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Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Congo Crisis Leah Ally Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by The Hilltop The Democratic Republic of Congo, often referred to as the Congo, has been plagued by complex challenges for decades. This vast Central African nation, with its abundant natural resources and diverse population, has experienced political instability, armed conflict, economic challenges, and humanitarian crises, not to mention the silent genocide in progress. Understanding the Congo situation requires knowing its historical context, examining the root causes of the ongoing crisis, and exploring potential solutions. The Congo's troubles can be traced back to its colonial past. Under Belgian rule, the country suffered from exploitation and brutal treatment, with the extraction of rubber and other resources leading to the deaths of millions of Congolese. Independence in 1960 brought hope for a brighter future, but it was short-lived. Political instability, corruption, and power struggles soon took over the nation, leading to a series of dictatorships. One of the most significant events in the Congo's recent history was the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The mass killings in neighboring Rwanda triggered a wave of refugees fleeing into Congo, fueling existing tensions and sparking a series of conflicts. The First Congo War (1996-1997) and the Second Congo War (1998-2003) involved multiple armed groups and neighboring countries, resulting in the deaths of millions of people and the displacement of millions more. The aftermath of these conflicts has left Congo in a state of constant crisis. Armed groups, both domestic and foreign, continue to operate in various parts of the country, encouraging violence and instability. These groups often exploit the Congo's vast mineral wealth, particularly gold, diamonds, and coltan, to finance their activities. The illegal trade of these resources has fueled conflict and caused a cycle of violence. The humanitarian situation in the Congo is dire. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes, either because of armed conflict or due to ongoing insecurity. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) face numerous challenges, including limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Congo, known as MONUSCO, has been deployed to protect civilians and support the government, but its effectiveness has been limited. Addressing the Congo situation requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of the crisis. First and foremost, there is an obvious need for political stability and good governance. The Congolese government would need to prioritize the rule of law, fight corruption, and ensure the fair and transparent management of natural resources. This would help build trust among the population and create an environment for economic development to thrive. Economic reforms are also critically needed. The Congo's vast natural resources have the potential to drive economic growth and lift people out of poverty. However, the exploitation of these resources are often not regulated and managed in a way that benefits the Congolese people. Multinational corporations are very often not held accountable for their actions and ensure that their business practices do not contribute to the crisis. Investing in education and healthcare is another key aspect of resolving the Congo situation. Access to quality education and healthcare services is essential for the development of human capital and the empowerment of the Congolese population. This would improve the people's overall well-being and contribute to long-term stability and economic growth. Furthermore, efforts to address the ongoing conflict and disarm armed groups would need to be intensified. This would require a combination of military action, targeted sanctions, and diplomatic negotiations. Regional cooperation is crucial, as neighboring countries have a common interest in the stability of the Congo. The international community, including the United Nations and organizations such as the African Union, would need to provide support and resources to help these efforts. Additionally, addressing the Congo situation requires a focus on justice and accountability. The perpetrators of human rights abuses, including those responsible for sexual violence and war crimes, must be held accountable for their actions. Establishing a credible and impartial justice system is needed for ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice. Transitional justice mechanisms, such as truth commissions and reparations programs, can also play a crucial role in healing the wounds of the past and promoting peace among different ethnic and social groups in the Congo. In the Congo exists a complex and multifaceted crisis that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. Political stability, economic reforms, investment in education and healthcare, and efforts to address the ongoing conflict are all crucial components of resolving the crisis. Congo is often overlooked and dismissed, yet the Congolese people have suffered for far too long and it is time for changes to be made. It is imperative that international countries come together to support them in their quest for peace, stability, and prosperity. Sources: Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Global Conflict Tracker ( cfr.org ) DR Congo: An unprecedented crisis goes ignored | NRC Milestones: 1961–1968 - Office of the Historian ( state.gov ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portrait Back to Sections Nayab Raja - Portrait By Nayab Raja January 20, 2021 Photography Volume 1 Issue 4

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Why Leaves Change Color By Manal Layachi Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by Britannica Have you ever wondered why leaves change color? This year, it took the leaves a long time to change color and fall off trees because of climate change. Leaves get their color from chlorophyll, carotene, xanthophyll, and other leaf pigments. As you might already know, plants use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to make oxygen and glucose. This process is called photosynthesis, and it occurs in leaf cells containing chlorophyll. In the fall, the leaves stop performing photosynthesis because of changes in temperature and daylight time. As a result of this, the chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and a yellow-orange color replaces it. Other chemical changes can occur, which form more colors because of the development of red anthocyanin pigments. These colors include red, purple, and brilliant orange. All these colors are created due to the mixing of the chlorophyll and other pigments. As leaves change color, other changes occur as well. A special layer of cells develops at the point where the stem of the leaf is attached to the tree. This layer gradually breaks apart the tissues that support the leaf. However, the tree seals the break simultaneously, so when the leaves fall from their own weight, they leave behind a “leaf scar.” Overall, the changing of color in leaves is fascinating and extraordinary! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections The Johnny Depp Court Case By Sahar Ali Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by Marca So, many of us have heard about the now-infamous case between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, right? You might have consumed some information via social media regarding the exes’ lawsuits against each other. You might have even seen memes surrounding the case through apps such as TikTok or Instagram. In this article, I aim to efficiently outline and explain the events that led up to the case, specifically in hopes of providing necessary context. The case revolves around famous actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Depp is best known for playing Captain Jack Sparrow in the movie series, Pirates of the Caribbean . Heard is best known for her roles in Never Back Down , Drive Angry , The Rum Diary and Aquaman . In February 2015, the pair wed; however, their marriage only lasted until January 2017. Later in 2018, Amber Heard wrote an op-ed published in the Washington Post . It was headlined “I spoke up against sexual violence – and faced our culture’s wrath. That has to change.” Heard never mentioned Depp’s name in her account, but she makes it abundantly clear that her ex-husband abused her during their short marriage. After the publication of this op-ed, Depp sued Heard in March 2019 for defamation. In short, defamation is a false statement asserted by a third party about an individual in public. This may damage one’s reputation. It may include statements in written or verbal form. In this case, only the written op-ed was considered. In simple terms, Heard’s op-ed is the root of this case, and Depp won the suit. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections A Rich Evolution of The Addams Family By Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Caitlyn Taylor “ They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious, and spooky, they're all together ooky. They’re the Addams Family!” This haunting family has been around since 1938 and has gone through many adaptations and revisions since. This family includes a married couple, Gomez and Morticia, and their children, Pugsley and Wednesday. It also includes their extended family, Uncle Fester, Grandma, and their giant butler, Lurch. From the first Addams Family comic strips published in 1938 to Netflix’s new show Wednesday , the Addams Family has lasted as a comical slice of life franchise for many years. Although the Addams Family is most famous for its movies and TV shows, it originally was a cartoon published in the New York Times in 1938 by Charles Addams. The family wasn’t the family we know and love today. All characters went by different names, and it wasn’t until the television series that their characters formed. The Addams Family series first aired in 1964 and truly established the franchise. This was when we first got a glimpse of the Addams Family house, and the macabre inner workings of the characters. This show shaped the characters because their actors were allowed different freedoms when acting them out. The actors used a lot of their own personalities when playing their roles. These inclusions from the actors are what made the Addams Family what we know today. The show lasted two seasons and ended in 1966 but made its mark as the start of the Addams Family legacy. The Addams Family and The Addams Family Values were the first films made about the family in 1991 and 1993 respectively. These movies gave back stories to characters and even introduced new ones. The Addams Family focuses on the Addamses getting their Uncle Fester back after a falling out between himself and Gomez. The Addams Family Values gave Wednesday and Pugsley a sibling named Pubert and showed the children navigating life with their new sibling. Other Addams Family movies were released in 2019 and 2021. They were the first computer-animated versions of the Addams Family and gave the family a different plot to follow throughout the films. All films that were made about The Addams Family have changed their image and made them more known throughout the years. The latest addition to The Addams Family franchise is Netflix’s Wednesday . The show primarily focuses on Wednesday and her personal life instead of the collective family. We meet many new characters audiences have never seen before and gain a different perspective on Wednesday’s parents and their backstories. Wednesday needs to navigate the paranormal events happening at her new school while figuring out more about her family’s past and her own interpersonal relationships. In short, the newest addition to The Addams Family legacy is living up to its name. The Addams Family has had many different adaptations throughout the years. From comic to movie to television series and even a musical (which is being performed here at North on March 31st and April 1st), the Addams Family has made its mark for its sometimes dark but always funny storytelling and characters. As it grows, we can look back fondly at its past and await its future. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections What is Being Done About Mental Health at VSN? By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Image provided by HRZone On Sunday, January 24th The New York Times reported the Clark County school district in Nevada, the 5th largest district in the nation, announced they would begin to allow in-person school for students. With 18 teen suicides of youths between the ages of 15 and 19 (double the number of adolescent deaths by suicide than in 2019) and 3,100 alerts of suicidal searches flagged on the district’s iPad devices from March to December 2020, the school system has linked the online, full-remote period to an increase in students' mental health issues. Additionally, the New York Post reported on February 11th that 12-year-old Hayden Huntstable hanged himself after battling depression amid COVID-19. His father stated he had limited insight on his son's struggles with depression. Hayden’s story demonstrates how crucial it is for mental health issues to be addressed in school so there are outlets available. Further on the adolescent mental health crisis, according to the American Health Ranking, the global pandemic has resulted in increased suicides. In 2019, the death of adolescents between the ages of 15-19 was 10.2 per 100,000 from suicide, while in 2020, it increased to 11.6 per 100,000 nationwide. These startling statistics would make one think schools would attempt to do anything in their power to reach out to students to provide resources and/or produce a safe outlet for students to talk about their mental issues that may have arisen due to the pandemic. However, Valley Stream North and surrounding school districts alike have taken limited observable action to address the mental health issues resulting from the student-teacher disconnect in the classroom. The district took the liberty of putting together a Summer Bridge Program to “provide social-emotional resources to the school community” as described on the district’s website. The five-volume newsletter released in the Summer of 2020 provided insight into the “new normal” in the classroom. The district presented some resources on stress management, but has done little to promote the resources to the school community. Since the release of the fifth Summer Bridge issue back on August 28th, the district has not supplied nor advertised flyers and/or meetings to help students cope in this everchanging world. While the district may be at fault for not providing enough mental health resources to the schools in Valley Stream, each respective school administration has fallen flat regarding raising awareness about the mental health complications evident in their schools. The World Health Organization found half of all mental health conditions start at age 14, but most cases go undetected, unreported, or untreated. As a result, this statistic would make one think addressing mental health issues in schools would be a priority. The rise in mental health issues, attributed to the pandemic, has also been evident in the classroom environment. In an interview with Spanish teacher Ms. Milazzo-Soto, she expressed, “Students just seem like they’re not enjoying school like they used to. Many appear bored and disinterested. Most seem reluctant to participate and interact with each other.” While she cannot postulate that the disconnect is solely due to the students’ mental state, she does say that more should be done by the administration to address mental health. She does “encourage all students if they are having difficulties [to] reach out to their teachers, guidance counselors, or any other adult in the building.” However, it is difficult to reach out to adults who have not yet introduced themselves. For instance, Valley Stream North employs three school psychologists: Ms. Kehoe, Ms. Christiansen, and Dr. Byrne. However, the failure to introduce themselves would make it difficult for a student to feel comfortable or even know where to talk to the psychologists, regardless of their qualifications. Prominent staff members generally have not addressed the drastic change in the learning experience which has taken a toll on the mental health of students. A perspective from a student at the school reads, “I feel as though many teachers do not take into consideration how hard it is to be a teenager during these times. We are constantly staring at a screen or being assigned an endless amount of work and this is very mentally taxing on the adolescent brain. Most of us have been forced to put our mental health aside to get all our schoolwork done. The limited outreach by staff has also made it difficult to stay committed to virtual learning. Most teachers do not even respect the ten-minute breaks we received which have been reduced to 5 minutes in the second semester, and most students end up with no break causing them to attend classes back-to-back, and it is not okay.” I reached out to school psychologist Dr. Melissa Byrne and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Mr. Christian Bowen to see how they are exactly attempting to address the mental health crisis on a school and district level. However, both did not respond to the opportunity to comment for this article. My intentions are by no means to solely criticize the school and the district, but rather to shine some light on the issue and how perspectives from teachers and students further prove my claim about the limited action taken to address mental health issues. It is difficult to understand the necessities of students, especially during a time where no one, adult or adolescent, has any prior experience or frame of reference. Solutions that I recommend would be first, for the school psychologists to make an introductory video. This would allow for students to know what they look like and to understand their job descriptions and how specifically they can assist students. Once that is done, the PPS, or Pupil Personnel Services, team should implement an optional mental health survey per grade level to evaluate students’ wellbeing in order to grasp the number of students who may be dealing with mental health issues and then maybe meet with students who are struggling. Lastly, utilizing students’ Outlook emails to send them weekly to monthly emails with links to resources on how to better attend to common mental health issues such as stress management. Students need to know administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, and psychologists care; however, in some instances, staff neglects to convey their care for students' mental well-being. With suicide being the third leading cause of death by adolescents between the age of 15-19, it is crucial that Valley Stream North emphasizes how the difficult encounters teens may face during the pandemic contribute to mental health and it needs to be addressed. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Junior Year: The "Worst" Year Noa Cordova Volume 5 Issue 1 September 20, 2024 Image Provided by Noa Cordova Out of the four years of high school, junior year typically gets deemed as the hardest, most stressful year. Going into junior year, I heard many upcoming seniors claim their junior year was the most intense. It makes sense; junior year serves as a preparatory year for college applications during senior year. While the application season may be intense, you essentially highlight all the work you’ve done throughout high school, especially throughout junior year. Most juniors find that academic pressure increases, extracurriculars become harder to balance, and thinking about college gets overwhelming. As a “survivor” of junior year, I’d like to share the specifics of what makes junior year challenging and offer some tips to upcoming juniors. Courseload As you progress through high school, the courseload inevitably increases and becomes more difficult. As an upcoming junior, you have additional freedom with your schedule. From what I’ve experienced, this usually means juniors will load up their schedules with AP courses. While it's great to challenge yourself, taking these courses often means a lot of homework and studying. For many students this means busy evenings as there doesn’t seem to be enough time after school to attend a club meeting, do homework, practice a sport, and study for an upcoming exam; time management becomes the greatest challenge. If you're an upcoming junior, planning out how you intend to stay organized and on top of your schoolwork this year may be a wise choice. Don’t overlook basic tools like planners, calendars, and to-do lists to stay organized. I can attest to the fact that the reminder app on my iPhone and color coding my calendar were life savers this year. In terms of keeping up with schoolwork, take advantage of resources including peer tutoring, extra help, math labs, science labs, and library hours. Seeking out a responsible group of peers in your classes can also help with last-minute questions or sharing study materials. Having more freedom with your schedule also means that you can choose to lighten your load or add classes to balance your schedule. You may want to consider dropping an AP from your schedule to add a less intense class or even a lunch period. Every year, I add electives to my schedule for some balance. I’ve taken public speaking, creative writing, and forensics. Although I took several AP classes this year, I took ceramics and photography. Of course, these classes come with their course load, but they tend to be less stressful than academic courses. Extracurriculars As most of us are aware, colleges base applications on more than just grades. Extracurriculars help demonstrate who you are and what you're interested in. For those who are already heavily involved in clubs and activities both in and out of school, staying on top of club responsibilities can be demanding. If you’re already involved in several clubs, I’d suggest limiting yourself to those so that you can dedicate your time to them adequately. If you have several leadership positions, be sure to communicate with advisors and clubs and delegate tasks. Some students use the junior year as an opportunity to start getting involved in clubs, adding to their busy schedules which can be stressful. If you're considering joining clubs, avoid overloading yourself and stick to clubs you are genuinely passionate about; joining an activity solely to fill a resume can make your junior year less enjoyable. Standardized Tests Although not as heavily considered in college applications in recent years, standardized tests still play a role in college admissions and will increase in prominence in upcoming years. Nationally juniors and seniors, take the SAT or ACT in preparation for their college applications. Studying for the SAT or ACT throughout the school year while studying for your other classes isn’t very ideal. Fall or Summer exams may be better options as you have summer months to prepare. Online prep resources like Khan Academy or College Board review books are great for practicing on your own. Our school also offers an SAT prep course for a semester; this might be more effective than trying to dedicate time outside of school to study. The SAT and ACT are considered the same for college admissions; however, the tests differ in terms of content and timing. Taking practice versions of both exams paired with some research can help you decide which test you should focus on prepping for. Thinking About College About 62% of high school graduates enroll in college undergraduate programs, meaning that a significant portion of high schoolers are tasked with the lengthy college research process (U.S. Bureau of Labor). Understandably, simply thinking about college tends to be overwhelming during junior year. Visiting colleges, creating a list of schools, picking majors, and deciding if you want to go away or not is enough to make your head spin. The summer before your junior year, or even after, is a good time to think about all this since your mind is less occupied. While trying to figure out what kind of school best suits you is overwhelming, various resources can assist you. For example, Naviance is a college research platform that has quizzes to help you find which college suits you best or what kind of career path suits you. It’s a great place to start and can provide you with a list of schools that suit your preferences. If you have an idea of what you’d like to major in, looking into a school with good programs is a good place to start. Through the college board’s search service, colleges will send you emails with information about their school and links to webinars with useful information. Methods like learning about colleges through other experiences or using books like the Fiske College Guide are alternatives to spending time in front of a screen. As you learn about school using these resources, you can start building your college list and plan visits. On a Collegewise webinar, they suggested visiting local colleges with similar properties to out-of-state colleges you're interested in. For example, instead of taking a trip to Boston University, visit New York University to get a feel of a city campus. Of course, this does not serve as a substitute for the actual tour where you will learn about the school and the city but can give you an idea of the environment you’d like to go to school. Lastly, talk to graduating seniors about what helped them during their college research process. They’ve just gone through the process and will likely offer you valuable insight. Recently, the National Honor Society held a panel where juniors could ask seniors questions about the application process; it’s both extremely helpful and comforting to hear from others who’ve completed their applications. Although junior year is stressful, by managing your time, taking breaks, and participating in fun teenage activities you can enjoy your junior year. Generations upon generations of students have pushed through junior year. It doesn’t have to be the nightmare people work it up to be, you can manage it. At school, friends, peers, teachers, and counselors will be there supporting you along the way. Most importantly, remember you are your primary support system and to take care of yourself as you take on the highs and lows of junior year. College Enrollment and Work Activity of Recent High School and College Graduates Summary - 2023 A01 Results ( bls.gov ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections Domestic ID, V By Willie Cole February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: Steam-Iron Scorches with Graphite on Paper Mounted in Window Frame, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections How to Deal with Narcissim By Ala Paruch Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by the American Psychological Association Hello Ala! How do you deal with a classmate that’s bluntly narcissistic and only seems to care about talking about themselves? Hello dear reader! Thank you for sending in the question! Well, before the advice itself, I'm sorry you have to deal with that. People who are not friendly to spend time with will show up often in life, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. In this situation, it seems the person you are talking about is not trying to be friends with you. On the contrary, they make you feel uncomfortable, so feel free to ignore them. It may seem rude, but they are using you to make themselves feel better, and you do not have any obligation to give away your time to them. If you are forced to interact with them, try to limit contact and only talk about what is necessary. Again, they are not trying to be friends, and you must deal with your life first, not their problems.  I hope this helps! Ala BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections The Project By Kayla Duvert Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Image provided by Glenda Cohen Remote learning. No matter how long we do it, it seems as if it’s a choice. A choice between you and yourself only. Whether or not you turn on your camera, raise your hand to answer a question or click Join when the meeting starts. It all seems easier to not do once you’ve already stopped doing it. It becomes a cycle of impulse. A cycle that seems never ending, until it does. A cycle that continues until a change occurs in your cycle. Change During my cycle of impulse, I heard my chorus teacher Mrs. Schneider say the word “project”. Sitting at home in my room - that’s now become my classroom - I hear the words, project… project… project project ! A Recycled Percussion Instrument Project .Then it struck me. We were actually learning from our computers. It actually counts. It seems so easy to avoid it, but it counts. So I start to do it. Pay Attention A Recycled Percussion Instrument. It seems easy to not do it, but it’s easy to do it also. Then the words reoccur in my head. An endless thought, it counts. My ears are sharp. I pay close attention to what my teacher says: “You will use ordinary materials from home to create a musical instrument”. I can do this. It’s easy to do. It counts. Do It I need to make an instrument. Drums, maracas, guitars, xylophones; they’re all instruments. So many, yet I don’t know what to choose. I don’t have a plan. So, I do what I know how to do: act on impulse. I grab things. I don’t have a full thought, but I grab things. I grab a plastic container from the cabinet, colored pencils from my sister’s pencil case, tape from the desk, rubber bands from the bathroom, push pins that have already been pushed into my wall and a drawstring that was once used for my pants. Still no plan, only impulse. I start the taping things, decorating things and tying things. Still no plan, only impulse. I’ve now created an instrument with no plan, no name, no idea of what it even is. So, confused by my acts of impulse. Confusion that I wouldn’t suffer if I hadn’t done it at all. Then I remember, it counts . I can play the instrument, it’s still an instrument, so it counts. ShowTime Weeks later my teacher utters the same words that initiated all of this. Project. A Recycled Percussion Project. She says, “You guys will present your percussion projects today if you have them”. I have my instrument, I’m ready, I’m here. While others play, I tune them out and practice in the meantime. Only hearing sounds from my instrument: my impulse enacted instrument. A voice breaks my train of thought, “Kayla do you have your instrument?” Of course, I do. I’m ready. It’s my turn. After all of that grabbing, taping, tying and decorating, it’s my turn. I play. Welcoming each note, I played and making it my only focus. Nothing except this project seemed to matter. My never-ending cycle of procrastination has been put to rest. I did something that counts. BACK TO TOP