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Back to Articles News Back to Sections The Documents Found in Joe Biden’s Homes By Cael Javier Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Reuters In the U.S., the Presidential Records Act controls all the rules on presidential records and classified files of the White House. It established that presidential records are the property of the U.S. government. They must be preserved and are not the president’s private property. Before this law was passed, presidents who were leaving office just took their documents with them when they left the White House. It was considered their personal property. With this law, the records became the property of the U.S. government, and the National Archives oversee them. The law applies to the president, vice president, and some portions of the Executive Office of the President, including the National Security Council and Council of Economic Advisers. It lays out the requirements for maintaining and securing the information during and after a presidency. Starting in November 2022, documents started turning up at Joe Biden’s former D.C. house. On November 2nd, Biden’s lawyers found classified documents in an office that Biden used after he left the vice presidency. A few days later, the National Archives inspector-general contacted a prosecutor at the Justice Department to let them know that classified documents were found at the office. The FBI then began an assessment to get better knowledge of whether the information was mishandled. On November 14th, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Chicago U.S. Attorney John Lausch Jr. to conduct an initial investigation. The FBI conducted a search of the former Biden office. It is unsure whether any new records were recovered. The search was mutual, and a warrant was not needed. About a month later, more documents were found in Biden’s garage in Delaware. On December 20th, Biden’s personal counsel informed Lausch about this information. On January 9th, 2023, the White House revealed that a small number of classified documents were found on November 2nd in a locked closet in Biden’s former office. The next day, Biden stated that he was shocked the documents were found and that he did not know what they consisted of. The White House then revealed that more documents were found in Joe Biden’s house in Wilmington, Delaware. Garland appointed the former justice official Robert Hur as special counsel to further investigate the handling of the documents. On January 20th, the FBI conducted a thorough search of Biden’s home in Wilmington, and they found six more classified items. This search did not require a warrant. On February 1st, the FBI searched Biden’s home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Biden’s lawyers reported that there were not any classified records recovered. The investigators took materials and handwritten notes that might be related to Biden’s time as vice president. There are still updates on this situation today. The documents should be kept safe with the U.S. government and the National Archives. Joe Biden has not faced accusations of destroying documents, unlike Donald Trump. Trump has been accused of destroying documents while in office. If he were convicted of destroying documents, he would not be eligible to run for president again. Biden’s case is different. The Act requires evidence that his actions were unlawful. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Pep Rally of '24 and Senior Year Cross Country Season Manal Layachi Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Mother of Manal Layachi Senior year has arrived A bittersweet and joyful time Back to a routine Living the dream Homecoming flies by Having the time of my life Pep rally gets me pumped I cannot wait to run and jump As my coach calls out the names of my teammates, He forgets to call mine, But I know he is playing and I have to wait As the only senior on the team, I feel special like a queen When my coach calls my name I run across the turf and accept all of the fame As I run under the tunnel made by my teammates, I feel amazing and great My confidence increases and I celebrate I have been doing cross country for four years Although there will be tears when I graduate, there will also be cheers As I run every day and receive my senior banner, I remember all of my athletic accomplishments without regrets as I am a master I know I did my best and got faster. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Health and Wellness at VSN: People Providing Support By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Volume 2 Issue 6 April 14, 2022 Image provided by NPR Two years have passed since the start of the quarantine period of the COVID-19 pandemic. With in-person learning, optional masking, and a full selection of extracurricular activities back in action, the last two years are starting to feel distant, and Valley Stream North High School students seem to be getting back to what was once known as "normal." However, the interruption of learning over the last couple of years has led many teens to suffer from what experts are calling “ pandemic-related stress ” Trying to learn through a screen, a disparity in the connection with others, and a lack of a consistent routine have generated stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues in the school environment. Valley Stream North, and the district alike, have employed various methods of supporting the complex reactions students have had to the return to school. A new study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on April 1st shows 1 in 3 high school students experienced “poor mental health” during the pandemic, with 44.2% encountering two or more weeks overcoming a period of “sadness and hopelessness.” In an interview with Assistant Principal Mrs. Buonaspina, she acknowledged how involved the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) department has been in expanding the resources in the wellness division and that the “cohesiveness of the department has contributed to the great work they have done.” She said, “Good communication is key,” adding, “having everyone in the loop benefits the mental health of the students because it allows the proper assistance to be provided.” The PPS department, comprised of our guidance counselors, school psychologists, and school social worker has addressed the mental state of students since the pandemic began:   “We recognize that there have been academic and social-emotional challenges associated with the return to full-time in-person learning. The goal of the PPS department is to provide ongoing support to meet the needs of our scholars through a variety of services including academic interventions, school-based counseling, individual check-ins with PPS staff, and referrals to community mental health resources when needed. The PPS department will continue to provide support to our students and families throughout the school year and help to encourage our students’ success.” Mrs. Buonaspina talked about some of the new resources the school and the district have put in place to support students. For one, there is the Wellness Center, which was established in the Spring Semester of the 2020-2021 school year. She describes how two guidance counselors and the three school psychologists (Ms. Christiansen, Ms. Kehoe, and Dr. Byrne) rotate hosting the center’s sessions. She also explains how the collaborative group activities that the PPS department creates on a weekly basis help overcome the potential stigma of getting guidance. The PPS department specifically explains, “Members of our staff are also available to meet with students during designated extra help times and at the Wellness Center, which offers additional support on Tuesdays from 3:15 pm-6:15 pm. As part of the programming, students can schedule individual appointments and participate in group activities to help promote overall wellness and community. The Wellness Center group activities have included activities which include meditation, art, cooking, yoga, and dance throughout this year.”  The Wellness Center has proven a good outlet for students dealing with mental health issues which sometimes manifest into academic struggles or an increase in disciplinary referrals. Learning at home may have resulted in a lack of structure and returning to school has caused some students to have a difficult time readjusting to routines and rules. Mrs. Buonaspina says the PPS department and the school administration have bi-weekly meetings to identify patterns in students who may need additional support. She has since added the dean and the school nurse to these meetings to see if there are connections between students’ disciplinary infractions and their mental health. To seek out more connections, the school sent out a survey to identify which students may need additional support. Within North, many students were identified, and all counselors will have meetings with those kids. To continue supporting the community, the PPS department states, “Parent forums and monthly newsletters are also made available on a district level to keep the community updated on current events, activities, and information regarding student wellness and available support resources. If students need the contact information for a PPS staff member, it is located on North’s website, as well as the showcase outside of the guidance office.” The mental health of students remains a top priority within the Valley Stream Central High School District; the PPS department, alongside our school administration, will continue to assess what students need in the coming months. Overall, the Wellness Center has been a remarkable success, with students consistently signing up for the creative weekly activities and individual appointments. For additional resources, please check out the North Star’s mental health corner . BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Lessons Learned in the Pool By Angelina Somma Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Image provided by the Long Island Aquatic Club Upon entering the Long Island Aquatic Club Freedom pool, your eyes are immediately drawn to the patriotic-colored banners hanging from the ceiling.  The words GRIT, FRIENDSHIP, and COMPETITIVE GREATNESS printed in bold letters across these banners describe the three greatest lessons I have learned from competitive swimming. The quality of one’s swim practice is determined by yardage and speed. The accepted notion is that yardage and speed equate to strength and ultimately success. I spend fourteen and half hours each week in the pool.  During each practice, I swim seven to eight thousand yards at a considerable speed.  After a week of this training, my arms and legs ache, my mind and body crave sleep.  I often find myself questioning whether I can complete another week of training.  However, I continue training in the pursuit of a successful swim meet.  At certain meets I race my best, and in others I don’t.  When falling short of my best, I question why I train.  In those moments the words “grit,” “friendship,” and “competitive greatness” become a source of great encouragement.  I have learned to confront the challenge, to surround myself with friends for support, and to rise to the occasion. The swim community to which I belong has shaped the person I am today in many ways. Many view athletics as just a method of staying in shape or a hobby. However, each sport provides athletes with a unique community: a community to learn from and to rely on. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections The Life of a Jellyfish By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by Numeral Paint Plunge deep into the dark sea Where there are many wonders to be seen Pearls as small as a pea Fishes that are bright green But the most wondrous of all Is the one that shall never fall They’re shinier than your shoe polish These beautiful jellyfish Some glow in the dark They really know how to leave their mark Others are the most venomous of all One touch and you’ll fall Some jellyfish are vegetarians Others are pescatarians The scariest of all jellyfish Are the ones that eat the other as a dish Jellyfish don’t settle down How do you think they get their crown? They drift throughout oceans Going through several motions They live all over the world Their arms and tentacles have never curled Such fascinating creatures They go on so many adventures However, don’t get a jellyfish sting Or else you’ll never be able to sing These wonders don’t like to be tampered with They’ll leave you battered Gorgeous, yet deadly After all jellyfish aren’t known to be friendly BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Homecoming is Back! By Everton Prospere Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Hudl On October 30th, Valley Stream North High School hosted its annual football homecoming game. After a year where the usual festivities were canceled due to the pandemic, VSN students and staff alike were excited to return to a sense of normalcy with the festival and game. Homecoming is typically an event and game that invites school alumni to boost school spirit. With the Homecoming Dance canceled, the administration put in place an alternative: the Homecoming Festival. With a large gathering, many activities, and an exciting football game, this year’s festival was a great success! In preparation for the game, clubs and extracurricular activities were asked to prepare a sale to raise funds while also increasing excitement for the event. The custodial staff and administrative teams arrived early in the morning in preparation for the fun of the day. In front of the overhang of the main entrance by the gym lobby, multiple tables were set up in a market-like arrangement. Volunteers from clubs began to appear on site at 10:00 am, with two hours to put together their booth’s items. At 12:00 noon, the festivities began, with parents, teachers, current and former students, and residents attending. Some activities included a potato sack race from the Students Against Destructive Decisions, in which Mrs. Rieger, Mrs. Italiano, and Ms. Parisi participated. There were also sales for fundraisers: a tumbler — an insulated beverage container — by the Class of 2023 Grade Council, and an air pod case sale by the National Junior Honor Society. At 2:00 pm, the pregame festival concluded, and the football game began. Throughout the game, fans were encouraged to purchase food at Grover’s Grub food truck. A portion of the proceedings made at the truck funded the Class of 2022 and The Spartan Club. The Valley Stream North and Lynbrook High School varsity football teams versed each other in a thrilling battle. Although the Lynbrook Owls quickly took the lead, the Spartans turned the match around with outstanding defense and superb offense. The final score was 28-21, with Valley Stream North victorious at the end. The football team attributed their victory largely due to support from the full crowd of enthusiastic fans and the comical announcing by North’s beloved AP Psychology teacher, Mr. Daddino. This festival could not have been hosted nor so successful without the support and organization from the administrative team, custodial staff, security, the Student Activities Director, Mrs. Italiano, all the club and grade advisors, and North’s Athletic Director. Despite the pandemic, Valley Stream North rallied to host an amazing homecoming, and the bad weather forecast adjusted itself for the festivities. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections 12 Pieces of Advice for Upcoming 12th Graders Jeselys Vazquez Volume 5 Issue 1 September 20, 2024 Image Provided by Jeselys Vazquez Hi, my name is Jeselys Vazquez. I’m a graduating senior of the Class of 2024 and have been a member of the North Star for 3 years. It has been fun being part of an intelligent and creative group of writers these past few years. Being at North since 7th grade looking back from then until now, I have a different mindset. Especially in 12th grade, there have been many important lessons I learned that I wish someone would have shared with me about senior year. So, I hope to help guide the new upcoming seniors. I wanted to share 12 pieces of advice for the new 12th grade students:     Senior year is an exciting year, but don’t let “senioritis” or your peers’ “senioritis” kick in and affect you. Everyone wants to have many free periods, so they don’t have many classes and make their lives easier. However, it is not the same for everyone because you may still need certain credits to graduate, so it varies for everyone.  Create your schedule based on your needs. Have fun! I know it may sound contradictory to say that when you’re in school, but there will be many school events and games to go to so try to make as many as you can.   For Regents level students in English, the college process will occupy October to December with writing your college essay, college applications, creating your resume, collecting your teacher recommendations, etc. For students taking an AP English level course, you will start to draft your college essay earlier that summer so once you come in you just clean up and get done sooner. Either way, you will be ready by the time you submit your essay for the application deadline. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the college application process, do not be afraid to contact your guidance counselor with any questions or concerns and they will help you. Also, if you have anything on your mind or going on at school or at home, we have wonderful psychologists that are there to help, listen, and give you any advice you need. As it is the last year, a lot of people have made their friend groups and stay in their circle, so don’t feel left out or weird when people seem to be in their corner. It is normal, just always keep in mind to be kind to others, if you don’t feel comfortable then don’t push it.   Remember you’re not obligated to be friends with everyone, as you’re not for everyone. Surround yourself with good people you trust and bring the best out of you, who are there for you through the good and bad.   Don’t be afraid to try out for a sports team, a play, or something new just because others might think or not good enough. Never let fear stop you from doing something you want to do. Even if you don’t make it, it is ok!   When things don’t work out, that doesn’t mean it is over and that you should give up.  It means you should try again later and if it still does not work out, then there may be better something set out for you. In the end, it will work itself out.   Obviously, the excitement for prom comes around and everyone is trying to get a prom date, so people tend to talk to people or tend to get into relationships to guarantee the idea of going with someone, but don’t force it. You don’t need a date to have at the prom, you can go with your friend whether girl or boy, a cousin, even siblings if you wanted to and have fun with all your peers and have a great night before you all graduate.   Relationships or getting into a relationship senior year is not the wisest decision because it is your last year before you head into your next chapter, and you meet new people there. It is best to stay away from them and not to end with a headache. Sometimes on rare occasions some relationships last but it's best to keep things platonic and start off by just talking to get to know each other but never jump the hoops into being a couple already.   Never put yourself down or let someone else make you question your value. Don’t let anyone tell you that you do not deserve good things or deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Don’t feel that you’re not at the expectation of what social media projects how you should be. Half of what you see on social media, even on the news is not 100% true, so don’t feed into their ideas. Live your life how you want responsibly and happily.   Don’t compare yourself to others, you’re not the same person with the same goals and lifestyle. The only person you should be competing with is the person you were yesterday, do better for yourself and make healthier habits to be a better you for you, not for anyone else. Make yourself a priority because if an aspect of your health triangle unbalanced than the other aspects will be as well, so focus on yourself before others.   BACK TO TOP

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

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Morning Roast By Erin St. Angelo Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Original artwork by Kimberly Shrestha The sun awakens from its slumber As the sky changes from black to blue. The birds sing and dance, For they are joyous to fetch food. A quiet ranch lay on a sloped hill, Basking in the sun’s glory. The smell of fresh, steaming, hot Coffee fills the man’s nose. The sheets were cold beside him, His wife's whereabouts are unknown. He leaves the warm, cozy King-sized mattress to make breakfast. The bittersweet decadent beans become Fragrant as they brew. The man and woman share their 'Good mornings', cherishing each other's presence. Their first sips of the roast burns down their Throats, a satisfying burn. Their senses becoming more alert. The man sighs in comfort and enjoyment, Now ready to start his day. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Pop Art Back to Sections Julio Turcios - Pop Art By Julio Turcios January 14, 2022 Acrylic Volume 2 Issue 3