Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Volume 86
Issue IV
June 2013
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This spring in Greenport High School, purple Porter pride is indubitably tinted with a silvery luster. Awarded the Silver Award by US News and World Report for its status as a top-performing school and now among the top 10% best public high schools in the nation, GHS is absolutely dazzling with pride. Ranked 172nd in New York State, GHS is 2,109th out of 22,000 high schools nationally. This prestigious honor has brought a newfound air of exhilaration and well-earned fulfillment to GHS students and faculty alike. When the school was notified of its incredible ranking, the administration immediately made an announcement over the loudspeakersomething that instantaneously sparked both school-wide applause and a buzz that lasted for the reminder of the day. Students were delighted by the smile-inducing sight of GHS principal Mr. Skuggevik scampering through the hallways with a banner announcing GHSs esteemed ranking slung across his back as a cape. Says tech class teacher Mr. Davies of that exhilarating day, It was awesome. GHS is finally recognized as the educational haven it is. What criteria factored into GHSs impressive ranking? According to US News and World Report, the aspects that determine high schools rankings are college readiness, math and English proficiency, and student-to-teacher ratio. For GHS, college readiness is determined by AP exam participation rates and percentages of students passing at least one exam. GHSs AP students, when compared to neighboring districts, have the largest percentage of exams scoring a 3 or higher. Who does GHS attribute this AP success to? After speaking with two upper-level GHS teachers, the answer could not be clearer. Says AP Environmental Science teacher Mr. Buckley, A lot of hard work is put in by the students and teachers of GHS. AP Government and AP Microeconomics teacher, Mr. Golden, much like Buckley, attributes GHSs AP success to a synthesis of assiduous students and dedicated teachers. Says Golden, The teachers of AP classes here at GHS work tirelessly toward providing a level of instruction that enables student to gain utmost success. What does this stellar ranking and medal mean to GHS? When asked, students said that they were brought an overwhelming sense of pride from their schools new honor. Says junior Edgar Pocasangre, This makes me proud to be a Porter. In the past three or four years, our school has been improving a lot, and its nice to see something that was once so unrecognized achieve a higher ranking. GHS is clearly skyrocketing toward greatness. As stated seamlessly by Mr. Golden, This achievement epitomizes the essence of GHSthe belief that all of our students can find extreme academic success. It looks like GHSs purple and gold hallways have finally found their silver lining.
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Porters
Perspective
I am a lifeguard and dock boy at Townsend Manor Inn and a back waiter at the North Fork Table. -Camilo Torres
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The Quill
Volume 86, Issue IV
June, 2013 Greenport High School 720 Front St. Greenport NY, 11944 www.gufsd.org
Editorial
During the 2012-2013 school year, iPads were distributed to the ninth and tenth grade students, as a surprise to many. These iPads were intended to facilitate the numerous needs of students and teachers, whether by preventing students from lugging home heavy books, by changing the method of taking attendance, or by providing a means for plain old research. The iPads raised some concern upon their arrival, however, with many individuals questioning QUILL ADVISOR whether they would be a distraction and whether students mishandling of them or their Mrs. Viggiano malfunctioning would prove problematic. As a tenth grader myself, I am amongst these gadgets every school day and can attest EDITOR-IN-CHIEF to their constant use. In earth science class, the iPads are used for geography; in global history Briana Pagano class, they are used to do homework that students used to have to bring their textbooks home to do. This year in English class, the iPads were used to find part of an Arthurian legend that LAYOUT EDITOR was not in sophomores literature textbooks. Throughout all my classes, however, the iPads have Skye Gillispie been used to watch highlights from the previous nights sporting events. Now, as we are approaching the end of the first year of this new installation, I believe LAYOUT ASSISTANTS Sarah Tuthill the the iPads overall productivity ought to be questioned before we jump into a second year of Shyane Jones a program that may be counterproductive to our students. Brandi Gonzalez I got the chance to ask a few teachers and students about how they think iPads have changed the learning process here in GHS and whether this change was for better or for worse. NEWS ANALYST Science teacher Mr. Buckley said he isnt as exposed to the iPads as some other teachers Neville Reece are because his classes with tenth graders are usually mixed with upperclassmen, who do not have iPads. He did state, however, that iPads provide a great textbook due to their interactive STAFF/REPORTERS aspects. To avoid misuse of the devices, Mr. Buckley does not allow students to have their Cate Creedon iPads out without his directions. Lauren Smith Fellow science teacher Mr. Taylor said that in his classes, Google Earth has been a useful David Krumenacker tool that he has been able to use on the iPads, and that he has been able to use the iPads about Mairi Creedon a dozen times with his class this entire school year. He added that as time passes, the iPads will Edgar Pocasangre become more useful as they gain a familiarity factor. When touching on their impact this year, Mr. Taylor said that he likes when the iPads can be used for research, but admits that they can be a distraction. According to Mr. Taylor, its a mixed bag in terms of the benefits and risks. PHOTOGRAPHER Sophomore Sean Walden not only got an iPad from the school, but also bought one Brandi Gonzalez privately to avoid the liabilities and contract that comes with the ones issued by the school. We welcome any kind of mail! To submit letters He stated that the weight off his back from textbooks is very convenient, because he describes himself as someone who doesnt use his locker. In terms of his education under the iPad to the editor, comments, or suggestions, please email us at: installation, however, everything is pretty much the same, says Walden. viggiano@gufsd.org! For the students granted with the schools iPads, there are some restrictions in terms of applications available for purchase and websites that are blocked. For students like Walden *The opinions expressed in this publication are those who have opted to buy their own iPads, however, there is not much the school can do in of the individual writers and are not necessarily those terms of monitoring devices. Anything can be downloaded on their iPads, from Angry Birds of GHS, this publication, or the editors. All articles to messaging applications to even pornography. There is nothing the administration can do submitted for publication are subject to editing. about that, either, besides banning personal iPads altogether. One indisputable result of the introduction of iPads into classrooms is that they have made cell phone usage more acceptable. Despite what teachers may contest, this is true. I dont believe the teachers are to blame for this though, as it may seem hypocritical to confiscate one students iPhone but then allow other students to roam the Internet on their iPads all period long claiming to be taking notes.
Editorial Board
Ask Alice
Editorial continued...
I think that anyone in this school can attest to the fact that this year, the amount of phones accepted by faculty in between classes and in class has drastically increased. Oftentimes, students put their phones right atop their desks either to mark their territory or for convenience purposes because theyre using them every few seconds anyway. During my first year in GHS, students had to be alert while using cell phones during lunch, but now the small gym is practically a haven for kids to text, tweet, and do whatever else their little devices are capable of. Right off the bat, there was something odd to me about imposing strict rules about cell phones one year but then giving students similar devices the very next. Another aspect of these new gizmos that I found puzzling was how much the school thought these would actually help the students. Why do we constantly assume that more technology is the solution? It is clear that our world is drastically changing; when we watch television, it seems like half of the commercials are centered on the newest smart phones or tablets. However, just because some adults will buy them in an attempt to facilitate their lives, it doesnt mean that such devices should be imposed on high school students. Lets face it though; iPads are very intriguing devices and students will continue to accept them despite what is truly most beneficial to their education. Im sure the iPads have helped a few students throughout this school year, but I have to assume theyve distracted far more students based on what Ive observed with my own two eyes. This brings the question to mind: in order to best serve the greatest kids on earth, shouldnt we avoid using technology that may be detrimental to said students? If the iPads are, indeed, causing a distraction, what in the world are we going to do with them next year?
Dear Alice, Basically, I dont know whether to get a summer job this year or to just have a nice, relaxing summer. I want to work and make money, but at the same time I want to be able to go to the beach and hang out with friends. Im worried that if I get a job, my employers will put me on the schedule all the time and Ill work like crazy. What do you think I should do? -Anonymous
Dear Anonymous, My advice would be to get a job. When applying for the job, be up front about it and say that you can only work two or three days a week. That way, youll get the best of both worlds: a little side cash along with some free time. The key to not being put on the schedule too much is being straight with your employers and making it clear in a polite way that you can only work a certain amount. Good luck and have a great summer! Yours truly, Alice Dear Alice, I am having some family problems at home. I cant say what these problems are, but I hope you can still help me. These problems are starting to affect my grades in school and Im worried they will eventually drag me down. I cant let it bring my grades down because I know colleges are looking at my grades only and not whats going on in my personal life. -Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Im sorry for the problems you are going through. If these problems are affecting your work, you could try going to extra help or getting a tutor. If you already do that and its not helping, I would suggest completing all of your school work in an environment where you feel comfortable and relaxed. Go to the school library or a friends house to get your work done: someplace where family problems cant reach you. That way, you wont have the family problems weighing you down while youre doing homework, and your work wont get in the way when youre attempting to solve your problems with your family. Hope this helps! Good Luck! Love,
Dear Alice, College is freaking me out big time. I dont know what to do in regards to declaring my major. I love creative majors like music or theater, but I know that those fields are very hard to find well-paying jobs in. The majors that are known for their earning potential, like engineering and computer science, bore me to death though. Whenever I tell adults what I want to do with my life, they say that Im wasting my brains because according to them, I can do so much more. I just cant picture myself ever wanting to do anything that doesnt inspire me though. Should I go into a field like engineering that will guarantee me a good salary just because Im smart enough to or should I stick with what I love and risk having difficulty finding a well-paying job after college? Please help. -Anonymous Dear Anonymous, This is a tough situation, because at the end of the day the answer depends on you alone. After much thinking, Ive come up with a possible solution to your problem, however: why not double major? This way, you can pursue the major you are truly passionate about while simultaneously gaining a degree in a field that will guarantee you a well-paying job after college. Double majoring is definitely a lot of work, but if youre truly torn, it might be the perfect solution for you. No matter what you do, however, Id advise you never to stray away from your passions. So many people sacrifice happiness for money and regret it later on in life. Dont give up on your dreams at such a young age. Whether you decide to major in the creative field you love or simply join a club on campus that sparks your creativity, dont allow your passions to slip out of your life. Id venture to say that at the end of the day, those are the things that make you happiest. Love, Alice
Alice
porters corner
Time Capsule
By Shyane Jones 14
Back in junior high school, the Class of 2013 counted down the years until they would be seniors, and now their time has finally come! This spring, not only do the seniors have their infamous senior prank to look forward to, but they are also anticipating the burial of their class time capsule. This year marks GHSs 22nd annual time capsule burial. What are this years seniors planning on burying to symbolize their high school years? Senior Elizabeth Corwin plans to put a photo of herself and her best friend, fellow senior Michelle Sarabia, in the time capsule. Corwin says she wants to see how much she and Sarabia have changed over the years and believes that the picture will represent their high school memories. Senior Shanice Strickland plans on burying several letters and notes from the friends she has made throughout her high school years. She also plans to put a sheet of paper in the time capsule, one that she filled out in elementary school declaring that she wanted to be a registered nurse. Once its finally time to open the capsule, Strickland wants to be able to say that she achieved that goal. Senior Megan Demarest plans on putting items in the time capsule that reflect the experiences shes had in GHS. She says that she has had so many memories with friends and teachers in the hallways. Demarest plans on putting her volleyball pin, a picture of herself with her friends, and a piece of cloth that has paint on it from her 2012 Habitat for Humanity Interact trip in the time capsule. Demarest believes that when the time comes to dig up the capsule, these items will remind her of her best GHS memories. Senior Elijah Jackson plans to collect some of his favorite pictures of his friends alongside other pictures that he has accumulated over the years, knowing that these will make him smile when he finally opens the capsule. Jackson also wants to put a book of poems that he wrote in 6th grade in the capsule. The tradition of dedicating a tree on campus to each years senior class started with former mayor and trustee George Hubbard and is carried on by his son, Trustee George Hubbard Jr., the boards liaison to the tree committee.
Community Connect
Porter Perspective: Through the Decades
By Cate Creedon 15
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Susan Tasker, alum of the old schoolhouses last kindergarten class. Mrs. Tasker, after seeing The Quills April article about the old schoolhouses history and revitalization, reached out to the paper to thank us for renewing the communitys interest in the historic schoolhouse. Mrs. Tasker attended kindergarten in the little old schoolhouse, and was a member of the last grade ever to attend school there. The year after she attended, all the grades moved into the new big schoolthe school we attend today. Mrs. Tasker and her grade were the first students to go all the way through the grades and graduate from the big school, graduating in 1945. I was able to talk to her about what school was like for her, giving us a perspective on how things have changed.
Q. What was you senior year like? Did you have a senior trip and a prom?
A. Yes, there was a prom. Our senior trip was to New York City. Also as a tradition, we had a Class Nite which all of the seniors went to. I was in a group of singers, and there were also some skits. Another tradition we had was a senior play. Ours was called March Heirs.
Soduku Puzzle
Rating: 10/10
Prom 2013
Spanish Scholars
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Crossword Puzzle
Across 1. something fun to build on the beach 2. you'll see these on Independence Day 5. July Fourth attraction on Moores Lane 6. what eats your time away 7. Flippy Floppy footwear 9. a hazardous pastime to give you skin cancer 11. what we are all waiting for 13. depends on your GPA 14. one of the most annoying New York State tests 15. to make money 16. UV radiation shield 17. a place with sand
Down 1. Riverhead waterpark 2. something to be dreaded 3. the build-your-own dessert place 4. a local award show for talented young actors and actresses 8. a water activity when pulled by a boat 10. summertime music machine 12. known as the midsummer classic
Horoscopes Continued
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) You may find that a little organization can't hurt. Even though oftentimes you like to be in control in the drivers seat, it's okay to hand over the keys to someone else when you're overwhelmed. Someone from your past seems may be reappearing in your thoughts, leaving you to wonder if you can still work it out. Think things through before you make drastic changes you may regret later. Compatible Signs This Month: Love- Leo, Friendship- Gemini Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) You may have to make some important decisions this month, but it's nothing you can't handle without some reassurance from a close friend. You may feel stressed from these situations, which seem to make you feel like you are picking sides. Spend time with someone who has seemed to fall out of your life, and you may be surprised by what they have to say. Compatible Signs This Month: Love- Sagittarius, Friendship- Scorpio
Pisces (February 19 - March 20) You may feel its time to be more independent, as your realize you can't rely solely on others. Branch out of your comfort zone, and you may find that a little change of pace was all you needed. In the past you have seemed hesitant to jump at new opportunities, but remember not to limit yourself to what you're accustomed to. You may become aware of what really matters to you most, and by knowing where you have been you'll know what you want from the future. Compatible Signs This Month: Love- Virgo, Friendship- Cancer
Teacher Superlatives
13
College Map
Kim Bracken - SUNY Oswego Dan Bunchuck-Virginia Tech Katelyn Cacace - Hofstra University Brendan Cary - either SUNY Alfred State or enlisting in the Navy Nick Connell - SUNY Maritime Julisa Coria - Suffolk County Community College (SCCC) Elizabeth Corwin-SUNY Delhi Christian Davis - Champlain College Megan Demarest - Lycoming College Matt Dibble - SUNY Oneonta Billy Doucett- SCCC Jesus Duran - SCCC Liz Eggiman - Pace University Daniele Freeman - SUNY Oneonta Tim Gadomski - University of New Haven Tessa Georgoulakos - SCCC Paola Hernandez - Hult International Business School Marcus Heyward - SCCC Cassandra Hooks - SCCC Elijah Jackson - Iona College Shelby Kostal - SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome Angelos Llukaci - SCCC
Kasey Long - SCCC Chris Manwaring - SCCC Colin McCoy - SUNY Maritime Ingrid Mejia - SCCC CJ Mokus - SCCC Wilson Morales - New York Institute of Technology Chris North - SCCC Ivan Novick - Virginia Military Institute Nina Papamichael - LIM College Peter Peterson - St. Joseph's College Wendy Peterson - Delaware Valley College Bryant Ramirez/Rivas - SCCC Karine Rose - Mercy College Dana Saetta-Davis - SUNY New Paltz Shanice Strickland - SCCC Camilo Torres - SCCC Alexis Wachtel - New York School of Interior Design Courtney Weber - SCCC Alex Whittle - SCCC Eddie Wright - Coast Guard Academy
2012-13 Timeline
September: Student Council Back-to-School BBQ October: Homecoming, Spirit Week, Greenport-Southold 1st Combined Drama November: Juniors Crucible trip December: National Honor Society Induction, Rachels Challenge, Annual ROTC Inspection January: Midterms February: Guys & Dolls Opening Night March: March Madness, Military Ball, Senior Disney trip April: Prom May: AP Exams, ROTC Awards Dinner, Drama Clubs Phantom of the Opera trip June: Graduation, Varsity Sports Awards Dinner, Teeny Awards
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Congratulations to GHS athletes Colin McCoy and Shelby Kostal! Colin will be playing lacrosse at SUNY Maritime this fall and Shelby will be playing volleyball at SUNY IT.
Thank you to GHS, the Greenport community, Pat Serrano, The Suffolk Times, and especially Mrs. Viggiano for supporting this years reinvented Quill! Weve had an incredible year and look forward to expanding and improving in the upcoming years.
ACROSS: 1. Sandcastle 2. Fireworks 5. Carnival 6. Studying 7. Flip flops 9. Tanning 11. Summer 13. Class rank 14. Regents 15. Summer job 16. Sunscreen 17. Beach
DOWN: 1. Splish Splash 2. Finals 3. Froyopia 4. The Teeny Awards 8. Tubing 10. Ice Cream Truck 12. The All-Star game