Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections No Swimming By Eva Grace Martinez Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by James MacDonald The sign says no swimming. The little man doing laps has a great red line drawn through his head. You feel the cold water on your chest and wonder how you got here. Was it the burning hot arguments with people you used to love? Or maybe the icy cool rejection from the ones you thought had your back? Did you walk here, in the midst of the summer haze? Did you drive here, in the sting of the winter chill? So many questions filter through your head. You remember, you think, the way the moon looked outside. It was brighter than ever, and impossibly white. Something surely happened, there’s a reason you’re here. Though you can’t quite remember if it was pain or success. The sign says no swimming. You’re in up to your neck. Maybe it’s okay to sink back and rest. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Interview with Mr. Moniaci By Cody Sung Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Discovery.Inc I was fortunate to be able to interview Mr. Moniaci virtually through Teams. He graduated from Binghamton University in 1996. His first teaching experience came from one of his close friend’s mom, who was one of the secretaries at Berner Junior High School in Massapequa, where he was a substitute teacher. With that, he also got an opportunity to be the drama director there. “I kind of enjoyed running the drama club,” he stated, and realized that he wanted to be a teacher, going back to school to get his master’s degree in secondary education from Columbia University, graduating in 1998. He did his student teaching at LaGuardia High School for Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan; he started his formal teaching career at North High School in September of 1998. He has run the Drama Club here for almost as long as he has been a teacher, saying “I always wanted to do both [teaching history and being involved in the performing arts], and I was happy to have the opportunity at North all these years.” In his 25 years here, he recalls how the school has had more and more students, from around 800 to 1400, and how the hallways used to be less crowded. I inquired to Mr. Moniaci about whether his dual passion for history and acting led him to be the host of What History Forgot, a TV show about forgotten American history. He remembers he got the job from a former Binghamton student who had to do an internship at a production company, Atlas. As part of the internship, he had to pitch a show to the CEO and emailed Mr. Moniaci about a possible history show. In his reply, Mr. Moniaci gave him ideas for what to talk about. “And then, totally kidding around, I wrote at the end, ‘and I get to be the host.’” At the meeting, the CEO liked the forgotten history idea, and the following day, Mr. Moniaci found out he was pitched to be the host. He did a test run of it, and American Heroes Channel picked it up. When the show got released, he said, “the fact that I had a TV show in the first place was pretty crazy.” How did North find out about this? The first year it came out, in 2015, he told his students he was doing a show. “The way I was doing it … I didn’t miss any days at North … I would film on the weekends,” he stated. For one episode during season 2, he took the luggage from North, went to JFK Airport, and flew to California to film. He recalled that his students knew it was coming out. When it did, he entered a classroom, and the students gave him a standing ovation, “which was really sweet. It was really funny.” However, he says the funniest stories came from when his students didn’t know about the show. They would go to him, shocked to see Mr. Moniaci on TV. After what he noted was a unique experience, Mr. Moniaci returned to his usual schedule. Now, he teaches AP United States History, African American History, a sociology elective, and US History and Government. He says he is extremely passionate about teaching history and enjoys being a teacher at North, and he wants to return to doing so as soon as possible. Mr. Moniaci is very inspirational, and we all have something to learn from him. We are all very lucky at North to have Mr. Moniaci as a social studies teacher. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections One Year of India’s Farmers’ Protest By Shinedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by Jaskaran Singh I t’s been one year since the farmers in India had started to protest the three agriculture acts which were passed in September of last year by the Parliament of India. Since August 2020, an estimated of 200 million people in India have participated in the ongoing protest of the three agriculture laws. Here’s a recap of the protests. August 2020: India enters a recession Economists in August announced that India has entered its biggest recession in history. Farmers who couldn’t sell their crops at the wholesale markets, also known as “mandis”, had been closed and shut down by the government, panicked. August 2020: Protests Begin Reports come in as protests against the new agriculture laws began in Northern states such as Punjab and Haryana. The All India Kisan Sangharsh coordination committee began to assist in these protests. September 2020: The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commission Act is passed by Prime Minister Modi In September, PM Modi passes the new Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commission Act. According to the Indian government , this act grants farmers “more freedoms” by dismantling the APMC and permitting them to market their crops to anyone for any price. Many of the farmers opposed; they argued that it will leave them more susceptible than ever since this act allows major corporations to drive down the cost of key crops. PM Modi and the government has proposed and crafted this act without any input from the farming community. November 11, 2020: Burning of fields Farmers began demonstrating their frustration and anger with the new laws by burning their fields. In response to the Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commission Act instead of hand clearing any leftover crop residue, the workers chose to burn the leftover crop residue. November 23, 2020: The March towards Delhi From across the nation, Indian farmers began marching towards Delhi, India’s capital. Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim farmers walked together to their march for justice. The farmers were met with large police groups on November 26. They used tear gas, water cannons, and physical force to keep the farmers from entering. However, despite this, the farmers kept pushing forward. November 26, 2020: The world’s largest strike happens in India On Nov. 26, over 250 million workers from industries like banking, to transportation, to oil and natural gas production, to doctors and teachers, went on the world’s largest coordinated strike of all time. November 27, 2020: Granted Entrance to Delhi After news broke worldwide, the government announced that the protesters would be granted peaceful access to Delhi. Protestors quickly spread out taking over streets and highways. December 1, 2020: Government officials meet with protest leaders For the first time, government officials officially meet with protest leader. Both sides agreed the talks had been “good” even though no conclusion or decision had been made. December 8, 2020: Strike shuts down parts of India Thousands of protesters effectively shut down public transportation, shops, and markets nationwide during the ongoing strike. January 24, 2021: Tractor Rally With tractors, farmers protest on the streets of Delhi despite the harsh conditions they are meant with. However, the Modi Administration refuses to rescind the three agricultural laws farmers have protested for months, in spite of renewed discussions between the Indian Supreme Court and union leaders. February 4, 2021: Celebrities speak out Indian government officials slammed celebrities and others for their comments supporting farmer protests, calling them "neither accurate nor responsible". This followed Rihanna, Teen activist Greta Thunberg, and niece of Vice President Kamala Harris, lawyer-author Meena Harris' spoke out on the farmer protests. March 05, 2021 In the interest of the farmers and Punjab, a resolution was passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, to call for the unconditional withdrawal of the farm laws and the continuation of the government's existing food grain procurement system based on the MSP March 8, 2021: 100 Days Farmers complete 100 days at Delhi’s borders. May 27, 2021: Black Day The farmers marked six-months of the agitation by burning effigies of government officials. Although the crowds at the three borders have thinned, farm leaders said that the protests would continue until 2024. June 26, 2021: Seven months More farmers march to Delhi to mark seven months of protest against the farm laws. August 7, 2021: Visit of ‘Kisan Sansad’ Leaders of 14 opposition parties met at the Parliament House and decide to visit Kisan Sansad (Farmers’ Parliament). August 28, 2021 Haryana Police brutally attacked farmers at the Bastara toll plaza on the national highway, resulting in several injuries. The protests against the farm law passed last year have renewed the spotlight once again. September 11, 2021 After a five-day standoff between farmers and the Karnal (Haryana) district administration, a retired judge from the Punjab and Haryana High Court has been recruited to conduct a probe into the August 28 police brutality on farmers at the Bastara toll plaza, ending the five-day standoff. September 17, 2021: September 17, 2021 marks one year of India’s Farmers’ Protest. September 27, 2021 The farmer bodies announce Bharat Bandh (National Strike) with many other groups and bodies joining in support and solidarity with farmers. It’s been one year since the Farmers’ Protest has begun. It’s been ten months since Indian farmers have been sleeping on the border of Delhi. Notes & Resources: A thorough article clarifying what the massive, historic farmers’ protests in India are about  can be found here . An outline to how the MSP affects the numerous states of India  can be found here . Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Zainab- Sophia Mura Sophia Mura February 24, 2023 Volume 3 Issue 3

Back to Artwork Back to Sections Olivia Muscatteli By Olivia Muscatteli Volume 3 Issue 1

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections COPPA Compliance and the Importance of Internet Safety By Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Termly Have you ever wondered how safe you were on the internet? How much information were websites taking and why? How safe is your information on the internet? Certain rules have been put in place to ensure the safety of you and your information. In particular, children’s information has been the focus of government officials and lawmakers. COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rules) is a set of rules and regulations in place for online companies that market towards children under 13 years of age. COPPA was originally written out and suggested in 1998 due to a growth in companies that targeted children. COPPA was only enacted in 2000 and has seen multiple reviews and updates since then from 2001-2022 by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). COPPA applies certain rules to websites and companies that are directed towards or collect the information of children under 13 years of age. If COPPA applies to a company, certain information needs to be included in the company’s privacy policy. Namely, the type of information taken and its reason for use. Additionally, parental consent is required in terms of seeking a child’s information. Personal information cannot be taken for longer than it is being used and data collected must be under careful supervision when in use and when it is discarded. Websites can only share the information with third-party operators’ who can ensure its safety and confidentiality. Parental consent and confidentiality of information are very important and are top priorities of the FTC when it comes to COPPA and the internet in general. So, you can rest easy knowing that your information is federally protected. Safety is one of the first components to be considered while surfing the web. While the internet is a fun place, it is also a dangerous one. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of your interactions on the internet. Going to dangerous websites jeopardizes your safety, your computer’s safety, and the safety of people around you. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Apple in 2022 – WWDC and Future Technologies By Elyas Layachi Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by Tailor Brands DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING CONCLUSIONS ARE DERIVED FROM LEAKS FROM RELIABLE SOURCES BUT ARE NOT 100% CERTAIN. Introduction Apple, one of the world’s most prevalent and prestigious technology companies, was founded on April 1st, 1967, in California by the infamous Steve Jobs and his good friend, Steve Wozniak. The initial goal of the company was to reinvent the computer, with its first product release being the Macintosh desktop computer, which essentially revolutionized the desktop computer industry. However, Apple’s goals have later shifted to creating a wide range of revolutionary technologies to shape the world and positively influence consumers, with the introduction of the iPod in 2001, the iPhone in 2007, the MacBook in 2008, the iPad and EarPods in 2010, and the Apple Watch and AirPods in 2017. Now, Apple is continuing to evolve, with the rumored release of its first augmented reality headsets, new AirPods, and new MacBooks. Furthermore, Apple is scheduled to announce its developments for its major operating system updates, including iOS (for iPhones), watchOS (for Apple Watches), iPadOS (for iPads), and macOS (for Mac computers). This article will present some information and leaks regarding the new updates and technologies that are scheduled to be released throughout the rest of the year. Keep in mind that the information presented is that of leaks and are not 100% certain to occur. June – WWDC Every year, on the second week of June, Apple hosts its WWDC event, or the Worldwide Developers Conference. At this weeklong event, Apple invites app developers to Apple Park, the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, CA, to discuss their developments and learn new techniques to develop their apps for Apple devices. Furthermore, on the first day of WWDC, Apple typically unveils its major operating system updates. This year, WWDC is scheduled to take place the week of June 6th, and iOS 16, watchOS 9, iPadOS 16, and macOS 13 (rumored to be named “Mammoth”) are expected to be announced. This article will highlight some leaks of all of Apple’s operating systems except macOS, since not much is known regarding its next major refresh. Currently, several features are rumored to be released in iOS 16. For example, LeaksApplePro, a reliable and accurate Apple update leaker on Twitter, presents evidence that iOS 16 may bring larger widget configurations to the iPhone, like those of iPadOS 15. They also rumor that FaceTime will adopt a more Zoom-like interface. William Gallagher, a writer for Apple Insider , found leaks that iOS 16 will contain accessibility features such as door detection for navigation, an Apple Watch mirroring feature due to the screen’s small size, and even live captions for video calls. Other leaks do exist, such as possible updates to notifications and car crash detection, but not enough specific details are yet available. For now, we must wait until June 6th for the reveal of iOS 16! Several significant features are rumored to be released in iPadOS 16 as well. For starters, it’s expected to be compatible with most iPads that were compatible with iPadOS 15, with many features unavailable due to outdated hardware. According to 9to5mac, an infamous Apple leak website, there are two significant features rumored to be released: “a new multitasking interface and revamped look for notifications.” Not much information is readily available regarding how notifications will be changed, but for multitasking, Pro iPad users have been requesting a more Mac-like interface to interact with multiple apps, and Apple may be acting on this request with iPadOS 16. This is all that is specifically known about iPadOS 16 for now, and like iOS 16, all we can do is wait to see what becomes a reality. In watchOS 9, a number of new features are rumored to be released that will change the way users interact with their Apple Watches. For example, according to macworld.com, the update is rumored to bring a low-power mode to the watch (similar to that of the iPhone), as well as an advanced atrial fibrillation health feature. Other expected features include new watch faces, possibly redesigned app interfaces, and improvements to the overall UI of watchOS to make it easier for users to use their watches. iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Series 8, anyone? In the fall of 2022, Apple is expected to release a number of new products, including a new iPhone and new smartwatch models. The next iPhone models, the iPhone 14 lineup, is expected to contain camera and display changes. It will feature a redesigned selfie camera and microphone, with each being a “hole punch” in the display to maximize screen real-estate (as seen in the newer Samsung models). Furthermore, the screen is rumored to stretch all the way to the edges, similar to how it does on the Apple Watch Series 7, making the bezzles almost invisible. It is also rumored that the rear cameras on the iPhone 14 will be more powerful than ever, with the wide rear camera having a resolution of up to 48 megapixels. Better low light performance in photos and videos is expected, as well as a faster chip (the A16 bionic), faster performance, and possibly USB-C charging (rather than lighting cable charging). The new Apple Watch Series 8 is rumored to have three models according to MacRumors: a 41 mm model, a 45 mm model, and a “rugged” model. All models are expected to have displays similar in geometry to that of the Apple Watch Series 7, and the “rugged” model is expected to have a flat display to increase its durability. Apple and AR/VR Apple has not been keeping up in the Augmented / Virtual Reality technology race, with companies such as Microsoft, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Google having already developed such technology. However, Apple is expected to release an ambitious product this fall or even as early as WWDC: its first Virtual Reality headset. Not much is known about the headset, but leaks show its design to be like those of other virtual reality headsets. What sets it apart from the others, however, is its quality: it is rumored to contain 8K displays in each lens, creating extremely fine resolutions in activities and games for users unlike any other virtual reality device in the market. Such a release has been heavily anticipated, and I can’t wait until it’s revealed, either in June or in the fall! 2023 and Beyond As you are probably aware, Apple is a company that constantly innovates and keeps its technology ahead of the competition, despite later release dates. Within the next few years, Apple is expected to continue releasing new smartwatch models, phones, laptops, PCs, tablets, and earbuds. Furthermore, Apple is expected to release its first Augmented Reality smart glasses within the next couple of years, a groundbreaking and anticipated product. Eventually, it is expected that the iPhone will no longer exist, and smart glasses will replace it and its functions. I hope you learned something new about the technology that is scheduled to be released by the technology giant Apple within the next few years! Sources: macOS Mammoth coming in 2022? Apple renews trademark for 'Mammoth' operating system name (macdailynews.com) iOS 16 Rumors: Release Date, Compatibility and Everything Else We've Heard - CNET Apple announces iOS 16 door detection, live captions, and more accessibility features | AppleInsider Apple Watch 2022: Everything we know so far | Macworld BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Political Violence: An Editorial Leah Ally Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 Political violence is defined as acts of terrorism by individuals or groups to display public distaste for opposing viewpoints. Typically, those committing such violent acts have an agenda or political goal in doing so. Whether they are world wars or individual conflicts, political violence has unfortunately proved itself to be very prevalent in history and does not show signs of stopping today. The most recent and prominent example of political violence was the Charlie Kirk shooting that occurred on September 10th, 2025. The right-wing political activist was shot while making an on-campus appearance at Utah Valley University. Immediately, social media sparked controversy surrounding the assassination. Some mourned the death of the 31-year-old, while others expressed their widely differing views with Kirk. Differences in political opinions strongly contributed to the quite strong reactions expressed by individuals online. I strongly believe that this expression of political violence is less about politics and more about ethics. When I discuss ethics, I am referring to morality or behaviors that are typically regarded as good or bad. In this case, I believe that supporting political violence is no better than the act of committing political violence itself. To be clear, this opinion does not only apply to Charlie Kirk’s assassination but also large-scale political violence such as those led by oppressive governments. We are living in a world that wants to censor beliefs and quickly shut down opinions without the opportunity for debate. When I refer to debating, I am not referring to the idea of winning an argument, but rather open-mindedness between and among parties. While this may seem contradictory, the idea behind debates is to express one’s beliefs and support it with evidence in hopes of persuasion. However, effective debate requires the participants and the audience to consider every statement or idea expressed, even if that means not agreeing with the opposing party at all. Either way, the ideas behind debates exemplify the first amendment of the United States Constitution, the freedom of speech. This is significant to the context of political violence, especially when considering the long-lasting impacts such conflicts bestow upon the future of humanity. Political violence not only contributes to censoring politicians or activists, but also to children. This is because political violence becomes more than politics; it unfortunately serves as an example of the cruelty that an individual may be faced with when on the opposing end of a disagreement. Allowing politics to reach this amount of discourse and determine life or death is precisely why people are less likely to share their opinions. Therefore, political violence unfortunately teaches our youth that disagreements are dangerous and should be avoided. However, without differences in opinions and disagreements, there will be no advancement in our country moving forward. We cannot rely on constant agreement and consensus to survive. This not only goes for politics but also science, mathematics, the medical field, creative pursuits, and innovation. As a society that runs on humans, functional stagnation and lack of creativity will not serve the future well. Now that a societal implication of political violence has been identified, let us not forget the human side of political violence. It is a simple concept, yet a struggle for many to grasp when dealing with politics. It is the idea that we are all humans with families and loved ones, regardless of our political opinions. Contrary to widespread belief, empathy is not an on and off button, used whenever it is most convenient. Instead, empathy is a concept that individuals should constantly strive to achieve even in challenging contexts, in this case, politics. Regardless of the political party, group, or organization we adhere to, we are of the same species. We are all human. If this statement appears to imply that humanity is more important than political opinion, then that is the correct interpretation. Humanity is our foundation while politics and social life are merely building blocks that have bolstered themselves off humanity. While, yes, these building blocks are crucial, we cannot disregard the foundation nor sacrifice it. After all, without the foundation, in this case, humanity, our building blocks or politics would also crumble. While this interpretation may appear philosophical, it is currently in effect without many being aware of it. There are solutions. The most effective solution is to lead by example. This solution implies that current politicians, everyday adults, and those in powerful positions hold the responsibility of demonstrating the benefits of differing opinions. Classroom learning may appear to be another effective method; however, it does not compare to education from real life events. We must make it a safe world to ethically argue and debate if our hope is for our country to succeed. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections Dress Rehearsal #2 By James Van Der Zee February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: Gelatin Silver Print (Photography), Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Sophomore English Class: 2A, or Not 2A, That is the Question Noa Cordova Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Vecteezy Scheduling season is upon us, and recently we’ve been tasked with picking our classes for the upcoming year. For those who know which classes they’d like to take, the process is a breeze. For others, it may be a difficult decision. I remember the winter of my freshman year when the guidance counselors presented us with our options for our sophomore English classes. For students in English 1A, our options were English 2A or AP Capstone Seminar. Based on the explanation provided, English 2A would essentially be a continuation of English 1A, and AP Capstone Seminar would be a research-based class. Needless to say, both of these courses offer much more, but these were the main ideas I kept in mind to help guide my decision, and I ultimately chose English 2A. In hopes that our sophomore readers will find it useful, I’ve outlined factors I’d consider as a freshman who is undecided about their choice of English class for 10th grade. Coursework As indicated by the name of the course, AP Capstone Seminar is an Advanced Placement course, so it entails a faster-paced course and heavier coursework than a traditional English course. The coursework you can manage is for you to decide, and counselors and parents can provide additional guidance. Apart from the amount of coursework, the kind of coursework is essential to consider when choosing between AP Capstone and English 2A. AP Capstone is research intensive; there are group and individual research projects and presentations as a part of the course. If you’re someone who enjoys researching collectively and independently, a research-based course like AP Capstone may be for you. Personally, I felt research projects would add stress to my sophomore year, and I knew there would be plenty of presentation and research opportunities throughout my school career, so I didn't feel the course would enhance my high school experience. English 2A resembles your typical English class with both fiction and non-fiction literature analysis with an emphasis on writing and grammar skills; if a traditional English class seems fitting, and if you love fiction, English 2A may be a better choice. Remember, you need to choose the class that will work the best for you and enrich your high school experience the most. Structure As a traditional English course, English 2A follows an organized, set curriculum suitable for those who prefer a more structured learning environment. AP Capstone, as a research-based class, allows for more freedom in terms of coursework. Based on experiences my classmates and sophomore sister shared with me, it seems that the independence the course offered made it appealing to them. Whether you prefer a little more structure or more freedom is for you to decide. Opportunities for creative and academic freedom are abundant here at North, and you may choose to take advantage of them through other classes as well besides AP Capstone. English electives are a great way to balance structure and freedom if you’re leaning toward English 2A rather than AP Capstone. Exams The structure of the English 2A course does come with its benefits in terms of future exams, including standardized tests, the Regents Exam, and AP exams. English 2A is a more grammar-intensive course, meaning that teachers will spend more time on grammatical aspects often assessed on the SAT and ACT, including punctuation, clauses, redundancies, and prepositions. Although many colleges and universities have become test-optional for admission, you may still opt to take one of these standardized tests and find the knowledge from English 2A helpful in the verbal section. While not everyone chooses to take the SAT or ACT, high schoolers must take the English Regents in their junior year of high school. English 2A definitely prepares you for these exams, as the course incorporates Regents prep into the curriculum. Although AP Capstone focuses on argumentation skills in writing, the argument essay is only one of three tasks required of students on the Regents exam. English 2A not only focuses on argumentation skills through writing but also text analysis and reading comprehension skills-the other two tasks tested on the regents. Naturally, your junior year English teachers will review these skills before the regents, but I found the prior knowledge useful as a junior who took the January Regents exam. Future English Classes Fast forward to the winter of your sophomore year, and assume you chose AP Language and Composition for your junior year English class in anticipation of taking AP English Literature your senior year; a majority of students who take either English 2A or AP Capstone decide to continue their English studies with AP Lang and AP Lit. AP Lang concerns itself with non-fiction texts more familiar to AP Capstone students in terms of genre; however, much of AP Lang focuses on rhetorical analysis which is more prominent in the English 2A curriculum. As a current junior in Mrs. Brodsky’s AP Lang class, I can't count the times she’s started her sentences with “if you had me in 10A” when discussing something grammar-related. In my opinion, this emphasizes that English 2A provides a strong foundation for students going into AP Lang. As for AP Lit, I can't speak from experience as I have not taken it yet, but classic literature is at the heart of the course. Students who chose English 2A would likely be more familiar with AP Lit texts as we were exposed to works like To Kill a Mockingbird , Othello , and Of Mice and Men . Although AP Lit texts are new for most students, AP Capstone students may find the genre more foreign unless they are avid fiction readers outside of school. I found the English 2A coursework enriching as it had a diverse curriculum that incorporated various aspects of English education into one course. One course is not necessarily superior to the other; it is a matter of individual needs and preferences. Guidance counselors, parents, and teachers can serve as trust-worthy consultants when making your choice, but ultimately you are in control. Talking to upperclassmen about their experiences in AP Capstone and English 2A may also help you get a better sense of which one is for you. BACK TO TOP