Post your stories by the end of class. Thank you.
Have a good break. Remember that the senior exit interviews, which are a graduation requirement, are next Wednesday from 2:30-5:30.
We'll review the protocols for the interviews next Monday. In the meantime, have a safe and yummy few days.
Here is the schedule for next Wednesday. Plan accordingly. There will be no changes. If you cannot make the interviews, there will be a make-up at All City in the spring. Remember that this is a graduation requirement per the district.
Marlene
Schmitz
1. Shayna Green 2:30
2. Jonae' Harris
2:50
3. Zharia
Marshall-Hosier 3:10
4. Shealyn Rapp
3:30
5. Shy-Asia
Singleton 3:50
6. Zamaya Smith
4:10
7. Emma Wagner 4:30
Ian
Mortimer
1. Lilian Feldman
2:30
2. Alvis Green 2:50
3. Jashawn Lee 3:10
4. Alexis Mayfield
3:30
5. Maya Ragin 3:50
6. Hannah Schneible
4:10
7. Taylor Simmons
4:30
Mac Wormley
1. Leslie
Feliz 2:30
2. Morgan Castle
2:50
3. Thiery
Haynesworth 3:10
4. Taisha Marrero
3:30
5. Jah-nease
McCullough 3:50
6. Barbara
Rodriguez 4:10
Fred
Sahli
1. J.J. Inthavong
2:30
2. Julie Pham 2:50
3. Josh Rodriguez
3:10
4. Quincy Sloan
3:30
5. Kyonia
Appleberry 3:50
6. Tafai Burris
4:10
7. Imani Celestine
4:30
Paul
Aspenleiter
1. Jermain Felton
2:30
2. Devonte
Oliver 2:50
3. Jacob
Polcyn-Evans 3:10
4. Lauryl Sandman
3:30
5. Sergio Santiago
3:50
6. Chris
Shaffer 4:10
7. Nathaniel Torres
4:30
Tom Aspenleiter
1. Darren
Matthew 2:30
2. Michael Mayer
2:50
3. Melvin Ruth 3:10
4. Walter Taggart
3:30
5. Tyshon White
3:50
6. Samiya Coney
4:10
Tracy Ford
1. Brittany Lu 2:30
2. Mystique Myrthil
2:50
3. Nick Petrone 3:10
4. Chloe
Schneider 3:30
5. Naomi Boire 3:50
6. Cherish Cash
4:10
Ann Marie Schembri
1. Deanna Furia
2:30
2. Mahogany Lewis
2:50
3. Mercedez Valdez
3:10
4. Shalimar Aponte
3:30
Nicki Sahli
1. Eyonna Allen
2:30
2. Clarissa Henry
2:50
3. Elaine Dolan
3:10
4. Alice Doeblin 3:30
5. Joyce Parker
3:50
6. Brianna Scott
4:10
7. Dejanique
Sessler 4:30
Officer Powell
1. Esteban
Lagares 2:30
2. Tylon Ortiz 2:50
3. Gustavo
Sepulveda 3:10
4. Andishey
Simmons 3:30
5. James
Vongxay 3:50
6. Courtney
Crews 4:10
Allison Bosworth
1. Tessa
Garbacik 2:30
2. Phalyn Hayward
2:50
3. SimonLin 3:10
4. Adianah Martinez
3:30
5. Nalia
Morales 3:50
6. Maritza Stenach
4:10
Deb Washspress
1. Chaz Wilkerson
2:30
2. Zach Orcutt 2:50
3. Claire Rebholz
3:10
4. Gerquan Scott
3:30
5. Abriele Bryant
3:50
6. Mckayla Hanlon
4:10
Debi Brenner
1. Artemis Markakis
2:30
2. Rachael Rapozza
2:50
3. Jahni Rattray
3:10
4. Mone Rodgers
3:30
5. Tim Schuler 3:50
6. Seyvion Scott
4:10
Judge Elliott
1. Branden
Hymon 2:30
2. Janessa LoTemple
2:50
3. Jasmyn Streater
3:10
4. Ben Zuegel 3:30
5. Jaida Degnan
3:50
6. Prestije Majors
4:10
Darnell Ross
1. Mickdoel Partida
2:30
2. Abram Guzman
2:50
3. Dedrick James
3:10
4. Ethan Lane 3:30
5. Miricle Ortiz
3:50
6. Shakeiya Thomas
4:10
Paul McAulley
1. Heidi
Hardenbrook 2:30
2. Ashlee Iwashko
2:50
3. Shayozinique
Stanley 3:10
4. Jamellah Craven
3:30
5. Imani McLamore
3:50
6. Barshawn Andrews
4:10
Brian Jones
1. Dominique Perez
2:30
2. Andrew Kirkland
2:50
3. Kwondell Mathis
3:10
4. Eric Monday 3:30
5. Hajah Fisher
3:50
6. Adam Rockefeller
4:10
CaraBriggs
1. Shannon
Howard 2:30
2. Shantia Hunt
2:50
3. Ch'mani Portee
3:10
4. Betty Ralph 3:30
5. Laura Rich 3:50
6. Dennis Torres
4:10
Dana
Volden
1. Marquan
Johnson 2:30
2. Adriana
Laracuente 2:50
3. Shelton Maxwell
3:10
4. Qumeicha
McMorris 3:30
5. Shaquisha
Rankins 3:50
6. Angelica Scott
4:10
Jan Enderly
1. James
Barron 2:30
2. Judy Nguyen 2:50
3. Veronica Mariano
3:10
4. Jackson Bell
3:30
5. Molly Elliott
3:50
6. Grace Landers
4:10
Aaron
Frazier
1. Tim
Johnson 2:30
2. Enuma Okafur
2:50
3. Nathan Pembrook
3:10
4. Brandon
Walker 3:30
5. Shikiah Dal 3:50
6. Alison Denk 4:10
Melvie
Hall-Bellinger
1. Imani Gunner
2:30
2. Jeremiah King
2:50
3. Danielle Williams
3:10
4. Xavier Bracey
3:30
5. Shelby DeVries
3:50
6. Elizabeth Clark
4:10
Mary
Ellen Blanchard
1. Kathryn
Davis 2:30
2. Katie Murrer
2:50
3. Valeria
Alvarado 3:10
4. Gabriel Alvarez
3:30
5. Frances Brown
3:50
6. Victoria
Gonzalez 4:10
Tim Keller
1. Keilannie Guzman
2:30
2. Amber Kelly 2:50
3. Amanda Nieves
3:10
4. Concetta
Robinson 3:30
5. Phillip Slattery
3:50
6. Carly
Swift-Horth 4:10
Jim Belair
1. Katarrey
Williams 2:30
2. Deon'e Hazelwood
2:50
3. Rodney Allison
3:10
4. Nicole Ehmann
3:30
5. Ethan Gresko
3:50
6. Dynesah Burns
4:10
Eileen Scardino: 2:30-4
1. Duncan Hall: 2:45
2. Tahmir Payne: 3:05
3. Alexis Rogers: 3:25
4. Eileen Urbaez: 3:45
Sandra Mayfield - 2:00 • 4:00
1. Quatianna
Leslie-McNair 2:30
2. Kiara Mobley
2:50
3. Nicolette Steines
3:10
4. Quinn
Weinsenreder 3:30
Lisa Thompson - 3:30 - 5:00
1. Deja Wormley
3:45
2. Aleja Wright
4:05
3. Josh Allen (BJ)
4:25
Michael Brown - 2:00 - 4:00
1. Sergio Alicea
2:30
2. Josh Gates 2:50
3. Victoria Carroll
3:10
4. Julia Vaugh 3:30
Jeff Mikols - 2:00 - 3:00
1. Yarimar Tirado
2:30
2. Gena
Driscoll-Brantley 2:50
Marlene
Hamann - 3:15-5:00
1. Breanna Allen
3:30
2. Christian Lopez
3:50
3. James Massey
4:10
4. Valerie Milian
4:30
Allen
Williams - 2:00 - 3:00
1. Summer Adams 2:30
2. Sidney Lora 2:50
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTats, piercings, gauges — oh my!
ReplyDeleteYoung adults today are tattooing, piercing, and stretching more frequently than ever, despite the associated risks.
In 2006, 46 percent of women between the ages of 16 and 24 in the U.S. were pierced in places other than the lobe. Piercings, like tattoos, have become fashion statements in today’s younger crowd, due in part to influences from pop culture and music.
Deanna Furia, a senior visual art major at School of the Arts, describes her experiences of body modification to be overall positive ones.
“I’ve always been attracted to them,” she said, in response to her body modifications. Deanna has multiple cartilage piercings, stretched lobes, a septum piercing, a lip piercing, and a tongue piercing.
Deanna received her first body modification at age fifteen.
“I think it was a good time to get mods. At that age, you’re trying to branch off into the person you are, finding yourself and standing out from everyone else,” she said. “Body art allows you to do just that.”
Body art, while a creative and expressive art form, can still cause permanent complications to one’s appearance and, potentially, overall health. Common side effects of piercings include the development of keloids, expanded scar tissue; bacterial infections; and embedding of jewelry into the skin.
With all of the potential side effects to body modifications, it’s hard to believe people as young as fifteen decide to take the plunge into body art.
“I definitely think body art is worth the risks,” said Deanna. “I knew the risks of getting my tongue pierced, but I did it anyway — beauty is pain.”
With body modifications on the rise, stigma against them is fading. Many companies now hire tattooed and pierced folk, and the body modification scene is losing its once negative reaction. Since so much of today’s population is modified, it’s hard to keep alive such a negative stigma toward body art.
I think it's really interesting to see what people think and what they want to change about their look. You brought up some nice points like "beauty is pain".
DeleteI like how you touch on todays generation and how our culture is changing from what is considered "normal" to something considered "weird" but to me I find it all beautiful and a way of expressing who you are for people to see. And I also agree with you "...it’s hard to keep alive such a negative stigma toward body art."
DeleteYou took a different take on the topic and I liked it. Rather than writing about what people think about it, you wrote about the changing "stigma".
DeleteFOREIGNERS AT SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
ReplyDeleteTHREE EXCHANGE STUDENTS FROM EUROPE ARE JOINING SOTA FOR THEIR SENIOR YEAR TO GET THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE.
SOTA started the school year with three new faces which all belong to the class of 2015 even if nobody has met them before.
The rules in American schools are different as all three of us can tell, if we’re talking about hallway passes, announcements, security or going out for lunch.
While announcements in the morning are not held where we’re from it is completely normal here. The same it is with hallway passes. When you want to leave the classroom in Europe you just ask your teacher and leave.
Nobody even thinks about that there could be something different because that’s the way everybody grew up with.
At the same time everybody has their opinion about the foreigners and most of them look like this opinion of a SOTA Senior: “The exchange students are always fine what they’re doing, because their foreign and nobody wants to be mad of them.”
As the other exchange students told me this statement could be true or at least part of it.
To be an exchange student in the senior year is a lot of fun but at the same time they know that they will go back and leave all their friends here.
Then there are all the new rules, language and people you get to know and an exchange always includes both sides. The foreigner in the country and the people from the country learn about the foreign country.
I think this is a very cool idea and I love that you've taken your personal experience and shared that with us. You did a great job with this and made it very interesting for the readers.
DeleteJaida Degnan
I agree with Nadine when she says "To be an exchange student in the senior year is a lot of fun but at the same time they know that they will go back and leave all their friends here." I mean just imagine making friends for a whole school year knowing that at the end of it you won't ever see them again, most likely. Sidney Lora
DeleteNadline article was very effective in showing the side of a foreign exchange student. It was interesting to see the differences between American schools and the schools in Europe,
DeleteIts very interesting to see your take on an average classroom at your home town and a classroom here. its good to see different life styles and how they can come together and change the way you see things. I am also in a class with a foreign exchange student and I also agree to what you said, "The foreigner in the country and the people from the country learn about the foreign country."
DeleteTattoos…a Symbol of Popularity and Belonging or Self-Empowerment
ReplyDeleteIn this day in age, tattoos have become a growing industry of popularity ranging from 14 year old kids, unfortunately, to adults even in their 50s. The attitudes of tattoos have drastically been altered too.
Tattoos were commonly seen on navy men as a symbol of their patriotism or pride. Then they changed to being associated with gang affiliation and now tattoos seem to be the new thing. They're on mothers, fathers, students, and even religious figures in certain cases. No longer do they have the bad reputation of being a sign of rebellion or troublesome teens but now they've gained the reputation of being a symbol of individualism, pride, and/or self-fulfillment.
Many people today get tattoos as a reminder of a loved one or a fond memory. When asked about why she decided to get that specific tattoo, Quemicha, a student of School of the Arts said:
"Well my grandmother had pancreatic cancer, and I knew she was going to be dying soon so I got it on Mother's Day. So it's for my grandma, just to show her that I was there to support her."
Not worrying whether or not she would gain popularity by having said tattoo, instead she has it as a fond memory and reminder of her grandmother and her battle against cancer. Another student at School of the Arts, Christopher said:
"Well yes, one of my tattoos is a reminder of my grandfather who was in the Navy. Every time I see it, it makes me think of him."
Tattoos serve many purposes and that purpose is not gaining popularity. As many of the people interviewed pointed out, they are not a means of popularity in many cases, instead they are a symbol of individuality and empowerment. Carey Belair, an English teacher at School of the Arts said, tattoos are both a sign of "…popularity and strength. Like physical strength."
While others expressed that people get tattoos in order to make an image for oneself. When asked the question whether or not she felt that tattoos had become more of a popularity thing amongst students, Brenda Pacheco, a principal from School of the Arts said:
"I think so yeah. I think it's become not so much of a personal but more of a popularity thing."
So which is it? Is it a sign of self-empowerment or just another way to fit in with the crowd?
Looking at the tremendous increase in tattoos, a statistic from Jddonline covering the past year showed that the tattoo percentage of Americans with at least one tattoo is 14% which is equivalent to 45 million Americans. 36% of those Americans ranging from ages 18 to 25 have at least one tattoo.
So does that mean that tattoo's are always a positive and great thing? Not necessarily, on that same statistic 17% of the population (7.6 million) regret their tattoos and another 11% are considering removals. So what does all of this really mean?
For starters, it's good to have significance or a passion behind the reasoning of getting said tattoo before getting it. James Tillotson, a history teacher at School of the Arts expressed:
"My tattoo is made up of bicycle parts and it’s a bio-mechanical piece. So it's like bicycle parts are running the human body…I'm also really into bicycles so I think it's unique."
(CONTINUED ON NEXT POST)
(COTINUED) (SIDNEY LORA)
ReplyDeleteAnother teacher, Edward Myers, a teacher of theater technology said: "I was born in the year of the dragon and I went to SUNY Cortland and their mascot was a dragon and I've also always been into Medieval RPG."
Even students like Summer Adams have said: "The reason why I got the tattoo is because of the stars and the moon. I've always been in love with the moon and the night and you always find the light even in darkness with the stars…you can always find the light."
As all of these people have expressed, finding a reason̶ an actual reason for wanting and desiring a tattoo is what makes it so it has value to oneself and isn't something that in ten to twenty years you'll be regretting when "you're at the old folks home trying to pick up some Chiquita's."
Next, you have to like the tattoo because then what would be the reason of getting it?
Shealyn said: "I felt that I really connected with the shape…I like the way that it looks there and it reminds me of the people who were there when I got it."
The key to having a tattoo that's worth the pain and gives you self-fulfillment and strength is to have something that's meaningful, connects to you on a deeper level, and is something that when you look at it, "it makes you smile" and makes "you remember those who were there when you got it."
You did a good job writing this, going above the standards and including your own personal research. You stayed objective and used plenty of examples. Good job.
DeleteFrances Brown
Now I want one!
DeleteRCSD Cell Phone Ban
ReplyDeleteBy Maritza Stehnach
At the beginning of the 2014/2015 school year, a full cell phone ban was placed on RCSD schools.
The ban allows administrators to take away the cell phones until a Saturday detention is served by the student. A student's rights are limited in school but once they step outside of school, it's a different story. However, could it actually compromise the safety of students outside of school?
"It's a good idea in theory but not in execution," Nikki, a senior at School of the Arts said. Another School of the Arts senior, Victoria said, "I don't have a problem with it, but outside of school, it should be regulated by the parents."
If a student were to have their phone taken away on a Monday, they would have to go an entire week without it. That means that if they were in a dangerous situation, they could not contact their parents or authorities.
Students complain that their cell phone is their personal property. If it is taken away by an administrator for a week, wouldn’t that be wasting the parents’ money?
The Rochester City School District administrators claim that the ban is improving safety in schools by preventing fights and bullying. Edison Campus Principal Bonnie Atkins says that the ban is dramatically changing school culture.
The cell phone ban has proved to be controversial in the way that it is helpful in schools but not outside of schools. Perhaps the administrators for Rochester City Schools should reexamine some of the components of the ban.
You brought up a lot of interesting facts especially that there are students that are fine with what the policy is about. At the same time there are all important news there and your opinion isn't showing which is good.
DeleteI agree that the phone should be taken away in till a Saturday detention is served, but only during the school day after the school day is over the student should receive there phone back.
DeleteI completely disagree when RCSD administrators say: "That the ban is improving safety in schools by preventing fights and bullying," because kids will still find a way to bully people even if it isn't Cyber bullying and will still pick fights even without their phones to arrange the fights. Like previously stated in the article, it's a good theory but that's all it will ever be.
DeleteSidney Lora
I like that you are standing up for the main concerns of both parents and students. It is getting the major point across over the issue concerning "safety".
DeleteBy: Betty Ralph
ReplyDeleteNegative Stereotypes Define Black Women
According to School of the Arts Alumni
School of the Arts alumni believe stereotypes on Black women hinder success in the black community.
Many say that they became aware of these stereotypes at a young age therefore they have become a part of their subconscious.
A bright eyed, well put together creative writing major claimed: “Black women are put at a disadvantage because of how society perceives them; it’s probably harder for them to get jobs because of the stereotypes.
The general consensus agreed.
When asked what stereotypes on Black women were predominant a brown skinned dance major claimed: “They say we are loud, angry, hood rats, and ratchet.” She then went on to explain how this was not always true.
A School of the arts red head journalist teacher viewed things a bit differently.
She said: “Different cultures practice different ways of life and therefore act differently”, she went on: “For Example different cultures have different natural preference of personal space, maybe Black women naturally are louder and society has failed to identify with their culture”
It seems as if it all boils down to misunderstanding.
Great quotes, this new article really allows us to look into the minds of the young people our society. It allows us to see how they view themselves and how they feel others view them.
DeleteThe Benefits of Working Part-time while in School
ReplyDeleteBy Frances Brown
As students get older there is one thing they need more and more of: money.
With their children on the verge of adulthood, being seniors in high school, most parents are unwilling to fill all of their financial needs, seeing them as frivolous and exorbitant. By the time they reach their senior year, 1 in 4 students has a job, according to the U.S. Census taken in 2010. Using the money for arbitrary things like having nice clothes and shoes or saving to be able to pay for a better college than they would be able to afford if dependent on their parents.
“Working after school and on the weekends has made me more responsible in school,” said Sidney, a senior who attends School of the Arts. “I started to get better grades and formed a schedule for myself in which I get up, go to school, go to work, do homework then I go to sleep.”
Out of the eight students I talked to the ones who had jobs were glad that they did, saying it gave them a sense of independence from their parents. The ones that didn't said they wanted to dedicate their time to getting good grades in school and simply didn't have to time to work. Ethan, another senior at SOTA, emphasized how hard it is to find a job when you are 17 and 18.
This growing trend of students with part-time jobs brings to question the motive of American society. Will our enthusiasm for money be misconstrued as greed or assiduous hard work?
This article is concise and to the point. It speaks the truth saying that as students are getting older they need to assume more responsibility and need to start becoming independent. Also, they need more money for school related activities like prom but also for their personal spending and college in many cases.
DeleteSidney Lora
I really liked reading this article especially the fact that not all parents are willing to finance all of their children "needs" that they just want but sometimes not really need. And the biggest point is college which was another part of your article I really enjoyed reading.
DeleteI really liked the topic and ease to this article. Students having jobs is a big part of high school and more people should be aware that some students have jobs on top of jobs.
DeleteYou framed your point very well with an advanced vocabulary and fluid style. You clearly did some research to provide your audience with lots of information on the topic and also kept your writing clear and concise. I love how you ended with a question too.
Delete-veronica
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DeleteNow I know why people can't have jobs!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSOTA Seniors and Part-time Jobs
ReplyDeleteAt School of the Arts, there seems to be a fairly even ratio between seniors with jobs and seniors without. These jobs range from foodservice, retail, to the more interesting like Lily who works at the Highland Branch Library. When asked about how well she balances her job with other aspects of life, she responded with “Fairly well, actually. I only work about seven hours a week, so it’s not an overwhelming amount of hours, and I can still find time for homework and friends.”
But why have a job? Why add one more layer of responsibility among all the other woes of being a high school senior? Lily told us that for her, it’s financial. “I need the money to start saving for college, not to mention maintaining my cell phone and other spending money. I felt bad always asking my mom for cash, so it’s nice to be able to support myself for the little things.”
Lily’s not the only one who relies on the money from her part-time job. “I need all the hours I can get,” says Thiery, a SOTA senior and an employee of DiBella’s Old Fashioned Submarines. “I’ve been putting almost all of my money into savings for a school trip to Italy in the spring.” Thiery, like Lily, says that there is little translation between her job and her schoolwork. “I’ve never really had a problem balancing the two.”
However, not all students have jobs. There is a significant population of SOTA seniors without jobs. “I don’t really see the point in getting one,” says Elizabeth, a visual arts major. “I’m leaving for college in less than a year.” When asked if she could imagine working one, Elizabeth responded with “Yeah, definitely!” Carly, another SOTA senior and a Creative Writing and Piano double major, said that while she would also like a job, she doesn’t know if she could balance it all. “I have so much to do with college that it takes up so much time, plus things that I participate in after school. However, after college applications are submitted I would definitely have more time to have a part time job!” Carly also told us that ideally, she would love to work in a thrift store or retail.
You brought up some really good points and did a great job including quotes. I enjoyed your use of rhetorical questions especially, it added a very captivating tone.
DeleteJaida Degnan
I really enjoyed reading this article because there are a lot of different views in there and why people have part time jobs or not. You we're looking for different answers of your questions and you found really good ones.
DeleteI enjoyed reading the article because it was concise and was easy to read. It wasn't wordy but it was still interesting. Good job.
Deletewhat they said ^
DeleteConcetta Robinson
ReplyDeleteBumper Stickers; the Influence of Opinion.
Bumper stickers can be used in various ways to help express the way an individual feels. After interviewing Mr. Smith from the Rochester area, uses many bumper stickers to express how he feels about certain topics. After talking with him for a while, many of the things he stated about using them was to support a certain way he felt. One of the stickers that he had on his car was an Obama sticker showing support for him in both of his campaigns and elections he participated in. “ The stickers help to show that there is not all lost hope for this country; I believe that little things like that help to keep the uncorrupt people out of the government” Mr. Smith said at the end of the interview.
Many people have many different views about what the government has the right to do, and what they don’t. One example is bumper stickers having “Homeland Security Begins with the Second Amendment”. After talking with Ms. Bradley, opinion of gun rights specifically came about. After speaking with her she says “I believe in gun rights. I don’t think that the government should be able to put all these restriction on what I can and cannot do with me”. I asked her why the bumper sticker she had on her car was important to her, and she responded “In today’s day in age, I do not feel safe. I guess it’s important for that reason there”.
As a result bumper stickers play a large role in the way people think and even public opinion of anything in society today. Bumper stickers are a huge way of people to show support for certain topics, and what people stand for.
After reading this article I got another image of people and their bumper stickers and why they might have them. You brought a lot of quotes which makes me believe in what's written.
DeleteBumper stickers are an awesome, simple form of expression. We used to have an old car that was COVERED in stickers, and you know, it was great -- personalized and specific to my family. I think that's a lot of it, too -- using bumper stickers to personalize a car, not just spread an opinion.
DeleteFor many years the tradition of going out for lunch as a student is really an experience to mature the mind and give the student body a taste of the independence they would get in college.
ReplyDeleteLunch is a way to get together with friends and relieve stress for most 11th and 12th graders that leave school to go out for lunch.
In 2014, 83% of teenagers say their best school memories revolve around “Friends” – the #1 ranked category. And luckily friends is heavily
Jackson Bell, a senior and drama major, explained how lunch was a one period relief from the burden of school work and tests.
“For the most part I enjoy it, I mean all my friends are in my lunch so all we do is goof around and rap, I feel like it’s the most enjoyable part of the day,” Jackson said.
There are many stores, spots, and restaurants around School of the Arts that students choose to go to, many of the major include “Wendys”, “The Corner Store”, “Fast-trac”, “Dark Horse” café, and more.
“I try to shy away on spending on food every day because it really adds up, if you spend 10 dollars a day, that’s 40 dollars a week and eventually 160 a month,” he said. “I Spend only if I’m extremely hungry, other than that I try to just soak in the free time with my friends.”
Khamphasong Inthavong
Students use lunch as an escape from school
Today, Students utilize their lunch as a ticket to get away from school, it is a privilege to leave, and that’s why it’s up to students to be on their toes while they follow the rules to escape the stress.
Totally agree. Going out for lunch, especially on a nice day, can be the best mental refresh button. Even if you don't go out and buy anything, spending time outside -- with friends, too -- gets you alert and energized to do well for the rest of the day.
DeleteGoing out to lunch or having that break from school is extremely needed. I agree that lunch time is a time to be able to goof around with friends. I can relate to this article because looking back on these past six years being at SOTA the time spent in school some of my best memorizes are hanging with my friends at lunch.
DeleteI definitely agree with the points made in this article. Considering we can't even have cell phones in study hall, lunch has become a very pivotal point in the day. Not to mention food in classrooms has been strictly clamped down on, and so I really feel for the people with eighth period lunches.
DeleteWord. I think your quotes couldn't have been better. Absolutely perfect quotes.
DeleteGoing out to lunch and having the power to leave the building is very important to the student body. Nice job explaining why, where, and how leaving for lunch is an important topic to the students.
Deletewhat they said^ I totally agree
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ReplyDeleteNick Petrone
ReplyDeleteAre sports a part of the SOTA lifestyle
At The School of the Arts much of the focus that the students put most of their time and effort into is the arts, although many students at SOTA also have a love for sports and get involved with the sports teams here at SOTA as well either being modified, Junior Varsity, or Varsity. There are many different types of sports at SOTA based on the season type of sport it is. Many of the teams here at SOTA to excel at what they do both in the classroom and on the field.
Only a couple teams here at SOTA have won the city championship in the past couple of years, one being last year the Varsity Softball team won the city championship last year with an undefeated season. “Going undefeated was a great accomplishment for the school but also for me.” Katie said. This team demonstrated what the teams here at SOTA can accomplish if the put hard work and effort fourth.
The modified sports are a big part for the middle school students because they are the newest students that are part of the school and being part of one of the many modified sports teams helps them interact with other students and help gain friendships.
Being a part of a sports team will open many doors for you in life because you will keep many great memories , but it will also make you test yourself to see how much hard work you are actually willing to put forth to succeed. Fighting through adversity will be one of the hardest things to do put coming out on top will be worth it.
I agree with everything that is stated. It is very well written and thought out. I believe that SOTA does have a large sport community, I just think the fact that we don't have a football team outshines our other extra curricular activities.
DeleteThe article was very written and I learned a lot about sports because I have very little knowledge of the teams because I'm not involved in the athletic department here at SOTA.
DeleteHannah Schneible
I really enjoyed the way Nick pointed out how the sport teams at SOTA will give you many great memorizes, because it's true, I will definitely leave SOTA with a lot of great memorizes. Playing a sport does teach you about hard work and your will to succeed.
DeleteTattooed and Employed: The Process of Body Modification.
ReplyDeleteFor thousands of years humans have changed their image and modified how they look for the purpose of beautifying themselves. Whether it is tattoos, eye makeup, piercings or even something as drastic as scarification, people find themselves enhancing their image every day.
We find ourselves in a world with very opposing views on these procedures we endure to beautify ourselves. Currently, our country and young people are facing the tattooed and employed movement. (Body art in a white collar profession.) One of the main factors to be focused on is why do we do this to ourselves? Just a few hours of pain leads to a lifetime of beauty; what really makes us seek out to change ourselves?
I first found myself studying the art of scarification. This isn’t as big in the tattoo industry but it is not unheard of. Scarification involves scratching, etching, burning / branding, or superficially cutting designs, pictures, or words into the skin as a permanent body modification. In the process of body scarification, scars are formed by cutting or branding the skin by varying methods. Yeah, pretty crazy.
A friend of mine recently got this process done but that is not where he falls short. Paul Bourgeois is twenty three and tattooed from head to toe. (Literally.) He is very opinionated on his art and was willing to share this with me.
“ I got my first tattoo on my eighteen birthday. Yes, I actually waited believe it or not, and the wait is worth it. Anyone who tattoo’s minors I wouldn’t trust. This is a business to be taken seriously, I’m highly against artist who don’t do everything professionally. Oh, my first tattoo? A black and gray samurai on my upper right arm. I love it!”
When asked his opinion on the tattooed and employed he was more than eager to share his thoughts. “Oh, my opinion on the tattooed and employed movement? Modern America has changed so much over the past ten years. Statistically more young Americans have tattoos then don’t these days, which is huge! New York and Cali are being the two biggest states with tattooed and employed young adults. It’s a breath of fresh air! I have a resume that knocks most people my age out of the way! I’ve had employers choose less qualified candidates over me because of how I look. Overall, I feel that if you have the proper qualifications, my choice in art shouldn’t be a distraction.”
We moved on from the subject after sharing a few laughs to his most recent addition to his body; scarification. “It’s very… different. Very different and interesting. People keep asking me ‘why would you do that? Didn’t it hurt?’ and telling me that I’m crazy, that they would never do it and so on. Honestly , I’m a huge advocate for body modification. It’s sort of a rush, learning what else there is out there!”
When asked about the healing process, all he could do is shake his head and say no. We can all imagine how painful this is. Same response when asked if he faces regret.
Regardless of what you choose to do with your body, it is your choice to make. We live in a world full of prejudices and shameful looks solely on image. This is an age old concept and that is a medieval attitude to have. We live in a world where our credibility is perceived by the mere things we choose to do with our style—but also where we face an uprising and understanding for those who choose to do these things we consider crazy. It’s all in the eye of the beholder.
Although this is pretty lengthy,I found it very captivating. It is obvious you looked further into body art by including thoughts on scarification and that really stood out to me.
DeleteJaida Degnan
It was a very well written article and that it was well informative. I liked how you focused on the different aspects of body art, and I for one did not know what scarification was.
DeletePassing Time: Four Minutes Not Enough
ReplyDeleteStudents are having trouble getting from class to class on time at School of the Arts with the four minutes allotted for students to travel from one class to another.
Teachers are cracking down on tardiness and students still arrive late. If they could avoid punishment by getting to class it seems obvious that they would try their best to do so. Four minutes to get from one class to another in many cases is not enough time, especially when traveling from a corner of the building to the complete opposite side. For example from the gym or dance wing to the first floor science lab, a student would have to almost run to get to their next class before the bell.
Not to mention the other students that are also trying to get tot their classes on time. Everyone pushes and shoves to get through the crowded hallways during the short four minute intervals.
A senior instrumental major said that he was late after gym because of the heavy traffic on floor 2M. If the gym was closer to his next class, however, it is likely he would have made it to his next class no time.
Teachers are also cracking down on students socializing in class, and when students try to socialize in the halls they are encouraged to get to class by teachers and administrators. If kids can’t talk in class or in the halls in the four minutes they are free, when are they permitted to converse with their peers?
If a student can walk and talk, they are likely to get to class on time, however, in most cases friends use passing time to talk to peers they don’t share classes with so they still have an opportunity to socialize with them. These are the cases that cause tardiness due to socialization in the halls.
“I talk to friends on the way to class,” said a senior creative writing major. “Socializing during passing time has made me late only when I physically stop to talk.”
Some students use passing time to spend time with significant others or to flirt with potential girlfriends/boyfriends.
A senior visual arts major said: “Conversing with the honeys in the halls compromises my untardiness.”
These factors considered, the number of students that are tardy to class could be drastically reduced by extending the time allotted to pass from one class to the next.
Four minutes certainly is not enough. Not only is it tough to get to classes in that short time period but it is also not giving students enough time to socialize, which they are not permitted to do in classes.
Delete-Maritza Stehnach
Your quotes are entertaining, as always. Good job holding the attention of your audience and showing your personality through your writing. Your writing and reading skills are apparent.
DeleteFrances Brown
Four Minutes is really not enough. Some students have to travel from the 4th floor to the basement. What if they have to use the restroom also? They still get in trouble. because we only have four minutes to reach are destination.
DeleteNate is good.
DeleteI agree that the administrators/teachers could be more forgiving towards tardy students, especially because it's like rush hour sometimes. Except there is no Chris Tucker. So it isn't funny.
Very interesting topic of choice. Four minutes really isn't enough time to make it from class to class. You had very good points and a great argument. Also very entertaining. Maybe a quote from a teacher would help bring an understanding to the tardiness issue.
DeleteI felt your article was very informative and wrapped up nicely. Your questions and findings show you truly dug into your topic. Well written!
DeleteEthan Gresko
High school tattoos
ReplyDeleteBy Heidi Hardenbrook
New York State we are allowed to get tattoos at the age of 18. This law varies from state to state but most states allow tattoos at 18. In 1999 New York legalized the right to get tattoos, however minors are not allowed to have tattoos, this rule to this day remains.
The age which people should be allowed tattoos have been debated since 1999. Some claim that any child in high school should never get a tattoo
I asked a teacher at SOTA who had a tattoo himself “The Way you think at 18 is a lot different than you do when your 25… A student in high school having a tattoo seems way too young to me,” Mr. Tilitson said.
However a teacher without a tattoo had a similar opinion.
“If you can be drafted and force into war in other and shoot people at age 18 you should be able to get a tattoo at the same age,” said Mr. Hendricks.
Adults can say as much as they want but does the teen ever get a say? I asked a fellow classmate who has a tattoo to explain their thoughts
“I love tattoos, I feel like there a whole other way to express yourself… I feel like 18 is a good age to get a tattoo,”
Everyone has their own opinion but in the end it’s up to you to make the decision that you feel is best. For the moment the legal age to get tattoos remains 18.
I totally agree with Tillitson. Body art is such an awesome enhancement to one's body, but when you're young, your interests and ideas are changing so rapidly. Depending on the person, getting a specific design or phrase tattooed at an ever-changing point in one's life might not work out in the end.
DeleteThe Comeback:
ReplyDeleteOld Fashion Trends Modernized
By Deja Wormely
Fashion is a part of a recyclable system bringing inspiration from old trends. These trends are coming back for another dose of popularity and are not disappearing anytime soon.
The Recyclables
Fashion is maintaining its fame by conforming to the culture and lifestyle of its consumers. “Don’t change to fit fashion, change the fashion to fit you.” Use this as inspiration when rocking new trends.as a trendsetter you want to make your outfit stand out in the crowd, not blend in. We fashion lovers are going to spend money to look good and show off our unique styles.
There are many styles that are becoming prevalent again. However, there are a few that many blogs or fashion websites showcase the most. From high waist jeans to ponchos, the array of recyclables is giving many of us other ways to change up our style.
Hold Up! Where can I find these treasures?!
Many stores sell these trendy items. You can definitely count on Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and Kohl’s to these find various pieces. If you are looking for styling inspiration, YouTube fashion gurus and blogs are here to save the day. Or if you are a creative fashionista, you can find plenty of tutorials of creating your own version of the recyclables.
Where did the Recyclables originate from?
Most of the comeback trends you see now days are from the 80’s and 90’s. Pieces such as leg warmers, high waist jeans, and distressed/fringe are reappearing. These pieces are the easier ones to DIY. Styles such as “Grunge” are being showcased as well.
The age groups that wear these trends range from teens to adults.
Yes! I absolutely agree and love that this is the case. In past decades, there were certain styles that everyone wore. Today, while there are also specific styles we've got, we can incorporate styles from nearly any time period and it's fashionable! Trendsetting today is so liberating because you don't have to conform to whatever's "in".
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOut to Lunch
ReplyDeleteby Ethan Gresko
For hungry upperclassmen, the second meal of the day has gotten better as restaurants are now a lunchtime possibility.
Juniors and seniors at School of the Arts have the opportunity to go outside of school for lunch, whether it is walk to a local diner, head over to a fast food place or drive home. No matter which direction a student chooses for lunch, going out provides students with an open menu not found in school.
“I feel like there could be more,” says senior Jackson Bell when asked about the choices around SOTA. “Maybe a Mexican place somewhere closer.”
The options around School of the Arts cater pretty well to those ready to eat and leave. Behind SOTA on East Main St. is Wendy’s and Jim’s Restaurant; ahead a block on Goodman St. is hotdog stand known as “Donna’s” and Village Gate; to the right on University Ave. is the Corner Store and further to the right on East Ave. is Subway and Cams.
With so many places, paying for lunch is undoubtedly a constant thought in the back of students’ heads.
“They’re… overpriced except for Jim’s, that’s why I go there,” says Jaiya, a junior at SOTA. Another student, senior Nathan Pembrook, doesn’t always bring money to school, but if he knows he is going out then he will.
There are the few students who have a driver’s license in their pocket and a car parked across the street that have a wider range of choices during lunch. With a car, students can drive to farther places, such as the Wegmans and Dunkin Donuts on East Ave., or go home for their lunch.
“I go home, sometimes stop at Dunkin Donuts,” says senior Rachael Rapoza, who has her license.
As long as students get back to school within the given 42 minutes of lunch, there is no big restriction what students can do during their lunch. Go to a restaurant, go home, or just walk around with friends; going out to lunch gives students the freedom to take a break from their day inside school and make their own desired choices.
This is well worded, I feel your creative writing skills are conveyed well and your effort is clear. You expanded on the subject going out to lunch with ease. Good Job, Ethan!
DeleteFrances Brown
Beautifully written. You showed the options we have, what people tend to do, and provided relevant examples. Very well done.
DeleteThis is a well written article. I appreciate the manner in which information is conveyed and the inclusion of student accounts help to make it clearer.
DeleteThis article is very organized and well-written, and speaks of a topic that most seniors can relate to.
DeleteWorking On The Weekend:
ReplyDeleteStudents with Part Time Jobs
by Veronica Mariano
Many high school students choose to work part time jobs whether it be to gain experience with holding a job, save up for college, or earn personal spending money. Students legally can work at age 15, and many have gotten a job by the time they reach their senior year in high school.
School of the Arts senior Mystique Myrthil works at Roc City Reality with her aunt. She feels working a part time job while being in high school will help prepare her for her future, as she wishes to go into advertising eventually. It is also good money.
Most students who hold jobs work an average of 15 hours a week, posing a challenge in balancing school work and their jobs. Jacob Polcyn-Evans, a senior at School of the Arts, says his job bussing tables at the restaurant Lento gives him "a good work ethic, and a taste of the real world."
While balancing a 15 hour work week with school and extracurricular activities may seem like a lot to take on as a high school senior, most students wished they could work more hours than they do. "Making more money means more independence, less I have to ask my parents for and can just spend how I want," says senior Quinn Weisenreder who is employed at Wegmans.
For Jackson Bell who works an average of 10 hours a week at the Maplewood YMCA, his job means more than just a paycheck. He said he chose to get a job at the YMCA because he grew up going to one and benefitting from the programs it offered him. He said working at the YMCA is "easy and fun" and he enjoys adding to a community that added so much to his life.
This article seems very professional and objective. Your quotes and sources are appropriate and fit the point you are trying to convey. Good job finessing your writing!
DeleteFrances Brown
Great job using examples and showing a positive outlook on working while in high school. Not going to lie, I need a job and this just motivated me to start applying.
DeleteJaida Degnan
I enjoyed reading your article because it holds truth in it. Your lead was the best for me, "Many high school students choose to work part time jobs whether it be to gain experience with holding a job, save up for college, or earn personal spending money."
DeleteGreat information!
Ethan Gresko
I like this article because most seniors at SOTA can relate to the topic. It is well-written and quotes are put in appropriate places.
DeleteThis is an eloquent article that holds a lot of real information that may help motivate me to get a job myself and become even more independant.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChoosing SOTA
ReplyDeleteBy Tessa Garbacik
At School of the Arts, you start at grade 7. Being a middle schooler is a key part to learning how to be a student and preparing yourself for the future. Students at SOTA have different takes on their years in 7th and 8th grade.
When asked about the best part of being a middle schooler, Alexis Mayfield, a senior drama major said: “Nothing was good. The worst part was being younger than everyone else.” A 9th and 8th grader, though, thought the best part was learning all the different majors, or role overs, every marking period.
Most of the kids talked to said that they chose SOTA because a sibling or friend went there and it looked interesting. “I thought it was a unique experience,” Asher Philips of 8th grade said.
Learning the ins and outs of a new school can be complicated. Most students say they figured out how SOTA operates around 8th grade. Some say they still haven’t figured it out. Most of the classes middle schoolers take are located on the 4th floor of the building, so that’s where most of the students said they spent most of their time.
Since School of the Arts has such a reputation for being different than others schools, kids were asked how they thought they would have turned out differently at another school. 10th grader Frieda Jones said: “SOTA changed me as a person and I’d be worse at a different school.”
Kids think pretty highly of their education at SOTA. “It’s helping me develop my passion,” Kyra Majenski says about her 9th grade creative writing class.
Overall, middle schoolers at SOTA seem pretty happy and high schoolers appreciate how the school has helped them grow since middle school.
Being a person who transferred in freshmen year, I never got to experience roll overs. This is informative and well put together.
DeleteI like that you went out of your way and found younger students to interview. Shows you were really dedicated to your topic! Great info.
DeleteEthan Gresko
I really liked that your article could relate to more then just the upper class and younger students were also involved.. The variety of people really helps understand the SOTA environment. Great topic!
DeleteRTS Bus Service Receives Divided Reviews
ReplyDeleteby: Seyvion Scott
Many Rochesterians have different experiences when riding the RTS. Some experiences are better than others. The RTS is Rochester’s regional transit service and is partnered with over 60 businesses across the Greater Rochester region.
Herman Scott, a local teen who rides the RTS every morning, says “it’s a good service for the most part, but it’s really annoying when the bus comes late - that happens a lot.”
Further into the conversation, Herman also reveals that some bus drivers turn a blind eye when it comes to people not paying, or when people even sneak on the bus.
Yvette, another avid rider, differs in opinion. She says, “I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the RTS. The service is excellent! I would suggest, though, that the RTS needs to renovate some of their outdated buses.”
The RTS has an impeccable representation with “seven consecutive years of positive financial results, with our ridership at a 20-year high of 18,411,522” according to myrts.com.
Despite the difference in opinion of the two loyal riders, the RTS offers a well-organized, reliable service to all of the citizens of Rochester.
I agree a lot with Herman. I think that for some routes double buses are needed so that everyone is comfortable and not have to stand up, plus it just makes it more crowded anyway. Another thing is that some bus drivers act as if they hate your job which has nothing to do with the people riding it but instead they still are rude to you.
DeleteAre Senior Students Prepared?
ReplyDeleteby Julia Vaughn
12th graders at School of the Arts tend to be over-prepared or not prepared at all for the college application process.
Of the students who are prepared, applying to college is easy and they have little to no trouble with deadlines, information, and requirements. Many apply to college early and gain acceptance with ease.
Alexis Mayfield, who is one of the students who does feel well-prepared, said “I feel the application process is adequate. It doesn’t need to be changed.” However, Miss Mayfield also said she wouldn’t be opposed to being given more information on college applications.
Students who are ill-prepared have very different views on the college application process. Many deadlines are unclear or hard to meet, they don’t know or haven’t met their requirements, and all together have very little information on the topic of college applications.
Shaelyn Rapp said that she has received very little information in regards to applying to college. Since she is graduating early, she has had less time to prepare and no adult figure has gone over the process with her.
Students may be more or less prepared for the process because of teachers, research, home life, dedication, or any combination. In general, the process is easy to prepare for, but many students would like to start sooner and have more information.
Although some feel that the application process is easy, there would not be any complaints if students could start earlier or if more information was provided to the students by teachers.
I am perplexed as to why students graduate early. Sure, they might have all of their credits but as you said, they are not as prepared.
Delete-Maritza Stehnach
Since we have to make a decision on our lives at such a young age, we should be taught or informed on the endless opportunities that our lives actually have to offer. You touch on a lot of great points. Great job.
DeleteJaida Degnan
Julia made a great point how some seniors are ill-prepared for college and deadlines. Starting giving out information and working on things like college essay would be a great idea and very helpful to the students to make sure they are prepared and know what they need to do to go forward in their life. It would also reveal a lot of the stress students face.
DeleteNathaniel Torres
ReplyDeleteSchool phone policy
Electronics has become a big part of society. Many kids now have cell phones, iPods, laptops, gaming systems, etc. They are also a big part of school life now, kids can research things fast on a computer and even on their phones, but have they but have they become a problem?
In the School Of The Arts there has been a new electronic policy. Students aren’t allowed to have then out or have headphones out, and if they do at any time during any class they’ll be taken away and the student will have to serve a Saturday school detention to get their phone back.
How do you feel about the new phone policies? Michael Mayer a senior at school of the arts said: “No, the phone policy isn’t fair, I agree with the new rule, but I don’t agree with how they are being enforced.
When some juniors were asked how they felt they reply with, “We feel don’t like the new rules but on the other hand we feel they are necessary.”
When asked students said that they felt we should be allowed to use them during free periods, study hall, lunch and others classes like those.
“I feel students who have a major that might require them to look references, like for the art majors. Sometimes we need to look up a picture and with the new rules we can’t which makes it harder to complete projects in class,” said Sergio Santiago a school of the arts senior.
A junior at school of the arts was questioned on how he felt on the new consequences for having your phone out. “No, the new punishment is too strict and unfair, like if someone gets their phone taken away on Monday. They’d have to wait all week to serve a Saturday school detention to get it back,” said Demetrio Alomar.
Many students who were interviewed said that, when asked on why they think these policies have been put into effect, which they understand why. Phones are a distraction and students don’t generally listen when told to put them away but don’t understand why some of the new rules are the way they are.
When the juniors were asked on what they feel should happen to the phone policy for next year, Isabel Garcia said: “The policy shouldn’t be removed but rather revised to make things less intense.”
The new phone policy seems to be a controversial topic, on one hand students are on them way too much but on the other the way they administrators enforce the rules are a bit extreme. Maybe the school board should take another look at the policy and see if they can revise it a bit for the upcoming senior class of 2016.
Very well written article, and I to believe that the new cell phone policy is a good idea so they do not interfere with class, but the way it is being enforced is not fair for us students.
DeleteI agree with your views on the cell phone policy and I too think that the school should consider revising the rules. I think this is a very important issue in our school and i am glad you were brave enough to write about it.
DeleteI don't think it fair for someone to get their phone taken on Monday and not get it back till Saturday but what if its a Friday? They only have to suffer a day? -Shelby DeVries
DeleteRiding the Bus
ReplyDeleteBy Michael Mayer
The school bus is the only choice to get to and from school for many School of the Arts students, whether they like it or not.
Most School of the Arts students ride the bus, either to school, from school, or both. No matter where their bus goes or how often they ride it, student’s experiences vary greatly from loving the bus or loathing it. Some dislike the bus environment so early in the morning.
“I like my sleep and I have to get up early to hear little kids scream on the bus. Not fun,” says Tessa Garbacik, School of the Arts Senior.
There is an overall consensus about the bus for each grade level, with middle riders being unfamiliar with how behavior should be on a bus, causing upperclassmen to dread the experience. According to Tessa Garbacik, “The bus is a mess. Little kids can't behave and it ruins my day.”
Another important factor is the region of the city to which the bus travels and how crowded the bus is. School of the Arts student Ethan Gresko takes the bus every day, and says that he used to ride a bus that was “was very loud and obnoxious.” Since he’s changed to the Monroe/Park bus, he finds himself “enjoying the bus experience.”
This displeasure regarding the bus is shared by seniors and freshman alike: Freshman Christopher Rapoza has “always not liked the 8x East Main bus” because it is “too crowded.”
Students who ride the bus infrequently tend to feel indifferent about it. Julia Vaughn says “I ride the bus so infrequently that I don’t have a positive or negative feeling toward it.”
I agree that the bus experience could either be enjoyable or rough depending on what bus. For my bus (10x Portland) it never used to be so obnoxious like it is now with kids running around, screaming, play fighting, and taking the seats that really should be for the older kids. They've gone through the process of not having a seat so they should give it over to the seniors and older kids.
DeleteSidney Lora
I also agree that a bus experience could go either way depending on the bus and who's riding it. For my bus which was combined with the Joseph bus has been a rather poor experience, being that now there are times where there are no seats available and everyone decides to scream while they are right next to each other.
DeleteNathaniel Torres
Duncan Hall
ReplyDeleteParker
Journalism
Monday, November 24, 2014
Music and School of the Arts Seniors
For talented School of the Arts students the most popular type of music was always a hot topic.
There is a mixed consensus among the senior population and according to these interviews there is no prevalent genre. Students were asked about their favorite genres and artists.
“My favorite genre of music is rap and some of my favorite rappers are Chance the Rapper and Travi$ Scott,” said a certain blue eyed, blonde haired student when asked about his favorite type of music and artist, “I also very much dislikes pop and music on Kiss FM.” On the other end of the music spectrum a certain rugby playing student’s favorite genre is indie and he “totally hates” country music and everything associated with it.
Other student’s favorite genres include 80s pop, old school hip-hop as well as pop. This shows how much diversity in music taste there is throughout the school.
Through observation the most prevalent genres seem to be rap, hip hop and pop music and are the most popular and widely listened to. Despite not being evident in interviews it is evident through patterns and observations in the field.
Interviewees were also asked about their music listening tendencies concerning when and where they listen to types of music. Responses show that when among friends there is a likeliness one would be exposed to other types of music. Interviewees also stated that they listen to music the most when they are alone at home.
“I find myself listening to the music after school when I am home alone and can blast the music as loud as I want,” said the rugby playing senior.
I feel writing this article about music and then interviewing students that study art was genius! I commend you for having such a great idea and you wrote this article well.
DeleteFrances Brown
I liked the variety of musical interest that you found in your interviews, Very informative, and concluded something many people may think, but never knew for certain. Well done!
DeleteEthan Gresko
"A certain blue eyed, blonde haired student"
DeleteWell played NasusTop
This article is very precise in the facts it conveys. This makes it appear much more professional, and the quotes used added to the point being made nicely.
DeleteHair Culture
ReplyDeleteBy Samiya Coney
Hair management and preparation gives a person incite on someone’s personality and culture. People of different ethnicities deal with different hair types and textures, and depending on each determines the style of your hair, but what if you had a chance to alter it?
A survey was conducted on males and females of different ethnicities. Each person was asked questions about their hair management techniques, what they like about their hair, and what would they change about it. African American students like Christian Hurdle and Adrianna Lester both have an understanding of “thick hair”.
“I like to change the thickness and fluffiness of it…it’s hard to work with.” Said Mr. Hurdle. “I like how its thick-it’s very thick-so I always get relaxers when I’m not wearing weave or braids.” Said Ms. Lester.
But our Caucasian students have different experiences. Michael Gordon an eleventh grader said “Its soft, it’s mostly manageable…I don’t know I don’t think of my hair in this way, I usually just tousle it with my hands and go.” He also said how he’s okay with his hair even though sometimes he wishes it would be more “thicker, so it can stay in place.”
“I get split ends easy and it gets frizzy a lot. The texture, I would make it more curly, thicker.” Said Anna Kesby a ninth grader.
This is an odd variation because African Americans who alter their hair with relaxers and weave styles wish they had the texture of Caucasian hair, but Caucasians wish that they had thicker hair like African Americans. But what about our mixed population? The people who are both African American and Caucasian, African American and Native American, or Hispanic and Irish.
“It’s thickish, but I wish it wouldn’t look messy or unruly all the time, but I guess it’s nice and soft.” Said Demetrio Alomar who is of Puerto Rican and Irish decent.
Steven Colson an eleventh grader who is African American, Caucasian and Puerto Rican also agrees. “I love it! It’s curly and thick, but some pieces of my hair are straight and I want them all to be curly.”
Raymani Chenier is African American and Native American, she said that she always has to put product on it to “hold it down”.
These mix student’s only worry is that their hair does not hold in place but they would not change the texture or their style. But then there are those who have difficulty embracing their hair but deal with it or alter it. But we all should give our hair a chance and learn techniques that will help us appreciate our hair. There are hair tutorials and remedies that will help in this effort.
I love this! This article is really interesting, I would of never thought of writing about something like this. Good Job.
DeleteI agree completely to this article. It defines our society. We all want each others features not knowing what qualities we have in ourselves.
DeleteJasmyn Streater
ReplyDeleteBehind the Scenes of Theatre
At the end of every school year members of the many departments at School of the Arts such as the drama, music, theatre tech, etc. meet together to come to a compromise on which plays to offer for the upcoming year.
Much isn't really known about the opinions of the directors, actors, techies and others that are involved in shows, plays, and other entertainments. Most people, like those within the audience just see the final result. They don't know what hardships, complications, or issues those included have or will soon experience. Of course the biggest fear students mentioned was messing up especially before opening night.
Alexis mentioned, “Although I’m usually nervous before opening night, it’ll nervous stop me from participating in SOTA productions.” Actors take on a lot of responsibility like maintaining grades, memorizing lines, and knowing the overall background of the show.
There’s a lot of stages in preparing for a show like the audition process, deciding who’s directing, choosing a location, props, etc. Locations are determined depending upon how big the cast is. Typically, SOTA productions have two cast specifically for the larger plays which then helps determine which theatre to use. Also the background of the show plays a major role when choosing the setting. Props needed to help develop the show comes from the setting, scenery, and the interpretations.
Many students agreed that participating has helped them figure out what exactly they want to do in the near future. Nate, a tech helper said, “It helps lead me to what I want to do as a career in the future.” Even Samiya said, “I like the challenge of working for something I really want. I would like to be involved in community productions in the future but I wouldn’t push it. It’s just something I like to do.”
Most importantly, theatre has become a part of many SOTA students and staff members. It’s all about diverse group of people coming together doing something that they like.
Jasmyn does a good job pointing out everything that goes into putting on a production at School of The Arts.
DeleteThe Easy Life of the Youngest Sibling
ReplyDeleteBy Chloe Schneider
While relationships between siblings can seem bad, many state that being the youngest has its clear advantages. From having role model, less strict rules, and good hammy downs the majority of SOTA students interviewed feel positively about having older siblings.
Most of the students found the most benefit in not having as harsh of rules. Since parents have already raised at least one child they’ve already decided what rules to establish and enforce, being the youngest can be more lackadaisical. “My parents have already dealt with a lot from my sisters so they’re not too harsh on me,” Senior Claire Rebholz.
Many find their older siblings to be a role model for them. Someone they can trust and depend on.
Having someone older to lead a path for one can be great but while most love having older siblings, it also comes with some disadvantages.
The common disadvantage many found was the comparison between themselves and their older brothers or sisters. With being the youngest comes the responsibility to live up to their achievements. Being compared to another person can be un-motivating to have different goals.
“I feel I have to achieve the same things my older sister did,” Alice Doeblin said.
Some were shocked to realize how many things they did just because their older siblings did; others came to realize they are completely different from their siblings.
Being the youngest isn’t the clear cut winner, but it does have enough benefits for older siblings to wish they were the youngest.
It makes wish that I was not the oldest, but the youngest sibling. Great job!!!
DeleteHaving a sister 4 years older than me has been helpful because of constant hammy downs and gifts she picks up for me at work but I am constantly being compared to her academically. Luckily we have chosen different major at SOTA but every teacher I had would read my name and immediately expect me to meet the standards my sister created.
DeleteHannah Schneible
Music and School of the Arts Seniors
ReplyDeleteBy Duncan Hall
For talented School of the Arts students the most popular type of music was always a hot topic.
There is a mixed consensus among the senior population and according to these interviews there is no prevalent genre. Students were asked about their favorite genres and artists.
“My favorite genre of music is rap and some of my favorite rappers are Chance the Rapper and Travi$ Scott,” said a certain blue eyed, blonde haired student when asked about his favorite type of music and artist, “I also very much dislikes pop and music on Kiss FM.” On the other end of the music spectrum a certain rugby playing student’s favorite genre is indie and he “totally hates” country music and everything associated with it.
Other student’s favorite genres include 80s pop, old school hip-hop as well as pop. This shows how much diversity in music taste there is throughout the school.
Through observation the most prevalent genres seem to be rap, hip hop and pop music and are the most popular and widely listened to. Despite not being evident in interviews it is evident through patterns and observations in the field.
Interviewees were also asked about their music listening tendencies concerning when and where they listen to types of music. Responses show that when among friends there is a likeliness one would be exposed to other types of music. Interviewees also stated that they listen to music the most when they are alone at home.
“I find myself listening to the music after school when I am home alone and can blast the music as loud as I want,” said the rugby playing senior.
I like how you made me feel like I was reading an article directly out of a newspaper. Great job!!!
Delete
ReplyDeleteBehind School Cliques
How Students Feel About Cliques at School of the Arts (if there are any)
By Lauryl Sandman
It is most certain that almost all high schools have cliques, but the students at School of the Arts had many different perspectives on the topic.
When students were interviewed about cliques at School of the Arts, they had some interesting comments. A few students believed that cliques were alive and well within the school walls, whereas several others believed that there were none, and that all was unvarying among the students of School of the Arts.
Students were asked a variety of questions, such as: do you feel there are cliques at School of the Arts? And: if not, do you feel there ever were cliques?
One student, when asked if he thought there were cliques at School of the Arts, simply said: “No.” He also did not believe that cliques had ever existed. However, several other students had different views.
“I think that there are cliques here because most people only feel comfortable with their friend groups, and when they are with other people, they feel awkward,” an eleventh grader said. One senior completely avoided the question and quoted what she claimed was a song, saying: “Kill people, burn s***, f*** school.” She went on to say, “We are all just part of the clique of life.”
Many of the students interviewed believed that cliques were a thing of the past, and that only middle schoolers faced this problem. “I think that middle schoolers are trying to constantly fit in, so they form friend groups with people who they think are cool, in order to also be cool,” said a School of the Arts faculty member.
For the most part, seniors at School of the Arts do not feel that they are in a particular clique. Most claimed that they are able to get along fairly well with most of the other students
I agree with the eleventh grader there are cliques at sota, but there not like the other cliques at other school. These cliques usually happen within the majors or the shows. The also differ because most of the students tend to get along and chat with everyone not just the "cliques"
DeleteBad Talk: Punishment for Foul Language in Schools
ReplyDeleteBy Dynesha Burns
In schools get detention every day for using foul language and it is seen unfair by the students.
“Teachers use foul language everyday why can’t we? It is our first amendment right, right?” says one student who recently served a Saturday school for detention.
Many students feel as though if a teacher can say a bad word so can the student especially is the student is over 18, making them a legal adult.
Another student, Concetta Robinson added, “I think its fine… don’t curse your teacher out of course…” She continued to add, “It depends on the phrasing of the word. It depends on the reason to why you are cursing.”
According to many sources students feel that when you are being punished for swearing at a mature age it is very belittling on the teacher.
A student who received Saturday detention for swearing says: “It’s not fair that we get detention for saying words in class that teachers say in class too.”
Not only do students feel this way teacher’s feel this way also. One teacher, Mr. O’Conner said when asked is okay for teachers to use to foul language in school he said,”…Absolutely not, there is a time and place for everything, and your workplace is neither the time nor place for it.”
Another teacher, Ms. Parker agreed when she says, “When I go home you wouldn’t believe the words I say about my day. But I would never say those words at school.”
This is a very good idea and approached it with maturity. Great job!!!
DeleteYour argument throughout was very valid. I like how you approached it. Awesome job!
DeleteMystique Myrthil
ReplyDeleteVending Machines
SOTA has new vending machines this year. When many of the students interviewed first started going to school the vending had tons of non-healthy snacks. Cheez-it, Rice Krispy treats, Doritos, fruit snacks, better beverages. But the problem was they could only be bought at the end of the day.
The students are bringing up Pop-Tarts as a major factor to their vending machine madness. Emily Fox said, “There are only single packages of Pop-Tarts, when there used to be double packs. The price didn’t change either! The double pack cost $1.10 and the single cost $1.00.” Other students agreed with Emily and think it is ridiculous, they don’t mind paying an extra 0.10 cents for another Pop-Tart.
The healthy snacks have raged some students; like Enuma Okafor said, “The healthy snacks are like bird or rabbit food. I don’t want to eat that crap. If I want a snack, I want a snack.” Which I’m pretty sure most students would agree with her one this. Others don’t mind the healthy snacks; they just want better drinks besides flavored sparkling water and water.
A huge problem is the price. As Nate Torres said, “You’re getting a lot less for what you’re paying for and it’s not fair.” Although many people don’t use the vending machines as much as they used to, the price shouldn’t be extremely high for those who continue to use them.
As result most students agree that the snacks are whack and there should be some leeway with what goes into the vending machines.
Very good idea. You did a great job!!!
DeleteI also agree that the vending machines are way to expensive for what we are getting. why would we wanna pay $1.75 for a bag of chips, when the bag is not even full. I understand that the school may want to be more healthy, but I think that there are a lot more snacks that should be offered that are healthy but still filling, and worth my $1.75
DeleteThat' s a very interesting point you made, and I totally agree. Awesome job.
DeleteI totally agree. I bring snacks to school just because of this problem. Great job!!
DeleteI also agree that the vending machines are very pricey and that many kids turn away from them due to the ridiculous prices.
DeleteThe healthy foods should be better! If they're being hilariously described as "bird or rabbit food", that should say something about their quality. The healthy options should really be promoted more than Pop-Tarts and whatever else, but they definitely need to be improved.
DeleteI agree their should be a lot more leeway with what goes in the vending machine, They also should be more considerate of what healthy foods they put into the machines, because not only don't students like them or the cost but a lot are allergic to the so called snacks.
DeleteFreshmen to Senior: The SOTA Experience
ReplyDeleteBy Phalyn Hayward
Senior year can seem to be the best year considering your high school experience is almost over. But before a person reaches that point they have to experience freshmen year and up to get to the final year.
Many seniors this year felt that they’ve had a great high school experience at School of the Arts, but have come to their own and mutual realizations throughout their four years.
Some of them agreed that coming to SOTA wasn’t what they expected- they imagined singing and dancing down the halls, and music playing constantly (i.e. High School Musical)- and in some way was a disappointment. Yet, they also agreed on how happy they were to see that their school was so diverse. However the real truth is how their years at SOTA have affected them up to senior year.
As each senior aged their interests have changed- from academics to friendships to their own personalities. “I know that my personality has changed, and in some way, I’ve found myself,” Mystique said. Heidi also said, “Friends are not forever,” which many seniors agree with. One of the biggest things noted by seniors is that each has started to care less. For instance, Jasmyn says that she doesn’t try to look good for school anymore: “It’s like the older I get, my outfit doesn’t matter.” Ms. Parker also stated that during her high school years, she became less self-absorbed and more focused on her “endurance to get out!” Though, when asked, seniors also feel that high school for the next generation will be a completely different experience. Many of them feel it will be way more technologically advanced and somewhat competitive, but also their ways of learning will be very strict.
At School of the Arts, senior year is a treasure; you’ve made it and now it’s your time to shine. But in actuality, seniors are less focused on who’s the “coolest” and who has the “best” grades and who has the “best” of friends. In the end, it’s just about becoming the best you so you can move on in life with your best foot forward.
And if some of your old high school friends take the same step with you, it just might make the journey even better.
Coming into SOTA I did imagine it was going to be just like the movie Fame and was surprised when it wasn't. Spending 6 years in the same building in your major helps build close relationships with those teachers which is why I think SOTA students have such a great high school experience.
DeleteHannah Schneible
Molly Elliott
ReplyDeleteOut to Lunch
For School of the Arts upperclassmen, off-campus lunch is a fun privilege.
Juniors and seniors at School of the Arts have the privilege of leaving campus during their lunch periods. This is an opportunity a lot of students like to take advantage of. Off-campus lunch is something all underclassmen look forward to. Juniors and senior were asked a variety of questions on the topic.
“I love being able to leave the building during lunch,” a senior stated,” It’s nice to be able to leave the school campus for a bit and just do what I want.” Many students agree that leaving campus is a way to take a breather during a hectic day at school.
The opportunity to leave the school gives students a chance to explore the area around the school. When asked where they go students answered with a plethora of places including Village Gate, Subway, Starry Nites Café, Cam’s Pizzeria, and the Memorial Art Gallery. “If I go out I usually go to Dark Horse. It’s close and it has good coffee and a chill atmosphere,” said an eleventh grade student.
Sometimes students prefer to stay in the building. “When it’s cold or rainy or snowy I definitely stay inside,” said a senior. Other students would rather stay in the building no matter what the weather is like.
Having the opportunity to go off-campus unsupervised is really exciting for juniors. When asked, most of the juniors said that they liked having the chance to go out to lunch. “It’s cool to finally have some kind of freedom. Going out to lunch is pretty much the only fun thing students have to look forward to,” a junior said. Many students, juniors and seniors alike, feel that this is the case.
Having the choice to leave campus for lunch is a fun thing for the upperclassmen at School of the Arts.
I totally agree with what you are saying. You did an amazing job!!!
DeleteFreedom comes in small things and this is definitely one of those small things. It's such a refreshing feeling be able to go out for lunch off-campus.
Delete-Maritza Stehnach
The chance to go out for lunch is a great privilege. This is one of the best things of being a upper classmen! -Shelby DeVries
DeleteThis is great Molly. Hurrah. No but seriously, I like the topic you chose and I like the way you wrote the article. It's so good that I can't even believe what I'm reading. Just wow.
DeleteBrittany Lu
ReplyDeleteBody art on minors
The decision to express ourselves is up to us as individuals. Students starting at the age of 16 in high schools are now setting up appointments to get tattoos. And students in school are getting body art when they are not legally able to: as the states says “18 is the legal age to get tattoos.”
In New York State the age 18 is legal to where you become an adult and you would be perceive as on your own and with the legal age of tattoos being at 18 it’s necessary and is to be kept. There are over 20 tattoo parlors in Rochester, NY and about half of those parlors are under the counter letting young student that still attends high school that is not 18 get body art. Tattoos for people should be something meaningful or at least be something you want because you are an adult and know who you are. Students that are not 18 having tattoos are over their heads because later in life almost 80% of them who get tattoos under the age 18 regret even doing it in the first place.
Body art under the age of 18 is illegal, therefore the students know the consequences of getting caught with the tattoos and how it can affect the tattoo business owner’s life. Tattoo artist also know what they are doing and how much risk they are taking just by doing the tattoo in general on a minor.
Dance Department: Is It Underfunded
ReplyDeleteBy Shantia Hunt
When the question which major is the most underfunded student at School of the Arts argue over their own majors but in the truth they don’t know what goes on behind the scenes.
I asked School of the Arts Teachers and students their feelings on the Dance Department being underfunded. When argued I heard that this is the order of most funded majors in SOTA
1) Drama
2) Band
3) Dance
These are depicted by either money income from events or by how many trips people in these majors get. I’m telling the truth.
Dance teachers have different views. One feels it’s underfunded while another thought it wasn’t “there is capital funding and school funding” –say modern teacher Mary-lee Miller. Some teachers feel like the broken equipment in the dance room effect either safety or their teaching. In the Ballet room there is broken bars and they have been broken for about 3 to 4 years one has been fixed but in the past 2 years one has been broken a dance teacher states “no matter how many times you ask it never gets done.” This year the school finally funded for new dance bars.
There is danger in the Modern dance room Modern teacher Mary-Lee Miller feels like there is no underfunding (capital Improvement wise) but her fire egress window is broken and she feels unsafe she wants to be able to know in state of emergency she wants to be able to protect her students. Recently the dance studios have had 2 floors redone, new sound systems, and 3 out of the 4 studios bars fixed.
Dance students on the other hand have a different opinion every dancer I asked all had the same answer they feel like the dance Department is underfunded. A senior dance major quoted “we got broken items lack of equipment just now getting things fixed that been broken since 9th grade.” She feels like we gain no money from dance concert for the department and that we should be able to fundraise. Another senior dance major feels “we don’t get to travel like all the other majors.”
Almost every major goes on a trip but the dance majors don’t get to go nowhere. “We should be able to go to college performances or go to Broadway and experience what our major can do for us and take us. What these student don’t know is the money we make from Dance Concert goes into next year’s Dance concert so we have the money for lighting and props and everything they need to make another successful show. The Dance Department has” self- sufficient funds.”
Yes the dance department is underfunded but majors like band and drama who take big trips fund those themselves. If the dancers wanted something like a trip or new equipment, the students should play a larger role in their major by fighting for funds not already given.
DeleteHannah Schneible
I believe that if dance majors were to do something like a band trip, that they would have to put in the same effort as the band majors do. Music department isn't funded, their are chances for people to help and donate but not funded.-Shelby DeVries
DeleteAlice Doeblin
ReplyDeleteParker
Senior Journalism 9
19 November 2014
High School Students Despise Bus Rides
Many School of the Arts students express animosity towards riding the bus due to long commutes and loud middle school students.
School of the Arts students get picked up early in the morning, often times when the sun hasn't come up yet, and have a long commute to school. They wait in a crowded lobby until released to their lockers. Gena, a senior at School of the Arts, states: “the bus should come later and arrive at school later. I might actually ride it then.”
In the afternoon, the buses are crowded and loud. Middle school students finally have a chance to release their energy, and therefore, create a loud and disturbing environment on the bus. Alison, a School of the Arts senior states: “I hate the bus due to the loud kids. I would prefer a time to relax.”
Because of the rambunctious youths, some students believe that there should be separate middle and high school buses. “This would allow middle school students to be loud and fool around, while still giving high school students a quiet and more mature environment,” says Alison.
Beyond the noise, many students are trapped on buses for over 20 minutes and then walk multiple blocks before reaching home. Gena says she has a 30 minute bus ride followed by 5 blocks of walking.
Most high school students at School of the Arts who ride the bus, don’t do so by choice. Their parents have work so they must take the bus to get to and from school, however, they wish the bus ride wasn't such a disturbance to their days.
Awesome article! I totally agree, and never thought about having separate buses... If it could be implemented, wow, that'd be quite the treat. It's crazy how inconvenient some of the routes can be for individuals! I know many students who have similar problems, but nothing seems to be done about it.
DeleteBeing the very last stop on my own bus, I don't get home until roughly 3:30 every day, which is an especial pain on the days that I have to work at 4. While it might be a bit unrealistic to obtain enough buses to provide a separate middle and high school bus, I think it would be a good idea. It would make the route more efficient and less stressful.
DeleteI understand the reasoning for wanting separate buses, I wish this situation wouldn't have to be taken this far. The bus driver should take some control of these children! -Shelby DeVries
DeleteThis is the reason I don't take the bus. I don't like the obnoxious kids and the long rides. I am also one of the lasts stops on the bus I would take and I'm just not about that. Having separate buses for middle and high school students, although it may be unrealistic, would be awesome and maybe then I would ride the bus.
DeleteStudents Fed Up With Passing Time Shenanigans
ReplyDeleteBy Timothy Schuler
The seniors at School of the Arts are fed up with the level of socializing and canoodling which make getting to class difficult.
The stringent four minute period that students are given to navigate the school is generally unpleasant. There are often students meeting up between periods and having animated conversations with friends. The lack of consideration for others shown by such groups has caused increasing dissatisfaction amongst the schools seniors. “Despair, despondence, disgust, disinterest,” were some of the feelings that Gena, a senior at SOTA, described when asked about their attitudes in the hallway.
Another large source of frustration is the significant amount of romantic affection shamelessly shown in the hallways. “I don’t want to see sexual activity in the hallway,” said one SOTA senior. “I find all of it unnecessary. There are also always screaming children running around and it is just uncalled for.”
Particular parts of the school are thought by many to be harder to navigate efficiently. On the first floor between periods 5 and 6, passing time has been an issue. An irritated senior said: “Everyone just stands there and I just want to punch them all.”
The fourth floor is another location that causes seniors great frustration. “There are a lot of young children. Anywhere that has an administrator with a whistle infuriating,” said Gena.
The disgruntled state of the senior class is certainly a pressing issue. In this coming school year, these seniors will surely have to innovate and find ways to get through the troubling passing time system.
Bruh. I see many frustrating faces everyday due to clogged hallways of either slow comatose students with headphones on or lip sucking couples also. Perhaps we can all invest in a segway and quick fix the problem by running over the lifeless conversing children of SOTA to get to class in a few seconds. NAHMEAN?
DeleteYou always use great diction in your writing, Timmy. Your quotes were well chosen and this article conveys your personality well. Thank you for blessing this blog with your wonderful writing.
DeleteFrances Brown
I can really relate to this article as I despise any time I have to spend walking through the halls during passing time or just spending with the general population of the school in entirety. You created a great tone with your word choices.
DeleteBy: Alison Denk
ReplyDeleteTattoos Becoming the Norm in Teenage Population
Tattoos are becoming very popular within the teenage population; many teenagers are getting tattoos some way or another. The ones that have them, are happy and the ones that do not have tattoos would like one. When asking teenage students about tattoos, most of them had positive responses to the body art “If you can tell your story on your body you should, paint the canvas,” said a seventeen-year-old Summer.
Three out of the six people with whom I spoke too with tattoos said that they do not regret their decision. Though, one said that she regrets what she got; but doesn’t regret the fact that she has a tattoo. In fact, one replied that she even loved her tattoo, and was proud of it. When asked why the wanted the tattoo, the answers were similar. One stated that it was art, another stated that she wanted one her whole life. The people interviewed all has similarities, their tattoos were all on their arms. The first interviewer has a moon, the second a bow, and the third has a bunch of stars.
Most of them were young when the decided to get the tattoo, age ranges from 14-18 years old when they made the decision. This explains why some of the interviewers didn’t actually get their tattoo at a tattoo parlor. One of the seniors that was interviewed said she received her tattoo at a random house.
After interviewing people with tattoos, people without tattoos were asked “Would you get a tattoo?” and “at what age?” all of them said yes, and they would get one in their twenties.
Tattoos are a very popular thing i mean I'm getting one. Very good topic Alison
DeleteAleja Wright
ReplyDeleteDoes Your Locker Reflect You?
Views On Personalization
Many of the students at School Of The Arts have personalized lockers whether it is an organizer, planner or mirror. The way you personalize your locker says a lot about you. Someone can get a feel for who you are just by looking.
Seyvion Scott, a senior at School of The Arts, says in her locker there is an organizer. She also added having an organizer makes things easier to find by saying “It keeps things simple and in order. I like my things neat”.
Talking with other students many say that locker personalization is up to the individual. It depends on their likes and dislikes. No two lockers will be the same.
Another student, Shakeiya Thomas, does not decorate her locker at all saying “I don’t have time to go to it.” This may be the case for many students having only 4 minutes to go from class to class.
Deeper into the conversation Shakeiya stated “decorating is not the use of a locker it doesn’t have to look nice to hold books”. For some this might be true and for others this could be far from it.
Despite the two different views on the matter a locker still provides a good place to put things when they are not in use.
I can really identify with Shakeiya's comment on her lack of time to go to her locker. Even if I come to school on time in the morning, I'm often late to first period because I need to drop off my winter coat in my locker, but if I had brought the coat to class, I would be scolded. It's a lose-lose situation and I believe there should be more understanding and gray areas when it comes to things like this.
DeleteHockey, What it Takes to Make It to The Big Leagues
ReplyDeleteby Zachary Orcutt
Every player in hockey works their hardest to get there name out there so they can eventually make it. In brief, this how the leagues are organized. It ranges from the house level which anyone can play in, to the highest level which is Major Junior hockey and includes players being scouted for the NHL. Some players decide to go play college NCAA hockey which you can also be scouted in.
Most players that make it to a high level of competition have been playing all their life, about the age of three. A lot of players quit because they don’t like to balance a lot of school work with hockey every day. Usually you have practice for an hour and a half then you get off the ice to do dry land training, and lastly you go to the weight room; Players feel this is a lot and many quit.
Usually you can’t play locally unless you are playing for a high level at a popular hockey town. Rochester is a somewhat popular hockey town but if you want to get noticed you can’t stay here. A lot of players go to prep school in a popular hockey state like Minnesota or they go to Canada and play junior hockey. My coach this year said, “I played house hockey my whole life, I never played travel hockey but I worked hard and still ended up getting paid to play hockey at a high level.” This shows you that you don’t have to play at a high level all your life and still make it.
Players make it to a high level because they have heart, dedication, and healthy habits. For someone to be successful as an athlete they need to sleep right, eat right, and work every day to get better. If you decide to work at making it in hockey, all your life will consist of school life and hockey, there’s no time for a break; it’s just like a career.
Most players who move up the ladder usually quit when they feel overwhelmed with everything, but others don’t, because they feel good about making it big time. The only time someone really quits is when they know they won’t go anywhere, so they hang the skates up, but sometimes the hard work pays off in the end.
I agree with what is stated, and that many hockey players do have to work and train very hard in order to get noticed if they and to try and go pro.
DeleteClaire Rebholz
ReplyDeleteCollege Process
The college application process can be very stressful. Seniors in high school might not know what to expect. Finding the perfect college for you is a difficult procedure.
Seniors at School of the Arts have expressed what their looking in a college and how they feel about it. Some people are drawn to colleges because of the location or competitiveness. One SOTA senior expressed interest in going to college in a warm climate. Students are also drawn to colleges because of extracurricular activities and the quality of the schools majors.
Student population could also affect someone’s choice in college. When asked why he wanted to go to the University of Rochester, Tim Schuler, a senior at School of the Arts, said: “Diversity is an essential aspect of education.”
Alice Doeblin, a senior at SOTA, expressed interest in a college because of what she had heard from her friends. “Everyone who’s gone there says it’s been really great!”
College is a whole new experience; it’s completely different from high school. When asked how they felt about going to college Alice Doeblin said: “I’m excited, but also a little nervous.”
One SOTA senior expressed how nervous they were: “I don’t know what to expect when I go to college, and I’m scared.”
The college process can put a large amount of stress on students. Whether it’s finding the perfect fit for yourself or just getting accepted into one.
Getting college applications completed and sent has been a difficult procedure in my particular case because of auditions. Now I have to get accepted into a school both academically and artistically which adds extra stress to the whole situation.
DeleteHannah Schneible
Finding the right college is always difficult. Even now i'm unsure on whether ill get into the college i want, and In my opinion one of the hardest parts is the stress of waiting for that letter to arrive.
DeleteNathaniel Torres
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteExpectations vs. Reality: Transition from High School to College
ReplyDeleteMany high school students anticipate whether or not they’re going to college. During college consideration, students may feel overcome with a variety of emotions. Fear, excitement, uncertainty, and discomfort are a few of the many emotions students may feel. The thing most high school students are so sure about is the fact that college will be so different from what they’ve experienced in high school. “I feel like it’ll be awesome all together,” says Aleja, a high school senior at SOTA. “...like, there would be a higher level of maturity.” Aside from behavioral issues often dealt with or encountered in high school, the work load received in college is also thought of as excessive. “I definitely think the work load will be more severe.” Says another high school senior, Seyvion. Many students are just plain afraid all together, referring to college as “stepping into the abyss” in reference to the unknown. “I guess the most terrifying thing is the unknown,” says Prestije, another senior at SOTA. “…and the fact that we’re not sure how it works.” When asked to give one word describing how college is perceived, students provided many different words, some surprising. Terrifying, Skeptical, Nerve-racking, awesome, despair, a party and so on. While there were a few positive accounts of what college might be like, more students were fearful of what they did not know. A question was posed, asking where these ideas of college came from and the response of many was television. How college is portrayed in movies or shows in fact does inflict the way the public views it. I asked a couple of people who had been through college about their expectations and how their experiences actually were. “Yeah, I was nervous about it.” Mr. Wilson says. “You know, being away from home for the first time, leaving all your friends behind. It was terrifying.” “I was terrified, no one knows what’s coming next.” Says Mr. Gabriel. “You’re leaving all of your friends behind, and you’re in classes where everyone’s just as smart as you and smarter. What have you got that stands out, you know?” Mr. Smith on the other hand had no worries. “I wasn’t nervous about college at all.” He says. “I was fully aware of how different it would be and I was looking forward to living on campus.” While the teacher’s expectations may have been different, their experiences were all similar in the fact that they enjoyed themselves. “College was far from what I thought it’d be.” Says Mr. Wilson. “It was great, I loved college, but I wouldn’t go back.” Mr. Smith said that it was beneficial to him a sense that it broke him out of his reserved shell, enriching his social and analytical skills. “I would definitely say that college broadened my horizons of knowledge and understanding.” Those who did attend college understood the high school student’s point of views completely and most even thought the same way, but they say that college is nothing to fear. Instead, college is something people should look forward to doing. “I learned that if I worked hard enough, I could match up to anyone.” says Mr. Gabriel. “In high school, I think kids are just worried because they’re already going through the personal turmoil of growing up, but in college you’re mostly matured and no one cares what you’re doing.” Many college grads and currents college students pointed out that the only thing high school student should be worried about is the independence and using their time wisely, because that is usually where the slip-ups happen.
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ReplyDeleteSeniors Don’t Have High Hopes for Lounge
ReplyDeleteBy Jackson Bell
School of the Arts seniors want a new lounge, but doubt that staff will take action. After the closing of the previous lounge a few years ago, recent seniors have felt cheated that they don’t have an area to themselves. Ethan Gresko, a current senior at SOTA, said that: “It’s a rightful privilege seniors should have.” However, he and many others see no lounge construction in the future.
The old lounge, located in the balcony area above the cafeteria, was shut down because the fire marshal labelled it as a fire hazard. However, senior Duncan Hall finds this odd because there are three exit doors that connect to the balcony. Hall said: “They should just get a fire ladder.”
The main issue is that there isn’t very much room in the school to construct a lounge area. As a matter of fact, there currently isn’t a single room in the school building that is not being used already. If the school did choose to work on a lounge, a staff member would have to give up their room for the project.
Although seniors like the idea of a lounge, they choose not to present any ideas to administrators for it. Most students are convinced that the probability of building a lounge is minimal to zero. Also, if work were to begin on the project, the earliest it would be open to use will be next year. Therefore, current seniors see no purpose in pushing for one, despite the fact that all who were interview were pro-lounge.
Us seniors should definitely start coming up with ideas for a lounge. It would be so cool and give us a chance to really get close with each other. We just need to put forth the effort.
Delete-Maritza Stehnach
I agree completely. But by the time we bring this to an administrator, it will be taken care of by the time we graduate. Yes, it is for our benefit but we would at least like to have it for ourselves since we are putting so much effort into this. Great Job!
DeleteThe fact that we were cheated out of our senior lounge is unfair, I wish there could of been a way to operate and take a room from a teacher but wuteva we can hit up the hookah cuzzo.
DeleteI like this article because it is on a topic that is relevant to all seniors. We all feel that we are being treated unfairly, because we have nowhere good to go during study halls.
DeleteI agree that its pointless to try to get a senior lounge back if it won't happen till next year. Why stress and work hard for something we cant enjoy?-Shelby DeVries
DeleteThere Isn’t Enough Passing Time in the Hallways
ReplyDeleteBy Deon’e Hazelwood
Nationwide students struggle to make it to time on time day by day. At local high school, School of The Arts, Students have four minutes to get to their next class from their last.
Most students like high school student, Shelby DeVries, feels that there is barely enough time to make it class on time comfortably. “There are so many kids at this school, the hallways get jammed, people to talk to their friends causing the hallways to be blocked. My second period class is on the first floor and my third period class is on the third floor. It isn’t easy getting through hundreds of kids on three different levels and still make it to class on time with all my utensils out ready to go.”
With these opinions coming from students questions emerge of whether passing time should be extended. Allowing students to have enough time to make it to class. While most people, mostly students, agree there are those who oppose such School of The Arts Geometry teacher Marc DellaGloria who feels extending passing time would allow students a social outlet rather than the time that they need to get to class, “Hallways essentially are blocked because students feel the need to socialize making it harder for those who actually want to get to class on time. Extending passing time would also throw off the balance of the whole schedule and when students realize that their day would be extended or possibly even time cut from their lunches, they would stop asking for more time in the halls and appreciate the four minutes that they have.” Said DellaGloria
Other teachers at School of The Arts feel extending passing time by one minute would not be detrimental at all. JoEllen Manetta feels that the four minutes isn’t enough time. “I don’t feel like it’s enough time because even I have trouble getting to my classes.” Says Manetta who shares classrooms with different teachers on various different floors of the school. U.S. history teacher Zachary Johnson too feels as if adding an extra minute would have positive effects. “Adding an extra minute would allow students the social outlet that is expected when they are in a classroom for 42 minutes and expected to pay attention attentively and quietly. Ultimately, adding an extra tardy would substantially reduce tardy’s as well.” Said Johnson
I completely agree. These teachers wonder why we are late to their class. Good Job!
DeleteI totally agree with this article, and that many teachers get mad at students who wonder in late to class when we have very little time to do so.
DeleteI agree with this. Giving students a couple more minutes will be better and not make it so stressful to get to class.
DeleteTo Clique or not to Clique
ReplyDeleteBy Clarissa Henry
Having a wide variety of activities and artistic views within a certain environment leads to other formations being born. Allowing students different choices gives a positive range of potential friends and a negative aspect of being segregated by gender, race, and social status.
School of the Arts (SOTA) a local high school in Rochester, NY gives the ability for prospective students to showcase a talent through a major of art, instrumental, vocal, theater technology, and dance.
Cliques in SOTA
Multiple cliques resign in SOTA.
One of them being named ‘8 Fold’ around the school you can see their tags written on the halls and desks.
Another clique named Red Honda also produces several tags and frequently carries around their logo around their neck that reads, ‘#RedHonda.’
Both of the cliques formed last year.
Different Levels of Goals
Although the cliques were formed around the same time they are completely different from one another.
“Our group creates a creative outlet,” One of the members of 8 fold exclaimed, “We are a group of diverse and creative individuals.”
The members of Red Honda stated, “We were only created to have a little fun in High school.”
Viewpoints of Others
Often times staff members and teachers in the school are steadfast to suspect anything negative with clique’s as they see the same group of students constantly together.
“However most environments create an overlooked issue they believe to be a problem.” Stated one of the staff members in SOTA, “Often time’s students are not looking for trouble. Many situations are overlooked without looking at every aspect and talking to a few students.”
Particular Feelings
Most of the members in cliques feel a sense of belonging and very welcome.
“My friends are in it,” said one of the members of 8 Fold, “It feels as if I belong.”
In the clique Red Honda several of them stated, “When everyone are not participating I feel annoyed and irritated.”
Overall Outcome
Overall cliques are created I n SOTA welcoming students around the same social status to feel welcome.
Express nearly the same ideas and able to create better and bigger ideas.
Conflicts leading to violence within SOTA
ReplyDeleteby Joyce Parker
All too often in SOTA, small incidents and minor disagreements can lead to conflicts which
eventually leads to more serious violence among teenagers.
SOTA as a whole have
traditionally been expected to teach student academic skills, but it is also a
place where students interact with one another, their teachers, and educational
administrators. Over the period of time teachers see how conflicts affects a
student’s studies within the school premises. The student body, Administrators
and teachers alike concerns have begun to raise from observations of the
occasional conflicts that occur during the school hours and their opinion of
how these problems can be avoided. From my findings, traditional disciplinary practices
include various forms of punishment based on the assumption that if negative behaviors are
eliminated, the classroom climate will be conducive to learning. Students who took my survey
believe these conflicts reoccur because one teenage boy teases or insults another, a teenage
girl accuses another of spreading untrue gossip. One teen pushes, bumps, or shoves another.
A teen takes or destroys another's possessions. Words are exchanged, tempers flare, conflicts
escalate, and all too often, violence results. Unfortunately, many teens who took my survey
also believe that when a conflict or disagreement arises, they have no choice but to fight. Some
see fighting as the only acceptable way to resolve disagreements. They do not know of any way
to avoid a fight without losing face. Others do not know how to control themselves in the face
of a perceived insult. In one survey of junior and senior high school students: 33 percent said
that when they were really angry there was no way they could control themselves · 41 percent
said that if they were challenged, they would fight. 21 percent said that avoiding fights was a
sign of weakness. In my survey taken today, more than one in three high school students said
they had been in a physical fight in the past year.
I believe that theses physical fights happen because everyone is on a different maturity level. If you look at the fights that happen, its usually middle schoolers and underclassmen who don't know how to deal with drama in an mature way. Very seldom do you see huge physical fights between the junior class and even less within the senior class. This is because you learn when you should stand up for yourself or just let it go Of course there will always be fights, its high school
DeleteThe Truth about Tech
ReplyDeleteBy Jeremiah King
Of all the majors at school of the arts it could be said that theater tech is the most mysterious, seeing as there’s so much rumor and speculation about what they actually do. There are rumors that all they do is play with blocks and that they don’t actually have any curriculum, but I’ve done a survey that reveals what actually happens behind those metal shop doors.
On the survey I asked the teachers what the curriculum is actually like, one teacher said that “Tech curriculum is very rigorous. Students learn many facets of technical practice and production. Subjects include electronics, graphics, management, sound, and lighting… to name a few.” and another teacher stated that “Students learn all aspects of professional theater technology…” showing that tech student have a rigors curriculum. When I asked students about what kind of skills they had learned Nate T. Torres said “Time management, a better sense of working with others, and a sense of leadership.” And one student; Dejanique said “I’ve learned a lot, too many to say.”
I asked students how they felt about their teachers and they all seemed very pleased with them. Michael Mayer said “Mr. Canfield and Mr. Myers are very effective teachers for students of various skill levels…their respect for their students makes the learning experience fun and productive”. I saw this first hand in the class room, when the teachers needed the students attention they had it immediately, they kept a fun light atmosphere but also a productive one. One student Timothy Schuler said “I enjoy their instruction, they are extremely capable theater professionals…”
In the theater I witnessed firsthand some of the things tech students build and the skill they use to build them, they build flats and platforms and were even doing repairs. On the survey I asked what kind of things students have built Michael Mayer said “…Three of my fellow students and I had to utilize our drafting and design skills to create four huge towers for Shrek…” and another student Sidney Lora said “I’ve built a pirate ship for peter pan and… the premium for crucible.” showing that it’s not only the teachers who do the planning and building but the students too.
The last question I asked on the survey was whether or not tech students felt their major was adequately appreciated and the answer was a resounding no, or as one Morgan Castle put it “Everyone thinks we lay around and just goof off…” But two students had a different point of view on it, Michael Mayer said “Yes actually. The only people who really appreciate our work are those who can actually understand it, which makes the appreciation feel genuine…” and Lily Feldman who said” I feel like…if people don’t know about us then we know we’re doing a good job.” Showing another side to the argument.
This survey had convinced me that Tech student have as hard and rigors a class and curriculum as any other major and don’t just slack off. Their hard work and dedication help keep SOTA running, just like every other major and In addition to that I think this survey has helped open my eyes to the character and achievements of tech students and has shown how the students gain some of the most valuable real world experience from experienced and seasoned teachers.
I enjoyed the way you took a non partial approach to the subject. You didn't imply that any major was superior or inferior and i think that helps bring across the point even more.
DeleteFreshmen to Senior: The SOTA Experience
ReplyDeleteBy Phalyn Hayward
Senior year can seem to be the best year considering your high school experience is almost over. But before a person reaches that point they have to experience freshmen year and up to get to the final year.
Many seniors this year felt that they’ve had a great high school experience at School of the Arts, but have come to their own and mutual realizations throughout their four years.
Some of them agreed that coming to SOTA wasn’t what they expected- they imagined singing and dancing down the halls, and music playing constantly (i.e. High School Musical)- and in some way was a disappointment. Yet, they also agreed on how happy they were to see that their school was so diverse. However the real truth is how their years at SOTA have affected them up to senior year.
As each senior aged their interests have changed- from academics to friendships to their own personalities. “I know that my personality has changed, and in some way, I’ve found myself,” Mystique said. Heidi also said, “Friends are not forever,” which many seniors agree with.
As a senior I completely understand "friends are not forever", I to have learned a lot about myself in high school. Great article Phalyn!
DeleteI completely agree with this whole thing! When I first came to SOTA I really thought it was going to be more artsy than it actually ended up being. Also, I do agree with the whole "friends are not forever". It is sad but true, but it does combine with peoples personalities changing. People change and some friends come and go.
DeleteLockers and Expressing Oneself
ReplyDeleteby Phillip Slattery
Locker personalization at the high school level is very much supported in the Rochester area. Dynesha Burns said that if we give a school four years of our lives, we should at least be allowed one thing to do. Emily Hanrahan also said the same thing.
On the other hand, even though Evan Alaimo also feels that it is one great way to express oneself, he brought up the point of how the lockers would be “erased” each year. I then countered back saying that whoever painted the lockers must make them look brand new, or not decorate or them at all.
One of my friends, Hannah Smith, thought that it was a totally stupid idea to decorate something as simple as a locker, which is basically a metal container for your stuff. She further explained that it is so much work, and that if the student won’t have the locker every year, someone else will get it after you, and so. Therefore why go through all that work, just to have to erase it in June?
One teacher, Ms. Parker, thought that it is defacing of school property. She personally does not want to see anyone’s crap on the outside.
PHILIP DO NOT USE "I"
DeleteGood job Philip, perfect topic for you!!
DeleteGood Job Phillip!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteJacob Polcyn-EvansNovember 25, 2014 at 8:49 AM
ReplyDeleteHigh School Cliques
by Jacob Polcyn-Evans
Social groups, or cliques, affect the high school experience through mob mentality and peer pressure. Some think peer pressure is a purposeful and conscious effort of one person influencing another. However, peer pressure can be subconscious. This influence comes from what peers are doing, not telling you to do. Most cliques can form because of the after school activities the members are involved in, which may include sports, plays, math league, etc.
Some students reported that race was a factor in the clique formation. When asked if she felt uncomfortable with cliques of a different race, Veronica said “I don’t feel uncomfortable with other races. Race is a factor… you are drawn to people similar to you.”
Popularity also affects high school cliques. Alexis said “If there is a large population, cliques will form.” With larger population, the gap between popular and unpopular people grows. The people in one clique will set their standards to the others. When asked if cliques affect academic motivation, Alexis said “If my “clique” people are motivated, I am too. If they aren’t, it’s the norm.”
The clique’s members can change over time, kicking one out and replacing them with another. When talking about his clique, Duncan said “It’s been altered and it’s grown.” If the members of a clique are replaceable, there is a sense of insecurity, even though the nature of a clique is a group that stays together.
High school is a catalyst for cliques. Rachael said “It’s a place where people spend all of their time.” The high school environment seems to promote social groups, grouping students in the same set of classes. Making exclusive sports teams and plays and clubs so that everyone has a place to identify with.
Jacob this is very good. I completely agree with everything you said. Great job !
DeleteThat junk was wavy doe boy. No but I completely agree that "Social Groups, or cliques" do affect the high school experiences of students. This only applies to students that aren't independent and apply to the kids that rely on friends to have fun and make memories. #SWAGCOOKIES
DeleteSenior Attendance At School Of The Arts
ReplyDeleteby Gena Driscoll
High school seniors often encounter problems with attendance and truancy. Seniors are more likely to have jobs, responsibilities at home, and fewer classes. Their classes might be of little interest to them, as they scramble to get in their health credit or make up for failed gym classes. These extra responsibilities, coupled with a lack of motivation, can cause seniors to come late, or miss school altogether.
This tendency to miss class comes at possibly the most important time of a student’s high school career. Too many missed classes can mean a senior graduates late, or not at all. Frances, a senior creative writing major, said that she misses school due to sickness or exhaustion. “It doesn’t start too early,” she said, “it just isn’t very flexible.”
In 2013 SOTA implemented a new lateness policy, which required students who came late three or more times a marking period to spend first period in the commons. In 2014 the administration dropped the policy, and began allowing late students to go to their first period class after they have gone through the metal detector. Tim, a senior theater tech major, said “I like this year’s policy because waiting in the commons wasted class time.”
Many factors influence student attendance: the distance between a student’s home and school, the early start of school, weather conditions. Some factors are beyond the school’s control, but there are things SOTA can do to help students, especially seniors, maintain good attendance. Alison, a senior drama major, said “SOTA can help student attendance by starting school at 8:20 and allowing coffee.”
Tim said the school should “make classes worth going to and encourage stronger teacher participation in their own classes.”
Or SOTA could, as Frances said, “pay students to come to school.”
I very strongly agree with the sentiments expressed in this article. I myself have struggled with finding the motivation to come to school this year, even more so than past years. While I agree that the late policy this year is better than the previous one, it doesn't assist in the overall atmosphere of the school which I believe is a main contributing factor to decreased attendance and motivation.
DeleteI agree with your points in this article, I have a job, do community service, and in shows at school. I find it very hard to get up in the morning, if SOTA did start at a later time I think it wold be easier for all of us
DeleteI think any senior can relate to this as we all are extremely ready to graduate. I'm late a lot, and I know it effects my grade for first period but I would rather sleep in than have an A. I also agree with Frances in that coming on time and every day would be easier if the school paid me.
DeleteThe Reality of Senior Year
ReplyDeleteBy Carly Swift-Horth
Senior year is something that every teenager looks forward to in their lives. It is the last little step of young adulthood before being submerged into the next chapters of their lives. False perceptions of senior year are gained by youths because of movies and television shows. It is perceived as a laid back, carefree experience, when in reality, there is a lot more to it than freedom and relaxation.
“Senior year is definitely not what I’d expected it to be,” said one disappointed senior, “Well, it’s not what I’d always wanted, I should say, but it is what I expected since I came here,” she added. The School of the Arts attendee explained how the school is ‘different from other high schools’. Similar responses were given by other senior students at SOTA about it not being what they wanted, but kind of what they’d expected. Some students however did not even expect what they are experiencing this year. “I am so disappointed in our school this year, especially for the senior experiences. It is not personalized. We don’t feel special,” said one girl. It is true. Doing some research and polls, 93% of seniors feel as though the school is neglecting to celebrate the fact that they are seniors. “There is no personalization. Other graduating classes get stars and puzzle pieces with their names on them, but we get one poster with all of our names on it… Just like the seventh graders,” another student said, “I don’t know what happened between last year and this year but I don’t like it.”
Many students feel as though senior year is an easy year academically, unless they’ve put off a rough class from previous years that they need in order to graduate. “I’m taking trigonometry again, and it is a bit stressful. I need to work hard in order to reach success,” a student explained. Other than the last minute stress of passing math, 81% of seniors felt as though the year is pretty stress-free. College essays are the only things on the minds of many, and until they receive that acceptance letter, they are on the edge of their seats. Normally there would be distractors from this time gap between sending and receiving things to and from college such as senior events, though this is not the case. “What are senior events?” one senior, along with a couple of his friends, questioned, “We haven’t had any. At least not to my knowledge,” he continued.
Students at School of the Arts have lived through their high school experience, and mentally, most of them are ready to move on. The senior experience has not started off as euphoric as they had witnessed in television and film, and many feel that the only day they will realize that they are seniors is the day they walk the stage and get that diploma. “It’s just like any other year. That’s the reality of senior year.” So it goes. Senior year according to seniors is nothing like the dreams they had when they were young.
This article very accurately captures how I also feel about senior year, however I disagree with the "stress-free" bit. While I don't feel it's as stressful as past years, it still isn't a walk through the park. I feel personally that this can be attributed to my creative writing classes being the primary stress factor of this year, and definitely translates into my other classes. I hope that as the year progresses, senior status may improve a little - although I'm not holding out much hope.
DeleteCarly does a good job of perfectly seizing how seniors feel about their final year in high school. good job!
DeleteSenior year is horrible, and this article captures the actuality of the year rather than glamorize it like most people do.
Delete
ReplyDeleteTeachers within the school system provide support to their Students
By Angelica Scott
Students that attend School of the Arts in Rochester, NY seem to have very close relationships with their teachers. Benefiting from these kinds of relationships can affect each other in a positive way for lifelong goals or situations.
About 55% of the student body at the School of the Arts, the students and teachers put in an equal amount of effort into their relationship with each other. The other 45% don’t have the motivation to be in school or don’t have the communication skills to build a relationship with their teachers.
Concetta, a senior at School of the Arts, feels that a relationship with a teacher can help with a lot of things. Having a teachers’ insight on things can make life easier. She feels that teachers have experienced things that our generation today doesn’t think about asking. “I think having a close relationship with teachers is great because they are mentors. They are here for us as a tool,” Concetta said.
Marylee Miller, a modern Dance teacher at School of the Arts, also has a positive view on having relationships with her students. Being a dance teacher is already a gift but knowing a student’s background and what they go through is another gift. “My students can tell me anything. They feel like I am their mother away from home. My students tell me all the time that I am a very understanding teacher” says Miller.
Having a strong relationship between a teacher and a student can be useful because as a student, it is good to have someone that gives you advice daily on things that approach you or in your near future. Considering that adults have experienced these many things, hearing from them is also a bonus.
Shelby DeVries
ReplyDeleteBody Art
Body art can be expressed in so many different ways to express it whether it’s a tattoo or piercings or anything that wasn’t original part of someone’s body.
You will find that more students at School of the Arts have body art because it’s a way of expressing themselves. Some questions that one should think about before doing this, “Will this make people think of me differently?” “Is the pain worth it?” “Am I willing to take the responsibility to take care of it?”
High school student Mystique Myrthil who personally has some unique piercings spoke out to me” I love my piercings, it’s a part of who I am, I feel that some people do look at me like I’m weird.”
Referring to my previous questions Mystique thinks having some piercings can affect your everyday life by having to rinse her mouth every so often. Piercings have become fashion statements in today’s generation, due to popularity and music.
Personally from having many piercings they aren’t for popularity, for myself it’s the experience. Feeling the pain and knowing this a change to my body that sets me apart from everyone else. It’s a responsibility to make sure you take good care of it and keep it clean.
Body art is meant to define you whether you regret or love it later in life.
Interstellar is interesting now?
ReplyDeleteBy Enuma F. Okafor
Should we stay or should we go – the Clash asks correctly.
With the world changing dramatically around us due to natural climate changes and unnatural pollution, the question of how future humans will survive is introduced. The new blockbuster hit Interstellar hones onto this idea.
So credit due to those whom were able to sit through the entire three-hour film, and then understand it with only one viewing. Though for average Middle American’s who probably did not fully grasp the concept here is a synopsis:
“An ex-engineer becoming an astronaut who leads the interstellar journey through a wormhole to finding a new home for the human race and rescue the Lazarus crew who left and survived in a new discovered galaxy with the Endurance spaceship crew.”
- Written by Gusde of IMDb
The key reasoning many are now finding Interstellar to be an interesting film rather than just a long drawn out 2001 Space Odyssey is because the events could actually occur. Looking besides large plot holes we find one of the core issue, man made climate change.
In the film the Earth has become a deselect land, covered in sand on the brink of total collapse. In our current state we find many Scientist pointing towards this devastating future. Acknowledging a world that is set on not changing anyway, this sad new life will almost defiantly happen.
With a dying Earth humans will be forced to find a new home. Here’s where things get a little tricky, how can humans find a new world?
Multiple dimensions are presented in the film as a way to go, because of the several unexplored galaxies. With so many galaxies there has to be another habitual planet in relation to Earth that can maintain life.
"We all consider dimensions in general terms such as another reality or how we perceive the environment around us," says Trace Dominguez from DNews. This statement explores the possibilities within another dimension.
Encountering new dimensions will allow humans to have a broader search while striving to find a new world. Space travel just in our galaxy is discredited and unrealistic.
Well if I haven’t lost too many yet; the possibility of traveling to other dimensions sounds swell, but truthfully is far out of reach. With cuts to NASA, I am shocked most even notice the moon.
The three-hour flick was a difficult one to get through though focusing on the what if, the film truly does take on a new persona of being interesting.
I love that you wrote about a movie; that's a really creative idea. This article altogether was very well put together and keep me wanting to read it. Awesome job !!
DeleteTraffic Tickets Inquiries Answered
ReplyDeleteBy: Emma Wagner
Ticketed citizens say the City has gone too far.
Concerned People of the City of Rochester have voiced their opinions regarding the tactic the City uses to enforce parking and traffic laws.
Many of people who where interviewed have received a ticket in the last five years; for running stop sings and red lights, speeding, or even parking violations downtown. The problem is they say is not why they’re being ticketed, but how.
The police often hide and the City placed red light cameras that record the street intersections and ticket those who run red lights.
Mary Lee Miller a School of the Arts dance teacher says that the Red light camera are very “big brother” and that she sees a “gray area where the safety of the people is only second to the city making money.”
Another teacher from School of the Arts, Even Wilson, said that there have been incidences he’s heard of in which people where ticketed when they did not go though a red light, such as turning on red or even going on a yellow light. He said that “If they were used correctly…” he would not necessarily have a problem, but he feels that the tickets are issued with little discretion.
The people who were interviewed all seem to share the same concerns, that the way that they are being ticketed is the problem and if things where to be done fairly and for the safety of people they would have less of a problem.
On 11/12/14 the Rochester City Council passed a law extending the use of Red light cameras at no more then 50 intersection within the City at one time. This law was passed 6-3.
Your news article is great and perfectly portrays how Rochester citizens look at ticketing as a bother.
Delete
ReplyDeleteAdults now regretting tattoos
by Victoria Carroll
Tattoos have always always been around, but
in todays day in age tattoos have become very popular with young adults of the ages 18 to 25. This worries parents and Adults about young teens regretting their tattoos later in life.
Teens gets tattoos for all different types
of reasons, to remember an important time in their lives or just because they want to. The legal age of getting a tattoo in the United States is 18 without parental consent. Of Course the does not stop teens from getting them because there are tattoo shops
that will tattoo a minor, whether they have parental consent or not.
Some job’s do not allow their workers to
have or get tattoos in places that are not easily covered up, this cause a work problem for teens or even adults that have tattoos in these places. Teens disagree with rule that know that there are ways to cover up their tattoo for the time being. “There is
such a thing as long sleeves” said Summer Adams a student at School of the arts.
17% of adults that get their tattoo of the
ages 18 to 25 regret their tattoo, and the other 11% are thinking about getting their tattoo removed all together.
“If I could go back and tell myself not to get my tattoo on my leg I would” Said Richard Veltre, “ I thought I was
cool and that my tattoo would make a statement”
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DeletePeople should not be ashamed to customize their body to their liking and they should not be discriminated against. It is a form of memory and self-expression.
Delete-Maritza Stehnach
Tattoos should not be taken lightly, so it is important to really think about what you want before you get one. Good ass article.
DeleteI agree some of today Hip Hop is losing its "touch"
ReplyDeleteI disagree because i feel that it's another way to express yourself and express your personality and likes and dislikes with friends. It's another way to bond and be able to share something new like "hey did you here ASAP Rocky's new track?"
ReplyDeleteSidney Lora
I like how you have two opposing views listed in the article, because it shows off the different opinions people can have about the genre.
ReplyDelete