Volume 3, Issue 4

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0488dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B>        <IMG SRC="10085640.jpg" border=0 width="133" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>This pinata was made by the ESL class in the shape of a fish</B></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0498dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Mrs. Davies                      Room 206</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mrs. Davies Room 20"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Journalism 2004/2005"><U>Journalism 2004/2005</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id38.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Volume 3 Issue 1"><U>Volume 3 Issue 1</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id40.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Volume 3 Issue 2"><U>Volume 3 Issue 2</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Volume 3 , Issue 3"><U>Volume 3 , Issue 3</U></A>   |   <B>Volume 3, Issue 4</B>   |   <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Volume 3, Issue 8"><U>Volume 3, Issue 8</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Issue 9"><U>Issue 9</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Issue 10 Review"><U>Issue 10 Review</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id47.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="V3 Issue11"><U>V3 Issue11</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id48.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Volume 3, Issue 12"><U>Volume 3, Issue 12</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id49.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Volume 3, Issue 13 Photojournalism"><U>Volume 3, Issue 13 Photojournalism</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id51.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="V3 Issue 14"><U>V3 Issue 14</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id50.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="V3 Issue 15"><U>V3 Issue 15</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="V3 Issue 16"><U>V3 Issue 16</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id54.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="V3 Issue 17"><U>V3 Issue 17</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0498dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Volume 3, Issue 4</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Tutoring</B></div> <div> By: Susan Talmadge</div> <bR> <div> A tutor is someone who is paid (often up to $40.00 an hour) to privately teach those who cannot attend school, or those who need extra help with their schoolwork.  In my experience, there seemed to be a misinterpretation of the word <I><B>tutor.  </B></I>Even if the work gets done, a student cannot learn much if a tutor is simply coming to their house, dropping off a pile of work, and then leaving it to be picked up the next day.  </div> <div> One might argue that someone can't know everything, thus they cannot teach all classes.  However, a great and inexpensive solution would be for the school to get some kids from the same classes to help those who can't attend school.  This could even count as community service.  Even if the kids aren't face to face, those students could write to the others, e-mail them, or call them with work or notes from the classes.  The student's teachers should also stay involved.  E-mail and telephone are good ideas here also.  </div> <bR> <div> Having recently missed two months of school, I found that only one of my teachers stayed in touch with me and was actually concerned about what was going on.  </div> <div>      No one gets medically excused from school on purpose.  Unfortunately, things happen that sometimes prevent students from going to school, and those students often want to do their best in school, and it's not possible to do that without lots of help, especially when one misses about six weeks of school.  </div> <div> Therefore, the school community as a whole should pitch in and help those who need it.  They should do whatever is necessary to be sure that those who need tutoring get it, and get it properly. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Rumors</B></div> <div> By: Jessica Colavito and Nicole Giacalone</div> <div> There have been many rumors circulating Liberty High School over the past couple of months, many of them concerning Liberty seniors.  There has been discussion on issues concerning senior superlatives in this year's yearbook, as well as issues concerning prom and the senior trip.</div> <div> The first rumor out there is that “no seniors will be able to bring dates to prom who have previously graduated.”  </div> <div> The answer to this rumor really can't be answered since the subject is still up in the air.  “The administration is leaning towards people who have graduated within the past two years,” said high school secretary Audra Santillo.  </div> <div> The next rumor up is if this year's seniors are going to be having their trip.  Though the class thought everything was set in stone as far as the trip is concerned, apparently it's not.  Some board of education members seem to differ with their original decision.  Though deposits are still being taken, the trip is not as yet a one hundred percent surety.</div> <div> “It's all a popularity contest,” stated yearbook advisor Mrs. Perkowski when asked about the senior superlatives in the 05' yearbook.  In past years, some of the superlatives have included best-dressed, best smile, best eyes, class flirt, etc.  Some students who take part in yearbook oppose continuing the tradition, while Mrs. Perkowski has indicated that there still will be senior superlatives. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Theatre Trip</B></div> <div> By: Zac Shavrick</div> <bR> <div>      This week the Theatre class, Chorus class, and French III, IV and V, are all going to see the production of the Lion King on Broadway.</div> <div>      Chaperones for this trip include Mr. Saucier, Mrs. Delsignore, Mrs. DelSignore and Mr. Grund ( who is the school's new theatre teacher ).</div> <div>      The French class is going to see the play because the students are learning about the Lion King and other such African tribal tales. “We already read the book and saw the movie, both in French,” said our school's French teacher, Mrs. Spielmann. </div> <div>      The students will get to go backstage  through one of Mrs. DelSignore's former students, who works with Disney and the production of The Lion King. “The students will get to see how the lighting  works and even get to meet some of the actors,” said Mrs. DelSignore.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Miss Nash</B></div> <div> By: Susan Talmadge</div> <bR> <div>      This year at LHS, we have been blessed with a new physical education teacher.  She is young, sophisticated, and very cheerful.  Though very camera-shy, Miss Erin Nash managed to suffer through an interview, and even a couple of pictures.  </div> <div>      A graduate from SUNY-Cortland, Miss Nash has always wanted to become a teacher.  After college, Miss Nash worked as a substitute teacher and later in a hospital in Binghamton.  </div> <div>      After college, when Miss Nash was hired by Liberty, she was thrilled because she was born and raised in the area.  Though she said that she'd heard “bad things” about LHS, she discovered that “it's not as bad as everyone was saying.”  Miss Nash loves the kids.  She does, however, believe that there is a lot of paperwork involved in her job.  That is the only thing she doesn't really like about her job as a teacher.  Miss Nash hopes to stay in Liberty for a long time.  </div> <div>      When asked if she agreed with the way students are graded for physical education, she was very quick to say that the grading system is logical because “there's a way to go back and look at every student's grade for each day and explain to them why they got the grade that they did.  The teachers aren't just giving away 90's because they like the students.”</div> <div>      Miss Nash also coaches basketball for the modified girls' team.  Basketball is her favorite sport.  (In high school, she played basketball, softball, and she ran cross-country for a year.)</div> <div>      The kids also love Miss Nash.  She is young, sophisticated, and very nice.  According to one of the girls on her team, “Miss Nash makes us run a lot, but she is very nice, and we have fun at basketball practice.”</div> <div>      Overall, it seems that Miss Nash loves the students, and judging by her positive, understanding attitude, all of the students will grow to like her, too.  We are lucky to have such a nice addition to our school.   </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Presidential Re-election</B></div> <div> By: Joe Toscano</div> <bR> <div>      On April 19<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>, 1775, the United States Revolutionary War against Britain began. On January 14<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> 1784 the war was officially over, and on April 30, 1789, the United States had elected its first ever president, the only president to not live in the White House, a man who went by the name of George Washington. He took over a country led by the Articles of Confederation, the country's first ever written law-code, and secured his place on quarters and one-dollars bills everywhere. Our country believed in a simple way of life: majority rules. We weren't the first ever country to live under a democratic government, though, and certainly won't be the last. There are many countries in our modern world that live under governments such as ours, though, and the few countries that aren't are catching up quickly. So why is it even a big deal? We've had forty-two presidents since Washington, and many other countries share a similar form of choosing their leaders as the United States, so what sets our country apart? We just had our election, of course.</div> <div>      November 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT>, 2004, was the day we chose to stick with republican George W. Bush Jr., our countries president four years running - or select John Kerry, the democratic candidate. This Election was touted as one of the most pivotal ever, but why? Shouldn't all elections be this important? President Bush Jr. made some very controversial moves in office, and it practically divided our country in half. The attacks of 9/11 brought us together, bonded us as Americans, and made us look to our leader that much more. However, it is near impossible to give everyone what they wish for, especially in a country as fickle as the United States, and the election separated us almost to the point that people were either pro or anti-Bush, with the occasional undecided citizen thrown in to keep things interesting. The Iraqi war only further separated us, setting in stone the peoples stances on George Jr., elevating him to love-hate status. </div> <div> Enter John Kerry. By simply being nominated to go against George W. Bush Jr. in the 2004 election, he nearly gained half of the countries votes. However, the people wouldn't simply vote for him, he had to sway them to his side, and surely, many people would tell you he out-debated Bush, but in the end, Bush won the election, as well as the popular vote, an area of the voting he did not win in 2000 against candidate Al Gore. Now, with the smoke cleared, and the battle over, anyone who is anyone has an opinion on Bush, and the election that made us hold our breath until the last vote on Ohio was cast. And still, even after the election, and the three years that have since passed since 9/11, Bush still remains as perhaps the most controversial figure in political history. He is simply loved or hated. And although the United States seems split as to whether or not they support Bush, one thing always holds true about George Jr., Everyone has an opinion on him, including members of the Liberty High School, employees and students alike. </div> <div>      “I don't see much change happening over the next four years,“ said Nancy Collins, an employee at the Liberty High School,” other than the war in the Middle East being resolved.“</div> <div>      However, just the way the recent election indicates, you can never find two opinions on Bush, or his presidency, that are exactly the same. </div> <div>      “I was not happy with the outcome of the election at all, “ said Alicia Sabatini, a senior in the high school. “I'm very disappointed.“</div> <div>      And although these two seemed very passionate about the 2004 presidential election, others are simply indifferent. “I don't really care who won,“ said Brandon Huebsch, junior.</div> <div>      It's all just a matter of opinion.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Varsity Soccer</B></div> <div> By: Brandon Huebsch</div> <bR> <div> Liberty High School varsity soccer team had an amazing win on Thursday October 28<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> 2004 against Burke at home.  In the second semi-half of overtime the game ended with a score of 3-2.</div> <div> The Liberty varsity soccer team trailed the game 2-0 until Senior Jay Samant scored their first goal of the game, which was assisted by junior Mac Isseks.  Junior Justin Sutherland scored another goal to tie the game up, which was once again assisted by Mac.  Once the game went into overtime Jay Samant scored another goal, assisted by Justin Sutherland this time, which put Liberty in the lead 3-2.  However, during the second semi-half of overtime at junior Kyle Farrand had a neck injury and had to be taken off the field and rushed to the emergency room.  By the time Kyle was taken off the field the referee called the game because it had gotten to dark, giving Liberty varsity soccer team there first win ever against Burke, which is one of the top 20 teams in the state.</div> <div> Liberty varsity team consists of juniors, Peter Talerico, Peter Ehrenberg, Ryan Burns, Jacob Kirsch, Matt Lockwood and seniors, Brandon Redman, Chris Paddock, Roman Romero, Herald Romero, and Eric Cruz.  Their Coach Mrs. Yuan took the whole team out to Big Daddies.</div> <div>      “The game was really amazing,” said left forward Jay Samant.  </div> <div> “We pulled together and played a great game,” said left defense David Olsen.  Spectator Dan Green said, “They put forth a great effort and I'm very proud of them.”</div> <bR> <div> <B>College Fair</B></div> <div> By: Lizz Stolow</div> <bR> <div> Last week 30 junior and seniors from Liberty High School, attended the Pine Bush College Fair. Over 350 colleges from Harvard University to the SUNY colleges of New York State, set up informational booths to help guide students in there quest to find the right college. </div> <div> The night started off with an assembly about financial aid. Then parents and students were released into the gymnasium to gather information booklets and handouts from colleges. </div> <div>      Christine Divita, an 11<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> grade student who attended the fair, stated: </div> <div> ”It was a very informational experience, and a good time was had by all.”</div> <div>      Overall the majority of LHS students found this Thursday night trip a very helpful and worthwhile experience.  Due to the success of this past trip, Liberty High School hopes to share yet another college fair with their students sometime next May. </div> <bR> <div> <B>The Final Say</B></div> <div> By:Zac Shavrick</div> <bR> <div>      Its that time of year again, the time for early delivery of Holiday Spirit. The time when those infernal Christmas movies start to get their previews a month and a half in advance.</div> <div>      Christmas advertisement campaigns have been deployed in a full-scale attack on your television, with The Polar Express leading the assault. </div> <div>      The new movie starring Tom Hanks looks to follow in the path of the many B minus Christmas movies that came before it. It is yet another Christmas tale about Santa and proverbial happiness, directed at children. </div> <div>      What about Hollywood's portrayal of the other religious holidays? I'm not seeing previews for Revenge of The Macabees: A Hanukah Story, or A Kwanzaa Tale starring Denzel Washington.</div> <div>      “I'm about to post Hanukah decorations all over my room,” said Mr. Taylor, ranting about the Pitfalls of American society. </div> <div>      I'm honestly sick of hearing about Christmas preparation a month and a half before the holiday starts. I've already been bombarded with Halloween, can't I get a couple of weeks off?</div> <div>      “Even <I>I </I>think the Christmas advertising is a bit much,” said Santa Claus in a recent imaginary interview.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> The power of Lung</div> <div> By Joe Toscano</div> <bR> <div> The best-kept secrets, for many reasons, usually turn out to be the least interesting. Your secret admirer in the 6th grade has long since been revealed, and the lost city of Atlantis, urban legend or not, was a story to be told, not to be sealed. In fact, given the right amount of caffeine and a few bathroom breaks, I could run off examples all day, with minor hesitation. But what would that prove?</div> <div>      Other than revealing that I have a ridiculous amount of time on my hands, not much. So what exactly am I getting at here?</div> <div> What's better than hearing a great story? </div> <div>      Telling one.</div> <div>      People, by nature, love to tell great stories. It's in our genetic code. A story, in essence, is pure information. And information, according to several students on the honor roll, is power.</div> <div>      Power. Doesn't exactly conjure up images of your local scrawny classmate with glasses now does it?</div> <div>      In ancient Rome, the strong are given the right to battle to the death, in front of thousands of barbaric, taunting fans. The weaponry of choice was a blade, sharpened until it sparkled in the sunlight, and the consolation prize to the winner was the guarantee of life until their next scheduled fight. </div> <div>      Oh, and the “articulate” Romans? You can find their names in a social studies textbook near you.</div> <div>      Good story, huh?</div> <div>      Not very well kept, I suppose. But, like I said, the good ones never are. To spread information is human nature. Student nature. Which explains why students smoking in a school bathroom hasn't been a hot topic for anyone since the 8th grade. So how do they do it? Surely, the administrators must keep a close eye on the bathrooms to monitor the smokers.</div> <div>      “ No, “ conceded Sheyla Cubero, a junior in the Liberty High School, “ they could do better. ”</div> <div> In a survey of forty anonymous students, a mere ten admitted to have smoked in the bathroom in the past, with the other thirty assuming the role of innocence. However, an astounding forty of forty students claimed to know a student who has at one point smoked in the bathroom. These results are not exactly surprising.</div> <div>      “ Smoking is occurring often, “ pointed out Jack Strassman, high school principal, “ it's definitely a concern of mine. </div> <div>      “ However, this does not go unnoticed, the faculty and I take walks into the bathroom to be sure that they are safe, and that drug activity is kept out of our school, “ he continued.</div> <div>      According to Mr. Strassman, through the first 15 weeks of school, there have only been 18 students caught in the act of smoking in the bathroom, all of which received in school suspensions. However, this stat should be taken with a grain of salt, as the students caught may not represent the majority of students who smoke in school.</div> <div>      Mr. Strassman is not a fan of issuing out of school suspensions, or planting monitors to keep an eye on the students who enter the bathrooms. He believes that education is the key to intervention. He plans to introduce a tobacco grant to the school to help educate, and hopefully decrease the number of students who smoke now and in the future.</div> <div>      Meanwhile, all we have are empty packs of cigarettes on our bathroom floors and ashes on our toilet seats. Promises of a tobacco free school are now empty, but an improvement would be greeted warmly.</div> <div>      Now that would be a story worth telling.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>