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Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections "Ghost" Artist Statement By Alena Moreira Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Original artwork by Alena Moreira The longer we are apart, the more we fade from memory. Until we are only left with the feeling of what used to be. I have memories, stored lovingly in the golden And silver And wooden chests of my mind, Memories I long to hold onto, But memories that slowly crumble away under the unrelenting ticking of time. Like a worn photograph, there are tears and rips, holes and thinning spots, faded and blurred objects. Like Luke Merz’s Memory/Loss #9 there are beautiful details and emptiness, filled only with a feeling of loss. And now, time has been cruel to us. We’ve been apart for too long, our only connection a pixelated face, sometimes with features indistinguishable. Are you more than a face? I can’t remember. You fade away with each passing day, until one day, I fear, you will be invisible, the only proof of your existence the space you leave behind. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections April Showers Bring May Flowers By Manal Layachi Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Original artwork by Manal Layachi You may have heard the someone say, “April showers bring May flowers,” but what does it actually mean? The meaning of this phrase is very simple. It is a reminder that the most unpleasant events can bring about enjoyable results. In this case, the rain in April helps bring flowers in May. This phrase also teaches a lesson about patience. While waiting for the rain to stop is boring, being patient pays off because in return, flowers will bloom. Even though the rain might make you feel gloomy, when the sun comes out and it is May, flowers will start to bloom and that will change your mood from sad to happy. You might be wondering where this phrase originated. Thomas Tusser, a poet from England, wrote a similar line in a poem during the 1500s. The phrase that he wrote was “Sweet April showers do spring May Flowers.” In England during the month of April, there are huge weather swings with the jet stream going northward at the start of springtime. The month of April is typically the time when the final bit of snow turns to rain as temperatures climb. Increased rain shower activity sparks the beginning of flowers, trees, and plants that start blooming. April is a soggy month based on the position of the jet stream. Since that area has a cooler climate, the lower temperatures push back the appearance of flowers to late April and early May. So, the next time you hear the phrase “April showers bring May flowers”, remember what delightful and surprising things are brought during that time. Sources : www.army.mil and www.wearegreenbay.com and blogs.missouristate.edu BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Soldier By Nora Chery Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by Medpage Today The soldier has survived the impossible. But there’s so much going on in that little helmet of his That he smacks it away, smacking it away. Until it goes away, except it never does. The soldiers says he’s fine, but those words quickly float away Without any meaning. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Seasonal By Elaine Ching Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by Time and Date Fall. Pumpkin Spice. Autumn. Fall. Changing of the Seasons. People closing up. Layers and layers on top of everything. Bundling up from weather and oppurtunities. Dark dead depressing mornings and nights that used to be warm and bright. Remembrance and speculation all together. Pumpkin Spice. Warm coffee in the right light. Halloween costume ideas splattered anywhere and everywhere. Memorializing the future in the present and specializing the past. The right background for “the” life. Fitting a theme into what should just be natural. Autumn. Trees cry orange and red tears on the road. Cold, crisp wind whips through everyone’s hair. Sunlight becomes shorter and shorter but is as beautiful as ever. Rain pitter patters on long dark school nights. The same new nostalgic feeling of possibilities already lived. Autumn. Pumpkin Spice. Fall. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections North’s Sparnettes: A Performance to Remember! By Christina Ossa Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by Emily Seitz On February 28th, North’s own Spartanettes Kickline Team performed at Memorial Junior High School. Along with North’s Senior High team, our Junior High team also performed. The senior and junior high performers from our district from Memorial Junior High, South High School, and Central High School performed as well. However, this performance was special in that it was the senior members of the Sparnettes’ last time performing with their team. The performance was enchanting, with a well-rounded mix of kicks, cheers, dances, and (of course) fun. The show had three components: Lyrical, Pom, and Hip-Hop dances. Each dance was clearly well-coordinated, diligently thought out, smooth, and enjoyable, as each performance from the Sparnettes generally is. This year, there are six graduating seniors on the team who deserve praise and a warm goodbye. Emily Seitz, Sophia Mura, Kayla Marshall Pierce, Sofia Barry, Carmela Krsulic, and Michele Leon will leave North for greater opportunities this June. They have worked incredibly hard to rehears and perform in each show and performance they have put forward each year they’ve been on the Spartanettes. Here is a warm goodbye from co-captain and graduating senior Emily Seitz: “The past three years on this team have been an absolute rollercoaster, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. When I first tried out in 10th grade because I forgot to sign up in 9th grade, I convinced myself I had no chance of making the team. Then when I did make it, I cried after the first practice and considered quitting that week because I didn’t really know anyone and didn’t know how to break out of my comfort zone. I remember talking to captains and my lovely Sophia (Sophia Mura) and deciding to give it a chance, and I’m so glad I made the right choice! If you had told me then that I would be a captain the following year and somehow get my sister to join the team, I would’ve said you were completely and utterly insane. This team has brought so much joy into my life and helped me grow into the person I am today. Although it gets stressful sometimes with five-hour practices and ripples that get messed up time and time again, driving Ava Strojan and me crazy, we somehow always come back and kill it anyway. I have loved all of our practices that turned into gossip hour, holiday parties, performances with the music messed up every single time, impromptu senior practice bonding accompanied by pizza, intradistricts, and so, so much more. I could go on and on about what this team means to me, but I think you get the gist! It’s been an honor being a Spartanette. I love you guys.” Overall, the Spartanettes deserve a grand applause for their hard work each year to put on amazing shows and performances for our school and others. The team’s efforts always pay off, as seen in their performances. They deserve praise for their hard work and diligence, and it’s no doubt they will continue to shine here at North. Congratulations to an amazing performance, Spartanettes, and to the graduating seniors for an amazing experience on the team! Spartanettes perform opening number with the other VSCHSD schools to kick off the showcase From February 2023 VSCHSD Instradistrict Showcase The Spartanettes perform HipHop to Gasolina by Daddy Yankee (remix) before the senior routine BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Pop Art Back to Sections Anzar Faraz - Pop Art By Anzar Faraz January 14, 2022 Acrylic Volume 2 Issue 3

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Inspiration 4: A New Precedent for Space Exploration By Elyas Layachi Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by PC Mag Introduction After the termination of the shuttle program in 2011, NASA needed a new, more efficient way to transport cargo (and eventually astronauts) to the International Space Station. As a result, they started the Commercial Resupplies Services (CRS) contract in which NASA partnered with private companies and nominated their ships to send cargo to the station. Numerous companies applied, but SpaceX and their Dragon spacecraft caught NASA’s attention, and they were selected for CRS-1, the first CRS mission. On October 8th, 2012, SpaceX launched their Dragon spacecraft, and it successfully docked with the ISS, transporting valuable scientific cargo. Since CRS-1, SpaceX has partnered with NASA in over 20 CRS missions, transporting billions of dollars in NASA and scientific cargo to the space station and back. The same year CRS was created, the Commercial Crew Program was created. This program gave private industries the opportunity to use their technologies to send NASA astronauts to the ISS and back as part of astronaut missions. Just a few years later, in November of 2016, four astronauts launched from Florida to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. This mission proved that private industries could facilitate manned missions, and that their technology is viable. SpaceX continued to innovate, and on Wednesday, September 15th, SpaceX launched four civilians into space. This is the first space mission in which a civilian crew with no prior spaceflight experience was launched into space, and they safely made it to and from space. As you read, you’ll learn about the mission, its purpose, and the astronauts themselves. Inspiration4 – Leadership, Hope, Generosity, and Prosperity Inspiration4 was the world’s first all-civilian mission to orbit. Aboard SpaceX’s flagship spacecraft, Inspiration4 left Earth from Kennedy Space Center’s Complex 39A (where Apollo and space shuttle missions were launched). The astronauts stayed in space for several days, taking in the sights of Mother Earth. The crew conducted experiments designed to expand knowledge of the universe. The Crew Dragon spacecraft carried 365 pounds of cargo, both of crew essentials and scientific equipment. Experiments included micro-gravity research and experimentation. According to SpaceX, the mission represents the four core values of any space venture: leadership, hope, generosity, and prosperity (hence the name Inspiration 4 ). The civilian crew launched aboard SpaceX’s Dragon Spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket. According to SpaceX, the Dragon Spacecraft, capable of carrying up to 7 passengers, is the only spacecraft currently flying that can return significant amounts of cargo to Earth. Furthermore, it is the first private spacecraft to take humans to the Space Station (see Crew-1 mission mentioned above). The spacecraft was carried to space aboard the Falcon 9 rocket, which is a reusable, two-stage rocket. Designed and manufactured by SpaceX, it was made for the reliable and safe transportation of people and cargo to low-Earth orbit and beyond. It is the world’s first “orbital class reusable rocket,” which allows SpaceX to spend less on the rocket per mission. The “4” of Inspiration4 Below are short biographies of the four civilian crewmembers that launched into space aboard Inspiration4, often referred to as the “4” of Inspiration4. Each crew member represents one of the core values of any space mission. Leadership – Jared Isaacman Jared Isaacman is the founder and CEO of Shift4 payments, a company responsible for integrated payment processing solutions. He started his company in 1999 from the basement of his family’s house at only 16 years old, and since has built it into a large technology company with over 1,200 employees. Isaacman is also an accomplished jet pilot and is rated to fly commercial and military aircraft. He currently holds several world records, including two Speed-Around-The-World flights in 2008 and 2009. He’s also flown in over 100 airshows as part of the Black Diamond Jet Team. Born: Feb 11, 1983 Occupation: Founder/CEO of Draken International, Harbortouch, & Shift4 Payments Spouse: Monica Isaacman Hope – Hayley Arceneaux Hayley Arceneaux is a pediatric cancer survivor from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. At only 10 years old, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. She sought treatment at St. Jude, which included surgery and chemotherapy. She has been in remission ever since, and she continues to inspire. In 2014, she earned her undergraduate degree in Spanish, and in 2016, she obtained her Physician Assistant degree. She now works at St. Jude, the place that saved her life, with cancer patients. Born: Dec 4, 1991 Education: Southeastern Louisiana University Occupation: Physician Assistant Parents: Howard Arceneaux, Colleen Arceneaux Siblings: Hayden Arceneaux Generosity – Christopher Sembroski Christopher Sembroski was always curious about outer space, always stargazing late at night. He’s a U.S. Space Camp counselor, and he conducted simulated space shittle missions and supported STEM-based education to inspire young minds to explore these areas and find their passions. After serving in the U.S. Air Force and maintaining a fleet of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, he earned a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He now works in the aerospace industry. Born: Aug 28, 1979 Prosperity – Sian Proctor Dr. Sian Proctor is a geoscientist, explorer, and science communication specialist with a lifelong passion for space exploration. She is an analog astronaut – meaning she conducts activities in simulated space conditions – and she completed four analog missions. She encourages people to use their unique passions and strengths to inspire others using her slogan, Space2inspire. She has a pilot license, is SCUBA certified, and loves exploring Earth. She has a B.S. in Environmental Science, an M.S. in Geology, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in science education. Born: Mar 28, 1970 Education: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania & Arizona State University. Occupation: American Geology Professor, Science Communicator The Future of Manned Space Missions The Inspiration4 mission demonstrated to the world that not just astronauts, but also citizens can be launched into space and experience microgravity. This expands the space sector significantly, opening space travel up to the non-astronaut portion of the world population. As more civilian missions take place and technology continues to improve, they will decrease in cost, and more citizens will be able to fly to space. Who knows, someday you and your children might fly to space. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections E/2022 E3 (ZTF) – The “Green” Comet By Elyas Layachi Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Marca In March 2022, the comet E/2022 E3 (ZTF) was spotted by astronomers Bryce Bolin and Frank Masci near Jupiter. This comet contains a form of diatomic carbon, causing the comet to appear green when it is blasted by ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. This property of E/2022 E3 is the comet’s defining characteristic. However, what makes E/2022 E3 even more special is that the last time it has been visible to humans with the naked eye was during the Last Ice Age, over 50,000 years ago. Now, in 2023, the green comet is its closest to Earth, making for a marvelous sight for humans across the globe. The green comet (E/2022 E3) has a large elliptical orbit around the Sun located around the inner solar system, and it takes the object 50,000 Earth years to travel once around the Sun. As a result of its slow orbit in comparison to Earth’s one-year orbit, the comet is impossible to see for much of its orbit without technological aid. This was the case for the past 50,000 years, until February 1st and February 2nd of 2023, when the comet was a mere 26 million miles (about 41,842,944 km) from the surface of Earth. At such a distance, and with its distinct green hue, the green comet was visible to the naked eye at locations with low light pollution and clear skies. Viewers across the globe had the opportunity to view the rare green comet, and it is highly likely that we are the last humans to be able to view the green comet from Earth’s surface without technological aid for the next 50,000 years, due to the comet’s large orbit around the sun. The comet provided scientists with insight into the properties of diatomic carbon; the compound is not easily studied on Earth due to its high instability and reactivity. Furthermore, it can only be found in extremely energetic or low-oxygen environments like stars, comets, and the interstellar medium, according to phys.org . Comet E/2022 E3 is an incredibly special phenomenon, and its passage near Earth is a rare occurrence. However, the green comet is not the only rare celestial object set to illuminate the night sky, with objects such as other small asteroids and meteor showers set to appear regularly throughout the rest of the year. Additionally, with the recent launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, more phenomena than ever before will be able to be studied by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), expanding our knowledge of the universe. Refrences: https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-green-comet-aka-comet-c-2022-e3-ztf/ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64252258.amp BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Women Who Have Dominated the Grammys By Isabella Menjivar Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Original artwork by Isabella Menjivar Alison Krauss - She currently holds the record for female artist with the most Grammy awards. Her astounding number of awards comes from her work in Country music. In 2019, she was awarded a National Medal of Arts. Some of her well-known songs include “When You Say Nothing at All”, “Gone Gone Gone”, and “Paper Airplane”. Beyonce - After becoming a solo artist, she’s gone on to win 22 Grammy awards. Her 2017 Grammy performance sent an inspiring message of honoring women was a showstopper. Aside from the breathtaking visuals, at the performance she balanced on a floating chair while pregnant. Beyonce also holds the Grammy record for most nominations. Whitney Houston - With 6 Grammy awards and 25 nominations, the legendary singer’s most famous win was her song “I Will Always Love You” being awarded record of the year. Whitney’s powerhouse voice is unforgettable, and her performance at the 36th Grammy Awards featured fireworks, and her vocals were astounding. Taylor Swift - Her Grammy performances that feature incredible music, scenery, and background dancers are what makes her on the list to perform at the 2021 Grammys. Taylor’s 10 Grammy awards and 41 nominations are all products of her relatable music. Many different people make up her fan base because she has written country, pop, and indie music. Taylor is currently re-recording old music to officially hold rights to her records, all written by herself. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections VSN Future Teacher Club By Alisson Andrea Alas Bonilla Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by District 230 Valley Stream North High School offers many clubs/activities available for students to enjoy and learn from after school. For example, the Future Teacher Club, organized by two English teachers, Ms. Coleman and Mrs. Modzelewski, is a new club this school year. The club, like the name, is about being a teacher, a future teacher. If you are interested in teaching, this is the club for you. During past meetings, we’ve had guest speakers, for example, Ms. Mulkeen, from the English as a New Language Department, Mr. Jara, assistant principal, former dean, and Spanish teacher, also Dr. Small, North’s principal, Dr. Seinfeld, a dean from Long Island University Post, and Fabayo McIntosh, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in District 13. We've had speakers with dual certification (not one but two fields or subjects), which is great to have because you can hear from someone who knows about teaching and can give you any tips, warnings, and encouragement. I interviewed Ms. Coleman and Mrs. Modzelewski about the club, and their answers are very easy to understand and give a thorough description of the club. 1. What is the purpose of the club? “ Future Teacher Club is to offer an opportunity for students possibly interested in pursuing a career in education.” 2. Why should students consider joining? “Students will have access to presentations and question and answer sessions with education professionals at different levels - teachers of all disciplines, building administrators, superintendents, and college professors and deans. These contacts will provide invaluable resources for interested students.” 3. Can all grades gain from this club? “The club is currently available to students in grades 9-12.” 4. What do the students learn about the educational field once joining? “The students will learn information about the certification process, necessary classes, approaches to student teaching, dual enrollment programs, and more.” I've always wanted to teach, and before joining the Future Teacher Club, I didn't think too much of it. Instead, I thought the feeling would pass and tried not to think about it. After the first few meetings, I decided that teaching is something that I would most definitely do. I've learned so much from this club and met wonderful people who advised and provided us with their knowledge, which has definitely encouraged me to not only want to teach English or History, but to go further because there's more than just teaching a single subject, or two. I would advise anyone who wants to teach to join because it's a perfect opportunity to learn from someone who is willing to guide you, meet wonderful people, learn about our teachers’ careers and how they got to where they are now, and how much effort they’ve put into studying and teaching. Not only that, but some meetings provide snacks! Even if you are in 7th or 8th grade, think of this as a club to look forward to. BACK TO TOP