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North Star Halloween Costume Contest Vote for your favorite costume and photo! The Art Department The Art Department The Art Department The Haunted Maze- Art Club and Art Honor Society Jen ATC and Sam Jen ATC Hot Dogs Alexa D'Andrea and Amelia Muscatelli- Pink and Yellow Princesses Mrs. Meringolo's Class Alexa D'Andrea- Pink Princess Jayda Rutledge- "Joe Cool" Marcus Chiu and Aleeza Dhillon- Wild West Abigail Reichbach and Samantha Defalco- Plum Pudding and Strawberry Shortcake Arianna Hack- Tinker Bell The Art Department The Math Department- Party Animals Fiona from "Adventure Time"- Quinn O'Connor Sophia Reese- Founding Fathers The Math Department- Party Animals Elaine Ching, Melody Chen, Jack Voss VOTE

ALL ARTICLES NEWS ART & CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA FEATURE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY POLARIS EDITORIAL SPORTS ADVICE The Rabbit’s Foot Polaris Nathaly Zavala June 8, 2026 READ MORE Polaris Meeting Game Polaris Shea Flanelly June 8, 2026 READ MORE Karma Polaris Nathaly Zavala June 8, 2026 READ MORE North’s 7th Grade Fun Day Feature Akilan Subramaniyan June 8, 2026 READ MORE Shower Polaris Caitlyn Hunte June 8, 2026 READ MORE Eternal Love Polaris Nathaly Zavala June 8, 2026 READ MORE Exam Study Tips Advice Wardah Khizer June 8, 2026 READ MORE Tired Blood Polaris Caitlyn Hunte June 8, 2026 READ MORE Does Glasses Equal Intelligence: A Stereotype or Fact? Feature Akilan Subramaniyan June 8, 2026 READ MORE 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 ... 90

Back to Articles News Back to Sections The Truth About Vaccination By Aleeza Dhillon Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by USA Today Chances are you know someone who has gotten Covid within the past year because the deadly virus has infected approximately 166,761,227 people worldwide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supplied the first Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a Covid-19 prevention vaccine on December 11, 2020. The vaccine was initially approved for people 18 years or older, but the Pfizer vaccine was permitted to be injected into citizens ranging from 12-16 years old on May 10, 2021. Although the vaccine does not entirely prevent Covid infections, it limits symptoms’ severities and the likelihood of infection. Many people were thrilled to have a chance at lowering their risk of contagion, but others were skeptical of the vaccine. There is a growing fear and distrust of vaccines, which can lead to dire consequences. Many people are concerned about how quickly the Covid vaccine was created. Most vaccines take years to develop, and although scientists have been working on SARS vaccines for decades, this one seemed to have taken less than a year to be tested and accepted. Kelly Elterman, MD, shares that the vaccine was developed quickly by using 20 year-old technology. So, doubting the vaccine based on timelines does not tell the whole story. Still, others are concerned about the unknown side effects of the vaccine. People believe there are life-threatening outcomes of getting vaccinated, and some of this concern comes from reports in the media. Joyce Ann Kraner, a citizen of Tennessee, says, "We don't know the long-term effects. We don't know what it's going to do." Much misinformation had been spread through social media and the internet, causing certain people to believe in false side effects, even possible infertility, and creating further media distrust. One in four Americans refuse the vaccine, and 5% are unsure if they would take it given a chance. Experts are becoming concerned that refusal of the vaccine, or “vaccine hesitancy” by that substantial number will prevent the U.S. from reaching herd immunity (when Corona cannot spread throughout the population quickly and transmission disappears). On the other hand, approximately 41.6% of the U.S. population is vaccinated. Many people flew at the chance to limit the possibility of spreading Covid to their friends and families. Once citizens are fully vaccinated (two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna and two weeks after one dose of Johnson & Johnson), they should still take precautions, such as wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, and staying six feet apart. However, people can start having small gatherings with others who are vaccinated. Many people took the shot for their protection too. It is impossible to predict how COVID will affect you, so many people believe it is best to stay on the safe side and take all defenses to make sure you stay alive. The vaccine has shown it is safe and effective for the vast majority. Chances of infection are low, and even if a vaccinated person is infected, symptoms are limited with the vaccine. It is crucial to stay educated on the Covid vaccine. Check multiple reliable sources to make sure the information you have is correct and current because vaccination could be the difference between life and death. The CDC has ensured that vaccine is reliable and effective, and safety is their first goal. It is predicted that in January 2022, the total vaccinated population for the U.S. will reach 64%. Works Cited Barczyk, H. (2020, October 12). Why So Many Americans Are Skeptical of a Coronavirus Vaccine . Retrieved from Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-so-many-americans-are-skeptical-of-a-coronavirus-vaccine/ Brumfiel, G. (2021). Vaccine Refusal May Put Herd Immunity At Risk, Researchers Warn . Retrieved from NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/07/984697573/vaccine-refusal-may-put-herd-immunity-at-risk-researchers-warn Elternam, K. (2021, February 9). COVID-19 Vaccine Distrust: Why It’s High, and How to Respond to It . Retrieved from Good Rx: https://www.goodrx.com/blog/distrust-of-the-covid-19-vaccine/ Gu, Y. (2021, April 26). Path to Herd Immunity Normality : 2021 Outlook of COVID-19 in the US . Retrieved from covid19-projections: https://covid19-projections.com/path-to-herd-immunity/ Sauer, L. M. (2021, May 19). What Is Coronavirus? Retrieved from Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art Back to Sections Cherry Blossom Trees By Carolina Grace Figueroa Volume 2 Issue 6 April 14, 2022 Image provided by Country living Magazine Cherry blossom trees flower in the US between mid-March and mid-April and last for less than two weeks. These special blossoms symbolize that spring is in the air, represent signs of rebirth and renewal, and bring about love, hope, and joy. There are over 200 diverse varieties of cherry blossom trees, with billowy flowers ranging in color from white to ivory to rose pink to dark pink. These trees are special because they have many flowers and little to no fruit. Not all cherry blossom trees actually bear edible fruit; only some variations do. Cherries do grow on some of the trees, but they remain smaller in size than store bought cherries and are much too sour to eat (they are used largely for ornamental purposes). There were no cherry blossom trees in the US in the late 1800’s, so Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore, an American world travel writer, was determined to change that. For 24 years, she tried to convince the US government to plant these special trees in Washington, DC. In 1909, First Lady Helen Herron Taft, the wife of President William H. Taft, agreed to accept 2,000 cherry blossom trees as a gift from Japan. The first shipment that arrived to the US in 1910 was infested with insects and diseases, so they were burned and destroyed. However, 3,020 healthy trees of twelve different varieties arrived in 1912 and were planted in the nation’s capital. To reciprocate, the US gifted dogwood trees to Japan in 1915. The cherry blossom trees became a symbol of the blooming relationship, growing friendship, and strong bond between the nations of Japan and the US heartland. This year signifies the 110th anniversary of the first cherry blossom trees arriving in America from Japan. Cherry blossom trees grow all across Japan, where they are called sakura , and have carried a very special meaning for hundreds of years. When they flower, they represent the arrival of spring, the start of something new, a revival, and an appreciation of life. It reminds us about new life, new beginnings, and to never lose hope in life. In an over 1,000-year-old Japanese tradition called hanami , people throw “flower watching” or “flower viewing” parties, where they gather under canopies of cherry blossoms to celebrate this wonderful time of year. The cherry blossom season depends on geographical location, climate, and weather conditions (temperature, winds, rain, daylight). The warmer the temperature, the earlier the trees bloom. They have been flowering earlier than ever in the past few years and scientists attribute this to climate change and global warming. Whenever they bloom, they don’t last very long. A few days after peak or full bloom, the delicate petals begin to fall off and float gently in the air to the ground. Millions of people across the US flock to see this naturally beautiful spectacle, especially at The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, (with over 3,800 cherry trees within the park) and the colorful display at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in NYC (at the Sakura Matsuri Festival). In Traverse City, Michigan, along Highway M-37, drivers delight in a floral spring show of about 2 million cherry blossom trees that line the roadway. It is important to remember “Don’t pluck or break off a cherry blossom in Washington, DC, or climb a cherry blossom tree, as you could get fined or arrested” (It is viewed as vandalism of federal property). As the buds burst open in parks and streets across the country, people throw picnics and outdoor hanami (“watching blossoms”) parties with friends and family “to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the flowers and to welcome in the warmth of the weather”. Hanami picnics are even more spectacular at late-night, when Japanese hang paper lanterns in cherry blossom trees to illuminate them to give off an ethereal glow. There are many seasonal cherry blossom treats and snacks all across the world that one can enjoy during a picnic, hanami , or cherry blossom festival celebrating the change of seasons: Baskin-Robbins has a frozen treat cherry blossom flavored ice cream in Japan, getting its taste and pink color from sakura extract (from edible cherry blossom leaves), while Haagen-Dazs in the UK included cherry blossom flowers in their favorite ice cream jubilee. Georgetown Cupcakes, a bakeshop in Washington, DC, offers this designer baked beauty cupcake every spring. Their vanilla cupcake has fresh cherries inside, cherry-infused cream cheese frosting, and a decorative cherry blossom flower on top. Japan’s largest doughnut chain, Mister Donut, offers a selection of cherry blossom doughnuts. Here they use dough with the special flowers baked right in, as well as sakura-flavored icing and whipped cream. In different regions of Japan, there are individual variations of the iconic mochi dessert, which consists of sweet chewy rice balls filled with red bean paste ( anko ) and wrapped in aromatic pickled cherry blossom leaves. The leaf (and flower petal blossoms) is edible and adds a slightly salty taste. Cherry blossom flavored French macarons are offered at Olivia Macaron in Washington, DC. These sweet and subtle fragrant treats are the perfect springtime bite. Cherry blossom madeleine cookies are delightfully buttery, slightly sweet and salty, with a hint of cherry blossom fragrance. As for beverages, sakura infused versions of Coke and Pepsi have a light, delicate cherry and flowery taste. You can pair up a sweet treat with brewed sakura blossom tea or a cocktail, or enjoy one of Starbucks seasonal sakura-themed lattes. Cherry blossom trees grow all over the world, from Australia to Brazil to France to Turkey to Japan to the US. Cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan and help us to appreciate the beauty of nature all around us. They are used in Japanese art, film, poetry, literature, dishware, stationary, and musical performances. In the US, “Japanese Cherry Blossom is a top-selling fragrance from Bath and Body Works, with 30 million units of the mixture of cherry blossoms, crisp pears, mimosa petals, and sweet sandalwood sold each year”. Besides being charmingly pretty and sweetly scented, these notable flowering trees have years of heritage and rich history, as well as many festivals hosted in their honor each year! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Tones and Shades By Nehilah Grand-Pierre April 22, 2021 Study Volume 1 Issue 7

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections "Right Lucy" By Victoria Niksa Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by FreePik 6:32 It was a chilly Halloween night. Lucy had been invited by her friends to a costume party, which she was at. Everybody had been ignoring her. She wondered if it was because she was dressed as a witch, and everyone thought she was cursed or cruel. It turns out her assumption was false. A girl dressed as an angel, who was also being ostracized, invited Lucy to go on a walk. “Hey, you wanna ditch this party? Everyone seems to be ignoring us here anyway,” the girl whispered. “Oh, uh sure,” Lucy was hesitant to answer. She knew better than to go around places with a stranger. “I’m Julie, by the way. I know we haven’t met or spoken before,” the girl said. 6:48 The two had been walking around the neighborhood for about 7 minutes. Then they came across a playground. “Ooh! Maybe we should go on the swings!” Lucy suggested. “Yeah! That seems like a nice idea!” Julie replied. 7:02 The two began to grow close in those few minutes since they’d met each other. “This is like the place in horror movies where teens jump, scared by some creepy monster. Maybe we should go,” Lucy warned. “Yeah, maybe we should....” Julie paused, looking at the bushes. Listening carefully, they heard a rustle in the bushes. They both looked over in the direction of the sound. “What was that…?!” Lucy whispered. “I’ll go check it out…” Julie said with a nervous tone. When Julie was slowly walking towards the bushes, she noticed Lucy close behind her. “If we go down, we go down together,” Julie whispered. Lucy had jolted awake. “W-what… It was all… a dream?” 7:13 As Lucy sat in the corner, still in shock, she noticed a girl walking her way. She was dressed as an angel. “Hey, wanna go for a walk or something? You look a little lonely,” she asked. Lucy stared at the girl in front of her. She was about to ask her name until… “I’m Julie,” the girl said, before Lucy could ask. Lucy looked at her in disbelief. It was like she could read her mind. She couldn’t believe what she heard next. “I know. You had that dream too... Right, Lucy? ” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The History of Valentine's Day and its Tradition Mya Hans Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by HOLA Chocolates, cards, flowers, teddy bears, and hearts. A day to express your love and affection for your family, friends, and/or partner. Valentine’s Day. This is a highly favored day of the year because it’s an emblem of love, and it’s an especially wonderful day to appreciate your loved ones. But what if I told you the origins of this holiday are vastly different from what we know today? What’s the history of it? And who started Valentine’s Day and its traditions? Well, as with most holidays, there are many ways that people believe Valentine’s Day started, but this one starts in Ancient Rome. During the time, the emperor was Claudius II, and he decided to ban marriage because he thought single men were better soldiers, rather than men who were married. However, a priest named St. Valentine disagreed with the emperor’s new rules and married couples in secret. When the emperor found out what St. Valentine was doing, he was put in jail and eventually executed, this happened on February 14th, the day we now refer to as Valentine’s Day. So now that you know the tale behind Valentine’s Day, you may wonder how the traditions began. One gift everyone gives not only for Valentine’s Day but for every holiday is cards. The tradition of giving cards on Valentine’s Day also connects with the legend of St. Valentine. Following the path of the legend, after St. Valentine was put in jail, he befriended the jailer’s daughter, Julia, and some even say he healed her blindness. Before he got executed, he wrote her a goodbye letter and apparently signed it saying, “From your Valentine.” Another gift many people receive on Valentine’s Day is flowers, specifically roses. Roses, especially red ones, signify romance, love, and passion. According to writer Ashley Paige, “The flower's connection to Valentine's Day hearkens back to the 19th century when Victorians used floral bouquets to deliver a message to love interests.” The history of roses goes back to the 19th century! The traditions of Valentine’s Day have been around for the longest time and continue to have an impact on the holiday we know today. Although all the legends and stories about it may not be completely accurate, it’s still interesting to think about how people believe it began. As you celebrate this Valentine’s Day, remember that it’s about celebrating your loved ones and showing your admiration for them. When you’re thinking of what to give your loved ones, remember these traditions that date back hundreds of years ago, or maybe even start your own! Sources: The History of Valentine's Day Cards ( scrapbook.com ) The Real Story of Cupid (and other Valentine’s Day Traditions) - Cincinnatus Insurance LLC The History of Valentine's Day Gift Traditions ( streetdirectory.com ) Valentine's Day 2024: Origins, Background & Traditions | HISTORY BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Should schools remain open after Winter Break? By Shinedip Kundlas Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 No Image available at this time As coronavirus cases began to rise in NY, the challenge to keep schools open is getting more difficult and more complicated. Long Island school officials and Nassau County leaders said that they will do everything they can to keep schools open, even as many of the county’s infection rates surpass the 3% seven-day threshold which had closed schools in NYC. Many students, teachers, and parents have different opinions on whether or not school buildings should remain open after winter break. Experts suggest schools that have been open for in-person instruction can stay open even in the face of substantial community spread because they have offered strong safety measures, and there has been a political desire for it. I think that schools should close last, especially the elementary schools. When the fall semester came to an end, final assessments and projects had piled up making it hard for some students to even digest the amount of work they had due. And many secondary students have failed their classes this past quarter. School districts from coast to coast have reported the number of students failing classes has soared by as many as two or three times - with English Language Learners, disadvantaged students, and students with special needs facing the most distress. Many educators have noticed some factors that play into problems with remote instruction; internet access may be inadequate or unreliable, making it very difficult for students to complete and upload assignments. Some remote students skip assignments - or class meetings entirely. Teachers who do not get to see their students in person have a small number of ways to pick up on who is falling behind, especially with many not maintaining communication with their teachers. A rising number of health professionals have urged opening more elementary schools because younger children appear less susceptible to transmitting the virus than experts had worried about and because younger students have a hard time learning online and independently. It should be noted how students sit behind their laptops for 8 hours a day sometimes even more, when it is time for online school. Then students have assignments due the night of, which students will spend so much time after class on. Finishing assignments, homework, projects, labs, and missed classwork, students rarely get to go outside or even spend time with family, not to mention the fact that many students need to spend extra hours studying the material covered that day. Whereas hybrid students do spend time on laptops at school, in my opinion, in-person learning makes it much easier to learn and keep on top of assignments. There are fewer distractions, less need for the internet, and students feel free to ask questions. While school leaders and officials make the decisions, it is so important to keep students’ and teachers’ health in mind. As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, we should take proper precautions to keep our students and teachers safe, but also productive. Closing schools when it is needed, staying home when being notified of close contact with a person who has COVID-19, and wearing masks are all things we can do while still maintaining in-person school. American officials have failed so many times in this pandemic, and the students aren’t at fault. As we try and fix this mess, let’s try to put their needs first. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Lies By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Polygon Life is a game At the end you're still going to get the blame It doesn't matter if you want to play You'll still get tricked into saying okay People do things Which bind them in return with strings When they finally break through, their heart gets hit with regret No wonder why they rather forget We trust people without thinking It's so careless that we end up fleeing We hope our running will make us free When we know at the end, we'll end up at that same tree We keep going back Hoping we're ready for the next attack We lookout for the unknown enemy When they're standing right there acting friendly As soon as we turn around They get ready for a rebound Falling down, shattered into pieces We thought we had put up all the braces Swallowed into a hole of darkness Back into the castle of mistress When will we escape? From our own mistakes? Trust isn't something to give But something to earn It isn't a piece of candy Given to anyone who makes us happy We get trapped in our own puzzles Built from our own troubles We blame others for our misdeeds Like they're the ones who plant our seeds Life is a game At the end you're still going to get the blame It doesn't matter if you want to play You'll still get tricked into saying okay Phony smiles and showering compliments That's exactly how they play They use you for their accomplishments All you need to say is okay To get into their game of lies As soon as they get their prize They'll leave you without a goodbye Leaving you all alone to die BACK TO TOP