Back to Articles News Back to Sections Goodbye DeBlasio: How the 2021 NYC Mayoral Election is Turning Out By Logan Balsan Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by the New York Post Republican, turned Independent New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg was term limited and couldn’t run for re-election in 2013. Traditionally a Democratic city, after nearly 20 years of Republican control in the Mayor’s office, the Democrats gained the office back, electing Bill DeBlasio. He would be the first Democrat since David Dinkins, Mayor from 1990-1994, to be elected. Now, it’s a clean slate in 2021, and with what’s currently transpiring in the city, will the Republicans be able to take the Mayor’s Office back? Mayor Bill DeBlasio has been one of the least popular statewide politicians since the beginning of his second term in office, and the piling crises and problems have kept that approval rating on the decline. DeBlasio has tried to deal with a homelessness crisis, an increase in crime rates, and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of those residing in the city have disapproved of his response to many of these problems. For example, according to Rolling Stone , 52 percent disapproved of DeBlasio’s response to the homelessness crisis while only 35 percent approved. The Republican and Democratic Party Primaries are heavily contested. In the Republican Primary, only two candidates are running: Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, and Fernando Mateo, Founder of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers. In a hotly contested debate, they went back and forth on stage hosted by WABC. In the Democratic Primary, a slew of candidates are running. Major candidates include former 2020 Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang, Brooklyn Borough President Eric McAdams, and Former Commissioner of the NYC Department of Sanitation Kathryn Garcia. Polling indicates that it is a heated race, as Yang and McAdams are nearly tied in polling. New York City is a traditionally Democratic city, but the Republicans held the Office from 1994 until 2014, from Rudy Giuliani to Mike Bloomberg, and possibly again this November. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Without Her Face By Nora Chery Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by Getty Images Chapter one In the town of Snow Valley Square the chilly streets were warm because of the love that flew all around. It was Valentine’s Day, a fortunate time for couples to embody the ceaseless love they’ve shared with each other. The small town bustled with conversations that were laced with sweet words of couples. They were chattering about what they’re going to do, giggling about where they’re going to go, and signing about the memories they’ve shared. This was especially clear to see on E. Rosemary St., no one seemed to be alone, everyone was budding shoulders and crossing arms with someone. No one seemed to be alone except for Mr. Owl, who only had his golden watch and a thin duffle coat to keep him company. On the edge of the dark gray sidewalk, he perched down on a bench and peered at his watch. It was 6 pm on a Saturday afternoon, but Belle Maya Owl, his wife of six months and partner of four years, was late once again. She had said with her soft cheery voice: “Let’s meet… around twelve! Ok, darling? I-l won’t be tardy this time." She said that six hours ago. Mr. Owl’s thick eyebrows pulled together with mild annoyance, though the annoyance grew. Every sweet word the couples exchanged around him with each other flew by him like a gust of wind. “Where is she…?” he muttered. “Geez... how long does that woman expect me to wait here?” Mr. Owl was a patient man, but even a patient man has his limits. Two pairs of shoes scratch against the pavement in a hold, “Why hey there Owl!” called out a man. Mr. Owl turned to meet the playfully mocking smirks of Mr. and Mrs. Blue, who stood next to each other, their hands intertwined. “Whatcha doin’ over there? Waitin’ for that wife of yours?” Mr. Blue asked. Mrs. Blue leaned her head on her husband’s shoulder, looking at him at, “She’s probably still putting on makeup. You know how women are with their makeup — we view it as an art form — because it is” she jested lightly, her head adding more weight onto the shoulder. “That Belle though... she takes it more seriously than other women I’ve met. She spends so much time on it—yet the result ends up being...” she glances at Mr. Owl, “above average. Isn’t that right, darling?” She shifted her glance to Mr. Blue. “I’m still surprised Owl made it this far in a relationship, and he’s a dedicated one — fella waited ten hours for wife” Mr. Blue scoffed, smiling. “But hey, Belle’s a nice woman, so I can’t blame him-” The smaller hand surrounding his own had tightened. Mrs. Owl had narrowed her green eyes while her mouth formed a pout, “She’s not nicer than me, is she? I hope you mean nice in personality, Mike. “ “Geez, Sophia, calm down, will ya?” “Although, she’s also above average in terms of that too.” Mr. Owl’s face clenched his jaw with a tint a flush, “Now, the both you, shush up.” He sprang from his seat to glare at the couple. “Can’t a gentleman, wait for his wife in peace? Peace, as in a couple goin’ along their lovey way and not stopping on their tracks to sneer at me!? And no, Mike, I have not been waiting for ten hours, I’ve been waiting for…” Owl paused, then turned away from the couple, scowling down at the ground. “Never mind” he hissed as Mr. and Mrs. Blue blinked at him; Mrs. Blue turned to Mr. Blue. “Suddenly, I’m beginning to doubt she’s coming.” “Don’t say such things, Sophia.” “What? I’m only saying what I think--” A delicate hand gently rested on Owl's shoulder. The touch surprised him enough that all the red-hot emotion he contained popped right out of him. A slivery sweet voice that had belonged to the lovely hand replied. “There you are, sweetheart, I’m sorry—I’m late, aren’t I?” With every word the voice grew sympathetic. “You’ve must’ve been waiting all day for me.” Mr. Owl slowly turned to meet the alluring dark eyes of Belle, Mrs. Owl, and her pastel pink colored lips perked into a soft smile. “I’m sorry I don’t mean to… Oh! I know just the place that’ll be perfect for us.” Belle pushed a piece of her long flowing black hair behind her ears. She looked at Mrs. Blue and shared the smile she gave to Owl. “Well, how are you, Sophia? Enjoying his holiday?” Mrs. Blue’s eyebrows snapped together. She turned her gaze away from her. “Fine,” she replied. Sophia turned her gaze to Mr. Blue, but her smile had fainted, Mike stared at her. There was a pause for a moment, until Sophia gave a polite smile, “You too—Mike?” Mr. Blue blinked, as if she snapped him out of a trance. “Uh yeah, of course” he replied, feeling the burning eyes of his wife. “Wonderful. Now, come along, honey, there’s a load of hours I’ve got to make up” she said to Mr. Owl. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Nassau County Sports on Hold By Joseph Garofalo Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Original photo from VSN Spartans Instagram On August 26th, 2020, many student-athletes were left unsettled after hearing the dreadful news that all Nassau County sports would be postponed till the beginning of 2021. As the season was originally postponed from the start date of August 26th to September 4th, many students were hopeful that with guidance given by Governor Andrew Cuomo, they would be able to return to some normalcy after the devastating cancellation of their Spring season due to the novel coronavirus. As Nassau was the first county to postpone sports in New York State, Suffolk and Westchester counties followed similar protocols to protect the well-being of athletes and coaches alike. Per Nassau County’s Section 8 athletics guidelines, January 4th, 2021 is the official restart date for Sports on Long Island. This will be the beginning of the Winter Sports season which includes indoor Track and Field, Basketball, Wrestling, Competitive Cheerleading, Bowling, Fencing, Rifle and Gymnastics at Valley Stream North. The season to follow would be the belated Fall season beginning on March 1st, 2021. This includes include Football, Soccer, Cross Country, Volleyball, Girls Tennis, and Sideline Cheer. The final season beginning on April 22nd, 2021 would be the delayed Spring season which includes Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball, Outdoor Track and Field, Badminton, and Boys Tennis. Due to this delay, the Spring sports season is expected to finish on June 14th, 2020, a week before New York State proctors their Regents Exams. Even so, coaches of all seasons encourage their student-athletes to continue training and staying in shape, as the seasons will be starting again soon. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections An Ode to the Cassiopeia Jellyfish By Eva Grace Martinez Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Original artwork by Luiginna Frederique The jellyfish cannot sleep Sleep, despite all odds, requires brains The jellyfish cannot fight back Fight, unsurprisingly, requires bones The jellyfish cannot feel warm Warmth, like most other things, requires blood The jellyfish floats It may be there, it may not Simply by existing, it will contribute Brainless, spineless, heartless That, for today, must be enough BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Interview With Football Managers Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by Rehmat Kaur with Rehmat Kaur, Paul Amato, Marcia Salinas, Ava Hinson, Darwin Hinson and Thomas Vendome, (not pictured: Sophia Song) I had the opportunity to interview the managers of our varsity football team. Ava Hinson, Darwin Hinson, Marcia Salinas, Thomas Vendome, and Paul Amato are among the managers. They were highly intriguing individuals, and it was amazing to learn more about their experiences. They wanted to be managers so that they could participate in more school events, which would keep them engaged. “My brother was a manager before me; he did it for four years, so I followed the way” Thomas Vendome shared. Most of them are in their first year, but Thomas has been a manager since eighth grade. The most difficult aspect of being a manager is understanding everything. “I’m still learning to this day,” said Marcia Salinas. There is always more that can be done and learned to contribute and have a positive impact. Their greatest skill as sports managers is their incredible relationships with the other managers. They are the best choices for this position since they are eager to learn and contribute in any way they can. They assist in bringing out the water, putting equipment away, and doing anything the coaches ask of them to provide or support the team. In addition to loading the jugs, bottles, and carts into the buses for away games, “I help with the sound like music during the games, and I set up headsets for the coaches” Vendome said. Through their experiences, they learn more about football and the effort that goes into winning games to improve their sports management abilities. According to our managers, outstanding leaders can guide where and what everyone needs to do. Their relationships with the coaches, players, and other managers are good, as they all work together to build a talented team. “We’re friends outside of being managers, so it’s even better” Salinas added. They deal with negative environments when the team loses by not mentioning the loss: “We would not want to think more negatively than what has already happened. All that is possible is to keep your head up and continue” she said. According to the managers, the trips are fun. There are always two buses, and they can usually pick which one to go on and whom to sit with. There is no risk in becoming a manager, but it’s definitely a commitment. They must be committed to showing up to delayed games, going to every practice, and especially being on time. “You really should not be doing any other clubs or sports while being a manager. (Not saying do not do more for the year but wait till the season is over!)” Salinas advised. Managers do not help with any medical injuries when a player gets hurt. As managers, they do not have first-aid kits. The great athletic trainer, Jen, brings all the safety equipment in case of any injury. They definitely recommend being a manager. “It opens room for more relationships to form and helps students be more sociable. All grades are welcome!” Salinas said. According to the managers, there are no other requirements besides handing in your physical to participate. Someone looking for a manager position can always chat Mr. Paolillo on Teams. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Deodorant: A History of Scents, Smells and Why You Should Use It! Giancarlo Oliveri Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Elaine Ching Disclaimer: If you wear deodorant this does not apply to you, but you are more than welcome to read along! Good morning, Spartans! It is the dawn of a new school year! New classes, new teachers, new friends, and new weather patterns thanks to global warming! Undeniably, this building feels a lot warmer, causing many to sweat, perspire, and swelter, with interesting scents to come about. A sure-fire way to prevent certain odors is deodorant . The colorful history of deodorant dates back to the Ancient Egyptian civilization, where they incorporated oils, fruit, or even aluminum crystals (ouch!) as antiperspirants, effectively masking the stench stemming from the boiling Sun that still wreaks havoc on our building (Oars and Alps, 2013). Similarly, the Ancient Greeks incorporated natural techniques to smell pleasant, bathing regularly in baths scented with fragrant and aromatic oils, even spraying incense in the air (Oars and Alps, 2013). Following their innovation, the wealthiest of upper classes across numerous civilizations such as the Yuan, Ming, or Qing dynasties of Classical China, the Classical Mexica, Aztec, or Incans of South America, or popularly, Marie Antionette and the rest of the Versailles Third Estate in the late 1700s, used deodorant, most typically, in the form of perfume, typically, floral scented. However, contemporary deodorants similar to the ones used today rose to popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, developed and patented by Edna Murphey in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, titled “Mum” (Humble Brands, 2023). Originally, a waxy cream, the packaging differed from modern sticks of deodorant, arriving in a metal tin, and containing zinc, later evolved to contain antiperspirant ingredients such as aluminum compounds to control sweat and odor, connecting back all the way to the Ancient Egyptians (Humble Brands, 2023)! Now with this history lesson adjourned, I beg the question, do you want their work to go to waste? The Egyptians who pounded aluminum into crystals, the Ancient Aztecs who pulverized flowers into fragrances, and most recently, the incomparable Edna Murphey, who revolutionized how Americans would smell for years to come. Do you want their work to be all for nothing? Why neglect decades, even centuries, of human evolution and innovation? It used to be a privilege to smell pleasant, and now, you have the absolute, undeniable, and unbeatable right to every historical figure, and every person in this school to mask the musk! If you want to benefit the rest of humankind, do me, the rest of the student body, and the rest of the human body a favor, and wear deodorant. A Brief History of Deodorant – Humble Brands When Was Deodorant Invented and Why? | Oars + Alps ( oarsandalps.com ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Mrs. Rieger, Class of ‘22 By Elyas Layachi Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Original photography by Elyas Layachi Introduction Mrs. Rieger is a mathematics teacher here at Valley Stream North High School, and she has taught a wide range of courses, from 8th grade mathematics to AP Computer Science A. This year, along with a few other teachers, she is retiring, or “graduating with the class of 2022.” This article features Mrs. Rieger, along with an interview with her regarding her experiences at North and her thoughts about retirement. Interview with Mrs. Rieger I decided to interview Mrs. Rieger regarding her thoughts on her time at North, as well as her feelings about retirement. The following questions were drafted by Mrs. Mansfield and the North Star staff. Her responses are below: When were you hired, and how many years have you worked here? I was hired in 2002, so this is my 20th year working at VS North. What was your most memorable moment at North? When my former student Giovanni Mascetti got a perfect score on his AP Computer Science Principles exam. A close second was when 94% of my AP Computer Science Principles classes passed the AP exam. What will you miss the most? All the friends that I made working at North. What are you most looking forward to in retirement? We are moving to be closer to my two daughters, and I am looking forward to being a part of their lives, and my grandchildren. What was your favorite student age group to teach and why? My favorite age group to teach is 11th and 12th grade because the students are mature enough to have an adult conversation. They are open about their lives and where they want to go in the future. What was your favorite course to teach and why? AP Computer Science A is my favorite course to teach because it is demanding and interesting to me. Students often feel like it is learning a new language. Tell a funny story about another teacher who still works here. When we went out with Covid in March of 2020, no one knew what to do. All the math teachers started talking to each other and one teacher had created their own YouTube Channel for their class videos that year. That teacher took an extremely popular song and revamped it for her Calculus BC class (yes, I mean Ms. Fomina). Ms. Fomina knew that students were struggling during COVID, as was everybody else, and used her talent for creating music to cheer everyone up during those hard times. Every year since she has written songs for her class and math teachers who retired. We handed out song sheets last year so the teachers could sing the modified song for Ms. Barbara. The students do not know how talented some of their teachers really are. Watch Mrs. Fomina's farwell song here: My Math Will Go On If you would travel, what destination is top on your list? Walt Disney World Resort with my daughter Kimberly. It is something I need to do with her because she did not come with us when she was a baby. After that is written off my list, I would like to explore the USA. I love history and want to visit places like Charleston, SC. Other places I would love to visit are Yosemite National Park. There are many wonderful places to go, and while I am there, I can visit relatives and friends. How do you feel now about your career choice? I made an excellent choice to become a teacher. It has been extremely rewarding, and I plan to work part-time as a teacher down in South Carolina, teaching math and computer science. Farewell Mrs. Rieger has contributed about two decades of her life to teaching in this building, helping students expand both their knowledge and their interest in mathematics and computer science. Personally, she helped me realize that I can do more than I think I am capable of. I originally was hesitant to join AP Computer Science A this year since I had no previous knowledge of the Java coding language. However, she inspired me to try my best and helped me do well in the class. Without her and other teachers like her, this building would not be the same. Thank you for everything, Mrs. Rieger, and enjoy your graduation! Be sure to come back and visit! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Beauty in Nature Back to Sections Nora Rivera - Beauty in Nature By Nora Rivera February 10, 2022 Photography Volume 2 Issue 4

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections What is bullying/cyberbullying? By Catherine Duong Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Observatory of Educational Institution According to StopBullying.Gov Bullying/cyberbullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both the bully and victim may have serious, lasting problems. Bullying can be physical, i.e., hitting or kicking. It can also be verbal, i.e., taunting or threatening. Lastly, bullying can be social, like spreading personal or confidential information. Bullying can cause anxiety, and depression which leads to some victims of bullying avoiding school. Studies show that 1 in 5 kids are bullied, and 32% of students said they were victims of online harassment. Standing up to a bully can help you deal with their actions; however, you can also go to a trusted adult, and they can help you handle the situation. This short story is an example of one way to counteract bullying. When I was candle running1 at Daylight Prairie2, I saw a small group of sky players standing together at one of the corners of the map. I was curious and I flew to the small group, then lifted them up to see what they looked like. The small one has the appearance of a moth3, having a brown cape, default pants, and hair. The other two on the opposite side of the tiny moth seemed to be veteran players, wearing unique cosmetics4. I saw the veterans mocking the moth by copying the same emotes5 and then using a laugh emote to insult them. I could not hear what they said at once due to game mechanics which require a table for conversation. Once I realized what was happening, I created one so that we could speak, Once I could hear them, my suspicions were proven correct. I heard countless insults like: “You poor moth! Must be so broke that you don’t have any friends!” and “There is no way for you to get up to our level.” The moth was silent after their insult, but I knew the player behind the screen was upset. I had to act. This game was built to make friends, not tear each other down! “Hey, it’s not nice of you two to bully this player. They probably just started the game, and you are setting a bad example of how experienced players should act.” Once I typed and sent the message, I did the scolding emote and got my character to cross her arms to express how I felt. The two were quiet for a few seconds, looking at one another before texting back at my response. “Whatever. We were trying to help.” “Trying to help? You are insulting them!” After I finished my message, the two veterans abruptly left. Silently, the moth left soon after. Sadly, I never had the chance to give them advice, but hopefully stopping those bullies made the new players experience just a little bit better! Keywords: Candle Running – a process to collect wax from candles placed all around the realms Daylight Prairie – The second realm in Sky: CotL; known to be the most sociable realm between players Moth – A name given to inexperienced players on Sky: Children of the Light (CotL); wearing default cosmetics provided at the start of the game. Cosmetics – clothing and accessories that bought with candles and hearts from traveling spirits (TS) and spirits to customize your looks for your character Emotes – to express to another player with a click of a button a specific action/emotion BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections DeBlame is on De Blasio By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Image provided by AP News, background image by Craig Papajohn-Shaw Taking office in 2014, self-proclaimed progressive Bill de Blasio (D) entered the mayorship of New York City with the hope of further building on the success of his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg (I). De Blasio, now 59, has completely let the city run rampant. His family values and unprecedented progressive agenda at that time, were all he required to be elected as, debatably, the most powerful mayor in the United States. De Blasio’s directionless agenda is clear in the sanitation as well as the homeless problem in the city. While some may want to believe that his progressive agenda of universal Pre-K, extended paid sick leave, and overseeing the 15-dollar minimum wage hike was a step in the right direction, his insincere, arrogant, behaviors and decisions should not be present in a leader. De Blasio’s low approval ratings, hovering around the 40 percent range, can be attributed to the severity of the homelessness problem as well the sanitation of the city. In 2018, a report released by BusyBee, which combines data from the Environmental Protection Agency, displayed infographics that indicates New York City leads other cities in its “dirtiest index” of 427.9. While this is horrendous in itself, it should be noted that the mayor has also done the bare minimum to fix the rising homeless problem. With over 40,000 New Yorkers living on the street, one would think the mayor would put many of his efforts into mending this issue. This is not to mention there is an all-time high of 20,210 single adults sleeping in shelters. It was back in December of 2019 when De Blasio made a promise saying, “We will help every last person experiencing long-term homelessness off our streets and we will do more than we ever thought possible to bring them home.” He said he would do this by implementing a six-point plan that would marshal critical resources. Since then, the homelessness rate has risen, and while this spike can be partially attributed to the pandemic, the mayor has not solidified further plans or proposed new legislation to help the homeless. Altogether, the response to COVID-19 was mediocre from the mayor. To start off, on March 16 he would attend his Brooklyn gym, even though he can exercise at a local gym in Manhattan instead of traveling over 15 miles each way. It is worth recalling that on this day closures around the nation, including New York City, were beginning to be implemented, with Governor Cuomo expected to close gyms and movie theaters that day. A spokesperson for the mayor stated on the 16th, “The mayor wanted to visit a place that keeps him grounded one last time.” The selfishness of his personal schedule displayed his limited priority for the global pandemic. Furthermore, de Blasio’s attention-seeking attempt at a run for President, where his highest poll ratings in the primaries hit barely one percent, was a distraction from the issues citizens in his own city were facing. Some of de Blasio’s most infamous public embarrassments include the multiple occasions during which he clashes with politicians in his own party such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (NY-14), Representative Max Rose (NY-11), and especially with New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo (D). The strained relationship between him and the governor is prolonged and counterproductive. Throughout the pandemic, there were debacles between himself and the governor, such as when De Blasio announced on April 11th that the New York City public school system would continue distance learning for the remainder of the year. Cuomo quickly opposed this statement, stating, “You can’t make a decision just within New York City without coordinating that decision with the whole metropolitan region, because it all works together.” This is just one instance of many during his six-year tenure in office that the mayor has had issues with the governor. His unwillingness to compromise and follow the chain of command demonstrates his incompetence as a leader, or what many view as petty politics between two politicians that negatively affects so many New Yorkers. With only a year left in office, the race for his seat is in contention with approximately 17 people pledging to run. With COVID cases in New York City once again on the rise, the mayor needs to work cooperatively with politicians, especially those in his own party, in order to help his citizens get through this crisis rather than focusing on his cherished political publicity stunts and power plays with Governor Cuomo. BACK TO TOP