A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Vol 56, Issue 4 • February 2022 / 5782
Fayge’s Administration pushes for Nurse office is much more alternative assessments more than just
By Arlette Anteby Contributing Writer
The principals are encouraging the faculty to give fewer traditional tests in favor of alternative forms of assessment. The push has included two faculty meetings and modifications to the test calendar. Currently, there is no perfect solution to assess students’ knowledge to the best of each individual’s ability. However, many believe that an increase in alternate forms of assessments will help them perform better and reduce stress. When 105 Yeshivah of Flatbush students were surveyed, a whopping 87.6% of the students believed that having more alternate assessments would be beneficial. When prompted about the most ideal method of student assessment, Ms. Hidary proposed the idea of taking a tailored approach to each class because there are vast differences between the many subjects and courses offered within the school. Currently, the approach has been one that is universal and it seems that it
Traditional tests and quizzes will be less common
may not be the most effective. Ms. Hidary explained that when looking for a solution it’s important to shy away from such a system because as she put it, “even when we’re talking about assessments, it’s not one assessment fits all.” The ideal model, she said, is one that is nuanced where teachers are using multiple means of assessments to be able to see a broader and more clear picture of the students’ understanding and mastery of an idea or concept. There are those who do not think that a push towards alternate assessments will bring about effective change. According to Robyn Beyda, a junior, there is no clear way to assess everyone’s knowledge equally because different students have different strengths and weaknesses. She
acknowledged the stress of test taking but reinforced the idea that projects are stressful too; “It’s just taking the stress and shaping it into something else.” Most students are frustrated with the idea that the most prevalent form of assessment within the school is one that, according to Ms. Hidary, is not developmental. For most students taking a test means trying their best to memorize the material and then working in a timed test-taking environment to “spit back” or reproduce those ideas in hopes of demonstrating their level of understanding. What these types of assessments fail to represent are the students’ growth and their own reflections or thoughts, which for many teachers are a clearer indication of what the students have truly absorbed or understood. Another fault many are bothered by is the stress that test-taking causes for students. Test-taking induces high levels of pressure and anxiety that are detrimental to both the students’ mental health as well as their performance. The idea that within a mere 40 minutes stu-
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Is Sushi Ta’eem taking PT’s place?
By Alexandra Chabot Contributing Writer
Pizza Time—or PT, as Flatbush students call it—has long been the most popular lunch spot among Flatbush students. Even so, PT’s popularity might be waning. Last year, Sushi Ta’eem opened up on Avenue J between 13th and 14th Streets, and it’s becoming popular with more students each day. When a group of friends walk into Sushi Ta’eem, they are greeted with excellent service and a variety of foods that includes sushi, poke bowls, and even sushi pizza. In fact, a survey with 150 respondents from Flatbush’s student body revealed that the school is almost evenly split between PT and Sushi Ta’eem. 48% of the respondents wrote that they prefer PT, while Sushi Ta’eem had a slight edge and was favored by 52% of students. Sophomore Shirley Jajati stated,
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The new hotspot “While Pizza Time is very good, Sushi Ta’eem has my heart. The service is remarkable, and I can tell that the workers care about their job and about giving us the best experience. On top of that, the food is delicious, affordable, and the restaurant is gorgeous. At Pizza Time, one slice is five dollars, and the service isn’t as good. They give you your basic slice of cheese pizza and leave you. Sushi
Special Feature: How has Flatbush changed over the decades? Page 3
Ta’eem caters to your every need. Even during finals, the manager was checking up on us at the restaurant to see how the finals went. They’re overall very caring, and I love the environment.” It’s no coincidence that students like Jajati feel that level of care. Chai Shomonov, Sushi Ta’eem’s manager. explained, “I think business is on the up side because we really care for our customers. Our goal is for every customer to leave satisfied and happy knowing that we provide food with the highest quality of kashrut.” On the other hand, many students prefer to stick with the original hangout: PT. Senior Louise Sitt explained, “Pizza Time is a vibe within itself. It’s an experience. You wait around the table, pushing everyone and screaming, ‘Can I get a reg?!’ Finally, you get your pizza, and you get to sit in a cute booth and catch up with your friends. The fresh hot smell of the pizza tops it all. Sushi Ta’eem just
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Entertainment: Give Andrew Garfield a second look Page 5
an infirmary By Robin Rawas Contributing Writer
School nurse Ms. Fayge Kleinbart has created a safe place for Yeshivah of Flatbush High School students this year, according to students and staff. After several years without a dedicated nurse in the building, the addition of Ms. Kleinbart has provided many students with medical and physical help, but her office has clearly done more for our school than just that. Ms. Kleinbart was hired at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, but her office has taken on new meaning in recent months. When most people think of a school nurse’s office, stopping to get a bandage and moving on with one’s day is the first thing that comes to mind. Of course, students go to her office for typical medical reasons, but end up getting necessary life advice, mental support, and making new friends along the way. They go not even to miss class time, but during irreplaceable precious free periods throughout the day. Students see her office as a safe place to escape from the overwhelming school environment, and some would even say it’s their “second home.” Senior Jonathan Stern shares what he thinks makes Ms. Kleinbart’s office so homey: “There’s pictures all over the walls of people smiling and faces full of thanks to Ms. Fayge. I think that’s really what draws people there. They want to be part of the family.” Ms. Kleinbart said that the walls started out as plain white, and that looking up and seeing photos of the many visitors she gets is so much better now. “They light up the room!” she exclaimed. After a bad experience with a teacher, friend, or just an overall feeling of sadness or anxiety, students have found themselves in her office, looking for a shoulder to lean on. “I know I have told students in varying ways that they should believe in themselves,” Ms. Kleinbart said. She gladly gives moral support and wisdom and helps the student recuperate, and sends them back to class as quickly as possible. Junior Rebecca Mann shared a time
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Fashion: Exclusive interview with NYT fashion editor Page 7 phoenix@flatbush.org | 1