The Diplomat - Paterson Public Schools

Vol. 3, No. 1
www.paterson.k12.nj.us
Winter 2009-2010
The Diplomat
The Voice of International High School, Paterson, New Jersey
Author: ‘Nothing’s Easy’
BY FLAVIO RODRIGUEZ
Imani‘s creator gives strong advice
STAFF WRITER
HARDRICK
The life of an African American living the struggles and obstacles of young womanhood is
embodied in the life of ―Imani.‖
Throughout the story (told in
Vacation time
turns into mission
for IHS teachers
BY VANESSA RAMOS
NEWS EDITOR
Two of our very own teachers have just
returned from a trip to Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, but it wasn‘t a typical vacation.
Senior advisors Mohammed Siddiqi and
Jeannie Paz traveled to the beautiful
northern mountainous region of Guatemala. They landed in Guatemala City on
Jan. 2 and came home January 9th.
Mrs. Paz and Mr. Siddiqi are very active
individuals in speaking against injustices
and educating the youth about atrocities
— not only those in history, but also those
that are happening today.
―I would like for this type of trip to become an annual event…to make International more international.‖ said Mrs. Paz.
They lived amongst the indigenous
campesiono farmers, helping with the
Continued on Page 7
several novels), Imani overcomes numerous obstacles —
whether it be helping her friends,
or dealing with internal struggles
— that we as the reader knew
about but no one else did.
On Dec. 4 here in International, we spent the morning
mesmerized by the clear and
humble voice of Imani‘s creator,
Jackie Hardrick, who took time
Continued on Page 7
AND A CAMEL SHALL LEAD THEM
The Three Kings (top
to bottom) of Rhythm,
Meditation and
Dreams embark on
their mission to see
the Baby Jesus. But
they wouldn’t have
gotten their presents
far without the magical camel Chuito
helping them. The
story was retold in
song and dance to
the delight of hundreds of school children and parents on
Jan. 6 at the International High Auditorium. IHS freshman
Christopher Taylor
played a feature role.
DIPLOMAT STAFF PHOTO
2 – winter 2009-2010
The Diplomat
Swine flu ‘pandemic’ eases; keep washing hands
BY VIVIANA GOMEZ
AND DENISE MENDEZ
STAFF WRITERS
N1H1 influenza virus a
7 on a scale of 1-10.
According to the Center for Disease ConThe big talk of 2009 introl and Prevention,
volved the big Swine Flu. It
the number of states
turned out to be not as danger- reporting widespread flu
ous as we expected.
activity in December de―It‘s just another virus
creased from 7 to 4.
going around. Next year there
The H1N1 virus has atwill be a new one.‖ said school tacked mostly younger people,
nurse, Bonny Ann Statuto.
but it hasn‘t produced the
Ms. Statuto gives the
deaths originally feared.
It is also not a true
swine flu. When it first
appeared in Mexico in
Spring 2009, medical
researchers noted
that it had similarities to the flu commonly found in pigs.
Transmission of the virus
from pigs to humans is not
common and does not usually
lead to infection. Most often,
only antibodies are produced
in the exposed human.
If transmission does cause
human influenza, it is called
zoonotic swine flu. People
with regular exposure to live
pigs are at increased risk of
swine flu infection. The meat
of an infected animal poses no
risk when properly cooked.
Ms. Statuto‘s suggestions
for prevention are to maintain
good hygiene, cover our
mouths, and wash our hands.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Week of January 4th
1/6-28 – AHSA testing (Seniors)
1/6 – Three King‘s Day program in IHS
auditorium (6 pm)
1/9 – HSPA Practice/tutoring
The Diplomat
The Voice of International High School
Week of Jan. 11th
Paterson Public School District, Paterson N.J.
1/13 – Early student dismissal (1:10 pm) –
teachers in-service
1/16 – HSPA Practice/tutoring
Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2010
Week of Jan. 18th
1/18 – MLK Jr. Birthday (No School)
1/20-22 – Midterm Exams
1/23 – HSPA Practice/tutoring
Week of Jan. 25th
1/25-26 – Midterm exams
1/26 – End of 2nd Marking Period
1/29 – National Honor Society Induction
1/30 – HSPA Practice/tutoring
February events
2/9 – Report Card Distribution
2/12-15 – President‘s Recess (No School)
2/24 – Early student dismissal (1:10 pm) –
teachers in-service
March events
3/2-4 – HSPA testing
3/5 – Mr. Shenton‘s baby due
If you would like to post in the Events
calendar, please contact Ashley Reames,
or put your information in Mr. Shenton’s
mailbox, which can be found in the main
office. Please include a contact name and
number and indicate if you would like coverage of your event.
Publisher: Mrs. Robina Puryear-Castro
Editor in Chief: Philip Shenton
Managing Editor: TBA
News Editor: Vanessa Ramos
Entertainment Editor: Rocio Pena
Events Editor: Ashley Reames
Photo Editors: Ariele Adrianzen, Joanna Gil
Lead Photographers: Naya Burney, Jasmine Wedderburn
Diplomat reporters and editorial staff: Chanae Daley, Viviana Gomez,
Sindy Grullon, Arlene Infante, Jonathan Lindsay, Nancy Martinez,
Ketty Medina, Denise Mendez, Shanasia Miller, Darlene Rodriguez,
Flavio Rodriguez, Jasmine Rodriguez, Jose Sanchez
The Diplomat is the official newspaper of International High School,
located at 200 Grand St., Paterson, N.J. 07501.
It is published approximately once a marking period for the students, staff and
parents of our learning community, as well as the greater community served by
the Paterson School District.
Readers may request reprinted copies or online subscriptions for The Diplomat.
To receive the paper via e-mail, or if you have any questions or comments
about the content of this periodical, you may contact us in writing at the above
address or at pshenton@paterson.k12.nj.us. You may call us at (973) 321-2280.
Copyright 2010 by International High School
The Diplomat
Diversity
winter 2009-2010 - 3
Sharp moves celebrate
Hispanic Heritage Month
DJ Alex Sensation,
(left) laughs with a
dancer from Puerto
Rico. Peruvian
dancers (above),
and Mexicans
swinging both
machetes (below),
and hips (bottom)
make for a special
Hispanic Heritage
night in the International Auditorium.
PHOTOS BY
MR. OMAR VELOZ
BY ARIELE ADRIANZEN
PHOTO EDITOR
The Hispanic Heritage Celebration was an event not
to be missed.
On October 22, the fiesta was scheduled to begin at
6 pm, but it had instead started at 7 because Principal
Castro wanted to make sure that the auditorium was
packed.
The show started off with an introduction by Mrs.
Castro and continued with a lovely performance of
the Star-Spangled Banner by Ms. Connie Lozada.
The most memorable parts, of course, were the
dance presentations, hosted by DJ Alex Sensation, the
host of a popular radio show.
Five different groups representing five different
countries performed a dance in the traditional clothing of their respective countries. All of the groups
were phenomenal, including the men in the Mexican
dance troupe danced while keeping a rhythm with
machete blades.
After the show was over, Sensation passed out free
CDs to the audience. Afterwards, everyone gathered
for a reception in the Atrium with food and live music.
The Hispanic Heritage Celebration was one to be
remembered. If you missed out, just remember that
there is another one planned for next year.
4 – winter 2009-2010
Teacher profile
The Diplomat
New Art teacher br
fr
D: What d
R: I am
comm
Donatta Reilly joined the staff of International High this sumD: What a
mer and immediately set to work reshaping the artistic spaces of
R: My
the building. Her first step was to create an exhibit space in the
mole.
hallway to the auditorium.
book i
December was a busy month for Reilly, with diverse talents
she was able to design the artwork for and organize the building of D: What m
R: I am
International‘s float in the Festival of Lights Parade in December.
gifts.
Diplomat: What made you become an art teacher?
D: Who’s
Reilly: I was born to an artist family. It‘s in my blood.
cific d
D: What does it mean to be an art teacher?
R: Do
R: It means to touch the community; to show them how
they can create and develop their personality. Art helps them D: You se
alway
think outside the box.
nifica
D: Do you like music? Who’s your favorite musician?
R: I m
R: I love music. My favorite musician is Regina Spector.
an art
When she is on stage not only does she sing she also plays
different instruments. She is very creative and has diverse D: If you
R: I w
talents.
can le
D: Does music inspire you? If so, would you influence you stuclasse
dents to listen to music when working on their art?
R: Yes, music inspires me. I always influence
my students to listen to music when working on their art pieces.
D: Do you think other teachers can learn
from you and you skills?
R: We can all learn
BY NANCY MARTINEZ
STAFF WRITER
to by
sy pho
Courte
rupi
Tami C
The Diplomat
Teacher Profile
winter 2009-2010 - 5
rightens up winter
rom each other and inspire one another.
do you do on your free time?
m on the Paterson Arts Council. I work with our
munity every day.
are your favorite color, food, movie, and book?
y favorite color is red. My favorite food is guacaMy favorite movie is Lean On Me. My favorite
is The Notebook of Leonardo Da Vinci .
makes you happy or unhappy about life itself?
m very blessed; I thank God every day for all the
s your favorite clothing designer? Why that spedesigner?
onatella Versace. I love her style.
eem to be a very independent person. Where you
ys an independent person or did something sigant happened that impacted your life?
moved out of my house at the age of 12 to study in
t academy. It was the Renaissance School in Poland.
had one wish what would it be?
would want to build a art school in Paterson where you
earn different mediums of art. This school would offer
es in film production, sculpting, and architecture. It
would be a school where other
schools from around the world
can collaborate. It would make
Paterson an international center
for the arts.
Photos by
Diplomat staff
and
Omar Veloz,
IHS Tech
Coordinator
6 – winter 2009-2010
JUST
THE
FACTS
SGA principles:
* “Provide for school spirit”
* “Have a transparent government
that is accountable to the entire
student body.”
SGA purpose:
* “To coordinate all school activities
and provide for extra-curricular and
social studies-based curriculum
activities that enhance the student
learning experience at IHS.”
Who came up with idea
to have SGA at IHS:
* “Mr. Siddiqi thought it was wonderful to have it.”
Why SGA is Important:
* “Provides a place where students
can express their concerns about
what goes on at International.”
How SGA will differ
from last year:
* “More opportunity for all the students to be engaged in more educational opportunities in school.”
SGA News
The Diplomat
JOANNA GIL– Staff photos
Student Government Association
president Brianna Bravo (above) and
the rest of the 2009-2010 SGA (right)
are ready for tasks ahead which will
help students thrive.
Students pick leaders
in Fall SGA elections
BY JOANNA GIL
SGA REPORTER
AND
ROCIO PENA
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The Student Government Association
has been picked and has already started
working for the students of International
High School
The SGA election was held in the
atrium, on October 9. The students were
campaigning to take the lead to make
things better at International high school.
Students such as Briana Bravo, Vivianna Gomez, Denise Mendez, Sindy
Grullon, Patrice Ross and others were part
of this campaign, but at the end only one
person was chosen for each position, after
they gave their speech.
The people in charge of this historical
moment were Mr. Mohammad Siddiqi,
our social studies teacher and Mrs. Paz.
―It was a historical moment for International,‖ said senior Ariele Adrianzen.
―We were choosing the people that were
going to be in charge of making a change,
of making the students‘ time here more
memorable.‖
Brianna Bravo, a dedicated and intellectual person, was elected SGA president
by majority of the school vote. Katelyn
Anderson was elected SGA vice president
In addition Patrice Ross a senior
president, and Keynon Tann was elected
as senior vice president. Randa Darwood
was elected junior President, and, for the
Sophomores Hannin Hasan was elected.
For the freshman, there were two winners:
Isaiah Woolridge and Daniel Burnett.
These are the young people that stood
out to make a difference and now have to
work together to make a change. They
have a strong responsibility with the
school and all the people that count on
them, but most of all with themselves to
do the right thing.
The Diplomat
winter 2009-2010 - 7
Mayans are
ancient race
FLAVIO RODRIGUEZ — STAFF
Imani: Never Say Goodbye (below), is one of several novels written by Jackie Hardrick. IHS
students flock to Hardrick (left), who is sitting with English teacher Mohammad Alagha.
Author: Book is ‗for new generations‘
From Page 1
out of her busy schedule to
talk to us and tell us more
about the world Imani lives
in. As I sat in the room full
of joyful and inspired students, I couldn‘t help but
realize that Jackie Hardrick
was also overjoyed to be in
the auditorium, perhaps
more for the company than
for the subject matter. She
informed us about the high
rate of teen pregnancy today and the numerous
sexually transmitted disease
out there.
―Nothing‘s easy,‖ she told
us about our choices.
After the conversation,
Hardrick took more questions in the Seminar room.
She said that even as a writer
and a talented person, she
merous distinctions including being listed as a best
seller.
On her first visit since International moved to the
new building, Hardrick said
she like the IHS atmosphere.
―The school is nice,‖ she
said. ―The environment reminds me of Newark — just
the way everything looks.‖
When asked if she will
continue writing stories
about her teen heroine, she
had trouble getting pubresponded, ―Well, I love
lished. Her first manuscript
writing. The book Imani is
was shot down several times. an eternal story it will always
After rejection, she deinspire a new generation of
cided to release the book on young people. So I believe
her own and found a place to that as the books goes on,
print it. Little did we know
then I will continue to write
that Imani: In Love and De- for those new generations. I
ception would receive nuwrite for them.‖
From Page 1
installation of ventilated stoves
so women don‘t suffer from eye
and lung problems from cooking
over open fires. They will also
set up computers in schools and
farmers cooperatives.
They each paid an approximate cost of $1500, to not only
help keep ancient Mayan culture
alive but to gain primary knowledge of how the expansion of
plantation agriculture for sugar
and African palm is driving
campesionos and indigenous
communities off the land. They
also wanted to learn what they
are doing to fight back.
The Mayan culture was at
once a thriving religious and
intellectual culture which excelled in mathematics, astronomy, art, architecture, technology and writing. It existed from
around 2000 BC until the Spanish Conquest.
Today‘s Mayan culture, which
consists of more than 6 million
people, has continued to hold on
to their unique way of life. They
worship at mountain and cave
shrines, making offerings of
chickens, candles and incense
with a ritual alcoholic drink.
Shaman/day keepers keep
count of the 260 day ritual calendar and provide healing, identify curses and offended ancestors, count seeds and crystals in
their divinations, and perform
curando rituals.
According to organizations
monitoring the region, there are
many threats to the Mayan way
of life, from religious missionaries to the harvesting of mahogany trees in the Lacandon forest.
8 – winter 2009-2010
Community Service
The Diplomat
Donors ‘starve a vampire’
“It looks
worse
than it
feels.”
A teacher,
Overheard
on a
donation table
IHS family lines up
to get veins tapped
— 137 — sign up to give,
and considering the tight
Students and staff spent
restrictions, we gave more
time on their backs Friday to than the quota.‖
make sure people who need
Besides donating, a numlife-saving blood have it.
ber of students volunteered.
The American Red Cross Some wore t-shirts which
collected 60 pints in the IHS said ―Starve a Vampire: Give
gymnasium. It was the
Blood.‖
school‘s first blood drive
The ARC was so imsince we moved into the new pressed by the student assisbuilding in Fall 2008.
tance and turn out, Scerbo
―The response was great,‖ said, that they want to organphysical education teacher
ize another drive this Spring.
Frank Scerbo said. ―We had
―I don‘t think we will at
fully a quarter of the building this point,‖ said Scerbo.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
JASMINE WEDDERBURN — Staff photos
Genesis Perez and teacher Frank Scerbo comfort Darlene Rodriguez (top
left), who needed a little hand-holding during her American Red Cross
blood donation on Friday, Dec. 18 in the gymnasium. Above, Arlene Infante rests comfortably as a pint of blood flows into the ARC bank. Jihad
King (left) gets some help prepping for his donation.