Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Goodbye Covid, the End is Near By Manal Layachi Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Original photo by Manal Layachi Masks and social distancing. Loss of loved ones, others are convalescing. Days full of sorrow and sadness. Loss of real interaction left me with virtual madness. Boredom is eating me up, as everything is on zoom. It fills me up with gloom. While quarantine can be dark, I found light in it. More free time for a hermit. More family time and freedom. Hello happiness, goodbye darkness, and boredom. Spring brings hope and cheerful faces. Soon there will be no masks in all places. Families and friends will be closer together as in the past. The sun and rainbow will take over the gloomy sky at last. Everyone will live in peace and harmony. Everyone will get through this as one of many. We will come out stronger than before. We will overcome this nightmare and live our dream even more. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections Kaitlin Barry - Prism By Kaitlin Barry November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Macayla McCaffery - Memory Project By Macayla McCaffery March 18, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Bullying Impacts By Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Parents.com Bullying. No matter where it happens, whether in school, at home, or online, bullying can make a great day one of your worst days ever. Bullying occurs when someone tries to hurt, intimidate, or embarrass someone else. Bullying can happen anywhere to anybody, and its effects not only hurt the victim but also the people around them. About 20% of students nationwide from ages 12-18 are victims of bullying. This can be in the form of name-calling, taunting, spreading rumors about someone, hurting someone, or threatening to hurt them, and much more. This can cause someone to be embarrassed, ashamed of themselves, and depressed. 5.4 million students skip school at some point in the year because of bullying. Many bullying victims become disconnected from friends and family. They could have trouble sleeping and change their eating habits, which are lighter effects. Some suffer from substance abuse, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and self-harm. Some see no other way to end the pain than to take their own life. If you ever feel this way, try talking to a trusted adult or counselor. Speaking to someone will be hard, but it's one of the first steps to betterment. Even the bystanders involved in the bullying are more likely to start using alcohol, skip school, and have mental health problems. Bullying also has adverse effects on the bully. Bullies are more likely to skip school, drop out of school, start using drugs and alcohol, and fight. 60% of boys who bullied others in middle school had at least one criminal conviction at age 24. They are more likely to abuse their spouse or child. Some also get arrested because of their bullying because they forget that bullying is illegal no matter where it happens. This article doesn't even fully cover every effect that bullying may have; so, think about the next time you decide to bully someone. Remember the impact it can have on you, your victim, and others around you. If you are being bullied, try to talk to an adult. You can report bullying incidents verbally or through the district website here: Valley Stream Central High School District Parents/Students | Student Resources (vschsd.org) . Try to keep your head up! We're here to help and support you! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections The Removal of the Minute Bell By Cody Sung Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Original photography by Eva Grace Martinez If you have been to Valley Stream North High School before the pandemic, you likely have heard a bell that rings one minute before the next period starts. That was the minute bell, or “warning bell.” Its purpose was to notify students of the limited time before class, and that they should immediately head to their next class. However, on the first day of school this year, there was a change besides the new lobby, the new hand sanitizer dispensers, and the signs saying, “Stop the spread of germs.” There was no bell in between the “end of the period” bell and the late bell. The one-minute bell was gone. I thought it was just a mistake, but no: there was simply no more minute bell. I interviewed our new principal, Dr. Small, on why she made the decision to remove the minute bell. She said “I believe that the warning bell was a hindrance...students did not go straight to class until they heard the warning bell.” She also added the removal “[kept] the hallways moving...[before], people waited to hear the warning bell…students gathered by the lockers. With the removal of the warning bell, students go straight to class.” Furthermore, the minute bell was removed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by limiting crowds and clearing the hallways faster. Students, though, are almost universally in favor of bringing back the minute bell. While a few students were not very affected, most shared their concerns over being unable to keep track of time while at their locker or in the bathroom. As per a student at North, “[the minute bell is] a good reminder if you are in the restroom or in your locker to when you should get going to class. If the [minute bell] was to come back, I think lateness would be incredibly less common,” he added. Another student at North says “it helps keep track of time and gives a sense of urgency if you’re going to be late for class.” A third student says, “I know some of my friends put alarms on their phones as one-minute bells so they aren’t late either.” These quotes support the importance of the minute bell to our students. When I informed Dr. Small about why students prefer the minute bell, she explained why she disagreed. “We allow students to walk around with their backpacks [now;] all they have is a device, they should go straight to class.” There is no need to return to your locker and carry heavy books around. As with the new school policy, backpacks are allowed, so trips to lockers should be minimal. As for the bathrooms, Dr. Small states “If you have multiple people in the bathroom, it’s a health hazard in my opinion.” The new school policy to allow the use of the bathroom during class time helps alleviate the health hazard by discouraging students from using the bathrooms all at once in between classes. While students miss the minute bell, I have seen the results of its removal. Students are less likely to gather around and more likely to walk towards their next class. The removal of the minute bell is working as Dr. Small intended. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections Isabella Feldman - Prism By Isabella Feldman November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Rabbit Proof Fence By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Wikipedia there are so many stories to be told some are sad and some are bold others fill us up with pride while others make us cry Rabbit Proof Fence combines them all even though the characters are small it paints a picture that must be shared a story about survival no matter what fared three little girls in a big wide world persevering through whatever fate hurled this tale runs deep inside my veins my heart plummets when I see their pains alone those three, fighting on their own without a mother to feed them, all skin and bone standing up agaisnt the wrong who knew it would take so long? as their long walk to freedom comes to an end it feels as if this story was my friend’s as my soul connects, a bond is formed a mother and her children reunite, my heart is warmed a story like this is meant to be told it’s message worth more than gold beautiful is the only word to describe a story so meaningful it makes me rhyme a story like this is meant to be told it’s message worth more than gold a story like this is meant to be told it’s message worth more than gold beautiful is the only word to describe a story so meaningful it makes me rhyme beautiful is the only word to describe a story so meaningful it makes me rhyme BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Pride Advice By Alicja Paruch Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by CommonPRObiz Hello my dear readers,  Since June is Pride month, to celebrate it, I would like to answer a few questions related to the LGBTQ+ community.  "What do you do when your family doesn't support your transition?” Firstly, congratulations on getting to know yourself this well; that was tough and worth celebrating on its own. To answer your question, this would depend on how strict your family is. If they do not want to help you with your transition, try to take small steps, with the help of people who do support you, your friends and other family members. It is all about the small victories. It also may take some time for your family to process the fact that you are transitioning, so try to be patient, but not passive. If starting this process poses a danger to you, you will unfortunately have to wait until you can do so safely. “What do you do when someone in the gay community disrespects your identity?” I would address it directly. Since they are in the community, they are more likely to have the knowledge to understand their mistakes. Talk to them, explain which of their actions and opinions you find disrespectful and stand up for yourself. The fact that they are a part of the gay community does not excuse them and is not a protective shield from mistakes. Nobody is perfect, so do not be scared to point out their wrongdoings and speak up! “Where/how can I find local gay communities?” First, consider joining The Alliance club at North. This by itself will open many doors for you. Try to explore where other members are active and see if those places are of interest to you. Besides The Alliance, you can ask your other friends and see where that will lead you. You can also try to find a friendly community online, but that might be less local than you would like.  “What would you do if someone else was being cyber bullied for their sexuality/identity?” If it poses no harm to you, stand up for them! It is hard to be assertive while being the victim of cyberbullying and if you can help them, try your best to! Show the victim they are not alone, reassure them that they are valid in their identity and make your voice heard.  “How do you let a friend know you’re there for them when you suspect they want to come out?” Make sure they know you are their friend and that you will listen to their problems, in a general way. Just being there as a friend who supports them will give them the cushion of security they will need. If they decide to come out, they will come to you. They need to build enough confidence and they need to feel safe enough themselves, you cannot help them more than just ensuring you will listen. Don’t push them, they will come out when it is the right time. “What’s your opinion on Heartstopper ?” This isn’t really advice, but I will gladly chime in. I personally did not watch the Netflix series, but I have read Alice Oseman’s original comic. The warm story, the character development, and the representation drew me in, and I believe it could act as a tool for others to explore and to discover themselves further. Oseman created an inspiring depiction of the realities of being part of the LGBTQ+ community, and the struggles that come with mental illness. Even if I can’t recommend watching the show, since I haven’t watched it myself, the comic is definitely worth reading. I hope this helps, and enjoy Pride Month!! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation By Alain Deen Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by Knowledge One Intrinsic motivation proves to be one of the most important aspects when it comes to both education and modern-day industry. In simple terms, intrinsic motivation is the act of doing an activity or task with a sheer passion for it. Passion proves to be the key to success, as it provides us with a sense of reason. Instead of performing tasks or activities simply because one enjoys it, a lot of the time people exhibit extrinsic motivation. This type of motivation emphasizes performing activities or tasks solely for external factors, such as compensation or validation. Unfortunately, modern day industry in recent decades has been plagued with superficial and materialistic ideals, which stems from education. From youth, we are taught to learn subject material and simply regurgitate said material on exams. This provides room for comparison, allowing for unnecessary ideals of competition to arise among students. The examinations begin to define a student’s intelligence, which can often be especially degrading. Then, the sheer desire for good grades develops, which do not compensate for enjoyment of learning course material. This concept is then translated into the workplace in later life, and often creates cynical working environments. Therefore, it is crucial to fuel passion into modern day education, specifically through the encouragement of intrinsic motivation. With intrinsic motivation, students are more likely to succeed, as they are willing to put in the effort due to their enjoyment of the subject matter. For instance, it helps in fueling one’s passions, as it drives students to achieve these goals. Establishing a grade curriculum which is both well-rounded and provides students with the niche-specific concepts allows for a more integrated and positive working environment. Experts argue that when students are less focused on short-term results, but long-term skills and implications, their overall positivity and performance goes up. This also applies to modern day industry. When employees pursue an occupation which fulfill their passions, performance increases, which corroborates that intrinsic motivation is a necessary component to occupational well-being. It is evident that the creation of materialistic and greedy tendencies translates into modern occupation. For instance, employees might simply arrive at work with the sheer desire for compensation, without any sort of passion present. This creates a lackluster working spaces, with little to no room for creativity. Therefore, instilling these ideals from an early age might reverse these effects. Overall, I believe it is necessary for students and young adults to question their passions. Not only does it create a more positive environment themselves, but those around them too. Fueling your interests is simply imperative, especially in high school. Thus, I recommend joining clubs, sports, and even engaging in outside extracurriculars to help develop and discover those interests. Trust me, you’ll thank me later! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Fun vs. Responsibility By Alanna Tieschmaker Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by Inc Magazine I open my eyes to see a pitch-black room. I rub the sleep out of them wondering if the blackness is just spots in my eyes, but the room stays dark. I slowly move up from the cold, hard surface I had been lying on. What am I even on? When I look down, there is nothing underneath me except more darkness. Feeling my heartbeat thump, I reach my foot out and slowly lower it down, expecting to lose my footing. Instead, I see my shoe land above the void, slightly below my perch. Slowly, I shift my weight on it, half-expecting it to give way beneath me. Nothing happens. Even slower, I bring my other foot to rest next my first one, ready to jump back to where I hope the platform still is. When nothing happens, I slowly take another step into the void, then another. After I feel confident I won’t fall, I decide to head off in a direction. I'll find something eventually…right? I have been walking for what feels like hours. I am beginning to doubt I will ever find anything. Would I be forever stuck in a black void? No friends and no one to talk to? I'm not sure if I could stand it. Finally, I see a faint light in front of me. Elated to finally see something besides darkness, I break out into a sprint. I hope it is a path out of this suffocating black that has surrounded me. As I get closer, the light seems to morph. Instead of being straight in front of me, it splits in two opposite directions. Additionally, there seems to be two figures looming in the distance. I hesitate as I grow nearer, intimated by the figures. Wait, why should I be scared? I can handle anything this place throws at me. Feeling more confident, I get closer and see that the intimidating figures are actually a pair of very tall signposts. How strange. Who leaves signposts in an empty void? I crane my neck to read each one. " F..u..n, Fun?" I mumble to myself. "Responsibility? That’s a lot of i's." I ponder as I turn back to look at the 'Fun' sign again. It is" responded a male voice. "But it’s also what is needed in life. "Woah!" I shout, jumping backwards and away from the voice that popped up out of nowhere. I spin around to see a tall middle-aged man. He has black hair, which is barely visible in the room (Am I even in a room? Does a black void count as a room?), and brown eyes. He's wearing what I assume is a very expensive business suit and holding a briefcase. "Responsibility is the key to a successful life. You need to be responsible for things in your life. For example, you have a paper due in a few days. Why aren't you finishing it? You know your grades are very important" the man scolds. Without good grades, how will you get into a good college? Without a good college, how will you get a respectable and well-paying job? Without a respectable and well-paying job, how will you survive in life?" The man looks down at me, and I suddenly feel ashamed of my own procrastinating attitude. I need to finish my paper instead of wasting so much time. I start to trudge down the 'responsibility' path, but before I get very far, I hear a different, higher pitched voice call out. "Hey, wait a minute!" I turn around to see a girl that looks about my age standing by the other signpost. She's about my height, which is a relief. Looming people are kinda scary. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. She's also very easy to notice due to the bright pink and blue clothing she wears. "Where are you going?" she questions. "I have work to do" I respond, but my feet have already stopped moving. "Why should you follow him ?" she cries. "There's no fun in responsibility. If you go with him, then how will you have fun? You'll just sit around at a desk job and be boring all day" she whines. "Instead of him, you should come with me!" she exclaims. " We would have so much fun together! We could play all your favorite video games and try new games that you've wanted to try for the longest time and eat new foods and run around in the park and just have so much fun!" She seemed to run out of breath after that. I am surprised that she didn't run out before. That was a very long sentence. She seems to be a very energetic person, kind of like me when I'm doing something I love. Her offer is also very tempting. I long to let go of any worries and instead play games. I wait for months to play my newly-installed moded game. I start to amble towards her and her signpost. Once I get to the midpoint, all h-e-double hockey sticks breaks loose. "Now where are you going?! Do you not remember how much you have to do? All the responsibilities you have?" the older man remarks. "She's coming with me , to have fun and relax" replies the girl, glaring at the man with fury. "And what about the paper that is due?" "She can do that later." "Later can end up as never with you." Their voices begin to get louder as they become angrier with each other. "Well, at least I know how to relax! And I can show her how to as well!" "Your 'relaxing' will end up ruining her life! She still has so much left to do! She has a test tomorrow to study for!" "She doesn't need to study! She just needs to relax, and she'll do fine!" The man lets out an angry huff and turns to speak with me. "I demand you come with me this instant! You will not ruin your life with this nonsense!" He bends down to grab my hand and starts to pull me away, towards his sign. "Oh no you don't!" the girl shouts, grabbing my other hand. "She's coming with me! I won't let her waste away like you want her to!" she starts to pull me in the other direction, towards her sign. I am being tugged between the both of them like a piece of rope in a game of tug of war. I don't know who to choose! I need to finish my paper and that test will be on me any day now. Yet, I want to forget about those issues and just have fun instead. There's still so much I want to do and try with my friends. Which way should I go? Which way would you choose? BACK TO TOP