Back to Artwork Nostalgic Musings Back to Sections Sophia Song - Nostalgic Musings - 2 By Sophia Song February 10, 2022 Photography Volume 2 Issue 4

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Presidential Libraries By Cody Sung Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Stephen Saks Photography Every president must go at some point. After all, democracy is designed to accommodate limits. However, when every president exits the White House, they leave a legacy behind, from additions to the White House, to major policies upheld for decades. A great way for any president to preserve their legacy is through a grand presidential library. NARA, the National Archives and Records Administration, controls the presidential libraries through the Office of Presidential Libraries. Besides keeping the libraries in check, NARA keeps records of historical documents outside of presidential ones, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Additionally, record is kept of military and naturalization records of citizens, maps, charts, and even photographs. These libraries are built to store all the president’s important documents and other artifacts used during their presidency for future generations. In fact, the library is open to the public. However, checking out items is prohibited, since a presidential “library” is more of an archive and a museum in contrast to a usual library. The first presidential library was dedicated on June 30, 1941. It was for Franklin D. Roosevelt, and it was the first library of its kind. Today, after 80 years, it remains intact, and many more presidential libraries have popped up. For example, George W. Bush has his presidential library located near Dallas. As time goes on, new libraries have adapted to modern technology. Barack Obama’s presidential library in Chicago is expected to have digitized records. Essentially, a presidential library is an archive and museum used to store important documents of a presidency, wherever a president chooses. It rose to prominence in 1941 by FDR and is a tradition that continues to this day. Presidential libraries continue to change with advancements in technology, which doesn’t undermine their value. The value of these “libraries” continuously increases and we can look forward to more “libraries” arriving in the future. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Spotlight Back to Sections Avoiding the Unknown By Elaine Ching March 28, 2022 Watercolor Volume 2 Issue 5

Back to Artwork Who Am I Back to Sections Anonymous - Who Am I? - 2 By Anonymous November 19, 2021 Volume 2 Issue 2

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Elizabeth Andre - What is Line - 1 By Elizabeth Andre November 1, 2020 Graphite Volume 1 Issue 1

Back to Articles News Back to Sections VSCHSD"s Newest Position Sahar Ali Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Lori Rappa-Rodriguez VSCHSD’s Newest Position Valley Stream Central High School District recently welcomed Ms. Lori Rappa-Rodriguez, the district’s first ever Work-Based Coordinator. Like her title, Ms. Rappa’s position is entirely unique and consists of a unique experience for students as she guides them through the professional world all students must experience after high school no matter the path and occupation they choose. Ms. Rappa has been kind to provide the NORTH STAR with a Q&A about her position, and herself. Could you provide us with a description of your position ? Rappa-Rodriguez: “My job is to seek out opportunities for students to explore career options and have hands on experience that will help them make informed choices about their post-high school plans. To do this, I network with businesses, organizations, alumni, and other community members in search of partnerships that will benefit students.” How do you like working in the Valley Stream Central High School District? Rappa-Rodriguez: “It’s only been a few months but so far, I am really enjoying it. Everyone is very welcoming and excited about the services and support that I will be able to offer to students.” Do you work with students specifically at one of the schools in the district? Rappa-Rodriguez: “Because the Career & Technical Education classes: Culinary, Cosmetology, Auto Tech, Medical Assisting and Certified Nurse Assisting are located at Central High School, I spend more time there. However, I am getting more referrals from guidance counselors in the other buildings to work with students interested in finding career exploration internships or part-time jobs that will give them exposure to the world of work.” What inclined you to get this position? Rappa-Rodriguez: “This is my dream job! I went back to school five years ago to get my teaching certification with the goal of becoming a Work-Based Learning Coordinator. I really enjoy helping people identify their strengths and talents and have experiences that will help them advance their career goals. When I first got certified to teach, there were no Work Based Learning (WBL) positions available, so I taught Accounting, Career & Financial Management and Computer Technology at Baldwin High School, then Hewlett-Woodmere High School. Then a position became available with Nassau BOCES, and I got it. Valley Stream was one of the schools I was assigned to at BOCES, and I just loved being here. Now I get to be here ALL the time. I also love that my commute from home is 10 minutes!” Are there any major differences for students who work with you instead of being in a traditional classroom? Rappa-Rodriguez: “The big difference is that our work is one-to-one, so I really get to know the students and can offer guidance on what they need to do to be successful, whether it’s an informational interview, a job shadow, internship, or paid work experience. I expect students to interact with me the way they would a prospective employer, and I coach them on professionalism and work readiness.” What is your favorite part of being a work-based coordinator? Rappa-Rodriguez: “I love the fact I get to do a variety of things each day. I get to meet with students one on one, I get to collaborate with colleagues on how best to support students and I get to be out in the community networking for opportunities to collaborate. Although my office is located in District Office, I travel from building to building, and every day is different.” Is there anything you dislike about your position? Would you change any aspects about it? Rappa-Rodriguez: “Since I’m the only person with this job title, I don’t necessarily have a peer group or department, and that can be hard sometimes. District administration, my supervisor, Mr. Tagliaferro, the school principals, guidance counselors and the Transition Coordinator, Ms. DeStefano, have all been very helpful in making me feel welcomed and connected.” Do you have any goals you would like to achieve with your new position? Rappa-Rodriguez: “One goal is to establish a Community Advisory Board made up of business owners, alumni, parents and others who will provide guidance on their workforce needs and opportunities for students to explore careers in their fields of work.” Has being a Work-Based Coordinator changed your perspective on anything? Rappa-Rodriguez: “I am so excited that more and more schools are understanding the value of Work-Based Learning for high school students. There are many careers that favor hands-on experience or industry certifications over college. Students should be exposed to these options as well.” Would you like to share any more information about yourself? Rappa-Rodriguez: “I’m not originally from New York. I grew up in a suburb of Boston and moved to New York City after completing two years in the Peace Corps in Honduras after college. So, yes, I speak Spanish, but I’m not a native speaker. I have three grown children who are all working in their respective fields of study: Elementary Education, Actuarial Science, and Child Life. My husband is a Pediatric Pulmonologist. Anyone interested in one of these career fields can contact me at rapparol@vschsd.org or call (516) 872-5646. I’d be happy to put them in touch.” Thank you to Lori Rappa-Rodriguez for all her hard work for our students and for giving us this interview. We appreciate you! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Zainab- Kimberly Shrestha Kimberly Shrestha February 24, 2023 Volume 3 Issue 3

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections How to Skate – from an Amateur Figure Skater By Olivia Neuner Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Image provided by NYC Parks Hello everyone! My name is Olivia, and I have been taking Figure Skating lessons for about 5 months. I started in November of 2020; I always thought it sounded fun, and with all school activities cancelled at the time, I “figured” it would be nice to try something new. I’m so glad about my decision and I am now planning on joining a skating team in college (It’s a really popular thing at all the up-north schools I applied to like UVM, UNH, UMaine. Today I would like to share my love for this sport and teach you the most basic skill needed to skate: how to not fall over. I’ve taken many friends with me to free skate over the last few months, and I’ve seen many falls, trips, and more, and have learned from both my lessons and observations the quickest way to get that first start. Tighten up those skates (You shouldn’t be able to lift your ankle in the skates, but you also should still have the circulation going) and let’s glide! The wall is your friend (but more like one that cheers you on from the sidelines) – One of the most common things I see at my weekly free skate is people clinging to the wall for dear life. Most commonly it’s because they feel terrified of falling over. DON’T DO THIS. When you rely so heavily on the wall, it will be even harder to get off than had you not used it at all. My suggestion is to start out near the wall. If you really need the stability, you can tap the wall with your right hand, or gently hold the hand of a more experienced friend (don’t lean on them too much, or you’ll both take a tumble). Glide, don’t “walk”- A common mistake for first timers is to try to walk across the ice - this will result in a fall quite quickly. As stated in #1 , stay close to the wall, and try to start a simple glide (if you have ever been on an elliptical, it’s a similar motion). It’s hard to describe, but you’ll know it once you do it. Make sure to lift your opposing foot to prepare for the other to land (ex. When you are gliding on your right foot, lift the left foot forward, in front of your right, to keep up your speed). The lift doesn’t have to be high; even an inch should suffice. Just make sure it’s off the ice. Use your knees - When you feel like you are losing your balance, slightly bend down and put both hands on your kneecaps. This will keep you from taking a flailing tumble. Having your knees loose and slightly bent while skating will also make it easier to glide: a stiff body is more likely to lose balance. If you have to fall, just let yourself - Flailing your arms around is not going to help you here; in fact, it will make you less stable than when you first lost your balance. If you feel yourself falling backwards, follow #3 and put your hands on your knees. If you are suddenly falling forward, this doesn’t always work. Here, I would suggest just letting the fall happen. Make sure to distribute your weight so you don’t damage a specific part of your body; I usually try to fall on my side with that same arm out (Let it be noted to avoid putting any weight on the wrist or ankle as you risk serious damage). This should result in a gentle slide rather than a slam and shouldn’t leave any side effects except for slight embarrassment. The next time you go skating, hopefully these tips will have you gliding in no time! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portfolio Back to Sections Beauty Hidden in Women's Hair By Elizabeth Andre June 13, 2022 Collage Volume 2 Issue 7 I wanted to show the beauty and struggles of being a black woman and having hair. I displayed different hairstyles one can be open to. At the end of the day, no matter what hair texture, color, or style you have, you and your hair are beautiful.

Back to Artwork Portfolio Back to Sections Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque By Marisa Mohan June 13, 2022 Photography Volume 2 Issue 7 This was taken in Dubai at one of the world's largest mosques, Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.