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

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections Into Bondage By Aaron Douglas February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: Oil on Canvas, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections The Compliment of Red By Elizabeth Andre November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Heart By Nora Chery Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by CNN I remembered our Wedding Day and how wonderful it was. It was indeed the lantern of my adulthood. I remembered how in awe I was when I saw your beauty; your gown only served as a compliment. I knew you felt the same way when we locked eyes, brown meeting brown; I hoped no one found a key. When we both honored our vows without hesitation, your hands slipped out of my grasp and used your beringed hand to sink into your chest. You pulled out your heart for me. Your stained cupped hands extended towards me; it throbbed wildly for me, so I took it. The seat was warm and lively; I could only stare at the striking red color and functioning veins. I peered over to you, and you only stood there, still looking fabulous as ever, even with a gaping hole in your chest. You covered the hole with your hand and gave me the most loving smile. I felt as though I, to show my love, was obliged. That was ten years ago, and we now live together in a clean, modest house. It was a Saturday morning, and I was in the living room; it was about an hour since you left. It was only an hour, yet I already missed your presence, despite having your heart with me. As an hour turned into almost several, I kept your heart close to me, it being warm filled with your blood and love for me. But this was when I found something odd; I looked down to realize the heart wasn’t beating anymore. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Questionnaire With Football Seniors Rehmat Kaur Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Sophia Song What was your most memorable moment playing football? Imran Paul : “My first game as a freshman. That was my real first ever tackle game. We lost but still a fun experience.” When did you start playing football? Who introduced you to this sport? Imran Paul: “I started playing 7th grade and who introduced me was Terry (Senior 2024). It was 6th grade summer going to 7th grade, Terry said I should come to the clinics, and I have been playing ever since.” Who have been some of your toughest competitors? Imran Paul: “Wantagh, Bethpage, Plainedge when they used to be in our conference.” What are you looking forward to in your senior year? Imran Paul: “Just having fun with the guys... it’s the last year, so having fun.” Favorite sports team? Nathan Smith : “Pittsburgh Steelers” Favorite movie? Nathan Smith: “Whiplash , no explanation, love it.” What coaches influenced you the most throughout your high school career and why? Nathan Smith: “All of my football coaches. They have pushed me a lot the past three years.” What advice do you have for up-and-coming football players? Nathan Smith: “Just push through with all the yelling because most of the time coaches are doing this not because they think you are bad but because they think you can do better.” Who have been some of your toughest competitors? Antonio Casoria: “Definitely in the past, Bethpage. Week one Saturday is gonna be a big game, kinda predict the way the season goes.” Do you have any regrets from playing football that you want to make up as a senior? Antonio Casoria: “I don’t think I have any regrets. If I was to do all this again, I would probably do the same way; wins or losses.” What are some of your hobbies besides football? Antonio Casoria: “Hanging out with my friends, going to the gym and going to work.” What are you hoping for as a senior this year for your team? Antonio Casoria: “ Take the team to the playoffs, get some more wins, and bring North some pride.” Who were your football heroes growing up and who are they currently? Jayden Gonzalez: “Definitely OBJ (Odell Beckham Jr.), Jalen Ramsey and right now, it’s Tank Dell.” What other sports are you part of and how did you do in them? Jayden Gonzalez: “Track and Field and received All-County for high jump.” What are you looking forward to as a senior this year? Jayden Gonzalez: “Make it to playoffs and try to win everything.” When did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport? Samuel Vega: “I started playing in 9th grade, no one really introduced it, but in some way Luke Tartamella (Senior 2025) a little bit.” Are there any regrets playing football that you wish to make up as a senior? Samuel Vega: “Not really, maybe enjoy my year more, have more fun playing with all the people.” What is your best advice for any upcoming highschoolers? Samuel Vega: “Enjoy the time that you have because soon it’s gonna go away.” What is your favorite sports team? Muhammad Haseeb: “The Patriots” Favorite TV show? Muhammad Haseeb: “Cobra Kai” When did you start playing football? Muhammad Haseeb: “I started playing football back in 7th grade.” What are your goals for this football season? Muhammad Haseeb: “To win as many games as possible with my team.” What advice do you have for the up-and-coming football players? Muhammad Haseeb: “Just listen to Coach and if you don’t know something just ask questions, work hard in the offseason and just get better every single day.” When did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport? Steeve Delma: “I started playing in 8th grade and Imran Paul (Senior 2025) introduced me to the sport.” What are some of your other hobbies besides football? Steeve Delma: “Sleeping.” Do you have family that played before you? Steeve Delma: “No, I’m the first.” What are your goals for this football season? Steeve Delma: “Score as many touchdowns as I can.” What are some of your memorable moments playing football? Christian St. Amand: “Having my best game against Lynbrook in 10th grade.” When did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport? Christian St. Amand: “I started playing in 7th grade and my dad introduced me to the sport.” Do you have any other hobbies besides football? Christian St. Amand: “Playing basketball for North.” What are you hoping for as a senior this year? Christian St. Amand: “Get All-County in both sports.” Do you have any advice for upcoming and future football players? Leden Sarmiento-Brugman: “Work hard, make plays on the field specially on a scout team.” How much does it mean for you to represent our school colors when you go to different schools? Leden Sarmiento-Brugman: “It means a lot.” What have been some of your core memories over the years at school? Leden Sarmiento-Brugman: “Messing around in AP Environmental Science instead of doing work.” What are you most excited for as a senior this year? Leden Sarmiento-Brugman: “Graduating and getting more free periods in the spring.” Favorite sports team? Luke Tartamella: “The Falcons” Favorite athlete? Luke Tartamella: “Julio Jones” Favorite TV show? Luke Tartamella: “ SpongeBob ” When did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport? Luke Tartamella: “I started playing when I was four and my brother introduced football to me.” What are your goals for this football season? Luke Tartamella: “Hopefully win all our games and blowout every team we play” What advice do you have for the up-and-coming football players? Luke Tartamella: “ Make sure you work hard and keep your grades up.” When did you start playing football and who introduced you to the sport? Jasson Innocent: “I started playing football as a kid and in my sophomore year in school and my dad got me into this sport because we both like football.” What has been your most favorite sports memory? Jasson Innocent: “Last game sophomore year because everybody was getting emotional. It just brought everybody as a team to get better and work harder.” Favorite movie? Jasson Innocent: “ Home Alone definitely. It’s such a tough movie 10/10!” What has been your most favorite memory playing football? Jonathan Louis-Jean: “Watching my teammates play and getting amazing touchdowns in games.” What advice do you have for the up-and-coming football players? Jonathan Louis-Jean: “Just be comfortable and trust the process.” What is your favorite movie? Jonathan Louis-Jean: “ Chucky ” Danial Haq: Favorite sports team? Danial Haq: “Jets” Favorite athlete? Danial Haq: “Demetrious Johnson” Favorite movie? Danial Haq: “ The Batman ” Favorite TV show? Danial Haq: “ Avatar: The Last Airbender ” What are some of your most memorable moments playing football so far? Danial Haq: “The practices are always pretty fun” What advice do you have for the up-and-coming football players? Danial Haq: “Just do your thing and don’t let losses get to your head” Coach Paolillo What are your goals for the seniors this year? Coach Paolillo: “My goal for the seniors would be to make sure that they leave our program as respectable members of society. Football has so many lessons each day and we always stress to them that being a good person is the most important lesson to learn from football.” I thank everybody for answering the questions and being so polite. I hope this season welcomes the team with fun memories and great achievements. What a team. GO SPARTANS! (with special thanks to Sofia Songveeratham) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Sisters By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Vector Shock My sister shines so bright Whenever we step out on a night She glows like a firefly I love how she isn't shy Because she's bursting with ideas so divine No wonder why my parents named her shine Brighter than the sun My sister always makes sure we have fun Her writing makes people wonder Why their writing doesn't bring that thunder She's bursting with ideas so divine No wonder why my parents named her shine Tennis and badminton are her favorite sports She owns all the courts Her kindness touches everyone's hearts Everyone is astounded by her smart After all, she's bursting with ideas so divine No wonder why my parents named her Shine BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Lillian Dolan - What is Line - 1 By Lillian Dolan November 1, 2020 Photography Volume 1 Issue 1 This picture displays the lines on a manhole cover. It was taken at around noon.

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Dear Society By Morgan Buly Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by The Inclusion Solution Dear Society, Why do you tell us to love ourselves, but bring us down? You tell us to be ourselves, as long as we’re doing it the right way. You tell us we can love anyone, any shape or size. Yet you still choose the love of our life. You tell us to love our skin, but kill our kind. You say we’re in a safe place. Yet teenagers are depressed, students are stressed, and laws forbid you from being yourself. Telling us no matter how hard we try, we’re never enough. You're more concerned in gender identity and race than poverty and shooting. You provide people with an internet-based way to harass each other. You teach us to not like our size, ethnicity, hair, clothes and home. You teach us to kill and hate. You took our youth away, You make kids afraid to go to the deli, knowing that there is a chance they could die. You tell us that because of the body they were born in, we must work harder. Sincerely, Me BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Anti-Bullying Week By Raj Singh Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Intro Film The Students Against Destructive Decisions, SADD, is a club dedicated to helping students of Valley Stream North High School not to hurt themselves, stop bullying, and stop kids from consuming harmful substances. Recently we participated in Anti-Bullying Week, and of course as SADD members we would step up and spread the message. On October 22nd, 2021, the Senior High Student Council, SHSC, and SADD set up decorations for Anti-Bullying Week. This included setting up streamers and pasting up anti-bullying messages and posters across the hallways and walls. This was done to increase awareness about bullying and spread positive, encouraging messages for the week. The centerpiece for the work, which was put up a week earlier, was a large poster with paper hands representing that we are one, and that we should all exemplify kindness, stop bullying in our schools, and create an equal environment. These statements would be on the halls for the whole of the next week, informing those who walked the halls what to do and how to behave kindly to others in our school. The club members and honor society members worked hard, but the reward in the end was great, leading to an exciting and happy Anti-Bulling Week that would propel our school forward as the free and successful place it is. Let us remember our core values of respect, integrity, and kindness. In conclusion, due to the hard work of our resident SADD workers, we had a successful campaign by spreading our posters and streamers across the halls and walls with assistance from the SHSC. As a SADD member who actively participated in these events, I am quite proud of what we have done, and you can bet we will do more in the future, and it will be even better. This will not be the last time you hear from us! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections CHESS By Augustine Magapan Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Wikipedia Pieces in white, and pieces in black; they form a social hierarchy to win the game of chess and must surround the opponent's king. Play games with your friends, grandmasters, or even your younger siblings. People of any age can learn to play this game if they put in the effort. Chess, a board game dating back to the sixth century, is regaining popularity. Before delving deeper into the game, for those of you who are unfamiliar with it today, chess has many complexities. The first step in learning chess is understanding the board and the pieces. Place the white square on the bottom right to set up the board. After putting the board in its proper place, pawns should be on the second row from the bottom, protecting the other pieces... hence the name “pawn.” The rooks should go in each corner, followed by the knights, or horses, next to each other. Then there's a bishop next to each knight, followed by a queen and king. If you're playing white, place the queen on the white square and the king on the dark square. We can discuss the pieces after everything is ready. A pawn is a weak, helpful piece of equipment for blocking or attacking the board. Pawns can only move one square forward in their first turn; if they have yet to be moved, they can move up to two squares forward in their first turn. To attack, the pawn should only move diagonally against the opposing-colored piece. Another method of attack, revolves around the opponent's first move with their pawns. You may attack diagonally if your opponent moves their pawn two squares forward, and it stands right next to your pawn. That is known as “ en passant.” The rook, which can move in straight, vertical, and horizontal lines, is typically used as a defense piece to protect the king. Then there's the knight, a horse-like figure who can jump over other parts and move in an L-shaped pattern. The bishop can move in straight diagonal lines, and the queen, the most powerful piece, can act as both a rook and a bishop. On the other hand, the king is similar to a queen but can only move one space at a time. Once you've figured out how to move the pieces correctly, you must checkmate your opponent's king based on the placement of your army. When a piece attacks the king directly, the king is exposed, but it can move away or defend. In this scenario, white's bishop is "checking," or directly attacking, the king in this position. Unfortunately, there is nowhere for the king to flee. As a result, Black can move its knight or queen to counter the attack. In this scenario, using the knight rather than the queen is preferable because the bishop could capture the queen after Black uses it to stop the check. White would have the upper hand because Black would have lost his or her most influential piece! It's a fascinating concept, but it wasn't always like this. Even before the 6th century, people in India created the first version of chess, Chaturanga. The term "four-limbed" or "four-arms" refers to an army's various components, including infantry, cavalry, elephantry, and chariotry. Because the game is so old, it needs proper rules, particularly regarding how the pieces move. Some theories about the game can be related to modern chess. The game board was not checkered, but historians believe it was used for other games because it had markings irrelevant to the game itself. One fascinating aspect of the game was how their soldiers could promote it. The idea of promotion is still being determined where. In modern chess, some thought the soldiers could be upgraded to minister or queen, and some speculated that the soldiers would transform into whatever was originally on the board. Furthermore, there were various theories about how to end the game, with people believing that checkmating was not the way to win, which meant that even the King had to be captured. Chess.com has created a chart of the different pieces and a description. Like a pawn in modern chess, the foot-soldier moves only one square forward. As a result, the foot-first soldier's move must be at least two squares ahead. The elephant was similar to a bishop because it could move two squares diagonally. In modern terms, it is still unknown whether the piece can jump over details such as the horse or the knight. A chariot moves like a rook, and the minister can only move one square diagonally. Finally, the king... the most crucial piece in chess, moves like any other king today. The game influenced various nations in Asia and Europe before evolving into the game we knew today in the 16th century. Many people have theorized multiple ways to start their games or create strategic positions to gain an advantage since the 16th century. These are known as openings. The chess theory is a fantastic concept in which millions of people demonstrate their creative abilities and logical reasoning to gain an advantage by creating a solid opening. The player can win the endgame when the opening has done its job, and the player has achieved an advantage. An endgame occurs when the two players have few pieces remaining and must perform a checkmate as soon as possible. Chess does not have to be played on a board, and many people can play it online at lichess.org and chess.com . Students are becoming interested in the game due to the popularity of social media and the use of laptop computers in school. Tournaments and competitive chess play continue to grow as people strive for a specific ranking to demonstrate their skill. You can improve your cognitive thinking skills of logistic reasoning on real-life problems by studying or thinking about chess. Remember that "having the next move is the most powerful weapon in chess." BACK TO TOP