Swiper, Many, many problems with this question. First, spell check should’ve changed “fone” into “fine.” Second, it’s spelled “phone.” Now that that’s cleared up, let’s get to the fun part.

It used to be easy, you know. Girls would slip their phones into the waistband of their Centrals and move their shirts to conceal it. Or they would casually put it in the front pocket of their bag before class; then, during class, pretend to rummage for a pencil while slipping the phone into their sleeve. While the teacher was engrossed in the lesson, they would slip the phone under their notebook or folder and let the bottom of it peak out.

Knowing how to continue using your phone is a whole different story.

Boys would have it in their hand, in plain sight. Ever heard, “the best hiding place is the one you can see?” Well, that applies here. The boys will either use it in class and the teacher won’t care because at least he’ll be quiet, or they’ll take it away and prepare for a debate that will end up with the student red-faced and the teacher frustrated. Times have changed. No longer can this tactic be used.

You may recall how one day we walked into school to find a phone holder poster taped on the wall. Upon sight, many students chuckled and others vandalized the school property, refusing to divorce their phones. Hence, the school turned to the U.S. military ... dun dun dun! Presenting: the bulletproof, waterproof, indestructible phone-holder. I guess now the only way to sneak it into class is to hide it in

Daredevil, After Googling the meaning of turnstile, for I am not on your high vocabulary level, I have come to a conclusion. But first, lemme take a selfie. (Haha, kidding.

Not funny—I know. I’m a little rusty.) But first, let me educate all those who faced the same predicament as me:

To answer your question I had to put on my big girl hat. Here goes: a regular turnstile jumper has a chance of getting caught only once every 6–13 weeks, so the fare-skipper who gets nabbed only once in that period still comes out ahead of everybody else by $62. Those are, quite literally, the chances of you being caught. Going through the emergency door, on the other hand ... Actually, don’t think about it. It takes skill. And it’s stealing as is turnstile jumping. And it’s dangerous.

Always, Merle Dear Merle, Can I ever have triple lunch?

Food all day, every day

Despite many impressive accomplishments, England’s Princess Louise Caroline Alberta Duchess of Argyll, the sixth daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, is barely remembered for her support of women’s rights, let alone remembered at all.

In Queen Victoria’s Mysterious Daughter: A Biography of Princess Louise, author Lucinda Hawksley aims to explain how Louise’s life might explain her erasure from history, but moreover how societal perception of someone can be so influential.

Like many before her, Louise faced the likelihood of being erased or marginalized by history merely by being a women. This is explicitly demonstrated by history’s frequent exclusion or downplaying of the accomplishments of women.

Hawksley aims not only to prevent such a travesty from happening to Louise but to also tell the incredible tale of her life and the effect time has had on history’s perception of her.

Hawksley explains that Louise was loved by the public during her life; it was only after her death that she was deemed controversial and quickly attempted to be forgotten. Because of this hardly anyone knows she existed, let alone positively influenced Great Britain.

Similar to the life of Empress Theodora of the Byzantium Empire, much gossip and rumor surround Louise’s legacy and only few substantial accessible sources provide real knowledge of her life. Hawksley, however, is still able to craft an enriching and distinguished narrative by weaving together fact and speculation, leaving most readers satisfied with the addition of and specification of facts that may not be entirely valid. She is able to maintain the perfect balance between the truth and the perceived truth, never misleading her readers, yet never leaving them bored.

Hawksley paints a wonderful picture Food, Do you know how, whenever you go for ice cream, you always want a second cone but you’re not expecting a yes, so when that yes from your mother comes you refrain from asking for a third? Why do you do that? Why not ask for a third?

There are no limitations to ice cream to a child! Well, because you don’t want to push your luck. You weren’t expecting a yes the first time so when you got it you were over-the-moon happy. Elated, even.

Your happiness is so high and great that asking for a third doesn’t cross your mind.

Enjoy the first cone, salivate at each bite of the second cone and appreciate every lick. Don’t be greedy. Who knows? Maybe the third cone is poisoned.

Always, Merle

of Louise, noting her imperfections and flaws while emphasizing her distinct personality as a member of the royal family with nonconventional views and opinions. Whereas Queen Victoria famously called the fight for women’s rights a “mad, wicked, folly” Hawksley writes that Louise was a firm supporter of women’s rights and even married someone who believed and advocated for female suffrage, John The Marquess of Lorne, the eldest son of a duke.

In a letter to feminist and social reformer, Jospehine Butler, Louise wrote “I do take great interest in the happiness and well-being of women and long to do everything that I can to promote all efforts in that direction.” Hawksley also describes how Louise was an artist and how even the fact that she sculpted and painted was seen as controversial because art was deemed “manly.”

Queen Victoria’s Mysterious Daughter: A Biography of Princess Louise is a great read for anyone interested in reading about a princess who didn’t fit the mold but didn’t mind and lived her life fiercely and honestly.

Dear Merle, Can you take a picture of me with the newspaper and put it in your Column? #ineedexposure #ineedexposure, If I wanted to be sly I would just do this:

But I’m not in a sly mood. So, let’s get real.

No. Always, Merle

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Standard of Fabulous Time to Get Cozy N’ Comfy

By Marlene Levy Contributing Writer

Some people dislike cold weather because it prevents them from dressing in cool, fashionable and light appeal. I mean, who wants to wear heavy jackets and 20 layers every time they step out of the comfort of their own home? Despite the restrictions of winter apparel, a few items in almost every girl’s wardrobe that are essential to everyday fashion: blanket scarves and Uggs.

There are many different styles of blanket scarves, like various plaid patterns or basic solid colors, but two qualities remain similar in every piece: the ginormous size and the soft, comfortable texture. Because of how cold some of the classrooms at school are over the winter, many Flatbush students have been seen around school wrapped in actual blankets. But we can do better. The beauty of the blanket scarf is that you have all the comfort of a blanket and at the same time the impeccable style of a fashionista.

If there’s one thing that sleep-deprived teenagers who are too tired to bend down to tie their own shoes love, it’s a slip-on boot. Uggs makes some of the most casual, trendy and comfortable boots, and are thus a mainstay in the preparation for one’s high school day. They come in many different styles, including the moccasin, a midcalf bootie with bows in the back, and regular minis that come just above the ankle.

Of course, many students skip the boots and wear Uggs slippers to school. A unisex model like the slip-on named “Tasman” can work for both boys and girls and can be paired with many different patterned socks and still look good.

To be a true teenager and student at the Yeshivah of Flatbush, you must dress extremely comfortably to make up for the fact that you don’t normally get enough sleep.

A blanket scarf and a pair of Uggs will keep you warm, comfortable, and looking good.

Literature, Meet Fashion

By Barbara Beyda Contributing Writer

Readers and book lovers, do you ever want to express your love for books without going to book clubs or taking out a million books from the library? Litograpghs are your answer.

Litographs are essentially wearable literature; they are pictures created by arranging the shrunken text of novels or poems to create clear images that reflect specific aspects of that piece of literature.

The company Litographs (litographs. com) takes this to the next level by printing these images onto totes, shirts, temporary tattoos and posters. The main goal of Litographs is to take the literary classics off the pages and into the wardrobe of readers in a creative and exciting way. Litographs

sees their products as an opportunity for readers to get closer with readers and to share the power of books with everyone to build a stronger community. The entire selection of products they offer features designs created from the texts of your favorite poems and novels. Genres include sci-fi, non-fiction, Shakespeare, fairy tales and many more to satisfy all types of readers. Readers can order ready-made products based on classic novels and plays from the company’s designs or work with them on a custom idea.

Being able to visualize your favorite novel on a T-shirt

Fashionable Faculty: Ms. Weinstock/ Ms. Brander

By Aida Hasson & Sylvia Ashkenazie SOF Editors

One of the more fashionable teachers in our school is the new part-time chemistry teacher Ms. Weinstock, whom we now know as Ms. Brander since her recent marriage.

Ms. Brander describes her unique style as “a mix of preppy chic and feminine classy.” She loves wearing bright colors and floral patterns, particularly the color blue. She said she usually chooses fashion over comfort when picking her outfits, even when dressing with style comes with a little bit of pain. She expresses her love for colors through her clothes and her makeup by color-coordinating the two in her everyday outfits. One of her favorite pieces in her closet is a multicolored floral flared skirt, which she occasionally wears to school. Her favorite designer is Ivanka Trump and the store she can’t live without is Lord and Taylor. She also gets many of stunning dresses from Miri’s.

One standout factor of Ms. Brander’s makeup is her brightly colored eye shadow and lipstick. She believes that at school it’s not practical to wear too much makeup but for fancy occasions “you want to make

Sam Says

By Sam

Anonymous Student

Hiya, everyone, it’s Sam Says here.

This one is for both the boys and the girls. Many people say that the reason they don’t dress with their own unique style is that they are nervous about what others will think. This applies not only to fashion, but also to life in general. Girls, you are beautiful. Guys, you’re the man.

Who cares what anyone else thinks? If you’re not worried about what other peo-

Ms. Brander with her husband

sure your face looks flawless.” She likes to wear elegant, deep lip colors and add a touch of sparkle to her eye shadow and liner when attending fancier functions.

One piece of statement jewelry you can always find Ms. Brander wearing is her bold floral watch with its simple brown leather strap. The watch itself has an unusually large face with a floral design that complements her clothing.

Ms. Brander says that most people think that dressing in a tzniut manner means looking drab. But in fact, fashion is an opportunity for her to show people that it is possible to be fashionable while also dressing modestly. She said her wedding dress was the perfect example: tzniut but at the same time gorgeous. Her advice to others seeking to create their own style is to dress the way you want to, finding colors and patterns that you like and tht flatter you, because not everything works for everyone.

“Remember, it’s fun to look different and definitely more noticeable!” she said. ple will say, then you’ll be able to dress the way YOU want and won’t be afraid to be yourself. If people like your new style, that’s great. If anyone has a problem with it, don’t let the haters get to you. You know you’re awesome and that’s what matters. Don’t dress to impress other people; dress to impress yourself! And that applies to everything else, too. Don’t be afraid to let your true self out. People like it when others are unique rather than the same as everyone else. And nobody likes a fake—people tend to like when others are not afraid to be themselves. So go be your weird, stylish selves and have a great month!

Fabulous Freshie: Daniella Laybovich brings a whole new aspect to the world of literature. The process is exciting and innovative. You start with your favorite book. Then you have the opportunity to work with a professional artist to create the highest quality design to portray that book. After that, you can get it printed locally on posters, tote bags, and T-shirts.

Besides Litographs’ incredible and unique idea, it is a very charitable company. Litographs has a partnership with an international book bank; for every product sold, the company donates one new book to a poor community.

Long blonde hair + fantastic style = this month’s fabulous freshie, Daniella Laybovich from class 1-S. Daniella’s personal style is loose and comfortable while still complementing her figure. She like to wear grey, blue, maroon, and pink because they make her eyes pop. If she could only shop at one store for the rest of her life it would be Forever 21, but her favorite clothing brand is Divided.

Daniella doesn’t have a fashion icon; she likes to create her own personal style. She’s unique and creative, the perfect mixture for dressing fashionably. Daniella is definitely someone to go to for all your fashion questions.

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Sports

Sportsman Spotlight: Esther Hidary

By Michelle Harari Editor-in-Chief

Gymnastics, track, soccer, and who can forget about Netflix? Freshman Esther Hidary of class 1-T somehow does it all!

Some of you may know Hidary from her Flatbush stage debut in the Hebrew Play, The Lion King, earlier this year. But she is also an avid athlete who competes

Girls Soccer Looking For a Win

By Albert Dweck Sports Editor

The Flatbush Falcons Girls Indoor Soccer team is hoping for a fresh start as it gets ready for a new season. After an extremely disappointing winless season last year, the prevailing sentiment felt throughout the team is that they would just like to win one game.

However, you won’t be hearing that from Danielle Ashkenazie, the veteran goalie returning for her fourth and final year on the team. Her outlook on the new season: “Just take it one win at a time and don’t listen to all the outside noise.”

After a rough start to her career, Ashkenazie has become a solid and dependable presence in net. In fact, senior forward Rachel Isayev says she can “just worry about my own game, knowing Danielle has our backs out there in goal.”

in outdoor soccer, track, and her most demanding sport, gymnastics.

While the outdoor soccer season has ended, gymnastics still requires team members to attend two-hour practices, and attend in their matching leotards. Hidary also practices gymnastics during her free time.

Despite the demands, Hidary says somehow her academic, social, and athletic life all fall into place. And she’s just getting warmed up.

Hidary says she tried out for indoor soccer and is still uncertain about whether she’ll go out for softball in the spring.

And did we mention that she was captain of her basketball team last year in junior high? Her mentality is simply, “Why not?”

Hidary said she cherishes her memories made and friendships built through these sports, especially those unexpected friendships that wouldn’t normally occur otherwise. That, and her competitiveness and constant strive for the championships.

She said that her parents are supportive and admire all she’s done in just one semester of high school—not only sports, but also performing in Traveling Troupe, Hebrew Play, and Choir.

Keep it up, Esther! Your future is looking bright, and your talent will undoubtedly Radiate through the school.

Despite last year’s disappointment, the Falcons have a lot to be optimistic about this season, with tons of promise and depth at the forward position, headlined

by The Phoenix’s own Michele Harari and Merle Dweck. Harari’s teammates describe her as a great two-way player whose stamina and nose for the ball never cease to surprise. While Harari is the unrelenting workhorse, Dweck is known for her agility, shifting and twisting through the defense. Dweck’s superior ball handling skills and high soccer IQ makes the tandem highly feared by opposing teams.

Also benefitting the Flacons this year is their schedule, which seems to be riddled with games against equal or inferior teams. Defensewoman Stephanie Dweck, in her fourth year, says she’s hoping to rack up victories against soft opponents like North Shore and Central. The team is looking to use success in those games as a springboard to beat the better teams, such as the daunting SAR. At the very least, the Falcons will try to forget last year’s disappointing season in their renewed bid for the championship. If the team works well together and plays up to its ability, the sky’s the limit.

Another Gym Rule Frustrates Girls

By Yvette Braha Contributing Writer

In late November the Yeshivah of Flatbush high school’s physical education department began enforcing a rule that students may not wear their regular shirts under their gym shirts.

According to Mr. Amkraut, the school’s athletic director, students, both male and female, are required to change into gym clothes in order to receive full credit for class participation. “It is required for students to change their clothes for hygiene, safety and movement efficiency purposes,” he said. He explained that students may not walk around the school with sweaty gym clothes simply because it’s not healthy to be in sweat all day. According to Mr. Amkraut, if students want to wear a long-sleeve shirt under their gym shirt they can, but it cannot be the same shirt they are wearing that day, and they must change out of that shirt after gym class.

This is not a new rule but a longstanding rule that had not been enforced. This fall the physical education teachers were reminded to enforce it.

Coach Black, the head gym teacher of the female students, agrees with this rule. She believes that this rule must be enforced in order for students to start taking gym class seriously, and she says the purpose is for students to learn discipline. “It’s part of preparing for a class, just like other classes,” she said. Coach Black thinks students who complain about wearing the required gym clothing just want a shortcut to get to class faster, but they need to realize that gym is also an important class and this grade is part of their GPA. “Students need to just simply follow the rules, and come to class prepared,” she said.

Coach Black also pointed out that changing shirts means that girls don’t have to smell like sweat all day, especially in a co-ed high school.

Coach Stern echoed the comments of Coach Black and Mr. Amkraut. “Personally, I always change when I work out at home, which is

the smart thing to do,” says Coach Stern.

However, sweaty shirts are a factor only if students are actually sweating during gym class. In an informal survey of 15 female Flatbush students, 14 said they never sweat in gym class. The only girl who admitted to sweating during gym said that’s just because she sweats very easily. “If I walk up two flights of steps I look as if I was twenty minutes into an intense workout,” said the girl, a junior who asked to remain anonymous.

On the other hand, fifteen out of fifteen male students said they sweat in every single gym class, and most of them said they sweat the most from European handball. Most boys have not seen a change in enforcement because they change their shirts anyway to avoid getting their nicer clothes sweaty.

The girls, however, remain upset. “It’s ridiculous, and I don’t see a point in this; it’s just a hassle. This makes us late to class,” said junior Joyce Shalam.

Rachel Tbeile, also a junior, said that she usually just throws her gym shirt over her regular shirt, and takes it off and runs to class when she’s done. “I don’t sweat anyways, so there’s no point in taking my regular shirt off. It’s just a time consuming hassle,” says Tbeile.

Tbeile’s classmate Monique Zeitouny expressed a similar stance. “I just don’t understand. Who am I bothering by keeping my regular shirt on? And if I want to sweat or not sweat in my shirt that’s my business,” she said.

The punishment for not obeying this rule is that the student will get a minus.

With every four minuses, the student’s grade will drop down by a letter. Both female coaches said they will first ask the students to change before giving them minuses, but if students ignore the instructions or hide their regular shirts under their gym shirts, they will get two minuses.

According to Coach Stern, the gym teachers will listen to the students’ complaints but will still require them to follow the rule.

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