Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Ask Ala: Schoolwork, Scheduling, and Stress By Ala Paruch Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Image provided by The Journal Q. How do I better manage my time? A. Everyone is different and not every method might work for you; however, you have to try and find out. Regarding time management, making a “to-do-list” using the agenda book usually works for me. You can add your homework as you go through the day in addition to your personal activities. There are obviously other ways to manage your time. You can try setting a routine for yourself. For example, ‘start homework at 5:00 pm,’ or ‘start chores at 6:30pm.’ Routines help you make sure you stay on track. Another important part of managing your time would include knowing your limits. If you feel tired or know that you have other events planned, it is okay to say “no” and not accept someone’s offer. Additionally, plenty of time-management apps exist that you can download on your phone, if you find that you use your phone more often than the traditional pen and paper. Q. How can I manage my stress? A. Similar to time management, stress affects everyone differently and can be caused by different stressors. Firstly, you have to try to identify your stressors. It might seem unnecessary; however, it will prove to be crucial. Often, in high school, overload of work can cause stress. In that case, I would advise you to try to make a schedule to make your workload more organized. If tests bring you stress, meditation could help, either right before the test, or every morning. It helps to relax and calm down, as well as has many scientifically proven benefits. If stress often seems to be too much for you to handle, speak up and talk to someone about it. You can turn to your friends or a trusted adult. Q. How can I improve my grades? A. Improving your grades starts with the will to improve your grades. This might be the most difficult step, but motivation proves crucial here. Improving your grades will be a gradual process. They won’t go from seventies to high nineties in a matter of one test. You will have to set up a system for yourself to always do your homework, as it is good practice and helps you remember information better and always study before tests. When you have questions about material covered in class, don’t hesitate to go to extra help, ask your friends or even use sites such as Khan academy. It is important to understand the concepts presented in class and apply them with some practice such as homework (as annoying as it may seem). Additionally, if you understand the concepts, you’ll find yourself not having to painfully memorize as much information and you will remember it better. Hope that helps and see you next time! 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 Entertainment & Media Back to Sections The Robert Langdon Series By John McCarthy Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Image provided by Amazon Dan Brown, a historical fiction writer, crafted an alternative reality featuring Harvard professor of symbology, Robert Langdon, who solves world crises by solving riddles with his extensive knowledge of art history. Langdon finds himself in intense situations spanning different historical cities such as Rome, Paris, and Washington D.C. Five bestsellers comprise the series: Angels and Demons , The Da Vinci Code , The Lost Symbol , Inferno , and Origin . Being the son of a mathematics teacher and a church organist, Brown emphasizes the struggle between science and religion in many of his books. Here is a quick description of each book featuring Robert Langdon. The great thing about the series is that no information from prior books is needed to understand the plot of next, meaning that the books do not have to be read in order. Simply start with the novel that intrigues you most! Angels and Demons The first book to feature Robert Langdon, Angels and Demons , takes him and Vittoria Vetra on a journey throughout Rome trying to thwart the plans of the infamous Illuminati who have planted a weapon of mass destruction in Vatican City to destroy their enemy, the Catholic Church, and ensure science prevails. The murder of Leonardo Vetra, a Catholic scientist at CERN studying the beginning of the universe, a controversial topic for worshippers and non-believing academics, brings Langdon to Europe for this predicament. Vetra, branded with the famous Illuminati stamp, compelled CERN to recruit Langdon to investigate the murder. As the day goes on, Langdon realizes this is much more than a murder case. Can he and Vittoria find and defuse the destructive device before time runs out? The Da Vinci Code The Da Vinci Code is the most popular book of the series, selling over 80 million copies worldwide. Langdon, along with cryptologist Sophie Neveu, investigate the murder of Louvre curator, Jacques Saunière. Saunière’s body, peculiarly distorted, sends Langdon and Neveu on a hunt to find and protect the Holy Grail, intertwined with the history of the Priory of Sion, an ancient secret society for elite intellectuals. However, Silas, an albino monk, makes it his mission to seize the Holy Grail at all costs as a payment to his God and his anonymous “teacher”. Moreover, the French police believe Langdon murdered Saunière because he was scheduled to meet with the curator the night before. The police chase adds extra difficulty to Langdon and Neveu’s objective. The #1 bestseller culminates with a stirring controversy that challenges the beliefs of many Christians. The Lost Symbol Arriving at Washington D.C. for a guest speech at the Smithsonian, Langdon finds that his former mentor’s severed hand lies tattooed in the middle of the lobby. Symbolic, the tattoos intrigue Langdon and augments his desire to help his friend. Navigating the elaborate history of the U.S. capital, Langdon, with Katherine Solomon, the sister of Langdon’s mentor, to try to identify Peter’s kidnapper and find Peter! On the other hand, Peter’s kidnapper has murder on his mind. Amidst the man hunt, Peter’s valuable artifact, a sacred pyramid of the Freemasons, which Langdon possesses must not fall into the wrong hands. Inferno Based in Venice, Inferno relies on the extensive works of Dante Alighieri. Langdon, who wakes up in a hospital with no recollection of last night’s events or how he arrived in Italy, barely escapes with his life, assisted by Dr. Sienna Brooks. They need to stop the release of a dangerous virus, justified to solve the problem of overpopulation. Working against an organization determined to carry out the wishes of their maniacal client, Langdon needs to prevent the release of the virus and remember the events of last night, crucial to solve his predicament. The virus, contained in a hidden location, is set to release. Langdon can decipher clues to find that location, but can he and Dr. Brooks, do so in time? Origin Langdon is now in Spain to attend a presentation from Edmond Kirsch, an atheist, world-renowned computer scientist, and former student of Langdon’s. The presentation, Kirsch says, will answer two of the most asked questions about human existence: Where did we come from? and Where are we going? Our origin and our destiny. However, Kirsch never gets to finish his presentation. Langdon, alongside Ambra Vidal and Kirsch’s creation, Winston, does the best he can to unveil the discovery by any means possible. A mysterious informant causes severe controversy, claiming the Catholic Spanish royal family had something to do with silencing Kirsch’s presentation. Will Kirsch’s presentation ever see the light of day? If it does, the consequences for current religious beliefs will be immeasurable. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Senior Appreciation Article: 2022 By Shinedip Kundlas, Christina Ossa, Matteo Somma, Elyas Layachi, and Everton Prospere Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by the Motley Fuel Appreciation Messages Below are a few messages written by the non-graduating North Star staff to our seniors, showing their appreciation for everything the graduating upperclassmen have done for the club: Craig Papajohn-Shaw – Editor in Chief and Treasurer “Craig, your time at North Star was impactful, especially to me. As Editor in Chief, you ensured that the club ran smoothly alongside Mrs. Mansfield. Your ideas to promote the club, increase activity, and create a higher standard of writing helped the North Star become a great success. The precedents you set will continue to be used, so thank you for your time and contribution to this club. You will be missed, but congratulations on your graduation and good luck at the University of Richmond.” - Everton Prospere, News Section Editor “ Craig, since joining the North Star last year you have helped me in a multitude of ways, from helping write articles to even pushing in Cross Country. Without you being our EIC, our issues would never have happened, and our club would never have been found. Also, without you we wouldn’t have our sports section, or the creation of the Science section. Thank you for coordinating meetings and Issue dates with Mrs. Mansfield, and helping our club run smoothly. Speaking of everyone here at North Star, we are excited to see what you accomplish in the future. Thank you for also helping me pick out my schedule for the following years and balance school, life, and sports. I wish you all the best in Richmond, go Spiders!” I will miss you. - Matteo Somma, Jr Website Designer Lucy Wu – Senior Website Designer “Lucy, you’ve done so much for not only North Star , but for me too. I’ve appreciated the time we’ve spent together in classes and coordinating North Star issues; you’ve been extremely helpful to me ever since I joined North Star not only as a mentor but also a friend. You’ve had so many creative and brilliant ideas for the North Star website, and the hard work and time you’ve put into our paper has most definitely paid off. Our website always looks stunning thanks to you, and though it will be sad to see you go you deserve all the success in the world at Hopkins. I appreciate all the time and effort you’ve devoted to North Star and the help and support you’ve given me for all the time we’ve known each other. We’ll miss you very much, Lucy, but the North Star staff and I wish you the best of luck at Johns Hopkins!” - Christina Ossa, Feature Section Editor “ Lucy, I couldn’t begin to thank you enough for everything you have taught me this year. Not only have you taught me how to use WIX, but you also taught me to never be afraid to try something new or take a step forward. Thank you for helping me select classes for next year and thank you for always responding to my late-night texts when I need help. Though, you haven't just helped me, you help North Star as a whole. From making sure we get every article in to spending countless hours formatting our website, we couldn’t thank you enough! Without your help our club could never have happened, you along with Mrs. Mansfield and our other senior editors have helped to create a safe and creative place for all students at Valley Stream North High School. On behalf of our whole club, we wish you the best of well-deserved luck at Johns Hopkins, go Blue Jays!” - Matteo Somma, Jr. Website Designer Eva Grace Martinez – Polaris Section Editor & Lead Photographer “Grace, thank you for everything you have done for North Star ! Every meeting, you would always bring great ideas to the table to be included in each issue, and not only in your section, but for other sections as well! You were very helpful in giving new writers ideas for articles, and we all appreciated that very much! Your section has been a joy to watch develop and thrive, and I hope you continue to develop Polaris-like content wherever you are continuing your academic journey! Without your leadership and willingness to help members, I’m not sure if the North Star would be as successful as it is now. Thank you so much for your hard work, and we will miss you so much! Good luck in the rest of your academic career!” – Elyas Layachi, Science and Technology Section Editor Alicja Paruch – Advice Columnist “Ala, thank you for all your hard work and dedication to North Star . The advice column has helped so many students and inspired many. We appreciate your role in the North Star . Your dedication and contributions to North Star have made a huge impact on our issues. The advice column has worked as a resource for students to ask questions about school and other things. Thank you for always helping and guiding me whenever I needed guidance. You have always been helpful and supportive whenever I have any questions, which I truly appreciate. The advice column will continue to help our students, and we are grateful for your work as our advice columnist. Thank you for being an outstanding editor and friend. I hope after graduation you continue to inspire and help many with your advice and kindness! We will miss you, congratulations and best of luck with your journey ahead! - Shinedip Kundlas , North Star writer BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections JV Girls Basketball By Aleeza Dhillon Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Original photography by Aleeza Dhillon Girls JV Basketball: Interview with the Team North’s JV Girls' Basketball team kicked off the season with a bang starting mid-November. The team includes freshmen Ryann Blount, Savyon Rodriguez, Emily Lam, Angelina Villalba, sophomore Arunima Roy, and junior Jodi Zaky. Freshman Ericka Leus led this team. So far, the team has won three games out of six. This season is essential for the girls, especially since it is the first time many of them have played on a team since seventh grade. Here is what Ericka Leus has to say about the team’s progress so far: How do you feel you have performed so far in the season? “So far this season, I think I have performed pretty well. I haven’t played basketball since my JH season in 7th grade, so I was not expecting to do good this season.” What is your favorite part of being on this team? “My favorite part of being on the team is being surrounded with such funny teammates and an amazing coach. The open environment of our team is something I admire.” What do you look forward to the most? “I am looking forward to playing more of our league games towards the end of the season. I think we have grown as a team, and we are ready to take on more challenging opponents.” How do you feel you have performed so far in the season? “I would say I’m doing decent, not the best but not the worst, but I feel like I’m getting better each practice and each game.” What is your favorite part of being on this team? “My favorite part about being on the team is probably playing with all my friends as a team.” What do you look forward to the most? “I’m looking forward to getting more points in games.” By the time of writing this article, the team has won one league game out of two. That is a fantastic start, considering how long it has been since these girls have played together. Team member Ryann Blount also has some thoughts she would like to share about how the season is going: “The team has come extremely far in improving all aspects. I have attended many of their games and noticed the growth in their ability to play as a team and their skills and technique. Not only are spectators seeing the growth, but so is captain Ericka Leus.” This is what she had to say about the team: “I think the team has done amazing so far this season. It was a rough start with our low numbers of players and having a new coach, but now that we are halfway through the season, I think we have got it down. As a team, we have gotten closer, and we are starting to work more as a team both on and off the court.” Half the season is left for this team, and they intend to improve every second of it. No doubt they will with the help of Coach Dasher. Combined with Ericka’s strong leadership, the team is guaranteed a successful season. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portfolio Back to Sections Melancholy By Elaine Ching June 13, 2022 Mixed Media Volume 2 Issue 7

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Rollercoasters By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by UnSplash Life's a rollercoaster, don't you see? It doesn't matter which you pick, you'll still scream Full of twists and turns, no one said it's easy Life's the same way, can't you see? One day you're on top of the world, the next day you're on the ground crying   One spins you, until your head's dizzy The other it drops you from extremes Sometimes it feels so slow waiting Then you're on but not you just want to get off Life's the same way, can't you see? One day you're on top of the world, the next day you're on the ground crying   Life speeds by just like a coaster You just sat in and the ride's already over Friends are the riders next to you Some stay and others leave you Life's the same way, can't you see? One day you're on top of the world, the next day you're on the ground crying BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portrait Back to Sections Jacqueline Taylor - Portrait By Jacqueline Taylor January 20, 2021 Graphite Volume 1 Issue 4

Back to Artwork Portfolio Back to Sections Beauty Hidden in Men'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 man 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 Articles Advice Back to Sections Advice Season 2 Episode 2 By Ala Paruch Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Getty Images Hello Ala! I’m finding it hard to organize my school papers this year because of the mix of online and on paper work. What should I do? Dear reader, Thank you for asking this question. The 2021/22 school year definitely has some challenges ahead, and you just pointed out one of them. Personally, I relate to this question as well. The mix of mediums can present obstacles, but with a little organization, your papers will start to make sense once again. Paper Of course, we are used to shoving our papers into our binders, which later end up in our lockers and then in our bookbags. Since you mentioned you still get some papers, I would recommend sticking with the old method of am-pm binders or using binder pocket dividers. When everything was on paper, an am-pm binder might have been a great solution to not carry too much throughout the day, but with not all classes using paper, that might not be the most efficient idea. Using binder pocket dividers though presents itself as the more attractive option in today’s times. I recommend buying a 1-1.5-inch binder, depending on how much paper you use, and using it for all paper classes. After getting the binder, make sure to label or assign a specific color to each class. Make sure to carry a few pieces of loose-leaf paper in each divider as well and clean out the divider after finishing every unit. Online This is a presumably new situation, though most students already have a lot of experience with technology. Regarding Teams, make sure to use the Assignments tab; at the end of the day, check whether you have any assignments left to complete. Additionally, check that you can see notifications from all teams to stay on top of your assignments. As for OneNote, you get a bit of a head start since you have a folder for each class and your teachers create folders for you. Don’t be shy to create new folders in your section and make subpages to make units more organized. If you ever need help with getting either OneNote or Teams to work, ask one of your classmates or teachers, they will be more than willing to help you to keep your files in order. Homework Now, there are two options for keeping track of your homework - online or on paper. Personally, I am used to writing my assignments and important events in my agenda book, so that’s what I would recommend. Ask an English teacher if you need or would like an agenda book. No matter if you have your laptop out or not you can quickly open your agenda and jot down some notes to remember for later. You can also use an online calendar and note everything there, though in my opinion, it can be problematic to use one, since you need to have your device out to make your notes in it. I hope this helps! Ala BACK TO TOP